St. Joseph has received a big boost from the state budget to
keep momentum going toward economic development projects.

Rosecrans Memorial Airport benefits the most, with the state
budget allocating $19 million, enough to complete the financing of a new airport
terminal and air traffic control tower.

Mayor John Josendale points out Rosecrans wasn’t the only
beneficiary. Hillyard Tech got $6 million and the new Convergent Technology
Alliance Center, breaking ground on the Missouri Western campus Tuesday,
received $2.5 million.

“Workforce development is a huge thing and you’ll see that in
a lot of the efforts that went to get funding for different things, whether it
be at Hillyard, whether it be at Missouri Western,” Josendale tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “But, again, workforce development and developing
from within our own.”

Josendale says the state allocation of $19 million to
Rosecrans Memorial Airport is vital to keep the Air National Guard’s 139th
Airlift Wing base.

Josendale says the city is pleased with the huge influx of
state funding for various projects, adding it’s not just money that will
attract people and new businesses to choose the city.

“How we work with the community on improving the looks of the
city, but then opening up new housing or good housing, making it a place that
people want to be,” Josendale says.

Josendale notes the Chamber of Commerce’s new Adopt-A-Block
program is taking off.

“And they’ve gone in and they’re fixing up neighborhoods. You’ve
got the cleaning up of the parks,” Josendale says. “We’ve got meetings that are
now taking place on the revitalization of Krug Park and other activities that
are going on. We’ve got a feasibility study being done right now on whether or
not a new sports complex would be good for the community and the area.”

Josendale says supporters of the Children’s Discovery Center
will look to other means of raising $1 million in wake of the governor’s veto
of the appropriation that legislators placed in the $50 billion state budget.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689094068862.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph has received a big boost from the state budget to
keep momentum going toward economic development projects.Rosecrans Memorial Airport benefits the most, with the state
budget allocating $19 million, enough to complete the financing of a new airport
terminal and air traffic control tower.Mayor John Josendale points out Rosecrans wasn’t the only
beneficiary. Hillyard Tech got $6 million and the new Convergent Technology
Alliance Center, breaking ground on the Missouri Western campus Tuesday,
received $2.5 million.“Workforce development is a huge thing and you’ll see that in
a lot of the efforts that went to get funding for different things, whether it
be at Hillyard, whether it be at Missouri Western,” Josendale tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “But, again, workforce development and developing
from within our own.”Josendale says the state allocation of $19 million to
Rosecrans Memorial Airport is vital to keep the Air National Guard’s 139th
Airlift Wing base.Josendale says the city is pleased with the huge influx of
state funding for various projects, adding it’s not just money that will
attract people and new businesses to choose the city.“How we work with the community on improving the looks of the
city, but then opening up new housing or good housing, making it a place that
people want to be,” Josendale says.Josendale notes the Chamber of Commerce’s new Adopt-A-Block
program is taking off.“And they’ve gone in and they’re fixing up neighborhoods. You’ve
got the cleaning up of the parks,” Josendale says. “We’ve got meetings that are
now taking place on the revitalization of Krug Park and other activities that
are going on. We’ve got a feasibility study being done right now on whether or
not a new sports complex would be good for the community and the area.”Josendale says supporters of the Children’s Discovery Center
will look to other means of raising $1 million in wake of the governor’s veto
of the appropriation that legislators placed in the $50 billion state budget.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Mayor-John-Josendale-talks-economic-development-around-St--Joseph-e26qtke" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

State money helps fuel St. Joseph economic development momentum

You don't have to travel to France this summer for some fine cuisine, you just have to head to the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art.  

Director Eric Fuson says 80 Days Cafe will whip up a certified French dinner on Saturday at the museum 

"Our doors will open at 5pm so you can kind of look around and have a drink beforehand and then 5:30 I'll have a little talk about some French artwork that's in our collection, and then at 6 we'll have dinner, "Fuson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. 

Fuson says if you attend the event there also might be some surprise artwork 

"I'll even pull a couple of extra things from our vault which is always fun, you get to see something that's not usually out," Fuson says.  

The dinner is $55per person and you can find more information and register on the Albrecht Kempers website. 

The Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art is also hosting kids camps this summer to teach children about techniques, the creative process, and ways to look at art. 

The next kids camp is coming up next month running August 8th to the 11th.  

Fuson says the morning session is sold out in August but there still is a chance to get your child enrolled in the afternoon sessions 

"Put your name on the list we can get you in the afternoon," Fuson points out. "It's $125 for each child, but $100 if you're a member, and that's Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, its four days." 

Afternoon sessions are also currently available for the camp running today through Friday.  Contact the museum for details. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post You don't have to travel to France this summer for some fine cuisine, you just have to head to the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art. Director Eric Fuson says 80 Days Cafe will whip up a certified French dinner on Saturday at the museum "Our doors will open at 5pm so you can kind of look around and have a drink beforehand and then 5:30 I'll have a little talk about some French artwork that's in our collection, and then at 6 we'll have dinner, "Fuson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Fuson says if you attend the event there also might be some surprise artwork "I'll even pull a couple of extra things from our vault which is always fun, you get to see something that's not usually out," Fuson says. The dinner is $55per person and you can find more information and register on the Albrecht Kempers website. The Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art is also hosting kids camps this summer to teach children about techniques, the creative process, and ways to look at art. The next kids camp is coming up next month running August 8th to the 11th. Fuson says the morning session is sold out in August but there still is a chance to get your child enrolled in the afternoon sessions "Put your name on the list we can get you in the afternoon," Fuson points out. "It's $125 for each child, but $100 if you're a member, and that's Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, its four days." Afternoon sessions are also currently available for the camp running today through Friday. Contact the museum for details.

Fun summertime events happening at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art

ANDREW COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 3a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Kia Soul driven by Anita L. Wheeler, 23, Louisville, Kentucky, was southbound on Interstate 29 eight miles west of Savannah.

The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, struck a culvert and rolled.

Andrew County EMS transported Wheeler and passengers Brian J. Mcfarren, 25 and an 8-year-old girl both of Louisville, Kentucky, to Mosaic Life Care. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 3a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Kia Soul driven by Anita L. Wheeler, 23, Louisville, Kentucky, was southbound on Interstate 29 eight miles west of Savannah.The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, struck a culvert and rolled.Andrew County EMS transported Wheeler and passengers Brian J. Mcfarren, 25 and an 8-year-old girl both of Louisville, Kentucky, to Mosaic Life Care. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 adults, 8-year-old injured in rollover accident

The nation's average price of gasoline has remained unchanged from a week ago, holding at $3.50 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. 

The national average diesel price fell 1.3 cents in the last week and stands at $3.79 per gallon. 

GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says, “After declining going into July 4, average gasoline prices have struggled to find much momentum in either direction as the price of crude oil has continued to bounce around.” 

U.S. retail gasoline demand saw an 8.6 percent drop last week as the July 4 holiday closed and motorists returned from their holiday plans. However, De Haan says there is a risk of hurricane season and potential disruptions. 

Colorado State University recently released its third forecast for the 2023 hurricane season, showing a sharp uptick in the number of expected major hurricanes. 

Oil markets have seen a rally over the last week after Saudi Arabia extended its 1-million-barrel-per-day production cut to August, and Russia joined in by slowing oil exports.

The nation's average price of gasoline has remained unchanged from a week ago, holding at $3.50 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. The national average diesel price fell 1.3 cents in the last week and stands at $3.79 per gallon. GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says, “After declining going into July 4, average gasoline prices have struggled to find much momentum in either direction as the price of crude oil has continued to bounce around.” U.S. retail gasoline demand saw an 8.6 percent drop last week as the July 4 holiday closed and motorists returned from their holiday plans. However, De Haan says there is a risk of hurricane season and potential disruptions. Colorado State University recently released its third forecast for the 2023 hurricane season, showing a sharp uptick in the number of expected major hurricanes. Oil markets have seen a rally over the last week after Saudi Arabia extended its 1-million-barrel-per-day production cut to August, and Russia joined in by slowing oil exports.- NAFB

Fuel demand plummets after holiday

Lawsuit in Cole County alleges splits in Buchanan, Hazelwood County violate constitutional restriction that maps have fewest possible splits of cities, counties

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

A political activist who spent much of the past six years in the fight over how Missouri legislative districts should be drawn will be the prime witness in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/lawsuit-alleges-missouri-senate-map-hurt-minority-voters-splits-too-many-counties/">case challenging the state Senate map</a>.

Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem on Monday denied an effort to exclude testimony from Sean Nicholson, principal at GPS Impact and leader of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/elections/amendment-1-voters-strongly-support-clean-missouri-redistricting-plan-ethics-reform/article_6d2a9728-e155-11e8-b58e-43f1d7945f4e.html">2018 Clean Missouri initiative</a>, as an expert witness on redistricting. He will be the only witness for a group of three plaintiffs who are challenging aspects of the map&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/03/14/judges-release-new-boundaries-for-missouri-senate-districts/">crafted by a panel of judges</a>&nbsp;in early 2022.&nbsp;

The lawsuit asks Beetem to redraw the boundaries of five districts – three in northwest Missouri and two in St. Louis County – to remedy what the plaintiffs see are unconstitutional flaws. They contend that splitting Hazelwood in north St. Louis County between the 13th and 14th districts violates the constitution, as does splitting Buchanan County between the 12th and 34th districts.

If Beetem agrees, and changes the map, it would be used in the 2024 elections. The proposed map is unlikely to change the partisan makeup of the Republican-dominated Senate, but it would shift at least one candidate planning to run next year out of their current district.

Monday’s hearing on Nicholson’s qualifications was the last preliminary step before a trial, set to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Beetem did not indicate Monday whether he would rule at the end of the presentations Wednesday or at a later date.

Assistant Attorney General Jason Lewis, representing the secretary of state’s office, argued that advocacy does not equal expertise in redistricting issues.&nbsp;

“He certainly is an experienced professional in the area of civics and campaigning and advocacy,” Lewis said. “That is not redistricting. That is not a redistricting field. Redistricting is a specialty.”

In response, Chuck Hatfield, the Jefferson City attorney representing the plaintiffs, said Nicholson’s personal involvement in the fight over how Missouri should draw legislative districts makes his testimony important to determining whether the map should be changed.

In addition to working on ballot-issue campaigns, Nicholson worked on the House map currently in use and helped draft proposed Senate maps that ultimately were rejected by the Senate Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission, Hatfield said.

“I don’t think there is any way this evidence should be excluded,” he said.

Under the concept of one person, one vote, legislative districts are supposed to be nearly identical in population. And under civil rights laws, districts should be drawn to give minority voters an opportunity to elect representatives of their choice.

To meet those standards, and reduce political gerrymandering, since the 1960s the Missouri Constitution has required bipartisan commissions to do the work of redrawing lines after every census. When a commission, after being given six months, is unable to agree on a map, the job is turned over to a panel of appeals court judges.

In 2018, Nicholson and his backers successfully changed the constitution with an initiative petition they called Clean Missouri to make partisan fairness of the map a key priority for the commissions.&nbsp;

Republicans, upset with the potential for new maps that would challenge their supermajorities, put their own ideas for changing the process&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/11/04/voters-repeal-clean-missouri-redistricting-plan-they-enacted-in-2018/">on the 2020 ballot and it passed</a>.

It retained the idea that the districts should show some partisan fairness but made it a lower priority than keeping counties and cities intact in the new districts.

Both Clean Missouri and its successor retained redistricting commissions and, when they could not agree, judicial panels.&nbsp;

The Senate map being challenged in court was drawn by the judicial panel. A commission that worked on the Missouri House map agreed to a plan and it has not been challenged in court.

The first priority, under the constitution, intended to “take precedence over any other part of this constitution,” is to make them racially fair. Another priority is that splits of counties “shall each be as few as possible” and that “as few municipal lines shall be crossed as possible.”

In court on Monday, Beetem said that what he must decide after Wednesday’s trial is whether the map proposed in the lawsuit is a “better map,” constitutionally, than the one in use.

Based on the 2020 census, an ideal Senate district has 181,027 people. There can be a deviation of up to 1% overall, and districts that do not cross municipal or county boundaries can vary as much as 3% from the ideal.&nbsp;

Counties that have enough population for one or more districts are supposed to have as many whole districts as the population allows, with the remainder attached to a single adjacent district.

It is “possible” to draw a constitutional map with fewer splits, Hatfield said in an interview. That makes the current map unconstitutional.

“We think it is a very straightforward case,” Hatfield said.

The lawsuit contends that the line drawn through Hazelwood as a boundary between the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_13.pdf">13th District</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_14.pdf">14th District</a>&nbsp;is unnecessary, violating the “few as possible” provision and packing Black residents into the 13th District.

Only the boundary between those two districts would be changed under the proposed map.

On the western side of the state, Buchanan County is split between the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_12.pdf">12th District</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_34.pdf">34th District</a>. Putting Buchanan entirely within the 12th District, as proposed by the plaintiffs, would mean altering the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_21.pdf">21st District</a>&nbsp;as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under the proposed map, the 34th District would include Platte and all of Clay County outside the 17th District, which is entirely within the boundaries of Clay County. The portion of Clay County that would shift is currently drawn into the 21st District.

The counties that would become part of the 21st District are Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Daviess, Grundy, Linn, Livingston and Sullivan.

In the court filings responding to the proposed map, Lewis wrote that “many maps” could be drawn that do not split Hazelwood or Buchanan County but not every map with that result “is necessarily constitutional.”

Republicans hold a 24-10 majority in the Senate, and the changes being sought in Wednesday’s trial won’t significantly alter the partisan leanings of any district.

Half of the Senate is on the ballot every two years. Next year, odd-numbered districts will elect senators.

The two St. Louis County districts are both represented by Democrats. Sen. Angela Mosley will be seeking her second term representing the 13th District, while Sen. Brian Williams, who represents the 14th District, won his second and final term last year.

In the northwest Missouri districts, Sen. Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, won his 12th District seat last year and won’t be on the ballot until 2026. In the 34th District, Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, is barred from running again in 2026 due to term limits.

But proposed changes in the 21st District would put state Rep. Doug Richey, R-Excelsior Springs, the 34th District. Richey and state Rep. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall, have launched campaigns for the GOP nomination in the district currently represented by Sen. Denny Hoskins.

Richey’s home would be just a few miles outside the new district line but only residents of a district may run for legislative seats.

Richey made headlines during the session for his budget amendment that would have barred state agencies, institutions and contractors from having&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/30/diversity-debate-dominates-house-action-on-missouri-state-budget/">diversity, equity and inclusion programs</a>. The amendment was ultimately defeated.

He thinks the district lines will survive the challenge, Richey said.

“It is not likely that a judge is going to rule against a panel of judges with a declaration they didn’t have enough information to draw the map,” he said.

He’s going to continue campaigning while the court case – which is likely to be appealed no matter how Beetem rules – goes on, Richey said.

“Everyone is going to be watching very closely how he decides that matter,” Richey said. “It will definitely have an effect on this Senate district in terms of its boundaries.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689078400517.png" alt="he Missouri Senate at the end of the 2023 legislative session. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>he Missouri Senate at the end of the 2023 legislative session. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lawsuit in Cole County alleges splits in Buchanan, Hazelwood County violate constitutional restriction that maps have fewest possible splits of cities, counties</h2>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A political activist who spent much of the past six years in the fight over how Missouri legislative districts should be drawn will be the prime witness in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/lawsuit-alleges-missouri-senate-map-hurt-minority-voters-splits-too-many-counties/">case challenging the state Senate map</a>.Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem on Monday denied an effort to exclude testimony from Sean Nicholson, principal at GPS Impact and leader of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/elections/amendment-1-voters-strongly-support-clean-missouri-redistricting-plan-ethics-reform/article_6d2a9728-e155-11e8-b58e-43f1d7945f4e.html">2018 Clean Missouri initiative</a>, as an expert witness on redistricting. He will be the only witness for a group of three plaintiffs who are challenging aspects of the map&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/03/14/judges-release-new-boundaries-for-missouri-senate-districts/">crafted by a panel of judges</a>&nbsp;in early 2022.&nbsp;The lawsuit asks Beetem to redraw the boundaries of five districts – three in northwest Missouri and two in St. Louis County – to remedy what the plaintiffs see are unconstitutional flaws. They contend that splitting Hazelwood in north St. Louis County between the 13th and 14th districts violates the constitution, as does splitting Buchanan County between the 12th and 34th districts.If Beetem agrees, and changes the map, it would be used in the 2024 elections. The proposed map is unlikely to change the partisan makeup of the Republican-dominated Senate, but it would shift at least one candidate planning to run next year out of their current district.Monday’s hearing on Nicholson’s qualifications was the last preliminary step before a trial, set to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Beetem did not indicate Monday whether he would rule at the end of the presentations Wednesday or at a later date.Assistant Attorney General Jason Lewis, representing the secretary of state’s office, argued that advocacy does not equal expertise in redistricting issues.&nbsp;“He certainly is an experienced professional in the area of civics and campaigning and advocacy,” Lewis said. “That is not redistricting. That is not a redistricting field. Redistricting is a specialty.”In response, Chuck Hatfield, the Jefferson City attorney representing the plaintiffs, said Nicholson’s personal involvement in the fight over how Missouri should draw legislative districts makes his testimony important to determining whether the map should be changed.In addition to working on ballot-issue campaigns, Nicholson worked on the House map currently in use and helped draft proposed Senate maps that ultimately were rejected by the Senate Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission, Hatfield said.“I don’t think there is any way this evidence should be excluded,” he said.<h2>Map issues</h2>Under the concept of one person, one vote, legislative districts are supposed to be nearly identical in population. And under civil rights laws, districts should be drawn to give minority voters an opportunity to elect representatives of their choice.To meet those standards, and reduce political gerrymandering, since the 1960s the Missouri Constitution has required bipartisan commissions to do the work of redrawing lines after every census. When a commission, after being given six months, is unable to agree on a map, the job is turned over to a panel of appeals court judges.In 2018, Nicholson and his backers successfully changed the constitution with an initiative petition they called Clean Missouri to make partisan fairness of the map a key priority for the commissions.&nbsp;Republicans, upset with the potential for new maps that would challenge their supermajorities, put their own ideas for changing the process&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/11/04/voters-repeal-clean-missouri-redistricting-plan-they-enacted-in-2018/">on the 2020 ballot and it passed</a>.It retained the idea that the districts should show some partisan fairness but made it a lower priority than keeping counties and cities intact in the new districts.Both Clean Missouri and its successor retained redistricting commissions and, when they could not agree, judicial panels.&nbsp;The Senate map being challenged in court was drawn by the judicial panel. A commission that worked on the Missouri House map agreed to a plan and it has not been challenged in court.The first priority, under the constitution, intended to “take precedence over any other part of this constitution,” is to make them racially fair. Another priority is that splits of counties “shall each be as few as possible” and that “as few municipal lines shall be crossed as possible.”In court on Monday, Beetem said that what he must decide after Wednesday’s trial is whether the map proposed in the lawsuit is a “better map,” constitutionally, than the one in use.Based on the 2020 census, an ideal Senate district has 181,027 people. There can be a deviation of up to 1% overall, and districts that do not cross municipal or county boundaries can vary as much as 3% from the ideal.&nbsp;Counties that have enough population for one or more districts are supposed to have as many whole districts as the population allows, with the remainder attached to a single adjacent district.It is “possible” to draw a constitutional map with fewer splits, Hatfield said in an interview. That makes the current map unconstitutional.“We think it is a very straightforward case,” Hatfield said.The lawsuit contends that the line drawn through Hazelwood as a boundary between the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_13.pdf">13th District</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_14.pdf">14th District</a>&nbsp;is unnecessary, violating the “few as possible” provision and packing Black residents into the 13th District.Only the boundary between those two districts would be changed under the proposed map.On the western side of the state, Buchanan County is split between the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_12.pdf">12th District</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_34.pdf">34th District</a>. Putting Buchanan entirely within the 12th District, as proposed by the plaintiffs, would mean altering the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_21.pdf">21st District</a>&nbsp;as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the proposed map, the 34th District would include Platte and all of Clay County outside the 17th District, which is entirely within the boundaries of Clay County. The portion of Clay County that would shift is currently drawn into the 21st District.The counties that would become part of the 21st District are Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Daviess, Grundy, Linn, Livingston and Sullivan.In the court filings responding to the proposed map, Lewis wrote that “many maps” could be drawn that do not split Hazelwood or Buchanan County but not every map with that result “is necessarily constitutional.”<h2>Political consequences</h2>Republicans hold a 24-10 majority in the Senate, and the changes being sought in Wednesday’s trial won’t significantly alter the partisan leanings of any district.Half of the Senate is on the ballot every two years. Next year, odd-numbered districts will elect senators.The two St. Louis County districts are both represented by Democrats. Sen. Angela Mosley will be seeking her second term representing the 13th District, while Sen. Brian Williams, who represents the 14th District, won his second and final term last year.In the northwest Missouri districts, Sen. Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, won his 12th District seat last year and won’t be on the ballot until 2026. In the 34th District, Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, is barred from running again in 2026 due to term limits.But proposed changes in the 21st District would put state Rep. Doug Richey, R-Excelsior Springs, the 34th District. Richey and state Rep. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall, have launched campaigns for the GOP nomination in the district currently represented by Sen. Denny Hoskins.Richey’s home would be just a few miles outside the new district line but only residents of a district may run for legislative seats.Richey made headlines during the session for his budget amendment that would have barred state agencies, institutions and contractors from having&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/30/diversity-debate-dominates-house-action-on-missouri-state-budget/">diversity, equity and inclusion programs</a>. The amendment was ultimately defeated.He thinks the district lines will survive the challenge, Richey said.“It is not likely that a judge is going to rule against a panel of judges with a declaration they didn’t have enough information to draw the map,” he said.He’s going to continue campaigning while the court case – which is likely to be appealed no matter how Beetem rules – goes on, Richey said.“Everyone is going to be watching very closely how he decides that matter,” Richey said. “It will definitely have an effect on this Senate district in terms of its boundaries.”

Trial this week to decide boundaries of five Missouri Senate districts

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Polaris Ranger 1000 XP driven by&nbsp; Darwin G. Nieman, 74, Chillicothe,&nbsp; was westbound on LIV 320 and a 2022 Chevy 3500 driven by Sherman W. Shields, 62, Hale, was southbound on LIV 369 two miles southeast of Avalon.

The vehicles met at an uncontrolled intersection. The front of the UTV struck the left rear of the pickup.

Life Flight transported Nieman to Truman Medical Center. Shields was not injured.&nbsp; Nieman was not wearing a helmet and Shields properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Polaris Ranger 1000 XP driven by&nbsp; Darwin G. Nieman, 74, Chillicothe,&nbsp; was westbound on LIV 320 and a 2022 Chevy 3500 driven by Sherman W. Shields, 62, Hale, was southbound on LIV 369 two miles southeast of Avalon.The vehicles met at an uncontrolled intersection. The front of the UTV struck the left rear of the pickup.Life Flight transported Nieman to Truman Medical Center. Shields was not injured.&nbsp; Nieman was not wearing a helmet and Shields properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

 NW Mo. man airlifted to hospital after UTV, pickup crash

BROWN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Monday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Freigtliner drump truck driven by John B. Schuetz, 54, Powhattan, was southwest bound on Kansas 20 Highway one mile east of Everest.

The driver attempted to turn southbound onto Raccoon Road and failed to yield to a 2004 Ford F150 driven by Robert A. Becker, 78, Everest.&nbsp; The dump truck struck the Ford on the driver's. After impact both vehicles traveled into the southeast ditch.

EMS transported Becker to KU Medical Center and Schuetz to Amberwell. Becker was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Monday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Freigtliner drump truck driven by John B. Schuetz, 54, Powhattan, was southwest bound on Kansas 20 Highway one mile east of Everest.The driver attempted to turn southbound onto Raccoon Road and failed to yield to a 2004 Ford F150 driven by Robert A. Becker, 78, Everest.&nbsp; The dump truck struck the Ford on the driver's. After impact both vehicles traveled into the southeast ditch.EMS transported Becker to KU Medical Center and Schuetz to Amberwell. Becker was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

2 Kansas men injured after dump truck, pickup crash

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican Gov. Mike Parson approved extended Medicaid health care for new mothers and a ban on handheld phone use while driving when he took final action on remaining bills last week.

Parson already signed a close to $52 billion state budget that includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/budget-missouri-school-funding-infrastructure-0ecaff4bedfa58a61991473df94dafa4">billions in funding to expand Interstate 70 across the state</a>. He also approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-missouri-republican-govenrnor-sports-d0d3ef01544dc7c22592d8ca2464138b">limits on access to transgender health care</a>&nbsp;and a ban on transgender girls and women competing with other female athletes in school sports.

Parson signed most of the remaining bills passed by the GOP-led Legislature this year, with the exception of a measure to pay wrongfully convicted prisoners for their time behind bars.

Most of the new laws will take effect Aug. 28.

Lower-income new mothers will get a full year of Medicaid health-care coverage in Missouri under legislation signed by Parson. Missouri joins&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-postpartum-coverage-antiabortion-republican-states-mississippi-706300151c48acce64a928fec0513c72">a growing list of Republican-led states</a>&nbsp;that previously balked at Medicaid expansions but are now joining Democratic states in providing 12 months of coverage — instead of the typical 60 days — after women give birth.

Missouri’s senior homeowners could be spared from rate hikes on property taxes under a bill signed by Parson. Beginning in September, counties can approve property tax breaks for people age 65 and older. The measure also ends state taxes on Social Security benefits.

Parson approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ballot-initiative-petition-voter-missouri-republican-8e4d5b8293eb864235cf347410d5d7f5">a ban on phone use while driving</a>, which covers holding a phone, making calls and reading messages. Using phones for navigation, emergency calls and listening to podcasts or music will be allowed, as well as hands-free phone use. The law takes effect in 2025. Until then, violators will only be given a warning.

Workers who receive raises no longer will be cut off from food stamps and welfare benefits if a program signed by Parson is implemented. The law, which depends on permission from the federal government, would allow reduced aid proportionate to workers' raises. The idea is that taking away benefits punishes workers for getting promoted, which might encourage people to stay in lower-earning jobs.

Parson vetoed one bill: legislation that would increase pay for people who were wrongfully convicted for time spent unjustly in prison and make it easier to clear past criminal records. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/sb-189-veto">letter</a>&nbsp;explaining his decision, Parson said taxpayers statewide should not have to pay for decisions made by local juries, judges and prosecutors dealing with wrongful convictions. He also wrote that proposed changes to criminal records could allow sexual exploitation of a minor and promoting child pornography — newer offenses under Missouri law — to be wiped from offenders' records.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican Gov. Mike Parson approved extended Medicaid health care for new mothers and a ban on handheld phone use while driving when he took final action on remaining bills last week.Parson already signed a close to $52 billion state budget that includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/budget-missouri-school-funding-infrastructure-0ecaff4bedfa58a61991473df94dafa4">billions in funding to expand Interstate 70 across the state</a>. He also approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-missouri-republican-govenrnor-sports-d0d3ef01544dc7c22592d8ca2464138b">limits on access to transgender health care</a>&nbsp;and a ban on transgender girls and women competing with other female athletes in school sports.Parson signed most of the remaining bills passed by the GOP-led Legislature this year, with the exception of a measure to pay wrongfully convicted prisoners for their time behind bars.Most of the new laws will take effect Aug. 28.POSTPARTUM MEDICAIDLower-income new mothers will get a full year of Medicaid health-care coverage in Missouri under legislation signed by Parson. Missouri joins&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-postpartum-coverage-antiabortion-republican-states-mississippi-706300151c48acce64a928fec0513c72">a growing list of Republican-led states</a>&nbsp;that previously balked at Medicaid expansions but are now joining Democratic states in providing 12 months of coverage — instead of the typical 60 days — after women give birth.SENIOR TAX BREAKSMissouri’s senior homeowners could be spared from rate hikes on property taxes under a bill signed by Parson. Beginning in September, counties can approve property tax breaks for people age 65 and older. The measure also ends state taxes on Social Security benefits.TEXTING WHILE DRIVINGParson approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ballot-initiative-petition-voter-missouri-republican-8e4d5b8293eb864235cf347410d5d7f5">a ban on phone use while driving</a>, which covers holding a phone, making calls and reading messages. Using phones for navigation, emergency calls and listening to podcasts or music will be allowed, as well as hands-free phone use. The law takes effect in 2025. Until then, violators will only be given a warning.WELFARE BENEFITSWorkers who receive raises no longer will be cut off from food stamps and welfare benefits if a program signed by Parson is implemented. The law, which depends on permission from the federal government, would allow reduced aid proportionate to workers' raises. The idea is that taking away benefits punishes workers for getting promoted, which might encourage people to stay in lower-earning jobs.WRONGFUL CONVICTIONSParson vetoed one bill: legislation that would increase pay for people who were wrongfully convicted for time spent unjustly in prison and make it easier to clear past criminal records. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/sb-189-veto">letter</a>&nbsp;explaining his decision, Parson said taxpayers statewide should not have to pay for decisions made by local juries, judges and prosecutors dealing with wrongful convictions. He also wrote that proposed changes to criminal records could allow sexual exploitation of a minor and promoting child pornography — newer offenses under Missouri law — to be wiped from offenders' records.

Mo. gov. signs laws for new moms' health care, ban on texting and driving

Buzz Verduzco just concluded a 23-year-long tenure as Missouri Western's head baseball coach this past May.

Following his retirement, another coaching opportunity came his way - this one at the high school level and in the same city.

Verduzco says St. Joseph Central athletic director David Lau approached him about the opportunity to take over as the Indians' next head softball coach.

"I was able to visit with David Lau, who used to be at Missouri Western," Verduzco told KFEQ Radio. "He approached me and I needed some time to think about it. I talked to my wife (Tracy) about it and I knew I still wanted to help kids, so this was the perfect opportunity, actually."

Verduzco was officially announced as Central's next head softball coach on June 26. He succeeds Kendra Hodgin, who had been the head coach there for the previous five seasons.

For decades, Verduzco has coached college baseball. He was an assistant at his alma mater, Washington State, for 10 years before taking over as Missouri Western's head man in 1999.

He recorded 629 wins with the Griffons, including 16 winning seasons, an MIAA championship in 2013 and four NCAA tournament berths.&nbsp;

As much success as he had coaching baseball, Verduzco knows shifting to high school softball is a big change.

He's relied on former Missouri Western softball coach Jen Bagley-Trotter (2002-2021), current Griffon softball coach Joe Yegge and others as he gets ready for this change.

"Jennifer, we worked together for over 20 years at Missouri Western," Verduzco said. "She's been an awesome support and great resource. Coach Yegge, who I've gotten to know over the last year, he's been terrific. There's been a lot of different people I can run to."

Verduzco, who was inducted into the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame earlier this summer, says he's proud of what he and his teams achieved over the years at Missouri Western as he reflected on his long tenure.

"Maybe some people look at it as a small market school, compared to other teams in the league," Verduzco said. "That didn't bother us. We wanted to make sure we put everything into it we could to make it a contender nationally and regionally and to make a lot of noise within the conference, which we did, and we were proud of that."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689015688189.png" alt="Buzz Verduzco with his wife Tracy after being inducted into the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics." />
 <figcaption>Buzz Verduzco with his wife Tracy after being inducted into the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBuzz Verduzco just concluded a 23-year-long tenure as Missouri Western's head baseball coach this past May.Following his retirement, another coaching opportunity came his way - this one at the high school level and in the same city.Verduzco says St. Joseph Central athletic director David Lau approached him about the opportunity to take over as the Indians' next head softball coach."I was able to visit with David Lau, who used to be at Missouri Western," Verduzco told KFEQ Radio. "He approached me and I needed some time to think about it. I talked to my wife (Tracy) about it and I knew I still wanted to help kids, so this was the perfect opportunity, actually."Verduzco was officially announced as Central's next head softball coach on June 26. He succeeds Kendra Hodgin, who had been the head coach there for the previous five seasons.For decades, Verduzco has coached college baseball. He was an assistant at his alma mater, Washington State, for 10 years before taking over as Missouri Western's head man in 1999.He recorded 629 wins with the Griffons, including 16 winning seasons, an MIAA championship in 2013 and four NCAA tournament berths.&nbsp;As much success as he had coaching baseball, Verduzco knows shifting to high school softball is a big change.He's relied on former Missouri Western softball coach Jen Bagley-Trotter (2002-2021), current Griffon softball coach Joe Yegge and others as he gets ready for this change."Jennifer, we worked together for over 20 years at Missouri Western," Verduzco said. "She's been an awesome support and great resource. Coach Yegge, who I've gotten to know over the last year, he's been terrific. There's been a lot of different people I can run to."Verduzco, who was inducted into the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame earlier this summer, says he's proud of what he and his teams achieved over the years at Missouri Western as he reflected on his long tenure."Maybe some people look at it as a small market school, compared to other teams in the league," Verduzco said. "That didn't bother us. We wanted to make sure we put everything into it we could to make it a contender nationally and regionally and to make a lot of noise within the conference, which we did, and we were proud of that."Full interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Buzz-Verduzco-talks-new-job-at-St--Joseph-Central-e26pijv" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689015602460.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689015619322.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Buzz Verduzco ready for new challenge as St. Joseph Central's new softball coach

A local bus tour will give St. Joseph residents the opportunity to gain more pride for the community and learn some things they might not know about the city. &nbsp;

The second Show Me St. Jo Experience of the year is coming up on July 19th. &nbsp;

Executive Director of the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau Marci Bennett says the experience provides a bus tour around St. Joseph with a tour guide&nbsp;

"And we go to a number of the museums, we have lunch, the step on guide gives you all kinds of historic information, and we do this three times a year," Bennett tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. &nbsp;

The third bus tour will be coming on September 7th.&nbsp;

Registration for the bus tour is $25 per person and you can contact Gracia Pinzino at the Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information.&nbsp;

Bennett says originally the event was designed for frontline workers&nbsp;

"When a visitor comes to town and they go to the bank, or they go to Mcdonalds or something, and they say well what can I see and do and people say oh there's nothing to do, that is just absolutely the wrong answer," Bennett says. &nbsp;

But over time Bennett says it's become an attraction geared more towards residents&nbsp;

"So that as they're out there in the community, they can advocate and be cheerleaders for our community," Bennett explains. &nbsp;

Bennett says on the bus tour you can learn things about the city that you might have forgotten or may have never even known.&nbsp;

"We have people that have done these two or three times, in fact one of the people on our board Judge Ron Taylor has been through it twice and he said you know every time I learn something new, and I've lived here all my life," Bennett says. &nbsp;

The bus tour will run from 9am to 4pm.&nbsp;

Registration for the bus tour includes lunch, admission fees to attractions, transportation, and even a T-shirt.&nbsp; If you enroll three people, you can get a fourth spot free.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A local bus tour will give St. Joseph residents the opportunity to gain more pride for the community and learn some things they might not know about the city. &nbsp;The second Show Me St. Jo Experience of the year is coming up on July 19th. &nbsp;Executive Director of the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau Marci Bennett says the experience provides a bus tour around St. Joseph with a tour guide&nbsp;"And we go to a number of the museums, we have lunch, the step on guide gives you all kinds of historic information, and we do this three times a year," Bennett tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. &nbsp;The third bus tour will be coming on September 7th.&nbsp;Registration for the bus tour is $25 per person and you can contact Gracia Pinzino at the Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information.&nbsp;Bennett says originally the event was designed for frontline workers&nbsp;"When a visitor comes to town and they go to the bank, or they go to Mcdonalds or something, and they say well what can I see and do and people say oh there's nothing to do, that is just absolutely the wrong answer," Bennett says. &nbsp;But over time Bennett says it's become an attraction geared more towards residents&nbsp;"So that as they're out there in the community, they can advocate and be cheerleaders for our community," Bennett explains. &nbsp;Bennett says on the bus tour you can learn things about the city that you might have forgotten or may have never even known.&nbsp;"We have people that have done these two or three times, in fact one of the people on our board Judge Ron Taylor has been through it twice and he said you know every time I learn something new, and I've lived here all my life," Bennett says. &nbsp;The bus tour will run from 9am to 4pm.&nbsp;Registration for the bus tour includes lunch, admission fees to attractions, transportation, and even a T-shirt.&nbsp; If you enroll three people, you can get a fourth spot free.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/See-St--Joseph-through-the-eyes-of-a-visitor-e26pga5" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

St. Joseph residents get a chance to see the city through a visitor's eyes

Heavy rains fell during the week in parts of the Midwest, Ohio River Valley, and the Northeast. 

That led to widespread improvements from southeast Nebraska to central Illinois and parts of Indiana and Kentucky. 

Further south and west, in southern Missouri, the Texas-Louisiana border, and other parts of central Texas, drier weather led to larger precipitation deficits and significant hay production problems in parts of Missouri. 

Many warmer-than-normal temperatures covered the South as it is blanketed by the continuing heat wave, especially in eastern Texas and Louisiana. Dry weather in parts of the Upper Midwest led to worsening conditions in parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. 

Conditions in parts of the western Great Plains led to some improvements in long-term dryness and long-term moderate drought in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle region and in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. A mix of worsening and improving conditions occurred in the Pacific Northwest.

Heavy rains fell during the week in parts of the Midwest, Ohio River Valley, and the Northeast. That led to widespread improvements from southeast Nebraska to central Illinois and parts of Indiana and Kentucky. Further south and west, in southern Missouri, the Texas-Louisiana border, and other parts of central Texas, drier weather led to larger precipitation deficits and significant hay production problems in parts of Missouri. Many warmer-than-normal temperatures covered the South as it is blanketed by the continuing heat wave, especially in eastern Texas and Louisiana. Dry weather in parts of the Upper Midwest led to worsening conditions in parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Conditions in parts of the western Great Plains led to some improvements in long-term dryness and long-term moderate drought in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle region and in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. A mix of worsening and improving conditions occurred in the Pacific Northwest.- NAFB

Still mostly dry in the weekly drought monitor

The Upper Mississippi River experienced high water conditions due to significant snowfall in the Upper Midwest in late winter and early spring. 

Even after the high-water conditions that resulted from the snow melt, Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition says he was worried about quickly returning to low water levels on the river system. 

“I was worried that any prolonged stretch of dry weather could result in swinging right back to low water conditions,” Steenhoek says. 

“That has unfortunately occurred.” He also says it serves as a reminder that drought not only inhibits the ability to grow a crop, but it also inhibits our ability to transport that crop. 

Recent low river gauge readings in St. Louis and Memphis show how barge transportation could be challenging when our export season picks up in late summer and early fall. Low levels may again force companies to reduce tow sizes and freight amounts.

The Upper Mississippi River experienced high water conditions due to significant snowfall in the Upper Midwest in late winter and early spring. Even after the high-water conditions that resulted from the snow melt, Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition says he was worried about quickly returning to low water levels on the river system. “I was worried that any prolonged stretch of dry weather could result in swinging right back to low water conditions,” Steenhoek says. “That has unfortunately occurred.” He also says it serves as a reminder that drought not only inhibits the ability to grow a crop, but it also inhibits our ability to transport that crop. Recent low river gauge readings in St. Louis and Memphis show how barge transportation could be challenging when our export season picks up in late summer and early fall. Low levels may again force companies to reduce tow sizes and freight amounts.- NAFB

River level “Whiplash” continues

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s World Food Price Index averaged 122.3 points in June, down 1.7 points from May, continuing a downward trend. 

The current level is 37 points or 23 percent below the peak in March 2022. 

The monthly decline reflected drops in sugar, vegetable oils, cereals, and dairy products, while the meat price index was virtually steady. 

The Sugar Price Index took the biggest drop, averaging 152 points in June, down 5.1 points from May, the first drop after four consecutive increases. The Cereal Price Index averaged 126.6 points in June, down almost three points from May and almost 40 percent below last year. 

The Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 115.8 points in June, three points lower than May and the lowest level since 2020. The Dairy Price Index was 116 points in June, down one point, and the Meat Index was unchanged at 117.9 points in June.

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s World Food Price Index averaged 122.3 points in June, down 1.7 points from May, continuing a downward trend. The current level is 37 points or 23 percent below the peak in March 2022. The monthly decline reflected drops in sugar, vegetable oils, cereals, and dairy products, while the meat price index was virtually steady. The Sugar Price Index took the biggest drop, averaging 152 points in June, down 5.1 points from May, the first drop after four consecutive increases. The Cereal Price Index averaged 126.6 points in June, down almost three points from May and almost 40 percent below last year. The Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 115.8 points in June, three points lower than May and the lowest level since 2020. The Dairy Price Index was 116 points in June, down one point, and the Meat Index was unchanged at 117.9 points in June.- NAFB

Food Price Index continues downward trend

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Grundy County
Associate Circuit Judge Steven Hudson of Trenton as Circuit Judge for the 3rd
Judicial Circuit.

Hudson holds a Bachelor of Science in
business administration from William Jewell College and a Juris Doctor from the
University of Missouri—Kansas City.

Hudson succeeds the late Honorable
Thomas R. Alley. 

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Grundy County
Associate Circuit Judge Steven Hudson of Trenton as Circuit Judge for the 3rd
Judicial Circuit.Hudson holds a Bachelor of Science in
business administration from William Jewell College and a Juris Doctor from the
University of Missouri—Kansas City.Hudson succeeds the late Honorable
Thomas R. Alley.

Gov. Parson appoints Hudson 3rd Circuit Judge

You can pick up a free “Welcome Chiefs” yard sign at the St.
Joseph Visitors Center at the East Hills Library, beginning at 11 o’clock this morning.
There is a limit of two per person.

St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesman Christian
Mengel says the players and coaches, as well as front office personnel notice
the signs when they come to town.

“You never know where they’re going to be in town, but they do
see them,” Mengel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “The more we get out there, the
better it looks on our community. I think they appreciate that support as well
when the Chiefs roll into town and see how well St. Joseph is embracing the
Chiefs.”

Mengel says the yard signs are a display of the civic pride
that comes from hosting Chiefs training camp.

“We’re proud to be able to host the Chiefs,” Mengel says. “Even
though it’s for a short amount of time and it’s a seasonal experience with them,
we get to host a professional football team and not only a professional
football team, but we get to host the best of the best.”

The Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 to win the
Super Bowl.

The bureau doesn’t expect the signs to last through the day.

Signs will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
There is a limit of two per person.

The signs are the same as last year. So, if you have a sign
from a year ago you are encouraged to put it up and let someone else pick up
one of the signs this year.

Chiefs Training Camp starts on the 23rd on the
Missouri Western State University campus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688996341038.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe “Welcome Chiefs” signs are back.You can pick up a free “Welcome Chiefs” yard sign at the St.
Joseph Visitors Center at the East Hills Library, beginning at 11 o’clock this morning.
There is a limit of two per person.St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesman Christian
Mengel says the players and coaches, as well as front office personnel notice
the signs when they come to town.“You never know where they’re going to be in town, but they do
see them,” Mengel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “The more we get out there, the
better it looks on our community. I think they appreciate that support as well
when the Chiefs roll into town and see how well St. Joseph is embracing the
Chiefs.”Mengel says the yard signs are a display of the civic pride
that comes from hosting Chiefs training camp.“We’re proud to be able to host the Chiefs,” Mengel says. “Even
though it’s for a short amount of time and it’s a seasonal experience with them,
we get to host a professional football team and not only a professional
football team, but we get to host the best of the best.”The Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 to win the
Super Bowl.The bureau doesn’t expect the signs to last through the day.Signs will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
There is a limit of two per person.The signs are the same as last year. So, if you have a sign
from a year ago you are encouraged to put it up and let someone else pick up
one of the signs this year.Chiefs Training Camp starts on the 23rd on the
Missouri Western State University campus.

"Welcome Chiefs" yard signs given away, beginning today

PLATTE COUNTY —Two women have been charged with a shooting at a restaurant on Saturday in Northmoor, Missouri. 

Renyshia Handson, 29, and Aaliyah Kidd, 21, were charged with separate offenses related to the incident.

On Saturday, Platte County deputies and officers of the Riverside Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at a restaurant in Northmoor, according to Sheriff Mark Owen.

The shooting allegedly occurred after an argument over a food order at the restaurant. Witnesses reported seeing and hearing an altercation between restaurant employees and Kidd.

Witnesses also reported seeing Handson produce a handgun and point it at the back of the head of one person. Witnesses also told deputies that Handson fired the gun, striking a second victim identified as a female employee of the restaurant in the left foot.

The injured employee was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Handson has been charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and is being held on a cash-only bond of $100,000. Kidd has been charged with Assault 3rd Degree with a cash-only bond of $5,000, according to&nbsp; Platte County Attorney Eric Zhand.

Both defendants are currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing and additional charges could be filed, according to Zhand.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688910137806.png" alt="RENYSHIA HANDSON-photo Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>RENYSHIA HANDSON-photo Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY —Two women have been charged with a shooting at a restaurant on Saturday in Northmoor, Missouri. Renyshia Handson, 29, and Aaliyah Kidd, 21, were charged with separate offenses related to the incident.On Saturday, Platte County deputies and officers of the Riverside Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at a restaurant in Northmoor, according to Sheriff Mark Owen.The shooting allegedly occurred after an argument over a food order at the restaurant. Witnesses reported seeing and hearing an altercation between restaurant employees and Kidd.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688910038871.png" alt="AALIYAH KIDD-photo Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>AALIYAH KIDD-photo Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Witnesses also reported seeing Handson produce a handgun and point it at the back of the head of one person. Witnesses also told deputies that Handson fired the gun, striking a second victim identified as a female employee of the restaurant in the left foot.The injured employee was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.Handson has been charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and is being held on a cash-only bond of $100,000. Kidd has been charged with Assault 3rd Degree with a cash-only bond of $5,000, according to&nbsp; Platte County Attorney Eric Zhand.Both defendants are currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing and additional charges could be filed, according to Zhand.

2 charged with shooting at restaurant over food order

ATCHISON —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Sunday in Atchison.

A Chevy pickup drive by 74-year-old John Patton of Atchison was traveling in the 400 Block of North 2nd Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The vehicle had a steering failure and struck three parked vehicles. Patton was treated at the scene by EMS but not transported.

ATCHISON —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Sunday in Atchison.A Chevy pickup drive by 74-year-old John Patton of Atchison was traveling in the 400 Block of North 2nd Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.The vehicle had a steering failure and struck three parked vehicles. Patton was treated at the scene by EMS but not transported.

Police: Kan. man injured after pickup steering wheel fails

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Sunday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Harley Davidson driven by Daniel L. Edwards, 49, St. Joseph, was eastbound on Route BB two miles east of Cameron.

The vehicle traveled into the westbound lanes, off the south side of the road, struck an embankment, rolled front over rear and came to rest in the grass on the side of the highway.

Caldwell County EMS transported Edwards to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Sunday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Harley Davidson driven by Daniel L. Edwards, 49, St. Joseph, was eastbound on Route BB two miles east of Cameron.The vehicle traveled into the westbound lanes, off the south side of the road, struck an embankment, rolled front over rear and came to rest in the grass on the side of the highway.Caldwell County EMS transported Edwards to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph man injured in violent motorcycle accident

A 17-year-old St. Joseph girl will represent the Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation of Kansas and Missouri in Washington, D.C.,
advocating to fund diabetes research.

Madison Theas will be a senior at Central High School this
fall. Before that, she will travel to Washington as part of a delegation of 160
children living with Type One Diabetes to lobby Congress for diabetes research.

“It’s just really important for me to be an advocate for
myself and my community,” Theas tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview. “We’re
a little unseen, unheard sometimes.”

Theas left for Washington Friday morning. The delegation will
speak with members of Congress and even testify at Congressional hearings.

Theas was diagnosed with diabetes Thanksgiving evening of 2012.
She went in and out of consciousness while being driven to Children’s Mercy
Hospital and had to spend two days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She
has been insulin dependent since.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688751309251.jpeg" alt="Madison Theas/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Madison Theas/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 17-year-old St. Joseph girl will represent the Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation of Kansas and Missouri in Washington, D.C.,
advocating to fund diabetes research.Madison Theas will be a senior at Central High School this
fall. Before that, she will travel to Washington as part of a delegation of 160
children living with Type One Diabetes to lobby Congress for diabetes research.“It’s just really important for me to be an advocate for
myself and my community,” Theas tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview. “We’re
a little unseen, unheard sometimes.”Theas left for Washington Friday morning. The delegation will
speak with members of Congress and even testify at Congressional hearings.Theas was diagnosed with diabetes Thanksgiving evening of 2012.
She went in and out of consciousness while being driven to Children’s Mercy
Hospital and had to spend two days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She
has been insulin dependent since.The JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress runs Sunday through Tuesday.
It is comprised of 160 children living with Type One Diabetes, ages four to 17.
Joining the U.S. delegation will be five international delegates from Australia,
Canada, Israel, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The Children’s
Congress is inspired by a Massachusetts boy named Tommy Solo who at the age of
nine asked his mother why children with diabetes couldn’t go to Washington to
tell Congress they want scientists to find a cure.Delegates to the Children’s Congress will lobby members of
Congress privately and some will testify during Congressional hearings.“I’m excited for my story and my life to be heard and for them
to hopefully understand just what I go through and what other kids go through
and why it matters so much that this funding gets passed,” Theas says.Theas says it’s important for members of Congress to hear from
the children who have to live with Type One Diabetes.“I just hope that our representatives will be advocates, too
and speak for us in lawmaking,” Theas says. “And just take not only diabetics,
but all disabled families, children into account when they’re passing laws, when
they’re passing budgets.”<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Central-Senior-lobbying-to-Congress-for-more-Diabetes-Research-and-funding-e26m8bf" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

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