The Missouri Western women's basketball team jumped on Northwest Missouri State from the get-go, leading 20-10 after one quarter.

The Griffons (11-4, 6-3 MIAA) never trailed, leading by as many as 16 points, and rolling to a 61-47 win over the Bearcats on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph.

Missouri Western held Northwest's offense in check all game, as the Bearcats were only 16-of-58 from the field, including 4-of-20 from three.

The Griffons, winners in six of their last seven games, shot 44.2 percent (23-of-52) Saturday, and forced 23 turnovers on the defensive end.

Missouri Western scored 29 points off of those giveaways.

Tiani Ellison led the Griffons with a career-high 18 points to go with six rebounds and three steals. Connie Clarke had her second double-double of the season, logging 16 points and 10 rebounds. Clarke also had three steals, three blocks and two assists.

Jayme Jackson finished with 13 points, three boards, three assists and two steals.

Caely Kesten did the heavy lifting for Northwest, scoring 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting.

Missouri Western has now won the last four meetings against Northwest and eight of the last 11 against the Bearcats.

MWSU men, at long last, get one against Northwest Missouri State

Not much more needs to be said than that. Missouri Western (12-3, 6-3 MIAA), after losing their last 24 matchups against Northwest Missouri State, finally got one on the Bearcats, beating the No. 14 team in the country, 76-70, at the MWSU Fieldhouse Saturday.

Missouri Western, now on a four-game winning streak, jumped out a 16-5 start in the first 6.5 minutes and they never trailed in the game.

The Griffons led by seven points at halftime and led 60-46 with 6:17 to go.

Northwest (11-4, 7-2 MIAA) didn't go quietly, as the Bearcats got to within 68-64 with 1:21 to play.

Missouri Western was solid at the free throw line throughout, however, making 27-of-33 at the stripe, including 15-of-17 in the second half.

Northwest, the No. 1 free throw shooting team in the MIAA, missed 11 at the foul line, going 26-of-37.

JaRon Thames led four Griffons in double figures with 16 points, including a 10-of-11 effort at the foul line. Thames also led the team with eight rebounds and four assists.

Julius Dixon dropped 14 points. Taye Fields added 12 points, while Zion Swader finished with 10.

Swader and Fields, who both finished with four fouls, were somewhat limited in minutes early, as they both picked up two first half fouls.

Kiani Saxon is also to be credited, as he scored nine points to go with four blocks, two steals and two assists.

Missouri Western shot a solid 46.8 percent (22-of-47) on the day.

Wes Dreamer led Northwest with 24 points and eight boards. Bennett Stirtz had 13, Jack Ratigan scored 12 off the bench, while Isaiah Jackson added 12 points to go with five boards and five assists.

It's Missouri Western's first win over Northwest in men's basketball since Jan. 12, 2013 - 4,018 days ago. The teams will meet again in Maryville on February 24.

Both Griffon teams stay home this Thursday to host Newman. The women's game is at 5:30, the men's at 7:30. Both are on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705197297542.jpeg" alt="Tiani Ellison (21) had a career-high 18 points in a 61-47 win over Northwest Missouri State Saturday. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Tiani Ellison (21) had a career-high 18 points in a 61-47 win over Northwest Missouri State Saturday. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western women's basketball team jumped on Northwest Missouri State from the get-go, leading 20-10 after one quarter.The Griffons (11-4, 6-3 MIAA) never trailed, leading by as many as 16 points, and rolling to a 61-47 win over the Bearcats on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph.Missouri Western held Northwest's offense in check all game, as the Bearcats were only 16-of-58 from the field, including 4-of-20 from three.The Griffons, winners in six of their last seven games, shot 44.2 percent (23-of-52) Saturday, and forced 23 turnovers on the defensive end.Missouri Western scored 29 points off of those giveaways.Tiani Ellison led the Griffons with a career-high 18 points to go with six rebounds and three steals. Connie Clarke had her second double-double of the season, logging 16 points and 10 rebounds. Clarke also had three steals, three blocks and two assists.Jayme Jackson finished with 13 points, three boards, three assists and two steals.Caely Kesten did the heavy lifting for Northwest, scoring 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting.Missouri Western has now won the last four meetings against Northwest and eight of the last 11 against the Bearcats.Candi Whitaker interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---Northwest-postgame---11324-e2edn9m/a-aarf50v" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-WBB-vs--Northwest---11324-e2edn2b/a-aarf4j9" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>MWSU men, at long last, get one against Northwest Missouri StateFinally.Not much more needs to be said than that. Missouri Western (12-3, 6-3 MIAA), after losing their last 24 matchups against Northwest Missouri State, finally got one on the Bearcats, beating the No. 14 team in the country, 76-70, at the MWSU Fieldhouse Saturday.Missouri Western, now on a four-game winning streak, jumped out a 16-5 start in the first 6.5 minutes and they never trailed in the game.The Griffons led by seven points at halftime and led 60-46 with 6:17 to go.Northwest (11-4, 7-2 MIAA) didn't go quietly, as the Bearcats got to within 68-64 with 1:21 to play.Missouri Western was solid at the free throw line throughout, however, making 27-of-33 at the stripe, including 15-of-17 in the second half.Northwest, the No. 1 free throw shooting team in the MIAA, missed 11 at the foul line, going 26-of-37.JaRon Thames led four Griffons in double figures with 16 points, including a 10-of-11 effort at the foul line. Thames also led the team with eight rebounds and four assists.Julius Dixon dropped 14 points. Taye Fields added 12 points, while Zion Swader finished with 10.Swader and Fields, who both finished with four fouls, were somewhat limited in minutes early, as they both picked up two first half fouls.Kiani Saxon is also to be credited, as he scored nine points to go with four blocks, two steals and two assists.Missouri Western shot a solid 46.8 percent (22-of-47) on the day.Wes Dreamer led Northwest with 24 points and eight boards. Bennett Stirtz had 13, Jack Ratigan scored 12 off the bench, while Isaiah Jackson added 12 points to go with five boards and five assists.It's Missouri Western's first win over Northwest in men's basketball since Jan. 12, 2013 - 4,018 days ago. The teams will meet again in Maryville on February 24.Both Griffon teams stay home this Thursday to host Newman. The women's game is at 5:30, the men's at 7:30. Both are on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).Will Martin interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin---Northwest-postgame---11324-e2ednhs/a-aarf5oj" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>JaRon Thames interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/JaRon-Thames---Northwest-postgame---11324-e2ednlq/a-aarf61d" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-MBB-vs--14-Northwest---11324-e2ednb7/a-aarf5it" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705200399453.jpeg" alt="Zion Swader (2)." />
 <figcaption>Zion Swader (2).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705200465754.jpeg" alt="JaRon Thames (24) steps back for a baseline shot." />
 <figcaption>JaRon Thames (24) steps back for a baseline shot.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU WBB dominate Bearcats, Griffon men break long streak against Northwest

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Dodge Caravan driven by Edward J. Shepperd, 37, Great Bend, Kansas, was northbound on Interstate 29 one mile south of St. Joseph.

The van rear-ended a 2022 Freightliner semi driven by Harrison J. Cole, 29, Sidney, Iowa. After impact the van traveled off the left sie of the road, struck the cable barrier and overturned.

Buchanan County EMS transported Shepperd to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Cole was not injured. BOth drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Dodge Caravan driven by Edward J. Shepperd, 37, Great Bend, Kansas, was northbound on Interstate 29 one mile south of St. Joseph.The van rear-ended a 2022 Freightliner semi driven by Harrison J. Cole, 29, Sidney, Iowa. After impact the van traveled off the left sie of the road, struck the cable barrier and overturned.Buchanan County EMS transported Shepperd to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Cole was not injured. BOth drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man hospitalized in St. Joe after rear-end crash

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

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/old-wounds-inflamed-over-modot-adopt-a-highway-sign-on-i-44/article_8f5a7cfc-effe-11ed-b6f0-f3f3683140a0.html#:~:text=After%20years%20of%20failed%20appeals,at%20the%20end%20of%20April.">Last year</a>, a sign on Interstate 44 near Kirkwood in St. Louis County told motorists they were driving on a highway where litter cleanup was done to honor Kevin “Rockhead” Johnson.

The sign was up until a motorist recognized the name as a man&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/2022-11-29/missouri-executes-kevin-johnson-37-for-2005-slaying-of-kirkwood-officer">executed by the state in November 2022</a>&nbsp;for the killing of Kirkwood Police Sergeant William McEntee in 2005. A social media post sparked outrage and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.firstalert4.com/2023/05/03/road-sign-honoring-cop-killer-removed-i-44-kirkwood/">news stories</a>.&nbsp;

“We immediately took the sign down and suspended the program,” Ed Hassinger, deputy director of MoDOT, said Thursday to the House Transportation Accountability Committee.

Hassinger&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1694&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">testified on a bill</a>&nbsp;sponsored by state Rep. Justin Sparks, a Wildwood Republican who is also a former police officer. Sparks’ bill would make it illegal for MoDOT to post a sign designating a highway “named for any person who has been convicted of the killing of, or the attempted killing of, a law enforcement officer or permit any signage in convicted person’s memory.”

The sign was placed because the Missouri Department of Transportation approved an application to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.modot.org/adopt-highway">state’s Adopt-a-Highway program</a>&nbsp;from Johnson’s family.

Under the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.modot.org/sites/default/files/documents/SummaryofRulesandRegulations%5B1%5D.pdf">rules governing the program</a>, no one can adopt a highway who was convicted of a violent crime until 10 years after they complete their sentence and any organization that includes such a person cannot adopt a highway. The rules on what can be on the sign bar political or commercial messages but are silent on whether the highway can be adopted to honor a violent felon or other lawbreaker.

Johnson was a teenager when he killed McEntee, who&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.stlamerican.com/news/columnists/guest_columnists/the-kevin-johnson-story/article_bd459da6-5f51-11ed-99e7-23aad45cadb1.html">Johnson believed had been involved in the death of his then 12-year-old brother</a>. At the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/2022-11-29/missouri-executes-kevin-johnson-37-for-2005-slaying-of-kirkwood-officer">time of his execution</a>, Johnson’s attorneys said he was “an amazing father” and “a completely rehabilitated man.”&nbsp;

In their attempts to reverse his death sentence, attorneys argued he was convicted by a jury stacked against him by former St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/22/kevin-johnsons-attorneys-special-prosecutor-ask-missouri-supreme-court-to-stay-execution/">special prosecutor on the case</a>&nbsp;claimed McCulloch deliberately excluded Blacks from the jury, and his supporters argued Johnson may not have received the death penalty if he had gotten a fair trial.&nbsp;

While it is suspended, MoDOT is reviewing the entire Adopt-a-Highway program, Hassinger said.

Begun in 1987, the program is intended to keep highways beautiful by recruiting groups to collect litter and do other labor-intensive clean up along Missouri roads. Groups must agree to maintain a half-mile of urban highway or two miles of rural highway.

While the program has generally operated smoothly, there have been moments of controversy.

The Ku Klux Klan&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stlpr.org/other/2005-01-11/u-s-supreme-court-lets-kkk-adopt-a-mo-highway">successfully sued the state</a>&nbsp;after its application to adopt a stretch of Highway 21 near Potosi was rejected in 2001. The U.S. Supreme Court said refusing the Klan’s application violated the organization’s free speech rights.

The entire program is being reviewed both to prevent a recurrence of the latest controversy and to determine if it is still a valuable help to the department, Hassinger told the committee.“There has been a change in the behavior of drivers and we have a concern as to whether this is still a viable program,” he said.

State Rep. Tim Taylor, a Republican from Bunceton, said he sees the program as a community-building exercise and has worked with student groups and others to adopt sections of a road.

“I encourage you not to make a blanket policy because we heard instances of one or two bad actors here,” Taylor said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705147855118.png" alt=" The Missouri Department of Transportation headquarters in Jefferson City. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> The Missouri Department of Transportation headquarters in Jefferson City. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/old-wounds-inflamed-over-modot-adopt-a-highway-sign-on-i-44/article_8f5a7cfc-effe-11ed-b6f0-f3f3683140a0.html#:~:text=After%20years%20of%20failed%20appeals,at%20the%20end%20of%20April.">Last year</a>, a sign on Interstate 44 near Kirkwood in St. Louis County told motorists they were driving on a highway where litter cleanup was done to honor Kevin “Rockhead” Johnson.The sign was up until a motorist recognized the name as a man&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/2022-11-29/missouri-executes-kevin-johnson-37-for-2005-slaying-of-kirkwood-officer">executed by the state in November 2022</a>&nbsp;for the killing of Kirkwood Police Sergeant William McEntee in 2005. A social media post sparked outrage and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.firstalert4.com/2023/05/03/road-sign-honoring-cop-killer-removed-i-44-kirkwood/">news stories</a>.&nbsp;“We immediately took the sign down and suspended the program,” Ed Hassinger, deputy director of MoDOT, said Thursday to the House Transportation Accountability Committee.Hassinger&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1694&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">testified on a bill</a>&nbsp;sponsored by state Rep. Justin Sparks, a Wildwood Republican who is also a former police officer. Sparks’ bill would make it illegal for MoDOT to post a sign designating a highway “named for any person who has been convicted of the killing of, or the attempted killing of, a law enforcement officer or permit any signage in convicted person’s memory.”The sign was placed because the Missouri Department of Transportation approved an application to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.modot.org/adopt-highway">state’s Adopt-a-Highway program</a>&nbsp;from Johnson’s family.Under the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.modot.org/sites/default/files/documents/SummaryofRulesandRegulations%5B1%5D.pdf">rules governing the program</a>, no one can adopt a highway who was convicted of a violent crime until 10 years after they complete their sentence and any organization that includes such a person cannot adopt a highway. The rules on what can be on the sign bar political or commercial messages but are silent on whether the highway can be adopted to honor a violent felon or other lawbreaker.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705147936714.png" alt="Kevin Johnson Jr. with his daughter, Corionsa Ramey, and his grandson (Photo courtesy of the ACLU of Missouri)." />
 <figcaption>Kevin Johnson Jr. with his daughter, Corionsa Ramey, and his grandson (Photo courtesy of the ACLU of Missouri).</figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson was a teenager when he killed McEntee, who&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.stlamerican.com/news/columnists/guest_columnists/the-kevin-johnson-story/article_bd459da6-5f51-11ed-99e7-23aad45cadb1.html">Johnson believed had been involved in the death of his then 12-year-old brother</a>. At the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/2022-11-29/missouri-executes-kevin-johnson-37-for-2005-slaying-of-kirkwood-officer">time of his execution</a>, Johnson’s attorneys said he was “an amazing father” and “a completely rehabilitated man.”&nbsp;In their attempts to reverse his death sentence, attorneys argued he was convicted by a jury stacked against him by former St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/22/kevin-johnsons-attorneys-special-prosecutor-ask-missouri-supreme-court-to-stay-execution/">special prosecutor on the case</a>&nbsp;claimed McCulloch deliberately excluded Blacks from the jury, and his supporters argued Johnson may not have received the death penalty if he had gotten a fair trial.&nbsp;While it is suspended, MoDOT is reviewing the entire Adopt-a-Highway program, Hassinger said.Begun in 1987, the program is intended to keep highways beautiful by recruiting groups to collect litter and do other labor-intensive clean up along Missouri roads. Groups must agree to maintain a half-mile of urban highway or two miles of rural highway.While the program has generally operated smoothly, there have been moments of controversy.The Ku Klux Klan&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stlpr.org/other/2005-01-11/u-s-supreme-court-lets-kkk-adopt-a-mo-highway">successfully sued the state</a>&nbsp;after its application to adopt a stretch of Highway 21 near Potosi was rejected in 2001. The U.S. Supreme Court said refusing the Klan’s application violated the organization’s free speech rights.The entire program is being reviewed both to prevent a recurrence of the latest controversy and to determine if it is still a valuable help to the department, Hassinger told the committee.“There has been a change in the behavior of drivers and we have a concern as to whether this is still a viable program,” he said.State Rep. Tim Taylor, a Republican from Bunceton, said he sees the program as a community-building exercise and has worked with student groups and others to adopt sections of a road.“I encourage you not to make a blanket policy because we heard instances of one or two bad actors here,” Taylor said.The committee did not vote on the bill.

Missouri ‘Adopt-a-Highway’ program in limbo over sign honoring convicted murderer

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Econoline van driven by Diego Hernandez-Bustos, 53, Mounds View, Minnesota was northbound on Interstate 35 three miles south of Cameron.&nbsp;

The vehicle began sliding on the ice covered road. The van and its towed unit jackknifed, traveled off the west side of the road, overturned in the median and came to rest on its top.

Cameron EMS transported a passenger Maria Lopez-Hernendez to Liberty Hospital. The driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Econoline van driven by Diego Hernandez-Bustos, 53, Mounds View, Minnesota was northbound on Interstate 35 three miles south of Cameron.&nbsp;The vehicle began sliding on the ice covered road. The van and its towed unit jackknifed, traveled off the west side of the road, overturned in the median and came to rest on its top.Cameron EMS transported a passenger Maria Lopez-Hernendez to Liberty Hospital. The driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Woman hospitalized after van overturns on icy Mo. highway

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on new allegations after an arrest.

On Friday, police arrested 28-year-old Riley M. Camp of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. 

He is being held on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp; In 2018 he was accused in a theft and jailed, according to online jail records. In 2019 and in February of 2023 he was arrested on warrants.

Police released no additional details in connection with the arrest on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705077729508.png" alt="Camp-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Camp-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on new allegations after an arrest.On Friday, police arrested 28-year-old Riley M. Camp of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. He is being held on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp; In 2018 he was accused in a theft and jailed, according to online jail records. In 2019 and in February of 2023 he was arrested on warrants.Police released no additional details in connection with the arrest on Friday.

Kansas man returned to jail after missing court appearance

Winter weather is continuing to hit the area hard with below freezing temperatures and another round of snow expected to fall overnight (Thu.).  

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says during these winter storms its best to be extra cautious 

"Make sure you have stuff in your car in case you do have a crash, or you're broke down, make sure you're checking on your neighbors, the folks who have difficulty getting around, make sure that you're taking care of your pets," Puett tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "This is just the time of year when the temperature can get you pretty quickly."    

Puett says in the conditions even if you are going to the mailbox make sure you have your phone on you as well in case of a fall on the ice. 

Puett says drivers should already be cautious with the risk of black ice on the roadways, but with the next round of snow we aren't out of the woods yet.  

"We're going to have this ice underneath, so we really want everybody to slow down, use an abundance of caution, it's much better to be cautious than to end up crashing your car, being injured, injuring someone else," Puett says. 

Puett says as you travel you should be sure to pack up your car with extra supplies just in case the worst happens.  

"I don't think you have to pack like you're going to be gone for a week, but you don't want to be stuck someplace and not have a blanket or not have a couple bottles of waters or something to get you through until help gets there," Puett explains. 

Puett also advises ensuring your car has at least half a tank of gas in case you get stuck in the snow or behind traffic in an accident to help keep yourself warm. 

If you need assistance or think someone you know might Puett also adds to not be afraid to contact his office with concerns. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Winter weather is continuing to hit the area hard with below freezing temperatures and another round of snow expected to fall overnight (Thu.). Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says during these winter storms its best to be extra cautious "Make sure you have stuff in your car in case you do have a crash, or you're broke down, make sure you're checking on your neighbors, the folks who have difficulty getting around, make sure that you're taking care of your pets," Puett tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "This is just the time of year when the temperature can get you pretty quickly." Puett says in the conditions even if you are going to the mailbox make sure you have your phone on you as well in case of a fall on the ice. Puett says drivers should already be cautious with the risk of black ice on the roadways, but with the next round of snow we aren't out of the woods yet. "We're going to have this ice underneath, so we really want everybody to slow down, use an abundance of caution, it's much better to be cautious than to end up crashing your car, being injured, injuring someone else," Puett says. Puett says as you travel you should be sure to pack up your car with extra supplies just in case the worst happens. "I don't think you have to pack like you're going to be gone for a week, but you don't want to be stuck someplace and not have a blanket or not have a couple bottles of waters or something to get you through until help gets there," Puett explains. Puett also advises ensuring your car has at least half a tank of gas in case you get stuck in the snow or behind traffic in an accident to help keep yourself warm. If you need assistance or think someone you know might Puett also adds to not be afraid to contact his office with concerns.

As snow continues to fall, continue being extra cautious on the road and at home

Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western are set to do battle on the basketball court again this Saturday in a couple of high stakes MIAA contests.

All four teams, men's and women's, have double digit wins and palpable momentum early in 2024.

On the women’s side, Northwest sits at 12-2 overall - their best start since 2010-11. Their 6-2 conference record has the Bearcats tied for first in the MIAA standings.

Northwest has won four straight, coming off last Saturday's 63-42 win at Rogers State. Northwest head coach Austin Meyer says his team has found a way to win led by a core of experienced players.

"Just experience and the kids playing together for multiple years," Meyer told KFEQ Radio. "We try to get a little bit better each day and I feel like our kids buy into that. We're in a good spot right now, but they don't give you midyear awards. So, we've got a long road ahead."

One of Northwest’s returners this season is St. Joseph native and sophomore Ella Moody. Moody started 12 games as a freshman last season, and has scored 37 points to go with 18 rebounds for the Bearcats this season in 11 appearances.

A St. Joseph Central graduate, Moody cherishes the opportunity to play in her home city once again.

"I like playing at home," Moody said, "because everyone gets to come. All of my friends and family get to come and watch. Missouri Western is a really great team and it'll be a really competitive game. It'll be close, which is a great game to watch. I'm excited to have everyone there and have the support."

The Bearcat women have found themselves in a lot of close games in recent years. Last season, Northwest went 15-15 - eight of those losses were by 10 points or fewer.

Seven of Northwest's 12 victories so far this season have come in games decided by 10 points or less.

"We've had a lot of close games we've been on the losing end of," Meyer said, "and we've been able to win a lot of close games this year."

One of the biggest keys in this turnaround for Northwest is continuity. The Bearcats had 13 freshmen at the start of the 2021-22 season. Eleven true freshmen and two redshirt freshmen.

Of those 13 players in that class, 11 of them are still on the team. Six of them are fourth-year players. Three of them are in their fifth season.

Experience and a more up-tempo offense, Meyer says, have both been key. Helping to lead this offensive upswing is first-year assistant coach Chris Guess, who had spent the last 32 years as a decorated high school coach in Iowa.

"We're playing a little faster," he said. "We've played pretty slow in the past. It wasn't that we didn't say, 'Push the ball.' We had to limit possessions. We had to slow the game down. Whereas, we're playing at a faster rate. More possessions. I think our kids play more freely and play with more confidence, and I think that's been a big part of it."

The Missouri Western women's basketball team, meanwhile, is looking to get things back on track. The Griffon women are 10-4, coming off of a 74-58 loss at Northeastern State, which snapped a five-game winning streak.

 Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker says it's up to her senior leaders to determine what kind of season they want to have as they enter the back half of the 2023-24 slate.

"It's their career, their season," Whitaker said. "We're going to stay consistent in our expectations and continue to coach effort and discipline every single day, which is where we're at."

At 5-3 in the MIAA, Missouri Western is only a game out of first place.

The Missouri Western women have won three straight against the Bearcats and seven of the last 10 overall.

Northwest, MWSU men match up with identical records Saturday

The Northwest Missouri State men are ranked No. 14 in the coaches' poll this week, sitting at 11-3 overall and on a six-game winning streak. Their 7-1 record in the MIAA is good for first place in the league.

They rank second in the league in scoring defense, allowing only 60.6 points per game. They also shoot at 50.1% clip from the field - good for second in the league as well.

Northwest head coach Ben McCollum says he's been impressed by Missouri Western - a team that's also 11-3 and winners of three straight.

The Griffons are second in the league, averaging 37.4 rebounds per game while putting up a strong 77.9 points per contest.

"I think Western is one of the better teams in the league," McCollum said. "They score at a high rate. Defensively, they're able to guard you and rebound. They do everything well. Just like any team in the MIAA, it's going to be one of those games. They'll be excited to play. We'll be excited to play. We try to always be."

Northwest has won each of the last 24 meetings against the MWSU men, including the last 10 in St. Joseph. Griffons’ head coach Will Martin admits the Griffons have to start pulling their weight in this rivalry.

"We have to do our part in the rivalry and start winning some of those matchups," Martin said. "But, I know our community will get out. I know Looney will be lit. We're going to need every ounce of their energy and support in that game."

Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western are travel partners. That means they share the same conference opponents every week in the regular season. So, the Bearcats and Griffons, by default, see each other a lot on film.

Martin says he and McCollum are, by now, very familiar with what the other team does and is capable of.

"We probably watch each other, me and Ben, more than any other team," Martin said. "You're watching a lot of their games to prep. We feel like we know them pretty well. They know us. They're a really good team. Well coached. What Ben McCollum has done there speaks for itself."

Tip-off in Saturday's men's game is set for 3:30 p.m. The women lead things off at 1:30.

Both games can be heard across the entire region on KFEQ Radio (680 AM, 95.3 FM, <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/live-stream/">680kfeq.com</a>, KFEQ app).

Northwest and Western will play again in Maryville on February 24.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705012129161.jpeg" alt="Stock photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostNorthwest Missouri State and Missouri Western are set to do battle on the basketball court again this Saturday in a couple of high stakes MIAA contests.All four teams, men's and women's, have double digit wins and palpable momentum early in 2024.On the women’s side, Northwest sits at 12-2 overall - their best start since 2010-11. Their 6-2 conference record has the Bearcats tied for first in the MIAA standings.Northwest has won four straight, coming off last Saturday's 63-42 win at Rogers State. Northwest head coach Austin Meyer says his team has found a way to win led by a core of experienced players."Just experience and the kids playing together for multiple years," Meyer told KFEQ Radio. "We try to get a little bit better each day and I feel like our kids buy into that. We're in a good spot right now, but they don't give you midyear awards. So, we've got a long road ahead."One of Northwest’s returners this season is St. Joseph native and sophomore Ella Moody. Moody started 12 games as a freshman last season, and has scored 37 points to go with 18 rebounds for the Bearcats this season in 11 appearances.A St. Joseph Central graduate, Moody cherishes the opportunity to play in her home city once again."I like playing at home," Moody said, "because everyone gets to come. All of my friends and family get to come and watch. Missouri Western is a really great team and it'll be a really competitive game. It'll be close, which is a great game to watch. I'm excited to have everyone there and have the support."The Bearcat women have found themselves in a lot of close games in recent years. Last season, Northwest went 15-15 - eight of those losses were by 10 points or fewer.Seven of Northwest's 12 victories so far this season have come in games decided by 10 points or less."We've had a lot of close games we've been on the losing end of," Meyer said, "and we've been able to win a lot of close games this year."One of the biggest keys in this turnaround for Northwest is continuity. The Bearcats had 13 freshmen at the start of the 2021-22 season. Eleven true freshmen and two redshirt freshmen.Of those 13 players in that class, 11 of them are still on the team. Six of them are fourth-year players. Three of them are in their fifth season.Experience and a more up-tempo offense, Meyer says, have both been key. Helping to lead this offensive upswing is first-year assistant coach Chris Guess, who had spent the last 32 years as a decorated high school coach in Iowa."We're playing a little faster," he said. "We've played pretty slow in the past. It wasn't that we didn't say, 'Push the ball.' We had to limit possessions. We had to slow the game down. Whereas, we're playing at a faster rate. More possessions. I think our kids play more freely and play with more confidence, and I think that's been a big part of it."The Missouri Western women's basketball team, meanwhile, is looking to get things back on track. The Griffon women are 10-4, coming off of a 74-58 loss at Northeastern State, which snapped a five-game winning streak. Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker says it's up to her senior leaders to determine what kind of season they want to have as they enter the back half of the 2023-24 slate."It's their career, their season," Whitaker said. "We're going to stay consistent in our expectations and continue to coach effort and discipline every single day, which is where we're at."At 5-3 in the MIAA, Missouri Western is only a game out of first place.The Missouri Western women have won three straight against the Bearcats and seven of the last 10 overall.Austin Meyer interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Northwest-WBB-coach-Austin-Meyer---11124-e2eav0s/a-aar75c8" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Ella Moody interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Northwest-WBBs-Ella-Moody---11124-e2eb28s/a-aar7egm" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Northwest, MWSU men match up with identical records SaturdayThe Northwest Missouri State men are ranked No. 14 in the coaches' poll this week, sitting at 11-3 overall and on a six-game winning streak. Their 7-1 record in the MIAA is good for first place in the league.They rank second in the league in scoring defense, allowing only 60.6 points per game. They also shoot at 50.1% clip from the field - good for second in the league as well.Northwest head coach Ben McCollum says he's been impressed by Missouri Western - a team that's also 11-3 and winners of three straight.The Griffons are second in the league, averaging 37.4 rebounds per game while putting up a strong 77.9 points per contest."I think Western is one of the better teams in the league," McCollum said. "They score at a high rate. Defensively, they're able to guard you and rebound. They do everything well. Just like any team in the MIAA, it's going to be one of those games. They'll be excited to play. We'll be excited to play. We try to always be."Northwest has won each of the last 24 meetings against the MWSU men, including the last 10 in St. Joseph. Griffons’ head coach Will Martin admits the Griffons have to start pulling their weight in this rivalry."We have to do our part in the rivalry and start winning some of those matchups," Martin said. "But, I know our community will get out. I know Looney will be lit. We're going to need every ounce of their energy and support in that game."Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western are travel partners. That means they share the same conference opponents every week in the regular season. So, the Bearcats and Griffons, by default, see each other a lot on film.Martin says he and McCollum are, by now, very familiar with what the other team does and is capable of."We probably watch each other, me and Ben, more than any other team," Martin said. "You're watching a lot of their games to prep. We feel like we know them pretty well. They know us. They're a really good team. Well coached. What Ben McCollum has done there speaks for itself."Tip-off in Saturday's men's game is set for 3:30 p.m. The women lead things off at 1:30.Both games can be heard across the entire region on KFEQ Radio (680 AM, 95.3 FM, <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/live-stream/">680kfeq.com</a>, KFEQ app).Northwest and Western will play again in Maryville on February 24.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705012112482.jpeg" alt="Taye Fields (13) currently leads the MIAA with 143 total rebounds. Stock photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Taye Fields (13) currently leads the MIAA with 143 total rebounds. Stock photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU, Northwest set for high stakes MIAA basketball Saturday in St. Joseph

There is a chance of more snow after one or two inches fell
overnight throughout the Midland Empire. Temperatures will be falling
throughout today, expected to settle at 11 degrees. Wind chills could be
between minus-9 to one above.

This weekend, it will be bitterly cold. A high of 3 is expected
for Saturday for St. Joseph with wind chills of minus-18 to minus-24. The high Sunday is
expected to reach only minus-3. Monday, Martin Luther King Day, should see a
high of only one degree. We won’t see much of a warming trend until Wednesday,
when the National Weather Service expects a high of 25.

St. Joseph public schools are closed today due to the weather.
St. Joseph Catholic Academy has canceled classes today. Savannah has canceled classes for today and will be following its Alternative Method
Instruction plan.

Missouri Western State University first decided to open its St. Joseph
campus at 10 this morning, then made the decision to close the campus for today.

St. Joseph has enacted Phase 2 of the Emergency Snow Ordinance.
Vehicles must be removed from snow routes or they will be towed.

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of closings.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThere is a chance of more snow after one or two inches fell
overnight throughout the Midland Empire. Temperatures will be falling
throughout today, expected to settle at 11 degrees. Wind chills could be
between minus-9 to one above.This weekend, it will be bitterly cold. A high of 3 is expected
for Saturday for St. Joseph with wind chills of minus-18 to minus-24. The high Sunday is
expected to reach only minus-3. Monday, Martin Luther King Day, should see a
high of only one degree. We won’t see much of a warming trend until Wednesday,
when the National Weather Service expects a high of 25.St. Joseph public schools are closed today due to the weather.
St. Joseph Catholic Academy has canceled classes today. Savannah has canceled classes for today and will be following its Alternative Method
Instruction plan.Missouri Western State University first decided to open its St. Joseph
campus at 10 this morning, then made the decision to close the campus for today.St. Joseph has enacted Phase 2 of the Emergency Snow Ordinance.
Vehicles must be removed from snow routes or they will be towed.Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of closings.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

More snow, bitter temperatures expected for Midland Empire

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of closings

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of closings

Full listing of school and other closings

JEFFERSON CITY&nbsp;— On Thursday, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 24-02 as a precautionary&nbsp;measure to prepare for winter weather, especially extreme cold temperatures expected to impact the State of Missouri starting this weekend. 

The Order waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial&nbsp;vehicles transporting residential heating fuel and activates the Missouri National Guard for state and local&nbsp;response efforts, if needed.&nbsp;

"With extreme cold forecasted for this weekend, we want to be prepared to respond however may be needed,"&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. "Missourians should be proactive in their preparations and so too should state government. This Order helps ensure Missourians' homes stay heated and that state government and our National Guard members stand ready to assist."

Executive&nbsp;Order 24-02 suspends&nbsp;hours of service regulations&nbsp;for motor carriers transporting residential heating&nbsp;fuels, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil.&nbsp;

Weather forecasts predict extremely&nbsp;cold temperatures and snow accumulation across parts of the state starting Friday, January 12, 2024.&nbsp;Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions before driving to help determine if the trip can be completed safely. The MoDOT Traveler Information Map app can be downloaded free-of-charge to smart devices&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.modot.org/traveler-information-map-app__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!DW4Vned2wR5rd42nRnO1MyxfhxtJWDbWCU2grPTdiYmyDBg2cz3zOfNXyTWBUpz4PCfDbdxt8CYgoDMJaTiN0ENBMNVeCtU6b4Am8RqPuZCmdoqB%24" target="_blank">here</a>.

Executive Order 24-02 will expire on January 26, 2024, unless otherwise extended. To view the Order, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2024/eo2">click here</a>.

JEFFERSON CITY&nbsp;— On Thursday, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 24-02 as a precautionary&nbsp;measure to prepare for winter weather, especially extreme cold temperatures expected to impact the State of Missouri starting this weekend. The Order waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial&nbsp;vehicles transporting residential heating fuel and activates the Missouri National Guard for state and local&nbsp;response efforts, if needed.&nbsp;"With extreme cold forecasted for this weekend, we want to be prepared to respond however may be needed,"&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. "Missourians should be proactive in their preparations and so too should state government. This Order helps ensure Missourians' homes stay heated and that state government and our National Guard members stand ready to assist."Executive&nbsp;Order 24-02 suspends&nbsp;hours of service regulations&nbsp;for motor carriers transporting residential heating&nbsp;fuels, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil.&nbsp;Weather forecasts predict extremely&nbsp;cold temperatures and snow accumulation across parts of the state starting Friday, January 12, 2024.&nbsp;Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions before driving to help determine if the trip can be completed safely. The MoDOT Traveler Information Map app can be downloaded free-of-charge to smart devices&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.modot.org/traveler-information-map-app__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!DW4Vned2wR5rd42nRnO1MyxfhxtJWDbWCU2grPTdiYmyDBg2cz3zOfNXyTWBUpz4PCfDbdxt8CYgoDMJaTiN0ENBMNVeCtU6b4Am8RqPuZCmdoqB%24" target="_blank">here</a>.Executive Order 24-02 will expire on January 26, 2024, unless otherwise extended. To view the Order, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2024/eo2">click here</a>.

Mo. Governor signs executive order ahead of severe winter weather

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on new allegations.

On Thursday, police arrested 33-year-old&nbsp;Cinnamon D. Cash of Atchison on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In October and in 2019, police arrested her warrants for skipping court, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704983469827.png" alt="Cash-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Cash-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on new allegations.On Thursday, police arrested 33-year-old&nbsp;Cinnamon D. Cash of Atchison on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In October and in 2019, police arrested her warrants for skipping court, according to online jail records.

Kansas woman accused of skipping court again

A Buchanan County jury has found a 53-year-old homeless St.
Joseph man guilty of sexually assaulting a child.

The Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reports a
jury in St. Joseph deliberated for less than an hour before finding Jeffrey Gray guilty
of two counts of first-degree sodomy and for sexual abuse of a child younger than
twelve. The abuse occurred between December 1st of 2022 and March 21st
of 2023, according to prosecutors. Gray was charged in March of last year.

Jurors reached their verdict after hearing testimony from
fourteen different witnesses, including the victim and members of her family.
Also testifying during the trial were employees of the St. Joseph School
District, St. Joseph Police Department, Missouri Children’s Division, Voices of
Courage Children’s Advocacy Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, the Missouri
State Highway Patrol Crime Lab, and the Samaritan Center.

Gray is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4th. He
faces mandatory life sentences on each count.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705000077690.png" alt="Jeffrey Gray/Buchanan County Sheriff's Dept. photo" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Gray/Buchanan County Sheriff's Dept. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Buchanan County jury has found a 53-year-old homeless St.
Joseph man guilty of sexually assaulting a child.The Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reports a
jury in St. Joseph deliberated for less than an hour before finding Jeffrey Gray guilty
of two counts of first-degree sodomy and for sexual abuse of a child younger than
twelve. The abuse occurred between December 1st of 2022 and March 21st
of 2023, according to prosecutors. Gray was charged in March of last year.Jurors reached their verdict after hearing testimony from
fourteen different witnesses, including the victim and members of her family.
Also testifying during the trial were employees of the St. Joseph School
District, St. Joseph Police Department, Missouri Children’s Division, Voices of
Courage Children’s Advocacy Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, the Missouri
State Highway Patrol Crime Lab, and the Samaritan Center.Gray is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4th. He
faces mandatory life sentences on each count.

Jury finds homeless St. Joseph man guilty of child molestation

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says he’s pleased
with the Defense bill approved by Congress and signed into law by President
Biden.

Graves, a Republican, is pleased the bill provides a 5% pay
hike for military personnel and pays for improvements to military housing as
well as education and childcare facilities.

Yet, Graves, a member of the House-Senate conference
committee, says it doesn’t check all the boxes.

“You know, in a compromise you don’t get everything you want,
but it was a good bill,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s an
authorization. We do this every single Congress and it’s the authorization, or
reauthorization, of the Defense Department and our military.”

The Defense bill also brings some money home.

“And let’s just be specific too on the 139th,”
Graves says. “It made sure that our C-130s; we maintain the fleet at exactly
what it is and we maintain that fleet for at least another, and this is a
year-to-year-to-year process, but we want to make sure that we have the funds
to being able to make sure that the 139th gets the money that they
need.”

Graves and the entire Missouri Congressional delegation is
pressing the Air Force to upgrade the C-130 fleet at Rosecrans from the C-130H
planes to the newer C-130J model.

An effort by Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley to keep
compensation to victims of radiation exposure in the Defense bill failed, but Graves
says other avenues can be found. Graves says his fellow Republican likely lost
his battle to maintain the funding in the final Defense bill due to its price
tag.

“So, it was removed in conference, unfortunately. I think that’s
as a result of the cost,” Graves says. “It was $147 billion and what we found
out was it was only four billion of those dollars were actually going to go to
families in the state of Missouri who were affected by the radiation from the
Manhattan Project many, many years ago.”

Graves says the fight isn’t over. He says Congress will
revisit the issue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704986483571.jpeg" alt="File photo courtesy of the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Wing" />
 <figcaption>File photo courtesy of the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Wing</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says he’s pleased
with the Defense bill approved by Congress and signed into law by President
Biden.Graves, a Republican, is pleased the bill provides a 5% pay
hike for military personnel and pays for improvements to military housing as
well as education and childcare facilities.Yet, Graves, a member of the House-Senate conference
committee, says it doesn’t check all the boxes.“You know, in a compromise you don’t get everything you want,
but it was a good bill,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s an
authorization. We do this every single Congress and it’s the authorization, or
reauthorization, of the Defense Department and our military.”The Defense bill also brings some money home.“And let’s just be specific too on the 139th,”
Graves says. “It made sure that our C-130s; we maintain the fleet at exactly
what it is and we maintain that fleet for at least another, and this is a
year-to-year-to-year process, but we want to make sure that we have the funds
to being able to make sure that the 139th gets the money that they
need.”Graves and the entire Missouri Congressional delegation is
pressing the Air Force to upgrade the C-130 fleet at Rosecrans from the C-130H
planes to the newer C-130J model.An effort by Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley to keep
compensation to victims of radiation exposure in the Defense bill failed, but Graves
says other avenues can be found. Graves says his fellow Republican likely lost
his battle to maintain the funding in the final Defense bill due to its price
tag.“So, it was removed in conference, unfortunately. I think that’s
as a result of the cost,” Graves says. “It was $147 billion and what we found
out was it was only four billion of those dollars were actually going to go to
families in the state of Missouri who were affected by the radiation from the
Manhattan Project many, many years ago.”Graves says the fight isn’t over. He says Congress will
revisit the issue.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Congressman-Sam-Graves-on-Defense-Bill-e2eaokf" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves pleased with Defense bill, especially military pay hike

Officials with the American Red Cross want to ensure residents stay safe as bitter cold temperatures move into the region.  

Executive Director for the Greater Kansas City and northwest Missouri area JoAnn Woody says if you are outside for any length of time, be attentive for any signs of hypothermia 

"Hypothermia, shaking uncontrollably and maybe your nose is going numb or your toes or your fingers," Woody explains to KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

Woody adds to also be sure to limit your exposure to the conditions outside. People should also be aware of the signs of frostbite 

"Numb fingers or discoloration of your fingers or your nose or your ear tips while you're outside," Woody says. 

Woody says you should be aware of signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Woody says if you see those signs, it's important to seek medical attention 

"Because there may be other complications from that," Woody points out. "Same thing with frostbite, flushed gray, white, blue, or yellow skin, numbness or waxy feeling those can be signs of frostbite, and not jumping into don't rub the skin vigorously trying to warm it up." 

Woody says no matter how far you're going, be sure to bundle up properly before you get out. 

"Making sure you're wearing safe walking apparel, you know nice boots that will keep you from slipping and sliding, a couple of layers of clothes, making sure you have a good, heavy durable coat on, protecting your ears and your nose so you're not breathing in that horribly, horribly, shocking cold temperature as well," Woody says. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Officials with the American Red Cross want to ensure residents stay safe as bitter cold temperatures move into the region. Executive Director for the Greater Kansas City and northwest Missouri area JoAnn Woody says if you are outside for any length of time, be attentive for any signs of hypothermia "Hypothermia, shaking uncontrollably and maybe your nose is going numb or your toes or your fingers," Woody explains to KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Woody adds to also be sure to limit your exposure to the conditions outside. People should also be aware of the signs of frostbite "Numb fingers or discoloration of your fingers or your nose or your ear tips while you're outside," Woody says. Woody says you should be aware of signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Woody says if you see those signs, it's important to seek medical attention "Because there may be other complications from that," Woody points out. "Same thing with frostbite, flushed gray, white, blue, or yellow skin, numbness or waxy feeling those can be signs of frostbite, and not jumping into don't rub the skin vigorously trying to warm it up." Woody says no matter how far you're going, be sure to bundle up properly before you get out. "Making sure you're wearing safe walking apparel, you know nice boots that will keep you from slipping and sliding, a couple of layers of clothes, making sure you have a good, heavy durable coat on, protecting your ears and your nose so you're not breathing in that horribly, horribly, shocking cold temperature as well," Woody says.

Red Cross officials say keep safe as bitter cold temperatures strike the region

Senate education committee considers bringing MOScholars statewide, doubling salary cap

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

Income and geographic restrictions would be loosened for a tax-credit program that provides scholarships to help pay for private school tuition&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=244">under a bill debated Wednesday</a>&nbsp;by the Senate’s education committee.

Sen. Andrew Koenig, a Manchester Republican and the committee’s chairman, is sponsoring the legislation seeking to expand MoScholars. Koenig is running this year to become State Treasurer, the office that oversees the MoScholars program.

“This is a win for everybody in the situation for kids, and it provides parents options,” Koenig told the committee.

The bill, which is estimated could cost the state $9.2 million, would allow students throughout Missouri to enroll in the program and raise the maximum family income from 200% of the amount needed to qualify for free or reduced lunch to 400%.&nbsp;

In 2024, the maximum family salary for a family of four that would be eligible under Koenig’s bill is $220,000.

Sen. Tracy McCreery, a Democrat from St. Louis, questioned why the legislation allowed more affluent families to access money that otherwise would go toward the state’s general fund, asking Koenig why he chose this amount.

Koenig said he would prefer to remove the income cap completely.

“When someone is going to a traditional public school, we don’t means-test them,” he said. “All kids should have this option. Obviously, that’s not what I filed because I thought that might be difficult to pass.”

Currently, the students eligible have difficulty obtaining the tax-credit scholarships because&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/21/funding-lag-creates-barrier-for-missouri-private-school-tax-credit-program/">funding lags behind the school year and student demand</a>. Some of the educational assistance organizations, which grant the scholarships, are back-funding renewal scholarships.

Audrey Baker, a parent from Kansas City who testified on Wednesday, said the program is important for students like her daughter, a young student with health issues. Her daughter received interventions in her public school during kindergarten but found more stability in her private school, Baker said.

She applied for a scholarship through the Herzog Tomorrow Foundation, one of the MOScholars providers, and didn’t receive the funds because the foundation was short on money, she said. She drained an educational savings account to pay for her daughter’s tuition.

McCreery asked Koenig why he would expand the program given its current challenges. She also requested the program prioritize students in unaccredited and provisionally accredited schools.

“We’ve got more demand for these vouchers than money,” she said. “So why wouldn’t we be focusing on where the need is.”

Koenig said the program was new, and he hoped more money would come into MOScholars.

“If your concern is that some kids might not have access to this who really need it, we can always make it part of the foundation formula and do direct funding,” he said.

His legislation does not include a state appropriation, but it would expand the cap on the amount of tax credits the program can receive. It also would increase the scholarship amount for students with poor English language skills, who qualify for free or reduced lunch or have an individualized education plan.

State Treasurer Vivek Malek testified in favor of the bill, focusing on the geographic expansion, saying that he believes students should have the opportunity enroll&nbsp; “​​whether they live in Ladue or in Laddonia, or in St. Louis City or in Sikeston.”

He did not comment on the provision that would allow families making 400% of the amount to qualify for free or reduced lunch to be eligible.

Sen. Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat, asked Malek and MOScholars program administrator David Masterson whether student achievement was being recorded. Malek said that data is collected after the third year of the program, or school year 2024-25.

Beck questioned expanding the program before this data is available.

“We raised $9 million last year. This year, we raised $17 million,” Malek said. “And as the program is expanding, I think it is more wise to expand it now than to wait.”

Opposition to the bill included education groups like Missouri Council for School Administrators and the Missouri National Education Association, a teacher’s union.

Koenig presented a second bill to the committee Wednesday that would remove the need for the MOScholars program, allowing educational expenses to be reimbursed through a tax credit if a student attends a school outside of their home district.

The bill’s fiscal note estimates that it would cost around $900 million to $1.5 billion. Koenig said Wednesday that he believes excluding homeschooled students could shave off $700 million.

Families would be able to receive up to the amount of the state adequacy target for each student, which is the amount the state calculates in state aid per pupil.

Sen. Elaine Gannon, a Republican from De Soto, asked Koenig where the money would come from.

Koenig said parents would be reimbursed for the expenses when they do their taxes. He said some of the money comes from Proposition C, a sales tax approved by voters in 1982 for schools and highways.

“You want to take funding that’s been designated for the public school system since 1982?” Gannon asked.

She accused the bill of “draining the public school money away.”

Koenig said he doesn’t think Proposition C money belongs solely to the public school system.

“I don’t view that money as owned by the institutions,” he said. “It is there to educate the children of the state of Missouri, and that’s the purpose behind it.”

Gannon pushed back, saying it belongs to the schools.

“This money was designated in 1982 for public schools, and now you’re wanting to take that money and spend it where it should not be spent,” she said, banging her hand against the desk.

Sen. Greg Razer, a Kansas City Democrat, said he wanted more information from homeschool families if they were to receive public dollars.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704973428857.png" alt=" Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, answers questions about his bill that would expand MOScholars during a committee meeting Wednesday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, answers questions about his bill that would expand MOScholars during a committee meeting Wednesday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Senate education committee considers bringing MOScholars statewide, doubling salary cap</h2>By ANNELISE HANSHAW&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Income and geographic restrictions would be loosened for a tax-credit program that provides scholarships to help pay for private school tuition&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=244">under a bill debated Wednesday</a>&nbsp;by the Senate’s education committee.Sen. Andrew Koenig, a Manchester Republican and the committee’s chairman, is sponsoring the legislation seeking to expand MoScholars. Koenig is running this year to become State Treasurer, the office that oversees the MoScholars program.“This is a win for everybody in the situation for kids, and it provides parents options,” Koenig told the committee.The bill, which is estimated could cost the state $9.2 million, would allow students throughout Missouri to enroll in the program and raise the maximum family income from 200% of the amount needed to qualify for free or reduced lunch to 400%.&nbsp;In 2024, the maximum family salary for a family of four that would be eligible under Koenig’s bill is $220,000.Sen. Tracy McCreery, a Democrat from St. Louis, questioned why the legislation allowed more affluent families to access money that otherwise would go toward the state’s general fund, asking Koenig why he chose this amount.Koenig said he would prefer to remove the income cap completely.“When someone is going to a traditional public school, we don’t means-test them,” he said. “All kids should have this option. Obviously, that’s not what I filed because I thought that might be difficult to pass.”Currently, the students eligible have difficulty obtaining the tax-credit scholarships because&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/21/funding-lag-creates-barrier-for-missouri-private-school-tax-credit-program/">funding lags behind the school year and student demand</a>. Some of the educational assistance organizations, which grant the scholarships, are back-funding renewal scholarships.Audrey Baker, a parent from Kansas City who testified on Wednesday, said the program is important for students like her daughter, a young student with health issues. Her daughter received interventions in her public school during kindergarten but found more stability in her private school, Baker said.She applied for a scholarship through the Herzog Tomorrow Foundation, one of the MOScholars providers, and didn’t receive the funds because the foundation was short on money, she said. She drained an educational savings account to pay for her daughter’s tuition.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704973392929.png" alt=" State Treasurer Vivek Malek testifies in support of a bill by Sen. Andrew Koenig that would expand the MOScholars program. Both are campaigning for the 2024 State Treasurer’s election (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Treasurer Vivek Malek testifies in support of a bill by Sen. Andrew Koenig that would expand the MOScholars program. Both are campaigning for the 2024 State Treasurer’s election (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>McCreery asked Koenig why he would expand the program given its current challenges. She also requested the program prioritize students in unaccredited and provisionally accredited schools.“We’ve got more demand for these vouchers than money,” she said. “So why wouldn’t we be focusing on where the need is.”Koenig said the program was new, and he hoped more money would come into MOScholars.“If your concern is that some kids might not have access to this who really need it, we can always make it part of the foundation formula and do direct funding,” he said.His legislation does not include a state appropriation, but it would expand the cap on the amount of tax credits the program can receive. It also would increase the scholarship amount for students with poor English language skills, who qualify for free or reduced lunch or have an individualized education plan.State Treasurer Vivek Malek testified in favor of the bill, focusing on the geographic expansion, saying that he believes students should have the opportunity enroll&nbsp; “​​whether they live in Ladue or in Laddonia, or in St. Louis City or in Sikeston.”He did not comment on the provision that would allow families making 400% of the amount to qualify for free or reduced lunch to be eligible.Sen. Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat, asked Malek and MOScholars program administrator David Masterson whether student achievement was being recorded. Malek said that data is collected after the third year of the program, or school year 2024-25.Beck questioned expanding the program before this data is available.“We raised $9 million last year. This year, we raised $17 million,” Malek said. “And as the program is expanding, I think it is more wise to expand it now than to wait.”Opposition to the bill included education groups like Missouri Council for School Administrators and the Missouri National Education Association, a teacher’s union.<h2>A new system</h2>Koenig presented a second bill to the committee Wednesday that would remove the need for the MOScholars program, allowing educational expenses to be reimbursed through a tax credit if a student attends a school outside of their home district.The bill’s fiscal note estimates that it would cost around $900 million to $1.5 billion. Koenig said Wednesday that he believes excluding homeschooled students could shave off $700 million.Families would be able to receive up to the amount of the state adequacy target for each student, which is the amount the state calculates in state aid per pupil.Sen. Elaine Gannon, a Republican from De Soto, asked Koenig where the money would come from.Koenig said parents would be reimbursed for the expenses when they do their taxes. He said some of the money comes from Proposition C, a sales tax approved by voters in 1982 for schools and highways.“You want to take funding that’s been designated for the public school system since 1982?” Gannon asked.She accused the bill of “draining the public school money away.”Koenig said he doesn’t think Proposition C money belongs solely to the public school system.“I don’t view that money as owned by the institutions,” he said. “It is there to educate the children of the state of Missouri, and that’s the purpose behind it.”Gannon pushed back, saying it belongs to the schools.“This money was designated in 1982 for public schools, and now you’re wanting to take that money and spend it where it should not be spent,” she said, banging her hand against the desk.Sen. Greg Razer, a Kansas City Democrat, said he wanted more information from homeschool families if they were to receive public dollars.“I’ve always been bothered that we don’t have oversight over homeschools to make sure that the kids are getting taught,” he said. “I suspect most are. I suspect some are not.”

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