St. Joseph police say they have seen a rash of crimes in the
city perpetrated by juveniles.

Juveniles have been taken into custody recently for a fatal
stabbing in late May and a shooting earlier this month. A juvenile also was
among three people taken into custody, accused in an armed home invasion.

St. Joseph Police Captain Jeff Wilson expresses concern about
the trend.

“It’s not just St. Joe,” Wilson tells reporters during a
recent news conference. “This is a nation-wide trend, but we need to bring
attention to it and see what we can do to try to mitigate this and hopefully
turn these juveniles around, help them turn the corner and make them understand
that this is not the right path to choose.”

A 17-year-old has been taken into custody in the stabbing
death of 46-year-old Cory Amen of St. Joseph. The fatal stabbing occurred on
May 28th in the 3000 block of Lafayette Street. Wilson says investigators
had the juvenile as their prime suspect for some time, but waited until they
compiled more evidence before taking him into custody.

A 16-year-old is accused in the early morning shooting on
August 6th outside the Oak Ridge Apartments that left a 27-year-old
critically wounded. The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds that required
reconstructive surgery. He is hospitalized outside St. Joseph and is expected
to recover. Police have declined to release the victim’s identity.

Also, a 16-year-old is accused, along with two 19-year-olds,
of a home invasion on Mitchell Avenue in early August in which the three
brandished guns while robbing the home owner. 

Wilson says the residents weren’t harmed in that incident.

“Fortunately, no. They weren’t hurt,” Wilson says “They did
experience, again, firearms being put in their faces and demands being made of
them, but they were not hurt.”

Wilson says there is a dangerous commonality in the crimes.

“The commonality is that they’re violent,” Wilson states. “They
are violent crimes.”

St. Joseph Police Captain Jeff Wilson says the rise in
juvenile crime is troubling.

“We’re talking of a span, and there’s multiple other crimes that
we’re investigating at this point in time. I’ll tell you we’re talking of a
span from the 28th of May and the last crime that we’re talking
about occurred on the 13th of this month,” Wilson says. “That’s a
short time frame for this many juveniles to be arrested and again I’ll tell you
that we’re investigating other cases that involve juveniles.”

Wilson says the St. Joseph Police Department is reaching out
to agencies and the St. Joseph School District to get at the root of juvenile
crime and to steer young people away from crime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692894954692.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Police Captain Jeff Wilson addresses reporters during a recent news conference/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Police Captain Jeff Wilson addresses reporters during a recent news conference/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police say they have seen a rash of crimes in the
city perpetrated by juveniles.Juveniles have been taken into custody recently for a fatal
stabbing in late May and a shooting earlier this month. A juvenile also was
among three people taken into custody, accused in an armed home invasion.St. Joseph Police Captain Jeff Wilson expresses concern about
the trend.“It’s not just St. Joe,” Wilson tells reporters during a
recent news conference. “This is a nation-wide trend, but we need to bring
attention to it and see what we can do to try to mitigate this and hopefully
turn these juveniles around, help them turn the corner and make them understand
that this is not the right path to choose.”A 17-year-old has been taken into custody in the stabbing
death of 46-year-old Cory Amen of St. Joseph. The fatal stabbing occurred on
May 28th in the 3000 block of Lafayette Street. Wilson says investigators
had the juvenile as their prime suspect for some time, but waited until they
compiled more evidence before taking him into custody.A 16-year-old is accused in the early morning shooting on
August 6th outside the Oak Ridge Apartments that left a 27-year-old
critically wounded. The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds that required
reconstructive surgery. He is hospitalized outside St. Joseph and is expected
to recover. Police have declined to release the victim’s identity.Also, a 16-year-old is accused, along with two 19-year-olds,
of a home invasion on Mitchell Avenue in early August in which the three
brandished guns while robbing the home owner. Wilson says the residents weren’t harmed in that incident.“Fortunately, no. They weren’t hurt,” Wilson says “They did
experience, again, firearms being put in their faces and demands being made of
them, but they were not hurt.”Wilson says there is a dangerous commonality in the crimes.“The commonality is that they’re violent,” Wilson states. “They
are violent crimes.”St. Joseph Police Captain Jeff Wilson says the rise in
juvenile crime is troubling.“We’re talking of a span, and there’s multiple other crimes that
we’re investigating at this point in time. I’ll tell you we’re talking of a
span from the 28th of May and the last crime that we’re talking
about occurred on the 13th of this month,” Wilson says. “That’s a
short time frame for this many juveniles to be arrested and again I’ll tell you
that we’re investigating other cases that involve juveniles.”Wilson says the St. Joseph Police Department is reaching out
to agencies and the St. Joseph School District to get at the root of juvenile
crime and to steer young people away from crime.

Troubling trend:  St. Joseph sees rise in violent juvenile crime

Growth Energy has filed a motion to intervene in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, supporting the Environmental Protection Agency’s refinery exemptions decision. 

The motion is in response to the Hunt Refining Company's lawsuit seeking to reverse the EPA decision to reject unwarranted Small Refinery Exemptions. 

The motion is just the latest in a series of legal efforts Growth Energy has led to protect the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires oil refiners to blend a specific amount of biofuels into their fuel each year. 

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, " EPA made the right call by following the data, which show there is no economic justification for exempting another oil company from its obligations under the RFS." 

Skor adds, "Past abuse of SREs destroyed demand for billions of gallons of biofuels, undermining our ability to hold down prices at the pump with clean, American renewable fuel.”

Growth Energy has filed a motion to intervene in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, supporting the Environmental Protection Agency’s refinery exemptions decision. The motion is in response to the Hunt Refining Company's lawsuit seeking to reverse the EPA decision to reject unwarranted Small Refinery Exemptions. The motion is just the latest in a series of legal efforts Growth Energy has led to protect the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires oil refiners to blend a specific amount of biofuels into their fuel each year. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, " EPA made the right call by following the data, which show there is no economic justification for exempting another oil company from its obligations under the RFS." Skor adds, "Past abuse of SREs destroyed demand for billions of gallons of biofuels, undermining our ability to hold down prices at the pump with clean, American renewable fuel.”- NAFB

Growth Energy supports EPA Refinery Exemption Decisions

St.
Joseph public schools will release early on Friday.

With
the National Weather Service extending the excessive heat warning from Thursday evening until Friday evening, the school district will extend its early
dismissal schedule, releasing classes two-and-a-half hours early on Friday.

Included
are all elementary, middle, and high schools along with the Hillyard Technical
Center, Webster, and the Early Learning Centers.

The
St. Joseph School District provided this schedule for Friday, August 25th:

High Schools: 7:25am to 12:05pm 
Middle Schools: 7:35am to 12:15pm&nbsp; 
Elementary Schools:&nbsp; Carden Park, Coleman, Edison, Field, Hosea,
Lindbergh, Parkway, and Skaith Elementary: 8:10am to 12:45pm 
Elementary Schools: Ellison, Hyde, Oak Grove, Pershing, and Pickett Elementary:
8:45am to 1:15pm

Early Learning
Centers:&nbsp; Lake Contrary 1:00 p.m. and Mark Twain 12:15 p.m. (Busing will
be provided to and from school for Early Learning students)

District employees will follow the district inclement weather
policy, Scenario C: &nbsp;Suspension of Classes Due to Excessive Heat.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph public schools will release early on Friday.With
the National Weather Service extending the excessive heat warning from Thursday evening until Friday evening, the school district will extend its early
dismissal schedule, releasing classes two-and-a-half hours early on Friday.Included
are all elementary, middle, and high schools along with the Hillyard Technical
Center, Webster, and the Early Learning Centers.School
lunch will be provided.The
St. Joseph School District provided this schedule for Friday, August 25th:High Schools: 7:25am to 12:05pm 
Middle Schools: 7:35am to 12:15pm&nbsp; 
Elementary Schools:&nbsp; Carden Park, Coleman, Edison, Field, Hosea,
Lindbergh, Parkway, and Skaith Elementary: 8:10am to 12:45pm 
Elementary Schools: Ellison, Hyde, Oak Grove, Pershing, and Pickett Elementary:
8:45am to 1:15pmEarly Learning
Centers:&nbsp; Lake Contrary 1:00 p.m. and Mark Twain 12:15 p.m. (Busing will
be provided to and from school for Early Learning students)District employees will follow the district inclement weather
policy, Scenario C: &nbsp;Suspension of Classes Due to Excessive Heat.

St. Joseph public schools to dismiss early on Friday as well

Blue ribbon commission on teacher recruitment tells State Board of Education that educators need professional development opportunities

By ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/30/open-enrollment-missouri-school-choice/">Missouri Independent</a>

Statewide teacher development programs could curb educator burnout, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s blue ribbon commission concluded in its latest set of recommendations.

The commission, which is studying teacher recruitment and retention,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/august-2023-consideration-blue-ribbon-commission-recommendations">presented its recommendations</a>&nbsp;to the State Board of Education for review last week after speaking to teachers, administrators and community leaders.

“The teachers who we spoke with during our meeting in May, told us they feel undervalued and overworked and lacked adequate staffing and resources to alleviate the pressures they face,” commission chairman Mark Walker told the board. “They also expressed a desire for comprehensive support and development systems that can contribute to their job satisfaction, their professional growth and overall well being.”

Many of the group’s recommendations require legislative action. Its initial proposal, which sought long-term&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/18/commission-recommends-salary-increases-to-address-missouri-teacher-shortage/">funding for teacher pay increases</a>&nbsp;among other improvements, did not make it through the legislative session even with bipartisan support in the House.

Rep. Ed Lewis, R-Moberly, turned the blue ribbon commission’s first report into a large part of his legislative package during the 2023 legislative session.

Lewis’s bills addressing teacher recruitment and retention were merged into one at the committee level and passed the House 145-5. The omnibus bill was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/06/lawmakers-lament-failure-of-bills-aimed-at-addressing-missouri-teacher-shortage/">poised to come up for a Senate vote in the last few weeks</a>&nbsp;of the legislative session, but filibusters and GOP infighting brought the Senate to a stop.

Walker said the commission believed its first round of suggestions were essential, but the group knew teachers’ work environment must also be addressed.

“The first report which we presented last fall focused on immediate short-term and long-term actions DESE and the State Board of legislature could take largely related to teacher compensation,” he said. “However, we also heard during our work last year that while compensation is crucial, teachers also need support for the day to day.”

In a survey of Missouri educators conducted by the commission and the Hunt Institute, 77.3% of teachers reported that “increased flexibility during school hours, including time to develop lessons, collaborate with other teachers, to receive feedback and coaching and to engage in professional learning” would help their career.

The blue ribbon commission suggests DESE study teaching models that place seasoned educators with novices and create leadership opportunities, likely including a two-teachers-per-classroom setup.

Board member Mary Schrag of West Plains said teachers are mentoring others in their free time already, but she believes adding a financial incentive could expand this practice.

The commission suggests collaborating with the legislature to secure grant funding for districts who begin this costly instructional model.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/career-ladder-program-guidance-updated-march-2023-1">career ladder program</a>&nbsp;might provide a higher salary for teachers who take on a leadership role. The program typically pays teachers for taking on additional responsibilities, like coaching roles or sponsoring a club, so the commission suggests checking statute to see if this program would apply.

Continuing with a theme of teacher advancement, the blue ribbon commission recommends the creation of a master teaching certificate that provides opportunities in schools and increased pay. Walker said the group thinks this piece is “really, really important.”

Schrag sees a master teaching certificate as a way for teachers to financially advance while staying in their roles.

“We have a lot of educators who really love teaching. But in order to be able to financially progress through the system, a lot of times they are being forced to go into different areas of education,” she said.

The commission also included recommendations for actions administrators could take. It calls on DESE to work with the Missouri School Boards Association and the Missouri Association of School Administrators to develop training for district leaders to promote a positive school culture.

The commission also wants to leverage the Missouri Leadership Development System, a training program for school administrators, to educate all the state’s principals and assistant principals.

Board member Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge said she would like to see more of a focus on student behavior and mental health.

Lucy Berrier Matheson, the Hunt Institute’s deputy director of K-12 initiatives, said behavior is a problem “across the country” returning to the classroom from virtual learning. “I think that is something that everyone is struggling with,” she said.

If schools can add more teachers to the classroom and reduce the ratio of students to teachers, that will help with classroom management, she continued.

“One of these recommendations standing alone probably doesn’t have near the effect or impact on classroom management as a multiplier of these recommendations,” Walker said. “But when you add them all together, it creates a tremendously improved environment.”

Schrag said there is an upcoming meeting to discuss what legislators may be willing to sponsor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692877022309.png" alt="The Missouri State Board of Education listens Aug. 15 to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's blue ribbon commission's latest set of recommendations. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>The Missouri State Board of Education listens Aug. 15 to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's blue ribbon commission's latest set of recommendations. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Blue ribbon commission on teacher recruitment tells State Board of Education that educators need professional development opportunities</h2>By ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/30/open-enrollment-missouri-school-choice/">Missouri Independent</a>Statewide teacher development programs could curb educator burnout, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s blue ribbon commission concluded in its latest set of recommendations.The commission, which is studying teacher recruitment and retention,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/august-2023-consideration-blue-ribbon-commission-recommendations">presented its recommendations</a>&nbsp;to the State Board of Education for review last week after speaking to teachers, administrators and community leaders.“The teachers who we spoke with during our meeting in May, told us they feel undervalued and overworked and lacked adequate staffing and resources to alleviate the pressures they face,” commission chairman Mark Walker told the board. “They also expressed a desire for comprehensive support and development systems that can contribute to their job satisfaction, their professional growth and overall well being.”Many of the group’s recommendations require legislative action. Its initial proposal, which sought long-term&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/18/commission-recommends-salary-increases-to-address-missouri-teacher-shortage/">funding for teacher pay increases</a>&nbsp;among other improvements, did not make it through the legislative session even with bipartisan support in the House.Rep. Ed Lewis, R-Moberly, turned the blue ribbon commission’s first report into a large part of his legislative package during the 2023 legislative session.Lewis’s bills addressing teacher recruitment and retention were merged into one at the committee level and passed the House 145-5. The omnibus bill was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/06/lawmakers-lament-failure-of-bills-aimed-at-addressing-missouri-teacher-shortage/">poised to come up for a Senate vote in the last few weeks</a>&nbsp;of the legislative session, but filibusters and GOP infighting brought the Senate to a stop.Walker said the commission believed its first round of suggestions were essential, but the group knew teachers’ work environment must also be addressed.“The first report which we presented last fall focused on immediate short-term and long-term actions DESE and the State Board of legislature could take largely related to teacher compensation,” he said. “However, we also heard during our work last year that while compensation is crucial, teachers also need support for the day to day.”In a survey of Missouri educators conducted by the commission and the Hunt Institute, 77.3% of teachers reported that “increased flexibility during school hours, including time to develop lessons, collaborate with other teachers, to receive feedback and coaching and to engage in professional learning” would help their career.The blue ribbon commission suggests DESE study teaching models that place seasoned educators with novices and create leadership opportunities, likely including a two-teachers-per-classroom setup.Board member Mary Schrag of West Plains said teachers are mentoring others in their free time already, but she believes adding a financial incentive could expand this practice.The commission suggests collaborating with the legislature to secure grant funding for districts who begin this costly instructional model.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/career-ladder-program-guidance-updated-march-2023-1">career ladder program</a>&nbsp;might provide a higher salary for teachers who take on a leadership role. The program typically pays teachers for taking on additional responsibilities, like coaching roles or sponsoring a club, so the commission suggests checking statute to see if this program would apply.Continuing with a theme of teacher advancement, the blue ribbon commission recommends the creation of a master teaching certificate that provides opportunities in schools and increased pay. Walker said the group thinks this piece is “really, really important.”Schrag sees a master teaching certificate as a way for teachers to financially advance while staying in their roles.“We have a lot of educators who really love teaching. But in order to be able to financially progress through the system, a lot of times they are being forced to go into different areas of education,” she said.The commission also included recommendations for actions administrators could take. It calls on DESE to work with the Missouri School Boards Association and the Missouri Association of School Administrators to develop training for district leaders to promote a positive school culture.The commission also wants to leverage the Missouri Leadership Development System, a training program for school administrators, to educate all the state’s principals and assistant principals.Board member Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge said she would like to see more of a focus on student behavior and mental health.Lucy Berrier Matheson, the Hunt Institute’s deputy director of K-12 initiatives, said behavior is a problem “across the country” returning to the classroom from virtual learning. “I think that is something that everyone is struggling with,” she said.If schools can add more teachers to the classroom and reduce the ratio of students to teachers, that will help with classroom management, she continued.“One of these recommendations standing alone probably doesn’t have near the effect or impact on classroom management as a multiplier of these recommendations,” Walker said. “But when you add them all together, it creates a tremendously improved environment.”Schrag said there is an upcoming meeting to discuss what legislators may be willing to sponsor.

Commission wants more leadership opportunities for Mo. teachers

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m.Wednesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Ford F350 driven by Judith A. Blay, 77, Villisca, Iowa, was northbound on U.S. 71 just south of 2nd Streed in Clearmont.

The driver attempted a left turn and pulled into the path of a southbound 2012 GMC Terrain driven by Frances A. Baughman, 51, Bradyville, Iowa.

The SUV struck the pickup.&nbsp; Nodaway County EMS transported Bauthman to Clarinda Regional Medical Center. Blay was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m.Wednesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Ford F350 driven by Judith A. Blay, 77, Villisca, Iowa, was northbound on U.S. 71 just south of 2nd Streed in Clearmont.The driver attempted a left turn and pulled into the path of a southbound 2012 GMC Terrain driven by Frances A. Baughman, 51, Bradyville, Iowa.The SUV struck the pickup.&nbsp; Nodaway County EMS transported Bauthman to Clarinda Regional Medical Center. Blay was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Woman hospitalized after pickup, SUV crash

Missouri US Senator Eric Schmitt visited the 139th Airlift Wing base at Rosecrans Memorial Airport on Wednesday.    

Schmitt met with leadership from the 139th as well as the city of St. Joseph and Buchanan County to learn more about the base and the men and women that serve from it.  

Schmitt says one thing his visit reinforced is seeing in person how much of a community effort goes into the 139th.  

"St. Joe, the men and women who serve here, this is a partnership and it's a model for the rest of the country," Schmitt tells reporters. "And also, the trainings that are done here for militaries all around the world, this is world class, and we want to make sure people around the country when I'm in Washinton we're talking about this, I think it's important to be here firsthand in my first year." 

Schmitt calls the collaboration between the 139th and the city of St. Joseph unparalleled. 

Schmitt also knows how vital the 139th is to the city and says there is no concern of losing the base. 

"I can tell you how respected the 139th is across the board, when I'm in Washington talking about how proud we are of Whiteman Air Force Base, how proud we are of Fort Leonard Wood, and how proud we are of the 139th, its reputation precedes it," Schmitt says. 

Schmitt says that's because of the hard work of the men and women at the base and their willingness to serve. 

"I mean in being ready, I would say there's other places around the country but the 139th is always ready to step up, they're anticipating and they're there to serve, and that's invaluable," Schmitt explains. 

In meetings with leadership Schmitt highlighted the funding for base infrastructure in the National Defense Authorization Act and also engaged with base leadership on other issues critical to the Air National Guard.  

A long running issue in St. Joseph at the 139th is the status of receiving eight C-130J planes to upgrade from the current C-130H models at the base. 

Schmitt says the effort to get the J models is one that Missouri congressional delegation supports fully. 

"I feel a particular obligation to advocate as much as I can being on the Armed Services Committee, so we're going to continue to do it," Schmitt says. "There's more money for Js in this NDA Authorization, which is a good thing, we're going to fight to make sure they find their way here." 

Schmitt highlighted those efforts to the men and women of the 139th during meetings highlighting the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692831437413.jpeg" alt="Missouri US Senator Eric Schmitt (left) speaks as Commander of the 139th Colonel John Cluck (right) looks on/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Missouri US Senator Eric Schmitt (left) speaks as Commander of the 139th Colonel John Cluck (right) looks on/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Missouri US Senator Eric Schmitt visited the 139th Airlift Wing base at Rosecrans Memorial Airport on Wednesday. Schmitt met with leadership from the 139th as well as the city of St. Joseph and Buchanan County to learn more about the base and the men and women that serve from it. Schmitt says one thing his visit reinforced is seeing in person how much of a community effort goes into the 139th. "St. Joe, the men and women who serve here, this is a partnership and it's a model for the rest of the country," Schmitt tells reporters. "And also, the trainings that are done here for militaries all around the world, this is world class, and we want to make sure people around the country when I'm in Washinton we're talking about this, I think it's important to be here firsthand in my first year." Schmitt calls the collaboration between the 139th and the city of St. Joseph unparalleled. Schmitt also knows how vital the 139th is to the city and says there is no concern of losing the base. "I can tell you how respected the 139th is across the board, when I'm in Washington talking about how proud we are of Whiteman Air Force Base, how proud we are of Fort Leonard Wood, and how proud we are of the 139th, its reputation precedes it," Schmitt says. Schmitt says that's because of the hard work of the men and women at the base and their willingness to serve. "I mean in being ready, I would say there's other places around the country but the 139th is always ready to step up, they're anticipating and they're there to serve, and that's invaluable," Schmitt explains. In meetings with leadership Schmitt highlighted the funding for base infrastructure in the National Defense Authorization Act and also engaged with base leadership on other issues critical to the Air National Guard. A long running issue in St. Joseph at the 139th is the status of receiving eight C-130J planes to upgrade from the current C-130H models at the base. Schmitt says the effort to get the J models is one that Missouri congressional delegation supports fully. "I feel a particular obligation to advocate as much as I can being on the Armed Services Committee, so we're going to continue to do it," Schmitt says. "There's more money for Js in this NDA Authorization, which is a good thing, we're going to fight to make sure they find their way here." Schmitt highlighted those efforts to the men and women of the 139th during meetings highlighting the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt pays a visit to St. Joseph and the 139th Airlift Wing

St. Joseph saw a flood of visitors as the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs visited the city for training camp.  

St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson Christian Mengel says museums and restaurants saw massive boosts in visitors during Chiefs training camp. 

"The fans aren't just going to training camp but they're also going somewhere to eat afterwards and then maybe seeing a museum or checking out the arts," Mengel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "They're staying in town and that's the most important thing that we want to see." 

Mengel says when calculating the economic impact of camp there are many factors to consider. 

"It's hard to measure the exact amount of time someone stays but then you also have to count the Chiefs organization as they're own separate thing in terms of look at how many staff members come or how many staff members work camp and the players they have to eat too," Mengel says. "And so, all that money is in Buchanan County." 

Mengel says that while they still have to do the calculations, they do know the tourism impact in the summer wouldn't be the same without Chiefs Training Camp. 

And Mengel says the CVB sees many people coming back even once camp is complete. 

"There's a lot of people who they come for camp and then they learn what's in the town, and they realize they didn't budget maybe enough of their own time to do everything that they really want to do or everything that they've learned about that they want to do," Mengel explains. "And so, they do have a reason to come back so we do see that repeat visitor which is always great too." 

Mengel says often they'll see people take more information than they might be able to do in one trip because they intend to come back and visit St. Joseph again. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph saw a flood of visitors as the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs visited the city for training camp. St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson Christian Mengel says museums and restaurants saw massive boosts in visitors during Chiefs training camp. "The fans aren't just going to training camp but they're also going somewhere to eat afterwards and then maybe seeing a museum or checking out the arts," Mengel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "They're staying in town and that's the most important thing that we want to see." Mengel says when calculating the economic impact of camp there are many factors to consider. "It's hard to measure the exact amount of time someone stays but then you also have to count the Chiefs organization as they're own separate thing in terms of look at how many staff members come or how many staff members work camp and the players they have to eat too," Mengel says. "And so, all that money is in Buchanan County." Mengel says that while they still have to do the calculations, they do know the tourism impact in the summer wouldn't be the same without Chiefs Training Camp. And Mengel says the CVB sees many people coming back even once camp is complete. "There's a lot of people who they come for camp and then they learn what's in the town, and they realize they didn't budget maybe enough of their own time to do everything that they really want to do or everything that they've learned about that they want to do," Mengel explains. "And so, they do have a reason to come back so we do see that repeat visitor which is always great too." Mengel says often they'll see people take more information than they might be able to do in one trip because they intend to come back and visit St. Joseph again.

Chiefs Training Camp brings thousands to St. Joseph

Farmers for Free Trade this week implored all 2024 presidential candidates to prioritize new market access trade agreements to strengthen U.S. agriculture and decrease reliance on China. 

The organization also called on the presidential candidates to hold China accountable in a responsible manner that does not endanger U.S. food and agriculture's largest export market or threaten American farmers with new retaliatory tariffs. 

In a letter, the organization says, "The U.S. needs to again take the lead in negotiating new FTAs with other countries and work to strengthen and reform the rules-based multilateral trading system." 

Such agreements could protect American workers and the environment, help contain China's growing geopolitical influence, and open new export markets for our farmers by meaningfully reducing and eliminating tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers. 

The letter, which comes shortly before the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle, was sent to all presidential campaigns.

Farmers for Free Trade this week implored all 2024 presidential candidates to prioritize new market access trade agreements to strengthen U.S. agriculture and decrease reliance on China. The organization also called on the presidential candidates to hold China accountable in a responsible manner that does not endanger U.S. food and agriculture's largest export market or threaten American farmers with new retaliatory tariffs. In a letter, the organization says, "The U.S. needs to again take the lead in negotiating new FTAs with other countries and work to strengthen and reform the rules-based multilateral trading system." Such agreements could protect American workers and the environment, help contain China's growing geopolitical influence, and open new export markets for our farmers by meaningfully reducing and eliminating tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers. The letter, which comes shortly before the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle, was sent to all presidential campaigns.- NAFB

Farmers for Free Trade calls on presidential candidates to prioritize trade

ATCHISON —One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Tuesday in Atchison.

A Toyota passenger car driven by Taylor Sloan, 23, Leavenworth, was westbound on Park Street at 6th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The Toyota collided with a southbound Dodge passenger car driven by Jeanette Weber, 54, Atchison,

EMS transported&nbsp; Weber to Amberwell Hospital for examination. Taylor Sloan was cited for failure to yield. Police reported no additional details.

ATCHISON —One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Tuesday in Atchison.A Toyota passenger car driven by Taylor Sloan, 23, Leavenworth, was westbound on Park Street at 6th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The Toyota collided with a southbound Dodge passenger car driven by Jeanette Weber, 54, Atchison,EMS transported&nbsp; Weber to Amberwell Hospital for examination. Taylor Sloan was cited for failure to yield. Police reported no additional details.

Kansas woman hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

A young man died in a house explosion in St. Joseph Tuesday night.

St. Joseph police report a loud explosion occurred in the 1400 block of North 13th Street shortly after eight o’clock last night. Investigators discovered the body of 18-year-old Nathen Scott Taylor, Jr. of St. Joseph in the remains of the house. No one else was
injured.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is on
the scene, investigating the explosion.

This story has been updated since first published. The identity of the victim has been added.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA young man died in a house explosion in St. Joseph Tuesday night.St. Joseph police report a loud explosion occurred in the 1400 block of North 13th Street shortly after eight o’clock last night. Investigators discovered the body of 18-year-old Nathen Scott Taylor, Jr. of St. Joseph in the remains of the house. No one else was
injured.The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is on
the scene, investigating the explosion.This story has been updated since first published. The identity of the victim has been added.

One dead in St. Joseph house explosion

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers little guidance ahead of controversial law affecting student athletes

Students are returning to the classroom around Missouri this week, and new laws go into effect Monday.

But state officials are still not clear on how they will enforce&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/23info/pdf-bill/tat/SB39.pdf">restrictions on transgender athletes</a>&nbsp;– one of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/16/missouri-governors-office-hid-bill-signing-on-gender-affirming-care-transgender-athletes/">most controversial new laws</a>&nbsp;approved by Missouri legislators this year.

Neither the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education nor the Missouri State High School Activities Association could say how the restrictions would be administered. Each agency initially directed questions to the other, a situation local school officials say is stoking confusion.

Hanging in the balance is the fate of 10 student athletes who were eligible last year to compete according to their gender identity but who would be prohibited this year.

A separate law that also takes effect Monday,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/10/missouri-house-sends-bill-banning-transgender-health-care-for-minors-to-governor/">banning gender-affirming treatments</a>&nbsp;for minors, is being challenged in a court case being&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/lawsuit-seeks-to-block-missouri-ban-on-transgender-care-for-minors/">heard this week in Springfield.</a>&nbsp;St. Louis Circuit Judge Steven Ohmer is expected to decide whether to issue an injunction soon after he finishes hearing testimony.

Prior to this school year, a MSHSAA policy allowed transgender athletes to compete as their gender identity if they had undergone hormone treatments for at least one year.

“Once the law goes into effect, the MSHSAA bylaw on transgender participation becomes invalid,” Jason West, the association’s communications director told The Independent. “As for enforcement of the state statute, the local school and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will oversee and administer any penalties. DESE will be determining what type of identification will be required in that regard.”

The new law requires DESE and the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to set the rules for the implementation of the ban. But when asked about administering this new law, DESE initially looked to MSHSAA.

Mallory McGowin, a spokeswoman for the department, said MSHSAA was the “most appropriate” source to ask about enforcement of the new law because the organization“oversees all athletics and activities participation statewide.”

She later told The Independent that the two organizations were in communication.

“As MSHSAA policies dictate, it is the responsibility of MSHSAA member schools to verify student eligibility, whether that’s verifying student residency, academic performance, or gender,” McGowin wrote. “Local school district policy and procedure will dictate how that verification takes place.”

DESE can publish administrative rules for the new law in the Missouri Register in the future. The public could comment on the regulations prior to their enforcement.

Administrators are aware of the new law, but with birth certificates not required as part of students’ enrollment process, schools may not have records of students’ sex as assigned at birth.

Schools may also have students on hormone treatments now competing on teams aligned with their sex as assigned at birth. For transgender men, this means they would compete in women’s sports while increasing their testosterone levels.

According to McGowin, these student athletes with hormone treatments are still allowed to compete.

Enforcement at the college level also relies on schools’ interpretation of the law.

Ryan Koslen, spokesman for the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Department, said in late July that the department was working with its “office of general counsel to determine the best path forward operationally.”

He did not answer a request for an update in August.

While state law bans transgender athletes from competing according to their gender identity, the NCAA takes a sport by sport approach and looks at the hormone levels of athletes.

The organization has publicly threatened to pull championship competitions from locations where law restricts transgender athletes.

“When determining where championships are held, NCAA policy directs that only locations where hosts can commit to providing an environment that is safe, healthy and free of discrimination should be selected,” the NCAA published in an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncaa.org/news/2021/4/12/ncaa-board-of-governors-statement-on-transgender-participation.aspx">April 2021 statement</a>.

Missouri State University, when asked about their plan of enforcement, didn’t provide specifics.

“We are aware of the law and have articulated the information to our coaching staffs,” Athletics Director Kyle Moats wrote in an email. “We will also continue to follow the guidance of the NCAA as its policies evolve.”

Twenty-three states have established restrictions on transgender athletes since 2020 — some of which are currently unenforceable pending litigation.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/youth/sports_participation_bans">The Movement Advancement Project</a>, a nonprofit think tank that maps LGBTQ policies, estimates that 34% of transgender youth ages 13-17 live in states with laws restricting their participation in sports.

In Arkansas, enforcement of its state law on transgender athletes extends to the attorney general’s office. After passing the initial ban on transgender athletes, Arkansas lawmakers created&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=SB450&amp;ddBienniumSession=2021%2F2021R">the Gender Integrity Reinforcement Legislation for Sports Act</a>&nbsp;to allow the attorney general to sue schools that knowingly violate the law.

Oklahoma, which has had its ban for a year,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-football-united-states-gay-rights-5814b6365cf8f96b6be49e2d4b72616a">requires athletes’ parents to sign an affidavit</a>&nbsp;stating their child’s sex as assigned at birth.

At the federal level, a change to Title IX could reverse Missouri’s restrictions.

In April, the U.S. Department of Education announced proposed changes to Title IX that would prevent “one-size-fits-all” policies regarding transgender athletes. It would allow schools to set their own rules but require them to develop eligibility criteria.

“For older students … the department expects that sex-related criteria that limit participation of some transgender students may be permitted, in some cases, when they enable the school to achieve an important educational objective, such as fairness in competition, and meet the proposed regulation’s other requirements,” the department’s announcement says.

Gov. Mike Parson joined 24 other Republican governors in a letter to the Secretary of Education opposing the proposed regulation.

“The proposed rule could prevent states from enforcing our duly-enacted statutes protecting fairness in women’s and girls’ sports. If not withdrawn, we are gravely concerned about the impact that the Department’s wholesale reinvention of Title IX’s terms would have on states’ ability to enforce their laws and policies as written,” the governors wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686157451251.png" alt="Gov. Mike Parson signs bills on June 7, 2023, banning gender-affirming treatments for minors and limiting participation in school sports based on gender (Photo courtesy of Missouri Governor's office)." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Parson signs bills on June 7, 2023, banning gender-affirming treatments for minors and limiting participation in school sports based on gender (Photo courtesy of Missouri Governor's office).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers little guidance ahead of controversial law affecting student athletes</h2>By ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/30/open-enrollment-missouri-school-choice/">Missouri Independent</a>Students are returning to the classroom around Missouri this week, and new laws go into effect Monday.But state officials are still not clear on how they will enforce&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/23info/pdf-bill/tat/SB39.pdf">restrictions on transgender athletes</a>&nbsp;– one of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/16/missouri-governors-office-hid-bill-signing-on-gender-affirming-care-transgender-athletes/">most controversial new laws</a>&nbsp;approved by Missouri legislators this year.Neither the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education nor the Missouri State High School Activities Association could say how the restrictions would be administered. Each agency initially directed questions to the other, a situation local school officials say is stoking confusion.Hanging in the balance is the fate of 10 student athletes who were eligible last year to compete according to their gender identity but who would be prohibited this year.A separate law that also takes effect Monday,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/10/missouri-house-sends-bill-banning-transgender-health-care-for-minors-to-governor/">banning gender-affirming treatments</a>&nbsp;for minors, is being challenged in a court case being&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/lawsuit-seeks-to-block-missouri-ban-on-transgender-care-for-minors/">heard this week in Springfield.</a>&nbsp;St. Louis Circuit Judge Steven Ohmer is expected to decide whether to issue an injunction soon after he finishes hearing testimony.Prior to this school year, a MSHSAA policy allowed transgender athletes to compete as their gender identity if they had undergone hormone treatments for at least one year.“Once the law goes into effect, the MSHSAA bylaw on transgender participation becomes invalid,” Jason West, the association’s communications director told The Independent. “As for enforcement of the state statute, the local school and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will oversee and administer any penalties. DESE will be determining what type of identification will be required in that regard.”The new law requires DESE and the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to set the rules for the implementation of the ban. But when asked about administering this new law, DESE initially looked to MSHSAA.Mallory McGowin, a spokeswoman for the department, said MSHSAA was the “most appropriate” source to ask about enforcement of the new law because the organization“oversees all athletics and activities participation statewide.”She later told The Independent that the two organizations were in communication.“As MSHSAA policies dictate, it is the responsibility of MSHSAA member schools to verify student eligibility, whether that’s verifying student residency, academic performance, or gender,” McGowin wrote. “Local school district policy and procedure will dictate how that verification takes place.”DESE can publish administrative rules for the new law in the Missouri Register in the future. The public could comment on the regulations prior to their enforcement.Administrators are aware of the new law, but with birth certificates not required as part of students’ enrollment process, schools may not have records of students’ sex as assigned at birth.Schools may also have students on hormone treatments now competing on teams aligned with their sex as assigned at birth. For transgender men, this means they would compete in women’s sports while increasing their testosterone levels.According to McGowin, these student athletes with hormone treatments are still allowed to compete.Enforcement at the college level also relies on schools’ interpretation of the law.Ryan Koslen, spokesman for the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Department, said in late July that the department was working with its “office of general counsel to determine the best path forward operationally.”He did not answer a request for an update in August.While state law bans transgender athletes from competing according to their gender identity, the NCAA takes a sport by sport approach and looks at the hormone levels of athletes.The organization has publicly threatened to pull championship competitions from locations where law restricts transgender athletes.“When determining where championships are held, NCAA policy directs that only locations where hosts can commit to providing an environment that is safe, healthy and free of discrimination should be selected,” the NCAA published in an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncaa.org/news/2021/4/12/ncaa-board-of-governors-statement-on-transgender-participation.aspx">April 2021 statement</a>.Missouri State University, when asked about their plan of enforcement, didn’t provide specifics.“We are aware of the law and have articulated the information to our coaching staffs,” Athletics Director Kyle Moats wrote in an email. “We will also continue to follow the guidance of the NCAA as its policies evolve.”Twenty-three states have established restrictions on transgender athletes since 2020 — some of which are currently unenforceable pending litigation.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/youth/sports_participation_bans">The Movement Advancement Project</a>, a nonprofit think tank that maps LGBTQ policies, estimates that 34% of transgender youth ages 13-17 live in states with laws restricting their participation in sports.In Arkansas, enforcement of its state law on transgender athletes extends to the attorney general’s office. After passing the initial ban on transgender athletes, Arkansas lawmakers created&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=SB450&amp;ddBienniumSession=2021%2F2021R">the Gender Integrity Reinforcement Legislation for Sports Act</a>&nbsp;to allow the attorney general to sue schools that knowingly violate the law.Oklahoma, which has had its ban for a year,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-football-united-states-gay-rights-5814b6365cf8f96b6be49e2d4b72616a">requires athletes’ parents to sign an affidavit</a>&nbsp;stating their child’s sex as assigned at birth.At the federal level, a change to Title IX could reverse Missouri’s restrictions.In April, the U.S. Department of Education announced proposed changes to Title IX that would prevent “one-size-fits-all” policies regarding transgender athletes. It would allow schools to set their own rules but require them to develop eligibility criteria.“For older students … the department expects that sex-related criteria that limit participation of some transgender students may be permitted, in some cases, when they enable the school to achieve an important educational objective, such as fairness in competition, and meet the proposed regulation’s other requirements,” the department’s announcement says.Gov. Mike Parson joined 24 other Republican governors in a letter to the Secretary of Education opposing the proposed regulation.“The proposed rule could prevent states from enforcing our duly-enacted statutes protecting fairness in women’s and girls’ sports. If not withdrawn, we are gravely concerned about the impact that the Department’s wholesale reinvention of Title IX’s terms would have on states’ ability to enforce their laws and policies as written,” the governors wrote.

Enforcement unclear as Mo. approaches transgender athlete restrictions

A battle in Washington, D.C. is holding up reauthorization of
the Federal Aviation Administration.

But this isn’t the normal partisan battle. This one is between
two airlines:&nbsp; Delta and American. Delta
wants to lift restrictions on flights out of Reagan Airport in D.C. while
American wants to keep restrictions in place to protect its hub at Dulles
Airport in D.C.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chair, northern
Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, says the FAA bill won unanimous approval in
committee and passed on a 351-to-69 vote in the House.

“The Senate continues to struggle,” Graves tells KFEQ Hotline
host Barry Birr. “They can’t even get a bill out of committee over there and
hopefully they’ll just take up ours. But, it’s part of the reauthorization
process which we have to go through every four to five years to reauthorize
these agencies and programs within the Department of Transportation.”

Graves, a Republican, says the turf war between Delta and American
could well jeopardize the FAA reauthorization bill.

“In the Senate, it’s certainly possible,” Graves says. “It’s a
battle. Again, it’s a turf battle between those two airlines. This is a bill,
though, that has to pass. If we don’t reauthorize the FAA, then all the
programs fall apart.”

Graves says the FAA bill has been highjacked by the fight
between Delta and American with lawmakers choosing sides; sides not based on
political party. He says it must be resolved.

“We have to get this finished and the deadline is September 30th,”
Graves says. “It’s ticking by on the Senate. The House has done its work. Now
we’re waiting on the Senate.”

You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent, @680KFEQ, and @StJosephPost.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA battle in Washington, D.C. is holding up reauthorization of
the Federal Aviation Administration.But this isn’t the normal partisan battle. This one is between
two airlines:&nbsp; Delta and American. Delta
wants to lift restrictions on flights out of Reagan Airport in D.C. while
American wants to keep restrictions in place to protect its hub at Dulles
Airport in D.C.House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chair, northern
Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, says the FAA bill won unanimous approval in
committee and passed on a 351-to-69 vote in the House.“The Senate continues to struggle,” Graves tells KFEQ Hotline
host Barry Birr. “They can’t even get a bill out of committee over there and
hopefully they’ll just take up ours. But, it’s part of the reauthorization
process which we have to go through every four to five years to reauthorize
these agencies and programs within the Department of Transportation.”Graves, a Republican, says the turf war between Delta and American
could well jeopardize the FAA reauthorization bill.“In the Senate, it’s certainly possible,” Graves says. “It’s a
battle. Again, it’s a turf battle between those two airlines. This is a bill,
though, that has to pass. If we don’t reauthorize the FAA, then all the
programs fall apart.”Graves says the FAA bill has been highjacked by the fight
between Delta and American with lawmakers choosing sides; sides not based on
political party. He says it must be resolved.“We have to get this finished and the deadline is September 30th,”
Graves says. “It’s ticking by on the Senate. The House has done its work. Now
we’re waiting on the Senate.”You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent, @680KFEQ, and @StJosephPost.

Turf war between two airlines threatens FAA bill

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday announced nearly $700 million in grants and loans as part of USDA’s ReConect Program. 

The funding will connect thousands of rural residents, farmers and business owners in 22 states to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. 

Vilsack says, “Keeping the people of rural America connected with reliable, high-speed internet brings new and innovative ideas to the rest of our country and creates good-paying jobs along the way.” 

The high-speed internet investments are part of the fourth funding round of the ReConnect Program. Many residents and businesses in rural areas would not have high-speed internet service without the ReConnect Program, as the program is a key part of the Administration’s Internet for All initiative to connect everyone in America to high-speed internet by 2030. 

Funding for this round of grants comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and includes $667 million of funded projects. A full list of funded projects is available on USDA's Rural Development&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/usda-rd-reconnect-round4-tranche3-chart-08182023.pdf">website</a>.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday announced nearly $700 million in grants and loans as part of USDA’s ReConect Program. The funding will connect thousands of rural residents, farmers and business owners in 22 states to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. Vilsack says, “Keeping the people of rural America connected with reliable, high-speed internet brings new and innovative ideas to the rest of our country and creates good-paying jobs along the way.” The high-speed internet investments are part of the fourth funding round of the ReConnect Program. Many residents and businesses in rural areas would not have high-speed internet service without the ReConnect Program, as the program is a key part of the Administration’s Internet for All initiative to connect everyone in America to high-speed internet by 2030. Funding for this round of grants comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and includes $667 million of funded projects. A full list of funded projects is available on USDA's Rural Development&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/usda-rd-reconnect-round4-tranche3-chart-08182023.pdf">website</a>.- NAFB

USDA announces nearly $700 million in rural broadband funding

Extreme heat is forcing the St. Joseph School District to take action and close early today, tomorrow, and on Thursday.

Superintendent Gabe Edgar says there are a lot of underlying factors for the early release.

"It's obviously heat related, we had a lot of challenges yesterday with our transportation and obviously our transportation is a big part of what we provide here from an education standpoint," Edgar tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so what we are doing is we are letting out early."

In dealing with the heat yesterday during the first day of school, Edgar says things went well in the school buildings.

"There were some hiccups being the first day and I think it would have gotten better throughout the week but the reason for the early out has nothing to do with not having air at Bode or Central, not to say that we wouldn't have had an early out just for those two, but transportation is playing the big part of that," Edgar explains.

High Schools will begin at 7:25am release at 12:05pm and middle schools will start at 7:35am and end at 12:15pm.  Going from 8:10am to 12:45pm will be Carden Park, Coleman, Edison, Field, Hosea, Lindbergh, Parkway elementaries.

Going from 8:45am to 1:15pm Ellison, Hyde, Oak Grove, Pershing, and Pickett Elementary Schools.

The school schedule will return to normal on Friday.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostExtreme heat is forcing the St. Joseph School District to take action and close early today, tomorrow, and on Thursday.Superintendent Gabe Edgar says there are a lot of underlying factors for the early release."It's obviously heat related, we had a lot of challenges yesterday with our transportation and obviously our transportation is a big part of what we provide here from an education standpoint," Edgar tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so what we are doing is we are letting out early."In dealing with the heat yesterday during the first day of school, Edgar says things went well in the school buildings."There were some hiccups being the first day and I think it would have gotten better throughout the week but the reason for the early out has nothing to do with not having air at Bode or Central, not to say that we wouldn't have had an early out just for those two, but transportation is playing the big part of that," Edgar explains.High Schools will begin at 7:25am release at 12:05pm and middle schools will start at 7:35am and end at 12:15pm. Going from 8:10am to 12:45pm will be Carden Park, Coleman, Edison, Field, Hosea, Lindbergh, Parkway elementaries.Going from 8:45am to 1:15pm Ellison, Hyde, Oak Grove, Pershing, and Pickett Elementary Schools.The school schedule will return to normal on Friday.

Extreme heat forces early releases in the St. Joseph School District

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai met with Indonesia's Minister of Trade Monday. 

Tai and Zulkifli Hasan discussed progress through the U.S.-ASEAN Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement Work Plan, including issues related to trade facilitation, standards and the digital economy. 

Ambassador Tai and Minister Hasan also discussed progress and updates on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. 

The ministers also discussed the U.S.-Indonesia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. Ambassador Tai noted that the United States views this TIFA as an important mechanism for discussing bilateral trade issues. Later this week, Tai will travel to India for the G20 Trade &amp; Investment Ministers' Meeting. 

Tai will also meet with business leaders and hold bilateral meetings with government officials. The meetings follow last week’s effort with Taiwan, as USR and Taiwan held an in-person negotiating round for the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai met with Indonesia's Minister of Trade Monday. Tai and Zulkifli Hasan discussed progress through the U.S.-ASEAN Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement Work Plan, including issues related to trade facilitation, standards and the digital economy. Ambassador Tai and Minister Hasan also discussed progress and updates on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. The ministers also discussed the U.S.-Indonesia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. Ambassador Tai noted that the United States views this TIFA as an important mechanism for discussing bilateral trade issues. Later this week, Tai will travel to India for the G20 Trade &amp; Investment Ministers' Meeting. Tai will also meet with business leaders and hold bilateral meetings with government officials. The meetings follow last week’s effort with Taiwan, as USR and Taiwan held an in-person negotiating round for the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade in Washington, D.C.- NAFB

USTR Tai visiting Indonesia, India

A young Stanberry man died of injuries from a fall at an
Agency agribusiness.

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department reports 20-year-old Collin
Sager, an electrician, fell off a platform while working on a grain bin at Atha
Brothers Agriculture after apparently suffering an electric shock. Emergency
workers arrived at the scene to perform CPR, but the man was pronounced dead at
the scene.

The investigation into the death continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA young Stanberry man died of injuries from a fall at an
Agency agribusiness.The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department reports 20-year-old Collin
Sager, an electrician, fell off a platform while working on a grain bin at Atha
Brothers Agriculture after apparently suffering an electric shock. Emergency
workers arrived at the scene to perform CPR, but the man was pronounced dead at
the scene.The investigation into the death continues.

Stanberry man dies in industrial accident

The following statement was released by the SJSD:

The St. Joseph School District is releasing classes 2.5 hours early due to excessive heat beginning today, August 22 thru August 24. This includes all Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, Hillyard Technical Center, and Webster. Some after school-activities may still occur, contact your student’s activity sponsor or coach to find out. School lunch will be provided each day. 

School Schedules for August 22, 23, and 24

Carden Park, Coleman, Edison, Field, Hosea, Lindbergh, Parkway, and Skaith Elementary: 8:10am to 12:45pm

Ellison, Hyde, Oak Grove, Pershing, and Pickett Elementary: 8:45am to 1:15pm



The following statement was released by the SJSD:The St. Joseph School District is releasing classes 2.5 hours early due to excessive heat beginning today, August 22 thru August 24. This includes all Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, Hillyard Technical Center, and Webster. Some after school-activities may still occur, contact your student’s activity sponsor or coach to find out. School lunch will be provided each day. School Schedules for August 22, 23, and 24High Schools: 7:25am to 12:05pmMiddle Schools: 7:35am to 12:15pm Carden Park, Coleman, Edison, Field, Hosea, Lindbergh, Parkway, and Skaith Elementary: 8:10am to 12:45pmEllison, Hyde, Oak Grove, Pershing, and Pickett Elementary: 8:45am to 1:15pm

SJSD To Dismiss Early Due To Heat

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Monday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Nissan Rogue driven by Evelyn D. Montengro, 27, Aurora, Illinois, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 three miles south of Winston.

The SUV struck a northbound 2021 Peterbilt semi driven by Matthew R. Doty, 40, Excelsior Springs, and came to rest in the median.

Daviess County EMS transported Montengro to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Doty was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Monday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Nissan Rogue driven by Evelyn D. Montengro, 27, Aurora, Illinois, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 three miles south of Winston.The SUV struck a northbound 2021 Peterbilt semi driven by Matthew R. Doty, 40, Excelsior Springs, and came to rest in the median.Daviess County EMS transported Montengro to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Doty was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Woman hospitalized after wrong-way crash with a semi

Students excitedly bounded the stairs at Hyde Elementary in the south end of St. Joseph and were greeted by Superintendent Gabe Edgar as the St. Joseph School District begins its new school year 

Edgar says it's exciting for the new school year to be underway 

"This is a good opportunity for us to welcome these students back and build relationships with the students as they walk through the front door," Edgar tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "It's just vitally important that, I've said this all along, that the St. Joseph Public School District be the center of the St. Joseph community, and this is why we're in the business, right?" 

<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/ 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/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Students excitedly bounded the stairs at Hyde Elementary in the south end of St. Joseph and were greeted by Superintendent Gabe Edgar as the St. Joseph School District begins its new school year Edgar says it's exciting for the new school year to be underway "This is a good opportunity for us to welcome these students back and build relationships with the students as they walk through the front door," Edgar tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "It's just vitally important that, I've said this all along, that the St. Joseph Public School District be the center of the St. Joseph community, and this is why we're in the business, right?" Edgar spent the morning at Central High School, the Mark Twain Early Learning Center, and Hyde Elementary, welcoming students to school. Edgar says it’s important for him to be present, and not just for the first day of school, so he won't lose focus. "The end result is the product of the student, and we have to keep that in mind, and not necessarily just me but every administrator downtown, every principal, every teacher, everybody that works in this school district, they're our business right, students are our business and that's why we're here," Edgar explains. Edgar says it's important that everyone partners together to make this school year great "St. Joseph School District can be a better place, but it can be a better place if we all work together," Edgar says. Edgar says partnerships with Missouri Western State University, the city of St. Joseph, and the Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney bring excitement of the district.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692636293481.jpeg" alt="Gabe Edgar greets student at Hyde Elementary /Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Gabe Edgar greets student at Hyde Elementary /Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>