St. Joseph voters overwhelmingly approve extending the
half-cent sales tax for capital improvements for another five years, with more
than 82% of the voters casting ballots Tuesday in favor of the issue.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee chair Steve McCamy
is more than bit pleased with the results.

“This is the highest percentage it has ever passed at and the
nice thing about that is it just tells me that the citizens of St. Joseph that
did vote liked the projects that the committee came up with and they have
confidence with the CIP program that we’ll follow through on what we say we’re
going to do,” McCamy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

The Buchanan County Clerk’s office reports 10.2% of the
registered voters in the county went to the polls on Tuesday, a total of 5,219
ballots cast.

The half-cent CIP tax won overwhelmingly with 3,588 voting in
favor of the tax and only 772 voting against, according to the unofficial
tally. That is a percentage split of 82.29% to 17.71%.

McCamy credits the work of his committee for the strong
support, reasoning that voters appeared to favor the projects the committee
proposed the tax finance. The vote extends the capital improvement tax, which
raises about $7 million a year, for another five years.

McCamy says the election results keep momentum moving.

“We’re getting a lot more attention now,” McCamy says. “We’ve got
the Chiefs camp here in town. Kansas City’s been here for quite a while now. We’ve
got quite so many things to offer here in St. Joe that people can come and see
while they’re here. We just need to use this kind of tax to continue to improve
our community to make people want to come here, live here, visit here, and shop
here.”

The light voter turnout could be blamed on the sparse ballot.
St. Joseph voters faced only two issues on Tuesday, the half-cent capital
improvement sales tax as well as the Buchanan Count marijuana tax issue. That
issue, authorizing the county to impose a 3% tax on the sale of recreational marijuana,
also breezed to approval on Tuesday.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph voters overwhelmingly approve extending the
half-cent sales tax for capital improvements for another five years, with more
than 82% of the voters casting ballots Tuesday in favor of the issue.Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee chair Steve McCamy
is more than bit pleased with the results.“This is the highest percentage it has ever passed at and the
nice thing about that is it just tells me that the citizens of St. Joseph that
did vote liked the projects that the committee came up with and they have
confidence with the CIP program that we’ll follow through on what we say we’re
going to do,” McCamy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.The Buchanan County Clerk’s office reports 10.2% of the
registered voters in the county went to the polls on Tuesday, a total of 5,219
ballots cast.The half-cent CIP tax won overwhelmingly with 3,588 voting in
favor of the tax and only 772 voting against, according to the unofficial
tally. That is a percentage split of 82.29% to 17.71%.McCamy credits the work of his committee for the strong
support, reasoning that voters appeared to favor the projects the committee
proposed the tax finance. The vote extends the capital improvement tax, which
raises about $7 million a year, for another five years.McCamy says the election results keep momentum moving.“We’re getting a lot more attention now,” McCamy says. “We’ve got
the Chiefs camp here in town. Kansas City’s been here for quite a while now. We’ve
got quite so many things to offer here in St. Joe that people can come and see
while they’re here. We just need to use this kind of tax to continue to improve
our community to make people want to come here, live here, visit here, and shop
here.”The light voter turnout could be blamed on the sparse ballot.
St. Joseph voters faced only two issues on Tuesday, the half-cent capital
improvement sales tax as well as the Buchanan Count marijuana tax issue. That
issue, authorizing the county to impose a 3% tax on the sale of recreational marijuana,
also breezed to approval on Tuesday.

CIP chair sees vote as chance to keep St. Joseph momentum going

Savannah police have identified the suspect who apparently
took his life Tuesday when approached by police officers as 58-year-old Timothy
McLarney of Savannah.

The Savannah Police Department reports officers made contact
with McLarney in his apartment, but he had locked himself inside the bathroom.
McLarney was wanted on outstanding warrants.

Savannah police say that officers responded to the apartment
Tuesday morning. They made contact with McLarney, but he held out in the
bathroom. Eventually, the officers heard a shot from the bathroom.

Members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol along with SWAT
teams from the St. Joseph Police Department and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s
Department responded to the scene. After the shot was heard, the St. Joseph
Police Department deployed its robot to investigate the apartment, which
discovered the body.

McLarney was the lone occupant of the apartment.

Neighboring apartments had been evacuated earlier.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSavannah police have identified the suspect who apparently
took his life Tuesday when approached by police officers as 58-year-old Timothy
McLarney of Savannah.The Savannah Police Department reports officers made contact
with McLarney in his apartment, but he had locked himself inside the bathroom.
McLarney was wanted on outstanding warrants.Savannah police say that officers responded to the apartment
Tuesday morning. They made contact with McLarney, but he held out in the
bathroom. Eventually, the officers heard a shot from the bathroom.Members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol along with SWAT
teams from the St. Joseph Police Department and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s
Department responded to the scene. After the shot was heard, the St. Joseph
Police Department deployed its robot to investigate the apartment, which
discovered the body.McLarney was the lone occupant of the apartment.Neighboring apartments had been evacuated earlier.

Savannah police identify suspect found dead in apartment

Buchanan County residents can access a wealth of
information about taking care of family members during a time of need free of
charge.

The county has used federal coronavirus relief
funds to contract with Trualta.

Former Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee
Sawyer says too often families face a time of crisis with little information on
how best to handle it.

“I’ve done some of it personally with my elderly parents.
I’ve used information available from Trualta to help make sure I’m doing the
right thing,” Sawyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s really good hands-on
information.”

Trualta Care Coach Darci Henry says too often
people don’t seek information until they face a crisis.

“So, we want to be a place where people can come
if they are having a crisis and get the help they need,” says Henry, “but also people
can start to plan and prepare.”

Henry says the Trualta website provides advice on
how best to care for the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, the
developmentally disabled, and even children with special needs.

Henry says county resident simply need to log on
and create an account.

“Once they’re signed up for an account, they can
have access to all of the articles, all the videos, the interactive scenarios, the
community bundle which includes virtual support groups,” according to Henry.

Sawyer says too often people find themselves in a
difficult situation with little to go on.

“All of the sudden, you’re caring for a parent,
who when you were younger cared for you,” Sawyer says. “And then you’re trying
to do the right things, but you maybe have not done this before. I’ve just
found the information to be very helpful.”

Click <a href="https://www.trualta.com/">HERE</a> for the Trualta website.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County residents can access a wealth of
information about taking care of family members during a time of need free of
charge.The county has used federal coronavirus relief
funds to contract with Trualta.Former Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee
Sawyer says too often families face a time of crisis with little information on
how best to handle it.“I’ve done some of it personally with my elderly parents.
I’ve used information available from Trualta to help make sure I’m doing the
right thing,” Sawyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s really good hands-on
information.”Trualta Care Coach Darci Henry says too often
people don’t seek information until they face a crisis.“So, we want to be a place where people can come
if they are having a crisis and get the help they need,” says Henry, “but also people
can start to plan and prepare.”Henry says the Trualta website provides advice on
how best to care for the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, the
developmentally disabled, and even children with special needs.Henry says county resident simply need to log on
and create an account.“Once they’re signed up for an account, they can
have access to all of the articles, all the videos, the interactive scenarios, the
community bundle which includes virtual support groups,” according to Henry.Sawyer says too often people find themselves in a
difficult situation with little to go on.“All of the sudden, you’re caring for a parent,
who when you were younger cared for you,” Sawyer says. “And then you’re trying
to do the right things, but you maybe have not done this before. I’ve just
found the information to be very helpful.”Click <a href="https://www.trualta.com/">HERE</a> for the Trualta website.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Trualta-helping-out-Buchanan-County-e27vb1d" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Buchanan CO offers resources for those caring for family members in need

Smithfield Foods will close 35 hog farm operations in Missouri, according to a state-required workforce adjustment notification. 

The notice indicated 92 employees would be affected by the closures, slated for August. 

Murphy Brown LLC, a division of Smithfield Foods, is reducing hog farming operations in Missouri and "must reduce its workforce accordingly," a company spokesperson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 

Employees impacted by the closures were offered the chance to relocate to other hog-producing facilities operated by the company. Smithfield Foods is the world's largest pork processor and is owned by Hong Kong's WH Group. The announcement follows Tyson Foods' plans to close four chicken processing plants across the United States. 

Tyson plans to close operations next year at four facilities located in Arkansas, Indiana and Missouri. The U.S. meat industry is facing demand struggles in both pork and poultry thanks to increased prices and inflation, amid higher feed and labor costs.

Smithfield Foods will close 35 hog farm operations in Missouri, according to a state-required workforce adjustment notification. The notice indicated 92 employees would be affected by the closures, slated for August. Murphy Brown LLC, a division of Smithfield Foods, is reducing hog farming operations in Missouri and "must reduce its workforce accordingly," a company spokesperson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Employees impacted by the closures were offered the chance to relocate to other hog-producing facilities operated by the company. Smithfield Foods is the world's largest pork processor and is owned by Hong Kong's WH Group. The announcement follows Tyson Foods' plans to close four chicken processing plants across the United States. Tyson plans to close operations next year at four facilities located in Arkansas, Indiana and Missouri. The U.S. meat industry is facing demand struggles in both pork and poultry thanks to increased prices and inflation, amid higher feed and labor costs.- NAFB

Smithfield Foods closing 35 Missouri hog farms

Ethanol groups welcome efforts by Nebraska and Iowa prompting the Environmental Protection Agency to create regulations to allow for year-round sales of E15 in at least eight Midwest states. 

Earlier this year, the governors of Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio sent letters to EPA calling for parity between E10 and E15 in their states. 

EPA proposed a rule in March to make regulatory changes to implement year-round sales of E15 in those states beginning in the summer of 2024.

EPA issued temporary emergency waivers to allow continued E15 sales this summer and last summer, but the industry seeks a long-term solution. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says, "We're hopeful that the action taken by Iowa and Nebraska today will help break the logjam and cause EPA to complete the process as soon as possible." 

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor adds, “EPA needs to act now so that fuel retailers have the regulatory clarity they need to make investments and expand access to E15.”

Ethanol groups welcome efforts by Nebraska and Iowa prompting the Environmental Protection Agency to create regulations to allow for year-round sales of E15 in at least eight Midwest states. Earlier this year, the governors of Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio sent letters to EPA calling for parity between E10 and E15 in their states. EPA proposed a rule in March to make regulatory changes to implement year-round sales of E15 in those states beginning in the summer of 2024.EPA issued temporary emergency waivers to allow continued E15 sales this summer and last summer, but the industry seeks a long-term solution. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says, "We're hopeful that the action taken by Iowa and Nebraska today will help break the logjam and cause EPA to complete the process as soon as possible." Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor adds, “EPA needs to act now so that fuel retailers have the regulatory clarity they need to make investments and expand access to E15.”- NAFB

States pushing for year-round E15

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged theft.

Just after 3p.m. July 28th a 67-year-old victim reported the theft of a 1999 Harley Davidson motorcycle from the 100 block South 3rd Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 At around 5:30p.m. that day a police officer spotted the stolen motorcycle in the area of 6th and Raven Hill Road. The motorcycle fled from the officer traveling northbound through the city. 

Due to heavy traffic and dangerous conditions the pursuit was terminated. 

The investigation identified 33-year-old Tyler Chalfant of Atchison as the person involved in the theft and the pursuit. 

He was located and taken into custody on Monday on a Municipal Court warrant and booked on Tuesday on the District Court charges. The motorcycle was recovered in Savannah Missouri on July 31, according to Wilson.

Chalfant remains jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;warrants for theft, fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving and no driver’s license.

ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas man with a history of skipping court is back in jail.

On Monday, police arrested 33-year-old Tyler D. Chalfant of&nbsp; Lancaster on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.

In November of 2021, Chalfant was jailed on requested charges of computer crimes, criminal use of a financial card and theft, according to online jail records. He has been jailed on a variety of requested charges over the past two years including aggravated failure to appear.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691501804599.png" alt="Chalfant-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Chalfant-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged theft.Just after 3p.m. July 28th a 67-year-old victim reported the theft of a 1999 Harley Davidson motorcycle from the 100 block South 3rd Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. At around 5:30p.m. that day a police officer spotted the stolen motorcycle in the area of 6th and Raven Hill Road. The motorcycle fled from the officer traveling northbound through the city. Due to heavy traffic and dangerous conditions the pursuit was terminated. The investigation identified 33-year-old Tyler Chalfant of Atchison as the person involved in the theft and the pursuit. He was located and taken into custody on Monday on a Municipal Court warrant and booked on Tuesday on the District Court charges. The motorcycle was recovered in Savannah Missouri on July 31, according to Wilson.Chalfant remains jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;warrants for theft, fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving and no driver’s license.----------------ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas man with a history of skipping court is back in jail.On Monday, police arrested 33-year-old Tyler D. Chalfant of&nbsp; Lancaster on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.In November of 2021, Chalfant was jailed on requested charges of computer crimes, criminal use of a financial card and theft, according to online jail records. He has been jailed on a variety of requested charges over the past two years including aggravated failure to appear.

Kansas man accused of motorcycle theft

A man wanted on outstanding warrants died of an apparent self-inflicted
gunshot wound after police officers arrived at his Savannah apartment.

Savannah police identify the individual as a man in his late
50s from the Savannah area.

Police report officers from the Savannah Police Department arrived
at the apartment complex in the 600 block of Park Avenue Tuesday morning and made
contact with the man who had locked himself in the bathroom. Officers heard a
gunshot.

Officers left the apartment and called for help from the Missouri
State Highway Patrol as well as SWAT teams from the St. Joseph Police
Department and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department. The St. Joseph Police
Department deployed its robot to investigate the apartment, which discovered
the body.

The man was the lone occupant of the apartment.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA man wanted on outstanding warrants died of an apparent self-inflicted
gunshot wound after police officers arrived at his Savannah apartment.Savannah police identify the individual as a man in his late
50s from the Savannah area.Police report officers from the Savannah Police Department arrived
at the apartment complex in the 600 block of Park Avenue Tuesday morning and made
contact with the man who had locked himself in the bathroom. Officers heard a
gunshot.Officers left the apartment and called for help from the Missouri
State Highway Patrol as well as SWAT teams from the St. Joseph Police
Department and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department. The St. Joseph Police
Department deployed its robot to investigate the apartment, which discovered
the body.The man was the lone occupant of the apartment.Neighboring apartments had been evacuated earlier.

Man dies of apparent suicide after officers respond to Savannah apartment

GRUNDY COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Tuesday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Harley Davidson driven by Richard S. Tharp, 56, Spickard, was westbound on Route B four miles east of Spickard.

The motorcycle struck an animal in the road and the driver was ejected.&nbsp; MU air transported Tharp to MU Health in Columbia. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Tuesday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Harley Davidson driven by Richard S. Tharp, 56, Spickard, was westbound on Route B four miles east of Spickard.The motorcycle struck an animal in the road and the driver was ejected.&nbsp; MU air transported Tharp to MU Health in Columbia. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man airlifted to hospital after motorcycle strikes animal

St. Joseph voters gave overwhelming approval to extending the half-cent sales tax for capital improvements for another five years.

Buchanan County voters provided similar results to the marijuana sales tax on the ballot Tuesday.

The Capital Improvement Program half-cent sales tax received 3,588 votes to only 722 in opposition, a split of 82.29% to 17.71% according to unofficial results from the Buchanan County Clerk's office.

As for the county issue, 4,290 Buchanan County voters cast ballots in favor of assessing a 3% tax on the sale of recreational marijuana with only 906 voting against the issue; a 82.56% to 17.44% split.

Slightly more than 10% of the registered voters in Buchanan County went to the polls.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph voters gave overwhelming approval to extending the half-cent sales tax for capital improvements for another five years.Buchanan County voters provided similar results to the marijuana sales tax on the ballot Tuesday.The Capital Improvement Program half-cent sales tax received 3,588 votes to only 722 in opposition, a split of 82.29% to 17.71% according to unofficial results from the Buchanan County Clerk's office.As for the county issue, 4,290 Buchanan County voters cast ballots in favor of assessing a 3% tax on the sale of recreational marijuana with only 906 voting against the issue; a 82.56% to 17.44% split.Slightly more than 10% of the registered voters in Buchanan County went to the polls.

St. Joseph & Buchanan County score big Election Day wins

It's still summer, but the Missouri Department of Transportation is beginning to prepare for snow. &nbsp;

Northwest MoDOT Engineer Greg Bolon says currently the northwest district has about 20 to 25 open positions available for maintenance workers.&nbsp;

Bolon says they hope to fill those positions to get workers ready and trained for snow removal but that's not all MoDOT maintenance workers do.&nbsp;

"You know we do asphalt patching, we do ditching, we do mowing, and it's a year-round job," Bolon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And you're basically outside most of the time, sometimes it's hot and sometimes it's cold, but if you like being outdoors we've got a place for you to work."&nbsp;

Bolon says the need to fill positions comes as the department experiences more turnover than usual.&nbsp;

"We've got some employees who are getting older, and we have people retiring all the time, we've got people who move on whether their wife has a different job, or their husband has a different job, so it's just one of those things that we battle just like everybody else," Bolon explains. "But I think during COVID everybody started competing for the same folks it seems like."&nbsp;

Bolon says MoDOT is looking for energetic people to fill the positions but also people with a good temperament&nbsp;

"Because a lot of times when you're out in the public we're doing our work, but it always seems to inconvenience somebody, so you have to kind of be a little thick skinned because you may get some gestures by different folks," Bolon says.&nbsp;

But, most of all Bolon says the perfect person for the job is a person who likes working outdoors&nbsp;

"You're going to do some manual labor, so you've got to be in pretty good physical shape to do that," Bolon points out.&nbsp;

A hiring fair will be held on Wednesday at the northwest district office in St. Joseph at 3602 North Belt Highway from 10am to 2pm. &nbsp;

A tentative third hiring fair is scheduled for Wednesday August 23rd in Chillicothe.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;It's still summer, but the Missouri Department of Transportation is beginning to prepare for snow. &nbsp;Northwest MoDOT Engineer Greg Bolon says currently the northwest district has about 20 to 25 open positions available for maintenance workers.&nbsp;Bolon says they hope to fill those positions to get workers ready and trained for snow removal but that's not all MoDOT maintenance workers do.&nbsp;"You know we do asphalt patching, we do ditching, we do mowing, and it's a year-round job," Bolon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And you're basically outside most of the time, sometimes it's hot and sometimes it's cold, but if you like being outdoors we've got a place for you to work."&nbsp;Bolon says the need to fill positions comes as the department experiences more turnover than usual.&nbsp;"We've got some employees who are getting older, and we have people retiring all the time, we've got people who move on whether their wife has a different job, or their husband has a different job, so it's just one of those things that we battle just like everybody else," Bolon explains. "But I think during COVID everybody started competing for the same folks it seems like."&nbsp;Bolon says MoDOT is looking for energetic people to fill the positions but also people with a good temperament&nbsp;"Because a lot of times when you're out in the public we're doing our work, but it always seems to inconvenience somebody, so you have to kind of be a little thick skinned because you may get some gestures by different folks," Bolon says.&nbsp;But, most of all Bolon says the perfect person for the job is a person who likes working outdoors&nbsp;"You're going to do some manual labor, so you've got to be in pretty good physical shape to do that," Bolon points out.&nbsp;A hiring fair will be held on Wednesday at the northwest district office in St. Joseph at 3602 North Belt Highway from 10am to 2pm. &nbsp;A tentative third hiring fair is scheduled for Wednesday August 23rd in Chillicothe.&nbsp;

Help Wanted: MoDOT seeks more than just a snowplow driver

The nation's average price of gasoline rose 7.8 cents last week to $3.79 per gallon, and diesel jumped 14.9 cents to $4.14 per gallon. 

The increases follow the rise in oil prices and pressure from hot weather that impacted refineries. 

However, the pace of increases has started to slow and appears to have peaked over the weekend and is beginning to gently fall, according to GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan. 

The fuel market expert says, “Diesel will likely continue to see upward momentum while gasoline price increases should become more limited.” The price of crude oil has rallied for six straight weeks. 

In recent days, fundamentals have remained solidly in control behind the upward move, as Saudi Arabia continues its severe one million barrel per day production cut, driving prices higher. In addition, government data last week showed the largest weekly decline in U.S. crude oil inventories on record.

The nation's average price of gasoline rose 7.8 cents last week to $3.79 per gallon, and diesel jumped 14.9 cents to $4.14 per gallon. The increases follow the rise in oil prices and pressure from hot weather that impacted refineries. However, the pace of increases has started to slow and appears to have peaked over the weekend and is beginning to gently fall, according to GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan. The fuel market expert says, “Diesel will likely continue to see upward momentum while gasoline price increases should become more limited.” The price of crude oil has rallied for six straight weeks. In recent days, fundamentals have remained solidly in control behind the upward move, as Saudi Arabia continues its severe one million barrel per day production cut, driving prices higher. In addition, government data last week showed the largest weekly decline in U.S. crude oil inventories on record.- NAFB

Gas and diesel prices move higher again

St. Joseph’s major tool to raise money for capital improvement
projects comes up for renewal again.

St. Joseph voters decide today whether to extend the half-cent
Capital Improvement Program sales tax for another five years.

City of St. Joseph spokeswoman Mary Robertson says the tax,
which voters first approved in 1989, is the major source of funding for capital
projects.

“So, it does gives us an infusion of about $7 million per year
that we can use for public infrastructure:&nbsp;
streets, public safety, recreational amenities, economic development;
those large, major capital improvement projects that otherwise really have no
funding source,” Robertson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

A special committee submitted a list of proposed projects to
be funded if St. Joseph voters renew the half-cent sales tax, including a new southside
fire station, renovations to the St. Joseph Fire Department headquarters,
upgrades to Patee Market, improvements to the Civic Arena, repair and renovation
of the Missouri Theater complex, Cook Road improvements, Eastowne Business Park
infrastructure, and more.

[Click <a href="https://www.stjosephmo.gov/560/CIP-Sales-Tax">HERE</a> for more information about the CIP]

Robertson says this tax has a track record of success, because
voters can see what the tax buys.

“Started in 1989 as a two-year, quarter-cent sales tax, (it)
went over very well,” Robertson says. “It was voted again in 1992 as a
five-year, half-cent sales tax. Obviously, with a five-year sunset, we’ve
renewed it successfully every time since 1992.”

Only two issues are on the ballot in St. Joseph today, only
one in Buchanan County. County voters will decide whether the county levies a
three-percent tax on the sale of recreational marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691435079490.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph’s major tool to raise money for capital improvement
projects comes up for renewal again.St. Joseph voters decide today whether to extend the half-cent
Capital Improvement Program sales tax for another five years.City of St. Joseph spokeswoman Mary Robertson says the tax,
which voters first approved in 1989, is the major source of funding for capital
projects.“So, it does gives us an infusion of about $7 million per year
that we can use for public infrastructure:&nbsp;
streets, public safety, recreational amenities, economic development;
those large, major capital improvement projects that otherwise really have no
funding source,” Robertson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.A special committee submitted a list of proposed projects to
be funded if St. Joseph voters renew the half-cent sales tax, including a new southside
fire station, renovations to the St. Joseph Fire Department headquarters,
upgrades to Patee Market, improvements to the Civic Arena, repair and renovation
of the Missouri Theater complex, Cook Road improvements, Eastowne Business Park
infrastructure, and more.[Click <a href="https://www.stjosephmo.gov/560/CIP-Sales-Tax">HERE</a> for more information about the CIP]Robertson says this tax has a track record of success, because
voters can see what the tax buys.“Started in 1989 as a two-year, quarter-cent sales tax, (it)
went over very well,” Robertson says. “It was voted again in 1992 as a
five-year, half-cent sales tax. Obviously, with a five-year sunset, we’ve
renewed it successfully every time since 1992.”Only two issues are on the ballot in St. Joseph today, only
one in Buchanan County. County voters will decide whether the county levies a
three-percent tax on the sale of recreational marijuana.

Extension of CIP tax on ballot in St. Joseph today

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists on Monday filed a court challenge against an initiative petition to legalize abortion.

In the lawsuit, Rep. Hannah Kelly, Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman and activist Kathy Forck argued that the cost estimate that will be provided to voters considering whether to adopt the constitutional amendment is too low.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs wrote in a court brief that the price tag should account for a potential loss of Medicaid funding, as well as the projected number of fewer people born because of abortions and subsequent lost tax revenue.

“These future losses to Missouri from loss of population due to abortion are both absolutely certain (fewer citizens definitely means fewer future taxpayers and laborers) and potentially generational and infinite," the lawsuit argues.

The Missouri Supreme Court last month sided with the abortion-rights campaign in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-attorney-general-voters-initiative-petition-56ef2731480c786c87d1a8e9be191e2b">lawsuit over a similar dispute</a>&nbsp;about the petition’s cost. ACLU of Missouri lawyers represented supporters of the initiative petition in the previous lawsuit.

“This is another attempt by power-obsessed politicians to prevent Missourians from voting on reproductive rights,” American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri spokesman Tom Bastian said in an email. “The bogus lawsuit parrots the already court-rejected claims of the Attorney General.”

The proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-voters-election-0d2fdde552c2478b283937a6fab78cfc">amendment would enshrine in the constitution</a>&nbsp;the individual right to make decisions about abortion, childbirth and birth control.

Abortion-rights supporters proposed the amendment after the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">banned nearly all abortions</a>&nbsp;when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision last summer. The state now allows exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for cases of rape or incest.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists on Monday filed a court challenge against an initiative petition to legalize abortion.In the lawsuit, Rep. Hannah Kelly, Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman and activist Kathy Forck argued that the cost estimate that will be provided to voters considering whether to adopt the constitutional amendment is too low.Attorneys for the plaintiffs wrote in a court brief that the price tag should account for a potential loss of Medicaid funding, as well as the projected number of fewer people born because of abortions and subsequent lost tax revenue.“These future losses to Missouri from loss of population due to abortion are both absolutely certain (fewer citizens definitely means fewer future taxpayers and laborers) and potentially generational and infinite," the lawsuit argues.The Missouri Supreme Court last month sided with the abortion-rights campaign in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-attorney-general-voters-initiative-petition-56ef2731480c786c87d1a8e9be191e2b">lawsuit over a similar dispute</a>&nbsp;about the petition’s cost. ACLU of Missouri lawyers represented supporters of the initiative petition in the previous lawsuit.“This is another attempt by power-obsessed politicians to prevent Missourians from voting on reproductive rights,” American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri spokesman Tom Bastian said in an email. “The bogus lawsuit parrots the already court-rejected claims of the Attorney General.”The proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-voters-election-0d2fdde552c2478b283937a6fab78cfc">amendment would enshrine in the constitution</a>&nbsp;the individual right to make decisions about abortion, childbirth and birth control.Abortion-rights supporters proposed the amendment after the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">banned nearly all abortions</a>&nbsp;when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision last summer. The state now allows exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for cases of rape or incest.

Cost of Missouri abortion-rights petition challenged in court again

BUCHANAN COUNTY— One person died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Monday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by Caitlin M. McComas, 21, Easton, was southbound on Mo 31 at U.S. 169 five miles south of Easton.

The car pulled into the path of a northbound 2009 Ford F150 driven by Mark E. Smith, 70, Trimble. The car struck the passenger side of the pickup. After impact the pickup began to skid, overturned and the driver was ejected.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Meierhoffer Funeral Home in St. Joseph. McComas was treated at the scene. Smith was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY— One person died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Monday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by Caitlin M. McComas, 21, Easton, was southbound on Mo 31 at U.S. 169 five miles south of Easton.The car pulled into the path of a northbound 2009 Ford F150 driven by Mark E. Smith, 70, Trimble. The car struck the passenger side of the pickup. After impact the pickup began to skid, overturned and the driver was ejected.Smith was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Meierhoffer Funeral Home in St. Joseph. McComas was treated at the scene. Smith was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man dies after ejected in 2-vehicle Buchanan Co. crash

Missouri Department of Transportation officials are urging awareness with an increased number of construction projects along the roads this summer.  

Northwest Missouri MoDOT Engineer Austin Hibler says the biggest thing you can do to be more aware in work zones is to buckle up, put your phone down, and pay attention. 

"We have crews out mowing and striping crews where they're out on the roadway moving at a relatively slow pace in relation to the rest of the traffic," Hibler tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, when you see lights, you see signs, any of the advance warning, pay attention, if you have the opportunity move over give those folks some space to work, and just slow down and pay attention as you go through those areas."  

Large and small work zones are all across the roadways in Missouri and mowers are also out this summer for MoDOT 

Hibler says while in large work zones drivers have a guide car leading them, in smaller work zoners it's important to pay attention 

"You may have a mower mowing off the shoulder, if they're not impacting the roadway there may not be a follow vehicle or any advanced warning, so just pay attention like I said," Hibler says. "If there's space to move over, if you're on a four-lane highway move on over and give those folks room, if you're on a two lane and you come up on an operation like that there will be a follow vehicle." 

Hibler says over the last several years MoDOT has seen an increased number of work zone accidents and fatalities in part due to distracted driving. 

"You know all the distractions that are out there and available to you as you're on the roadway," Hibler explains. "So, we have our Buckle Up, Phone Down campaign where we just urge folks to put the phone down and pay attention, and certainly as you come up on workers, and lights, and trucks out there that you pay special attention to our folks." 

Constructions crews are out all across Missouri with a record number of road and bridge projects happening and mowing crews are also out this summer to be aware of. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691425779349.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Missouri Department of Transportation officials are urging awareness with an increased number of construction projects along the roads this summer. Northwest Missouri MoDOT Engineer Austin Hibler says the biggest thing you can do to be more aware in work zones is to buckle up, put your phone down, and pay attention. "We have crews out mowing and striping crews where they're out on the roadway moving at a relatively slow pace in relation to the rest of the traffic," Hibler tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, when you see lights, you see signs, any of the advance warning, pay attention, if you have the opportunity move over give those folks some space to work, and just slow down and pay attention as you go through those areas." Large and small work zones are all across the roadways in Missouri and mowers are also out this summer for MoDOT Hibler says while in large work zones drivers have a guide car leading them, in smaller work zoners it's important to pay attention "You may have a mower mowing off the shoulder, if they're not impacting the roadway there may not be a follow vehicle or any advanced warning, so just pay attention like I said," Hibler says. "If there's space to move over, if you're on a four-lane highway move on over and give those folks room, if you're on a two lane and you come up on an operation like that there will be a follow vehicle." Hibler says over the last several years MoDOT has seen an increased number of work zone accidents and fatalities in part due to distracted driving. "You know all the distractions that are out there and available to you as you're on the roadway," Hibler explains. "So, we have our Buckle Up, Phone Down campaign where we just urge folks to put the phone down and pay attention, and certainly as you come up on workers, and lights, and trucks out there that you pay special attention to our folks." Constructions crews are out all across Missouri with a record number of road and bridge projects happening and mowing crews are also out this summer to be aware of. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691425809388.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Avoid distractions and be aware of work crews as you travel

One
person has been wounded in a domestic dispute in which a shot ricocheted off
the ground and struck the man.

The
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department reports deputies continue to investigate the
confrontation between a son and his father late Friday night in the 5400 block
of U.S. Highway 169. The department says the son shot toward his father with a
shotgun. The pellets hit the ground and ricocheted. The father was taken to
Mosaic Life Care for treatment.

No
names are being released at this time.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostOne
person has been wounded in a domestic dispute in which a shot ricocheted off
the ground and struck the man.The
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department reports deputies continue to investigate the
confrontation between a son and his father late Friday night in the 5400 block
of U.S. Highway 169. The department says the son shot toward his father with a
shotgun. The pellets hit the ground and ricocheted. The father was taken to
Mosaic Life Care for treatment.The
suspect remains at large.No
names are being released at this time.

One wounded in Buchanan County shooting

July runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 3.3 million acre-feet, 99 percent of the average. 

Runoff was near or above average in all reaches except the Fort Peck reach, which was 68 percent of the average. 

“Soil moisture conditions deteriorated in Montana, North Dakota, and northern South Dakota over the last month and improved across southern South Dakota and into the lower basin,” says John Remus, Army Corps of Engineers Chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. 

Precipitation was below normal over most of the upper Missouri River basin last month except for small areas in Wyoming and southern South Dakota. The lower basin saw a mix of above-and-below-normal precipitation. 

The annual runoff forecast above Sioux City is 28.5-million-acre feet, 111 percent of average. System storage on August 1 was 56.3-million-acre feet, 0.2-million-acre feet above the base of the Annual Flood Control and Multiple Use zone.

July runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 3.3 million acre-feet, 99 percent of the average. Runoff was near or above average in all reaches except the Fort Peck reach, which was 68 percent of the average. “Soil moisture conditions deteriorated in Montana, North Dakota, and northern South Dakota over the last month and improved across southern South Dakota and into the lower basin,” says John Remus, Army Corps of Engineers Chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. Precipitation was below normal over most of the upper Missouri River basin last month except for small areas in Wyoming and southern South Dakota. The lower basin saw a mix of above-and-below-normal precipitation. The annual runoff forecast above Sioux City is 28.5-million-acre feet, 111 percent of average. System storage on August 1 was 56.3-million-acre feet, 0.2-million-acre feet above the base of the Annual Flood Control and Multiple Use zone.- NAFB

Drought conditions persist in the Missouri River Basin

Legislation has been introduced in Congress that would overturn California’s Prop 12. 

Reuters says some of the country’s biggest pork producers who’ve already spent money to comply with the California requirements don’t favor throwing out Prop 12. 

The Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act would curb states’ ability to regulate agricultural products sold within their borders. 

The bill was introduced in the Senate by Roger Marshall (R-KS) and the House by Representatives by Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and supported by the National Pork Producers Council. Prop 12 bans sales within California of pork, veal, and eggs from animals whose housing conditions fail to meet certain standards. 

Clements Food Group, the fifth-largest pork processor in the country, says it won’t support the EATS Act. Some of the larger producers in the country like Tyson Foods and Smithfield have said publicly that they’ll be complying with the law when it takes effect on January 1.

Legislation has been introduced in Congress that would overturn California’s Prop 12. Reuters says some of the country’s biggest pork producers who’ve already spent money to comply with the California requirements don’t favor throwing out Prop 12. The Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act would curb states’ ability to regulate agricultural products sold within their borders. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Roger Marshall (R-KS) and the House by Representatives by Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and supported by the National Pork Producers Council. Prop 12 bans sales within California of pork, veal, and eggs from animals whose housing conditions fail to meet certain standards. Clements Food Group, the fifth-largest pork processor in the country, says it won’t support the EATS Act. Some of the larger producers in the country like Tyson Foods and Smithfield have said publicly that they’ll be complying with the law when it takes effect on January 1.- NAFB

Large pork producers don’t favor overturning Prop 12

Area residents got out during tax free weekend and contributed a massive amount of school supplies to the annual Stuff the Bus Campaign. 

Community members from St. Joseph and the surrounding area donated 14,784 school supply items to the drive held by the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.  In addition, community members donated nearly $2,000 to allow United Way to purchase supplies that were not donated.  

Community members have donated more than 277,000 school supply items since United Way STUFF THE BUS! began in 2009. 

The collected school supplies will be distributed through United Way Partner Agencies and Programs including, The Salvation Army. When students have the tools they need, they enter school better prepared to learn. 

“The caring power of community was strongly visible this weekend! Community members' generosity will reach hundreds of students in the area. The goals of United Way STUFF THE BUS! are to ease financial strain on parents, caregivers, teachers and schools by collecting supplies to distribute to students, provide an easy way for community members to support education and elevate it’s importance in our community, and provide a meaningful volunteer activity for all ages," United Way President, Kylee Strough said in a news release. 

"We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Mosaic Life Care for sponsoring the event, Walmart, First Student bus company, the volunteers, and the hundreds of shoppers &amp; donors who made the effort a success, as well as the many companies who hosted supply drives for their employees. Thank you to the community for coming together to help ensure children can start school with the tools and supplies needed to be successful in the classroom.” 

Families who may need assistance with school supplies collected from this year’s United Way STUFF THE BUS! School Supplies Drive are encouraged to call The Salvation Army at 816-232-5824 to learn more about their school supply distribution which will take place on August 10, 2023. 

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostArea residents got out during tax free weekend and contributed a massive amount of school supplies to the annual Stuff the Bus Campaign. Community members from St. Joseph and the surrounding area donated 14,784 school supply items to the drive held by the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. In addition, community members donated nearly $2,000 to allow United Way to purchase supplies that were not donated. Community members have donated more than 277,000 school supply items since United Way STUFF THE BUS! began in 2009. The collected school supplies will be distributed through United Way Partner Agencies and Programs including, The Salvation Army. When students have the tools they need, they enter school better prepared to learn. “The caring power of community was strongly visible this weekend! Community members' generosity will reach hundreds of students in the area. The goals of United Way STUFF THE BUS! are to ease financial strain on parents, caregivers, teachers and schools by collecting supplies to distribute to students, provide an easy way for community members to support education and elevate it’s importance in our community, and provide a meaningful volunteer activity for all ages," United Way President, Kylee Strough said in a news release. "We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Mosaic Life Care for sponsoring the event, Walmart, First Student bus company, the volunteers, and the hundreds of shoppers &amp; donors who made the effort a success, as well as the many companies who hosted supply drives for their employees. Thank you to the community for coming together to help ensure children can start school with the tools and supplies needed to be successful in the classroom.” Families who may need assistance with school supplies collected from this year’s United Way STUFF THE BUS! School Supplies Drive are encouraged to call The Salvation Army at 816-232-5824 to learn more about their school supply distribution which will take place on August 10, 2023.

Area residents show massive support to help Stuff the Bus!

A woman in her 40s died in a motorcycle crash with
a car last night.

St. Joseph police report a motorcycle and car
crashed Sunday evening at North 17th Street and Frederick Avenue. A
man on the motorcycle suffered injuries in the wreck. The man is hospitalized. The
woman on the motorcycle died of her injuries. 

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA woman in her 40s died in a motorcycle crash with
a car last night.St. Joseph police report a motorcycle and car
crashed Sunday evening at North 17th Street and Frederick Avenue. A
man on the motorcycle suffered injuries in the wreck. The man is hospitalized. The
woman on the motorcycle died of her injuries. The crash remains under
investigation.

Woman dies in motorcycle-car crash in St. Joseph

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by Seung I. Choi, 47, Woodridge, Illinois, was southbound on Interstate 29 four miles south of St. Joseph.

The semi traveled off the east side of the road, struck a cable barrier, crossed the median, traveled southbound in the northbound lane, traveled off the road, struck a guardrail and overturned.

Buchanan County EMS transported Choi to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Interstate 29 northbound lanes&nbsp; were closed at the 35 mile marker in Buchanan County due to the crash. The KHP rerouted traffic onto Route DD west to MO 371 north.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by Seung I. Choi, 47, Woodridge, Illinois, was southbound on Interstate 29 four miles south of St. Joseph.The semi traveled off the east side of the road, struck a cable barrier, crossed the median, traveled southbound in the northbound lane, traveled off the road, struck a guardrail and overturned.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Attention!! Interstate 29 northbound lanes are currently closed at the 35 mile marker in Buchanan County due to a traffic crash. Traffic is being rerouted on Route DD west to MO 371 north. <a href="https://t.co/XFpkZgdgl1">pic.twitter.com/XFpkZgdgl1</a>&mdash; MSHP Troop H (@MSHPTrooperH) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperH/status/1688345693272817664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Buchanan County EMS transported Choi to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.Interstate 29 northbound lanes&nbsp; were closed at the 35 mile marker in Buchanan County due to the crash. The KHP rerouted traffic onto Route DD west to MO 371 north.

Driver injured after semi crash that shut down portions of I-29

CLINTON COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Sunday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Dodge truck driven by Susie M. Bremer, 25, Cameron, was northbound on 336th at U.S. 69 three miles south of Cameron.

The driver was distracted after waiting for another vehicle to turn. The pickup rear-ended a 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Davin R. Lucassen, 31, Cameron.

DeKalb EMS transported Bremer to Cameron Regional. Cameron ambulance transported a 7-year-old boy in the Dodge, an 11-year-old girl in the Ford to Children's Mercy and Lucassen to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Sunday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Dodge truck driven by Susie M. Bremer, 25, Cameron, was northbound on 336th at U.S. 69 three miles south of Cameron.The driver was distracted after waiting for another vehicle to turn. The pickup rear-ended a 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Davin R. Lucassen, 31, Cameron.DeKalb EMS transported Bremer to Cameron Regional. Cameron ambulance transported a 7-year-old boy in the Dodge, an 11-year-old girl in the Ford to Children's Mercy and Lucassen to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 children, 2 adults hospitalized after rear-end crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy 1500 driven by&nbsp; Kenneth R. Kincaid, 46, Trenton, was westbound on MO 6 at County Road 180th two miles east of Altamont.

The pickup traveled into the eastbound lane, continued off the south side of the road and struck a trees.

Daviess County EMS transported Kincaid to Mosaic Life Care, a 17-year-old passenger and a second passenger Teresa J. Kincaid, 57, both of Trenton to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The teen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy 1500 driven by&nbsp; Kenneth R. Kincaid, 46, Trenton, was westbound on MO 6 at County Road 180th two miles east of Altamont.The pickup traveled into the eastbound lane, continued off the south side of the road and struck a trees.Daviess County EMS transported Kincaid to Mosaic Life Care, a 17-year-old passenger and a second passenger Teresa J. Kincaid, 57, both of Trenton to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The teen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 adults, teen injured after pickup strikes trees

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Trax driven by Rhoda M. Embrey, 88, Union Star, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Route V two miles west of Helena.

The Chevy attempted to pass a northbound 2018 Hyundai Elantra driven by Kaysie R. Richter, 30, Helena.&nbsp; The Hyundai was slowing to turn left onto Main Street.

The Chevy struck the left side of the Hyundai and both vehicle traveled off the road.

EMS transported Embery to Mosaic. Richter was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Trax driven by Rhoda M. Embrey, 88, Union Star, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Route V two miles west of Helena.The Chevy attempted to pass a northbound 2018 Hyundai Elantra driven by Kaysie R. Richter, 30, Helena.&nbsp; The Hyundai was slowing to turn left onto Main Street.The Chevy struck the left side of the Hyundai and both vehicle traveled off the road.EMS transported Embery to Mosaic. Richter was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman injured after 2-vehicle Andrew Co. crash

Over one million Missourians on Medicaid will have their eligibility checked between now and next May. Many have never undergone the process before

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

Missouri has begun checking the eligibility of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/29/missouri-to-begin-medicaid-renewals-vowing-as-seamless-a-process-as-possible/">everyone on its Medicaid rolls</a>&nbsp;— a review process that was paused for three years because of pandemic-era federal protections.&nbsp;

Many advocates hope continuing to get the word out about how to navigate what is, for many, an unfamiliar process, will help those who are eligible retain coverage.

About one-quarter of the state’s population was enrolled in Medicaid as of June, the government health insurance program for low-income residents, called MO HealthNet in Missouri.&nbsp;

In June, the state had&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/mis/clcounter/">1.5 million</a>&nbsp;Medicaid enrollees on its books, up from around 900,000 in March 2020&nbsp;— in part because Missouri&nbsp;implemented voter-approved Medicaid expansion for low-income adults in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/08/10/judge-orders-state-to-immediately-allow-missourians-to-enroll-in-expanded-medicaid/">late 2021</a>&nbsp;and in part because of the federal rules providing continuous coverage.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691326880077.png" alt="Medicaid participants can update their contact info online, in-person or by phone. (Screenshot via Missouri Department of Social Services)" />
 <figcaption>Medicaid participants can update their contact info online, in-person or by phone. (Screenshot via Missouri Department of Social Services)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Over one million Missourians on Medicaid will have their eligibility checked between now and next May. Many have never undergone the process before</h2>By CLARA BATES <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri has begun checking the eligibility of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/29/missouri-to-begin-medicaid-renewals-vowing-as-seamless-a-process-as-possible/">everyone on its Medicaid rolls</a>&nbsp;— a review process that was paused for three years because of pandemic-era federal protections.&nbsp;Many advocates hope continuing to get the word out about how to navigate what is, for many, an unfamiliar process, will help those who are eligible retain coverage.About one-quarter of the state’s population was enrolled in Medicaid as of June, the government health insurance program for low-income residents, called MO HealthNet in Missouri.&nbsp;In June, the state had&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/mis/clcounter/">1.5 million</a>&nbsp;Medicaid enrollees on its books, up from around 900,000 in March 2020&nbsp;— in part because Missouri&nbsp;implemented voter-approved Medicaid expansion for low-income adults in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/08/10/judge-orders-state-to-immediately-allow-missourians-to-enroll-in-expanded-medicaid/">late 2021</a>&nbsp;and in part because of the federal rules providing continuous coverage.&nbsp;Hundreds of thousands are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/kids-make-up-half-of-missourians-who-lost-medicaid-in-first-month-of-reviews/">projected</a>&nbsp;to lose coverage in the state. Nationally, more than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker/#:~:text=At%20least%201%2C652%2C000%20Medicaid%20enrollees,as%20of%20July%2005%2C%202023&amp;text=Across%20all%20states%20with%20available,coverage%20terminated%20for%20procedural%20reasons.">3.7 million</a>&nbsp;enrollees already have been stripped from the rolls.“A lot of people got Medicaid during the public health emergency during COVID that had never had it before, so they’ve never had to go through the annual renewal process,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Brandi Linder, community health coordinator at Missouri Ozarks Community Health, a federally-qualified health center that assists with Medicaid renewals.Linder said the focus has been ensuring that those who are new to the renewal process understand the stakes: “That if they don’t do it, they could possibly lose their coverage.”Here are some of the things advocates and state officials want participants to know.<h2>1. Renewal month is typically the anniversary month of first enrollment.</h2>Missouri’s process of evaluating the eligibility of each person on its caseload will unfold over one year — the state began in June and will end with those due in May 2024.&nbsp;Participants can view their renewal date on the Department of Social Services’ new online&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://my.mo.gov/fsdbenefits">portal</a>, but need a smartphone and an active email address to sign up for the required multi-factor authentication.<h2>2. Participants should update their contact information with the state, especially mailing addresses.</h2>The social services department “strongly encourages” all participants to do the following to “ensure they maintain coverage for anyone in their family who is eligible,” said spokesperson Caitlin Whaley:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>keep their address up to date — notifying the state if they’ve moved in the last three years;</li><li>check mail regularly;</li><li>and/or verify renewal date in the Family Support Division Benefit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://my.mo.gov/fsdbenefits">Portal</a>.</li>
 </ul>Participants can update their contact info&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://formsportal.dss.mo.gov/content/forms/af/moa/my-dss/family-support-division/change-report.html">online</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/dss_map/">in-person</a>&nbsp;or by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mydss.mo.gov/renew">phone</a>.<h2>3. The participant will likely need to return paperwork to the state.</h2>In the first month of renewals, the agency renewed around&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/kids-make-up-half-of-missourians-who-lost-medicaid-in-first-month-of-reviews/">one-third</a>&nbsp;of those evaluated without needing to contact the participant for information, using existing data. Even those renewed in this streamlined way should get a letter from the state informing them they were renewed: Everyone in their renewal month should expect a letter.The majority in the first group of renewals, though, needed to respond to paperwork.&nbsp;If the state doesn’t have sufficient data to renew a participant’s coverage, the participant will need to provide additional information.That paperwork will be sent to the participant by mail and will be a yellow form.The participant should receive the form&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mydss.mo.gov/media/pdf/state-plan-resuming-medicaid-renewals">55 days</a>&nbsp;before their annual renewal is due.The state sends forms already partially completed with information it has about the participant.&nbsp;The participant should, in addition to filling out any blanks in the form, be sure to do the following, said Geoffrey Oliver, program director of Connecting Kids to Coverage at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, which provides free assistance to low-income children, pregnant women and families with children navigating Medicaid:<ul>
 <li>Review the pre-populated information the state filled out;</li><li>Cross out anything that is not accurate and correct it;</li><li>And be sure to sign the document before submitting it.</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691326839593.png" alt="The Department of Social Services is using yellow forms for annual eligibility review submissions. (Screenshot via Missouri Department of Social Services)" />
 <figcaption>The Department of Social Services is using yellow forms for annual eligibility review submissions. (Screenshot via Missouri Department of Social Services)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>4. Participants could benefit from submitting the paperwork, even if they believe they’re no longer eligible.</h2>Being removed from Medicaid due to being found ineligible — rather than simply not returning the form — could help a participant access other insurance, Oliver said.That’s because the state is supposed to help facilitate a participant’s transition into subsidized coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace, if they find them ineligible for Medicaid.“Even if you’re not eligible, it’s to your benefit to get that eligibility denial versus a procedural denial,” Oliver said, “because it’ll get you more assistance with regards to enrolling in a marketplace plan, if that’s the best option for you.”Additionally, he said, even if a parent is no longer eligible, children are often still eligible due to higher Medicaid income limits for kids.&nbsp;Adults could fall into one of the groups qualifying for Medicaid at a higher income level, too, such as Medicaid for pregnant women or postpartum coverage. Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/07/governor-signs-bill-extending-postpartum-coverage-under-missouri-medicaid/">recently extended</a>&nbsp;the duration of postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year.Participants can submit the renewal information by mail to the address shown on the letter, in person to a local&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/dss_map/">Resource Center</a>, online through the portal or by phone.&nbsp;<h2>5. If there are paperwork issues, eligible participants could lose coverage.</h2>The state can end coverage for two reasons.&nbsp;If the participant is found to be ineligible — because their income exceeds the allowed maximum, for instance, they will be deemed ineligible and lose coverage.A participant can also lose coverage for what are called “procedural” reasons, meaning the state couldn’t determine the participant’s eligibility, generally due to paperwork issues.&nbsp;For instance, a participant could be procedurally disenrolled if they did not return the required paperwork, or did not receive the paperwork — perhaps because of a change in address or lack of a stable address.&nbsp;Oliver said his office has met with two families unsure whether they received the initial notice by mail and were then disenrolled — “The first they heard about it was the denial” letter, he said.For another family, the notice was sent to the wrong address because the head of household changed.Legal Services of Eastern Missouri helped the families submit the paperwork to get coverage reinstated, Oliver said.In June, the first month of reviews,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/kids-make-up-half-of-missourians-who-lost-medicaid-in-first-month-of-reviews/">more than 32,000 Missourians – half of them children</a>&nbsp;– lost Medicaid coverage.&nbsp;As is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://t-and-unwinding-tracker/">the case nationally</a>, Missouri has, so far, had a high rate of terminations due to paperwork issues — 72% of terminations in June were due to procedural reasons. That means around 23,000 Missourians disenrolled were not directly found ineligible but their eligibility couldn’t be determined. (According to the health policy nonprofit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker/">KFF</a>, that places Missouri around average nationally.)<h2>6. But participants can regain coverage if they act within 90 days of termination.</h2>If a participant loses Medicaid but believes they are still eligible, they should act quickly, Oliver said.Enrollees have 90 days after the termination to submit required paperwork for reconsideration&nbsp; — rather than filling out an entirely new application for Medicaid. If they’re found eligible, they can get coverage reinstated.It’s “very important to turn that paperwork in as soon as possible,” Oliver said. “It’s not too late.”Medicaid will retroactively cover care during that lapse, Whaley said.Submitting the information within those 90 days allows participants to stay on the same health plan — retaining the same doctors, for instance. After the 90 days have passed, the participant needs to start from scratch and reapply for Medicaid.<h2>7. The participant should be covered until they receive official notice of continued coverage or disenrollment.</h2>If a participant has submitted paperwork by the deadline but not yet heard back from the state with a decision, they may wonder whether they still have coverage.In the first month of renewals, around 34,000 determinations remained pending, or 29% of those who were due for renewal. Whaley&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/kids-make-up-half-of-missourians-who-lost-medicaid-in-first-month-of-reviews/">said</a>&nbsp;at least some of those pending were renewal forms submitted near the deadline which the agency was still processing.Even if the deadline has passed and a participant hasn’t heard back with a determination, they should still have coverage.“Coverage will remain in effect” until the determination is made, Whaley said.They can also check their eligibility on the portal, she said.<h2>8. Those who lose coverage may be eligible for plans through the Affordable Care Act.</h2>States are supposed to help those who lose Medicaid due to ineligibility transition to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthcare.gov/">Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace</a>, by transferring their information over.There is a special enrollment period for those who lose Medicaid which lasts from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-to-marketplace/#:~:text=Between%20March%2031%2C%202023%20and,after%20you%20complete%20your%20enrollment.">March 31, 2023 to July 31, 2024.&nbsp;</a>If you’re a Missourian interested in speaking to a reporter about your experience with the Medicaid renewal process, please contact&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:cbates@missouriindependent.com">cbates@missouriindependent.com</a>.

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