BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a 100mph chase.

Just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday, sheriff's deputies heard Nemaha County radio traffic of a possible stolen a red Dodge TRX pickup out of Seneca, eastbound on U.S. 36 HWY at a high rate of speed, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

&nbsp; A Brown County deputy was on U.S. 75 at the time and located the suspect vehicle and started a pursuit&nbsp; east out of Fairview on U.S. 36.

It was reported that the male driver, later identified at 19-year-old Adrian Richardson was wearing a mask while the pursuit was taking place. &nbsp;As the vehicle was nearing Hiawatha, law enforcement vehicles downgraded their efforts for the safety of the public and temporarily lost sight of the vehicle.&nbsp; A short time later, a Hiawatha police officer located the vehicle and assisted in following&nbsp; the suspect vehicle as it headed south on U.S. 73

&nbsp;As the vehicle headed towards Horton, it was reported that it intentionally tried running&nbsp; motorists off of the roadway numerous times at speeds of over 100mph, according to Merchant.&nbsp; &nbsp; In Horton, the vehicle turned east and continued towards Atchison on U.S. 73 where the pursuit was terminated several miles west of the Atchison city limits.

Within a few minutes of entering Atchison, the suspect vehicle was located near Mound Street at Washington.&nbsp; Deputies arrested Richardson close to&nbsp; the Benedictine College ball field, without incident.

Richardson, who claims to be homeless, is being held in the Brown County jail on requested charges of Aggravated Assault, Reckless Driving, Flee or Attempt to Elude Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Interference of Law Enforcement Officers, No Drug Tax Stamp and Felony Theft. He may face additional charges, according to Merchant as the investigation continues through the Brown County Sheriff's Office.

Richardson also had 2 active warrants, Johnson County including a&nbsp; $5000&nbsp; Felony Failure to Appear Theft, and Jackson County Missouri for Felony Damage to Property.

The vehicle was towed to the Brown County Sheriff's office as evidence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685636926215.png" alt="Vehicle involved in the 100mph chase-photo Brown Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Vehicle involved in the 100mph chase-photo Brown Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a 100mph chase.Just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday, sheriff's deputies heard Nemaha County radio traffic of a possible stolen a red Dodge TRX pickup out of Seneca, eastbound on U.S. 36 HWY at a high rate of speed, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685636890483.png" alt="Richardson-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Richardson-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; A Brown County deputy was on U.S. 75 at the time and located the suspect vehicle and started a pursuit&nbsp; east out of Fairview on U.S. 36.It was reported that the male driver, later identified at 19-year-old Adrian Richardson was wearing a mask while the pursuit was taking place. &nbsp;As the vehicle was nearing Hiawatha, law enforcement vehicles downgraded their efforts for the safety of the public and temporarily lost sight of the vehicle.&nbsp; A short time later, a Hiawatha police officer located the vehicle and assisted in following&nbsp; the suspect vehicle as it headed south on U.S. 73 &nbsp;As the vehicle headed towards Horton, it was reported that it intentionally tried running&nbsp; motorists off of the roadway numerous times at speeds of over 100mph, according to Merchant.&nbsp; &nbsp; In Horton, the vehicle turned east and continued towards Atchison on U.S. 73 where the pursuit was terminated several miles west of the Atchison city limits. Within a few minutes of entering Atchison, the suspect vehicle was located near Mound Street at Washington.&nbsp; Deputies arrested Richardson close to&nbsp; the Benedictine College ball field, without incident. Richardson, who claims to be homeless, is being held in the Brown County jail on requested charges of Aggravated Assault, Reckless Driving, Flee or Attempt to Elude Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Interference of Law Enforcement Officers, No Drug Tax Stamp and Felony Theft. He may face additional charges, according to Merchant as the investigation continues through the Brown County Sheriff's Office. Richardson also had 2 active warrants, Johnson County including a&nbsp; $5000&nbsp; Felony Failure to Appear Theft, and Jackson County Missouri for Felony Damage to Property. The vehicle was towed to the Brown County Sheriff's office as evidence.

Suspect jailed after 100mph chase in stolen pickup 

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before noon Thursday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Toyota Highlander driven by Emerald E. Stuttle, 28, Omaha, Nebraska, was westbound on U.S. 36 at Wheeling.

The SUV traveled off the north side of the road, across Route B, overturned and struck a storage building.

Chillicothe ambulance transported Stuttle to Hedrick Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before noon Thursday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Toyota Highlander driven by Emerald E. Stuttle, 28, Omaha, Nebraska, was westbound on U.S. 36 at Wheeling.The SUV traveled off the north side of the road, across Route B, overturned and struck a storage building.Chillicothe ambulance transported Stuttle to Hedrick Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Woman hospitalized after SUV strikes storage building

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A federal appeals court has put on hold an Environmental Protection Agency regulation aimed at reducing air pollution in Missouri, drawing criticism from environmentalists but praise from the state's attorney general who called the proposal “unconstitutional overreach.”

Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced Wednesday that the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last week granted his request for a stay, preventing the EPA from imposing the regulation until the appeals process plays out. It was not immediately clear if the EPA would appeal. A message left Thursday with a spokesperson was not immediately returned.

At issue is a “good neighbor” provision of the Clean Air Act which requires states to submit a plan detailing how they will address air pollution from sources like power plants and industrial facilities that can drift to neighboring states. The EPA deemed Missouri's proposal inadequate and in March finalized its plan for the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard.

“The court has thankfully put on hold the attempt by Biden’s EPA to unlawfully expand the federal government’s authority, displace Missouri’s ability to set our own energy policy, and force Missouri consumers to pay higher prices,” Bailey said in a news release. “We will always stand in the gap to protect Missourians against the federal government’s unconstitutional overreach.”

Jenn DeRose, Missouri campaign representative for the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign, noted that St. Louis is in the midst of several straight days with dangerously high ozone levels. Meanwhile, DeRose said, Bailey “took to Twitter to celebrate this disastrous decision as the children in our community had to start their summer with a higher risk of coughing, asthma attacks, and chest pain."

The appeals court issued its ruling without comment.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A federal appeals court has put on hold an Environmental Protection Agency regulation aimed at reducing air pollution in Missouri, drawing criticism from environmentalists but praise from the state's attorney general who called the proposal “unconstitutional overreach.”Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced Wednesday that the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last week granted his request for a stay, preventing the EPA from imposing the regulation until the appeals process plays out. It was not immediately clear if the EPA would appeal. A message left Thursday with a spokesperson was not immediately returned.At issue is a “good neighbor” provision of the Clean Air Act which requires states to submit a plan detailing how they will address air pollution from sources like power plants and industrial facilities that can drift to neighboring states. The EPA deemed Missouri's proposal inadequate and in March finalized its plan for the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard.“The court has thankfully put on hold the attempt by Biden’s EPA to unlawfully expand the federal government’s authority, displace Missouri’s ability to set our own energy policy, and force Missouri consumers to pay higher prices,” Bailey said in a news release. “We will always stand in the gap to protect Missourians against the federal government’s unconstitutional overreach.”Jenn DeRose, Missouri campaign representative for the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign, noted that St. Louis is in the midst of several straight days with dangerously high ozone levels. Meanwhile, DeRose said, Bailey “took to Twitter to celebrate this disastrous decision as the children in our community had to start their summer with a higher risk of coughing, asthma attacks, and chest pain."The appeals court issued its ruling without comment.

Appeals court halts EPA effort to impose air pollution plan in Missouri

New boaters will have an opportunity to earn their certification to hit the waters during this summer’s boating season. &nbsp;

Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H in St. Joseph says In Missouri, anyone born after 1984 get a boating safety card to operate a boat.&nbsp;

"That includes personal watercrafts, like jet skis, so Troop H is going to offer that course free of charge, it's going to be from eight in the morning until four in the afternoon on June 10th and it will be held here at Troop H headquarters," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;

Hux says the course will teach people the rules of the water, so they don't operate their boats in a careless manner. &nbsp;

"Distance away, how far you have to stay away from a buoy, wake zones they talk about the safety of wake zones because if someone does not adhere to those rules that can cause damage to other boats, it can cause damage to private docks, and things like that," Hux explains. &nbsp;

While attendance to the course is free, it will cost $15 to order your boat safety card.&nbsp;

Hux says even if you can't make it to the course at Troop H headquarters, there are still ways to earn your boater safety card. &nbsp;

"We offer this course throughout the year, and they can always contact Troop H headquarters at (816) 387-2345 and speak with one of our Marine Troopers," Hux says.&nbsp;

You can find Matt on Twitter at @KfeqMatt or you can follow St Joseph Post at @StJosephPost

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;New boaters will have an opportunity to earn their certification to hit the waters during this summer’s boating season. &nbsp;Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H in St. Joseph says In Missouri, anyone born after 1984 get a boating safety card to operate a boat.&nbsp;"That includes personal watercrafts, like jet skis, so Troop H is going to offer that course free of charge, it's going to be from eight in the morning until four in the afternoon on June 10th and it will be held here at Troop H headquarters," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;Hux says the course will teach people the rules of the water, so they don't operate their boats in a careless manner. &nbsp;"Distance away, how far you have to stay away from a buoy, wake zones they talk about the safety of wake zones because if someone does not adhere to those rules that can cause damage to other boats, it can cause damage to private docks, and things like that," Hux explains. &nbsp;While attendance to the course is free, it will cost $15 to order your boat safety card.&nbsp;Hux says even if you can't make it to the course at Troop H headquarters, there are still ways to earn your boater safety card. &nbsp;"We offer this course throughout the year, and they can always contact Troop H headquarters at (816) 387-2345 and speak with one of our Marine Troopers," Hux says.&nbsp;You can find Matt on Twitter at @KfeqMatt or you can follow St Joseph Post at @StJosephPost

Boating season is here and safety should be at the top of mind

The Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act is designed to help with slowdowns and other issues at U.S. ports. 

The Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act follows the Ocean Shipping Reform Act passed a year ago. 

The first bill gave the Federal Maritime Commission the power to address the actions of foreign carriers leaving U.S. ports empty and not carrying American goods back home. 

The new Reform Implementation Act clarifies the FMC role and focuses attention on shipping exchanges. The goals are to streamline port logistics, reduce disruption, and address the influence of Chinese companies on shippers’ operations. U.S. ports are also prohibited from using Chinese state-sponsored software. 

The FMC can now investigate foreign shipping exchanges like the Shanghai Shipping Exchange to prevent improper business practices. 

A report from Supply Management says the sponsoring legislators point out it gives the FMC the authority to protect U.S. ports, shippers, and manufacturers from Chinese influence. &nbsp;

The Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act is designed to help with slowdowns and other issues at U.S. ports. The Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act follows the Ocean Shipping Reform Act passed a year ago. The first bill gave the Federal Maritime Commission the power to address the actions of foreign carriers leaving U.S. ports empty and not carrying American goods back home. The new Reform Implementation Act clarifies the FMC role and focuses attention on shipping exchanges. The goals are to streamline port logistics, reduce disruption, and address the influence of Chinese companies on shippers’ operations. U.S. ports are also prohibited from using Chinese state-sponsored software. The FMC can now investigate foreign shipping exchanges like the Shanghai Shipping Exchange to prevent improper business practices. A report from Supply Management says the sponsoring legislators point out it gives the FMC the authority to protect U.S. ports, shippers, and manufacturers from Chinese influence. &nbsp;- NAFB

Groups pushing for passage of Shipping Reform Implementation Act

JEFFERSON CITY&nbsp;— On Wednesday, Governor Mike Parson signed&nbsp;Executive Order 23-05 declaring a Drought&nbsp;Alert in the State of Missouri in accordance with the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan, according to a media release from his office.

"With the summer months fast approaching, we want to be proactive to help mitigate the impacts of drought&nbsp;conditions we are experiencing,"&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. "Missouri farmers and ranchers often bear the brunt of the consequences of drought, and we are already starting to see early effects on crops and livestock. While we cannot control the weather, we are committed to&nbsp;doing&nbsp;everything we can to alleviate the strain drought causes for our agricultural&nbsp;families and protect our food supply chains."

A Drought Alert, part of&nbsp;<a href="https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/missouri-drought-mitigation-response-plan-2023">Missouri’s Drought Plan</a>, is the first step for the Governor to direct state agencies to work together to provide as many resources and as much assistance as possible.&nbsp;

The Executive Order directs the Director of the Missouri Department&nbsp;of Natural Resources (DNR), Dru Buntin, to activate Missouri's Drought Assessment Committee and requests&nbsp;that all Missouri and federal agencies&nbsp;participate&nbsp;as needed. The Committee's first meeting will be held next Wednesday, June 7 at 2 p.m. DNR will coordinate additional&nbsp;meeting details.

Missouri agencies participating on the Drought Assessment Committee include the Department of Conservation, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Economic Development, Department of Health and Senior&nbsp;Services, and Department of Public Safety.

The Committee will further&nbsp;assess drought&nbsp;conditions and make preliminary recommendations&nbsp;to Governor Parson by Friday, June 9. Recommendations could include actions similar to those taken in the past, including a&nbsp;hay lottery program, opening public waters for livestock, easing hay hauling restrictions, etc.

Currently, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all or portions of 60 Missouri counties are experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions. The Executive&nbsp;Order declares a Drought Alert in these Missouri counties and any other county that begins experiencing&nbsp;drought conditions.&nbsp;

In a fast-moving drought, local condition reports are crucial to understanding impacts to provide timely and appropriate assistance. Citizens can submit information about local drought conditions at&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/droughtimpacts.unl.edu/Tools/ConditionMonitoringObservations.aspx__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!QggtdEXVN-PQpqT1sFMWjn-honwIIsokHVUnzcFv10kf-aRU8iqm4TTKdmQtE6Eutj-lRpCxJOf4Jn8%24" target="_blank">Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR)</a>.

A variety of helpful resources are online at&nbsp;<a href="https://dnr.mo.gov/water/hows-water/state-water/drought">www.dnr.mo.gov/drought</a>. The Department of Natural Resources is adding information on drought mitigation and assistance opportunities daily as it becomes available. The one-stop drought website features a link to&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/droughtimpacts.unl.edu/Tools/ConditionMonitoringObservations.aspx__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!QggtdEXVN-PQpqT1sFMWjn-honwIIsokHVUnzcFv10kf-aRU8iqm4TTKdmQtE6Eutj-lRpCxJOf4Jn8%24" target="_blank">CMOR</a>, current drought-related news, the current United States and Missouri drought maps, the Missouri Drought Plan, and other resources, including information on previous droughts.

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&nbsp;prevention&nbsp;website:&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention">www.mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685580214260.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY&nbsp;— On Wednesday, Governor Mike Parson signed&nbsp;Executive Order 23-05 declaring a Drought&nbsp;Alert in the State of Missouri in accordance with the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan, according to a media release from his office."With the summer months fast approaching, we want to be proactive to help mitigate the impacts of drought&nbsp;conditions we are experiencing,"&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. "Missouri farmers and ranchers often bear the brunt of the consequences of drought, and we are already starting to see early effects on crops and livestock. While we cannot control the weather, we are committed to&nbsp;doing&nbsp;everything we can to alleviate the strain drought causes for our agricultural&nbsp;families and protect our food supply chains."A Drought Alert, part of&nbsp;<a href="https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/missouri-drought-mitigation-response-plan-2023">Missouri’s Drought Plan</a>, is the first step for the Governor to direct state agencies to work together to provide as many resources and as much assistance as possible.&nbsp;The Executive Order directs the Director of the Missouri Department&nbsp;of Natural Resources (DNR), Dru Buntin, to activate Missouri's Drought Assessment Committee and requests&nbsp;that all Missouri and federal agencies&nbsp;participate&nbsp;as needed. The Committee's first meeting will be held next Wednesday, June 7 at 2 p.m. DNR will coordinate additional&nbsp;meeting details.Missouri agencies participating on the Drought Assessment Committee include the Department of Conservation, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Economic Development, Department of Health and Senior&nbsp;Services, and Department of Public Safety.The Committee will further&nbsp;assess drought&nbsp;conditions and make preliminary recommendations&nbsp;to Governor Parson by Friday, June 9. Recommendations could include actions similar to those taken in the past, including a&nbsp;hay lottery program, opening public waters for livestock, easing hay hauling restrictions, etc.Currently, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all or portions of 60 Missouri counties are experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions. The Executive&nbsp;Order declares a Drought Alert in these Missouri counties and any other county that begins experiencing&nbsp;drought conditions.&nbsp;In a fast-moving drought, local condition reports are crucial to understanding impacts to provide timely and appropriate assistance. Citizens can submit information about local drought conditions at&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/droughtimpacts.unl.edu/Tools/ConditionMonitoringObservations.aspx__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!QggtdEXVN-PQpqT1sFMWjn-honwIIsokHVUnzcFv10kf-aRU8iqm4TTKdmQtE6Eutj-lRpCxJOf4Jn8%24" target="_blank">Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR)</a>.A variety of helpful resources are online at&nbsp;<a href="https://dnr.mo.gov/water/hows-water/state-water/drought">www.dnr.mo.gov/drought</a>. The Department of Natural Resources is adding information on drought mitigation and assistance opportunities daily as it becomes available. The one-stop drought website features a link to&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/droughtimpacts.unl.edu/Tools/ConditionMonitoringObservations.aspx__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!QggtdEXVN-PQpqT1sFMWjn-honwIIsokHVUnzcFv10kf-aRU8iqm4TTKdmQtE6Eutj-lRpCxJOf4Jn8%24" target="_blank">CMOR</a>, current drought-related news, the current United States and Missouri drought maps, the Missouri Drought Plan, and other resources, including information on previous droughts.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&nbsp;prevention&nbsp;website:&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention">www.mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention</a>.

Gov. signs executive order declaring drought alert in Missouri 

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Kawasaki 750 ATV driven by David A. Schmitz, 60, Ravenwood, was backing eastbound in a field along 220 Street three miles southwest of Parnell. The ATV struck a rut and overturned on top of him.

Nodaway County EMS transported Schmitz to Mosaic Life Care.

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Kawasaki 750 ATV driven by David A. Schmitz, 60, Ravenwood, was backing eastbound in a field along 220 Street three miles southwest of Parnell. The ATV struck a rut and overturned on top of him.Nodaway County EMS transported Schmitz to Mosaic Life Care.

Nodaway Co. man injured after ATV overturns on top of him

An adult male suffered minor gunshot wounds in an early
morning shooting Wednesday in St. Joseph’s southend.

The investigation is active currently with police searching
for a suspect and sifting through the details, which are sketchy at present.

St. Joseph police only describe the victim as an adult male
who suffered a minor wound.

The shooting took place around three o’clock this morning in
the area of Pine and Collins Street.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn adult male suffered minor gunshot wounds in an early
morning shooting Wednesday in St. Joseph’s southend.The investigation is active currently with police searching
for a suspect and sifting through the details, which are sketchy at present.St. Joseph police only describe the victim as an adult male
who suffered a minor wound.The shooting took place around three o’clock this morning in
the area of Pine and Collins Street.

One wounded in early morning shooting in St. Joseph's southend

A disappointing last two weeks left a bad taste in the mouth
of area legislators looking back on the Missouri legislative session which
ended earlier this month.

State Sen. Rusty Black of Chillicothe served in the Senate for
the first time this year after serving three terms in the Missouri House and
was pleased, for the most part.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to work in the Senate, especially
enjoyed it until the last two weeks,” Black told an audience gathered at the
Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center Monday for the St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce Public Affairs Coffee.

Those last two weeks bogged down due to filibusters mounted by
senators unhappy that their legislation failed to move forward. Those
filibusters killed several measures, including a bill by Rep. Brenda Shields of
St. Joseph that would have provided tax credits to increase child care in
Missouri.

“That’s, I think, the biggest disappointed for me is that we’re
going to go another year without being able to establish how we’re going to
help businesses and families address the child care issue in our state,”
Shields said in answer to a question from moderator Barry Birr, the host of the
KFEQ Hotline.

Shields said surveys indicate a lack of child care is keeping
Missouri women out of the workforce and preventing businesses from filling
positions. Shields had proposed a series of tax credits to encourage businesses
to offset the cost of child care for employees as well as to encourage child
care centers to keep open and expand.

Shields could only watch at the end of the legislative session
in Jefferson City as her proposed child care tax credits languished in the
Senate while senators mounted filibusters because their issues had not been
addressed.

“We passed them in the House overwhelmingly. They went to the
Senate committee. They passed out of the committee without a single ‘No’ vote,”
Shields said. “But because of, and I’ll just say it, the Senate’s dysfunction,
they couldn’t get that across the finish line.”

Shields had a good session. Her bill allowing Missourians to seek
physical therapy directly without needing a referral from a doctor has already
been signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson. She also succeeded in pushing through
a measure that would require insurance companies cover diagnostic testing when
a mammogram indicates a problem as well as a measure increasing the penalty for
tampering with the transportation of livestock.

St. Joseph legislators pointed to success in the record state
budget, with millions slated to finance upgrades at Rosecrans Memorial Airport,
to expand offerings at Hillyard Technical Center, to build the new Convergent
Technology Alliance Center to be operated jointly by Missouri Western State
University and North Central Missouri College, and to create the Children’s
Discovery Center downtown.

All of the legislators lamented the failure of a top
Republican priority:&nbsp; changing the voter
threshold needed to amend the Missouri Constitution. At present, an initiative
petition to change the state constitution needs to pass by only a simple
majority, such as the ballot issue that legalized recreational marijuana.

St. Joseph State Rep. Bill Falkner has pushed the last couple
of sessions to raise that threshold. He blamed the Senate filibusters the last
two weeks of session for the death of a proposal to increase the voter
threshold to 57%. The House had approved increasing the threshold to 60%. The Senate
lowered it slightly.

“I thought that was a really good compromise on things,”
Falkner said. “It’s a shame we didn’t get that passed. So, I would have to say
that’s my biggest disappointment.”

While not completely defending filibusters, state Sen. Black did
say they can serve a purpose.

“As a former House member, we all heard that, your foot is on
the accelerator when you are on that side of the building,” Black said, making
reference to his time in the House. “And on the other side, your foot is
supposed to be on the brake.”

Black promised to never engage in a filibuster that used
rhetoric irrelevant to the subject being debated. Black also suggested term
limits caused some of the problem with some lawmakers taking up time on the floor
making, in effect, campaign speeches for higher office.

Rep. Dean Van Schoiack of Savannah joined with others who
expressed disappointment in the failure of changes to the initiative petition process.

“We sent a really good bill over to the Senate. They sent a
good bill back to us,” according to Van Schoiack. “We sent 60% to amend the
constitution. They sent back 57. We amended that and sent it back and it died
in the Senate in the last couple of days. So, we’ll bring it back up again this
next year.”

Van Schoiack saw his legislation to regulate the use of drones
over private property clear the House only to stall in the Senate.

You can follow Brent @GBrentKFEQ&nbsp;and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685554651952.jpeg" alt="KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr, center, moderates the legislative forum sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Legislators (from left to right) are Sen. Rusty Black, Rep. Bill Falkner, Rep. Brenda Shields, and Rep. Dean Van Schoiack/Photo by Liby Waltemath" />
 <figcaption>KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr, center, moderates the legislative forum sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Legislators (from left to right) are Sen. Rusty Black, Rep. Bill Falkner, Rep. Brenda Shields, and Rep. Dean Van Schoiack/Photo by Liby Waltemath</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA disappointing last two weeks left a bad taste in the mouth
of area legislators looking back on the Missouri legislative session which
ended earlier this month.State Sen. Rusty Black of Chillicothe served in the Senate for
the first time this year after serving three terms in the Missouri House and
was pleased, for the most part.“I enjoyed the opportunity to work in the Senate, especially
enjoyed it until the last two weeks,” Black told an audience gathered at the
Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center Monday for the St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce Public Affairs Coffee.Those last two weeks bogged down due to filibusters mounted by
senators unhappy that their legislation failed to move forward. Those
filibusters killed several measures, including a bill by Rep. Brenda Shields of
St. Joseph that would have provided tax credits to increase child care in
Missouri.“That’s, I think, the biggest disappointed for me is that we’re
going to go another year without being able to establish how we’re going to
help businesses and families address the child care issue in our state,”
Shields said in answer to a question from moderator Barry Birr, the host of the
KFEQ Hotline.Shields said surveys indicate a lack of child care is keeping
Missouri women out of the workforce and preventing businesses from filling
positions. Shields had proposed a series of tax credits to encourage businesses
to offset the cost of child care for employees as well as to encourage child
care centers to keep open and expand.Shields could only watch at the end of the legislative session
in Jefferson City as her proposed child care tax credits languished in the
Senate while senators mounted filibusters because their issues had not been
addressed.“We passed them in the House overwhelmingly. They went to the
Senate committee. They passed out of the committee without a single ‘No’ vote,”
Shields said. “But because of, and I’ll just say it, the Senate’s dysfunction,
they couldn’t get that across the finish line.”Shields had a good session. Her bill allowing Missourians to seek
physical therapy directly without needing a referral from a doctor has already
been signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson. She also succeeded in pushing through
a measure that would require insurance companies cover diagnostic testing when
a mammogram indicates a problem as well as a measure increasing the penalty for
tampering with the transportation of livestock.St. Joseph legislators pointed to success in the record state
budget, with millions slated to finance upgrades at Rosecrans Memorial Airport,
to expand offerings at Hillyard Technical Center, to build the new Convergent
Technology Alliance Center to be operated jointly by Missouri Western State
University and North Central Missouri College, and to create the Children’s
Discovery Center downtown.All of the legislators lamented the failure of a top
Republican priority:&nbsp; changing the voter
threshold needed to amend the Missouri Constitution. At present, an initiative
petition to change the state constitution needs to pass by only a simple
majority, such as the ballot issue that legalized recreational marijuana.St. Joseph State Rep. Bill Falkner has pushed the last couple
of sessions to raise that threshold. He blamed the Senate filibusters the last
two weeks of session for the death of a proposal to increase the voter
threshold to 57%. The House had approved increasing the threshold to 60%. The Senate
lowered it slightly.“I thought that was a really good compromise on things,”
Falkner said. “It’s a shame we didn’t get that passed. So, I would have to say
that’s my biggest disappointment.”While not completely defending filibusters, state Sen. Black did
say they can serve a purpose.“As a former House member, we all heard that, your foot is on
the accelerator when you are on that side of the building,” Black said, making
reference to his time in the House. “And on the other side, your foot is
supposed to be on the brake.”Black promised to never engage in a filibuster that used
rhetoric irrelevant to the subject being debated. Black also suggested term
limits caused some of the problem with some lawmakers taking up time on the floor
making, in effect, campaign speeches for higher office.Rep. Dean Van Schoiack of Savannah joined with others who
expressed disappointment in the failure of changes to the initiative petition process.“We sent a really good bill over to the Senate. They sent a
good bill back to us,” according to Van Schoiack. “We sent 60% to amend the
constitution. They sent back 57. We amended that and sent it back and it died
in the Senate in the last couple of days. So, we’ll bring it back up again this
next year.”Van Schoiack saw his legislation to regulate the use of drones
over private property clear the House only to stall in the Senate.You can follow Brent @GBrentKFEQ&nbsp;and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Legislators-frustrated-with-end-of-legislative-session-e2509g8" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Ending spoils otherwise good Missouri legislative session

Scammers are once again attempting to exploit Buchanan County residents by pretending to call from the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department. &nbsp;

Sheriff Bill Puett says his office has been receiving complaints from citizens about calls coming from the number (816) 320 4426.&nbsp;

"Right now, it appears that we have people who are trying to victimize our citizens again by posing as member of the Sheriff's office and using the Sheriff's office to try to influence them in some way to provide their information and financial access to their accounts," Puett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;

Puett says the con artists tells residents they missed federal jury duty.&nbsp; Puett says that's a call his office would never make.&nbsp;

Puett says scare tactics like this are common when it comes to scams. &nbsp;

"They use the authority of the Sheriff's office to try to scare citizens by threatening them with warrants, arrests, and all those things," Puett explains. &nbsp;

Puett says his office has already received several calls about this scam, and he wanted to be sure to spread awareness.&nbsp;

"To make sure everybody knows, because again the threat of the government coming and arresting you is very powerful and that's what these scammers rely on," Puett says.&nbsp;

Puett says if you receive a call like this claiming to be the Sheriff's Department, the best thing to do is just terminate the call &nbsp;

"There's nothing wrong with terminating that call because it is not from an official government agency," Puett points out. "So just terminate the call and don't continue to engage, it's not worth possibly exposing yourself to victimization."&nbsp;

Puett says if you have fallen victim to one of these calls, you should call the Communications Center.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Scammers are once again attempting to exploit Buchanan County residents by pretending to call from the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department. &nbsp;Sheriff Bill Puett says his office has been receiving complaints from citizens about calls coming from the number (816) 320 4426.&nbsp;"Right now, it appears that we have people who are trying to victimize our citizens again by posing as member of the Sheriff's office and using the Sheriff's office to try to influence them in some way to provide their information and financial access to their accounts," Puett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;Puett says the con artists tells residents they missed federal jury duty.&nbsp; Puett says that's a call his office would never make.&nbsp;Puett says scare tactics like this are common when it comes to scams. &nbsp;"They use the authority of the Sheriff's office to try to scare citizens by threatening them with warrants, arrests, and all those things," Puett explains. &nbsp;Puett says his office has already received several calls about this scam, and he wanted to be sure to spread awareness.&nbsp;"To make sure everybody knows, because again the threat of the government coming and arresting you is very powerful and that's what these scammers rely on," Puett says.&nbsp;Puett says if you receive a call like this claiming to be the Sheriff's Department, the best thing to do is just terminate the call &nbsp;"There's nothing wrong with terminating that call because it is not from an official government agency," Puett points out. "So just terminate the call and don't continue to engage, it's not worth possibly exposing yourself to victimization."&nbsp;Puett says if you have fallen victim to one of these calls, you should call the Communications Center.&nbsp;

Sheriff Puett warns against new scam

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3a.m. Wednesday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Shelley L. Davis, 59, Mound City, was westbound on Route F two miles south of Mound City.

The car began to skid past the intersection at Route E, traveled off the west side of the road and struck a utility pole.

Atchison-Holt EMS transported Davis to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3a.m. Wednesday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Shelley L. Davis, 59, Mound City, was westbound on Route F two miles south of Mound City.The car began to skid past the intersection at Route E, traveled off the west side of the road and struck a utility pole.Atchison-Holt EMS transported Davis to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after car strikes utility pole

Former Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s public attacks on school districts led to ‘even greater confusion than the pandemic had already caused’

By JASON HANCOCK <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Former Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/2216-CV01110%20State%20of%20Missouri%20v%20LSR7%20School%20District%20Order%20and%20Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=16&amp;di=22341527">lacked any legal authority to order school districts to end COVID-19 mitigation measures</a>, a Jackson County judge ruled Friday.&nbsp;

In his 18-page decision, Judge Marco Roldan concluded that the attorney general’s office did not follow Missouri law when it demanded last year that Lee’s Summit R-7 School District rescind the measures put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Schmitt sued Lee’s Summit, along with 46 other school districts, then amplified his attacks on social media, “encouraging parents and students to defy the authority granted to the board of education by Missouri law,” Roldan wrote.&nbsp;

That led to “even greater confusion than the pandemic had already caused.”

“The attorney general lacked any legal authority to insert himself into the school district’s efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic,” Roldan wrote.

Schmitt was elected to the U.S. Senate last year, and his lawsuits challenging mask mandates were a major part of his campaign messaging. A spokeswoman for his successor, Attorney General Andrew Bailey, did not respond to a request for comment on Friday’s ruling.&nbsp;

The mask mandate lawsuits were filed in early 2022. Eventually, all were dropped by the attorney general’s office or dismissed by the courts.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/12/lees-summit-countersuit/">Only the Lee’s Summit case survived</a>, as the school district refused to let Schmitt dismiss the case and instead filed its own counterclaim demanding Roldan establish the extent of the attorney general’s authority over local school districts.

In his Friday ruling, Roldan concluded that Schmitt wrongly assumed he had any authority over school districts by relying on a 2021 ruling in Cole County Court that deemed health orders designed to<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/11/23/missouri-judge-local-covid-orders/#:~:text=By%3A%20Jason%20Hancock%20%2D%20November%2023%2C%202021%203%3A00%20pm&amp;text=Cole%20County%20Circuit%20Court%20Judge,departments%20violated%20the%20Missouri%20Constitution.">&nbsp;stop the spread of COVID-19 that were issued by local health departments violated the Missouri Constitution.</a>

Roldan noted that no school districts were involved in the 2021 case and the court’s ruling said nothing about the authority of local boards of education under Missouri law.

After ordering school districts to end COVID mitigation measures, Schmitt publicly invited parents across the state to report to him school districts who were in violation of the 2021 court order.

This caused unnecessary confusion, Roldan wrote, by wronging convincing students and parents that their school districts were violating the law.&nbsp;

Local school boards should have been able to exercise their authority “free from unlawful interference by the attorney general.”

“There exists no Missouri law allowing the attorney general to involve himself in a school district’s efforts to manage COVID-19 or other disease within its schools,” Roldan wrote. “He had no authority even to issue an opinion on those matters to the school district. In neither of his orders nor in his social media communications did he identify a valid legal basis for asserting that the school district was acting contrary to Missouri law.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652892746445.png" alt="Former Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt who was elected to the U.S. Senate in August 2022,&nbsp; (photo courtesy of the Attorney General's office)" />
 <figcaption>Former Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt who was elected to the U.S. Senate in August 2022,&nbsp; (photo courtesy of the Attorney General's office)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Former Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s public attacks on school districts led to ‘even greater confusion than the pandemic had already caused’</h2>By JASON HANCOCK <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Former Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/2216-CV01110%20State%20of%20Missouri%20v%20LSR7%20School%20District%20Order%20and%20Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=16&amp;di=22341527">lacked any legal authority to order school districts to end COVID-19 mitigation measures</a>, a Jackson County judge ruled Friday.&nbsp;In his 18-page decision, Judge Marco Roldan concluded that the attorney general’s office did not follow Missouri law when it demanded last year that Lee’s Summit R-7 School District rescind the measures put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.Schmitt sued Lee’s Summit, along with 46 other school districts, then amplified his attacks on social media, “encouraging parents and students to defy the authority granted to the board of education by Missouri law,” Roldan wrote.&nbsp;That led to “even greater confusion than the pandemic had already caused.”“The attorney general lacked any legal authority to insert himself into the school district’s efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic,” Roldan wrote.Schmitt was elected to the U.S. Senate last year, and his lawsuits challenging mask mandates were a major part of his campaign messaging. A spokeswoman for his successor, Attorney General Andrew Bailey, did not respond to a request for comment on Friday’s ruling.&nbsp;The mask mandate lawsuits were filed in early 2022. Eventually, all were dropped by the attorney general’s office or dismissed by the courts.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/12/lees-summit-countersuit/">Only the Lee’s Summit case survived</a>, as the school district refused to let Schmitt dismiss the case and instead filed its own counterclaim demanding Roldan establish the extent of the attorney general’s authority over local school districts.In his Friday ruling, Roldan concluded that Schmitt wrongly assumed he had any authority over school districts by relying on a 2021 ruling in Cole County Court that deemed health orders designed to<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/11/23/missouri-judge-local-covid-orders/#:~:text=By%3A%20Jason%20Hancock%20%2D%20November%2023%2C%202021%203%3A00%20pm&amp;text=Cole%20County%20Circuit%20Court%20Judge,departments%20violated%20the%20Missouri%20Constitution.">&nbsp;stop the spread of COVID-19 that were issued by local health departments violated the Missouri Constitution.</a>Roldan noted that no school districts were involved in the 2021 case and the court’s ruling said nothing about the authority of local boards of education under Missouri law.After ordering school districts to end COVID mitigation measures, Schmitt publicly invited parents across the state to report to him school districts who were in violation of the 2021 court order.This caused unnecessary confusion, Roldan wrote, by wronging convincing students and parents that their school districts were violating the law.&nbsp;They were not.&nbsp;Local school boards should have been able to exercise their authority “free from unlawful interference by the attorney general.”“There exists no Missouri law allowing the attorney general to involve himself in a school district’s efforts to manage COVID-19 or other disease within its schools,” Roldan wrote. “He had no authority even to issue an opinion on those matters to the school district. In neither of his orders nor in his social media communications did he identify a valid legal basis for asserting that the school district was acting contrary to Missouri law.”

Judge: Missouri AG had no authority to order end of school mask mandates

The St. Joseph Mustangs are set to play ball again in 2023, taking the field as the hottest team in the MINK League.

St. Joseph made history last summer, becoming the first franchise in league history to win three consecutive titles. The Mustangs capped it off with an <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e3280f33-7af4-4c42-8074-3f65558017bf">11-1 victory over the Joplin Outlaws</a> back on July 30th.

The Mustangs have now won eight MINK League championships since their inception in 2009. Team owner and general manager Ky Turner says the championships are a blast and that remains the goal each year, but to him, a successful summer comes down to more than that.

"All of these guys are excited to play for St. Joseph," Turner told KFEQ Radio. "It means a lot nationally - the St. Joe Mustangs. When you come here, you start to feel it again."

"Once you get here, you meet the people you're playing for, the community, you see the support in the crowd. It's just something that excites everyone. To get it going again this year, you get a little extra pep in your step and Opening Day is like a holiday around here."

The Mustangs open their 14th season of play at historic Phil Welch Stadium Wednesday when they welcome in the Baldwin City Blues - a Kansas team from the Mid-Plains League. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.

It's the first of 49 regular season games for the Mustangs - 26 of those are at home. St. Joseph has ranked in the top 12 nationally in&nbsp;collegiate summer baseball attendance for nine years in a row.

Turner says that's no coincidence, and it takes a literal army to make the home game experience fun, friendly and memorable.

"That's why it's really hard when someone calls me and says, 'I want to do what you're doing in St. Joseph,'" Turner said. "And I just say, 'Good luck!' St. Joseph is a special place and it takes a lot of different people to make that happen."

This marks Turner's second season as team owner and his eighth as GM. He's been with the team in some capacity since the inaugural 2009 season.

While his creativity and passion have helped the entire organization grow and evolve through the years, Turner says there's one area in particular he loves to focus on as the man in charge.

"I never want to get too far away from the fun family side," Turner said. "Because, that's truly my baby and I want to make sure we stay true to who we are."

As for the team itself, the roster features 17 players who are back from the 2022 squad.&nbsp;Local high schools like Benton, Lafayette, Bishop LeBlond, Platte County, Kearney and Savannah all have alums playing for the Mustangs this summer.

One of those locals is a first-time Mustang - pitcher and Lafayette graduate Jayden Little, who has spent the last two years at nearby Highland Community College.

An all-state pitcher for the Irish in 2021, Little has been sidelined for about the last year-and-a-half with Tommy John surgery. But this summer, Little says he's feeling like his old self and is ready to show it.

"It's been a long time," he said. "It's nice to come back and play in front of the home fans for sure. I always came here as a kid, and needed the autographs from the players. Definitely willing to do that for the little kids now."

Another Lafayette alum on the team is utility player Ike Book, who spent this past season at Washburn after two years at Lincoln Trail Community College in Illinois.

Book was named second-team all-MIAA this past spring after batting .394 - the fourth best average in the league. This after dealing with a whole slew of injuries these last few years.

"Both my quads, I had a PCL and last fall, I had a fractured patella," said Book, a third-year Mustang who was limited last summer with injury. "I've definitely been through the ringer with those injuries. But, luckily, this spring, I didn't have anything crazy. Hopefully, we can stay healthy and stay on that track."

Like any other local baseball fanatic, Book has his own childhood memories of coming to Phil Welch. Now a veteran player for the Mustangs, he hopes to spend another summer giving back to a fanbase that's always cheered him on.

"Getting to watch the Mustangs and some of the other local teams growing up, this is kind of something you dream about," Book said. "You kind of think about how the kids here are now, and you can put yourself in their shoes. It's definitely a dream, and we're lucky enough to be playing."

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/851b943b-ae84-4f45-a92e-e82d598dd132">FULL ROSTER HERE.</a>

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/92b1121d-bb5f-418e-8b29-8237b54a32e9">FULL SCHEDULE HERE.</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659242393958.jpeg" alt="The Mustangs after winning the 2022 MINK League title last July with team owner and general manager Ky Turner addressing the fans. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>The Mustangs after winning the 2022 MINK League title last July with team owner and general manager Ky Turner addressing the fans. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs are set to play ball again in 2023, taking the field as the hottest team in the MINK League.St. Joseph made history last summer, becoming the first franchise in league history to win three consecutive titles. The Mustangs capped it off with an <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e3280f33-7af4-4c42-8074-3f65558017bf">11-1 victory over the Joplin Outlaws</a> back on July 30th.The Mustangs have now won eight MINK League championships since their inception in 2009. Team owner and general manager Ky Turner says the championships are a blast and that remains the goal each year, but to him, a successful summer comes down to more than that."All of these guys are excited to play for St. Joseph," Turner told KFEQ Radio. "It means a lot nationally - the St. Joe Mustangs. When you come here, you start to feel it again.""Once you get here, you meet the people you're playing for, the community, you see the support in the crowd. It's just something that excites everyone. To get it going again this year, you get a little extra pep in your step and Opening Day is like a holiday around here."The Mustangs open their 14th season of play at historic Phil Welch Stadium Wednesday when they welcome in the Baldwin City Blues - a Kansas team from the Mid-Plains League. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.It's the first of 49 regular season games for the Mustangs - 26 of those are at home. St. Joseph has ranked in the top 12 nationally in&nbsp;collegiate summer baseball attendance for nine years in a row.Turner says that's no coincidence, and it takes a literal army to make the home game experience fun, friendly and memorable."That's why it's really hard when someone calls me and says, 'I want to do what you're doing in St. Joseph,'" Turner said. "And I just say, 'Good luck!' St. Joseph is a special place and it takes a lot of different people to make that happen."This marks Turner's second season as team owner and his eighth as GM. He's been with the team in some capacity since the inaugural 2009 season.While his creativity and passion have helped the entire organization grow and evolve through the years, Turner says there's one area in particular he loves to focus on as the man in charge."I never want to get too far away from the fun family side," Turner said. "Because, that's truly my baby and I want to make sure we stay true to who we are."As for the team itself, the roster features 17 players who are back from the 2022 squad.&nbsp;Local high schools like Benton, Lafayette, Bishop LeBlond, Platte County, Kearney and Savannah all have alums playing for the Mustangs this summer.One of those locals is a first-time Mustang - pitcher and Lafayette graduate Jayden Little, who has spent the last two years at nearby Highland Community College.An all-state pitcher for the Irish in 2021, Little has been sidelined for about the last year-and-a-half with Tommy John surgery. But this summer, Little says he's feeling like his old self and is ready to show it."It's been a long time," he said. "It's nice to come back and play in front of the home fans for sure. I always came here as a kid, and needed the autographs from the players. Definitely willing to do that for the little kids now."Another Lafayette alum on the team is utility player Ike Book, who spent this past season at Washburn after two years at Lincoln Trail Community College in Illinois.Book was named second-team all-MIAA this past spring after batting .394 - the fourth best average in the league. This after dealing with a whole slew of injuries these last few years."Both my quads, I had a PCL and last fall, I had a fractured patella," said Book, a third-year Mustang who was limited last summer with injury. "I've definitely been through the ringer with those injuries. But, luckily, this spring, I didn't have anything crazy. Hopefully, we can stay healthy and stay on that track."Like any other local baseball fanatic, Book has his own childhood memories of coming to Phil Welch. Now a veteran player for the Mustangs, he hopes to spend another summer giving back to a fanbase that's always cheered him on."Getting to watch the Mustangs and some of the other local teams growing up, this is kind of something you dream about," Book said. "You kind of think about how the kids here are now, and you can put yourself in their shoes. It's definitely a dream, and we're lucky enough to be playing."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685496903572.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685496932035.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685496946042.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/851b943b-ae84-4f45-a92e-e82d598dd132">FULL ROSTER HERE.</a><a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/92b1121d-bb5f-418e-8b29-8237b54a32e9">FULL SCHEDULE HERE.</a>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mustangs set sights on family fun and another MINK League title as 2023 season begins

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug and additional allegations.

Just before 11a.m. May 28, an officer observed 35-year-old Anthony Lunsford walking in the 1100 Block of Santa Fe in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The officer took Lunsford&nbsp;into custody on Atchison and Brown County District Court warrants. During that arrest Lunsford was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

In June of 2022, police arrested Lunsford on a District Court warrant for violation of a protective order, theft, domestic battery, and intimidation of a witness.

In May of 2022, Lunsford was jailed on requested charges of domestic battery and criminal damage to property in connection with an incident that occurred on April 19.&nbsp;Lunsford has spent time in custody numerous times over the past five years and was convicted of theft, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685489706315.png" alt="Lunsford-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Lunsford-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug and additional allegations.Just before 11a.m. May 28, an officer observed 35-year-old Anthony Lunsford walking in the 1100 Block of Santa Fe in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The officer took Lunsford&nbsp;into custody on Atchison and Brown County District Court warrants. During that arrest Lunsford was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.In June of 2022, police arrested Lunsford on a District Court warrant for violation of a protective order, theft, domestic battery, and intimidation of a witness.In May of 2022, Lunsford was jailed on requested charges of domestic battery and criminal damage to property in connection with an incident that occurred on April 19.&nbsp;Lunsford has spent time in custody numerous times over the past five years and was convicted of theft, according to online jail records.

Kan. man with a history of violent crime is back in jail

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before&nbsp; 9a.m. Tuesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Malibu driven by Rebecca J. Gile, 50, Conception Junction, was eastbound on Highway M one mile east of Guilford.

The driver slowed, made an abrupt right turn and the car skidded on a gravel driveway and struck an embankment.

Nodaway County ambulance transported Gile to Mosaic in Maryville. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before&nbsp; 9a.m. Tuesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Malibu driven by Rebecca J. Gile, 50, Conception Junction, was eastbound on Highway M one mile east of Guilford.The driver slowed, made an abrupt right turn and the car skidded on a gravel driveway and struck an embankment.Nodaway County ambulance transported Gile to Mosaic in Maryville. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after car strikes embankment

There's less than a month until he officially takes the seat of Police Chief, but Paul Luster is prepared to tackle the challenges that come with the position. &nbsp;

Luster says one of his biggest challenges will be building relationships, not only with his fellow officers, but with the community. &nbsp;

"Getting out, getting to know the community, getting to know all the peers I'll be working with, the department members, and just having the ability to build those relationships," Luster tells reporters following his introduction last week.&nbsp;

Luster says he believes there's a great foundation already built at the St. Joseph Police Department&nbsp;

"You know just bringing some maybe modern policing, some 21st century policing, that will continue to just get better and better," Luster says. &nbsp;

Luster says there's a mix of challenges in his new position, that range from nationwide problems to ones that are unique to St. Joseph. &nbsp;

"I know right now that staffing and retention is an issue, that's a national attention right now so I don't think that's unique to St. Joseph something that we've all been dealing with," Luster explains. "As far as that, as I get to know the community, get to listen to the community, I may identify some of those challenges that could be very unique to St. Joe, but anxious to work on them either way."&nbsp;

Luster was named Chief of Police after a six-month search that began when former Chief Chris Connally retired in September. &nbsp;

Luster hopes to bring some changes to the St. Joseph Police Department, and to do that he'll rely on everyone's help. &nbsp;

Luster says he hopes to hold some listening sessions once he begins his leadership of the department. &nbsp;

Luster says these sessions will be with everyone, all the way from internally at the police department, to externally talking to people in the community.&nbsp;

"I can come in with, and I have, with kind of an overarching vision for the police department that we're going to strive for organizational excellence, and that we're going to strive for high levels of community engagement, and we're going to strive to really utilize database policing, precision policing," Luster says. "But the rest of those goals come from this community and from this police department."&nbsp;

Luster, a 25-plus year veteran of the Kansas City Police Department, will take over the position of Chief on June 26th.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685473969561.jpeg" alt="New St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster speaks with Deputy Mayor Randy Schultz after being introduced as the new Chief of Police in St. Joseph last week/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>New St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster speaks with Deputy Mayor Randy Schultz after being introduced as the new Chief of Police in St. Joseph last week/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;There's less than a month until he officially takes the seat of Police Chief, but Paul Luster is prepared to tackle the challenges that come with the position. &nbsp;Luster says one of his biggest challenges will be building relationships, not only with his fellow officers, but with the community. &nbsp;"Getting out, getting to know the community, getting to know all the peers I'll be working with, the department members, and just having the ability to build those relationships," Luster tells reporters following his introduction last week.&nbsp;Luster says he believes there's a great foundation already built at the St. Joseph Police Department&nbsp;"You know just bringing some maybe modern policing, some 21st century policing, that will continue to just get better and better," Luster says. &nbsp;Luster says there's a mix of challenges in his new position, that range from nationwide problems to ones that are unique to St. Joseph. &nbsp;"I know right now that staffing and retention is an issue, that's a national attention right now so I don't think that's unique to St. Joseph something that we've all been dealing with," Luster explains. "As far as that, as I get to know the community, get to listen to the community, I may identify some of those challenges that could be very unique to St. Joe, but anxious to work on them either way."&nbsp;Luster was named Chief of Police after a six-month search that began when former Chief Chris Connally retired in September. &nbsp;Luster hopes to bring some changes to the St. Joseph Police Department, and to do that he'll rely on everyone's help. &nbsp;Luster says he hopes to hold some listening sessions once he begins his leadership of the department. &nbsp;Luster says these sessions will be with everyone, all the way from internally at the police department, to externally talking to people in the community.&nbsp;"I can come in with, and I have, with kind of an overarching vision for the police department that we're going to strive for organizational excellence, and that we're going to strive for high levels of community engagement, and we're going to strive to really utilize database policing, precision policing," Luster says. "But the rest of those goals come from this community and from this police department."&nbsp;Luster, a 25-plus year veteran of the Kansas City Police Department, will take over the position of Chief on June 26th.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/New-St--Joseph-Police-Chief-ready-to-face-new-challenges-e2509ag" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

New St. Joseph Police Chief strives to build relationships with the community

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30a.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda VTX 1800 driven by Logan M. Patterson, 30, Cameron, was southbound on Route EE four miles north of Cameron.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported Patterson to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30a.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda VTX 1800 driven by Logan M. Patterson, 30, Cameron, was southbound on Route EE four miles north of Cameron.&nbsp;&nbsp;The motorcycle struck a deer in the roadEMS transported Patterson to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after motorcycle strikes a deer

No one was hurt in a Memorial Day shooting in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph police report at least four shots were fired into
an occupied residence near 27th and Mary Streets around 8:30 Monday night. Police report several people were in the house, including children. None
of the shots hit any of those inside.

Little is known about the motive of the shooting at this time.
No suspect or suspects are in custody. The investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNo one was hurt in a Memorial Day shooting in St. Joseph.St. Joseph police report at least four shots were fired into
an occupied residence near 27th and Mary Streets around 8:30 Monday night. Police report several people were in the house, including children. None
of the shots hit any of those inside.Little is known about the motive of the shooting at this time.
No suspect or suspects are in custody. The investigation continues.

St. Joseph police report no one hurt in Memorial Day shooting

GOWER, Missouri (AP) —Hundreds of people flocked to a small town in Missouri this week and last to see a Black nun whose body has barely decomposed since 2019. Some say it's a sign of holiness in Catholicism, while others say the lack of decomposition may not be as rare as people think.

Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster was exhumed in April, according to a statement from the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, in Gower, Missouri.

The nuns had been preparing for the addition of a St. Joseph shrine, and that involved “the reinterment of the remains of our beloved foundress, Sister Wilhelmina,” the statement said.

When they exhumed Lancaster, they were told to expect only bones, since she had been buried in a simple wooden coffin without any embalming four years ago.

Instead, they discovered an intact body and “a perfectly preserved religious habit," the statement said. The nuns hadn't meant to publicize the discovery, but someone posted a private email publicly and “the news began to spread like wildfire.”

Volunteers and local law enforcement have helped to manage the crowds in the town of roughly 1,800 people, as people have visited from all over the country to see and touch Lancaster's body.

“It was pretty amazing,” said Samuel Dawson, who is Catholic and visited from Kansas City with his son last week. “It was very peaceful. Just very reverent.”

Dawson said there were a few hundred people when he visited and that he saw many out-of-state cars.

Visitors were allowed to touch her, Dawson said, adding that the nuns “wanted to make her accessible to the public ... because in real life, she was always accessible to people.”

The monastery said in a statement that Lancaster's body will be placed in a glass shrine in their church on Monday. Visitors will still be able to see her body and take dirt from her grave, but they won't be able to touch her.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph also released a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685443513872.png" alt="People wait to view the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster at the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles abbey Sunday, May 28, 2023, near Gower, Mo.Hundreds of people visited the small town in Missouri this week to see the nun's body that has barely decomposed since 2019 — some are saying it's a sign of holiness in Catholicism, while others are saying the lack of decomposition may not be as rare as people think. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>People wait to view the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster at the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles abbey Sunday, May 28, 2023, near Gower, Mo.Hundreds of people visited the small town in Missouri this week to see the nun's body that has barely decomposed since 2019 — some are saying it's a sign of holiness in Catholicism, while others are saying the lack of decomposition may not be as rare as people think. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>GOWER, Missouri (AP) —Hundreds of people flocked to a small town in Missouri this week and last to see a Black nun whose body has barely decomposed since 2019. Some say it's a sign of holiness in Catholicism, while others say the lack of decomposition may not be as rare as people think.Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster was exhumed in April, according to a statement from the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, in Gower, Missouri.The nuns had been preparing for the addition of a St. Joseph shrine, and that involved “the reinterment of the remains of our beloved foundress, Sister Wilhelmina,” the statement said.When they exhumed Lancaster, they were told to expect only bones, since she had been buried in a simple wooden coffin without any embalming four years ago.Instead, they discovered an intact body and “a perfectly preserved religious habit," the statement said. The nuns hadn't meant to publicize the discovery, but someone posted a private email publicly and “the news began to spread like wildfire.”Volunteers and local law enforcement have helped to manage the crowds in the town of roughly 1,800 people, as people have visited from all over the country to see and touch Lancaster's body.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685443722078.png" alt="People pray over the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster at the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles abbey Sunday, May 28, 2023, near Gower, Mo. Hundreds of people visited the small town in Missouri this week to see the nun's body that has barely decomposed since 2019 — some are saying it's a sign of holiness in Catholicism, while others are saying the lack of decomposition may not be as rare as people think. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>People pray over the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster at the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles abbey Sunday, May 28, 2023, near Gower, Mo. Hundreds of people visited the small town in Missouri this week to see the nun's body that has barely decomposed since 2019 — some are saying it's a sign of holiness in Catholicism, while others are saying the lack of decomposition may not be as rare as people think. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>“It was pretty amazing,” said Samuel Dawson, who is Catholic and visited from Kansas City with his son last week. “It was very peaceful. Just very reverent.”Dawson said there were a few hundred people when he visited and that he saw many out-of-state cars.Visitors were allowed to touch her, Dawson said, adding that the nuns “wanted to make her accessible to the public ... because in real life, she was always accessible to people.”The monastery said in a statement that Lancaster's body will be placed in a glass shrine in their church on Monday. Visitors will still be able to see her body and take dirt from her grave, but they won't be able to touch her.The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph also released a statement.“The condition of the remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster has understandably generated widespread interest and raised important questions," the diocese said. “At the same time, it is important to protect the integrity of the mortal remains of Sister Wilhelmina to allow for a thorough investigation.”“Incorruptibility has been verified in the past, but it is very rare. There is a well-established process to pursue the cause for sainthood, but that has not been initiated in this case yet,” the diocese added.The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, also said that Lancaster has not yet reached the required minimum of five years since death for the sainthood process to begin.Rebecca George, an anthropology instructor at Western Carolina University in North Carolina, said the body's lack of decomposition might not be as rare as people are expecting.George said the “mummification” of un-embalmed bodies is common at the university's facility and the bodies could stay preserved for many years, if allowed to.Coffins and clothing also help to preserve bodies, she said.“Typically, when we bury people, we don’t exhume them. We don’t get to look at them a couple years out,” George said. “With 100 years, there might be nothing left. But when you’ve got just a few years out, this is not unexpected.”