KANSAS CITY (AP) — A&nbsp; woman who has spent more than four decades in prison for a murder her supporters believe she did not commit will get a court hearing that could lead to her release.

The Missouri attorney general's office has agreed to an evidentiary hearing for Sandra Hemme, 63, who was convicted of murder in the Nov. 12, 1980, killing of Patricia Jeschke, a library worker in St. Joseph, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article273820355.html">reported</a>&nbsp;Thursday.

Lawyers for the Innocence Project filed a petition in February seeking to exonerate and free Hemme, who was a patient at a psychiatric hospital when she gave conflicting statements about the murder to investigators.

In a response filed last week, the attorney general’s office asked Circuit Judge Ryan Horsman to require lawyers involved in the case to be ready to set a date for the evidentiary hearing when they meet on July 10.

Her attorneys say the only evidence linking Hemme to Jeschke's death were “wildly contradictory” and “factually impossible” statements she gave to detectives while she was a patient at the St. Joseph State Hospital’s psychiatric ward.

She initially didn't mention a murder, then claimed Jeschke was killed by a man who police later determined was in Topeka at the time, and then later said she knew about the murder because of “extrasensory perception,” according to her attorneys.

Two weeks after Jeschke's nude body was found on the floor of her apartment in eastern St. Joseph, Hemme told authorities she thought she stabbed the victim with a knife but then added “I don’t know. I don’t know," according to her attorneys.

The attorney general’s office said Hemme’s attorneys have “alleged facts that if true may entitle her to relief.”

Hemme initially pleaded guilty to capital murder, but her conviction was thrown out on appeal. She was then found guilty in 1985 during a one-day jury trial in which the only evidence was her “confession.”

The Innocence Project says state officials withheld evidence during the trial that would have implicated a 22-year-old St. Joseph police officer who was investigated for insurance fraud and burglaries and later spent time in prison in Missouri and Nebraska. He died in 2015.

Shortly after Jeschke was found dead, the officer used her credit card. Jeschke's earrings were found in his apartment and the officer's colleagues could not corroborate his alibi — that he was having sex with another woman at a motel next to Jeschke's apartment when she was killed.

Lloyd Pasley, who was a senior member in St. Joseph’s detective division in 1980 and served twice as interim police chief in the department, said he believes Hemme is innocent and evidence suggests the officer was the killer.

The Missouri attorney general's office, currently held by Republican Andrew Bailey, has a long history of opposing wrongful conviction motions. Bailey's office did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Bailey has only been in office since January. But his predecessor, Eric Schmidt, who is now a U.S. senator, fought against efforts to free Kevin Strickland. He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-missouri-bba67efd61eaa165165e29a7298a1dc3">exonerated</a>&nbsp;in 2021 after spending 43 years in prison for a triple murder he did not commit. Schmidt also opposed an effort to exonerate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legal-proceedings-missouri-st-louis-prisons-5c4f3e6faadb018aef74685044b882d1">Lamar Johnson</a>, who was freed in February after 28 years in prison.

Kent Gipson, a Kansas City-based attorney who has filed hundreds of post-conviction claims over three decades, said he could think of only one other innocence case where the attorney general’s office agreed to an evidentiary hearing. Gibson is not involved in the Hemme case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687623288901.png" alt="Sandra Hemme-photo courtesy The Innocence Project" />
 <figcaption>Sandra Hemme-photo courtesy The Innocence Project</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A&nbsp; woman who has spent more than four decades in prison for a murder her supporters believe she did not commit will get a court hearing that could lead to her release.The Missouri attorney general's office has agreed to an evidentiary hearing for Sandra Hemme, 63, who was convicted of murder in the Nov. 12, 1980, killing of Patricia Jeschke, a library worker in St. Joseph, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article273820355.html">reported</a>&nbsp;Thursday.Lawyers for the Innocence Project filed a petition in February seeking to exonerate and free Hemme, who was a patient at a psychiatric hospital when she gave conflicting statements about the murder to investigators.In a response filed last week, the attorney general’s office asked Circuit Judge Ryan Horsman to require lawyers involved in the case to be ready to set a date for the evidentiary hearing when they meet on July 10.Her attorneys say the only evidence linking Hemme to Jeschke's death were “wildly contradictory” and “factually impossible” statements she gave to detectives while she was a patient at the St. Joseph State Hospital’s psychiatric ward.She initially didn't mention a murder, then claimed Jeschke was killed by a man who police later determined was in Topeka at the time, and then later said she knew about the murder because of “extrasensory perception,” according to her attorneys.Two weeks after Jeschke's nude body was found on the floor of her apartment in eastern St. Joseph, Hemme told authorities she thought she stabbed the victim with a knife but then added “I don’t know. I don’t know," according to her attorneys.The attorney general’s office said Hemme’s attorneys have “alleged facts that if true may entitle her to relief.”Hemme initially pleaded guilty to capital murder, but her conviction was thrown out on appeal. She was then found guilty in 1985 during a one-day jury trial in which the only evidence was her “confession.”The Innocence Project says state officials withheld evidence during the trial that would have implicated a 22-year-old St. Joseph police officer who was investigated for insurance fraud and burglaries and later spent time in prison in Missouri and Nebraska. He died in 2015.Shortly after Jeschke was found dead, the officer used her credit card. Jeschke's earrings were found in his apartment and the officer's colleagues could not corroborate his alibi — that he was having sex with another woman at a motel next to Jeschke's apartment when she was killed.Lloyd Pasley, who was a senior member in St. Joseph’s detective division in 1980 and served twice as interim police chief in the department, said he believes Hemme is innocent and evidence suggests the officer was the killer.The Missouri attorney general's office, currently held by Republican Andrew Bailey, has a long history of opposing wrongful conviction motions. Bailey's office did not immediately return a message seeking comment.Bailey has only been in office since January. But his predecessor, Eric Schmidt, who is now a U.S. senator, fought against efforts to free Kevin Strickland. He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-missouri-bba67efd61eaa165165e29a7298a1dc3">exonerated</a>&nbsp;in 2021 after spending 43 years in prison for a triple murder he did not commit. Schmidt also opposed an effort to exonerate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legal-proceedings-missouri-st-louis-prisons-5c4f3e6faadb018aef74685044b882d1">Lamar Johnson</a>, who was freed in February after 28 years in prison.Kent Gipson, a Kansas City-based attorney who has filed hundreds of post-conviction claims over three decades, said he could think of only one other innocence case where the attorney general’s office agreed to an evidentiary hearing. Gibson is not involved in the Hemme case.

Woman imprisoned for St. Joe killing to get hearing that could lead to release

GRUNDY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Saturday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Polaris Trail Boss ATV driven by Rosalie A. Balandran, 42, DesMoines, Iowa, was southbound on Leisure Lake Drive and Butcher Road two miles northwest of Edinburg.

The vehicle began sliding on the gravel road, overturned and the occupants were ejected.

Grundy County Ambulance transported a passenger Antonia Signorelli, 40, DesMoines, Iowa, to Wright Memorial Hospital.&nbsp; Balandran was not injured.

GRUNDY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Saturday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Polaris Trail Boss ATV driven by Rosalie A. Balandran, 42, DesMoines, Iowa, was southbound on Leisure Lake Drive and Butcher Road two miles northwest of Edinburg.The vehicle began sliding on the gravel road, overturned and the occupants were ejected.Grundy County Ambulance transported a passenger Antonia Signorelli, 40, DesMoines, Iowa, to Wright Memorial Hospital.&nbsp; Balandran was not injured.

Woman hospitalized after ejected from ATV

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Nissan Titan driven by Brian A. Canterbury, 43,&nbsp; St. Joseph, was westbound on U.S. 36 seven miles east of Stewartsville.

The pickup traveled off the right side of the road, struck a fence, continued through a field and struck a ditch.

Clinton-DeKalb ambulance transported Canterbury to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Nissan Titan driven by Brian A. Canterbury, 43,&nbsp; St. Joseph, was westbound on U.S. 36 seven miles east of Stewartsville.The pickup traveled off the right side of the road, struck a fence, continued through a field and struck a ditch.Clinton-DeKalb ambulance transported Canterbury to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

St. Joe man injured after pickup crash

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 2a.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chevy Silverado driven by Zachary L. Novotny, 22, Rushville, was westbound on Southwest Sampson Road just east of Route JJ.

The pickup traveled off the south side of the road down an embankment and into a creek.

Buchanan County EMS transported Novotny and passengers identified as Madelyn R. McKnight, 18, Agency and a 16-year-old girl from Rushville to Mosaic Life Care. The driver and passengers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 2a.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chevy Silverado driven by Zachary L. Novotny, 22, Rushville, was westbound on Southwest Sampson Road just east of Route JJ.The pickup traveled off the south side of the road down an embankment and into a creek.Buchanan County EMS transported Novotny and passengers identified as Madelyn R. McKnight, 18, Agency and a 16-year-old girl from Rushville to Mosaic Life Care. The driver and passengers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

3 hospitalized after pickup lands in Buchanan county creek

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting, carjacking&nbsp; and two additional robberies made an arrest Friday

Just before 9 p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the McDonalds at 8326 Wornall in Kansas City on a reported attempted robbery and shots fired, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle. No employees were injured in the shooting. The suspect fled the scene at which time he shot at another vehicle before fleeing. The occupant of the vehicle was not injured.

Follow up investigation brought officers to the area of Brookside and Meyer around 10:10 p.m. Officers found the suspect vehicle. The shooting suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Brandon Fletcher, then fired gunshots at the officers at which time an officer returned fire. Fletcher fled on foot to the parking lot area behind the local business, where he carjacked an unsuspecting victim.&nbsp; Officers engaged the suspect again. Fletcher fired gun shots at officers at which time an officer returned fire. The suspect fled the scene in the victim's vehicle.&nbsp; The car jacking victims were not injured and no officers were injured. Law enforcement found the vehicle abandoned in the area of 73rd and Cherokee at which time they began searching for him. Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to the multiple crime scenes and were processing the scenes to recover any evidence and speakito any potential witnesses.

There were two additional robberies in the area&nbsp; just before 7.m., according to KCPD Sgt. Jake Becchina.

One in which a vehicle was taken That vehicle was located during a series of crimes in Davies County near Winston, Missouri.

Those crimes include robbery, vehicle theft and home invasion. Fletcher was involved in a pursuit with highway patrol where he ran from the vehicle and was apprehended by troopers. Fletcher is being held in the Daviess County jail on requested charges of armed criminal action, theft, burglary, assault, resisting arrest.

Detectives&nbsp; are working together to present applicable case files to prosecutors for additional charging considerations, according Becchina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687516133882.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation late Thursday-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation late Thursday-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting, carjacking&nbsp; and two additional robberies made an arrest FridayJust before 9 p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to the McDonalds at 8326 Wornall in Kansas City on a reported attempted robbery and shots fired, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle. No employees were injured in the shooting. The suspect fled the scene at which time he shot at another vehicle before fleeing. The occupant of the vehicle was not injured.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687552380281.png" alt="Fletcher-photo Daviess Co." />
 <figcaption>Fletcher-photo Daviess Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Follow up investigation brought officers to the area of Brookside and Meyer around 10:10 p.m. Officers found the suspect vehicle. The shooting suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Brandon Fletcher, then fired gunshots at the officers at which time an officer returned fire. Fletcher fled on foot to the parking lot area behind the local business, where he carjacked an unsuspecting victim.&nbsp; Officers engaged the suspect again. Fletcher fired gun shots at officers at which time an officer returned fire. The suspect fled the scene in the victim's vehicle.&nbsp; The car jacking victims were not injured and no officers were injured. Law enforcement found the vehicle abandoned in the area of 73rd and Cherokee at which time they began searching for him. Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to the multiple crime scenes and were processing the scenes to recover any evidence and speakito any potential witnesses.There were two additional robberies in the area&nbsp; just before 7.m., according to KCPD Sgt. Jake Becchina.One in which a vehicle was taken That vehicle was located during a series of crimes in Davies County near Winston, Missouri.Those crimes include robbery, vehicle theft and home invasion. Fletcher was involved in a pursuit with highway patrol where he ran from the vehicle and was apprehended by troopers. Fletcher is being held in the Daviess County jail on requested charges of armed criminal action, theft, burglary, assault, resisting arrest.Detectives&nbsp; are working together to present applicable case files to prosecutors for additional charging considerations, according Becchina.

Patrol captures KC carjacking suspect after series of NW Mo. crimes

A perfect summertime activity for dog owners is getting out of the house and taking those good boys or girls out to the dog park. &nbsp;

Friends of the Animal Shelters Melanie Barnes says though if you're going to head to the dog park, you should know the rules of the park before you do. &nbsp;

"Make sure you understand what those liabilities and responsibilities are," Barnes tells guest host on the KFEQ Hotline Brent Martin. "If you need to get online there are both rules and recommendations on StJosephMo.gov and you can just search dog park, honestly I just went to Google and put in St. Joseph, Missouri dog park."&nbsp;

Barnes says you should make sure dogs are properly vaccinated before going to a dog park for the protection of themselves as well as other pets.&nbsp;

Corby Dog Park in St. Joseph has already welcomed many dogs to the exclusive member only dog park, and you can still sign up to be a member. &nbsp;

Barnes says the rules at Corby Dog Park are simply for the safety of not only people's pets, but the pet owners themselves.&nbsp;

"You don't know, and maybe you do know, most people know how their pets will respond, but at the same time if there's a pet there that maybe they're not responding well to, or things are escalating you know we're getting hyperexcitable, or maybe even starting to show mild signs of aggression," Barnes explains. "An owner needs to understand what those signs look like."&nbsp;

To become a member pet owners must have proof of vaccination records and proof the dog has been spayed or neutered.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Registered dogs have been flooding to the park and enjoying the nice weather, the city park also has a walking trail and even one special amenity. &nbsp;

Barnes says Corby also has a special area for those with smaller dogs. &nbsp;

"So, the small dogs don't get run over by the large dogs, or to be honest sometimes those small dogs have big dog attitudes in a small dog body and can instigate some of that stuff," Barnes says. "Now not all, I don't want to make anyone upset, but at the same time there is a seperate area for small dogs if they want to run around and play without being stepped on or interacting with the large dogs."&nbsp;

Barnes says to register to bring your dog to the Corby Dog Park you can find the rules online on the city of St. Joseph website.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A perfect summertime activity for dog owners is getting out of the house and taking those good boys or girls out to the dog park. &nbsp;Friends of the Animal Shelters Melanie Barnes says though if you're going to head to the dog park, you should know the rules of the park before you do. &nbsp;"Make sure you understand what those liabilities and responsibilities are," Barnes tells guest host on the KFEQ Hotline Brent Martin. "If you need to get online there are both rules and recommendations on StJosephMo.gov and you can just search dog park, honestly I just went to Google and put in St. Joseph, Missouri dog park."&nbsp;Barnes says you should make sure dogs are properly vaccinated before going to a dog park for the protection of themselves as well as other pets.&nbsp;Corby Dog Park in St. Joseph has already welcomed many dogs to the exclusive member only dog park, and you can still sign up to be a member. &nbsp;Barnes says the rules at Corby Dog Park are simply for the safety of not only people's pets, but the pet owners themselves.&nbsp;"You don't know, and maybe you do know, most people know how their pets will respond, but at the same time if there's a pet there that maybe they're not responding well to, or things are escalating you know we're getting hyperexcitable, or maybe even starting to show mild signs of aggression," Barnes explains. "An owner needs to understand what those signs look like."&nbsp;To become a member pet owners must have proof of vaccination records and proof the dog has been spayed or neutered.&nbsp; &nbsp;Registered dogs have been flooding to the park and enjoying the nice weather, the city park also has a walking trail and even one special amenity. &nbsp;Barnes says Corby also has a special area for those with smaller dogs. &nbsp;"So, the small dogs don't get run over by the large dogs, or to be honest sometimes those small dogs have big dog attitudes in a small dog body and can instigate some of that stuff," Barnes says. "Now not all, I don't want to make anyone upset, but at the same time there is a seperate area for small dogs if they want to run around and play without being stepped on or interacting with the large dogs."&nbsp;Barnes says to register to bring your dog to the Corby Dog Park you can find the rules online on the city of St. Joseph website.&nbsp;

Know the rules of the dog park as you take your pets out this summer

The state constitution now requires DHSS to put more rules in place to protect children from accidental consumption and poisoning

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

For decades, there’s been a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120320142534/http://www.acosh.org/resources/GenericPackaging.pdf">global movement</a>&nbsp;urging “plain packaging” on tobacco products — or packaging with limited colors and frills — after numerous studies found it makes cigarettes less appealing to young people.&nbsp;

Missouri will soon be a testing ground to see if plain packaging has the same impact for recreational marijuana.

When voters passed the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV%20%20%202&amp;constit=y">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;to legalize recreational marijuana, it included a provision that&nbsp;labels and packaging for marijuana-related products, “shall not be made to be attractive to children.”

Missouri will become one of few states that require plain packaging in the adult-use cannabis market, according to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.networkforphl.org/resources/cannabis-regulation-resource-collection/">Network for Public Health Law</a>. The others include Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey.&nbsp;

The packaging requirements are part of Missouri’s new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/pdf/19csr100-proposed-rules-filed-051523.pdf">cannabis regulation rules&nbsp;</a>that go into effect on July 30.&nbsp;

Amy Moore, director of Missouri’s cannabis regulation under the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, recently said&nbsp;the approach “ensures the health and safety information is the focus of the packaging.”&nbsp;

And it diminishes the appeal to children.

“This approach to packaging is familiar to all of us,” Moore said,&nbsp;during a legislative committee hearing in early May.&nbsp;“You think about the cereal aisle versus tobacco packaging or over-the-counter medicines…I can tell you my five-year-old’s favorite color right now is rainbow.”&nbsp;

Like many states, Missouri has seen an increase in the number of child poisoning cases involving marijuana edibles since recreational marijuana became legal, said Julie Weber, director of the Missouri Poison Center.

For cases of children five and under, it’s increased from seven cases in 2018 to 125 cases in 2022.&nbsp;

The constitution also says that no marijuana facility can sell edible marijuana-infused candy in shapes or packages that are attractive to children or that are easily confused with commercially sold candy that does not contain marijuana.&nbsp;

Penalties include fines of up to $5,000 and a loss of a business license.&nbsp;

When Missouri regulators proposed plain packaging for cannabis products this spring, it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/08/marijuana-industry-state-regulators-at-odds-over-rules-targeting-packaging-aimed-at-kids/">caused an uproar</a>&nbsp;from the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association.&nbsp;

Marijuana businesses have already invested “many millions” in packaging designs, the association wrote in a letter to lawmakers in early May. And they did so because “attractive, interesting, and attention-grabbing packaging is essential to effectively advertise and promote marijuana product sales.”

They also argued that the state already requires child-resistant containers.

However, Moore said those companies knew it was coming after voters passed Amendment 3 last fall. The requirements regarding children’s safety are more stringent than what was included in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV++++1&amp;bid=51540&amp;constit=y">constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana</a>&nbsp;in 2018.

“We have to notice that,” she said, “and say, ‘Apparently we’re to do more, we’re to do better for children and for health.”

Daniel Kruger, a research investigator at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan, is among those who will be closely&nbsp;watching the states that have implemented plain packaging regulations and the results.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kruger led a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9070747/">study</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;cannabis labels and what best works to minimize harms and risks.

“At the minimum, [the packaging] should have all the warning signs and try to differentiate it from products that children would be consuming as much as possible,” he said. “This would probably be the safest thing to do — to have plain packaging.”&nbsp;

A good research question for the future, he said, will be: how restrictive does the packaging have to be? Missouri and other states will be key to that study.

Connecticut began selling recreational marijuana in January, New Jersey in April 2022, and Massachusetts in 2018.&nbsp;

Missouri’s rules will go into effect at the end of July. On June 6, DHSS&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/pdf/pkg-color-guidance-var-ext.pdf">released more guidance</a>, specifying the packaging should be one primary color, and it can have up to two logos or symbols that can be a different color or even different colors.&nbsp;

Child-proof packaging requirements will also be stricter.

“Under the old rules, the child-proof packaging element could be met through one layer in a series of packaging,”&nbsp;said DHSS spokeswoman Lisa Cox said in an email to the Independent on June 21.&nbsp;“Under the new rules, the child-proof element must be met (with some exceptions) by the packaging closest to the product, but those rules are not yet effective.”&nbsp;

DHSS recognizes that it will take some transition time to the new guidelines.

“…we are aware that licensees will need time to come into compliance with some of the new rules, and specifically for packaging,” Moore said, during the May hearing.&nbsp;“We know there will need to be a grace period in order for most facilities to use the packaging they already have.”&nbsp;

Moore told legislators packaging has been difficult to enforce, so now companies will have to get their labels and packaging pre-approved by DHSS.

Each of the states defines their plain packing requirement differently. Connecticut requires that the package be “entirely and uniformly one color, and shall not incorporate any information, print, embossing, debossing, graphic or hidden feature, other than (the required) labeling.” Connecticut also requires that packaging for edible cannabis products shall be entirely and uniformly white.&nbsp;

Massachusetts requires that the packaging be plain and prohibits the use of bright colors. New Jersey requires that the packaging be a single color and permits logos or symbols of a different color provided that the logo is no larger than one inch in length and one inch in height.

In Missouri’s first draft of proposed rules this spring, DHSS required companies to have only one color on the label.&nbsp;

After pushback from MoCann Trade and some legislators, the agency changed the rule to allow “limited colors.” Another compromise, Moore told legislators in May, was allowing for QR codes on the labels to send consumers to their website for more information.&nbsp;

State Sen. Nick Schroer, R-St. Charles, who is chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, told Moore that packaging could be considered advertising. And rules for advertising by law can’t be any more restrictive than for alcohol companies.&nbsp;

“So there’s two things — there’s the packaging and the labeling,” Moore told Schroer. “Both of those things are covered by the public health and appeal to children standards that we’ve talked about. Neither of those things are advertising under the law.”

Hawaii has required plain packaging for medical marijuana products since it became legal in 2015. It’s one of the most stringent of the states, requiring no colors on packaging.

“We have very low rates of unintended poisonings among kids and adults,” Michele Nakata, chief of Hawaii’s office of medical cannabis control and regulation, told the Independent in early June. “We do think that the plain packaging does help with that.”

A measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Hawaii failed this spring. But if Hawaii does approve adult-use marijuana and the health department remains the regulating agency, Nakata said the state would likely follow Canada’s lead in limiting colors and graphics on packaging.

Canada has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/cannabis-regulations-licensed-producers/packaging-labelling-guide-cannabis-products/guide.html#a6">mandated plain packaging</a>&nbsp;cannabis products since the country legalized recreational marijuana in 2018. According to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canadian-student-tobacco-alcohol-drugs-survey/2021-2022-summary.html">government survey</a>&nbsp;released last year, accidental consumption among children under 13 in Canada was “not reportable due to small counts that did not allow for an estimate.”

“I consider Canada to be one of the role models with regards to the way that they’ve rolled out their program,” she said. “They have put public health and public safety at the forefront of everything that they’ve done.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687522512803.png" alt="Under Missouri’s new cannabis regulations, labels and packages for marijuana-related products must have limited colors and can’t appeal to children or resemble candy. (Photo by Rebecca Rivas/The Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>Under Missouri’s new cannabis regulations, labels and packages for marijuana-related products must have limited colors and can’t appeal to children or resemble candy. (Photo by Rebecca Rivas/The Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The state constitution now requires DHSS to put more rules in place to protect children from accidental consumption and poisoning</h2>By REBECCA RIVAS&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>For decades, there’s been a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120320142534/http://www.acosh.org/resources/GenericPackaging.pdf">global movement</a>&nbsp;urging “plain packaging” on tobacco products — or packaging with limited colors and frills — after numerous studies found it makes cigarettes less appealing to young people.&nbsp;Missouri will soon be a testing ground to see if plain packaging has the same impact for recreational marijuana.When voters passed the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV%20%20%202&amp;constit=y">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;to legalize recreational marijuana, it included a provision that&nbsp;labels and packaging for marijuana-related products, “shall not be made to be attractive to children.”Missouri will become one of few states that require plain packaging in the adult-use cannabis market, according to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.networkforphl.org/resources/cannabis-regulation-resource-collection/">Network for Public Health Law</a>. The others include Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey.&nbsp;The packaging requirements are part of Missouri’s new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/pdf/19csr100-proposed-rules-filed-051523.pdf">cannabis regulation rules&nbsp;</a>that go into effect on July 30.&nbsp;Amy Moore, director of Missouri’s cannabis regulation under the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, recently said&nbsp;the approach “ensures the health and safety information is the focus of the packaging.”&nbsp;And it diminishes the appeal to children.“This approach to packaging is familiar to all of us,” Moore said,&nbsp;during a legislative committee hearing in early May.&nbsp;“You think about the cereal aisle versus tobacco packaging or over-the-counter medicines…I can tell you my five-year-old’s favorite color right now is rainbow.”&nbsp;Like many states, Missouri has seen an increase in the number of child poisoning cases involving marijuana edibles since recreational marijuana became legal, said Julie Weber, director of the Missouri Poison Center.For cases of children five and under, it’s increased from seven cases in 2018 to 125 cases in 2022.&nbsp;The constitution also says that no marijuana facility can sell edible marijuana-infused candy in shapes or packages that are attractive to children or that are easily confused with commercially sold candy that does not contain marijuana.&nbsp;Penalties include fines of up to $5,000 and a loss of a business license.&nbsp;When Missouri regulators proposed plain packaging for cannabis products this spring, it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/08/marijuana-industry-state-regulators-at-odds-over-rules-targeting-packaging-aimed-at-kids/">caused an uproar</a>&nbsp;from the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association.&nbsp;Marijuana businesses have already invested “many millions” in packaging designs, the association wrote in a letter to lawmakers in early May. And they did so because “attractive, interesting, and attention-grabbing packaging is essential to effectively advertise and promote marijuana product sales.”They also argued that the state already requires child-resistant containers.However, Moore said those companies knew it was coming after voters passed Amendment 3 last fall. The requirements regarding children’s safety are more stringent than what was included in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV++++1&amp;bid=51540&amp;constit=y">constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana</a>&nbsp;in 2018.“We have to notice that,” she said, “and say, ‘Apparently we’re to do more, we’re to do better for children and for health.”<h2>A different approach</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687522449968.png" alt="On June 6, 2023, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services released more guidance, specifying the main packaging should be a primary color, and it can have up to two logos or symbols that can be a different color or even different colors. (Source: DHSS)" />
 <figcaption>On June 6, 2023, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services released more guidance, specifying the main packaging should be a primary color, and it can have up to two logos or symbols that can be a different color or even different colors. (Source: DHSS)</figcaption>
 </figure>Daniel Kruger, a research investigator at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan, is among those who will be closely&nbsp;watching the states that have implemented plain packaging regulations and the results.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kruger led a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9070747/">study</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;cannabis labels and what best works to minimize harms and risks.“At the minimum, [the packaging] should have all the warning signs and try to differentiate it from products that children would be consuming as much as possible,” he said. “This would probably be the safest thing to do — to have plain packaging.”&nbsp;A good research question for the future, he said, will be: how restrictive does the packaging have to be? Missouri and other states will be key to that study.Connecticut began selling recreational marijuana in January, New Jersey in April 2022, and Massachusetts in 2018.&nbsp;Missouri’s rules will go into effect at the end of July. On June 6, DHSS&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/pdf/pkg-color-guidance-var-ext.pdf">released more guidance</a>, specifying the packaging should be one primary color, and it can have up to two logos or symbols that can be a different color or even different colors.&nbsp;Child-proof packaging requirements will also be stricter.“Under the old rules, the child-proof packaging element could be met through one layer in a series of packaging,”&nbsp;said DHSS spokeswoman Lisa Cox said in an email to the Independent on June 21.&nbsp;“Under the new rules, the child-proof element must be met (with some exceptions) by the packaging closest to the product, but those rules are not yet effective.”&nbsp;DHSS recognizes that it will take some transition time to the new guidelines.“…we are aware that licensees will need time to come into compliance with some of the new rules, and specifically for packaging,” Moore said, during the May hearing.&nbsp;“We know there will need to be a grace period in order for most facilities to use the packaging they already have.”&nbsp;Moore told legislators packaging has been difficult to enforce, so now companies will have to get their labels and packaging pre-approved by DHSS.Each of the states defines their plain packing requirement differently. Connecticut requires that the package be “entirely and uniformly one color, and shall not incorporate any information, print, embossing, debossing, graphic or hidden feature, other than (the required) labeling.” Connecticut also requires that packaging for edible cannabis products shall be entirely and uniformly white.&nbsp;Massachusetts requires that the packaging be plain and prohibits the use of bright colors. New Jersey requires that the packaging be a single color and permits logos or symbols of a different color provided that the logo is no larger than one inch in length and one inch in height.In Missouri’s first draft of proposed rules this spring, DHSS required companies to have only one color on the label.&nbsp;After pushback from MoCann Trade and some legislators, the agency changed the rule to allow “limited colors.” Another compromise, Moore told legislators in May, was allowing for QR codes on the labels to send consumers to their website for more information.&nbsp;State Sen. Nick Schroer, R-St. Charles, who is chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, told Moore that packaging could be considered advertising. And rules for advertising by law can’t be any more restrictive than for alcohol companies.&nbsp;“So there’s two things — there’s the packaging and the labeling,” Moore told Schroer. “Both of those things are covered by the public health and appeal to children standards that we’ve talked about. Neither of those things are advertising under the law.”Hawaii has required plain packaging for medical marijuana products since it became legal in 2015. It’s one of the most stringent of the states, requiring no colors on packaging.“We have very low rates of unintended poisonings among kids and adults,” Michele Nakata, chief of Hawaii’s office of medical cannabis control and regulation, told the Independent in early June. “We do think that the plain packaging does help with that.”A measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Hawaii failed this spring. But if Hawaii does approve adult-use marijuana and the health department remains the regulating agency, Nakata said the state would likely follow Canada’s lead in limiting colors and graphics on packaging.Canada has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/cannabis-regulations-licensed-producers/packaging-labelling-guide-cannabis-products/guide.html#a6">mandated plain packaging</a>&nbsp;cannabis products since the country legalized recreational marijuana in 2018. According to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canadian-student-tobacco-alcohol-drugs-survey/2021-2022-summary.html">government survey</a>&nbsp;released last year, accidental consumption among children under 13 in Canada was “not reportable due to small counts that did not allow for an estimate.”“I consider Canada to be one of the role models with regards to the way that they’ve rolled out their program,” she said. “They have put public health and public safety at the forefront of everything that they’ve done.”

Missouri to be testing ground on plain packaging for cannabis products

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11:30p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Suburban driven by Michelle D. Kenyon, 45, Trenton, was eastbound on MO 6 three miles southwest of Jamesport.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The SUV traveled into the westbound lanes and the driver overcorrected. The SUV traveled off the north side of the road and struck a fence.

Daviess County ambulance transported Kenyon to Liberty Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11:30p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Suburban driven by Michelle D. Kenyon, 45, Trenton, was eastbound on MO 6 three miles southwest of Jamesport.The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The SUV traveled into the westbound lanes and the driver overcorrected. The SUV traveled off the north side of the road and struck a fence.Daviess County ambulance transported Kenyon to Liberty Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Missouri woman injured after SUV strikes a fence

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Thursday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by a 16-year-old Parnell boy was eastbound on MO 46 two miles east of Ravenwood.

The car traveled off the south side of the road, struck an embankment and began to roll.

EMS transported the teen to Mosaic in Maryville. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Thursday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by a 16-year-old Parnell boy was eastbound on MO 46 two miles east of Ravenwood.The car traveled off the south side of the road, struck an embankment and began to roll.EMS transported the teen to Mosaic in Maryville. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

16-year-old hospitalized after Nodaway County crash

Large
loads of hay may be transported in Missouri without the usual charge for
over-width hauling.

Northwest
Missouri Department of Transportation District Engineer Marty Liles says it is
in response to the dry conditions farmers face this summer.

“Basically,
we have about half of our Missouri counties that are in some sort of drought,
some worse than others,” Liles tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Gov.
Mike Parson issued a declaration of drought, triggering the state response to
spreading drought conditions in Missouri. While parts of central Missouri and a
small portion of northeast Missouri are in extreme drought, other parts of
Missouri, including much of northwest Missouri, are considered abnormally dry.

As
part of the state response, MoDOT will waive the $96 blanket fee for hay loads exceeding
12-feet, six-inches and $15 fee for single trips of up to 14 feet in width.
Permits must still be obtained from the <a href="https://www.modot.org/mcs">MoDOT Carrier Division</a>. The exemption
will last through December 1st.

Under the drought exemption, hay can be hauled
during holidays and at night.

Liles
says it’s common to see a lot of hay moving this time of year in northwest Missouri.

“I
definitely can see as I drive around on the roadways, looking at our highway
system, you see a lot of hay being bailed right now and a lot of it being hauled,”
Liles says.

MoDOT permits cover movement within Missouri
only and are required for each truck. Questions may be directed to MoDOT’s
Motor Carrier Services office at 1-800-877-8499.

Follow Brent Martin @GBrentKFEQ and @StJosephPost

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostLarge
loads of hay may be transported in Missouri without the usual charge for
over-width hauling.Northwest
Missouri Department of Transportation District Engineer Marty Liles says it is
in response to the dry conditions farmers face this summer.“Basically,
we have about half of our Missouri counties that are in some sort of drought,
some worse than others,” Liles tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Gov.
Mike Parson issued a declaration of drought, triggering the state response to
spreading drought conditions in Missouri. While parts of central Missouri and a
small portion of northeast Missouri are in extreme drought, other parts of
Missouri, including much of northwest Missouri, are considered abnormally dry.As
part of the state response, MoDOT will waive the $96 blanket fee for hay loads exceeding
12-feet, six-inches and $15 fee for single trips of up to 14 feet in width.
Permits must still be obtained from the <a href="https://www.modot.org/mcs">MoDOT Carrier Division</a>. The exemption
will last through December 1st.Under the drought exemption, hay can be hauled
during holidays and at night.Liles
says it’s common to see a lot of hay moving this time of year in northwest Missouri.“I
definitely can see as I drive around on the roadways, looking at our highway
system, you see a lot of hay being bailed right now and a lot of it being hauled,”
Liles says.MoDOT permits cover movement within Missouri
only and are required for each truck. Questions may be directed to MoDOT’s
Motor Carrier Services office at 1-800-877-8499.Follow Brent Martin @GBrentKFEQ and @StJosephPost

MoDOT lifts fees to move hay during drought

<a href="https://www.stjoemustangs.com/">The St. Joseph Mustangs</a> baseball club will have no less than
three fireworks shows at Phil Welch Stadium to celebrate the nation’s
independence before moving into the playoff stretch run.

Mustangs’ owner and General Manager Ky Turner says the team
fills its summer with several community events.

“This is not like it’s me, it’s the organization,” Turner
tells host Tommy Rezac on the KFEQ Hotline. “We’re always moving, always doing
something. There’s always something happening. We’re trying to use our platform
of sports for good, for the community, as a source of pride, if we can make
someone smile.”

Turner says the team wants to celebrate Independence Day with
its fans, but also prepare for some very important games.

“We’ve got the full 360 fireworks going on,” Turner says. “Really,
it’s just a summertime tradition and once July 4th hits, that
playoff race is very thick at that point, too. We know homefield advantage is
important, because we want to play here in St. Joe and that’s when we turn it
on.”

The Mustangs begin their Independence Day celebration early
this year. On Saturday, July 1st, the Mustangs honor local high
school sports teams and have a fireworks display after the game at Phil Welch.
On Monday, the 3rd, veterans and active military members will receive free
General Admission tickets with a fireworks show afterward. And, on the 4th,
the St. Joseph Symphony Brass will play before the game. There will be a Little
Mister and Little Miss Mustang Competition as well as the traditional
Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659242393958.jpeg" alt="Mustangs general manager and owner Ky Turner addresses the crowd as the players celebrate their 3rd championship/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Mustangs general manager and owner Ky Turner addresses the crowd as the players celebrate their 3rd championship/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<a href="https://www.stjoemustangs.com/">The St. Joseph Mustangs</a> baseball club will have no less than
three fireworks shows at Phil Welch Stadium to celebrate the nation’s
independence before moving into the playoff stretch run.Mustangs’ owner and General Manager Ky Turner says the team
fills its summer with several community events.“This is not like it’s me, it’s the organization,” Turner
tells host Tommy Rezac on the KFEQ Hotline. “We’re always moving, always doing
something. There’s always something happening. We’re trying to use our platform
of sports for good, for the community, as a source of pride, if we can make
someone smile.”Turner says the team wants to celebrate Independence Day with
its fans, but also prepare for some very important games.“We’ve got the full 360 fireworks going on,” Turner says. “Really,
it’s just a summertime tradition and once July 4th hits, that
playoff race is very thick at that point, too. We know homefield advantage is
important, because we want to play here in St. Joe and that’s when we turn it
on.”The Mustangs begin their Independence Day celebration early
this year. On Saturday, July 1st, the Mustangs honor local high
school sports teams and have a fireworks display after the game at Phil Welch.
On Monday, the 3rd, veterans and active military members will receive free
General Admission tickets with a fireworks show afterward. And, on the 4th,
the St. Joseph Symphony Brass will play before the game. There will be a Little
Mister and Little Miss Mustang Competition as well as the traditional
Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular.The Mustangs are 12-and-7 on the year.

St. Joseph Mustangs plan 3 fireworks displays Independence Day weekend

Two
felony warrants were served with more than 60 traffic citations and warnings
issued during a helicopter operation in the St. Josepha area targeting fleeing
vehicles.

The
St. Joseph Police Department reports the operation Wednesday night involved
nearly 40 officers from a number of agencies that made 92 traffic stops, one
check subject, and two attempted traffic stops.

The
department says officers served two felony warrants and five misdemeanor warrants
along with issuing 64 written traffic citations, both citations and written
warnings, along with 45 verbal warnings. In addition, officers issued five
investigative charges of resisting arrest, driving while revoked, stealing a
motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property, and
unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Two vehicles fled during the
operation with one successfully tracked by helicopter.

Officers
from the St. Joseph Police Department, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force,
and the Missouri Highway Patrol participated with assistance from the Andrew
County Sheriff’s Department and the Elwood Police Department.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTwo
felony warrants were served with more than 60 traffic citations and warnings
issued during a helicopter operation in the St. Josepha area targeting fleeing
vehicles.The
St. Joseph Police Department reports the operation Wednesday night involved
nearly 40 officers from a number of agencies that made 92 traffic stops, one
check subject, and two attempted traffic stops.The
department says officers served two felony warrants and five misdemeanor warrants
along with issuing 64 written traffic citations, both citations and written
warnings, along with 45 verbal warnings. In addition, officers issued five
investigative charges of resisting arrest, driving while revoked, stealing a
motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property, and
unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Two vehicles fled during the
operation with one successfully tracked by helicopter.Officers
from the St. Joseph Police Department, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force,
and the Missouri Highway Patrol participated with assistance from the Andrew
County Sheriff’s Department and the Elwood Police Department.

Felony warrants issued during St. Joseph helicopter operation

A state grant will help the city of St. Joseph complete a project to improve Pickett Road and the area formerly known as the Ag Expo Center. &nbsp;

$2.8 million will be part of a 50-5o governors cost share program to help with the project. &nbsp;

City Manager Bryan Carter says the reason the grant was sought is to help provide a new way into town.&nbsp;

"Almost more importantly it adds an alternative to Riverside Road," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "MoDOT will be taking down the Riverside Road bridge and replacing it in the next few years, so we need to have a good quality backup as a way to get to 36."&nbsp;

Carter says that will be incredibly important for businesses in the East Towne Business Park like Altec.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Carter says currently the city is only in the design phase for the project&nbsp;

"So, we're probably looking at something that will happen through the construction season next year," Carter says. "We're working through all the admin work now, getting the contracts done, getting everything set up, design will get underway, and then construction will begin."&nbsp;

Carter says the improvements will also be vital for the expansion of the industrial park in that area.&nbsp;

"Part of our industrial expansion for future employers or employers locally who want to grow will be in that area and we need to have good quality access to them," Carter explains.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A state grant will help the city of St. Joseph complete a project to improve Pickett Road and the area formerly known as the Ag Expo Center. &nbsp;$2.8 million will be part of a 50-5o governors cost share program to help with the project. &nbsp;City Manager Bryan Carter says the reason the grant was sought is to help provide a new way into town.&nbsp;"Almost more importantly it adds an alternative to Riverside Road," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "MoDOT will be taking down the Riverside Road bridge and replacing it in the next few years, so we need to have a good quality backup as a way to get to 36."&nbsp;Carter says that will be incredibly important for businesses in the East Towne Business Park like Altec.&nbsp; &nbsp;Carter says currently the city is only in the design phase for the project&nbsp;"So, we're probably looking at something that will happen through the construction season next year," Carter says. "We're working through all the admin work now, getting the contracts done, getting everything set up, design will get underway, and then construction will begin."&nbsp;Carter says the improvements will also be vital for the expansion of the industrial park in that area.&nbsp;"Part of our industrial expansion for future employers or employers locally who want to grow will be in that area and we need to have good quality access to them," Carter explains.&nbsp;

State grant will help with vital improvements to Pickett Road in St. Joseph

No one was hurt when shots were fired from a stolen vehicle
into occupied homes on Corby Street.

St. Joseph police say multiple shots were fired from a car
driving down the 900 block of Corby around 6:30 Wednesday night. The shots hit
at least three houses and one vehicle. Though the houses were occupied, no one
was hurt.

St. Joseph police officers recovered the stolen vehicle about
an hour later near 12th and Charles Streets.

No suspects are in custody. The investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNo one was hurt when shots were fired from a stolen vehicle
into occupied homes on Corby Street.St. Joseph police say multiple shots were fired from a car
driving down the 900 block of Corby around 6:30 Wednesday night. The shots hit
at least three houses and one vehicle. Though the houses were occupied, no one
was hurt.St. Joseph police officers recovered the stolen vehicle about
an hour later near 12th and Charles Streets.No suspects are in custody. The investigation continues.

No one hurt as shots fired into homes on Corby Street

A St. Joseph couple is due in federal court today on
charges stemming from their participation in the January 6th riots
against the United States Capitol.

Steven and Kimberly Dragoo surrendered to authorities earlier
this month and were released pending their video conference appearance in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.

A criminal complaint filed against the Dragoos outlines four misdemeanor
allegations:&nbsp; entering and remaining in a
restricted buildings or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a
restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or
grounds; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

The federal charges accuse the couple of documenting their
breach of the Capitol that day, including a photo of Kim Dragoo outside a
broken window.

Steve, age 65, and Kim, age 54, were interviewed by the FBI in
St. Joseph in late January of 2021. The couple disclosed they had flown to the
nation’s capital on January 5, 2021 to participate in the “Stop the Steal”
rally led by former President Donald Trump, prostesting the certification of
the 2020 presidential election results. The Dragoos posted videos on Facebook
documenting their time during the rally that soon turned into a riot.

Nearly 30 Missouri residents have been charged in connection
with the riot in DC on January 6th, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687439194903.png" alt="Image of Kimberly Dragoo from the Jan. 6 Committee provided by the U.S. District Court" />
 <figcaption>Image of Kimberly Dragoo from the Jan. 6 Committee provided by the U.S. District Court</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph couple is due in federal court today on
charges stemming from their participation in the January 6th riots
against the United States Capitol.Steven and Kimberly Dragoo surrendered to authorities earlier
this month and were released pending their video conference appearance in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.A criminal complaint filed against the Dragoos outlines four misdemeanor
allegations:&nbsp; entering and remaining in a
restricted buildings or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a
restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or
grounds; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.The federal charges accuse the couple of documenting their
breach of the Capitol that day, including a photo of Kim Dragoo outside a
broken window.Steve, age 65, and Kim, age 54, were interviewed by the FBI in
St. Joseph in late January of 2021. The couple disclosed they had flown to the
nation’s capital on January 5, 2021 to participate in the “Stop the Steal”
rally led by former President Donald Trump, prostesting the certification of
the 2020 presidential election results. The Dragoos posted videos on Facebook
documenting their time during the rally that soon turned into a riot.Nearly 30 Missouri residents have been charged in connection
with the riot in DC on January 6th, 2021.

St. Joe couple to faces Jan. 6th Capitol riot charges in federal court

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an encounter on Tuesday.

Just after&nbsp; 9p.m., police arrested 32-year-old William R. Bartlett of Atchison in the 1100 block Kearney Street on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He is also being held on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

In February, Bartlett was jailed for alleged domestic battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687354697794.png" alt="Bartlett-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Bartlett-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an encounter on Tuesday.Just after&nbsp; 9p.m., police arrested 32-year-old William R. Bartlett of Atchison in the 1100 block Kearney Street on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He is also being held on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;In February, Bartlett was jailed for alleged domestic battery.

Kan. man jailed on multiple allegations after encounter with police

Voters will once again be asked to add an additional tax on marijuana as part of the August 8th ballot. &nbsp;

When recreational marijuana was passed in November, local governments were given options to ask voters for a three-percent tax.&nbsp;

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Scott Nelson says asking county voters to add the tax only made sense. &nbsp;

"State passed it in November, city passed it overwhelmingly in April, and we're just going to jump on the train in that regard," Nelson tells sit in host Tommy Rezac on the KFEQ Hotline. "And it's a stackable thing, city stacks on top of the state, and county will stack on top of that."&nbsp;

Nelson says to him adding the tax is logical. &nbsp;

"If you're going to pay extra for cigarettes, you're going to pay extra for fuel, we're going to put that on," Nelson explains. "There will be no campaign, to me that's logical and makes sense, so that's going to be on there."&nbsp;

Nelson says there still are questions to be answered before he can determine how much revenue the tax will generate and what it will go towards.&nbsp;

"We don't believe that there's any dispensaries outside city limits, we don't know that there's any dispensaries in the county, I don't know that" Nelson says. "And I don't know that since the city is within the county do we get that benefit at the same time, those are legal questions but we're just covering ourselves."&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Voters will once again be asked to add an additional tax on marijuana as part of the August 8th ballot. &nbsp;When recreational marijuana was passed in November, local governments were given options to ask voters for a three-percent tax.&nbsp;Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Scott Nelson says asking county voters to add the tax only made sense. &nbsp;"State passed it in November, city passed it overwhelmingly in April, and we're just going to jump on the train in that regard," Nelson tells sit in host Tommy Rezac on the KFEQ Hotline. "And it's a stackable thing, city stacks on top of the state, and county will stack on top of that."&nbsp;Nelson says to him adding the tax is logical. &nbsp;"If you're going to pay extra for cigarettes, you're going to pay extra for fuel, we're going to put that on," Nelson explains. "There will be no campaign, to me that's logical and makes sense, so that's going to be on there."&nbsp;Nelson says there still are questions to be answered before he can determine how much revenue the tax will generate and what it will go towards.&nbsp;"We don't believe that there's any dispensaries outside city limits, we don't know that there's any dispensaries in the county, I don't know that" Nelson says. "And I don't know that since the city is within the county do we get that benefit at the same time, those are legal questions but we're just covering ourselves."&nbsp;

Buchanan County takes its turn at marijuana tax

A new survey from One Country Project shows that voters think health care in rural communities is markedly worse than in the rest of America. 

Those findings were revealed soon after the OCP hosted its annual Rural Progress Summit. 

Stakeholders from across the U.S. gathered to discuss challenges facing rural communities and the importance of elevating rural priorities on the national stage. 

“Access to quality, affordable health care shouldn’t be determined by your zip code,” says OCP Founder and former Senator Heidi Heitkamp. 

More than 130 rural hospitals have closed since 2010. That leaves rural residents with no option but to travel hours to the nearest medical center, which is especially dangerous in a life-threatening emergency. 

Air ambulances are often relied on, and the survey shows overwhelming support, at 84 percent, for increasing the Medicare reimbursement rate for air medical services. Medicare currently covers just 50 percent of the associated costs.

A new survey from One Country Project shows that voters think health care in rural communities is markedly worse than in the rest of America. Those findings were revealed soon after the OCP hosted its annual Rural Progress Summit. Stakeholders from across the U.S. gathered to discuss challenges facing rural communities and the importance of elevating rural priorities on the national stage. “Access to quality, affordable health care shouldn’t be determined by your zip code,” says OCP Founder and former Senator Heidi Heitkamp. More than 130 rural hospitals have closed since 2010. That leaves rural residents with no option but to travel hours to the nearest medical center, which is especially dangerous in a life-threatening emergency. Air ambulances are often relied on, and the survey shows overwhelming support, at 84 percent, for increasing the Medicare reimbursement rate for air medical services. Medicare currently covers just 50 percent of the associated costs.- NAFB

Poll shows voters think rural health care lags behind urban areas

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Freightliner semi driven by Larry K. Burton, 72, Bethany, was northbound on Interstate 35 seven miles south of Bethany.

The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road, struck an emergency crossover, became airborne, traveled across both southbound lanes and off the west side of the road into a ditch.

NTA ambulance transported Burton to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Freightliner semi driven by Larry K. Burton, 72, Bethany, was northbound on Interstate 35 seven miles south of Bethany.The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road, struck an emergency crossover, became airborne, traveled across both southbound lanes and off the west side of the road into a ditch.NTA ambulance transported Burton to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after violent semi crash

Tarkio Tech has arisen from the ashes of Tarkio
College, the liberal arts school that closed in 1992.

Tarkio Tech President John Davis says various
people tried various ways to resurrect the college in extreme northwest
Missouri, but none of those efforts sought to meet regional needs.

“Our programs are targeted toward our region,”
Davis says during a visit to the KFEQ Hotline. “These are areas that we need in
order to survive, that St. Joe needs, not just small towns. St. Joe is, for
this size town, it has one of the highest manufacturing bases in the country.”

Tarkio Technology Institute got off to a rough
start, during the coronavirus pandemic. Only one student graduated that year,
but that student got a good job, which Davis says helped. It struggled through
the difficult COIVD-plagued 2020. Tarkio Tech graduated 35 students last year
and expects to graduate 60-to-80 this year.

College officials received a huge boost when they
received word that the estates of Dean and Joanne Curnutt bequeathed Tarkio Tech
$1 million, a third of the goal for the school’s Heritage Campaign. The
Heritage Campaign seeks to raise enough money to repair and upgrade the 13 buildings
still standing on the campus.

“The $3 million capital campaign we have is targeted
toward repairing some roofs, getting the dorm open, getting the cafeteria open,
because resident space and food are critical if you’re going to have students
from a distance and we are getting a lot of students from a distance, especially
St. Joe,” Davis says.

A succession of events doomed Tarkio College,
founded in 1883 as a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United
Presbyterian Church. The 60-acre campus in far northwestern Missouri’s Atchison
County once hosted as many as 900 students, some attracted from the East Coast
to the school’s theatre program, part of the famed Mule Barn Theatre.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687278720047.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTarkio Tech has arisen from the ashes of Tarkio
College, the liberal arts school that closed in 1992.Tarkio Tech President John Davis says various
people tried various ways to resurrect the college in extreme northwest
Missouri, but none of those efforts sought to meet regional needs.“Our programs are targeted toward our region,”
Davis says during a visit to the KFEQ Hotline. “These are areas that we need in
order to survive, that St. Joe needs, not just small towns. St. Joe is, for
this size town, it has one of the highest manufacturing bases in the country.”Tarkio Technology Institute got off to a rough
start, during the coronavirus pandemic. Only one student graduated that year,
but that student got a good job, which Davis says helped. It struggled through
the difficult COIVD-plagued 2020. Tarkio Tech graduated 35 students last year
and expects to graduate 60-to-80 this year.College officials received a huge boost when they
received word that the estates of Dean and Joanne Curnutt bequeathed Tarkio Tech
$1 million, a third of the goal for the school’s Heritage Campaign. The
Heritage Campaign seeks to raise enough money to repair and upgrade the 13 buildings
still standing on the campus.“The $3 million capital campaign we have is targeted
toward repairing some roofs, getting the dorm open, getting the cafeteria open,
because resident space and food are critical if you’re going to have students
from a distance and we are getting a lot of students from a distance, especially
St. Joe,” Davis says.A succession of events doomed Tarkio College,
founded in 1883 as a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United
Presbyterian Church. The 60-acre campus in far northwestern Missouri’s Atchison
County once hosted as many as 900 students, some attracted from the East Coast
to the school’s theatre program, part of the famed Mule Barn Theatre.The Mule Barn was an actual mule barn originally,
built in 1892 by David Rankin, a prominent businessman and founder of Tarkio
College. But the Mule Barn Theatre burned to the ground in early 1989. Tarkio
College had lost its second biggest program. Then, the college lost
accreditation for its biggest program, teacher education. Enrollment plummeted.An ill-fated scheme to raise money led to
bankruptcy. An official enrolled area residents as students and applied for student
loans in their names even though they never attended a class. The deception
caught up with Tarkio College, which found itself $25 million in debt. The
campus closed in 1992.Area residents formed the Heartland Educational
Institute in an effort to buy back the campus from its creditors. The Tarkio College
Alumni Association stepped in and helped the college emerge from bankruptcy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687278820522.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Davis says Tarkio College made its comeback when
backers gave up the idea of reviving a liberal arts college and, instead,
applied with the Missouri Department of Higher Education to become a technical,
vocational school.“You know, looking back at it, it probably would
have been a better approach from the very beginning and then build on that,”
Davis concedes. “We’re not dismissing the possibility that at some point we
will have a degree program, an accreditation from a higher learning commission.
But, it’s a very lengthy process. It’s a very expensive process.”Davis says now the school wants to concentrate on
steady, sustainable growth.Tarkio Tech offers courses in welding, wind energy,
plumbing, HVAC, health services, computer science, and soon will offer a
Christian-based business program.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Like-a-phoenix--Tarkio-Tech-arises-from-the-ashes-e25vgei" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

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