A local business is partnering with the Salvation Army to provide box fans to people who don't have or may not be able to afford air conditioning. &nbsp;

Westlake Hardware in St. Joseph has held a Box Fan drive for the last nine years, providing hundreds of fans a year to people in need. &nbsp;

General Manager of the St. Joseph Westlake Hardware Greg Eagleburger says Westlake is solely the facilitator of the drive and all contributions come from the community. &nbsp;

"We do a roundup at our checkouts, ask our customers if they'd like to round up to the nearest dollar when they make a purchase, so they're the ones that are actually contributing," Eagleburger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We take those funds and then corporately they buy as many fans as they can."&nbsp;

Eagleburger says Westlake as a company focuses on giving back to the communities they're located in and this is one of many drives it does. &nbsp;

Eagleburger says fans that are donated can be useful for people who might not be able to afford air conditioning. &nbsp;

"Many times, a fan properly placed, moving some air, can help them with their cooling situation," Eagleburger explains. "We take that for granted but not everybody has air conditioning still, and/or if you have one maybe you can't afford to turn it on and run it."&nbsp;

The Fan Drive is running through this Sunday at Westlake Hardware in St. Joseph.&nbsp; &nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A local business is partnering with the Salvation Army to provide box fans to people who don't have or may not be able to afford air conditioning. &nbsp;Westlake Hardware in St. Joseph has held a Box Fan drive for the last nine years, providing hundreds of fans a year to people in need. &nbsp;General Manager of the St. Joseph Westlake Hardware Greg Eagleburger says Westlake is solely the facilitator of the drive and all contributions come from the community. &nbsp;"We do a roundup at our checkouts, ask our customers if they'd like to round up to the nearest dollar when they make a purchase, so they're the ones that are actually contributing," Eagleburger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We take those funds and then corporately they buy as many fans as they can."&nbsp;Eagleburger says Westlake as a company focuses on giving back to the communities they're located in and this is one of many drives it does. &nbsp;Eagleburger says fans that are donated can be useful for people who might not be able to afford air conditioning. &nbsp;"Many times, a fan properly placed, moving some air, can help them with their cooling situation," Eagleburger explains. "We take that for granted but not everybody has air conditioning still, and/or if you have one maybe you can't afford to turn it on and run it."&nbsp;The Fan Drive is running through this Sunday at Westlake Hardware in St. Joseph.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Fan collection in St. Joseph continues through Sunday

ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas man is back on jail again for alleged stalking.

On Tuesday, police arrested 34-year-old&nbsp;Howard L. Hooper IV of Atchison on a District Court warrant for stalking and violation of a protective order, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In December of 2020, Hooper was jailed on requested charges of stalking, harassment by phone and violation of a protection order, according to online jail records.&nbsp; 

Hooper has been in custody over two dozen times since 2007 and convicted for stalking, criminal threat and violation of a protection order, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686750068282.png" alt="Hooper-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Hooper-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas man is back on jail again for alleged stalking.On Tuesday, police arrested 34-year-old&nbsp;Howard L. Hooper IV of Atchison on a District Court warrant for stalking and violation of a protective order, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.In December of 2020, Hooper was jailed on requested charges of stalking, harassment by phone and violation of a protection order, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Hooper has been in custody over two dozen times since 2007 and convicted for stalking, criminal threat and violation of a protection order, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas man convicted of stalking is accused of it again

St. Joseph residents will have the opportunity to experience the bus for free on Thursday.&nbsp;

St. Joseph Transit general manager Michelle Schultz says it's part of a nationwide campaign 'Dump the Pump'&nbsp;

"It's to encourage everyone to ride the bus, to give them the opportunity to see what the bus has to offer and see if it's something that might fit into their schedule," Schultz tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Dump the Pump basically means you're not putting gas into your car that day, you're going to ride the bus and let us worry about it."&nbsp;

Schultz says the free bus rides were very popular pre-COVID.&nbsp;

"We would almost double our ridership," Schultz explains. "Since COVID it's not been as extreme, we have seen an increase in ridership during those days, but again it's not as much as it used to be."&nbsp;

Schultz says there are a couple different ways to get your free bus ride&nbsp;

"You can go to any bus stop in town, we have over 300 of them throughout the city, and catch a bus there," Schultz says. "Or we also offer deviations which is where someone can call in and schedule a trip and we will actually pick them up at their home or whatever location they choose instead of walking to a bus stop, there is an extra 25 cent charge for that."&nbsp;

Most will recognize the campaign over the weekend, but the St. Joseph bus system is choosing to do it Thursday, because of an influx of riders during weekdays.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686779220213.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;St. Joseph residents will have the opportunity to experience the bus for free on Thursday.&nbsp;St. Joseph Transit general manager Michelle Schultz says it's part of a nationwide campaign 'Dump the Pump'&nbsp;"It's to encourage everyone to ride the bus, to give them the opportunity to see what the bus has to offer and see if it's something that might fit into their schedule," Schultz tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Dump the Pump basically means you're not putting gas into your car that day, you're going to ride the bus and let us worry about it."&nbsp;Schultz says the free bus rides were very popular pre-COVID.&nbsp;"We would almost double our ridership," Schultz explains. "Since COVID it's not been as extreme, we have seen an increase in ridership during those days, but again it's not as much as it used to be."&nbsp;Schultz says there are a couple different ways to get your free bus ride&nbsp;"You can go to any bus stop in town, we have over 300 of them throughout the city, and catch a bus there," Schultz says. "Or we also offer deviations which is where someone can call in and schedule a trip and we will actually pick them up at their home or whatever location they choose instead of walking to a bus stop, there is an extra 25 cent charge for that."&nbsp;Most will recognize the campaign over the weekend, but the St. Joseph bus system is choosing to do it Thursday, because of an influx of riders during weekdays.&nbsp;

St. Joseph Transit providing free bus rides on Thursday as part of 'Dump the Pump'

Increasing filing fees reduces eviction rates, Eviction Lab researchers found in a recent study

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

New research shows Missouri has among the lowest court fees for landlords to file for eviction in the nation — and that raising filing fees would reduce eviction rates.

In Missouri, the average cost for a landlord to file for eviction is $56, and is as low as $33 in some counties.&nbsp;

The fees vary widely across the country, and are set in often “arbitrary” ways, the researchers found, but with significant effects. Nationally, fees range from $15 to $350, and the average is $132.

“By raising filing fees at the local level, we could go a long way toward reducing eviction filings,” Henry Gomory, lead researcher on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://evictionlab.org/tenants-pay-for-cheap-evictions/">the Eviction Lab study</a>, said at a presentation last week.&nbsp;

The researchers collected filing fee data from nearly every county across the country in 2018 and published their findings in the journal Housing Policy Debate last month.

When filing fees are low, they found, landlords are more likely to file evictions “serially” against the same tenant as a way to collect late rent. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10511482.2023.2212662">study</a>&nbsp;called serial eviction filing a “pernicious practice” that marks tenants’ records with an eviction filing, can increase their housing costs, and “increases the power that landlords have over their tenants.”

But when fees are high, landlords “make use of the court system less often,” Gomory said. Landlords then use eviction as a last-resort method to remove tenants rather than a way to repeatedly collect rent.

The effects of filing fees on eviction filings are larger in areas with a majority of Black residents, too, and raising the fees would benefit them most.

Even moderate increases in fees could significantly curb eviction rates. Increasing the filing fee&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://evictionlab.org/tenants-pay-for-cheap-evictions/">by $100</a>, researchers found, reduces the eviction rate by 2.25 percentage points, which would more than halve the eviction cases in the median neighborhood in their dataset (which had an eviction rate of 3.3%).

“These increases in residential stability would have their largest effects on Black renters,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10511482.2023.2212662">they found</a>, “helping to remedy the disproportionate levels of eviction experienced by this group.”&nbsp;

“If we compare the effects of filing fees to other known predictors of eviction practices, it’s sort of startling how large these effects are,” Gomory said.

The highest cost to file in the Midwest is in Minnesota, where the average cost to file is around $300. Among states adjacent to Missouri, the highest average is in Arkansas, where it is $165 in every county in the state.

“Although local politicians cannot easily improve the socioeconomic statuses of their city’s renters,” Gomory said, “they can achieve similar gains in residential stability by simply voting in their city council or state legislature to increase eviction filing fees.”

As federal COVID assistance has waned, evictions have begun increasing over the last year nationally. In the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://evictionlab.org/eviction-tracking/st-louis-mo/">St. Louis&nbsp;</a>metro area and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://evictionlab.org/eviction-tracking/kansas-city-mo/">Kansas City</a>, the rate of eviction filings in the last year was slightly higher than the pre-pandemic average, according to Eviction Lab data.&nbsp;

Nearly one third of all St. Louis eviction filings came from the top 100 buildings from March 2022 to March 2023. In Kansas City, 38% of all eviction filings in that period came from the top 100 buildings.

<h2>Increasing filing fees reduces eviction rates, Eviction Lab researchers found in a recent study</h2>By CLARA BATES <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>New research shows Missouri has among the lowest court fees for landlords to file for eviction in the nation — and that raising filing fees would reduce eviction rates.In Missouri, the average cost for a landlord to file for eviction is $56, and is as low as $33 in some counties.&nbsp;The fees vary widely across the country, and are set in often “arbitrary” ways, the researchers found, but with significant effects. Nationally, fees range from $15 to $350, and the average is $132.“By raising filing fees at the local level, we could go a long way toward reducing eviction filings,” Henry Gomory, lead researcher on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://evictionlab.org/tenants-pay-for-cheap-evictions/">the Eviction Lab study</a>, said at a presentation last week.&nbsp;The researchers collected filing fee data from nearly every county across the country in 2018 and published their findings in the journal Housing Policy Debate last month.When filing fees are low, they found, landlords are more likely to file evictions “serially” against the same tenant as a way to collect late rent. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10511482.2023.2212662">study</a>&nbsp;called serial eviction filing a “pernicious practice” that marks tenants’ records with an eviction filing, can increase their housing costs, and “increases the power that landlords have over their tenants.”But when fees are high, landlords “make use of the court system less often,” Gomory said. Landlords then use eviction as a last-resort method to remove tenants rather than a way to repeatedly collect rent.The effects of filing fees on eviction filings are larger in areas with a majority of Black residents, too, and raising the fees would benefit them most.Even moderate increases in fees could significantly curb eviction rates. Increasing the filing fee&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://evictionlab.org/tenants-pay-for-cheap-evictions/">by $100</a>, researchers found, reduces the eviction rate by 2.25 percentage points, which would more than halve the eviction cases in the median neighborhood in their dataset (which had an eviction rate of 3.3%).“These increases in residential stability would have their largest effects on Black renters,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10511482.2023.2212662">they found</a>, “helping to remedy the disproportionate levels of eviction experienced by this group.”&nbsp;“If we compare the effects of filing fees to other known predictors of eviction practices, it’s sort of startling how large these effects are,” Gomory said.The highest cost to file in the Midwest is in Minnesota, where the average cost to file is around $300. Among states adjacent to Missouri, the highest average is in Arkansas, where it is $165 in every county in the state.“Although local politicians cannot easily improve the socioeconomic statuses of their city’s renters,” Gomory said, “they can achieve similar gains in residential stability by simply voting in their city council or state legislature to increase eviction filing fees.”As federal COVID assistance has waned, evictions have begun increasing over the last year nationally. In the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://evictionlab.org/eviction-tracking/st-louis-mo/">St. Louis&nbsp;</a>metro area and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://evictionlab.org/eviction-tracking/kansas-city-mo/">Kansas City</a>, the rate of eviction filings in the last year was slightly higher than the pre-pandemic average, according to Eviction Lab data.&nbsp;Nearly one third of all St. Louis eviction filings came from the top 100 buildings from March 2022 to March 2023. In Kansas City, 38% of all eviction filings in that period came from the top 100 buildings.

Missouri eviction filing fees for landlords among lowest in nation

Once again, the name of the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department is being used to exploit residents. &nbsp;

But this time, Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says the criminals are going higher up and using his name to scare people. &nbsp;

"They call and they want our citizens to provide them gift card information, attain the gift card and provide them the information so they can siphon the money off the gift cards," Puett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "I've heard from a couple other sheriffs throughout the state that they're saying that as well as using their name."&nbsp;

Puett says St. Joseph residents have reported this call, but he has even heard of his name being used in the Jefferson City area calling those residents. &nbsp;

"I don't know why that they would be doing it in the first place let alone trying it across the state, I don't know whether it's because of the connection with the sheriff's association or how that works," Puett says.&nbsp;

Puett says his department will never ask for money over the phone so if you receive one of these calls it's best to just hang up and report it to his office. &nbsp;

Puett says it's frustrating to have his name associated with this scam&nbsp;

"We work really, really hard to serve our citizens and I think our citizens know that, but anytime that a citizen might be victimized and they're using our name, that is a very upsetting thing," Puett says.&nbsp;

Puett says reports have said the voice on these scam calls sounds similar to him which makes victims believe it is actually him calling. &nbsp;

The Buchanan County Sheriff's Department will never call you asking for money, so if you receive one of these calls hang up and report it to the department.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Once again, the name of the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department is being used to exploit residents. &nbsp;But this time, Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says the criminals are going higher up and using his name to scare people. &nbsp;"They call and they want our citizens to provide them gift card information, attain the gift card and provide them the information so they can siphon the money off the gift cards," Puett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "I've heard from a couple other sheriffs throughout the state that they're saying that as well as using their name."&nbsp;Puett says St. Joseph residents have reported this call, but he has even heard of his name being used in the Jefferson City area calling those residents. &nbsp;"I don't know why that they would be doing it in the first place let alone trying it across the state, I don't know whether it's because of the connection with the sheriff's association or how that works," Puett says.&nbsp;Puett says his department will never ask for money over the phone so if you receive one of these calls it's best to just hang up and report it to his office. &nbsp;Puett says it's frustrating to have his name associated with this scam&nbsp;"We work really, really hard to serve our citizens and I think our citizens know that, but anytime that a citizen might be victimized and they're using our name, that is a very upsetting thing," Puett says.&nbsp;Puett says reports have said the voice on these scam calls sounds similar to him which makes victims believe it is actually him calling. &nbsp;The Buchanan County Sheriff's Department will never call you asking for money, so if you receive one of these calls hang up and report it to the department.&nbsp;

Sheriff Puett frustrated by new scam involving his department

USDA is making $714 million dollars in grants and loans available to connect thousands of rural residents, farmers, and business owners to reliable high-speed internet. 

“High-speed internet is a key to prosperity for people who live and work in rural communities,” says USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. 

“With this funding, we can ensure that rural communities have the internet connectivity needed to continue expanding the rural economy to make sure it’s a place of opportunity to live, work, and raise a family.” 

The announcement includes $714 million available for investments in 19 states, including Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, and several others. USDA continues connecting more and more people to high-speed internet in this fourth funding round of the ReConnect Program. 

The department has invested in a total of 142 ReConnect projects that will bring high-speed internet access to 314,000 rural Americans. More information on rural investment resources is available at rd.usda.gov.

USDA is making $714 million dollars in grants and loans available to connect thousands of rural residents, farmers, and business owners to reliable high-speed internet. “High-speed internet is a key to prosperity for people who live and work in rural communities,” says USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “With this funding, we can ensure that rural communities have the internet connectivity needed to continue expanding the rural economy to make sure it’s a place of opportunity to live, work, and raise a family.” The announcement includes $714 million available for investments in 19 states, including Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, and several others. USDA continues connecting more and more people to high-speed internet in this fourth funding round of the ReConnect Program. The department has invested in a total of 142 ReConnect projects that will bring high-speed internet access to 314,000 rural Americans. More information on rural investment resources is available at rd.usda.gov.- NAFB

Over $700 million available to expand rural internet access

The Economic Research Service issued its June Oil Crops Outlook that predicted higher soybean ending stocks for the month. 

A higher carryover raised the 2023-2024 U.S. soybean ending stocks forecast by 15 million bushels to 350 million bushels. 

The increase in expected carryover stocks is due to a reduced 2022-2023 soybean export forecast from 2.01 billion bushels to two billion bushels on strong foreign competition. 

Despite an unchanged soybean crush volume in June, the higher extraction rates increased U.S. soybean meal supply. With higher supply and lower domestic demand, soybean meal exports for the 2022-2023 marketing year increased this month by 0.2 million short tons to 14 million short tons. 

The 2023-2024 global soybean ending stocks are estimated higher this month at 123.3 million metric tons on increased carryover from 2022-2023 and reduced crush in Argentina. Reduced soybean meal supplies in Argentina are partially offset by Brazil’s higher soybean meal exports.&nbsp;

The Economic Research Service issued its June Oil Crops Outlook that predicted higher soybean ending stocks for the month. A higher carryover raised the 2023-2024 U.S. soybean ending stocks forecast by 15 million bushels to 350 million bushels. The increase in expected carryover stocks is due to a reduced 2022-2023 soybean export forecast from 2.01 billion bushels to two billion bushels on strong foreign competition. Despite an unchanged soybean crush volume in June, the higher extraction rates increased U.S. soybean meal supply. With higher supply and lower domestic demand, soybean meal exports for the 2022-2023 marketing year increased this month by 0.2 million short tons to 14 million short tons. The 2023-2024 global soybean ending stocks are estimated higher this month at 123.3 million metric tons on increased carryover from 2022-2023 and reduced crush in Argentina. Reduced soybean meal supplies in Argentina are partially offset by Brazil’s higher soybean meal exports.&nbsp;- NAFB

Soybean stocks rise higher in June

JEFFERSON CITY&nbsp;— In&nbsp;response to worsening drought conditions throughout the state and upon the advice of the Missouri Drought Assessment Committee, Governor Mike Parson announced the availability and process for Missouri family farms to obtain emergency hay and water:

“As drought conditions continue to deteriorate across Missouri, we want to do all we can to help our family farms mitigate the devastating effects of severe drought,”&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. “With the current water deficit, we know it will take a lot of rain for our state and its agricultural community to recover from the drought. While our prayers for rain continue, state government will do its part to assist wherever and whenever it can.”

Water may be accessed from state park and MDC boat launches and water access points during normal operational hours. Contacting&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4a0dab253b9149838177e991336d7ab5&amp;extent=-11215617.5501*2C4226029.0314*2C-9337101.143*2C5060109.884*2C102100__;JSUlJQ!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!AM3R2ZE9NJY0do5BwH5w-tUgPL50B340DQnX-adpKWnncbSEA-1KAlyGZsihWqSFGZo6Z9TFrtWi_a3rdEs0TOXDSzEN1E8Zzm4zVpdcwtoXHCqe$" target="_blank">MDC area managers</a>&nbsp;prior to collecting water from conservation areas is required.&nbsp;Water is available for livestock needs only and not for resale. Farmers will need to provide their own pumping and hauling equipment.&nbsp;Contact information and a map displaying locations to pump water from state boat ramps is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://dnr.mo.gov/water/hows-water/state-water/drought">dnr.mo.gov/drought</a>.

Missouri state parks with haying opportunities are available to view online at&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/mostateparks.com/drought__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!AM3R2ZE9NJY0do5BwH5w-tUgPL50B340DQnX-adpKWnncbSEA-1KAlyGZsihWqSFGZo6Z9TFrtWi_a3rdEs0TOXDSzEN1E8Zzm4zVpdcwucSXxpc$" target="_blank">mostateparks.com/drought</a>.&nbsp;Anyone interested in obtaining hay from these locations can contact the park superintendent to view the designated area. The first person who views the area and wants the hay will be issued a license to cut the hay at no cost. Guidelines and boundaries for cutting the hay on state park property will be provided at that time. Signing a license is required before haying can begin. Missouri State Parks will allow haying on or after June 25, and hay must be removed before Sept. 25.

In addition to the contracts already in place on some conservation areas across Missouri, other opportunities to cut hay on conservation areas might be available to assist farmers in need of hay to harvest. Anyone wanting to inquire about cutting hay on conservation areas should contact their local MDC regional office. Details for each of these regional offices can be found on MDC’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/regional-mdc-offices">mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/regional-mdc-offices</a>.

Special hay hauling permits can be requested through the MoDOT Carrier Express online service, located at&nbsp;<a href="https://mcs.modot.mo.gov/mce/">www.modot.org/mce</a>.&nbsp;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.

“These drought relief opportunities for Missouri landowners are proactive measures to help our state prepare for and respond to the effects of drought,”&nbsp;Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources&nbsp;said. “We will continue to monitor environmental impacts to public water supplies and plan for various drought scenarios to ensure we are prepared as conditions change.”

On May 31, Governor Parson issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2023/eo5">Executive Order 23-05</a>, declaring a drought alert for 60 Missouri counties. Continuing hot, dry weather means drought conditions are expected to further degrade heading into summer. Other counties will be added to the alert and be eligible for assistance as they reach established drought thresholds.&nbsp;

Residents are encouraged to assist local, state, and national decision makers better understand drought conditions in their area by submitting a survey form via the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) service linked via&nbsp;<a href="https://dnr.mo.gov/water/hows-water/state-water/drought">dnr.mo.gov/drought</a>.

The Missouri Department of Conservation also warns of the increased risk for wildfires that drought conditions can cause. For more information on how best to prevent wildfires, visit MDC's wildfire prevention website:&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention">https://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686750570229.png" alt="Drought monitor map June 6, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Drought monitor map June 6, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY&nbsp;— In&nbsp;response to worsening drought conditions throughout the state and upon the advice of the Missouri Drought Assessment Committee, Governor Mike Parson announced the availability and process for Missouri family farms to obtain emergency hay and water:<ul>
 <li>Boat ramps at 25 Missouri state parks will be open for farmers to collect water with almost 700 acres available for haying at 17 state parks.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Boat ramps at 36 Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) areas are also now open for water collection.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Missouri&nbsp;Department of Transporation (MoDOT) is offering special overwidth&nbsp;hauling permits at no charge to help farmers and ranchers&nbsp;move hay.</li>
 </ul>“As drought conditions continue to deteriorate across Missouri, we want to do all we can to help our family farms mitigate the devastating effects of severe drought,”&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. “With the current water deficit, we know it will take a lot of rain for our state and its agricultural community to recover from the drought. While our prayers for rain continue, state government will do its part to assist wherever and whenever it can.”Water may be accessed from state park and MDC boat launches and water access points during normal operational hours. Contacting&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4a0dab253b9149838177e991336d7ab5&amp;extent=-11215617.5501*2C4226029.0314*2C-9337101.143*2C5060109.884*2C102100__;JSUlJQ!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!AM3R2ZE9NJY0do5BwH5w-tUgPL50B340DQnX-adpKWnncbSEA-1KAlyGZsihWqSFGZo6Z9TFrtWi_a3rdEs0TOXDSzEN1E8Zzm4zVpdcwtoXHCqe$" target="_blank">MDC area managers</a>&nbsp;prior to collecting water from conservation areas is required.&nbsp;Water is available for livestock needs only and not for resale. Farmers will need to provide their own pumping and hauling equipment.&nbsp;Contact information and a map displaying locations to pump water from state boat ramps is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://dnr.mo.gov/water/hows-water/state-water/drought">dnr.mo.gov/drought</a>.Missouri state parks with haying opportunities are available to view online at&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/mostateparks.com/drought__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!AM3R2ZE9NJY0do5BwH5w-tUgPL50B340DQnX-adpKWnncbSEA-1KAlyGZsihWqSFGZo6Z9TFrtWi_a3rdEs0TOXDSzEN1E8Zzm4zVpdcwucSXxpc$" target="_blank">mostateparks.com/drought</a>.&nbsp;Anyone interested in obtaining hay from these locations can contact the park superintendent to view the designated area. The first person who views the area and wants the hay will be issued a license to cut the hay at no cost. Guidelines and boundaries for cutting the hay on state park property will be provided at that time. Signing a license is required before haying can begin. Missouri State Parks will allow haying on or after June 25, and hay must be removed before Sept. 25.In addition to the contracts already in place on some conservation areas across Missouri, other opportunities to cut hay on conservation areas might be available to assist farmers in need of hay to harvest. Anyone wanting to inquire about cutting hay on conservation areas should contact their local MDC regional office. Details for each of these regional offices can be found on MDC’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/regional-mdc-offices">mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/regional-mdc-offices</a>.Special hay hauling permits can be requested through the MoDOT Carrier Express online service, located at&nbsp;<a href="https://mcs.modot.mo.gov/mce/">www.modot.org/mce</a>.&nbsp;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.“These drought relief opportunities for Missouri landowners are proactive measures to help our state prepare for and respond to the effects of drought,”&nbsp;Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources&nbsp;said. “We will continue to monitor environmental impacts to public water supplies and plan for various drought scenarios to ensure we are prepared as conditions change.”On May 31, Governor Parson issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2023/eo5">Executive Order 23-05</a>, declaring a drought alert for 60 Missouri counties. Continuing hot, dry weather means drought conditions are expected to further degrade heading into summer. Other counties will be added to the alert and be eligible for assistance as they reach established drought thresholds.&nbsp;Residents are encouraged to assist local, state, and national decision makers better understand drought conditions in their area by submitting a survey form via the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) service linked via&nbsp;<a href="https://dnr.mo.gov/water/hows-water/state-water/drought">dnr.mo.gov/drought</a>.The Missouri Department of Conservation also warns of the increased risk for wildfires that drought conditions can cause. For more information on how best to prevent wildfires, visit MDC's wildfire prevention website:&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention">https://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention</a>.

Gov. announces emergency water,  hay access for farmers

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

Lawmakers “invaded” the authority of the Missouri Conservation Commission when they tried to limit the use of its dedicated funds, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=196620">Missouri Supreme Court ruled Tuesday</a>.

In the long-anticipated decision, the court split 4-3 over whether appropriation bills could bar the commission from spending money on land acquisition or for payments to replace lost property taxes from conservation lands.

The majority decision, unsigned but supported by Chief Justice Paul Wilson and Judges Mary Russell, Robin Ransom and George Draper, upheld a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=19&amp;di=2089337">decision from Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker</a>, who found the commission can spend appropriated funds for any constitutional purpose.

The state constitution spells out the duties and powers of the commission and provides a source of funds to carry out its mission, the opinion states.

“These provisions do not, however, leave any room for the General Assembly to interfere with the Conservation Commission’s performance of its constitutional purposes,” the majority wrote.

The decision delivered Tuesday came almost 20 months after the court heard arguments in the case, one of the longest consideration periods in memory. The court typically delivers a decision in a case&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tuethkeeney.com/insights/missouri-supreme-court-quarterly-report-january-2020-part-3-time-to-resolve/">in four or five months</a>.

The Conservation Department did not respond to a request for comment on the decision.

The case is being closely watched not just because of its impact on the powers of the General Assembly over the Department of Conservation but also because of a pending decision, also from Walker, on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/10/modot-seeks-ruling-to-free-state-road-fund-from-lawmakers-control/">spending authority of the Highways and Transportation Commission</a>.

While the constitution does offer some latitude to the Conservation Commission about exactly how to use appropriated funds, it does not allow the commission to ignore legislative decisions, the dissent by Judge Patricia Breckenridge stated.&nbsp;

Judges W. Brent Powell and Zel Fischer joined in the dissent.

The constitutional authority of the commission is subservient to the legislature’s appropriation authority, Breckenridge wrote.

“That language does not convey the voters’ intent to grant the Conservation Commission powers within the power of appropriation,” Breckenridge wrote. “Instead, that language conveys only the intent that conservation funds must be spent by the Conservation Commission for the purposes designated in the constitution.”

The particular situation that triggered the lawsuit came in August 2020. The commission approved $1 million to buy 510 acres of imperiled prairie habitat in St. Clair County as an addition to the Linscomb Wildlife Area and $900,000 for payment in lieu of taxes on conservation lands.

In the appropriations for that year, lawmakers had not included money for the payments in lieu of taxes and struck language from the appropriation bill allowing land acquisition. When then-Commissioner of Administration Sarah Steelman refused to honor payment requisitions, the commission sued.

In the majority opinion, the judges wrote that by removing the language allowing land acquisition and refusing to appropriate tax payment funds, lamakers “invaded the constitutional authority of the Conservation Commission by attempting to limit the constitutionally enumerated purposes for which the Conservation Commission could use its funds.”

The Conservation Commission was created by an initiative petition in the 1930s to take&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++40(a)&amp;bid=31861&amp;constit=y">protection of land and wildlife</a>&nbsp;out of political hands. Its powers were expanded, and a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++43(b)&amp;bid=31866&amp;constit=y">one-eighth cent sales tax enacted</a>, in the 1970s to strengthen the department.

That history, as well as the language of the constitution, shows the intent to limit legislative power over the agency, the majority wrote.

“The very reason behind the Conservation Commission’s creation was to remedy the failure of existing government bodies in the 1930s, including the General Assembly, to set aside politics and properly manage Missouri’s conservation needs,” the opinion states.

The key for Breckenridge — and a point that will be important when Walker rules on the Highways and Transportation Commission lawsuit — is whether the constitutional language shifts appropriation power to the commission.

It does not on land acquisition, but it does on payments in lieu of taxes, she wrote. The constitution directs the commission to set the amount and lawmakers cannot change it, she wrote.

Many areas of the constitution and statues direct that money shall be spent for a particular purpose, but that does not appropriate money for those purposes, she wrote.

In contrast, she wrote, the language governing highway money “provides funds in the state road fund ‘<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++30(b)&amp;bid=31847&amp;constit=y">stand appropriated without legislative action</a>’ to be used and expended by the highways and transportation commission…”

In the highways commission lawsuit, Walker is being asked to decide whether employees of the Department of Transportation can be paid more than lawmakers allowed in appropriation bills.

Walker heard arguments in the case in February 2022. He has held his decision, attorneys in the case have said, to learn the results of the conservation case.

During this year’s legislative session, Republican lawmakers upset over the lawsuit tried unsuccessfully to put a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/02/missouri-house-advances-plan-for-lawmakers-to-take-control-of-modot-funding/">constitutional amendment on the ballot</a>&nbsp;making highway funds subject to appropriations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686689481146.png" alt=" The Supreme Court of Missouri (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> The Supreme Court of Missouri (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Lawmakers “invaded” the authority of the Missouri Conservation Commission when they tried to limit the use of its dedicated funds, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=196620">Missouri Supreme Court ruled Tuesday</a>.In the long-anticipated decision, the court split 4-3 over whether appropriation bills could bar the commission from spending money on land acquisition or for payments to replace lost property taxes from conservation lands.The majority decision, unsigned but supported by Chief Justice Paul Wilson and Judges Mary Russell, Robin Ransom and George Draper, upheld a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=19&amp;di=2089337">decision from Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker</a>, who found the commission can spend appropriated funds for any constitutional purpose.The state constitution spells out the duties and powers of the commission and provides a source of funds to carry out its mission, the opinion states.“These provisions do not, however, leave any room for the General Assembly to interfere with the Conservation Commission’s performance of its constitutional purposes,” the majority wrote.The decision delivered Tuesday came almost 20 months after the court heard arguments in the case, one of the longest consideration periods in memory. The court typically delivers a decision in a case&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tuethkeeney.com/insights/missouri-supreme-court-quarterly-report-january-2020-part-3-time-to-resolve/">in four or five months</a>.The Conservation Department did not respond to a request for comment on the decision.The case is being closely watched not just because of its impact on the powers of the General Assembly over the Department of Conservation but also because of a pending decision, also from Walker, on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/10/modot-seeks-ruling-to-free-state-road-fund-from-lawmakers-control/">spending authority of the Highways and Transportation Commission</a>.While the constitution does offer some latitude to the Conservation Commission about exactly how to use appropriated funds, it does not allow the commission to ignore legislative decisions, the dissent by Judge Patricia Breckenridge stated.&nbsp;Judges W. Brent Powell and Zel Fischer joined in the dissent.The constitutional authority of the commission is subservient to the legislature’s appropriation authority, Breckenridge wrote.“That language does not convey the voters’ intent to grant the Conservation Commission powers within the power of appropriation,” Breckenridge wrote. “Instead, that language conveys only the intent that conservation funds must be spent by the Conservation Commission for the purposes designated in the constitution.”The particular situation that triggered the lawsuit came in August 2020. The commission approved $1 million to buy 510 acres of imperiled prairie habitat in St. Clair County as an addition to the Linscomb Wildlife Area and $900,000 for payment in lieu of taxes on conservation lands.In the appropriations for that year, lawmakers had not included money for the payments in lieu of taxes and struck language from the appropriation bill allowing land acquisition. When then-Commissioner of Administration Sarah Steelman refused to honor payment requisitions, the commission sued.In the majority opinion, the judges wrote that by removing the language allowing land acquisition and refusing to appropriate tax payment funds, lamakers “invaded the constitutional authority of the Conservation Commission by attempting to limit the constitutionally enumerated purposes for which the Conservation Commission could use its funds.”The Conservation Commission was created by an initiative petition in the 1930s to take&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++40(a)&amp;bid=31861&amp;constit=y">protection of land and wildlife</a>&nbsp;out of political hands. Its powers were expanded, and a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++43(b)&amp;bid=31866&amp;constit=y">one-eighth cent sales tax enacted</a>, in the 1970s to strengthen the department.That history, as well as the language of the constitution, shows the intent to limit legislative power over the agency, the majority wrote.“The very reason behind the Conservation Commission’s creation was to remedy the failure of existing government bodies in the 1930s, including the General Assembly, to set aside politics and properly manage Missouri’s conservation needs,” the opinion states.The key for Breckenridge — and a point that will be important when Walker rules on the Highways and Transportation Commission lawsuit — is whether the constitutional language shifts appropriation power to the commission.It does not on land acquisition, but it does on payments in lieu of taxes, she wrote. The constitution directs the commission to set the amount and lawmakers cannot change it, she wrote.Many areas of the constitution and statues direct that money shall be spent for a particular purpose, but that does not appropriate money for those purposes, she wrote.In contrast, she wrote, the language governing highway money “provides funds in the state road fund ‘<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++30(b)&amp;bid=31847&amp;constit=y">stand appropriated without legislative action</a>’ to be used and expended by the highways and transportation commission…”In the highways commission lawsuit, Walker is being asked to decide whether employees of the Department of Transportation can be paid more than lawmakers allowed in appropriation bills.Walker heard arguments in the case in February 2022. He has held his decision, attorneys in the case have said, to learn the results of the conservation case.During this year’s legislative session, Republican lawmakers upset over the lawsuit tried unsuccessfully to put a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/02/missouri-house-advances-plan-for-lawmakers-to-take-control-of-modot-funding/">constitutional amendment on the ballot</a>&nbsp;making highway funds subject to appropriations.

Mo. Supreme Court rules lawmakers had no power to limit conservation spending

The soon to be new commander of Missouri Western's Law Enforcement Academy strives to help the academy continue to grow. &nbsp;

Lonnie Bishop will begin his duties as commander of the academy on June 16th.&nbsp; One thing Bishop hopes to do is be more involved in the community.&nbsp;

Bishop says one of his goals is to get cadets out in the community, and potentially provide learning opportunities for community members.&nbsp;

"I would like to be able to provide maybe community interactions, provide courses, we see a lot of people getting scams, maybe put on a course where community can come in and say hey teach me about these scams," Bishop tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Because we have a lot of resources here and we can provide those and say hey you know the FBI has come out with this warning on this scam or things like that and provide that to the community."&nbsp;

Bishop says his biggest goals with the academy is to continue growing what former commander the late Joseph King started developing.&nbsp;

Bishop has been an instructor at Missouri Western's Law Enforcement Academy for two years, starting next week he'll become its new commander. &nbsp;

Bishop says one of his goals in his new position is to continue growing partnerships in the community that are already strong. &nbsp;

"I want to be able to provide the police chief, I want to provide Sheriff Puett, highway patrol, any unit that's out there if you have a training gap let's see if we can work together and fill that training gap," Bishop explains. "Are you getting what you need? Are your cadets meeting your expectations?"&nbsp;

Bishop says in return the community also helps the academy get vehicles that otherwise it would have to purchase for cadets to utilize. &nbsp;

Bishop will lead his first class of future law enforcement officers starting July 10th. &nbsp;

Bishop says while classes do fill up quickly with cadets, one thing that could be done to expand is doubling up the number of classes, though that could be difficult. &nbsp;

"Because I also have a limited structuring staff and I want to make sure I'm nurturing my instructors and taking care of them and listening to them and getting their needs met," Bishop says. "And then in return they can help me expand those classes or maybe make more available."&nbsp;

Bishop says the class beginning in July is already filling up quickly.&nbsp; &nbsp;

You can follow Matt on Twitter (@KfeqMatt) or St. Joseph Post (@StJosephPost).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686267067268.jpeg" alt="Incoming Law Enforcement Academy Commander Lonnie Bishop presents on the Academy's new MILO simulator.&nbsp; Bishop will take over command on June 16th/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Incoming Law Enforcement Academy Commander Lonnie Bishop presents on the Academy's new MILO simulator.&nbsp; Bishop will take over command on June 16th/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe soon to be new commander of Missouri Western's Law Enforcement Academy strives to help the academy continue to grow. &nbsp;Lonnie Bishop will begin his duties as commander of the academy on June 16th.&nbsp; One thing Bishop hopes to do is be more involved in the community.&nbsp;Bishop says one of his goals is to get cadets out in the community, and potentially provide learning opportunities for community members.&nbsp;"I would like to be able to provide maybe community interactions, provide courses, we see a lot of people getting scams, maybe put on a course where community can come in and say hey teach me about these scams," Bishop tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Because we have a lot of resources here and we can provide those and say hey you know the FBI has come out with this warning on this scam or things like that and provide that to the community."&nbsp;Bishop says his biggest goals with the academy is to continue growing what former commander the late Joseph King started developing.&nbsp;Bishop has been an instructor at Missouri Western's Law Enforcement Academy for two years, starting next week he'll become its new commander. &nbsp;Bishop says one of his goals in his new position is to continue growing partnerships in the community that are already strong. &nbsp;"I want to be able to provide the police chief, I want to provide Sheriff Puett, highway patrol, any unit that's out there if you have a training gap let's see if we can work together and fill that training gap," Bishop explains. "Are you getting what you need? Are your cadets meeting your expectations?"&nbsp;Bishop says in return the community also helps the academy get vehicles that otherwise it would have to purchase for cadets to utilize. &nbsp;Bishop will lead his first class of future law enforcement officers starting July 10th. &nbsp;Bishop says while classes do fill up quickly with cadets, one thing that could be done to expand is doubling up the number of classes, though that could be difficult. &nbsp;"Because I also have a limited structuring staff and I want to make sure I'm nurturing my instructors and taking care of them and listening to them and getting their needs met," Bishop says. "And then in return they can help me expand those classes or maybe make more available."&nbsp;Bishop says the class beginning in July is already filling up quickly.&nbsp; &nbsp;You can follow Matt on Twitter (@KfeqMatt) or St. Joseph Post (@StJosephPost).<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/New-LEA-Commander-has-lofty-goals-e25lu6o" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

New Law Enforcement Academy commander wants more community interaction

Tarkio Tech – the former Tarkio College – just got a big boost
from a local donor: a million-dollar boost.

The $1 million donation from the estate of Dean and Joanne
Curnutt will have a major impact on efforts to revive the campus in extreme
northwest Missouri, according to President John Davis.

“First of all, it says that we definitely have support from
our local community. That’s critical for me,” Davis tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.
“If you are going to do something like this and your local community is not
behind you, then you’re fighting a losing battle.”

Dean Curnutt, the Atchison County Collector for 30 years,
graduated from Tarkio College in 1951. Curnutt died in 1989, leaving a trust
fund to his sister, Joanne. When Joanne died in February of last year, she bequeathed
the remainder of the trust fund to Tarkio Technology Institute. It wasn’t the first substantial
donation given the college by Joanne Curnutt. Davis says she had made donations
of $100,000 and $175,000 previously.

Davis says Joanne designated those donations for college operations.

The trust fund donation totaling $1,060,554 will largely go
toward Tarkio Tech’s Heritage Campaign, a $3 million campaign to restore the
historic buildings on the campus in extreme northwest Missouri. The money will
be used to complete restoration of the Thompson Learning Center and repair the
flat roof portion of Rankin Hall. A dorm will be created to house 18 students
now that Tarkio Tech has attracted students beyond commute distance from Tarkio.
A cafeteria will be refurbished and reopened.

The impact of this donation from the Curnutts might well go
far beyond restoring historic buildings on the Tarkio campus.

“This kind of a donation gets attention,” Davis says. “You
want as many corporations, as many foundations supporting you as you can get,
but they’re not going to have that if you don’t have some significant
involvement in your giving and a million-dollar donation gets people’s
attention.”

Tarkio College was founded in 1883, but the campus closed in 1992. When alumni suggested restoring the college, Missouri state higher education officials suggested it come back as a technical school offering courses such as welding, plumbing, wind energy, and computer information technology. Tarkio Tech began offering classes in January of 2020.

Davis says the donation will help further efforts to raise
money for Tarkio Tech.

“I’ll guarantee you, there’s people that we haven’t even heard
from yet that we’re going to hear from now because they want to know, okay,
what’s going on there? This is impressive.”

In total, Dean and Joanne Curnutt have donated $1,904,650 to
Tarkio Tech since 2020, completing a legacy of service, according to Davis, the
type of legacy he hopes Tarkio Tech can impress on its students.

“Your role here is to learn a trade, but then it’s to go out
and use that trade to serve other people, not just make a buck.”

This article has been updated since first published with additional information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686666321823.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTarkio Tech – the former Tarkio College – just got a big boost
from a local donor: a million-dollar boost.The $1 million donation from the estate of Dean and Joanne
Curnutt will have a major impact on efforts to revive the campus in extreme
northwest Missouri, according to President John Davis.“First of all, it says that we definitely have support from
our local community. That’s critical for me,” Davis tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.
“If you are going to do something like this and your local community is not
behind you, then you’re fighting a losing battle.”Dean Curnutt, the Atchison County Collector for 30 years,
graduated from Tarkio College in 1951. Curnutt died in 1989, leaving a trust
fund to his sister, Joanne. When Joanne died in February of last year, she bequeathed
the remainder of the trust fund to Tarkio Technology Institute. It wasn’t the first substantial
donation given the college by Joanne Curnutt. Davis says she had made donations
of $100,000 and $175,000 previously.Davis says Joanne designated those donations for college operations.The trust fund donation totaling $1,060,554 will largely go
toward Tarkio Tech’s Heritage Campaign, a $3 million campaign to restore the
historic buildings on the campus in extreme northwest Missouri. The money will
be used to complete restoration of the Thompson Learning Center and repair the
flat roof portion of Rankin Hall. A dorm will be created to house 18 students
now that Tarkio Tech has attracted students beyond commute distance from Tarkio.
A cafeteria will be refurbished and reopened.The impact of this donation from the Curnutts might well go
far beyond restoring historic buildings on the Tarkio campus.“This kind of a donation gets attention,” Davis says. “You
want as many corporations, as many foundations supporting you as you can get,
but they’re not going to have that if you don’t have some significant
involvement in your giving and a million-dollar donation gets people’s
attention.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686666384725.jpeg" alt="Rankin Hall/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Rankin Hall/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Tarkio College was founded in 1883, but the campus closed in 1992. When alumni suggested restoring the college, Missouri state higher education officials suggested it come back as a technical school offering courses such as welding, plumbing, wind energy, and computer information technology. Tarkio Tech began offering classes in January of 2020.Davis says the donation will help further efforts to raise
money for Tarkio Tech.“I’ll guarantee you, there’s people that we haven’t even heard
from yet that we’re going to hear from now because they want to know, okay,
what’s going on there? This is impressive.”In total, Dean and Joanne Curnutt have donated $1,904,650 to
Tarkio Tech since 2020, completing a legacy of service, according to Davis, the
type of legacy he hopes Tarkio Tech can impress on its students.“Your role here is to learn a trade, but then it’s to go out
and use that trade to serve other people, not just make a buck.”This article has been updated since first published with additional information.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Tarkio-Tech-gets-1-million-donation-e25lve2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Tarkio Tech gets $1M donation to continue campus improvements

After falling last week, the nation’s average price of gasoline rebounded, rising 5.6 cents from a week ago to $3.57 per gallon. 

GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “The good news has continued for average diesel prices, which again fell last week to their lowest since early 2022, helping to relieve some pressure on hard-hit consumers of diesel.” 

The national average diesel price fell 1.6 cents in the last week and stands at $3.87 per gallon. 

Diesel prices at the top ten percent of stations in the country average $4.91 per gallon, while the bottom ten percent average $3.17 per gallon. 

While oil prices had rallied last week on OPEC+’s production cuts announced for 2024 and Saudi Arabia’s July cut of 1 million barrels, markets are still jittery over the potential for more rate hikes amidst stubborn inflation and banking sector challenges. 

In addition, Goldman Sachs cut its price forecast for crude by nearly ten percent as it sees Russian supply recovering.

After falling last week, the nation’s average price of gasoline rebounded, rising 5.6 cents from a week ago to $3.57 per gallon. GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “The good news has continued for average diesel prices, which again fell last week to their lowest since early 2022, helping to relieve some pressure on hard-hit consumers of diesel.” The national average diesel price fell 1.6 cents in the last week and stands at $3.87 per gallon. Diesel prices at the top ten percent of stations in the country average $4.91 per gallon, while the bottom ten percent average $3.17 per gallon. While oil prices had rallied last week on OPEC+’s production cuts announced for 2024 and Saudi Arabia’s July cut of 1 million barrels, markets are still jittery over the potential for more rate hikes amidst stubborn inflation and banking sector challenges. In addition, Goldman Sachs cut its price forecast for crude by nearly ten percent as it sees Russian supply recovering.- NAFB

Demand pushing gas prices higher

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 11p.m. June 9, a sheriff's deputy observed a vehicle driving with only fog lights on and also failed to use a turn signal in the city of Hiawatha, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

While making contact with the driver Courtney Adamson 36 Reserve, it was discovered that he did not have a valid drivers license. 

While the deputy was placing Adamson under arrest, the passenger, later identified as 36-year-old dJessica Smith of Hiawatha, got out of the passenger seat and got in to the drivers seat and drove away.&nbsp;

A Hiawatha Police Officer stopped Smith for the Brown County deputy.

Deputies arrested Adamson on a requested charge of Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked and Smith was arrested on a requested charge of driving under the influence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686593835229.png" alt="Adamson-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Adamson-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 11p.m. June 9, a sheriff's deputy observed a vehicle driving with only fog lights on and also failed to use a turn signal in the city of Hiawatha, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.While making contact with the driver Courtney Adamson 36 Reserve, it was discovered that he did not have a valid drivers license. While the deputy was placing Adamson under arrest, the passenger, later identified as 36-year-old dJessica Smith of Hiawatha, got out of the passenger seat and got in to the drivers seat and drove away.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686593801027.png" alt="Smith-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> A Hiawatha Police Officer stopped Smith for the Brown County deputy. Deputies arrested Adamson on a requested charge of Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked and Smith was arrested on a requested charge of driving under the influence.

Sheriff: Kan. woman drove away during companion's arrest

Evergy reports nearly 500 customers in the northern portion of
St. Joseph remain without power Tuesday morning after an outage knocked out
power to more than 2,000 customers.

The outage Monday afternoon stretched from Interstate 229 to Krug
Park, Lovers Lane, and the North Belt Highway. The St. Joseph Police Department
reports the power outage took out traffic lights along the Belt Highway.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEvergy reports nearly 500 customers in the northern portion of
St. Joseph remain without power Tuesday morning after an outage knocked out
power to more than 2,000 customers.The outage Monday afternoon stretched from Interstate 229 to Krug
Park, Lovers Lane, and the North Belt Highway. The St. Joseph Police Department
reports the power outage took out traffic lights along the Belt Highway.

Power outage lingers in St. Joseph

A young man, armed with a handgun, gave up to St. Joseph
police without incident after speaking with a crisis negotiator for about an
hour.

St. Joseph police say the initial call came shortly after
seven o’clock Monday night and officers located the man near the Remington
Nature Center on the bank of the Missouri River about an hour later. One shot
had been fired, but no one was hurt.

The negotiator began speaking with the man
shortly after he was located. The man surrendered to authorities and was placed
in custody at 9:15 Monday night.

St. Joseph police say they were aided in the incident by
Buchanan County Sheriff’s deputies, Buchanan County emergency personnel, St.
Joseph firefighters, and Missouri State Highway Department troopers.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA young man, armed with a handgun, gave up to St. Joseph
police without incident after speaking with a crisis negotiator for about an
hour.St. Joseph police say the initial call came shortly after
seven o’clock Monday night and officers located the man near the Remington
Nature Center on the bank of the Missouri River about an hour later. One shot
had been fired, but no one was hurt.The negotiator began speaking with the man
shortly after he was located. The man surrendered to authorities and was placed
in custody at 9:15 Monday night.St. Joseph police say they were aided in the incident by
Buchanan County Sheriff’s deputies, Buchanan County emergency personnel, St.
Joseph firefighters, and Missouri State Highway Department troopers.

Armed man surrenders to St. Joseph police peacefully

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Monday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 GMC Terrain driven by Billy P. Brock, 28, St. Joseph, was northbound on U.S. 71 two miles south of Rosendale. The driver fell asleep. The SUV traveled off the right side of the road and struck a pole.

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

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Monday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 GMC Terrain driven by Billy P. Brock, 28, St. Joseph, was northbound on U.S. 71 two miles south of Rosendale. The driver fell asleep. The SUV traveled off the right side of the road and struck a pole.Andrew County EMS transported Brock to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph man injured after he falls asleep driving

Work continues to restore levees broken by the 2019 Missouri
River flood, four years after the devastating flood.

Mike Dulin with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Kansas
City says work has been completed to repair a major levee in Holt County
damaged by the flood, the Holt County #9 Levee.

“One on the Kansas side, just a little upstream of Topeka, and
then three over on the Missouri side along the Missouri River at various
locations; one north of Kansas City, one in central Missouri near Brunswick,
and then one down in Warren County,” Dulin tells a conference call held by the
Corps of Engineers. “But I would expect to have those four remaining projects,
construction wrapped up prior to the end of this calendar year, if not just
after.”

The 2019 Missouri River flood did extensive damage throughout
the Missouri River basin, from Omaha all the way to St. Louis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686587447374.jpeg" alt="2019 Missouri River flood/file photo" />
 <figcaption>2019 Missouri River flood/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWork continues to restore levees broken by the 2019 Missouri
River flood, four years after the devastating flood.Mike Dulin with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Kansas
City says work has been completed to repair a major levee in Holt County
damaged by the flood, the Holt County #9 Levee.Four major levee projects remain.“One on the Kansas side, just a little upstream of Topeka, and
then three over on the Missouri side along the Missouri River at various
locations; one north of Kansas City, one in central Missouri near Brunswick,
and then one down in Warren County,” Dulin tells a conference call held by the
Corps of Engineers. “But I would expect to have those four remaining projects,
construction wrapped up prior to the end of this calendar year, if not just
after.”The 2019 Missouri River flood did extensive damage throughout
the Missouri River basin, from Omaha all the way to St. Louis.

Restoration from 2019 Missouri River flood nearing completion

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an Oklahoma man on drug allegations.

Just after 4:30pm. June 9, a sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop on U.S. 75&nbsp; near 170th for speeding, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

During a visit with the driver, the deputy observed the odor of raw marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.&nbsp; Based on the investigation that followed, deputies arrested 30-year-old Charles Scott of Geary, Oklahoma on requested&nbsp;charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686594505256.png" alt="Scott-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Scott-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an Oklahoma man on drug allegations.Just after 4:30pm. June 9, a sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop on U.S. 75&nbsp; near 170th for speeding, according to Sheriff John Merchant.During a visit with the driver, the deputy observed the odor of raw marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.&nbsp; Based on the investigation that followed, deputies arrested 30-year-old Charles Scott of Geary, Oklahoma on requested&nbsp;charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Oklahoma man stopped for speeding, jailed for drugs

Flows into the Missouri River from the six upstream reservoirs
have improved as drought conditions ease in the upper Missouri River Basin, but
only to the point of slightly above average.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been watching those
flows.

Chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management for the
Corps, John Remus, cautions the improvement hasn’t been enough to convince the
Corps to return flows from Gavins Point Dam to normal.

“Even with a near-average runoff forecast, the reservoirs remain
below the base of the flood control and therefore we are anticipating continuing
our water conservation measures through 2023 and possibly longer,” Remus tells
a conference call held by the Corps of Engineers.

Remus says the Corps understands the Missouri River’s
importance for irrigation as well as city water supplies and industrial uses.

“There is presently and will be adequate water in the reservoirs
and in the river reaches between the reservoirs and below the system to serve
all of the water supply need,” according to Remus.

Missouri River levels also are strong enough to support
navigation.

Remus says the drought in the upper Missouri River basin has
lessened, but it still remains abnormally dry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686586085380.jpeg" alt="Gavins Point Dam/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Gavins Point Dam/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFlows into the Missouri River from the six upstream reservoirs
have improved as drought conditions ease in the upper Missouri River Basin, but
only to the point of slightly above average.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been watching those
flows.Chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management for the
Corps, John Remus, cautions the improvement hasn’t been enough to convince the
Corps to return flows from Gavins Point Dam to normal.“Even with a near-average runoff forecast, the reservoirs remain
below the base of the flood control and therefore we are anticipating continuing
our water conservation measures through 2023 and possibly longer,” Remus tells
a conference call held by the Corps of Engineers.Remus says the Corps understands the Missouri River’s
importance for irrigation as well as city water supplies and industrial uses.“There is presently and will be adequate water in the reservoirs
and in the river reaches between the reservoirs and below the system to serve
all of the water supply need,” according to Remus.Missouri River levels also are strong enough to support
navigation.Remus says the drought in the upper Missouri River basin has
lessened, but it still remains abnormally dry.

Drought in upper Missouri River Basin eases, but only slightly

A coalition of 18 commodity groups recently voiced opposition to the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming, or OFF Act, in a letter to leadership of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. 

If enacted, the groups say the legislation would substantially undermine their members’ ability to promote U.S. agriculture- and natural resource-based commodity products. 

The Trade Associations represent American farmers, ranchers, foresters, and processors of raw materials. 

The letter states, “Each of these industries plays a critical and irreplaceable role in the U.S. economy through the production of food, fiber, and other essential goods—all while creating jobs, stewarding resources, and supporting local communities across the country.” 

Proponents of the bill argue this legislation would increase transparency and close perceived loopholes in the statutes enabling checkoff programs. However, the commodity groups charge, “The bill would not create any new checks and balances to ensure compliance and fairness.” The groups urge lawmakers to oppose the legislation.

A coalition of 18 commodity groups recently voiced opposition to the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming, or OFF Act, in a letter to leadership of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. If enacted, the groups say the legislation would substantially undermine their members’ ability to promote U.S. agriculture- and natural resource-based commodity products. The Trade Associations represent American farmers, ranchers, foresters, and processors of raw materials. The letter states, “Each of these industries plays a critical and irreplaceable role in the U.S. economy through the production of food, fiber, and other essential goods—all while creating jobs, stewarding resources, and supporting local communities across the country.” Proponents of the bill argue this legislation would increase transparency and close perceived loopholes in the statutes enabling checkoff programs. However, the commodity groups charge, “The bill would not create any new checks and balances to ensure compliance and fairness.” The groups urge lawmakers to oppose the legislation.- NAFB

Local