BUCHANAN COUNTY –One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Ram driven by Alexander T. Baiza, 29, Olathe, Kansas, was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of downtown St. Joseph.

The pickup rear-ended a 2013 Dodge Durango driven by Colon I. Marldonado, 61, Leavenworth, Kansas, who had slowed in traffic.

Buchanan County EMS transported Marldondo to Mosaic Life Care. Baiza was not injured both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY –One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Ram driven by Alexander T. Baiza, 29, Olathe, Kansas, was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of downtown St. Joseph.The pickup rear-ended a 2013 Dodge Durango driven by Colon I. Marldonado, 61, Leavenworth, Kansas, who had slowed in traffic.Buchanan County EMS transported Marldondo to Mosaic Life Care. Baiza was not injured both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Kan. man hospitalized after Buchanan Co. rear-end crash

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating five suspects on drug allegations after a&nbsp;lengthy investigation.

Just before 10:30p.m. Thursday,&nbsp;the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated a search warrant at 404 S. 3rd Street in Hiawatha, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies seized Meth, Marijuana, needles, syringes, scales and pipes as evidence from the residence.

They arrested 42-year-old Douglas Milford of Hiawatha on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Jessica Dominguez, 38, Hiawatha was&nbsp; arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Anthony Tull, 46, Robinson was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction and a Hiawatha Failure to Appear Warrant.

Allicia Ramirez, 34, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Leonard Stanley Bindel, 63, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Obstruction. Meth, Marijuana, needles, syringes, scales, pipes, etc were seized as evidence from the residence.&nbsp; Many hours went in the preparation, execution and follow up of the search warrant as well as casework.&nbsp; I am very fortunate to have proactive officers who thoroughly investigate concerns from the public and follow up accordingly.&nbsp; We take illegal drug use anywhere&nbsp; in Brown County very seriously and will continue to hold&nbsp; those accountable&nbsp; who choose to lead this lifestyle. The case is still under investigation and other charges could be possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thank you to the Sac and Fox PD and Hiawatha PD for their assistance in this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956434544.png" alt="Photo Brown Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Brown Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating five suspects on drug allegations after a&nbsp;lengthy investigation.Just before 10:30p.m. Thursday,&nbsp;the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated a search warrant at 404 S. 3rd Street in Hiawatha, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Deputies seized Meth, Marijuana, needles, syringes, scales and pipes as evidence from the residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956490094.png" alt="Milford-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Milford-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>They arrested 42-year-old Douglas Milford of Hiawatha on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956547961.png" alt=" Dominguez-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption> Dominguez-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jessica Dominguez, 38, Hiawatha was&nbsp; arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956598497.png" alt="Tull-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Tull-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Anthony Tull, 46, Robinson was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction and a Hiawatha Failure to Appear Warrant. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956645066.png" alt="Ramirez-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Ramirez-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Allicia Ramirez, 34, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956698867.png" alt="Bindel" />
 <figcaption>Bindel</figcaption>
 </figure> Leonard Stanley Bindel, 63, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Obstruction. Meth, Marijuana, needles, syringes, scales, pipes, etc were seized as evidence from the residence.&nbsp; Many hours went in the preparation, execution and follow up of the search warrant as well as casework.&nbsp; I am very fortunate to have proactive officers who thoroughly investigate concerns from the public and follow up accordingly.&nbsp; We take illegal drug use anywhere&nbsp; in Brown County very seriously and will continue to hold&nbsp; those accountable&nbsp; who choose to lead this lifestyle. The case is still under investigation and other charges could be possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thank you to the Sac and Fox PD and Hiawatha PD for their assistance in this case.

Deputies found meth, marijuana sold from NE Kansas home

GRUNDY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Monte Carlo driven by Twila J. Whitney, 77, Trenton, was westbound on MO 6 one mile west of Trenton.

The car rear-ended a 2011 Ford F250 driven by James H. Havens, 66, Trenton, who was stopped at a traffic light.

Grundy County ambulance transported both drivers to Wright Memorial Hospital where Whitney was pronounced deceased. She was later transported to Slater Neal Funeral Home. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Monte Carlo driven by Twila J. Whitney, 77, Trenton, was westbound on MO 6 one mile west of Trenton.The car rear-ended a 2011 Ford F250 driven by James H. Havens, 66, Trenton, who was stopped at a traffic light.Grundy County ambulance transported both drivers to Wright Memorial Hospital where Whitney was pronounced deceased. She was later transported to Slater Neal Funeral Home. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman dies after rear-end crash

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Jameson, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding&nbsp;<a>the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program,&nbsp;</a>a program created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, according to the United State's Attorney.

Troy Jennings, 49, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to a federal information that charges him with one count of theft of government funds.

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)—a program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Farm Service Agency (FSA)—was created to provide financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities during the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the program, cattle producers could receive a per-head payment for cattle sold between January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In June 2020, Jennings provided false information on his CFAP application regarding the number of cattle he sold. When asked by the FSA to substantiate his numbers, Jennings submitted multiple fraudulent documents and activated a pre-paid phone in an attempt to impersonate another man.

As part of his plea agreement, Jennings will be required to pay restitution in the amount of $114,267, the full amount he received from the CFAP.&nbsp;

Under federal statutes, Jennings is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas P. Heberle. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Jameson, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding&nbsp;<a>the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program,&nbsp;</a>a program created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, according to the United State's Attorney.Troy Jennings, 49, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to a federal information that charges him with one count of theft of government funds.The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)—a program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Farm Service Agency (FSA)—was created to provide financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities during the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the program, cattle producers could receive a per-head payment for cattle sold between January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020.&nbsp; &nbsp;In June 2020, Jennings provided false information on his CFAP application regarding the number of cattle he sold. When asked by the FSA to substantiate his numbers, Jennings submitted multiple fraudulent documents and activated a pre-paid phone in an attempt to impersonate another man.As part of his plea agreement, Jennings will be required to pay restitution in the amount of $114,267, the full amount he received from the CFAP.&nbsp;Under federal statutes, Jennings is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas P. Heberle. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.

Daviess County man admits defrauding Covid ag program

The Kansas City Chiefs had their first full day of training camp Sunday, and it was the public’s first chance to watch camp as well.

Lines were long and the stands were well packed at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph on a clear and mild morning.

Temperatures were in the mid 70s at the start of camp, as the Chiefs spent about an hour-and-a-half in helmets, jerseys and shorts.

The biggest absence was that of defensive tackle Chris Jones, who did not report to camp as he waits on a contract extension.

Head coach Andy Reid says they’re in talks with Jones, but he wouldn't divulge the nature of those conversations.

 "As far as Chris goes, we'll see how things go here down the road," Reid said. "There had been communication. We'll see where it goes from here."

Jones is in the final year of a four-year contract. Jones and the Chiefs are reportedly "far apart" on an agreement, per a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Per NFL rules, Jones could be fined up to $50,000 for every day of camp that he misses.

Receiver Kadarius Toney was limited Sunday. He tweaked his knee during a punt return drill before Sunday’s practice really even got going.

Reid says the team "will see how it goes" in terms of recovery.

Rookie offensive lineman Wanya Morris (hamstring) was present, but did not work Sunday. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (knee) is on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

Several receivers had some big moments Sunday, particularly Richie James. James signed with the Chiefs back in April. He spent three years in San Francisco and spent 2022 with the New York Giants.

While he mostly worked in second team offense Sunday, James had some nice grabs and made some great juke moves out in space. Receiver Justyn Ross also had a big day, as he rotated in with the first-team offense.

Ross signed with the Chiefs last May as an undrafted free agent out of Clemson. He was placed on injured reserve last year after surgery needed to repair a foot injury. Ross also had congenital fusion in his spine during college, but he looked fully healthy on Sunday and was very active.

Another offensive player who shined was rookie running back Deneric Prince, who showed the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and hit the hole hard after the catch.

It's early, and there's solid competition at running back, but the rookie out of Tulsa had a great first day. All told, Reid was pleased with both sides of the football.

"Offense had good snaps, defense had good snaps," Reid said. "It went back and forth. Great energy. For this type of a camp without pads on, it's a great thing. It's also great to get the new guys, let them feel the energy here with our fans."

The Chiefs are back in St. Joseph for training camp for the 13th time this summer. Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, who also spoke with reporters Sunday, was quite complimentary of the job Missouri Western staff do to keep camp running smoothly.

 "The University and staff do a fantastic job of welcoming us up here and taking care of all of our needs," Hunt said.

Chiefs safety Justin Reid says the fans’ presence at camp makes a huge difference.

 "They bring energy to the guys and make this a lot of fun," Reid said. "Otherwise, Andy Reid's camps are no joke. (The fans) make it a lot more bearable to come out here."

This is the first time that the Chiefs have held camp in St. Joseph coming off of a Super Bowl victory. When the Chiefs won Super Bowl 54 in 2020, camp was confined to Kansas City.

Hunt says there’s certainly a palpable energy at camp coming off of that world championship.

 "I think we're expecting record (training camp) crowds this year," he said. "Certainly with good justification coming off of the Super Bowl win. So, it's great to be here and be able to share this with our amazing fan base."

The Chiefs are one of just a handful of NFL teams that still travel outside of their home city for training camp. Reid has always enjoyed the idea of going up to Missouri Western, which is less than an hour away, and having players get to know one another better. Basically, a near month-long retreat.

"You're up here and you room with somebody, you eat with them, you meet with them. This takes a lot of time when you're up at camp and you're always busy doing something and you're doing it with your teammates."

Chiefs president Mark Donovan was asked on Friday what the future of Arrowhead Stadium holds with the Kansas City Royals in active talks about building a new stadium away from the Truman Sports Complex.

Hunt reiterated Sunday that the three options are to renovate the current stadium, build a new one at the current site or build a new stadium at a new site.

Donovan said Friday that the preference is to renovate the current stadium, but both he and Hunt have said that all three options are still on the table, as they wait and see what the Royals end up doing.

Hunt said Sunday that renovating the current stadium could "extend its lifespan by about 25 years."

Training camp resumes on Monday at 9:15 a.m. The crowd will be limited to season ticket holders only.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659124756673.jpeg" alt="Chris Jones (left) seen here at training camp in 2022. He has not yet reported to camp this year as he awaits a contract extension with the Chiefs. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Chris Jones (left) seen here at training camp in 2022. He has not yet reported to camp this year as he awaits a contract extension with the Chiefs. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs had their first full day of training camp Sunday, and it was the public’s first chance to watch camp as well.Lines were long and the stands were well packed at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph on a clear and mild morning.Temperatures were in the mid 70s at the start of camp, as the Chiefs spent about an hour-and-a-half in helmets, jerseys and shorts.The biggest absence was that of defensive tackle Chris Jones, who did not report to camp as he waits on a contract extension.Head coach Andy Reid says they’re in talks with Jones, but he wouldn't divulge the nature of those conversations. "As far as Chris goes, we'll see how things go here down the road," Reid said. "There had been communication. We'll see where it goes from here."Jones is in the final year of a four-year contract. Jones and the Chiefs are reportedly "far apart" on an agreement, per a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Per NFL rules, Jones could be fined up to $50,000 for every day of camp that he misses.InjuriesReceiver Kadarius Toney was limited Sunday. He tweaked his knee during a punt return drill before Sunday’s practice really even got going.Reid says the team "will see how it goes" in terms of recovery.Rookie offensive lineman Wanya Morris (hamstring) was present, but did not work Sunday. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (knee) is on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.ObservationsSeveral receivers had some big moments Sunday, particularly Richie James. James signed with the Chiefs back in April. He spent three years in San Francisco and spent 2022 with the New York Giants.While he mostly worked in second team offense Sunday, James had some nice grabs and made some great juke moves out in space. Receiver Justyn Ross also had a big day, as he rotated in with the first-team offense.Ross signed with the Chiefs last May as an undrafted free agent out of Clemson. He was placed on injured reserve last year after surgery needed to repair a foot injury. Ross also had congenital fusion in his spine during college, but he looked fully healthy on Sunday and was very active.Another offensive player who shined was rookie running back Deneric Prince, who showed the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and hit the hole hard after the catch.It's early, and there's solid competition at running back, but the rookie out of Tulsa had a great first day. All told, Reid was pleased with both sides of the football."Offense had good snaps, defense had good snaps," Reid said. "It went back and forth. Great energy. For this type of a camp without pads on, it's a great thing. It's also great to get the new guys, let them feel the energy here with our fans."Home sweet St. JoeThe Chiefs are back in St. Joseph for training camp for the 13th time this summer. Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, who also spoke with reporters Sunday, was quite complimentary of the job Missouri Western staff do to keep camp running smoothly. "The University and staff do a fantastic job of welcoming us up here and taking care of all of our needs," Hunt said.Chiefs safety Justin Reid says the fans’ presence at camp makes a huge difference. "They bring energy to the guys and make this a lot of fun," Reid said. "Otherwise, Andy Reid's camps are no joke. (The fans) make it a lot more bearable to come out here."This is the first time that the Chiefs have held camp in St. Joseph coming off of a Super Bowl victory. When the Chiefs won Super Bowl 54 in 2020, camp was confined to Kansas City.Hunt says there’s certainly a palpable energy at camp coming off of that world championship. "I think we're expecting record (training camp) crowds this year," he said. "Certainly with good justification coming off of the Super Bowl win. So, it's great to be here and be able to share this with our amazing fan base."The Chiefs are one of just a handful of NFL teams that still travel outside of their home city for training camp. Reid has always enjoyed the idea of going up to Missouri Western, which is less than an hour away, and having players get to know one another better. Basically, a near month-long retreat."You're up here and you room with somebody, you eat with them, you meet with them. This takes a lot of time when you're up at camp and you're always busy doing something and you're doing it with your teammates." Arrowhead Stadium futureChiefs president Mark Donovan was asked on Friday what the future of Arrowhead Stadium holds with the Kansas City Royals in active talks about building a new stadium away from the Truman Sports Complex.Hunt reiterated Sunday that the three options are to renovate the current stadium, build a new one at the current site or build a new stadium at a new site.Donovan said Friday that the preference is to renovate the current stadium, but both he and Hunt have said that all three options are still on the table, as they wait and see what the Royals end up doing.Hunt said Sunday that renovating the current stadium could "extend its lifespan by about 25 years."Training camp resumes on Monday at 9:15 a.m. The crowd will be limited to season ticket holders only.Video report<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fvideos%2F802710451517541%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690137511106.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690137587325.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chris Jones not present as Chiefs complete first day of training camp Sunday

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Javen M. Paxton, 22, Savannah, was eastbound on Route Z five miles east of King City. The driver failed to observe a stop sign, applied the brakes, began to skid on the asphalt and the motorcycle crashed.

Grand River EMS transported Paxton to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY–One person was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Saturday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Javen M. Paxton, 22, Savannah, was eastbound on Route Z five miles east of King City. The driver failed to observe a stop sign, applied the brakes, began to skid on the asphalt and the motorcycle crashed.Grand River EMS transported Paxton to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Andrew Co. man injured in motorcycle accident

The state budget allocates small grants to support urban farming projects that address food insecurity. Still, critics argue the grant structure creates obstacles to accessing the funds

By&nbsp;MEG CUNNINGHAM <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

News that the Missouri legislature has authorized $500,000 for urban farming grants ought to be welcomed by small growers like Darian and Nicolette Davis, who run an orchard in Kansas City’s Swope Park to provide fresh fruit to their community.

The couple hatched the idea of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcufc.org/">Kansas City Urban Farm Co-op</a>&nbsp;during the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014 following the killing of a teenager, Michael Brown, by a police officer. They wanted to respond to that incident by doing something positive for their own community, which led to the launch of their farm in 2016.

Darian Davis sees a systemic injustice in the gap between communities where nutritious food is abundant and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2023/06/12/kansas-city-election-city-council-candidates-2023/">others where it is lacking</a>. He describes it as “food apartheid.”

“So we’re talking about kids with single-parent households, a lot of them didn’t have cars, and they’re living off of low-value, high-priced foodstuffs,” he said. “So to witness that, we really started thinking about how serious this problem is. We said, ‘Hey, instead of complaining about it, what can we do to make a difference?’”

The 2024 fiscal year will be the second consecutive year that the state set aside $500,000 to address food insecurity in Missouri’s urban areas. The program began in the 2020 fiscal year with a budget of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills191/hlrbillspdf/0006H.05T.pdf">$200,000.&nbsp;</a>Applications for the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/urban.php">program</a>&nbsp;open on Monday.

But for Davis and other small urban growers, even applying for a grant opportunity can be a challenge. Davis and his wife largely operate their orchard on their own, while taking care of a family and owning other businesses. Their financial margin is so precarious he isn’t sure he can take time away from his farming enterprise to attempt to fill out a grant application.

“Right now we’re having to make hard decisions, saying, ‘Man, should I go to work so I can get this guaranteed money?” Davis told The Beacon. “Or should I spend this six hours and not make money for something that I may or may not get? It’s a hard call to make when you’re super broke.”

Navigating funding support can be difficult for small farmers

Darian and Nicolette Davis have looked at state grants and other competitive resources in the past, but don’t have confidence in their grant-writing skills. And even finding someone to help them write grants is difficult with a small budget, Darian said.

“The key missing part that we need is the initial money to get the money,” he said. “That’s the missing piece, because I can reach out to grant writers that have a proven success record, but I’ll have them say, ‘Yes, it’s gonna cost this much.’ Well, I don’t have that much.”

Accessing grant money can be tricky for farmers, according to Ami Freeberg at Cultivate KC, one of Kansas City’s larger urban farming organizations. The reimbursement structure — plus the application and payout timelines — don’t exactly line up with peak growing season, which can make it complicated to apply for the grant and comply with the requirements.

“Pretty much all state and federal grants, and a lot of local government grants, are reimbursable,&nbsp; which means you have to spend the money before you get back,” Freeberg said.

That’s not a big deal for larger farming businesses like Cultivate Kansas City, Freeberg said. But it’s a challenge for smaller agricultural enterprises.

“If you’re a farmer that’s operating week-to-week, or your cash flow is better in the summer but the awards for these grants are made in the winter, you may have to be making that investment at a time of year that the funds aren’t there,” Freeberg said.

Some of the problem comes down to the timing of the fiscal year, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The fiscal year begins on July 1, in the peak of summer activity for the state’s farmers. Applications must be submitted quickly so they can be reviewed and awarded before mid-October. And projects must be completed by the end of May, according to the program’s website.

“It is just a really quick timeline, from October to December when you’re shutting down a farm for the season, to also be making those infrastructure investments,” Freeberg said. “And it’s also not enough time to go out and seek a loan, if you were to try to access the capital that way, knowing you are getting the reimbursement.”

Despite the hiccups, there are always more applicants for state funds than there is money available, officials said.

Lawmakers and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are aware of the challenges faced by&nbsp; urban farmers, especially those who operate on a small scale, said state Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat who represents Kansas City.

Washington worked with agriculture officials to increase the state’s share of grants to growers. Previously the state chipped in 50% for the projects it approved. Now it will cover 75%, and the urban agricultural businesses will be responsible for 25%.

“I know that there have been some concessions for the urban farming grant program that are a little more lenient than the traditional Department of Agriculture grant funding,” Washington said.

Besides the $500,000 allocated for small grants to combat food insecurity, Washington also secured funding to award larger grants of $250,000 each to two urban farming projects in Kansas City. One is for urban farming educational programs, and the other is for youth entrepreneurship and urban agriculture.

Possible recipients include BoysGrow and Green Acres Urban Farm and Research Project, Washington said.

State support can help improve operations, free up cash for other projects

Farmers who receive grants said the state money can make a big difference.

“You really just have to plan for it,” said Anthony Nealy, the founder of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.globaloneurbanfarming.org/">Global One Urban Farming&nbsp;</a>in east Kansas City. “You have to make sure your deadlines and stuff fit for the reimbursement, and make sure you have the capital to even accept the grant, because you pay for everything upfront.”

Support from the state last year allowed Nealy to clear 10,000 square feet of trees. And it freed up resources for Global One to invest in things like youth programs.

Nealy said the educational aspects of his program — where youths learn to grow produce from seed to harvest — can help prepare kids to start their own businesses.

“We gave them things to do as far as learning how to register their name as an LLC with the state, create a mission statement and create the first budget for business,” Nealy said. “And they love it and we’ve had fun with it.”

Nealy said he hopes more money can go toward educational projects and urban farming overall, especially for people of color in Kansas City.

“You have to put the emphasis in place at the state level, that actually looks at helping out Black and Hispanic people, and in the areas of greatest need,” he said.

This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2023/07/18/kansas-city-urban-farming-2023/">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/">The Beacon</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690029922122.png" alt="Nicolette Davis waters plants in a one-acre orchard in Swope Park intended to address food insecurity (Zach Bauman/The Beacon)." />
 <figcaption>Nicolette Davis waters plants in a one-acre orchard in Swope Park intended to address food insecurity (Zach Bauman/The Beacon).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The state budget allocates small grants to support urban farming projects that address food insecurity. Still, critics argue the grant structure creates obstacles to accessing the funds</h2>By&nbsp;MEG CUNNINGHAM <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>News that the Missouri legislature has authorized $500,000 for urban farming grants ought to be welcomed by small growers like Darian and Nicolette Davis, who run an orchard in Kansas City’s Swope Park to provide fresh fruit to their community.The couple hatched the idea of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcufc.org/">Kansas City Urban Farm Co-op</a>&nbsp;during the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014 following the killing of a teenager, Michael Brown, by a police officer. They wanted to respond to that incident by doing something positive for their own community, which led to the launch of their farm in 2016.Darian Davis sees a systemic injustice in the gap between communities where nutritious food is abundant and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2023/06/12/kansas-city-election-city-council-candidates-2023/">others where it is lacking</a>. He describes it as “food apartheid.”“So we’re talking about kids with single-parent households, a lot of them didn’t have cars, and they’re living off of low-value, high-priced foodstuffs,” he said. “So to witness that, we really started thinking about how serious this problem is. We said, ‘Hey, instead of complaining about it, what can we do to make a difference?’”The 2024 fiscal year will be the second consecutive year that the state set aside $500,000 to address food insecurity in Missouri’s urban areas. The program began in the 2020 fiscal year with a budget of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills191/hlrbillspdf/0006H.05T.pdf">$200,000.&nbsp;</a>Applications for the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/urban.php">program</a>&nbsp;open on Monday.But for Davis and other small urban growers, even applying for a grant opportunity can be a challenge. Davis and his wife largely operate their orchard on their own, while taking care of a family and owning other businesses. Their financial margin is so precarious he isn’t sure he can take time away from his farming enterprise to attempt to fill out a grant application.“Right now we’re having to make hard decisions, saying, ‘Man, should I go to work so I can get this guaranteed money?” Davis told The Beacon. “Or should I spend this six hours and not make money for something that I may or may not get? It’s a hard call to make when you’re super broke.”<h2>Navigating funding support can be difficult for small farmers</h2>Darian and Nicolette Davis have looked at state grants and other competitive resources in the past, but don’t have confidence in their grant-writing skills. And even finding someone to help them write grants is difficult with a small budget, Darian said.“The key missing part that we need is the initial money to get the money,” he said. “That’s the missing piece, because I can reach out to grant writers that have a proven success record, but I’ll have them say, ‘Yes, it’s gonna cost this much.’ Well, I don’t have that much.”Accessing grant money can be tricky for farmers, according to Ami Freeberg at Cultivate KC, one of Kansas City’s larger urban farming organizations. The reimbursement structure — plus the application and payout timelines — don’t exactly line up with peak growing season, which can make it complicated to apply for the grant and comply with the requirements.“Pretty much all state and federal grants, and a lot of local government grants, are reimbursable,&nbsp; which means you have to spend the money before you get back,” Freeberg said.That’s not a big deal for larger farming businesses like Cultivate Kansas City, Freeberg said. But it’s a challenge for smaller agricultural enterprises.“If you’re a farmer that’s operating week-to-week, or your cash flow is better in the summer but the awards for these grants are made in the winter, you may have to be making that investment at a time of year that the funds aren’t there,” Freeberg said.Some of the problem comes down to the timing of the fiscal year, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The fiscal year begins on July 1, in the peak of summer activity for the state’s farmers. Applications must be submitted quickly so they can be reviewed and awarded before mid-October. And projects must be completed by the end of May, according to the program’s website.“It is just a really quick timeline, from October to December when you’re shutting down a farm for the season, to also be making those infrastructure investments,” Freeberg said. “And it’s also not enough time to go out and seek a loan, if you were to try to access the capital that way, knowing you are getting the reimbursement.”Despite the hiccups, there are always more applicants for state funds than there is money available, officials said.Lawmakers and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are aware of the challenges faced by&nbsp; urban farmers, especially those who operate on a small scale, said state Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat who represents Kansas City.Washington worked with agriculture officials to increase the state’s share of grants to growers. Previously the state chipped in 50% for the projects it approved. Now it will cover 75%, and the urban agricultural businesses will be responsible for 25%.“I know that there have been some concessions for the urban farming grant program that are a little more lenient than the traditional Department of Agriculture grant funding,” Washington said.Besides the $500,000 allocated for small grants to combat food insecurity, Washington also secured funding to award larger grants of $250,000 each to two urban farming projects in Kansas City. One is for urban farming educational programs, and the other is for youth entrepreneurship and urban agriculture.Possible recipients include BoysGrow and Green Acres Urban Farm and Research Project, Washington said.<h2>State support can help improve operations, free up cash for other projects</h2>Farmers who receive grants said the state money can make a big difference.“You really just have to plan for it,” said Anthony Nealy, the founder of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.globaloneurbanfarming.org/">Global One Urban Farming&nbsp;</a>in east Kansas City. “You have to make sure your deadlines and stuff fit for the reimbursement, and make sure you have the capital to even accept the grant, because you pay for everything upfront.”Support from the state last year allowed Nealy to clear 10,000 square feet of trees. And it freed up resources for Global One to invest in things like youth programs.Nealy said the educational aspects of his program — where youths learn to grow produce from seed to harvest — can help prepare kids to start their own businesses.“We gave them things to do as far as learning how to register their name as an LLC with the state, create a mission statement and create the first budget for business,” Nealy said. “And they love it and we’ve had fun with it.”Nealy said he hopes more money can go toward educational projects and urban farming overall, especially for people of color in Kansas City.“You have to put the emphasis in place at the state level, that actually looks at helping out Black and Hispanic people, and in the areas of greatest need,” he said.This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2023/07/18/kansas-city-urban-farming-2023/">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/">The Beacon</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<figure>
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Missouri has a $500k incentive for urban farmers — if growers can figure out how to get it

ATCHISON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Atchison County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Dodge Challenger driven by Matthew D. Hughes, 32, Philadelphia, Mississippi, was northbound on U.S. 73 one mile south of Atchison.

The car crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2020 BMW X7 driven by Heather R. Smith, 51, Tonganoxie.

EMS transported Smith to KU Medical and Hughes to Mosaic in St. Joseph. A passenger in the BMW identified as Gary T. Smith, 62, Tonganoxie, was transported to Amberwell in Atchison. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Atchison County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Dodge Challenger driven by Matthew D. Hughes, 32, Philadelphia, Mississippi, was northbound on U.S. 73 one mile south of Atchison.The car crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2020 BMW X7 driven by Heather R. Smith, 51, Tonganoxie.EMS transported Smith to KU Medical and Hughes to Mosaic in St. Joseph. A passenger in the BMW identified as Gary T. Smith, 62, Tonganoxie, was transported to Amberwell in Atchison. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

3 hospitalized after 2-vehicle Kansas crash

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.

Just after 7 p.m. July 17, a sheriff's deputy identified 32-year-old Latisha Campbell of Hiawatha, while on routine patrol and was aware that she had an outstanding warrant, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

The deputy conducted a traffic stop and arrested Campbell&nbsp; on a Failure to Appear Warrant. She was booked into jail on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Trafficking Contraband into a Correctional Facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689971045216.png" alt="Campbell-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Campbell-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.Just after 7 p.m. July 17, a sheriff's deputy identified 32-year-old Latisha Campbell of Hiawatha, while on routine patrol and was aware that she had an outstanding warrant, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.The deputy conducted a traffic stop and arrested Campbell&nbsp; on a Failure to Appear Warrant. She was booked into jail on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Trafficking Contraband into a Correctional Facility.

Sheriff: Kan. woman who skipped court is jailed for meth possession

The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs have arrived at the Missouri Western State University campus in St. Joseph for training camp, and officials say this could be the biggest camp yet.

Chiefs president Mark Donovan revealed Friday during a press conference at Spratt Stadium that over 80,000 tickets for training camp have already been sold, with the first practice open to the public coming up on Sunday.

"We have a number of days that are sold out," Donovan said. "Our season ticket member days are sold out already. We're pretty focused on data. There's also a no-show rate every single day. So, we factor that into how many tickets are out there. But, this will probably be the most attended camp in our history."

The current attendance record for Chiefs training camp was set in 2019, when over 62,000 fans packed into Missouri Western to watch the eventual world champions come into form.

After the Chiefs won the Super Bowl in February 2020, their training camp that summer was confined to the team's practice facility in Kansas City due to COVID-19.

So, 2023 is the first time that the Chiefs will hold training camp in St. Joseph as the defending world champions.

"It is so exciting," said Missouri Western president Elizabeth Kennedy. "This is the year to see the world champions, the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. We are just thrilled and so fortunate to have them here and we look forward to hosting so many exciting fans."

Donovan says the road to another championship starts in St. Joseph, and he compliments the Missouri Western staff on their hard work to make the three-week event run smoothly.

"This is a critical period of time for our organization and for the success of our season," he said. "Without the cooperation, partnership and commitment of the entire staff - from the athletic department to the operations team - just dealing with day-to-day challenges to make sure our camp is as efficient as it possibly can be."

Donovan also credits the entire city of St. Joseph for the way they embrace camp each and every year.

"The citizens, fans, business community have been so welcoming and supportive," he said. "It really does feel like home when we come up here. We're excited to be here, and excited to have recently extended our partnership to be (at Missouri Western) this year and another year. It's going to be a great partnership for at least another year to come after this."

The Chiefs and Missouri Western announced a training camp contract extension this past spring, guaranteeing that camp will again be in St. Joseph in 2024.

While it's unknown what happens after that, Kennedy appreciates what Chiefs camp does for the University.

"We very much appreciate the opportunity the training camp provides us," Kennedy remarked. "It helps us showcase our beautiful University and beautiful city of St. Joseph. We also appreciate the opportunity to work with such a world class organization."

The first handful of Chiefs players began reporting to St. Joseph on Tuesday, and the first full team practice is Sunday at 9:15 a.m. That'll be the first of 19 practice sessions, with the final practice coming August 17.

Fans can get their training camp tickets and reserve parking at Chiefs.com/trainingcamp. Tickets must be bought online ahead of time.

Parking is $5 per vehicle. Most training camp practices are free to attend, except for July 23, July 29 and August 5. There will be a $5 admission fee on those dates.

Kansas City is getting set to be one of 11 U.S. cities to host the 2026 World Cup. Preparations are well underway, and Arrowhead Stadium will be a focal point, with numerous matches being played there over the month-long event.

Donovan says the benefits and excitement of the World Cup go well beyond the Truman Sports Complex.

"When you look at the opportunity to host the World Cup, it'll be an economic driver that we've never seen as a region. Ever. It'll have long lasting international benefits for us as a city and a region."

As previously reported, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/c1448a24-9b46-424e-85f1-5bd733d254e1">Missouri Western has put in a bid</a> to be a host&nbsp; and practice site for one of the teams participating in the World Cup.&nbsp;

Kennedy says the University should know more details on that in the coming months.

"We put the bid in and my understanding is we should hear (more) by December of this year," she said. "We're excited about that. Hosting a soccer team is not quite the same extent as hosting a football team. It'll be a different configuration, but with our expertise and experience, 13 years of hosting the Chiefs, we know a thing or two about hosting professional teams."

With the Kansas City Royals openly discussing plans to build a new stadium at a different site within the next five or so years, questions have come up about the future of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Donovan said Friday that discussions with the Royals are ongoing, and all options are being considered, but renovating and maintaining the current stadium is the preference.

"If everything plays out the way we think it will, our preference for us is to upgrade and renovate the stadium at Arrowhead and make GEHA Field even better."

Donovan said the other options are to build a new stadium at the current site or build a new stadium at new site.

Arrowhead Stadium was completed in 1972. Kaufmann followed in 1973. The Chiefs and the Royals' lease at the Truman Sports Complex is valid through 2031.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689965993806.jpeg" alt="Mark Donovan, President of the Kansas City Chiefs, speaks with reporters on Friday during a press conference at Spratt Stadium on the Missouri Western State University campus in St. Joseph. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Mark Donovan, President of the Kansas City Chiefs, speaks with reporters on Friday during a press conference at Spratt Stadium on the Missouri Western State University campus in St. Joseph. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs have arrived at the Missouri Western State University campus in St. Joseph for training camp, and officials say this could be the biggest camp yet.Chiefs president Mark Donovan revealed Friday during a press conference at Spratt Stadium that over 80,000 tickets for training camp have already been sold, with the first practice open to the public coming up on Sunday."We have a number of days that are sold out," Donovan said. "Our season ticket member days are sold out already. We're pretty focused on data. There's also a no-show rate every single day. So, we factor that into how many tickets are out there. But, this will probably be the most attended camp in our history."The current attendance record for Chiefs training camp was set in 2019, when over 62,000 fans packed into Missouri Western to watch the eventual world champions come into form.After the Chiefs won the Super Bowl in February 2020, their training camp that summer was confined to the team's practice facility in Kansas City due to COVID-19.So, 2023 is the first time that the Chiefs will hold training camp in St. Joseph as the defending world champions."It is so exciting," said Missouri Western president Elizabeth Kennedy. "This is the year to see the world champions, the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. We are just thrilled and so fortunate to have them here and we look forward to hosting so many exciting fans."Donovan says the road to another championship starts in St. Joseph, and he compliments the Missouri Western staff on their hard work to make the three-week event run smoothly."This is a critical period of time for our organization and for the success of our season," he said. "Without the cooperation, partnership and commitment of the entire staff - from the athletic department to the operations team - just dealing with day-to-day challenges to make sure our camp is as efficient as it possibly can be."Donovan also credits the entire city of St. Joseph for the way they embrace camp each and every year."The citizens, fans, business community have been so welcoming and supportive," he said. "It really does feel like home when we come up here. We're excited to be here, and excited to have recently extended our partnership to be (at Missouri Western) this year and another year. It's going to be a great partnership for at least another year to come after this."The Chiefs and Missouri Western announced a training camp contract extension this past spring, guaranteeing that camp will again be in St. Joseph in 2024.While it's unknown what happens after that, Kennedy appreciates what Chiefs camp does for the University."We very much appreciate the opportunity the training camp provides us," Kennedy remarked. "It helps us showcase our beautiful University and beautiful city of St. Joseph. We also appreciate the opportunity to work with such a world class organization."The first handful of Chiefs players began reporting to St. Joseph on Tuesday, and the first full team practice is Sunday at 9:15 a.m. That'll be the first of 19 practice sessions, with the final practice coming August 17.Fans can get their training camp tickets and reserve parking at Chiefs.com/trainingcamp. Tickets must be bought online ahead of time.Parking is $5 per vehicle. Most training camp practices are free to attend, except for July 23, July 29 and August 5. There will be a $5 admission fee on those dates.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656611125695.jpeg" alt="Chiefs fans watch training camp in St. Joseph in 2022. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Chiefs fans watch training camp in St. Joseph in 2022. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>World Cup talkKansas City is getting set to be one of 11 U.S. cities to host the 2026 World Cup. Preparations are well underway, and Arrowhead Stadium will be a focal point, with numerous matches being played there over the month-long event.Donovan says the benefits and excitement of the World Cup go well beyond the Truman Sports Complex."When you look at the opportunity to host the World Cup, it'll be an economic driver that we've never seen as a region. Ever. It'll have long lasting international benefits for us as a city and a region."As previously reported, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/c1448a24-9b46-424e-85f1-5bd733d254e1">Missouri Western has put in a bid</a> to be a host&nbsp; and practice site for one of the teams participating in the World Cup.&nbsp;Kennedy says the University should know more details on that in the coming months."We put the bid in and my understanding is we should hear (more) by December of this year," she said. "We're excited about that. Hosting a soccer team is not quite the same extent as hosting a football team. It'll be a different configuration, but with our expertise and experience, 13 years of hosting the Chiefs, we know a thing or two about hosting professional teams."Future of Arrowhead StadiumWith the Kansas City Royals openly discussing plans to build a new stadium at a different site within the next five or so years, questions have come up about the future of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.Donovan said Friday that discussions with the Royals are ongoing, and all options are being considered, but renovating and maintaining the current stadium is the preference."If everything plays out the way we think it will, our preference for us is to upgrade and renovate the stadium at Arrowhead and make GEHA Field even better."Donovan said the other options are to build a new stadium at the current site or build a new stadium at new site.Arrowhead Stadium was completed in 1972. Kaufmann followed in 1973. The Chiefs and the Royals' lease at the Truman Sports Complex is valid through 2031.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689970490381.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western president Elizabeth Kennedy addresses the media Friday at Spratt Stadium before the start of Chiefs training camp. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western president Elizabeth Kennedy addresses the media Friday at Spratt Stadium before the start of Chiefs training camp. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chiefs president Mark Donovan: 2023 could be 'highest attended' training camp yet

Minnesota Representative Angie Craig is the winner of the National Corn Growers Association’s 2023 President’s Award. 

She was honored during the organization’s annual Corn Congress summer meeting in Washington, D.C. Tom Haag, NCGA President and a Minnesota corn grower, had high praise for the congresswoman. 

“Whether it’s ensuring that consumers have access to higher levels of ethanol or it’s working to advance corn grower priorities in the farm bill, Craig has been a tireless advocate for growers and is one of our biggest Congressional allies.” 

Craig, Minnesota’s Second District Representative, says, “My district is home to so many of the corn growers who get food on our tables and fuel in our vehicles. I’m honored to represent them.” 

Craig has championed many issues important to corn growers. Earlier this year, she joined a bipartisan group of House members in re-introducing a bill that would allow year-round access to E15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689954138470.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of NCGA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of NCGA</figcaption>
 </figure>Minnesota Representative Angie Craig is the winner of the National Corn Growers Association’s 2023 President’s Award. She was honored during the organization’s annual Corn Congress summer meeting in Washington, D.C. Tom Haag, NCGA President and a Minnesota corn grower, had high praise for the congresswoman. “Whether it’s ensuring that consumers have access to higher levels of ethanol or it’s working to advance corn grower priorities in the farm bill, Craig has been a tireless advocate for growers and is one of our biggest Congressional allies.” Craig, Minnesota’s Second District Representative, says, “My district is home to so many of the corn growers who get food on our tables and fuel in our vehicles. I’m honored to represent them.” Craig has championed many issues important to corn growers. Earlier this year, she joined a bipartisan group of House members in re-introducing a bill that would allow year-round access to E15.- NAFB

MN Rep wins NCGA President’s Award

Two St. Joseph residents face charges after leading law
enforcement on a high-speed chase connected to a shooting in St. Joseph.

Thirty-year-old Cordelle Mondaine, Jr. has been charged with
fleeing law enforcement as well as firearms charges. Nineteen-year-old Sayley Wilfong
of St. Joseph is accused of firing at a Missouri State Highway Patrol car
during the chase down I-29, off the interstate onto blacktops through Dearborn,
stopping just short of Camden Point.

The chase began a few hours after a St. Joseph man was shot
and seriously wounded.

The victim, described as a St. Joseph resident in his 30s, is now listed in critical, but stable condition.

St. Joseph police say a man was shot and seriously wounded Wednesday
afternoon around three o’clock at 113 North 17th Street.

A few hours later, a pursuit began on Highway 36, then switch
to I-29, fleeing south on the interstate at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. The highway patrol car began pursuit
and quickly was joined by officers from the St. Joseph Police Department, the
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department, and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office. Shots
hit the patrol car, but the trooper was not harmed.

The investigation continues. Other charges could be filed.

If you have any information, call the Crime Stoppers
Hotline:&nbsp; 816-238-TIPS.

This article has been updated from first publication.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689942486992.png" alt="Cordelle Mondaine, Jr./Buchanan County Sheriff's Dept. photo" />
 <figcaption>Cordelle Mondaine, Jr./Buchanan County Sheriff's Dept. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTwo St. Joseph residents face charges after leading law
enforcement on a high-speed chase connected to a shooting in St. Joseph.Thirty-year-old Cordelle Mondaine, Jr. has been charged with
fleeing law enforcement as well as firearms charges. Nineteen-year-old Sayley Wilfong
of St. Joseph is accused of firing at a Missouri State Highway Patrol car
during the chase down I-29, off the interstate onto blacktops through Dearborn,
stopping just short of Camden Point.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689942533277.png" alt="Sayley Wilfong/Buchanan County Sheriff's Dept. photo" />
 <figcaption>Sayley Wilfong/Buchanan County Sheriff's Dept. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The chase began a few hours after a St. Joseph man was shot
and seriously wounded.The victim, described as a St. Joseph resident in his 30s, is now listed in critical, but stable condition.St. Joseph police say a man was shot and seriously wounded Wednesday
afternoon around three o’clock at 113 North 17th Street.A few hours later, a pursuit began on Highway 36, then switch
to I-29, fleeing south on the interstate at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. The highway patrol car began pursuit
and quickly was joined by officers from the St. Joseph Police Department, the
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department, and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office. Shots
hit the patrol car, but the trooper was not harmed.The investigation continues. Other charges could be filed.If you have any information, call the Crime Stoppers
Hotline:&nbsp; 816-238-TIPS.This article has been updated from first publication.

Two charged after high-speed chase following St. Joseph shooting

A new house has been built on Gene Field Road to provide housing to youth going through Pivotal Points transitional housing youth program.  

Ground was broken on the project in September after Pivotal Point raised money for two years.  

Executive Director Melissa Frakes says while there are some differences between the youth and adult programs at Pivotal Point, there are also some similarities. 

"They're still working, even though it's part time, and they're going to school and once they finish their education, we're going to talk about what a long-term career would look like, or college or skills training, whatever that would look like," Frakes tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr.  

Frakes says youth at the house will learn many life skills, including driving which many of them may not know how to do.  

The new youth transitional housing building has been built to accommodate youth going through Pivotal Points 12-to-24-month long program.  

Director of Housing Lisa Robinson says the youth program is longer because there are a lot more things to focus on with the youth.  

"One, finishing high school or high set for sure, the license, getting a skill set whether that's going into a career path or learning a skill or a trade, or going into college," Robinson explains. 

Robinson says while living in the house though there are some expectations the youth are given. 

"We hold them accountable; we expect them to take on more responsibility as they are with us longer, they earn more privileges the longer they're with us and so we have kind of a level system," Robinson says. 

Robinson says many of the life skills that youth are taught are things that most of us might take for granted.  

"Even just like cooking, budgeting, learning how to take care of your vehicle, laundry, cleaning, cleaning is not the same to everyone, and just figuring out how to teach that to them well and to encourage them and teach them why it's important," Robinson points out. "All of those things." 

A grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new house at 4920 Gene Field Road will be held on Tuesday at 1pm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689892476126.jpeg" alt="The future is here as the Grand Opening of the new Pivotal Point Youth Transitional Housing Building will be held on Tuesday/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The future is here as the Grand Opening of the new Pivotal Point Youth Transitional Housing Building will be held on Tuesday/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A new house has been built on Gene Field Road to provide housing to youth going through Pivotal Points transitional housing youth program. Ground was broken on the project in September after Pivotal Point raised money for two years. Executive Director Melissa Frakes says while there are some differences between the youth and adult programs at Pivotal Point, there are also some similarities. "They're still working, even though it's part time, and they're going to school and once they finish their education, we're going to talk about what a long-term career would look like, or college or skills training, whatever that would look like," Frakes tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. Frakes says youth at the house will learn many life skills, including driving which many of them may not know how to do. The new youth transitional housing building has been built to accommodate youth going through Pivotal Points 12-to-24-month long program. Director of Housing Lisa Robinson says the youth program is longer because there are a lot more things to focus on with the youth. "One, finishing high school or high set for sure, the license, getting a skill set whether that's going into a career path or learning a skill or a trade, or going into college," Robinson explains. Robinson says while living in the house though there are some expectations the youth are given. "We hold them accountable; we expect them to take on more responsibility as they are with us longer, they earn more privileges the longer they're with us and so we have kind of a level system," Robinson says. Robinson says many of the life skills that youth are taught are things that most of us might take for granted. "Even just like cooking, budgeting, learning how to take care of your vehicle, laundry, cleaning, cleaning is not the same to everyone, and just figuring out how to teach that to them well and to encourage them and teach them why it's important," Robinson points out. "All of those things." A grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new house at 4920 Gene Field Road will be held on Tuesday at 1pm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689892575934.jpeg" alt="Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/New-Pivotal-Point-Youth-Home-ready-to-open-e276ecd" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Pivotal Point Transitional Housing ready to open new youth home

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

Missourians who have been making income-based student loan payments for at least 20 years may see their debt cleared within 30 days.

The change comes as the&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/more-than-800000-student-loan-borrowers-to-have-debt-forgiven-white-house-announces/">U.S. Department of Education and the White House moves to fix “past administrative failures”</a>&nbsp;that inaccurately tracked borrowers’ progress, the Biden administration announced last week.

Borrowers with income-driven repayment plans affected by the adjustment should receive an email. Their account balance will be updated within 30 days.

The federal government estimates 18,800 Missourians should receive this loan cancellation — totaling $956.8 million in student-loan debt.

“For far too long, borrowers fell through the cracks of a broken system that failed to keep accurate track of their progress towards forgiveness,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a news release.

Every two months for the next year, the federal government will update the account of borrowers who completed 240 or 300 qualifying monthly payments, depending on their loan. Then, all accounts should have up-to-date information.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Department of Education’s plan to use the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 to forgive up to $20,000 in student loans per person, the Biden administration is looking for ways to continue to spread relief.

“Republican lawmakers — who had no problem with the government forgiving millions of dollars of their own business loans — have tried everything they can to stop me from providing relief to hard working Americans,” President Joe Biden said in a news release. “Some are even objecting to the actions we announced today, which follows through on relief borrowers were promised, but never given, even when they had been making payments for decades.”

U.S. Sen Eric Schmitt&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1679934879633424397/photo/2">accused the administration’s plan of being “unlawful”</a>&nbsp;in a Twitter post and sent a letter to Cardona.

“I have already taken this administration to court once — and won — to stop illegal schemes that simply further an unfair bailout,” Schmitt wrote,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/missouri-company-plays-central-role-in-downfall-of-biden-loan-forgiveness-program/">referring to his appeal to the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;as Missouri’s former attorney general that overturned student-loan forgiveness.

This wave of loan cancelation will total&nbsp;$39 billion in debt relief for 804,000 borrowers nationwide, the Department of Education reported.&nbsp;The plan at the center of the Supreme Court case would have impacted the loans of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/u-s-supreme-court-rules-against-biden-administration-student-loan-debt-relief-plan/">40 million Americans</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688172552220.png" alt="&nbsp;President Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt relief earlier this month-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;President Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt relief earlier this month-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/30/open-enrollment-missouri-school-choice/">Missouri Independent</a>Missourians who have been making income-based student loan payments for at least 20 years may see their debt cleared within 30 days.The change comes as the&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/more-than-800000-student-loan-borrowers-to-have-debt-forgiven-white-house-announces/">U.S. Department of Education and the White House moves to fix “past administrative failures”</a>&nbsp;that inaccurately tracked borrowers’ progress, the Biden administration announced last week.Borrowers with income-driven repayment plans affected by the adjustment should receive an email. Their account balance will be updated within 30 days.The federal government estimates 18,800 Missourians should receive this loan cancellation — totaling $956.8 million in student-loan debt.“For far too long, borrowers fell through the cracks of a broken system that failed to keep accurate track of their progress towards forgiveness,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a news release.Every two months for the next year, the federal government will update the account of borrowers who completed 240 or 300 qualifying monthly payments, depending on their loan. Then, all accounts should have up-to-date information.Although the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Department of Education’s plan to use the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 to forgive up to $20,000 in student loans per person, the Biden administration is looking for ways to continue to spread relief.“Republican lawmakers — who had no problem with the government forgiving millions of dollars of their own business loans — have tried everything they can to stop me from providing relief to hard working Americans,” President Joe Biden said in a news release. “Some are even objecting to the actions we announced today, which follows through on relief borrowers were promised, but never given, even when they had been making payments for decades.”U.S. Sen Eric Schmitt&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1679934879633424397/photo/2">accused the administration’s plan of being “unlawful”</a>&nbsp;in a Twitter post and sent a letter to Cardona.“I have already taken this administration to court once — and won — to stop illegal schemes that simply further an unfair bailout,” Schmitt wrote,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/missouri-company-plays-central-role-in-downfall-of-biden-loan-forgiveness-program/">referring to his appeal to the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;as Missouri’s former attorney general that overturned student-loan forgiveness.This wave of loan cancelation will total&nbsp;$39 billion in debt relief for 804,000 borrowers nationwide, the Department of Education reported.&nbsp;The plan at the center of the Supreme Court case would have impacted the loans of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/u-s-supreme-court-rules-against-biden-administration-student-loan-debt-relief-plan/">40 million Americans</a>.

New student-loan forgiveness plan could impact 18,800 Missourians

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Ford F250 driven by Isaiah L. Dodge, 20, Hamilton, was eastbound on U.S. 36 at Locust Road three miles west of Cameron.

The driver fell asleep. The pickup traveled off the north side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned.&nbsp;

Cameron EMS transported Dodge to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Ford F250 driven by Isaiah L. Dodge, 20, Hamilton, was eastbound on U.S. 36 at Locust Road three miles west of Cameron.The driver fell asleep. The pickup traveled off the north side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned.&nbsp;Cameron EMS transported Dodge to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri driver injured after he falls asleep, pickup overturns

New St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster is keeping busy,
extremely busy, especially getting out and meeting members of the community.

“I probably didn’t expect the demand on my time to be as heavy
as it is right now,” Luster tells host Barry Birr during his first visit to the
KFEQ Hotline. “I know that will equalize at some point, but all those aspects
are important to me, that I’m serving, there for the members of the department,
but I’m also there for the community as well. I want to set that tone early.”

Luster says those meet-and-greets will develop into something
more than mere social gatherings. Luster says it is important that the police
department’s strategic objectives reflect the concerns of the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689874899374.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNew St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster is keeping busy,
extremely busy, especially getting out and meeting members of the community.“I probably didn’t expect the demand on my time to be as heavy
as it is right now,” Luster tells host Barry Birr during his first visit to the
KFEQ Hotline. “I know that will equalize at some point, but all those aspects
are important to me, that I’m serving, there for the members of the department,
but I’m also there for the community as well. I want to set that tone early.”Luster says those meet-and-greets will develop into something
more than mere social gatherings. Luster says it is important that the police
department’s strategic objectives reflect the concerns of the community.“How do those line up with the values of the community and
what the community wants from us,” Luster says. “So that’s stuff I really will be
focusing on looking at, is making sure those at least coincide with each other
and overlap some.”Luster has been on the job for a little less than a month.Luster comes to St. Joseph after spending 26 years on the
Kansas City police force, where he served as the commander of a patrol
division, a job Luster says compares favorably with the role of a police chief.Luster says the police department will work to address crimes
that arise on a day-by-day basis, but will also work on preventative measures. The
new chief hasn’t had time yet to pore over statistics to fully grasp St. Joseph
crime, but says a key to reducing crime in the long run is connecting with
young people.“In my eyes as a police chief, who has a tremendous
responsibility for the safety of this community, I think part of my strategy to
any violent crime reduction that I think is key is engagement with our youth,”
according to Luster.Luster says St. Joseph does that through various mentorship
programs.“I think ultimately that’s where you reap the rewards from any
initiative to reduce crime,” Luster says. “You’ve got to deal with what’s going
on right now, but you want to set the city up for success in the future and I
think that’s really one of the keys.”Luster succeeds Chief Chris Connally, who retired.

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