Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation begin work repairing the I-229 bridge in downtown St. Joseph today.&nbsp;

Extreme heat caused the asphalt to buckle, forcing MoDOT to close the northbound lane due to unsafe driving conditions. &nbsp;

Assistant District Engineer Troy Slagle says the bridge is constructed with a wearing surface that the heat caused to become unstable.&nbsp;

"And with that sun hitting it, there was nothing to hold it down, and basically when it was expanding from that heat it ended up buckling it and breaking it, actually broke it down one of the joints down the middle of the bridge," Slagle tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;

Repairs on the bridge will begin today. MoDOT will close the southbound lane between the Felix and Charles Street ramps and the U.S. Route 59 (St. Joseph Avenue) ramp to southbound I-229 along with the northbound lane.&nbsp;

Slagle says the damage is across about a 100-foot stretch of road, but once crews are out there's a chance more damage could be found.&nbsp;

"When we start removing it, we'll know more, it might expand, sometimes you're doing the best you can looking at it from above and sounding it and trying to figure out what parts sound and what part isn't," Slagle explains. "But when you actually start sawing and removing, you'll figure it out pretty quick."&nbsp;

Slagle says currently there is not a timeline for how long the repairs will take. &nbsp;

"We'll have to figure out when we get that wearing surface removed and look and see what we've got, what we're dealing with down below, and like I said the length of the damage," Slagle says. "But naturally we're going to have to remove that, get it sand blasted, cleaned, put a bonding agent in there, and then go back with new concrete."&nbsp;

Slagle says once the concrete is settled it will still take some time for it to cure so the repairs will not be quick. All road repairs will be done weather permitting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690905069865.jpeg" alt="The Missouri Department of Transportation closed the northbound lane of the I-229 double decker bridge after extreme heat caused the asphalt on the road to buckle.&nbsp; Repairs on the bridge begin today/ Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>The Missouri Department of Transportation closed the northbound lane of the I-229 double decker bridge after extreme heat caused the asphalt on the road to buckle.&nbsp; Repairs on the bridge begin today/ Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation begin work repairing the I-229 bridge in downtown St. Joseph today.&nbsp;Extreme heat caused the asphalt to buckle, forcing MoDOT to close the northbound lane due to unsafe driving conditions. &nbsp;Assistant District Engineer Troy Slagle says the bridge is constructed with a wearing surface that the heat caused to become unstable.&nbsp;"And with that sun hitting it, there was nothing to hold it down, and basically when it was expanding from that heat it ended up buckling it and breaking it, actually broke it down one of the joints down the middle of the bridge," Slagle tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;Repairs on the bridge will begin today. MoDOT will close the southbound lane between the Felix and Charles Street ramps and the U.S. Route 59 (St. Joseph Avenue) ramp to southbound I-229 along with the northbound lane.&nbsp;Slagle says the damage is across about a 100-foot stretch of road, but once crews are out there's a chance more damage could be found.&nbsp;"When we start removing it, we'll know more, it might expand, sometimes you're doing the best you can looking at it from above and sounding it and trying to figure out what parts sound and what part isn't," Slagle explains. "But when you actually start sawing and removing, you'll figure it out pretty quick."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690905635800.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Slagle says currently there is not a timeline for how long the repairs will take. &nbsp;"We'll have to figure out when we get that wearing surface removed and look and see what we've got, what we're dealing with down below, and like I said the length of the damage," Slagle says. "But naturally we're going to have to remove that, get it sand blasted, cleaned, put a bonding agent in there, and then go back with new concrete."&nbsp;Slagle says once the concrete is settled it will still take some time for it to cure so the repairs will not be quick. All road repairs will be done weather permitting.&nbsp;

Repairs underway on I-229 bridge after extreme heat caused unsafe road conditions

The 2023 Precision Agriculture Dealership Survey shows continued growth in technology to streamline and increase the efficiency of operations, such as in sprayer boom section/nozzle control, turn compensation, fleet management and telemetry. 

These are possible reactions to input costs and skilled worker shortages, according to Purdue University and CropLife America, organizers of the survey. 

The enthusiasm continues for applying crop inputs with drones. 

More dealers will offer drone imagery, but fewer dealers are offering satellite or aerial imagery, and dealers say imagery use is declining on farms. 

On-farm data continues to be used the most for fertilizer-related decisions and for hybrid/variety selection, but in the last few years, dealers have not increased their use of on-farm data for decision-making. 

The survey shows 89 percent of dealers use auto guidance on their application equipment/GPS-guided boom section/nozzle controllers on sprayers, which reduce doubling-up and skips, are used at 82 percent of dealerships, and sprayer turn compensation continues to grow, now at 41 percent.

The 2023 Precision Agriculture Dealership Survey shows continued growth in technology to streamline and increase the efficiency of operations, such as in sprayer boom section/nozzle control, turn compensation, fleet management and telemetry. These are possible reactions to input costs and skilled worker shortages, according to Purdue University and CropLife America, organizers of the survey. The enthusiasm continues for applying crop inputs with drones. More dealers will offer drone imagery, but fewer dealers are offering satellite or aerial imagery, and dealers say imagery use is declining on farms. On-farm data continues to be used the most for fertilizer-related decisions and for hybrid/variety selection, but in the last few years, dealers have not increased their use of on-farm data for decision-making. The survey shows 89 percent of dealers use auto guidance on their application equipment/GPS-guided boom section/nozzle controllers on sprayers, which reduce doubling-up and skips, are used at 82 percent of dealerships, and sprayer turn compensation continues to grow, now at 41 percent.- NAFB

Precision technology growth continues

Senators recently introduced the Farmer to Farmer Education Act. 

Senators Ben Ray Luján, a New Mexico Democrat, and Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, introduced the bill last week. 

The legislation would leverage existing technical assistance resources by supporting farmer-led education networks and build capacity for new ones—particularly for communities historically marginalized from existing systems—as a key strategy to increase adoption of conservation practices. 

As farmers and ranchers are met daily with unique challenges, including unexpected weather, droughts, and floods, they often turn to colleagues to find the right answer. 

The lawmakers say the bill fills a critical gap in federal programs to support and provide guidance to those networks. 

Specifically, the bill would authorize the National Resources Conservation Service to enter into cooperative agreements with community-based organizations in each state that can identify and build on established and burgeoning peer-to-peer networks, and/or create new ones.

Senators recently introduced the Farmer to Farmer Education Act. Senators Ben Ray Luján, a New Mexico Democrat, and Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, introduced the bill last week. The legislation would leverage existing technical assistance resources by supporting farmer-led education networks and build capacity for new ones—particularly for communities historically marginalized from existing systems—as a key strategy to increase adoption of conservation practices. As farmers and ranchers are met daily with unique challenges, including unexpected weather, droughts, and floods, they often turn to colleagues to find the right answer. The lawmakers say the bill fills a critical gap in federal programs to support and provide guidance to those networks. Specifically, the bill would authorize the National Resources Conservation Service to enter into cooperative agreements with community-based organizations in each state that can identify and build on established and burgeoning peer-to-peer networks, and/or create new ones.- NAFB

Farmer to Farmer Education Act introduced in senate

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson says he’s pleased overall with the
legislative session this year, though he acknowledges lawmakers failed to get some
measures across the finish line.

Parson says he wants the state to focus on the workforce of
tomorrow, which led to a $6 million appropriation for Hillyard Technical Center
operated by the St. Joseph School District and $2.5 million to complete the
financing of the Convergent Alliance Technology Center on the Missouri Western
campus.

“A high school kid needs to understand, maybe you’re going to
go to college, maybe you’re not,” Parson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during a
stop in St. Joseph. “Maybe you’re not suited to go there and we need to put
them in other avenues to say, okay, maybe you need to go to a tech school,
maybe you need to go community college, maybe you need to go to some sort of
training. Then maybe college is not going to be the route and we need to be
honest with them and try to get people in the right direction they need to go.”

The technology center will be jointly operated by Missouri
Western State University and North Central Missouri College of Trenton.

Parson says a quality workforce is key to maintaining a strong
state economy.

A quality workforce is one of the keys to the economy,
according to Parson, who adds a lack of quality child care is holing Missouri
back. Parson says state government can play a role in enticing residents to
re-enter the workforce by helping workers secure child care.

“Probably the number one thing that we lose quality work on is
child care, because you’ve got parents out there trying to make the decision do
I stay at home with the child or do I go to work?” Parson says. “And they
should never be in that position.”

Parson sees two big problems with child care:&nbsp; availability and affordability.

Parson is disappointed the legislature failed to pass a child
care tax credit bill pushed by St. Joseph state Representative Brenda Shields,
designed not just to help workers afford child care, but to encourage growth in
the child care industry.

Parson does say he’s pleased the legislature appropriated $150
million toward expanding child care options.

“So, we made one of the largest investments this year in child
care and we’re going to continue to do that. Because, again, we know that keeps
people out of the workforce and that’s the last thing we want to do,” Parson
says. “So, you’re going to see more investments in that. I think we made about
$150 million this year towards that and next year I’m sure we’re going to be trying
to do more on the day care side.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690898317319.jpeg" alt="Gov Mike Parson speaks during a recent meeting at MWSU/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Gov Mike Parson speaks during a recent meeting at MWSU/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Gov. Mike Parson says he’s pleased overall with the
legislative session this year, though he acknowledges lawmakers failed to get some
measures across the finish line.Parson says he wants the state to focus on the workforce of
tomorrow, which led to a $6 million appropriation for Hillyard Technical Center
operated by the St. Joseph School District and $2.5 million to complete the
financing of the Convergent Alliance Technology Center on the Missouri Western
campus.“A high school kid needs to understand, maybe you’re going to
go to college, maybe you’re not,” Parson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during a
stop in St. Joseph. “Maybe you’re not suited to go there and we need to put
them in other avenues to say, okay, maybe you need to go to a tech school,
maybe you need to go community college, maybe you need to go to some sort of
training. Then maybe college is not going to be the route and we need to be
honest with them and try to get people in the right direction they need to go.”The technology center will be jointly operated by Missouri
Western State University and North Central Missouri College of Trenton.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690898411423.jpeg" alt="Gov. Parson talks with a constituent after speaking at MWSU/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Parson talks with a constituent after speaking at MWSU/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Parson says a quality workforce is key to maintaining a strong
state economy.A quality workforce is one of the keys to the economy,
according to Parson, who adds a lack of quality child care is holing Missouri
back. Parson says state government can play a role in enticing residents to
re-enter the workforce by helping workers secure child care.“Probably the number one thing that we lose quality work on is
child care, because you’ve got parents out there trying to make the decision do
I stay at home with the child or do I go to work?” Parson says. “And they
should never be in that position.”Parson sees two big problems with child care:&nbsp; availability and affordability.Parson is disappointed the legislature failed to pass a child
care tax credit bill pushed by St. Joseph state Representative Brenda Shields,
designed not just to help workers afford child care, but to encourage growth in
the child care industry.Parson does say he’s pleased the legislature appropriated $150
million toward expanding child care options.“So, we made one of the largest investments this year in child
care and we’re going to continue to do that. Because, again, we know that keeps
people out of the workforce and that’s the last thing we want to do,” Parson
says. “So, you’re going to see more investments in that. I think we made about
$150 million this year towards that and next year I’m sure we’re going to be trying
to do more on the day care side.”You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent, @680KFEQ, AND @StJosephPost.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Governor-Mike-Parson-on-Missouri-Legislative-Session-e27kc0e" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Gov. Parson says 2 obstacles stand in the way of economic growth

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Harley Davidson Tri-Glide driven by Melissa M. Mcconnaughey, 52, Troy, Kansas, was southbound on Interstate 35 one mile north of Bethany.

The motorcycle lost the rear drivers side wheel. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, crossed the median and northbound lanes, struck a ditch and the driver was ejected.

NTA ambulance transported McConnaughey to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Harley Davidson Tri-Glide driven by Melissa M. Mcconnaughey, 52, Troy, Kansas, was southbound on Interstate 35 one mile north of Bethany.The motorcycle lost the rear drivers side wheel. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, crossed the median and northbound lanes, struck a ditch and the driver was ejected.NTA ambulance transported McConnaughey to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Kansas woman injured after motorcycle lost rear wheel

Nixon, a Democrat, will be ‘ballot integrity director’ for No Labels group seeking 2024 ballot access

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

A national campaign to field a third-party presidential candidate in 2024 enlisted former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon as director of its effort to make the ballot in all 50 states next year.

Nixon, a Democrat who was governor from 2009 to 2017 following 16 years as state attorney general, has generally stayed out of politics since leaving office. He was pushed in 2021 to make a third run for a seat in the U.S. Senate but decided to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/29/jay-nixon-will-not-run-for-missouris-open-u-s-senate-seat-in-2022/">sit out the race</a>&nbsp;to replace retiring Sen. Roy Blunt.

The No Labels organization was founded in 2009 by former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, a one-time Democrat from Connecticut who ended his political career as an independent. The group has advocated for bipartisan solutions and prior to the current effort has not tried to nominate candidates for any office.

National co-chairs include former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory, and Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, a trade association for Black-owned community newspapers.

Nixon will direct the organization’s Ballot Integrity Project. No Labels has gathered over 700,000 signatures and qualified for the ballot in five states, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nolabels.org/former-missouri-governor-and-attorney-general-jay-nixon-joins-no-labels-to-protect-the-constitutional-right-of-americans-to-choose-their-leaders">news release</a>&nbsp;announcing Nixon’s new role states.&nbsp;

No Labels needs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=115.315&amp;bid=6085&amp;hl=">10,000 signatures</a>&nbsp;from registered voters, submitted no later than July 29, 2024, to make the 2024 ballot in Missouri.

“Americans have the constitutional right to put any person or party on the ballot and to vote for whomever they want,” Nixon said in a news release. “Anyone who is against that isn’t standing up for democracy. They are standing in the way.”

Nixon did not respond to messages seeking comment.

After leaving office, Nixon became a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dowdbennett.com/attorneys/jeremiah-w-jay-nixon/">partner in the Dowd Bennet law firm</a>.

No Labels created the position for Nixon because of increasing efforts to block the new party from accessing state ballots, the news release said.

In Arizona,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/30/politics/arizona-democrats-sue-no-labels/index.html">Democrats are suing</a>&nbsp;to keep No Labels off that state’s ballot and in Maine, the secretary of state accused No Labels of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/no-labels-third-party-maine-misleading-voters-rcna87720">misleading voters</a>&nbsp;with their signature push.

Starting a new party, or chasing the presidency via third party effort, has been almost universally unsuccessful in American politics.

“No Labels is a movement dedicated to democracy, and democracy can’t stop because the powers that be think it’s ‘dangerous’ to have competition,” Chavis said in the news release announcing Nixon’s role..

The Republican Party was considered a third party when Abraham Lincoln won the 1860 election and that victory is viewed as the only time a third party has put its candidate in the White House. The second-best showing by a third party presidential candidate came in 1912, when Theodore Roosevelt, running on the Progressive Party ticket, ran second to Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson with incumbent Republican President William Howard Taft running third.

No third-party candidate has won any electoral votes since 1968, when segregationist Alabama Gov. George Wallace carried several southern states running on the American Independent Party label.

The best recent popular vote showing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_party_and_independent_candidates_for_the_2016_United_States_presidential_election">by a third party</a>&nbsp;was the 3.28% received by Libertarian Party nominee William Weld, a former Republican governor of Massachusetts, in the 2016 election. The most recent third party presidential candidate to exceed 10% of the vote was Ross Perot, who polled 19% in the 1992 election.

Leaders of the No Labels organization have said their polling shows there is a path to electoral college victory in 2024. The party will do polling in early 2024 to determine if that path still exists prior to gathering in Dallas.

“No Labels will gauge the mood of the American public and their openness to an independent Unity ticket and will offer our ballot line to a ticket if and only if such a ticket has a viable path to victory in the 2024 presidential election,” the news release announcing Nixon’s appointment stated.

No Labels believes it can attract moderate voters put off by the extremes dominating the two major parties. A recent town hall meeting in New Hampshire was headlined by Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and former Republican Gov. John Huntsman of Utah, raising speculation that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/17/politics/joe-manchin-no-labels-new-hampshire/index.html">they could be the No Labels ticket</a>&nbsp;for 2024.

That path likely closes if the Republican Party does not nominate former President Donald Trump, a No Labels leader said recently.

“From the polling and modeling that we see today, if it’s any Republican other than Trump, those voters probably” back the GOP nominee, Ryan Clancy, chief strategist for No Labels, said during a recent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/13/no-labels-presidential-bid-trump-out-00101168">Zoom interview with Politico</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690849520921.png" alt="Nixon-photo courtesy National Governor's Association" />
 <figcaption>Nixon-photo courtesy National Governor's Association</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Nixon, a Democrat, will be ‘ballot integrity director’ for No Labels group seeking 2024 ballot access</h2>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A national campaign to field a third-party presidential candidate in 2024 enlisted former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon as director of its effort to make the ballot in all 50 states next year.Nixon, a Democrat who was governor from 2009 to 2017 following 16 years as state attorney general, has generally stayed out of politics since leaving office. He was pushed in 2021 to make a third run for a seat in the U.S. Senate but decided to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/29/jay-nixon-will-not-run-for-missouris-open-u-s-senate-seat-in-2022/">sit out the race</a>&nbsp;to replace retiring Sen. Roy Blunt.The No Labels organization was founded in 2009 by former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, a one-time Democrat from Connecticut who ended his political career as an independent. The group has advocated for bipartisan solutions and prior to the current effort has not tried to nominate candidates for any office.National co-chairs include former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory, and Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, a trade association for Black-owned community newspapers.Nixon will direct the organization’s Ballot Integrity Project. No Labels has gathered over 700,000 signatures and qualified for the ballot in five states, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nolabels.org/former-missouri-governor-and-attorney-general-jay-nixon-joins-no-labels-to-protect-the-constitutional-right-of-americans-to-choose-their-leaders">news release</a>&nbsp;announcing Nixon’s new role states.&nbsp;No Labels needs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=115.315&amp;bid=6085&amp;hl=">10,000 signatures</a>&nbsp;from registered voters, submitted no later than July 29, 2024, to make the 2024 ballot in Missouri.“Americans have the constitutional right to put any person or party on the ballot and to vote for whomever they want,” Nixon said in a news release. “Anyone who is against that isn’t standing up for democracy. They are standing in the way.”Nixon did not respond to messages seeking comment.After leaving office, Nixon became a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dowdbennett.com/attorneys/jeremiah-w-jay-nixon/">partner in the Dowd Bennet law firm</a>.No Labels created the position for Nixon because of increasing efforts to block the new party from accessing state ballots, the news release said.In Arizona,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/30/politics/arizona-democrats-sue-no-labels/index.html">Democrats are suing</a>&nbsp;to keep No Labels off that state’s ballot and in Maine, the secretary of state accused No Labels of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/no-labels-third-party-maine-misleading-voters-rcna87720">misleading voters</a>&nbsp;with their signature push.Starting a new party, or chasing the presidency via third party effort, has been almost universally unsuccessful in American politics.“No Labels is a movement dedicated to democracy, and democracy can’t stop because the powers that be think it’s ‘dangerous’ to have competition,” Chavis said in the news release announcing Nixon’s role..The Republican Party was considered a third party when Abraham Lincoln won the 1860 election and that victory is viewed as the only time a third party has put its candidate in the White House. The second-best showing by a third party presidential candidate came in 1912, when Theodore Roosevelt, running on the Progressive Party ticket, ran second to Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson with incumbent Republican President William Howard Taft running third.No third-party candidate has won any electoral votes since 1968, when segregationist Alabama Gov. George Wallace carried several southern states running on the American Independent Party label.The best recent popular vote showing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_party_and_independent_candidates_for_the_2016_United_States_presidential_election">by a third party</a>&nbsp;was the 3.28% received by Libertarian Party nominee William Weld, a former Republican governor of Massachusetts, in the 2016 election. The most recent third party presidential candidate to exceed 10% of the vote was Ross Perot, who polled 19% in the 1992 election.Leaders of the No Labels organization have said their polling shows there is a path to electoral college victory in 2024. The party will do polling in early 2024 to determine if that path still exists prior to gathering in Dallas.“No Labels will gauge the mood of the American public and their openness to an independent Unity ticket and will offer our ballot line to a ticket if and only if such a ticket has a viable path to victory in the 2024 presidential election,” the news release announcing Nixon’s appointment stated.No Labels believes it can attract moderate voters put off by the extremes dominating the two major parties. A recent town hall meeting in New Hampshire was headlined by Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and former Republican Gov. John Huntsman of Utah, raising speculation that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/17/politics/joe-manchin-no-labels-new-hampshire/index.html">they could be the No Labels ticket</a>&nbsp;for 2024.That path likely closes if the Republican Party does not nominate former President Donald Trump, a No Labels leader said recently.“From the polling and modeling that we see today, if it’s any Republican other than Trump, those voters probably” back the GOP nominee, Ryan Clancy, chief strategist for No Labels, said during a recent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/13/no-labels-presidential-bid-trump-out-00101168">Zoom interview with Politico</a>.

Former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon enlists in effort to build new political force

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 GMC Sierra driven by Ronald G. Dane, 75, Yukon, Oklahoma, was westbound on U.S. 36 seven miles east of Stewartsville.

The driver fell asleep.&nbsp; The pickup traveled off the south side of the road, through the median, struck the embankment several time and then crossed the median crossover.

DeKalb-Clinton County EMS transported Dane to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 GMC Sierra driven by Ronald G. Dane, 75, Yukon, Oklahoma, was westbound on U.S. 36 seven miles east of Stewartsville.The driver fell asleep.&nbsp; The pickup traveled off the south side of the road, through the median, struck the embankment several time and then crossed the median crossover.DeKalb-Clinton County EMS transported Dane to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Pickup crashed after driver fell asleep in DeKalb County 

A long running shoe distribution program held by AFL-CIO Community Services in St. Joseph is behind in donations from years past. 

The Soles 4 Christ shoe distribution event isn't until August 8th, but Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says even a week before the event donations are lagging. 

"Usually by this time we have about 750 to 800 pairs of shoes donated and right now we're sitting right around 450 pairs of shoes, so we are really behind on donations so far this year," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Not quite sure why, you never know, you just never know how things are going to roll out or why they are the way they are so questioning those things is usually a fool's errand." 

Seckinger says while they need shoes of all sizes, there are some sizes that go quicker than others during the distribution.  

"Sizes from kids' size 10 through adult size eight in both boys and girls' shoes, we go through those quicker than quick, some of our bigger sizes it takes a little bit longer for us to go through those," Seckinger says. "I can't really give you any one or two sizes we run out faster than the other, and it changes every year." 

Tennis shoes can be donated for the distribution up until Friday August 4th, but if needed Community Services will take them up until the day of the event.  

The shoe distribution even will be held August 8th and 9th from 9am to 7pm at the Scottish Rite Temple in St. Joseph. 

Seckinger says many volunteers have already signed up to help with the event, but there's still more needed to do various jobs 

"We do still have slots available for people to volunteer, and there's a lot of things volunteers can do," Seckinger explains. "They can help with crowd control, they can help register families, they can actually help the kids try on shoes and the fitting of the shoes,"  

There are also volunteer opportunities in the storage room at the event, running and getting different pairs of shoes for kids to try on. 

Seckinger says the event for volunteers spans four days with a set up day the day before the event and a tear down day the day after.   

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A long running shoe distribution program held by AFL-CIO Community Services in St. Joseph is behind in donations from years past. The Soles 4 Christ shoe distribution event isn't until August 8th, but Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says even a week before the event donations are lagging. "Usually by this time we have about 750 to 800 pairs of shoes donated and right now we're sitting right around 450 pairs of shoes, so we are really behind on donations so far this year," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Not quite sure why, you never know, you just never know how things are going to roll out or why they are the way they are so questioning those things is usually a fool's errand." Seckinger says while they need shoes of all sizes, there are some sizes that go quicker than others during the distribution. "Sizes from kids' size 10 through adult size eight in both boys and girls' shoes, we go through those quicker than quick, some of our bigger sizes it takes a little bit longer for us to go through those," Seckinger says. "I can't really give you any one or two sizes we run out faster than the other, and it changes every year." Tennis shoes can be donated for the distribution up until Friday August 4th, but if needed Community Services will take them up until the day of the event. The shoe distribution even will be held August 8th and 9th from 9am to 7pm at the Scottish Rite Temple in St. Joseph. Seckinger says many volunteers have already signed up to help with the event, but there's still more needed to do various jobs "We do still have slots available for people to volunteer, and there's a lot of things volunteers can do," Seckinger explains. "They can help with crowd control, they can help register families, they can actually help the kids try on shoes and the fitting of the shoes," There are also volunteer opportunities in the storage room at the event, running and getting different pairs of shoes for kids to try on. Seckinger says the event for volunteers spans four days with a set up day the day before the event and a tear down day the day after. <div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Soles-4-Christ-providing-shoes-to-children-e27j4u5" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Donations lagging for annual shoe distribution 

Gov. Mike Parson says he vetoed the money to study whether U.S.
Highway 36 should become I-72, because the proper groundwork hasn’t been laid
yet.

Parson used his line-item veto pen to scratch out a $2.5 million
appropriation to study the feasibility of turning Highway 36 into an
interstate.

“Before you do the study, we got to make sure we’re even prepared
to do that,” Parson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview. “Do we have the
land to do it? Is the environmental (study) , where’s it at? You’ve got to look
at overpasses and getting on people’s property. So, there’s a lot of things
going into that. What you don’t want to do is spend $2.5 million on a study and
five years, seven years from now, it’s obsolete.”

Parson says lawmakers added between $600-to-700 million worth
of transportation projects at the end of the legislative session. Parson says
he had to consider whether projects would benefit the state as a whole.

Parson says it would do no good to study an idea without being
ready to move forward.

“So, there’s a lot of moving parts to that,” Parson says. “I
mean the idea, look, we’re not opposed to building more roads. I think I’ve
proven that. But, you know, you’ve got to think if you’re going to put an
interstate in, how is that going to take place? Do you have the land to do it
number one and do you have all the things in place to do that? Frankly, we didn’t
think it was ready for that at this point, not that I oppose the idea.”

Parson says lawmakers saw a large budget and began adding pet
projects to it.

“In my particular case, you have to weigh that out and say,
look, what are the priorities of the state and how do we afford to continue to do
what we’re doing in the future,” according to Parson.

Parson says he’s not opposed to the idea of creating I-72
across northern Missouri.

“It’s not a question we didn’t like the idea, it’s probably
the timing’s off and then it needs to go through a process to make sure (the
money) is available to do that.”

Parson vetoed approximately $550 million in spending while
signing the $50 billion state budget.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690821883971.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostGov. Mike Parson says he vetoed the money to study whether U.S.
Highway 36 should become I-72, because the proper groundwork hasn’t been laid
yet.Parson used his line-item veto pen to scratch out a $2.5 million
appropriation to study the feasibility of turning Highway 36 into an
interstate.“Before you do the study, we got to make sure we’re even prepared
to do that,” Parson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview. “Do we have the
land to do it? Is the environmental (study) , where’s it at? You’ve got to look
at overpasses and getting on people’s property. So, there’s a lot of things
going into that. What you don’t want to do is spend $2.5 million on a study and
five years, seven years from now, it’s obsolete.”Parson says lawmakers added between $600-to-700 million worth
of transportation projects at the end of the legislative session. Parson says
he had to consider whether projects would benefit the state as a whole.Parson says it would do no good to study an idea without being
ready to move forward.“So, there’s a lot of moving parts to that,” Parson says. “I
mean the idea, look, we’re not opposed to building more roads. I think I’ve
proven that. But, you know, you’ve got to think if you’re going to put an
interstate in, how is that going to take place? Do you have the land to do it
number one and do you have all the things in place to do that? Frankly, we didn’t
think it was ready for that at this point, not that I oppose the idea.”Parson says lawmakers saw a large budget and began adding pet
projects to it.“In my particular case, you have to weigh that out and say,
look, what are the priorities of the state and how do we afford to continue to do
what we’re doing in the future,” according to Parson.Parson says he’s not opposed to the idea of creating I-72
across northern Missouri.“It’s not a question we didn’t like the idea, it’s probably
the timing’s off and then it needs to go through a process to make sure (the
money) is available to do that.”Parson vetoed approximately $550 million in spending while
signing the $50 billion state budget.

Gov. Parson says groundwork needed before HW 36 becomes I-72

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– Reps. Jake LaTurner (R-KS) and Yadira Caraveo, M.D. (D-CO) introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDux8Q-D5Gd5wjqYJZiAqEtUjNQ7rR7XWe20_7I-eCVYL9VohtkhgJDmjU8TxNN-hhOSX7CkKNDVfGdW8C9TSoNxSqftcfEuv6dUjuQ_Dm8NlkJGhj9CadLSqpJ1-47loSIjIwVZnwnOb3F4KuaIYWUWkfJUr5CgIxmzv3ix6Y12JRG4lmBE_kRDnpKnnzo0aBxeyVBsXfpfkWm-N0ARx-0RyVSO36JIG_kOrHEDgkGN5lX4Crw68IIaQ==&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">a bipartisan bill</a>&nbsp;Thursday that will help&nbsp;family farmers and ranchers fight drought.

The&nbsp;Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act&nbsp;gives farmers and ranchers the flexibility they need to protect groundwater sources while also keeping their agricultural lands in production under a new voluntary groundwater easement program at the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) within the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDu2szG0UzImqjFvrM69sG4_Hkqwr3kU_jHVH0LGFOMMcJK4DXRClBK1iaeUFscStvYHuI10M8GRyWn9X2YBFrMZ0t3jbaiv5dgxlDbdk685ht5drpxVvKW0gYXUeufblsAs3U96Za5F8zNUaA_mctIGHWjSRzbKdYo1UPdIADE6LmQrP1Gi8GQSQ==&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">Agricultural Conservation Easements Program.</a>

"Declining groundwater supply is a growing concern for our rural communities. As farmers and ranchers across Kansas continue to face historic drought, it's more important than ever that we work to conserve our state's water supply for generations to come," said LaTurner.

"I'm proud to partner with Rep. Caraveo to introduce the Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act to provide agriculture producers with the resources they need to help reduce groundwater use, conserve our natural resources, and keep their land in production."

“We in the West understand just how precious a resource our water is. That’s especially true in many rural communities, which rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water, and as irrigation supply for farmers and ranchers,” said&nbsp; Caraveo.

America’s groundwater resources are a primary source of drinking water for rural communities and a vital irrigation water supply for many family farms and ranches across the country. However, these resources are in decline — a trend that could seriously affect communities, water users, ecosystem health and local economies.

The&nbsp;Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act&nbsp;would:&nbsp;

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.)&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDu0kKB4lTDaUo5BD8fuZ93PoVBqu0uVnjVmqBWYucyVRS9zh8cAbvROD5E_KHl6tAuYz0SHAv281zpFK6ndOwUC_itRIC5KsJYbDrh6jn5n3sWyFB7rhCxNTXpmJR6sART3oKEFZfsgN6fdL5UgvUaoKcxctG9TG4TIlLfq0AEkT8V68-BWEuOD8NyHHRhayH6&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act&nbsp;in the Senate&nbsp;earlier this month.

Full text of the bill is available&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDux8Q-D5Gd5wjqYJZiAqEtUjNQ7rR7XWe20_7I-eCVYL9VohtkhgJDmjU8TxNN-hhOSX7CkKNDVfGdW8C9TSoNxSqftcfEuv6dUjuQ_Dm8NlkJGhj9CadLSqpJ1-47loSIjIwVZnwnOb3F4KuaIYWUWkfJUr5CgIxmzv3ix6Y12JRG4lmBE_kRDnpKnnzo0aBxeyVBsXfpfkWm-N0ARx-0RyVSO36JIG_kOrHEDgkGN5lX4Crw68IIaQ==&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684858055085.jpeg" alt="U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-KS, 2nd District" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-KS, 2nd District</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Rep. LaTurnerWASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– Reps. Jake LaTurner (R-KS) and Yadira Caraveo, M.D. (D-CO) introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDux8Q-D5Gd5wjqYJZiAqEtUjNQ7rR7XWe20_7I-eCVYL9VohtkhgJDmjU8TxNN-hhOSX7CkKNDVfGdW8C9TSoNxSqftcfEuv6dUjuQ_Dm8NlkJGhj9CadLSqpJ1-47loSIjIwVZnwnOb3F4KuaIYWUWkfJUr5CgIxmzv3ix6Y12JRG4lmBE_kRDnpKnnzo0aBxeyVBsXfpfkWm-N0ARx-0RyVSO36JIG_kOrHEDgkGN5lX4Crw68IIaQ==&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">a bipartisan bill</a>&nbsp;Thursday that will help&nbsp;family farmers and ranchers fight drought. The&nbsp;Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act&nbsp;gives farmers and ranchers the flexibility they need to protect groundwater sources while also keeping their agricultural lands in production under a new voluntary groundwater easement program at the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) within the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDu2szG0UzImqjFvrM69sG4_Hkqwr3kU_jHVH0LGFOMMcJK4DXRClBK1iaeUFscStvYHuI10M8GRyWn9X2YBFrMZ0t3jbaiv5dgxlDbdk685ht5drpxVvKW0gYXUeufblsAs3U96Za5F8zNUaA_mctIGHWjSRzbKdYo1UPdIADE6LmQrP1Gi8GQSQ==&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">Agricultural Conservation Easements Program.</a> "Declining groundwater supply is a growing concern for our rural communities. As farmers and ranchers across Kansas continue to face historic drought, it's more important than ever that we work to conserve our state's water supply for generations to come," said LaTurner."I'm proud to partner with Rep. Caraveo to introduce the Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act to provide agriculture producers with the resources they need to help reduce groundwater use, conserve our natural resources, and keep their land in production."“We in the West understand just how precious a resource our water is. That’s especially true in many rural communities, which rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water, and as irrigation supply for farmers and ranchers,” said&nbsp; Caraveo.America’s groundwater resources are a primary source of drinking water for rural communities and a vital irrigation water supply for many family farms and ranches across the country. However, these resources are in decline — a trend that could seriously affect communities, water users, ecosystem health and local economies.The&nbsp;Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act&nbsp;would:&nbsp; <ol>
 <li>Create a new Groundwater Conservation Easement Program at USDA to encourage voluntary, compensated reductions in groundwater consumption on agricultural land and advance local, regional, or state groundwater management goals;</li><li>Allow NRCS to reimburse transaction costs up to 5 percent of the federal share and requires an advance payment for limited resource producers to cover these costs;</li><li>Guarantee long-term management flexibility for a producer to continue farming and choose how they reduce their water use, as long as they conserve the amount they’ve committed to reducing each year;</li><li>Ensure that farmers are fairly compensated using a payment based on the market value for the water right instead of a per acre payment; and</li><li>Clarify that easement funds shall not be counted towards a farm’s adjusted gross income and that producers with an adjusted gross income of more than $900,000 are eligible for a waiver from the Secretary to participate in groundwater conservation easements.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.)&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDu0kKB4lTDaUo5BD8fuZ93PoVBqu0uVnjVmqBWYucyVRS9zh8cAbvROD5E_KHl6tAuYz0SHAv281zpFK6ndOwUC_itRIC5KsJYbDrh6jn5n3sWyFB7rhCxNTXpmJR6sART3oKEFZfsgN6fdL5UgvUaoKcxctG9TG4TIlLfq0AEkT8V68-BWEuOD8NyHHRhayH6&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act&nbsp;in the Senate&nbsp;earlier this month. Full text of the bill is available&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDux8Q-D5Gd5wjqYJZiAqEtUjNQ7rR7XWe20_7I-eCVYL9VohtkhgJDmjU8TxNN-hhOSX7CkKNDVfGdW8C9TSoNxSqftcfEuv6dUjuQ_Dm8NlkJGhj9CadLSqpJ1-47loSIjIwVZnwnOb3F4KuaIYWUWkfJUr5CgIxmzv3ix6Y12JRG4lmBE_kRDnpKnnzo0aBxeyVBsXfpfkWm-N0ARx-0RyVSO36JIG_kOrHEDgkGN5lX4Crw68IIaQ==&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

Rep. LaTurner intros bill to help farmers, ranchers combat drought

CLAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 6a.m. Monday in Clay County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Dodge Charger driven by Trevor J. Chaffee, 22, Platte City, was northbound on Salem Road just north of NE 142 Terrace.

The driver lost control on the wet road. The car traveled off the right side of the road, struck a sign, a tree and a guardrail.

EMS transported Chaffee and a passenger Joshua D. Hyatt, 38, Rayville, to Liberty Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 6a.m. Monday in Clay County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Dodge Charger driven by Trevor J. Chaffee, 22, Platte City, was northbound on Salem Road just north of NE 142 Terrace.The driver lost control on the wet road. The car traveled off the right side of the road, struck a sign, a tree and a guardrail.EMS transported Chaffee and a passenger Joshua D. Hyatt, 38, Rayville, to Liberty Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 Missouri men injured after car strikes tree, guardrail

Tragedy struck Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph.

Mosaic Life Care reports a fan died during the Sunday morning practice
at Missouri Western State University.

Mosaic released a written statement, “We are devastated to
share that one of the Kansas City Chiefs beloved fans, Jessica Tangen of
Riverside, Mo., passed away Sunday morning during practice at Chiefs Training
Camp.”

Mosaic provided no details. No cause of death has been given.

Mosaic stated its caregivers and emergency department caregivers
responded. Mosaic thanked Buchanan County EMS and Missouri Western staff for
reacting swiftly to the situation.

“Jessica’s family shared that she was a lifelong Chiefs fan
and loved cheering for the team. Please join us in lifting up the grieving
family with your thoughts and prayers. No additional details will be released,”
Mosaic concluded in its statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690765196943.jpeg" alt="Pictured in photo (l-r): Jessica Tangen, daughter Kyla and mother, Lee/Photo provided by Mosaic Life Care" />
 <figcaption>Pictured in photo (l-r): Jessica Tangen, daughter Kyla and mother, Lee/Photo provided by Mosaic Life Care</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTragedy struck Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph.Mosaic Life Care reports a fan died during the Sunday morning practice
at Missouri Western State University.Mosaic released a written statement, “We are devastated to
share that one of the Kansas City Chiefs beloved fans, Jessica Tangen of
Riverside, Mo., passed away Sunday morning during practice at Chiefs Training
Camp.”Mosaic provided no details. No cause of death has been given.Mosaic stated its caregivers and emergency department caregivers
responded. Mosaic thanked Buchanan County EMS and Missouri Western staff for
reacting swiftly to the situation.“Jessica’s family shared that she was a lifelong Chiefs fan
and loved cheering for the team. Please join us in lifting up the grieving
family with your thoughts and prayers. No additional details will be released,”
Mosaic concluded in its statement.

Tragedy at Chiefs training camp:  Mosaic reports fan death

Lawsuit being watched by prosecutors across the state, originally set for trial starting Tuesday, now to be heard in October

The trial in a closely watched case that could settle whether video games offering cash prizes&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/14/few-charges-result-from-scores-of-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/">are legal in Missouri</a>&nbsp;has been postponed.

On Friday, Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green moved the trial, which had been scheduled to start Tuesday and last up to four days, to Oct. 3, after complaints from attorneys for Torch Electronics about late disclosure of thousands of documents from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Department of Public Safety.

“These belated disclosures are inexplicable and indefensible,” attorney Chuck Hatfield wrote in the motion asking for the delay.

Torch Electronics owns thousands of what it calls “no chance gaming” machines operating in convenience stores and other locations. It is not the only vendor offering those games in the state but it has the largest share of the market. Torch, along with Warrenton Oil, a convenience store operator hosting the games,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/10/missouri-company-accused-of-illegal-gambling-has-sued-the-state/">sued the patrol and the public safety department</a>&nbsp;in February 2021.

The games are visually similar to slot machines and players can win amounts up to several thousand dollars on some machines.

Torch and Warrenton alleged a pattern of harassment and intimidation to suppress their business. They argue the games are not illegal games of chance because of a pre-reveal function allowing a player the option of seeing the outcome of a wager before making it.&nbsp;

The state argues the games are little different from slot machines, which are illegal outside licensed casinos.

During 2019 and 2020, the patrol&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/14/few-charges-result-from-scores-of-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/">investigated almost 200 cases</a>&nbsp;that were forwarded to local prosecutors alleging violations of state gambling laws.

Only about two dozen cases were actually filed. With the Cole County lawsuit pending, many prosecutors took a wait-and-see approach. In Linn County, felony charges against Torch were dropped after the prosecuting attorney office changed hands.

“I do not believe the law is clear to obtain a conviction in front of a jury beyond a reasonable doubt,” Linn County Prosecuting Attorney Tracy Carlson told The Independent in March.

The motion for a continuance noted that the state disclosure on July 21 was 5,000 pages of documents, including a previously unseen report on how the games operate by Gaming Laboratories International.

The documents, Hatfield wrote, include information “directly relevant to plaintiffs’ claim that defendants engaged in a pattern of harassment which goes directly to plaintiffs’ standing.”

The motion also argues that four witnesses, previously deposed in preparation for the trial, were designated as expert witnesses by the state, a surprise to the plaintiffs.

In the response motion, attorney Scott Pool argued that the disclosure was part of a process that began when Hatfield first sought the documents in March, more than two years after the case was filed. The documents had to be found, processed and reviewed for redactions, he wrote.

“These complaints are not a legitimate basis to continue and avoid this trial,” Pool wrote.

Pool was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/25/missouri-ag-drops-out-of-gambling-case-after-taking-donations-from-companies-suing-state/">hired to represent the patrol and the department</a>&nbsp;in April when Attorney General Andrew Bailey withdrew. Bailey, appointed in January, has not stated a reason for his recusal from the case. It occurred after he accepted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/31/missouri-lobbyist-vs-federalist-society-ag-rivals-building-2024-campaign-war-chests/">large campaign contributions</a>&nbsp;from political action committees linked to Steve Tilley, lobbyist for the two companies that brought the lawsuit against the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690800227886.png" alt=" Two "no-chance" gambling machines await customers in a Columbia convenience store in September 2021. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> Two "no-chance" gambling machines await customers in a Columbia convenience store in September 2021. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lawsuit being watched by prosecutors across the state, originally set for trial starting Tuesday, now to be heard in October</h2>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The trial in a closely watched case that could settle whether video games offering cash prizes&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/14/few-charges-result-from-scores-of-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/">are legal in Missouri</a>&nbsp;has been postponed.On Friday, Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green moved the trial, which had been scheduled to start Tuesday and last up to four days, to Oct. 3, after complaints from attorneys for Torch Electronics about late disclosure of thousands of documents from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Department of Public Safety.“These belated disclosures are inexplicable and indefensible,” attorney Chuck Hatfield wrote in the motion asking for the delay.Torch Electronics owns thousands of what it calls “no chance gaming” machines operating in convenience stores and other locations. It is not the only vendor offering those games in the state but it has the largest share of the market. Torch, along with Warrenton Oil, a convenience store operator hosting the games,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/10/missouri-company-accused-of-illegal-gambling-has-sued-the-state/">sued the patrol and the public safety department</a>&nbsp;in February 2021.The games are visually similar to slot machines and players can win amounts up to several thousand dollars on some machines.Torch and Warrenton alleged a pattern of harassment and intimidation to suppress their business. They argue the games are not illegal games of chance because of a pre-reveal function allowing a player the option of seeing the outcome of a wager before making it.&nbsp;The state argues the games are little different from slot machines, which are illegal outside licensed casinos.During 2019 and 2020, the patrol&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/14/few-charges-result-from-scores-of-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/">investigated almost 200 cases</a>&nbsp;that were forwarded to local prosecutors alleging violations of state gambling laws.Only about two dozen cases were actually filed. With the Cole County lawsuit pending, many prosecutors took a wait-and-see approach. In Linn County, felony charges against Torch were dropped after the prosecuting attorney office changed hands.“I do not believe the law is clear to obtain a conviction in front of a jury beyond a reasonable doubt,” Linn County Prosecuting Attorney Tracy Carlson told The Independent in March.The motion for a continuance noted that the state disclosure on July 21 was 5,000 pages of documents, including a previously unseen report on how the games operate by Gaming Laboratories International.The documents, Hatfield wrote, include information “directly relevant to plaintiffs’ claim that defendants engaged in a pattern of harassment which goes directly to plaintiffs’ standing.”The motion also argues that four witnesses, previously deposed in preparation for the trial, were designated as expert witnesses by the state, a surprise to the plaintiffs.In the response motion, attorney Scott Pool argued that the disclosure was part of a process that began when Hatfield first sought the documents in March, more than two years after the case was filed. The documents had to be found, processed and reviewed for redactions, he wrote.“These complaints are not a legitimate basis to continue and avoid this trial,” Pool wrote.Pool was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/25/missouri-ag-drops-out-of-gambling-case-after-taking-donations-from-companies-suing-state/">hired to represent the patrol and the department</a>&nbsp;in April when Attorney General Andrew Bailey withdrew. Bailey, appointed in January, has not stated a reason for his recusal from the case. It occurred after he accepted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/31/missouri-lobbyist-vs-federalist-society-ag-rivals-building-2024-campaign-war-chests/">large campaign contributions</a>&nbsp;from political action committees linked to Steve Tilley, lobbyist for the two companies that brought the lawsuit against the state.

Trial postponed in Torch gambling case against Missouri highway patrol

GENTRY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Saturday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Kan Am defender driven by Larry L. Allenbrand, 78, Albany, was eastbound on Daniel Street in Albany.&nbsp; The ATV traveled off the south side of the road, continued through a residential yard, crossed 16th Street, struck a mailbox, went airborne and struck a home.

Grand River ambulance transported Allenbrand to Mosaic in Albany.

GENTRY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Saturday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Kan Am defender driven by Larry L. Allenbrand, 78, Albany, was eastbound on Daniel Street in Albany.&nbsp; The ATV traveled off the south side of the road, continued through a residential yard, crossed 16th Street, struck a mailbox, went airborne and struck a home.Grand River ambulance transported Allenbrand to Mosaic in Albany.

Missouri man hospitalized after violent ATV accident

A new rule that goes into effect Sunday will give state regulators the power to issue subpoenas directly to licensed marijuana businesses, and skip the step of going to a judge.

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

If state regulators decide they need to investigate a licensed marijuana facility, they typically ask for certain records.&nbsp;

But an easy place for businesses to “hide” records is with their security companies or other contractors, said Amy Moore, director of the state’s cannabis regulation under the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Those “third-party entities” are not companies the state directly regulates.

“You can imagine the security companies would have a lot of details relevant to our regulation,” Moore said during a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/08/marijuana-industry-state-regulators-at-odds-over-rules-targeting-packaging-aimed-at-kids/">legislative committee meeting in May</a>. “If we are not able to take records or…use a subpoena power to get those records…licensees would have a very easy place to just say, ‘No, we’re not going to give you those records.’”

A new rule that goes into effect Sunday will give the department the power to issue subpoenas directly to licensed marijuana businesses and third parties during an investigation to obtain records and information.&nbsp;

That means the department can now skip the step of going to a judge to request a subpoena.&nbsp;

The constitutional amendment that legalized medical marijuana in 2018 gave the department this power, Moore said, but the department hadn’t passed a rule to use the authority until now.&nbsp;

“We expect this rule will be rarely needed as DHSS can usually access records directly from a licensee,” said department spokeswoman Lisa Cox.&nbsp;

Most businesses licensed to grow or sell marijuana comply with the department’s requests for records, she said.

“Subpoena power will help in situations where third parties — over which DHSS has no direct authority — refuse to cooperate with licensees of DHSS,” Cox said.

When Missouri voters approved recreational marijuana in November, it meant the department had to issue a new set of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/rule-amendments.php">rules</a>&nbsp;to implement the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV%20%20%202&amp;constit=y">constitution amendment</a>. The subpoena rule is a small piece of the 127 pages of new cannabis guidelines, that include everything from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/22/missouri-to-be-testing-ground-on-plain-packaging-for-cannabis-products/">packaging</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/marijuana-businesses-could-lose-license-if-events-they-organize-go-awry/">event organizing</a>.

The department first introduced these rules in January, and they went through a public comment phase before making their way through their final hurdle — the legislative Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.

During a May 8 committee meeting, legislators questioned why cannabis regulators needed subpoena power and expressed concerns.

“Let’s say there’s a frivolous employee that is harassing private citizens with these types of subpoenas,” said Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from St. Charles and chairman of the joint committee.

He asked if there were “checks and balances” in place to prevent that.&nbsp;

“Because we’re dealing with not the licensees,” he said, “we’re dealing with third parties that could be anyone in this room.”

Moore responded that it would be the department issuing the subpoena, not “employees going rogue.”

“It would be the same if a court issued the subpoena,” she said. “They would still have to also hire an attorney to quash if they wanted to, to dispute in some way.”

Some other state agencies and oversight committees have the power to issue subpoenas when investigating complaints, but a few legislators pointed out that they were given that authority through a state law.&nbsp;

Much of the discussion at the May meeting focused on what part of the constitution gives the department subpoena power.&nbsp;

Moore pointed to a line in the constitution under&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV++++1&amp;bid=51540&amp;constit=y">medical marijuana</a>&nbsp;that allows the department to issue rules regarding, “requirements for inspections, investigations, searches, seizures, and such additional enforcement activities as may become necessary.”

State Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis, said that line doesn’t give the department “explicit authority” for subpoenas specifically, and Moore agreed.&nbsp;

“We think this is actually kind of a middle ground in enforcement actions,” Moore said. “Because the next step up would be suspending or revoking a license, so we’d rather not jump to that.”

The more intermediate step, she said, would be to gain access to the records and review them.&nbsp;

“And hopefully [we] just solve one problem,” Moore said, “and not try to solve a problem by taking away the entire license.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669409427772.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A new rule that goes into effect Sunday will give state regulators the power to issue subpoenas directly to licensed marijuana businesses, and skip the step of going to a judge.</h2>By REBECCA RIVAS&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>If state regulators decide they need to investigate a licensed marijuana facility, they typically ask for certain records.&nbsp;But an easy place for businesses to “hide” records is with their security companies or other contractors, said Amy Moore, director of the state’s cannabis regulation under the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.Those “third-party entities” are not companies the state directly regulates.“You can imagine the security companies would have a lot of details relevant to our regulation,” Moore said during a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/08/marijuana-industry-state-regulators-at-odds-over-rules-targeting-packaging-aimed-at-kids/">legislative committee meeting in May</a>. “If we are not able to take records or…use a subpoena power to get those records…licensees would have a very easy place to just say, ‘No, we’re not going to give you those records.’”A new rule that goes into effect Sunday will give the department the power to issue subpoenas directly to licensed marijuana businesses and third parties during an investigation to obtain records and information.&nbsp;That means the department can now skip the step of going to a judge to request a subpoena.&nbsp;The constitutional amendment that legalized medical marijuana in 2018 gave the department this power, Moore said, but the department hadn’t passed a rule to use the authority until now.&nbsp;“We expect this rule will be rarely needed as DHSS can usually access records directly from a licensee,” said department spokeswoman Lisa Cox.&nbsp;Most businesses licensed to grow or sell marijuana comply with the department’s requests for records, she said.“Subpoena power will help in situations where third parties — over which DHSS has no direct authority — refuse to cooperate with licensees of DHSS,” Cox said.When Missouri voters approved recreational marijuana in November, it meant the department had to issue a new set of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/rule-amendments.php">rules</a>&nbsp;to implement the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV%20%20%202&amp;constit=y">constitution amendment</a>. The subpoena rule is a small piece of the 127 pages of new cannabis guidelines, that include everything from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/22/missouri-to-be-testing-ground-on-plain-packaging-for-cannabis-products/">packaging</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/marijuana-businesses-could-lose-license-if-events-they-organize-go-awry/">event organizing</a>.The department first introduced these rules in January, and they went through a public comment phase before making their way through their final hurdle — the legislative Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.During a May 8 committee meeting, legislators questioned why cannabis regulators needed subpoena power and expressed concerns.“Let’s say there’s a frivolous employee that is harassing private citizens with these types of subpoenas,” said Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from St. Charles and chairman of the joint committee.He asked if there were “checks and balances” in place to prevent that.&nbsp;“Because we’re dealing with not the licensees,” he said, “we’re dealing with third parties that could be anyone in this room.”Moore responded that it would be the department issuing the subpoena, not “employees going rogue.”“It would be the same if a court issued the subpoena,” she said. “They would still have to also hire an attorney to quash if they wanted to, to dispute in some way.”Some other state agencies and oversight committees have the power to issue subpoenas when investigating complaints, but a few legislators pointed out that they were given that authority through a state law.&nbsp;Much of the discussion at the May meeting focused on what part of the constitution gives the department subpoena power.&nbsp;Moore pointed to a line in the constitution under&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV++++1&amp;bid=51540&amp;constit=y">medical marijuana</a>&nbsp;that allows the department to issue rules regarding, “requirements for inspections, investigations, searches, seizures, and such additional enforcement activities as may become necessary.”State Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis, said that line doesn’t give the department “explicit authority” for subpoenas specifically, and Moore agreed.&nbsp;“We think this is actually kind of a middle ground in enforcement actions,” Moore said. “Because the next step up would be suspending or revoking a license, so we’d rather not jump to that.”The more intermediate step, she said, would be to gain access to the records and review them.&nbsp;“And hopefully [we] just solve one problem,” Moore said, “and not try to solve a problem by taking away the entire license.”

Missouri regulators can now subpoena records from marijuana facilities

The Missouri Department of Transportation has closed a section of the I-229 double decker bridge after extreme heat forced the asphalt on the bridge to buckle causing unsafe driving conditions.

MoDOT has closed the bridge to assess the damage for repairs and says drivers will need to find an alternate route with the northbound lane from Edmond Street to Francis Street being closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Drivers heading northbound are advised to exit off onto Edmond Street.&nbsp; Once traffic is cleared MoDOT will keep the bridge closed for repairs.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Department of Transportation has closed a section of the I-229 double decker bridge after extreme heat forced the asphalt on the bridge to buckle causing unsafe driving conditions.MoDOT has closed the bridge to assess the damage for repairs and says drivers will need to find an alternate route with the northbound lane from Edmond Street to Francis Street being closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Drivers heading northbound are advised to exit off onto Edmond Street.&nbsp; Once traffic is cleared MoDOT will keep the bridge closed for repairs.

Asphalt buckling on I-229 due to extreme heat forces road closure

With highs in the triple digits those who work outdoors are more susceptible to heat related illnesses.   

During a record-breaking construction year, the Missouri Department of Transportation has this in mind as well. 

Engineer for the northwest district Austin Hibler says there are several protocols MoDOT follows to protect its workers.  

"We send out advanced warnings letting our staff know of the excessive heat protocols that need to be followed when working in the heat," Hibler tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post "Taking extra breaks, drinking plenty of water, and then also we make sure everybody is educated on things to be aware of when working in the heat in regards to heat related illnesses."  

Hibler says with the excessive heat there are times when workers could be pulled off the streets during the hottest parts of the day 

"When we get into weather like this our contractors are aware and we make adjustments such as performing concrete work at night and doing things of that nature," Hibler explains. "To try to not only protect our workers and the staff out there, but also to do our best to not compromise any of the materials being incorporated into our projects." 

Hibler says however this hot weather is also beneficial to the road construction with materials such as asphalt and bridge work. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post With highs in the triple digits those who work outdoors are more susceptible to heat related illnesses. During a record-breaking construction year, the Missouri Department of Transportation has this in mind as well. Engineer for the northwest district Austin Hibler says there are several protocols MoDOT follows to protect its workers. "We send out advanced warnings letting our staff know of the excessive heat protocols that need to be followed when working in the heat," Hibler tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post "Taking extra breaks, drinking plenty of water, and then also we make sure everybody is educated on things to be aware of when working in the heat in regards to heat related illnesses." Hibler says with the excessive heat there are times when workers could be pulled off the streets during the hottest parts of the day "When we get into weather like this our contractors are aware and we make adjustments such as performing concrete work at night and doing things of that nature," Hibler explains. "To try to not only protect our workers and the staff out there, but also to do our best to not compromise any of the materials being incorporated into our projects." Hibler says however this hot weather is also beneficial to the road construction with materials such as asphalt and bridge work.

It's hot, dangerously hot, be careful

The Lion's Club has been distributing glasses to those in need for several years.  Starting August 1st, a new group of people will qualify for glasses 

The St. Joseph Lions clubs, alongside AFL-CIO Community Services, have announced the program will begin providing glasses to children and those who qualify for Medicaid and Medicare. 

Community Services Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says several requests came in from people who qualified for Medicaid but needed glasses for work 

"The club recognized that because we were getting so many requests from folks that needed the help but had no means of being able to get it," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so rather than maintain the current rules it was decided that it was much better to expand the program and provide that assistance."  

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Lion's Club has been distributing glasses to those in need for several years. Starting August 1st, a new group of people will qualify for glasses The St. Joseph Lions clubs, alongside AFL-CIO Community Services, have announced the program will begin providing glasses to children and those who qualify for Medicaid and Medicare. Community Services Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says several requests came in from people who qualified for Medicaid but needed glasses for work "The club recognized that because we were getting so many requests from folks that needed the help but had no means of being able to get it," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so rather than maintain the current rules it was decided that it was much better to expand the program and provide that assistance." Seckinger says the club also saw funds depleting in the carpenter’s program in the St. Joseph school district, which caused the expansion to youth as well. Seckinger says for as many calls the agency received for glasses from those who qualified, they were turning away almost double that did not. "We probably had to turn away and deny because they had existing medical coverage probably about 30 individuals last year for that," Seckinger says. "So, it would be half as many as the people that applied, we would see that double, so we would see a pretty good increase, and we've never offered the service to children before." Seckinger says expanding this service will help many people because of how difficult it’s become to get glasses. "The cost of getting glasses runs anywhere between $300 and $500 with the costs of the medical appointment and then the actual cost of the glasses themselves, and if you have any kind of special need as far as the glasses go like the need for a bifocal or if you have a stigmatism or something like that in your eye that requires the lens to be specially created, then that cost can increase," Seckinger explains. "So, it can be really expensive to get glasses." Seckinger says to start the process of getting glasses you should contact Community Services.

Local