AFL-CIO Community Services is still looking for people to adopt families, but officials feel confident they will meet the need.  

With 880 families up for adoption this holiday in the Adopt a Family program, 365 have been adopted thus far.  

Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says this next week will be very telling for how things will go.  

"It's kind of funny, either we see a really significant uptick from here on out, where people really start getting involved because they've finished up with their own Christmas shopping and their deciding to hop in and help," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Or, we see unfortunately a real drop, because the help that we're getting has been here." 

Seckinger says with 50 more families adopted this year than at this point last year, there's optimism at the agency.  

"We're seeing more folks come in and be interested in adopting, we may not have them adopting as many families, but we are seeing more adopters," Seckinger explains. "And we're seeing more people drop off items for the gift room, so that's always a good thing." 

Seckinger says donations to the gift room are just as valuable as people coming in and adopting an entire family.  

Seckinger says the program is set up in a way that people can help however they can.  

"You can buy one toy, and it goes further than you can imagine to help us complete this program," Seckinger says. 

Seckinger says whether it's a new toy, or maybe one that was bought, and you planned to take it back to the store.  

"We will take it in the gift room, because I guarantee you there is somebody in our 880 families that are going to be more than happy to have that item under their tree," Seckinger points out. 

Toys for the gift room can be brought to the AFL-CIO Community Services offices right up until Christmas.  Families can be adopted online or by visiting the offices as well. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post AFL-CIO Community Services is still looking for people to adopt families, but officials feel confident they will meet the need. With 880 families up for adoption this holiday in the Adopt a Family program, 365 have been adopted thus far. Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says this next week will be very telling for how things will go. "It's kind of funny, either we see a really significant uptick from here on out, where people really start getting involved because they've finished up with their own Christmas shopping and their deciding to hop in and help," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Or, we see unfortunately a real drop, because the help that we're getting has been here." Seckinger says with 50 more families adopted this year than at this point last year, there's optimism at the agency. "We're seeing more folks come in and be interested in adopting, we may not have them adopting as many families, but we are seeing more adopters," Seckinger explains. "And we're seeing more people drop off items for the gift room, so that's always a good thing." Seckinger says donations to the gift room are just as valuable as people coming in and adopting an entire family. Seckinger says the program is set up in a way that people can help however they can. "You can buy one toy, and it goes further than you can imagine to help us complete this program," Seckinger says. Seckinger says whether it's a new toy, or maybe one that was bought, and you planned to take it back to the store. "We will take it in the gift room, because I guarantee you there is somebody in our 880 families that are going to be more than happy to have that item under their tree," Seckinger points out. Toys for the gift room can be brought to the AFL-CIO Community Services offices right up until Christmas. Families can be adopted online or by visiting the offices as well.

Adopt a Family program still needs adopters as Christmas draws near

St. Joseph police are looking for two suspects in the
shooting and wounding of a young man. 

Police report 23-year-old man Jacob Gann showed up at the Mosaic Life
Care Emergency Room around 12:30 Tuesday morning, suffering from a
non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his shoulder. Gann told police the shooting took place
at 14th and Penn.

When detectives and the SWAT team arrived at 1401 Penn Street,
they discovered evidence of a shooting outside and received a warrant to search the residence.

No one has been arrested in the shooting, but police are trying to find two suspects.

If you have any information that might lead to an arrest, call
the tips hotline at 816-238-TIPS or online at <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/community/index.htm">P3TIPS.com</a>.

This story has been updated with a correction on the last name.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police are looking for two suspects in the
shooting and wounding of a young man. Police report 23-year-old man Jacob Gann showed up at the Mosaic Life
Care Emergency Room around 12:30 Tuesday morning, suffering from a
non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his shoulder. Gann told police the shooting took place
at 14th and Penn.When detectives and the SWAT team arrived at 1401 Penn Street,
they discovered evidence of a shooting outside and received a warrant to search the residence.No one has been arrested in the shooting, but police are trying to find two suspects.The investigation continues.If you have any information that might lead to an arrest, call
the tips hotline at 816-238-TIPS or online at <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/community/index.htm">P3TIPS.com</a>.This story has been updated with a correction on the last name.

St. Joseph police looking for two suspects in shooting (UPDATED)

Tips have helped the St. Joseph Police Department as well as
the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department solve crime, but those tips have fallen
off sharply.

St. Joseph Police Officer Gregg Lewis, president of the Greater
St. Joseph Crimestoppers Board says it appears some residents believe they are
providing tips by logging on to various crime social media pages, but that
isn’t the case.

“All the tips you give through the TIPS Hotline are anonymous.
If you’re putting this information out on the crime pages, it’s not anonymous
for the most part. Your name’s attached to it somewhere,” Lewis tells reporters
after a board meeting. “So, people know that you’re putting the information out
there. If you use the TIPS Hotline, it’s an anonymous tip that we get. &nbsp;We have no way to know who’s giving that
information.” 

Lewis says while the hotline used to receive more than 600
calls a year, it now receives around half that.

Also, there is an incentive to call or log on to the TIPS
Hotline.

“Rewards are offered, up to $1,000,” Lewis says. “We’re happy
to pay the rewards. We don’t pay a whole lot of rewards anymore. We used to pay
a lot more rewards, also. And just because the numbers are down with the calls
coming in, the rewards are down also. Not that we don’t want to pay it, it’s
just that people aren’t requesting the rewards.”

Lewis says the Greater St. Joseph Crimestoppers Board wants to
raise awareness about the TIP Hotline.

“Raise awareness that it’s still there,” Lewis says. “It’s
still a vital piece of the police department and law enforcement is using this
TIPS Hotline.”

You can leave tips by calling 816-238-TIPS or online at
P3TIPS.com or by downloading the
P3 TIPS app on your phone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702405275925.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTips have helped the St. Joseph Police Department as well as
the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department solve crime, but those tips have fallen
off sharply.St. Joseph Police Officer Gregg Lewis, president of the Greater
St. Joseph Crimestoppers Board says it appears some residents believe they are
providing tips by logging on to various crime social media pages, but that
isn’t the case.“All the tips you give through the TIPS Hotline are anonymous.
If you’re putting this information out on the crime pages, it’s not anonymous
for the most part. Your name’s attached to it somewhere,” Lewis tells reporters
after a board meeting. “So, people know that you’re putting the information out
there. If you use the TIPS Hotline, it’s an anonymous tip that we get. &nbsp;We have no way to know who’s giving that
information.” Lewis says while the hotline used to receive more than 600
calls a year, it now receives around half that.Also, there is an incentive to call or log on to the TIPS
Hotline.“Rewards are offered, up to $1,000,” Lewis says. “We’re happy
to pay the rewards. We don’t pay a whole lot of rewards anymore. We used to pay
a lot more rewards, also. And just because the numbers are down with the calls
coming in, the rewards are down also. Not that we don’t want to pay it, it’s
just that people aren’t requesting the rewards.”Lewis says the Greater St. Joseph Crimestoppers Board wants to
raise awareness about the TIP Hotline.“Raise awareness that it’s still there,” Lewis says. “It’s
still a vital piece of the police department and law enforcement is using this
TIPS Hotline.”You can leave tips by calling 816-238-TIPS or online at
P3TIPS.com or by downloading the
P3 TIPS app on your phone.

Calls to St. Joseph crime TIPS Hotline have fallen off dramatically

Sixteen
finalists have been announced for this year’s Cotillion for Achievement.

They
are Lenora Brumm of Mid Buchanan High School, Teddi Dixon of
East Buchanan High School, Allison Gentry of Central High School, Ryanna
Hatfield of North Andrew High School, Lola Hofmann of East Buchanan High School,
Riley Langner of Benton High School, and Carter Shreve of East Buchanan High
School, and Payton Rodgers of Savannah High School.

Walker Cave of Lafayette High School,
Jonathan Eckstein of Bishop LeBlond High School, Owen Estes of Lafayette High
School, Anthony Johnson of Central High School, Elliot McCoy of Benton High School,
Gavin Rhode of East Buchanan High School, Judson Smith of St. Joseph Christian
High School, and Michael Tang of Central High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702393646056.jpeg" alt="Seated from left: Lenora Brumm of Mid Buchanan High School, Teddi Dixon of East Buchanan High School, Allison Gentry of Central High School, Ryanna Hatfield of North Andrew High School, Lola Hofmann of East Buchanan High School, Riley Langner of Benton High School, and Carter Shreve of East Buchanan High School. Standing from left: Walker Cave of Lafayette High School, Jonathan Eckstein of Bishop LeBlond High School, Owen Estes of Lafayette High School, Anthony Johnson of Central High School, Elliot McCoy of Benton High School, Gavin Rhode of East Buchanan High School, Judson Smith of St. Joseph Christian High School, and Michael Tang of Central High School. Not pictured:&nbsp; Payton Rodgers of Savannah High School." />
 <figcaption>Seated from left: Lenora Brumm of Mid Buchanan High School, Teddi Dixon of East Buchanan High School, Allison Gentry of Central High School, Ryanna Hatfield of North Andrew High School, Lola Hofmann of East Buchanan High School, Riley Langner of Benton High School, and Carter Shreve of East Buchanan High School. Standing from left: Walker Cave of Lafayette High School, Jonathan Eckstein of Bishop LeBlond High School, Owen Estes of Lafayette High School, Anthony Johnson of Central High School, Elliot McCoy of Benton High School, Gavin Rhode of East Buchanan High School, Judson Smith of St. Joseph Christian High School, and Michael Tang of Central High School. Not pictured:&nbsp; Payton Rodgers of Savannah High School.</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostSixteen
finalists have been announced for this year’s Cotillion for Achievement.They
are Lenora Brumm of Mid Buchanan High School, Teddi Dixon of
East Buchanan High School, Allison Gentry of Central High School, Ryanna
Hatfield of North Andrew High School, Lola Hofmann of East Buchanan High School,
Riley Langner of Benton High School, and Carter Shreve of East Buchanan High
School, and Payton Rodgers of Savannah High School.Walker Cave of Lafayette High School,
Jonathan Eckstein of Bishop LeBlond High School, Owen Estes of Lafayette High
School, Anthony Johnson of Central High School, Elliot McCoy of Benton High School,
Gavin Rhode of East Buchanan High School, Judson Smith of St. Joseph Christian
High School, and Michael Tang of Central High School.

Finalists chosen for this year's Cotillion for Achievement

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Monday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported Andrew County Sheriff's Deputies were in pursuit of a 2008 GMC Envoy driven by Michael D. Riley, 43, Lee's Summit, was northbound on U.S. 71 two miles north of Midway.&nbsp;

The SUV traveled off the east side of the road, struck a fence, a utility pole and overturned.

Nodaway County EMS transported Riley to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The patrol did not release details on what prompted the chase.

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Monday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported Andrew County Sheriff's Deputies were in pursuit of a 2008 GMC Envoy driven by Michael D. Riley, 43, Lee's Summit, was northbound on U.S. 71 two miles north of Midway.&nbsp;The SUV traveled off the east side of the road, struck a fence, a utility pole and overturned.Nodaway County EMS transported Riley to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The patrol did not release details on what prompted the chase.

Missouri man injured after SUV overturns during chase

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Monday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Dodge Ram driven by Joseph G. Montgomery,80, Oregon, was northbound on Business 71 just north of Savannah.

The driver swerved to avoid a collision with a stopped vehicle. The pickup traveled off the north side of the road and struck a dich.

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

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Monday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Dodge Ram driven by Joseph G. Montgomery,80, Oregon, was northbound on Business 71 just north of Savannah.The driver swerved to avoid a collision with a stopped vehicle. The pickup traveled off the north side of the road and struck a dich.Andrew County EMS transported Montgomery to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. man injured after pickup swerves, strikes ditch

The house minority leader said she supports putting the most expansive abortion access amendment possible on the 2024 ballot

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

House Minority Leader Crystal Quade believes abortion can win on the ballot in Missouri. And Planned Parenthood, which announced its endorsement of the Springfield Democrat’s campaign for governor on Monday, believes Quade can win, too.

Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes is endorsing<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/democratic-legislative-leaders-launches-campaign-for-missouri-governor/">&nbsp;Quade, who announced a campaign for governor in July</a>. In a state where nearly all abortions have been illegal since Roe v. Wade was overturned, two rival coalitions are working to put the issue on the statewide ballot — placing the debate front and center heading into the 2024 campaign.

“This really is a crisis, and, regardless of political affiliation, Missourians are feeling that,” Quade said.

One other Democrat, Mike Hamra Springfield, the CEO of Hamra Enterprises,&nbsp;joined the gubernatorial race in October. The&nbsp;Republican field includes&nbsp;Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft,&nbsp;Lt. Gov. Mike&nbsp;Kehoe, state Sen. Bill Eigel and Army veteran and businessman Chris Wright.&nbsp;

“There are some pretty scary candidates out there for us,” said Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, whose coverage includes the Kansas City metro. “It’s not lost on us that we have candidates actively trying to undermine the democratic process and focused for years on keeping Planned Parenthood out of public programs like Medicaid, and so Crystal’s going to be in that fight on behalf of the patients and Missourians who need access to care.”

From the start, Quade has campaigned on restoring abortion rights.&nbsp;

Wales said she grew up in Missouri and remembers when, not too long ago, the state had more bipartisan leadership. She believes Quade, as governor, would send a message to lawmakers that Missourians overwhelmingly want better access to reproductive health care, including abortion.&nbsp;

Missouri was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/24/abortion-is-now-illegal-in-missouri-in-wake-of-u-s-supreme-court-ruling/">the first state to enact its trigger law&nbsp;</a>after Roe fell, only permitting abortions in medical emergencies.

Quade said since then, her constituents in southwest Missouri – where it used to be suggested that she not broach the topic of abortion – have been increasingly concerned about government overreach, regardless of political affiliation.

Last election cycle, after the abortion decision, she knocked on the door of a 67-year-old white Republican who said while he opposed abortion, Missouri had gone too far.

“He just went off on how this is an attack on freedoms, talking about rape and incest victims, talking about how government has no business doing this,” Quade said. “I really do think Missourians as a whole are the type of people who don’t like government meddling in their business.”

Quade said in the past year she has also heard from Missouri women who were sent home from the doctor’s office while miscarrying because they were not in enough danger yet to qualify for an abortion. She increasingly gets news of doctors leaving the state, she said, making maternal health care access even more scarce in some rural areas.

“When the Republicans who wanted to pass these extreme bills wanted the rights to go to the states, I don’t know that they recognized what the citizens of the states were actually going to do,” she said of those speaking out against the abortion ban.

‘Let folks have access to care’&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/big-ideas/slu-poll/data-archive/august-2022-poll/slu-poll-august-2022-crosstabs.pdf">Polling completed by St. Louis University&nbsp;</a>in the months after abortion became illegal showed Missouri voters could be supportive of loosening the state’s&nbsp; ban.&nbsp;

Now, two groups are attempting to push forward initiative petition campaigns that could put abortion on the ballot in Missouri next year.&nbsp;

One campaign, launched by Republican Jamie Corley, would make abortion legal up to&nbsp; 12 weeks of pregnancy and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/27/missouri-rape-hotline-reporting-requirement-in-abortion-rights-petition-draws-criticism/">add exemptions for victims of rape and incest.&nbsp;</a>

A separate coalition, called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, filed eleven other initiative petitions that include varying abortion restrictions, ranging from 24 weeks gestation to “fetal viability.”

But the process to start gathering signatures was held up for both coalitions. The initiative petitions from both have been<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/17/jay-ashcroft-to-appeal-abortion-ballot-summary-ruling-to-missouri-supreme-court/">&nbsp;in litigation with Ashcroft&nbsp;</a>after he submitted ballot summary language the courts deemed inaccurate and partisan.&nbsp;

“The patient’s served by Planned Parenthood are right in the crosshairs,” Wales said of her organization’s reasoning for supporting Quade. “What an opportunity to have a partner sitting in the governor’s office who wants to work with us to better their lives and not attack them.”

Meanwhile, Quade said she soon plans to file legislation seeking to put the most expansive version of the 11 initiative petitions filed by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom on the 2024 ballot. The language would give voters the option of taking down Missouri’s abortion ban with no gestational limits, and it would protect patients and medical providers from prosecution.

Quade knows passing her proposal&nbsp; through the Republican-dominated legislature is unlikely, but said she wants to keep the discussion alive in the upcoming legislative session.

If Missourians for Constitutional Freedom decides to move forward with a more restrictive initiative petition, Quade said she would still support its campaign.&nbsp;

As for Corley, Quade said she understands the desire for a more moderate version, but she is confident a more expansive version would pass “overwhelmingly.” Quade said she would not comment on whether she would support Corley’s initiative until after the ballot language was done being litigated.

“If we are going to put something to the vote of the people, I would like it to be just the basics: Let folks have access to care, and we don’t need to get into the nitty gritty of how many weeks that is and what that language looks like.” she said. “Let’s trust the doctors to do their jobs.”

Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes also endorsed Democrat&nbsp;Nicole Galloway for governor in 2020. She was defeated by nearly 17 percentage points by incumbent Republican Gov. Mike Parson, who can’t run again because of term limits.

Quade is also backed by the Missouri Women’s Leadership Coalition, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Missouri Chapter of the Sierra Club and several labor groups, including the Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Teamsters, Missouri AFL-CIO.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702301437196.png" alt=" Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes endorsed House Minority Leader Crystal Quade's 2024 campaign for Missouri governor (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes endorsed House Minority Leader Crystal Quade's 2024 campaign for Missouri governor (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The house minority leader said she supports putting the most expansive abortion access amendment possible on the 2024 ballot</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>House Minority Leader Crystal Quade believes abortion can win on the ballot in Missouri. And Planned Parenthood, which announced its endorsement of the Springfield Democrat’s campaign for governor on Monday, believes Quade can win, too.Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes is endorsing<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/democratic-legislative-leaders-launches-campaign-for-missouri-governor/">&nbsp;Quade, who announced a campaign for governor in July</a>. In a state where nearly all abortions have been illegal since Roe v. Wade was overturned, two rival coalitions are working to put the issue on the statewide ballot — placing the debate front and center heading into the 2024 campaign.“This really is a crisis, and, regardless of political affiliation, Missourians are feeling that,” Quade said.One other Democrat, Mike Hamra Springfield, the CEO of Hamra Enterprises,&nbsp;joined the gubernatorial race in October. The&nbsp;Republican field includes&nbsp;Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft,&nbsp;Lt. Gov. Mike&nbsp;Kehoe, state Sen. Bill Eigel and Army veteran and businessman Chris Wright.&nbsp;“There are some pretty scary candidates out there for us,” said Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, whose coverage includes the Kansas City metro. “It’s not lost on us that we have candidates actively trying to undermine the democratic process and focused for years on keeping Planned Parenthood out of public programs like Medicaid, and so Crystal’s going to be in that fight on behalf of the patients and Missourians who need access to care.”From the start, Quade has campaigned on restoring abortion rights.&nbsp;Wales said she grew up in Missouri and remembers when, not too long ago, the state had more bipartisan leadership. She believes Quade, as governor, would send a message to lawmakers that Missourians overwhelmingly want better access to reproductive health care, including abortion.&nbsp;<h2>Campaigning on abortion access</h2>Missouri was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/24/abortion-is-now-illegal-in-missouri-in-wake-of-u-s-supreme-court-ruling/">the first state to enact its trigger law&nbsp;</a>after Roe fell, only permitting abortions in medical emergencies.Quade said since then, her constituents in southwest Missouri – where it used to be suggested that she not broach the topic of abortion – have been increasingly concerned about government overreach, regardless of political affiliation.She gives one such example often.Last election cycle, after the abortion decision, she knocked on the door of a 67-year-old white Republican who said while he opposed abortion, Missouri had gone too far.“He just went off on how this is an attack on freedoms, talking about rape and incest victims, talking about how government has no business doing this,” Quade said. “I really do think Missourians as a whole are the type of people who don’t like government meddling in their business.”Quade said in the past year she has also heard from Missouri women who were sent home from the doctor’s office while miscarrying because they were not in enough danger yet to qualify for an abortion. She increasingly gets news of doctors leaving the state, she said, making maternal health care access even more scarce in some rural areas.“When the Republicans who wanted to pass these extreme bills wanted the rights to go to the states, I don’t know that they recognized what the citizens of the states were actually going to do,” she said of those speaking out against the abortion ban.<h2>‘Let folks have access to care’&nbsp;</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/big-ideas/slu-poll/data-archive/august-2022-poll/slu-poll-august-2022-crosstabs.pdf">Polling completed by St. Louis University&nbsp;</a>in the months after abortion became illegal showed Missouri voters could be supportive of loosening the state’s&nbsp; ban.&nbsp;Now, two groups are attempting to push forward initiative petition campaigns that could put abortion on the ballot in Missouri next year.&nbsp;One campaign, launched by Republican Jamie Corley, would make abortion legal up to&nbsp; 12 weeks of pregnancy and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/27/missouri-rape-hotline-reporting-requirement-in-abortion-rights-petition-draws-criticism/">add exemptions for victims of rape and incest.&nbsp;</a>A separate coalition, called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, filed eleven other initiative petitions that include varying abortion restrictions, ranging from 24 weeks gestation to “fetal viability.”But the process to start gathering signatures was held up for both coalitions. The initiative petitions from both have been<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/17/jay-ashcroft-to-appeal-abortion-ballot-summary-ruling-to-missouri-supreme-court/">&nbsp;in litigation with Ashcroft&nbsp;</a>after he submitted ballot summary language the courts deemed inaccurate and partisan.&nbsp;“The patient’s served by Planned Parenthood are right in the crosshairs,” Wales said of her organization’s reasoning for supporting Quade. “What an opportunity to have a partner sitting in the governor’s office who wants to work with us to better their lives and not attack them.”Meanwhile, Quade said she soon plans to file legislation seeking to put the most expansive version of the 11 initiative petitions filed by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom on the 2024 ballot. The language would give voters the option of taking down Missouri’s abortion ban with no gestational limits, and it would protect patients and medical providers from prosecution.Quade knows passing her proposal&nbsp; through the Republican-dominated legislature is unlikely, but said she wants to keep the discussion alive in the upcoming legislative session.If Missourians for Constitutional Freedom decides to move forward with a more restrictive initiative petition, Quade said she would still support its campaign.&nbsp;As for Corley, Quade said she understands the desire for a more moderate version, but she is confident a more expansive version would pass “overwhelmingly.” Quade said she would not comment on whether she would support Corley’s initiative until after the ballot language was done being litigated.“If we are going to put something to the vote of the people, I would like it to be just the basics: Let folks have access to care, and we don’t need to get into the nitty gritty of how many weeks that is and what that language looks like.” she said. “Let’s trust the doctors to do their jobs.”Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes also endorsed Democrat&nbsp;Nicole Galloway for governor in 2020. She was defeated by nearly 17 percentage points by incumbent Republican Gov. Mike Parson, who can’t run again because of term limits.Quade is also backed by the Missouri Women’s Leadership Coalition, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Missouri Chapter of the Sierra Club and several labor groups, including the Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Teamsters, Missouri AFL-CIO.

Planned Parenthood backs Crystal Quade with abortion a focus of Mo. governor race

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Monday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Chevy Malibu driven by Sadie A. Enloe, 23, Cameron, Cameron, was westbound on MO 6 two miles east of Gallatin.&nbsp;

The Chevy struck a 2015 Toyota Tacoma driven by Randy M. Johnson, 74, Gallatin, who was stopped at the intersection of MO 13 and MO 6 and failed to yield when turning right onto MO 6.

Daviess County EMS transported Enloe to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Johnson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Monday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Chevy Malibu driven by Sadie A. Enloe, 23, Cameron, Cameron, was westbound on MO 6 two miles east of Gallatin.&nbsp;The Chevy struck a 2015 Toyota Tacoma driven by Randy M. Johnson, 74, Gallatin, who was stopped at the intersection of MO 13 and MO 6 and failed to yield when turning right onto MO 6.Daviess County EMS transported Enloe to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Johnson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman injured in 2-vehicle Daviess Co. crash

The St. Joseph City Council is evaluating building a new indoor and outdoor sports megaplex to help bring a variety of new sports opportunities to the city.  

Mayor John Josendale says the new facility would be a great asset for the community. 

"We would use it, we being the city, would use it during the week and it would be very positive," Josendale tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "Right now, we hear a lot of feedback where kids are having to practice very late into the evening because we just don't have enough facilities for it." 

Josendale says the council is also looking at the possibility of making it a public private facility where tournaments could come on weekends to utilize the facility.  

A feasibility study has been conducted and the city recently held a work session to discuss the project which is estimated to cost between $90 and $120 million.  

Josendale says he's aware that is a large cost, but Josendale adds when you look at how it will benefit the city it makes sense.  

"Bring tourism, bring people to St. Joe, we have a lot of people in St. Joe now that are on traveling teams and go to Kansas City to practice or to Omaha," Josendale explains. "The number of families that you hear that travel out of town on weekends, and this can allow them to stay home and do some of these activities." 

Josendale says it will also give the opportunity to open up athletics to more people and allow participation in sports throughout the week.  

Josendale says the outdoor aspect of the facility would be multipurpose fields.  

"It's where you can use the field for, whether it be baseball, softball, soccer, and you can use it for lacrosse, another sport that's coming on," Josendale says. "It gives you the opportunity, and these are artificial turf so that you don't have the weather effect on a lot of these fields, it gives us the ability to use them more and keep kids active." 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The St. Joseph City Council is evaluating building a new indoor and outdoor sports megaplex to help bring a variety of new sports opportunities to the city. Mayor John Josendale says the new facility would be a great asset for the community. "We would use it, we being the city, would use it during the week and it would be very positive," Josendale tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "Right now, we hear a lot of feedback where kids are having to practice very late into the evening because we just don't have enough facilities for it." Josendale says the council is also looking at the possibility of making it a public private facility where tournaments could come on weekends to utilize the facility. A feasibility study has been conducted and the city recently held a work session to discuss the project which is estimated to cost between $90 and $120 million. Josendale says he's aware that is a large cost, but Josendale adds when you look at how it will benefit the city it makes sense. "Bring tourism, bring people to St. Joe, we have a lot of people in St. Joe now that are on traveling teams and go to Kansas City to practice or to Omaha," Josendale explains. "The number of families that you hear that travel out of town on weekends, and this can allow them to stay home and do some of these activities." Josendale says it will also give the opportunity to open up athletics to more people and allow participation in sports throughout the week. Josendale says the outdoor aspect of the facility would be multipurpose fields. "It's where you can use the field for, whether it be baseball, softball, soccer, and you can use it for lacrosse, another sport that's coming on," Josendale says. "It gives you the opportunity, and these are artificial turf so that you don't have the weather effect on a lot of these fields, it gives us the ability to use them more and keep kids active."

Proposed $90-120M sports megaplex could bring new opportunities to St. Joseph

Some residents of the Cameron R-1 School District contend the
district fails to protect children from books containing sexually explicit
content.

Dan Landi of Kidder, Heath Gilbert of Cameron, and Paula Allen
of Cameron further claim the Cameron school administration and school board
have restricted their ability to discuss the issue.

Gilbert insists the group isn’t attempting to ban any books.

“We are not trying to ban the books,” Gilbert tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post in a phone interview along with Landi and Allen. “We just don’t
believe that many of these books that we’re fighting against are appropriate
for children to read.”

Gilbert says the school district does not have policies in
place to protect children from sexually explicit content. The three say as many
as 80 books in the Cameron school library contain graphic depictions of rape,
incest, and molestation.

Landi says the graphic, detailed nature of some books speaks
to an author’s motive.

“You don’t need to be so graphic to get the point across and
that’s where the school district has failed the students in my opinion, because
they allow this kind of garbage in the school,” Landi says.

Allen claims the Cameron school district is usurping the role
of the parents and is failing to protect students who have suffered sexual
abuse.

“We don’t need to be desensitizing kids and oversexualizing
them,” Allen says. “We need to be protecting them, bottom line.”

Gilbert is a parent to a high school student. Allen has an
elementary student in the district. Landi does not have any children in the
district.

The three further contend they have been restricted in their
ability to raise the issue during school board meetings. A committee formed to
look into the issue is moving too slowly, according to the three. The group
says it wants the school district to adopt a policy that students receive
access to the books only when they receive their parents’ permission.

Some of the books under fire contain LGBTQ content, but
Gilbert insists he objects to the graphic nature of the books, not the sexual
orientation of the characters.

“Our problem with the books, all of the books, are the ones
that are sexually explicit,” according to Gilbert. “Whether that is girl on
girl, boy on boy, trans, whatever it is, if it is sexually explicit, I firmly
believe that it has no place readily accessible to every child in the school
district.”

Cameron school administration has not responded to requests
for comment.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSome residents of the Cameron R-1 School District contend the
district fails to protect children from books containing sexually explicit
content.Dan Landi of Kidder, Heath Gilbert of Cameron, and Paula Allen
of Cameron further claim the Cameron school administration and school board
have restricted their ability to discuss the issue.Gilbert insists the group isn’t attempting to ban any books.“We are not trying to ban the books,” Gilbert tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post in a phone interview along with Landi and Allen. “We just don’t
believe that many of these books that we’re fighting against are appropriate
for children to read.”Gilbert says the school district does not have policies in
place to protect children from sexually explicit content. The three say as many
as 80 books in the Cameron school library contain graphic depictions of rape,
incest, and molestation.Landi says the graphic, detailed nature of some books speaks
to an author’s motive.“You don’t need to be so graphic to get the point across and
that’s where the school district has failed the students in my opinion, because
they allow this kind of garbage in the school,” Landi says.Allen claims the Cameron school district is usurping the role
of the parents and is failing to protect students who have suffered sexual
abuse.“We don’t need to be desensitizing kids and oversexualizing
them,” Allen says. “We need to be protecting them, bottom line.”Gilbert is a parent to a high school student. Allen has an
elementary student in the district. Landi does not have any children in the
district.The three further contend they have been restricted in their
ability to raise the issue during school board meetings. A committee formed to
look into the issue is moving too slowly, according to the three. The group
says it wants the school district to adopt a policy that students receive
access to the books only when they receive their parents’ permission.Some of the books under fire contain LGBTQ content, but
Gilbert insists he objects to the graphic nature of the books, not the sexual
orientation of the characters.“Our problem with the books, all of the books, are the ones
that are sexually explicit,” according to Gilbert. “Whether that is girl on
girl, boy on boy, trans, whatever it is, if it is sexually explicit, I firmly
believe that it has no place readily accessible to every child in the school
district.”Cameron school administration has not responded to requests
for comment.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Fight-over-explicit-books-in-Cameron-e2d3vi9" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Cameron school patrons want policy on sexually explicit books

Classic Rock Radio Station KYSJ, KY 102 is wrapping up the KY 102 Rockin' Warming Drive to benefit Community Missions.

Donate new hats, gloves, blankets, or coats today at the KY studios, 4104 Country Lane in St. Joseph.

You can also donate cash or donate online <a href="https://www.ky102.net/2023/11/24/warming-drive/">HERE</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702296048461.png" alt="Copy of JoeTownKY102 Flipper Template (7).png" />
 <figcaption>Copy of JoeTownKY102 Flipper Template (7).png</figcaption>
 </figure>Classic Rock Radio Station KYSJ, KY 102 is wrapping up the KY 102 Rockin' Warming Drive to benefit Community Missions.Donate new hats, gloves, blankets, or coats today at the KY studios, 4104 Country Lane in St. Joseph.You can also donate cash or donate online <a href="https://www.ky102.net/2023/11/24/warming-drive/">HERE</a>

KY 102 Warming Drive Ends Today

DEKALB COUNTY —Two Missouri teens were injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Sunday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Fusion driven by a 16-year-old Union Star boy was eastbound King Road three miles south of King City.

The car traveled off the north side of the road, became airborne, struck the ground and rolled.

DeKalb Clinton ambulance transported the driver and a 16-year-old male passenger from King City to Mosaic in St. Joseph. They were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —Two Missouri teens were injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Sunday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Fusion driven by a 16-year-old Union Star boy was eastbound King Road three miles south of King City.The car traveled off the north side of the road, became airborne, struck the ground and rolled.DeKalb Clinton ambulance transported the driver and a 16-year-old male passenger from King City to Mosaic in St. Joseph. They were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 Missouri teens injured after car goes airborne, rolls

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Toyota Sienna driven by Myron L. Harr, 88, Savannah, was northbound on Business 71 at County Road 362 six miles north of St. Joseph.

The van rear-ended a 2011 Toyota Rav4 driven by Gary W. Leftin, 79, St. Joseph, who had slowed down to turn east.

Andrew County EMS transported Leftin to Mosaic Life Care. Harr was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Toyota Sienna driven by Myron L. Harr, 88, Savannah, was northbound on Business 71 at County Road 362 six miles north of St. Joseph.The van rear-ended a 2011 Toyota Rav4 driven by Gary W. Leftin, 79, St. Joseph, who had slowed down to turn east.Andrew County EMS transported Leftin to Mosaic Life Care. Harr was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

St. Jospeh man hospitalized after rear-end crash

A 25-year-old Kansas City man has been charged with
second degree murder in the shooting death of a 35-year-old St. Joseph man in the back lot
of the Speedy's Convenience Store off South Riverside Road in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph police say Curtis Cruse, Jr. was
shot dead in the parking lot of the Speedy's located at 1310 Riverside Road.
Police arrested Nathan Keegan of Kansas City, Missouri, who has been charged in the shooting.

According to police, Keegan and Cruse got
into a disturbance while driving on U.S. 36. It continued as the two drove
their cars off the highway onto Riverside and into the convenience store
parking lot shortly after four o'clock Friday afternoon. It appears only Keegan
fired shots. Both had a single passenger in their vehicles. The passengers were
not harmed, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702178090667.png" alt="Nathan Keegan /Buchanan County Sheriff Dept. photo" />
 <figcaption>Nathan Keegan /Buchanan County Sheriff Dept. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 25-year-old Kansas City man has been charged with
second degree murder in the shooting death of a 35-year-old St. Joseph man in the back lot
of the Speedy's Convenience Store off South Riverside Road in St. Joseph.St. Joseph police say Curtis Cruse, Jr. was
shot dead in the parking lot of the Speedy's located at 1310 Riverside Road.
Police arrested Nathan Keegan of Kansas City, Missouri, who has been charged in the shooting.According to police, Keegan and Cruse got
into a disturbance while driving on U.S. 36. It continued as the two drove
their cars off the highway onto Riverside and into the convenience store
parking lot shortly after four o'clock Friday afternoon. It appears only Keegan
fired shots. Both had a single passenger in their vehicles. The passengers were
not harmed, according to police.The investigation continues.

25-year-old charged in St. Joseph shooting death

Kansas State broke a close game wide open in the third quarter
of the inaugural Bill Snyder Classic at the Civic Arena, defeating Missouri
84-56.

K-State dominated after halftime, outscoring Mizzou 36-12 in
the third quarter, cruising the rest of the way for the win.

It was a homecoming for K-State Head Coach Jeff Mittie, who
began his coaching career at Missouri Western State University.

“It goes without saying that St. Joe means a lot to me,
because I went to school here and I coached here and there are a lot of friends
and family and ex-players here,” Mittie tells reporters during the media
availability after the game. “So, that was fun as well. But, if the event’s run
poorly those things don’t matter. This has been run very well, so I appreciate
that.”

Mittie says he tried to keep the weekend as normal as
possible, but says he saw a lot of old friends and former players.

The Civic Arena was packed for the game with 3,500 in attendance
for the Saturday night match.

“A lot of K-State fans. A lot of Mizzou fans. I think it was a
good atmosphere,” Mittie says. “You look up and see very few open seats. I
mean, that’s what you want to play in front of. I think the venue’s really,
really good for basketball.”

Missouri Head Coach Robin Pingeton also praised the classic.

“I think it was a very well-run organization,” Pingeton says. “Very
impressed with everything that they’ve done. It was first class from top to
bottom.”

Pingeton says the classic was attractive to her program, because
it gave it a chance to play a good basketball team near the greater Kansas City
area, which is a natural recruiting hotbed for both teams.

Mittie wasn’t the only member of the K-State squad that had a
homecoming.

Junior Serena Sundell is from Maryville and says it was thrill
to hear the crowd when she was introduced.

“It’s special to come back to this town and just have so many
people from Maryville and St. Joe; there’s girls that I was seeing that were
from East Buch and Benton, just young girls that are looking up to me and this
team and women’s college basketball,” Sundell tells reporters. “So, just to be
able to come back to St. Joe and play for them is really special and I’ll never
forget this game.”

K-State Center Ayoka Lee led all scorers with 28. MU was led
by Abby Feit and Heyley Frank, who had 13 each.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181326420.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Coach Jeff Mittie gestures at the sideline during the Bill Snyder Classic at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin " />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Coach Jeff Mittie gestures at the sideline during the Bill Snyder Classic at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKansas State broke a close game wide open in the third quarter
of the inaugural Bill Snyder Classic at the Civic Arena, defeating Missouri
84-56.K-State dominated after halftime, outscoring Mizzou 36-12 in
the third quarter, cruising the rest of the way for the win.It was a homecoming for K-State Head Coach Jeff Mittie, who
began his coaching career at Missouri Western State University.“It goes without saying that St. Joe means a lot to me,
because I went to school here and I coached here and there are a lot of friends
and family and ex-players here,” Mittie tells reporters during the media
availability after the game. “So, that was fun as well. But, if the event’s run
poorly those things don’t matter. This has been run very well, so I appreciate
that.”Mittie says he tried to keep the weekend as normal as
possible, but says he saw a lot of old friends and former players.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181460139.jpeg" alt="Former K-State Football Coach Bill Snyder prepares to bring out the game ball, waiting with St. Joseph Sports Commission Dir. Brett Esely./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Former K-State Football Coach Bill Snyder prepares to bring out the game ball, waiting with St. Joseph Sports Commission Dir. Brett Esely./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The Civic Arena was packed for the game with 3,500 in attendance
for the Saturday night match.Mittie says it was a fun event.“A lot of K-State fans. A lot of Mizzou fans. I think it was a
good atmosphere,” Mittie says. “You look up and see very few open seats. I
mean, that’s what you want to play in front of. I think the venue’s really,
really good for basketball.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181587960.jpeg" alt="MU Coach Robin Pingeton directs from the sidelines./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>MU Coach Robin Pingeton directs from the sidelines./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Missouri Head Coach Robin Pingeton also praised the classic.“I think it was a very well-run organization,” Pingeton says. “Very
impressed with everything that they’ve done. It was first class from top to
bottom.”Pingeton says the classic was attractive to her program, because
it gave it a chance to play a good basketball team near the greater Kansas City
area, which is a natural recruiting hotbed for both teams.Mittie wasn’t the only member of the K-State squad that had a
homecoming.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181752666.jpeg" alt="K-State Guard, Maryville native, Serena Sundell/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>K-State Guard, Maryville native, Serena Sundell/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Junior Serena Sundell is from Maryville and says it was thrill
to hear the crowd when she was introduced.“It’s special to come back to this town and just have so many
people from Maryville and St. Joe; there’s girls that I was seeing that were
from East Buch and Benton, just young girls that are looking up to me and this
team and women’s college basketball,” Sundell tells reporters. “So, just to be
able to come back to St. Joe and play for them is really special and I’ll never
forget this game.”Sundell scored 11 on 4-for-8 shooting.K-State Center Ayoka Lee led all scorers with 28. MU was led
by Abby Feit and Heyley Frank, who had 13 each.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181882510.jpeg" alt="Sundell directs traffic./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Sundell directs traffic./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>

K-State dominates MU in 3rd quarter, cruises to win in Bill Snyder Classic

Missouri Housing Development Commission selected 24 proposals to build 1,532 housing units, authorizing state and federal credits

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

With little discussion and just a short period after receiving a list of staff recommendations, the Missouri Housing Development Commission on Friday&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mhdc.com/media/obekdl0h/9-and-4-application-approvals.pdf">approved 24 low-income housing projects</a>&nbsp;financed by roughly $380 million in state and federal tax credits.

As expected, experienced developers who also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/07/campaign-cash-continues-to-flow-from-missouri-low-income-housing-tax-credit-industry/">make large political donations</a>&nbsp;to statewide officers who serve on the commission received a significant share of the awards. Four of the five top donors submitted projects, and three – JES Holdings, MACO Management Co. and McCormack Baron Salazar – had projects funded on Friday.&nbsp;

The applications from the five top donors represented 9.2% of the requests and 20.6% of the tax credits awarded.

Of the projects approved Friday, 19 will be financed with what is called a 9% tax credit, named for the percentage of project costs eligible for the credit. The other five use a 4% credit, set aside for nonprofits that also use financing from tax-exempt bonds.

Overall, the commission authorized $173.5 million in federal 9% credits and $121.4 million in state tax credits, with varying maturities stretching over 10 years. Those projects also received $24 million in other funding.

The commission authorized $44 million in 4% federal credits and $37 million in matching state credits, plus $81.4 million in bond financing and $7 million in other funding, for the remaining projects.

When completed, the projects will provide 1,532 new housing units ranging from studio apartments to four-bedroom family homes in communities across the state.

For only the second time in the program’s history, the commission&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mhdc.com/media/c3inftn3/9-and-4-application-scores.pdf">released the scores</a>&nbsp;that determined which applications were funded.&nbsp;

“For&nbsp; every proposal that is not funded, staff pro-actively reaches out to the applicant,” Executive Director Kip Stetzler told commissioners. “We have a meeting and tell them why their proposal did not get funded.”

The score is not the only measure of a project, he added.

“We give great weight to the scores but the staff’s analysis goes beyond the scoring,” Stetzler said.

After the end of the public meeting in Jefferson City, Stetzler declined to answer any questions about the recommendations.&nbsp;

Members of the commission asked no questions about the staff recommendations. Asked after the meeting about the list, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the commission chairman, said he “just saw them” for the first time during the meeting and that the commission must trust the staff who scored the applications.

The meeting offered time to question the recommendations, he noted, and none of the commissioners spoke.

“The volunteers here want the staff to follow the process,” Kehoe said.

The commission divides its tax credit allocations among four regions of the state, with the share of the total based on population.&nbsp;

The commission funded three of 11 projects using 9% tax credits proposed for the Kansas City area and five of 21 proposed for the St. Louis region.&nbsp;

The rest of the state is divided between sparsely populated rural counties and regions in close proximity to cities like Springfield, Columbia and Cape Girardeau. The commission awarded credits to seven of 26 applications from the purely rural areas and four of 24 applications for the regions near the state’s smaller cities.

The commission heard an update on previously approved projects, which have been plagued by inflation driving up costs and rising interest rates that diminish the value of the credits. To finance their projects, developers trade the credits for cash, discounting face value because of the lengthy time before redemption.

Of the 25 projects approved in 2021, five have not completed their financing deals, Stetzler said. Of 28 approved last year, only four have closed.

The average in the past was nine months, Stetzler said, adding he is confident that all the projects will secure the financial backing to begin construction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702132937465.png" alt=" Lt. Gov. MIke Kehoe, center, speaks during Friday’s meeting of the Missouri Housing Development Commission. Kehoe is chairman of the commission. Also shown are Clayton Campbell, left, representing State Treasurer Vivek Malek, and Mark Elliff, secretary/treasurer of the commission. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> Lt. Gov. MIke Kehoe, center, speaks during Friday’s meeting of the Missouri Housing Development Commission. Kehoe is chairman of the commission. Also shown are Clayton Campbell, left, representing State Treasurer Vivek Malek, and Mark Elliff, secretary/treasurer of the commission. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri Housing Development Commission selected 24 proposals to build 1,532 housing units, authorizing state and federal credits</h2>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>With little discussion and just a short period after receiving a list of staff recommendations, the Missouri Housing Development Commission on Friday&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mhdc.com/media/obekdl0h/9-and-4-application-approvals.pdf">approved 24 low-income housing projects</a>&nbsp;financed by roughly $380 million in state and federal tax credits.As expected, experienced developers who also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/07/campaign-cash-continues-to-flow-from-missouri-low-income-housing-tax-credit-industry/">make large political donations</a>&nbsp;to statewide officers who serve on the commission received a significant share of the awards. Four of the five top donors submitted projects, and three – JES Holdings, MACO Management Co. and McCormack Baron Salazar – had projects funded on Friday.&nbsp;The applications from the five top donors represented 9.2% of the requests and 20.6% of the tax credits awarded.Of the projects approved Friday, 19 will be financed with what is called a 9% tax credit, named for the percentage of project costs eligible for the credit. The other five use a 4% credit, set aside for nonprofits that also use financing from tax-exempt bonds.Overall, the commission authorized $173.5 million in federal 9% credits and $121.4 million in state tax credits, with varying maturities stretching over 10 years. Those projects also received $24 million in other funding.The commission authorized $44 million in 4% federal credits and $37 million in matching state credits, plus $81.4 million in bond financing and $7 million in other funding, for the remaining projects.When completed, the projects will provide 1,532 new housing units ranging from studio apartments to four-bedroom family homes in communities across the state.For only the second time in the program’s history, the commission&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mhdc.com/media/c3inftn3/9-and-4-application-scores.pdf">released the scores</a>&nbsp;that determined which applications were funded.&nbsp;“For&nbsp; every proposal that is not funded, staff pro-actively reaches out to the applicant,” Executive Director Kip Stetzler told commissioners. “We have a meeting and tell them why their proposal did not get funded.”The score is not the only measure of a project, he added.“We give great weight to the scores but the staff’s analysis goes beyond the scoring,” Stetzler said.After the end of the public meeting in Jefferson City, Stetzler declined to answer any questions about the recommendations.&nbsp;Members of the commission asked no questions about the staff recommendations. Asked after the meeting about the list, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the commission chairman, said he “just saw them” for the first time during the meeting and that the commission must trust the staff who scored the applications.The meeting offered time to question the recommendations, he noted, and none of the commissioners spoke.“The volunteers here want the staff to follow the process,” Kehoe said.The commission divides its tax credit allocations among four regions of the state, with the share of the total based on population.&nbsp;The commission funded three of 11 projects using 9% tax credits proposed for the Kansas City area and five of 21 proposed for the St. Louis region.&nbsp;The rest of the state is divided between sparsely populated rural counties and regions in close proximity to cities like Springfield, Columbia and Cape Girardeau. The commission awarded credits to seven of 26 applications from the purely rural areas and four of 24 applications for the regions near the state’s smaller cities.The commission heard an update on previously approved projects, which have been plagued by inflation driving up costs and rising interest rates that diminish the value of the credits. To finance their projects, developers trade the credits for cash, discounting face value because of the lengthy time before redemption.Of the 25 projects approved in 2021, five have not completed their financing deals, Stetzler said. Of 28 approved last year, only four have closed.The average in the past was nine months, Stetzler said, adding he is confident that all the projects will secure the financial backing to begin construction.

Commission awards $380 million in tax credits for Missouri low-income housing

CALDWELL COUNTY –Two people was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner trash truck driven by Christopher M. Stockman, 51, Slater, was westbound on Route A at Route KK three miles south of Braymer.

The driver lost control when the truck began to skid. The truck entered the northbound lane and overturned onto the passenger side.

Caldwell County EMS transported Stockman and a passenger Cory A. Reiley, 33, Gilliam, to Liberty Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY –Two people was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner trash truck driven by Christopher M. Stockman, 51, Slater, was westbound on Route A at Route KK three miles south of Braymer.The driver lost control when the truck began to skid. The truck entered the northbound lane and overturned onto the passenger side.Caldwell County EMS transported Stockman and a passenger Cory A. Reiley, 33, Gilliam, to Liberty Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 Mo. men hospitalized after trash truck overturns

One young man is dead, another is in custody after a shooting in the back lot of the Speedy's Convenience Store off South Riverside Road in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph police say a black male in his 30s was shot dead in the parking lot of the Speedy's located at 1310 South Riverside Road. Police arrested a white male in his 20s, who is in custody.

According to police, the two got into a disturbance while driving on U.S. 36 Highway. It continued as the two drove their cars off the highway onto Riverside and into the convenience store parking lot shortly after four o'clock Friday afternoon. It appears only one of the individuals fired shots. Both had a single passenger in their vehicles. The passengers were not harmed, according to police.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostOne young man is dead, another is in custody after a shooting in the back lot of the Speedy's Convenience Store off South Riverside Road in St. Joseph.St. Joseph police say a black male in his 30s was shot dead in the parking lot of the Speedy's located at 1310 South Riverside Road. Police arrested a white male in his 20s, who is in custody.According to police, the two got into a disturbance while driving on U.S. 36 Highway. It continued as the two drove their cars off the highway onto Riverside and into the convenience store parking lot shortly after four o'clock Friday afternoon. It appears only one of the individuals fired shots. Both had a single passenger in their vehicles. The passengers were not harmed, according to police.The investigation continues.

One dead, one arrested in St. Joseph shooting

The last time Jeff Mittie was the head coach in a college basketball game played in St. Joseph, Missouri, it was March 4, 1995. Some 10,506 days ago.

The Missouri Western women’s basketball team hosted Washburn for the MIAA tournament championship. The Griffons beat the Ichabods, 76-62.

After leading MWSU to a third place finish in the NCAA tournament that year, Mittie was the head coach at Division I Arkansas State by the following season.

He went to TCU in 1999 and since 2014, Mittie has been the head coach of Kansas State women's basketball.

Nearly 29 years after that MIAA championship run with the Griffons, Mittie returns to the sideline in St. Joseph - to Civic Arena, where his 13th-ranked and 8-1 Wildcats will play 7-3 Mizzou in a regular season, non-conference matchup on Saturday.

Mittie, a Blue Springs native, looks forward to this homecoming of sorts.

"It's definitely unique," Mittie told KFEQ Radio. "Yeah, excited to be a part of it. Been a long time since I coached a game in St. Joe. That'll be fun. We'll get to see some friends, family, ex-players, all of the above."

Mittie was Missouri Western’s head women’s basketball coach from 1992-95. He amassed 76 wins, two MIAA regular season titles, an MIAA tournament title and two NCAA Elite Eight appearances.

Mittie was inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 and he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University in 2016. Mittie got his undergrad degree from MWSU in 1989.

"It's always kind of cool to go back to where you went to school," Mittie remarked. "I think my players will probably be tired of me telling them, 'Hey, I used to do this. Hey, over here is this.' They may not even know. Shoot, they're so young, they may not be paying attention."

"But, I'll be excited to get back and see some familiar faces I haven't seen in awhile."

This game between K-State and Mizzou was announced back in May, and was dubbed as the inaugural “Bill Snyder Classic.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702065082411.jpeg" alt="Jeff Mittie's first year at Missouri Western was 1992-93. This is a photo of that team from that year's MWSU yearbook." />
 <figcaption>Jeff Mittie's first year at Missouri Western was 1992-93. This is a photo of that team from that year's MWSU yearbook.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe last time Jeff Mittie was the head coach in a college basketball game played in St. Joseph, Missouri, it was March 4, 1995. Some 10,506 days ago.The Missouri Western women’s basketball team hosted Washburn for the MIAA tournament championship. The Griffons beat the Ichabods, 76-62.After leading MWSU to a third place finish in the NCAA tournament that year, Mittie was the head coach at Division I Arkansas State by the following season.He went to TCU in 1999 and since 2014, Mittie has been the head coach of Kansas State women's basketball.Nearly 29 years after that MIAA championship run with the Griffons, Mittie returns to the sideline in St. Joseph - to Civic Arena, where his 13th-ranked and 8-1 Wildcats will play 7-3 Mizzou in a regular season, non-conference matchup on Saturday.Mittie, a Blue Springs native, looks forward to this homecoming of sorts."It's definitely unique," Mittie told KFEQ Radio. "Yeah, excited to be a part of it. Been a long time since I coached a game in St. Joe. That'll be fun. We'll get to see some friends, family, ex-players, all of the above."Mittie was Missouri Western’s head women’s basketball coach from 1992-95. He amassed 76 wins, two MIAA regular season titles, an MIAA tournament title and two NCAA Elite Eight appearances.Mittie was inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 and he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University in 2016. Mittie got his undergrad degree from MWSU in 1989."It's always kind of cool to go back to where you went to school," Mittie remarked. "I think my players will probably be tired of me telling them, 'Hey, I used to do this. Hey, over here is this.' They may not even know. Shoot, they're so young, they may not be paying attention.""But, I'll be excited to get back and see some familiar faces I haven't seen in awhile."This game between K-State and Mizzou was announced back in May, and was dubbed as the inaugural “Bill Snyder Classic.”It’s the brainchild of Brett Esely - director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission and former MWSU associate A.D. from 2007-2021.Mittie says the connection with Esely made scheduling this game that much better."We've known Brett for a long time through the Missouri Western connection," he said. "Having said that, it still has to be the right fit, the right game, the right time. Everything kind of came together and it was."The game is set for Saturday at 5 p.m. There’s a lot Mittie is looking forward to this weekend.A chance for his Wildcats to play Mizzou for the first time in six years. A chance to see old friends and former players. A trip down memory lane. Also, the chance to see <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/ac66de1b-f3d1-4fdd-a59e-8bb444e95a97">a revamped Civic Arena</a>, which got a much needed facelift over the last year or so - specifically to draw events like this."I have not been in the revamped convention center, so I'm kind of excited to see what they did with that and how that looks as well."<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Jeff-Mittie---Kansas-State-WBB-coach-e2ctlq2/a-aan4h90" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702065148753.jpeg" alt="Jeff Mittie's 1994-95 Elite Eight team that finished third in the nation was inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014." />
 <figcaption>Jeff Mittie's 1994-95 Elite Eight team that finished third in the nation was inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702065224232.jpeg" alt="Jeff Mittie picked up his 600th career win as a head coach last November after a season-opening win against Central Arkansas. Courtesy photo via K-State athletics." />
 <figcaption>Jeff Mittie picked up his 600th career win as a head coach last November after a season-opening win against Central Arkansas. Courtesy photo via K-State athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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