A body was found at the Brittany Village Apartments in St. Joseph Tuesday.

St. Joseph Police say officers were called to the scene after residents discovered the body just after 4 p.m. Tuesday in a storage unit.

Police say the body was badly decomposed and investigators believe it had been there for some time.&nbsp;The cause of the person's death, and the person's identity, is so far unknown. Police do not believe there was foul play involved, and the body appears to be that of a homeless man.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The investigation is ongoing. The body has been sent off for an autopsy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683746020010.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA body was found at the Brittany Village Apartments in St. Joseph Tuesday.St. Joseph Police say officers were called to the scene after residents discovered the body just after 4 p.m. Tuesday in a storage unit.Police say the body was badly decomposed and investigators believe it had been there for some time.&nbsp;The cause of the person's death, and the person's identity, is so far unknown. Police do not believe there was foul play involved, and the body appears to be that of a homeless man.&nbsp;&nbsp;The investigation is ongoing. The body has been sent off for an autopsy.

Body found at the Brittany Village Apartments in St. Joseph Tuesday

No
one was hurt in a shooting in south St. Joseph during the noon hour.

The
St. Joseph Police Department says it received reports that a male subject,
possibly Hispanic, fired several shots at a construction worker who might have
intervened in a domestic dispute. The suspect is reported to have fled in a
silver passenger vehicle.

Police
say the shooting is reported to have occurred at the intersection of Kentucky
and Grant Streets at 12:20 Wednesday afternoon. None of the shots struck anyone.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNo
one was hurt in a shooting in south St. Joseph during the noon hour.The
St. Joseph Police Department says it received reports that a male subject,
possibly Hispanic, fired several shots at a construction worker who might have
intervened in a domestic dispute. The suspect is reported to have fled in a
silver passenger vehicle.Police
say the shooting is reported to have occurred at the intersection of Kentucky
and Grant Streets at 12:20 Wednesday afternoon. None of the shots struck anyone.The
investigation continues.

Shooting reported in south St. Joseph; no one struck

Federal funds totaling $2.5 million have been awarded to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce through an Industrial Site Development Program, run by the Missouri State Department of Economic Development.  

The funds will be used to help extend sewer and water lines to the EastTowne Business Park located near the intersection of Pickett Road and Riverside Road.  

Vice President of Economic Development Brad Lau says it's important to get this work done as potential new businesses are always looking for ground prepared to break.  

"When a company is looking at doing a project, they want a shovel ready site, they don't want the delays associated with installing the sanitary sewer infrastructure that's necessary," Lau tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

Lau says there are many sectors of businesses that could be interested in this land to develop. 

"A lot of that is associated to unskilled light manufacturing, as well as distribution, and kind of our food clusters," Lau explains.  

Lau also says that area could be used for business expansion, with Boehringer Ingelheim and Schuetz containers already expanding to that area 

"So those are two businesses that needed a site to build new buildings in order to grow their businesses," Lau says. 

Phase Two of the project will be located on the east side of Route AC and will add water and sewer infrastructure to the area. 

The Chamber has also received a $2.7 million grant that will help with road improvements in that area through the Governors Cost Share Program. 

Lau says these two pair together well because both will help prepare that area for new businesses. 

"Provides a critical link now for area businesses in east town as well as Altec and those residents to have an alternate way to get to US36 Highway," Lau says. "It also provides, obviously, a much-needed roadway for other acreage in that area." 

The money from the Governors Cost Share program will improve the area of Pickett Road to the east of Route AC and Ag Expo Way to U.S. Highway 36. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683738287286.jpeg" alt="Eastowne Business Park/ Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Eastowne Business Park/ Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Federal funds totaling $2.5 million have been awarded to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce through an Industrial Site Development Program, run by the Missouri State Department of Economic Development. The funds will be used to help extend sewer and water lines to the EastTowne Business Park located near the intersection of Pickett Road and Riverside Road. Vice President of Economic Development Brad Lau says it's important to get this work done as potential new businesses are always looking for ground prepared to break. "When a company is looking at doing a project, they want a shovel ready site, they don't want the delays associated with installing the sanitary sewer infrastructure that's necessary," Lau tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Lau says there are many sectors of businesses that could be interested in this land to develop. "A lot of that is associated to unskilled light manufacturing, as well as distribution, and kind of our food clusters," Lau explains. Lau also says that area could be used for business expansion, with Boehringer Ingelheim and Schuetz containers already expanding to that area "So those are two businesses that needed a site to build new buildings in order to grow their businesses," Lau says. Phase Two of the project will be located on the east side of Route AC and will add water and sewer infrastructure to the area. The Chamber has also received a $2.7 million grant that will help with road improvements in that area through the Governors Cost Share Program. Lau says these two pair together well because both will help prepare that area for new businesses. "Provides a critical link now for area businesses in east town as well as Altec and those residents to have an alternate way to get to US36 Highway," Lau says. "It also provides, obviously, a much-needed roadway for other acreage in that area." The money from the Governors Cost Share program will improve the area of Pickett Road to the east of Route AC and Ag Expo Way to U.S. Highway 36.

St. Joseph Chamber receives money to develop industrial site

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers approved significant restrictions on transgender people on Wednesday, sending the Republican governor for his signature measures that would ban gender-transition health care and prevent transgender girls and women from playing on female sports teams.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gender">Transgender</a>&nbsp;minors in Missouri no longer would have access to puberty blockers, hormones or gender-transition surgery under legislation passed by the Republican-led legislature Wednesday. The ban also affects some adults — Medicaid health care won’t cover any gender-transition care in the state, and surgery will no longer be available to prisoners and inmates.

The ban on participating in female sports teams would apply from kindergarten through college, both at public and private schools.

Gov. Mike Parson threatened to keep lawmakers working beyond the normal end of their session if they didn't approve the gender-transition care ban, which would take effect Aug. 28. The ban includes exceptions for minors already getting such treatments.

“When you have kids being surgically and or chemically altered for life for no good reason, yes, it’s time for the government to get involved,” Republican Rep. Brad Hudson told colleagues on the House floor Wednesday.

“To deny these children care is to deny them their very existence,” Democratic Rep. Joe Adams said.

Missouri's ban comes amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-laws-states-gender-affirming-zephyr-fc2528326823c8232cb0aaa7ece0beab">a national push by conservatives to put restrictions on transgender and nonbinary people</a>&nbsp;that has become, alongside abortion, a major theme running through legislative sessions across the country in 2023.

At least 16 states have now enacted laws restricting or banning gender-transition care for minors, and several states are still considering bills this year to restrict or ban care,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-arkansas-0a59b635628c91419b537f393bc51077">creating uncertainty for many families</a>. Florida and Texas have banned or restricted the care via regulations or administrative orders, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-rights-florida-desantis-gender-affirming-care-1fcaf19af7dc4c7469f5e04338753ebd">a bill to restrict care is on Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk</a>.

Missouri's legislative leaders vowed to stop minors from accessing puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries. And Missouri's Republican attorney general, Andrew Bailey, took up the charge after Parson appointed him to fill the vacant position in January.

In response,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sanctuary-city-lgbtq-kansas-city-resolution-bccdd5c33818bf9c1270ef2af63e393e">the Kansas City Council was considering a resolution Wednesday</a>&nbsp;to make Missouri's largest city a sanctuary for people seeking such medical care.

Bailey, now campaigning to keep the job in 2024, launched an investigation in February into St. Louis' Washington University Transgender Center following a former staffer's complaints that doctors were prescribing hormones too quickly and without enough mental health wraparound services. An internal Washington University review found no malpractice.

Bailey has since expanded his investigation to any clinic offering pediatric gender-transition care in Missouri, and demanded records from a St. Louis Planned Parenthood where doctors provide such health care.

In April, Bailey took the novel step of imposing restrictions on adults as well as children under Missouri's consumer-protection law. A judge temporarily blocked the limits from taking effect as she considers a legal challenge.

Under Bailey’s rules, before gender-transition medical treatments can be provided by physicians, people would have to document that they experienced an “intense pattern” of gender dysphoria for at least three years and undergo at least 15 hourly sessions with a therapist for at least 18 months. Screening for autism and “social media addiction” would be required, and a treatment provider would have to declare that any mental health issues are resolved. Some patients could maintain their prescriptions as long as they promptly receive the required assessments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681466878038.png" alt="Missouri's legislative leaders vowed to stop minors from accessing puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries. And Missouri's Republican attorney general, Andrew Bailey, took up the charge after Parson appointed him to fill the vacant position in January.- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Missouri's legislative leaders vowed to stop minors from accessing puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries. And Missouri's Republican attorney general, Andrew Bailey, took up the charge after Parson appointed him to fill the vacant position in January.- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers approved significant restrictions on transgender people on Wednesday, sending the Republican governor for his signature measures that would ban gender-transition health care and prevent transgender girls and women from playing on female sports teams.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gender">Transgender</a>&nbsp;minors in Missouri no longer would have access to puberty blockers, hormones or gender-transition surgery under legislation passed by the Republican-led legislature Wednesday. The ban also affects some adults — Medicaid health care won’t cover any gender-transition care in the state, and surgery will no longer be available to prisoners and inmates.The ban on participating in female sports teams would apply from kindergarten through college, both at public and private schools.Both measures would expire in 2027.Gov. Mike Parson threatened to keep lawmakers working beyond the normal end of their session if they didn't approve the gender-transition care ban, which would take effect Aug. 28. The ban includes exceptions for minors already getting such treatments.“When you have kids being surgically and or chemically altered for life for no good reason, yes, it’s time for the government to get involved,” Republican Rep. Brad Hudson told colleagues on the House floor Wednesday.Democrats wept during debate.“To deny these children care is to deny them their very existence,” Democratic Rep. Joe Adams said.Missouri's ban comes amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-laws-states-gender-affirming-zephyr-fc2528326823c8232cb0aaa7ece0beab">a national push by conservatives to put restrictions on transgender and nonbinary people</a>&nbsp;that has become, alongside abortion, a major theme running through legislative sessions across the country in 2023.At least 16 states have now enacted laws restricting or banning gender-transition care for minors, and several states are still considering bills this year to restrict or ban care,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-arkansas-0a59b635628c91419b537f393bc51077">creating uncertainty for many families</a>. Florida and Texas have banned or restricted the care via regulations or administrative orders, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-rights-florida-desantis-gender-affirming-care-1fcaf19af7dc4c7469f5e04338753ebd">a bill to restrict care is on Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk</a>.Missouri's legislative leaders vowed to stop minors from accessing puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries. And Missouri's Republican attorney general, Andrew Bailey, took up the charge after Parson appointed him to fill the vacant position in January.In response,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sanctuary-city-lgbtq-kansas-city-resolution-bccdd5c33818bf9c1270ef2af63e393e">the Kansas City Council was considering a resolution Wednesday</a>&nbsp;to make Missouri's largest city a sanctuary for people seeking such medical care.Bailey, now campaigning to keep the job in 2024, launched an investigation in February into St. Louis' Washington University Transgender Center following a former staffer's complaints that doctors were prescribing hormones too quickly and without enough mental health wraparound services. An internal Washington University review found no malpractice.Bailey has since expanded his investigation to any clinic offering pediatric gender-transition care in Missouri, and demanded records from a St. Louis Planned Parenthood where doctors provide such health care.In April, Bailey took the novel step of imposing restrictions on adults as well as children under Missouri's consumer-protection law. A judge temporarily blocked the limits from taking effect as she considers a legal challenge.Under Bailey’s rules, before gender-transition medical treatments can be provided by physicians, people would have to document that they experienced an “intense pattern” of gender dysphoria for at least three years and undergo at least 15 hourly sessions with a therapist for at least 18 months. Screening for autism and “social media addiction” would be required, and a treatment provider would have to declare that any mental health issues are resolved. Some patients could maintain their prescriptions as long as they promptly receive the required assessments.

Mo. lawmakers ban transgender care, trans athletes from girls sports

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a business burglary.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the burglary occurred just before 2a.m. Tuesday at the Subway Restaurant in the 300 block South 5th Street in Atchison.

 Forced entry was made into the building through a window. Cash was taken. Police released no suspect information or additional details.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a business burglary.According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the burglary occurred just before 2a.m. Tuesday at the Subway Restaurant in the 300 block South 5th Street in Atchison. Forced entry was made into the building through a window. Cash was taken. Police released no suspect information or additional details.

Cash taken in restaurant burglary

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 9:30 p.m. Sunday, the Brown County law enforcement dispatch received a 911 call of reckless driver complaint westbound on U.S. 36&nbsp; near Racoon Road, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies located the vehicle matching the description was in Hiawatha and a Brown County deputy immediately&nbsp; observed a defective brake light on the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.

While investigating,&nbsp;&nbsp;the deputy detected an odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.&nbsp; He arrested 18-year-old Fazzion Rush-Pruitt 18 of St Joseph, on requested charges of Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a License, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683646412791.png" alt="Rush-Pruitt-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Rush-Pruitt-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just after 9:30 p.m. Sunday, the Brown County law enforcement dispatch received a 911 call of reckless driver complaint westbound on U.S. 36&nbsp; near Racoon Road, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Deputies located the vehicle matching the description was in Hiawatha and a Brown County deputy immediately&nbsp; observed a defective brake light on the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. While investigating,&nbsp;&nbsp;the deputy detected an odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.&nbsp; He arrested 18-year-old Fazzion Rush-Pruitt 18 of St Joseph, on requested charges of Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a License, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

St. Joseph man jailed in Kansas for alleged pot possession

Improvements at Corby Pond in St. Joseph have been completed and opportunities for fishing should soon be available once again. 

St. Joseph District Four City Councilmember Michael Grimm says a new retaining wall has been built, new docks have been installed, and new fountains have been added to Corby Pond.

Grimm says currently fish are being stocked into the pond for people to begin fishing again. 

"It won't be long," Grimm tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "You drive by there and you see kids fishing, think how great that is, cause you've got usually a dad and his son or daughter and it's pretty special, so we really wanted to get that finished and get it back operating."

The project totaled more than 1-million dollars.  Part of the funding came from the park sales tax which was passed in 2021.

The St. Joseph city park tax has been helping with improvements across the park system since being passed.

Grimm says the city is also looking to use funds to add another water feature at Hyde Park

"We have the land to put in some type of other water feature, I don't know when that will be, but it's being talked about," Grimm says. 

Improvements are also still being discussed for Krug Park.  Grimm says the parks board has hired an architect that works on different park amenities. 

"Different gardens and they're working with him now, the parks department, to lay it out the way they wanted it to be and hopefully more like it used to be," Grimm explains.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostImprovements at Corby Pond in St. Joseph have been completed and opportunities for fishing should soon be available once again. St. Joseph District Four City Councilmember Michael Grimm says a new retaining wall has been built, new docks have been installed, and new fountains have been added to Corby Pond.Grimm says currently fish are being stocked into the pond for people to begin fishing again. "It won't be long," Grimm tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "You drive by there and you see kids fishing, think how great that is, cause you've got usually a dad and his son or daughter and it's pretty special, so we really wanted to get that finished and get it back operating."The project totaled more than 1-million dollars. Part of the funding came from the park sales tax which was passed in 2021.The St. Joseph city park tax has been helping with improvements across the park system since being passed.Grimm says the city is also looking to use funds to add another water feature at Hyde Park"We have the land to put in some type of other water feature, I don't know when that will be, but it's being talked about," Grimm says. Improvements are also still being discussed for Krug Park. Grimm says the parks board has hired an architect that works on different park amenities. "Different gardens and they're working with him now, the parks department, to lay it out the way they wanted it to be and hopefully more like it used to be," Grimm explains.

Corby Pond renovations complete, improvements being discussed for other city parks

The St. Joseph Sports Commission announced the matchups for the Second Annual St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame High School Holiday Hoops Classic, which is slated December 20-22 at Civic Arena.&nbsp; 

The event features all eight Buchanan County high schools along with other local teams competing in a boys/girls doubleheader, classic style format just before Christmas.

This year's event will also be the start of a long-term title sponsorship with United Fiber, a new foundation partner of the St. Joseph Sports Commission.

“This event was very well received last year in which our goal will always be to include our county high schools along with other schools within close proximity as much as possible to put together a great experience for our student-athletes and coaches in a venue that continues to transform into a regional sports hub in the heart of our downtown which fans can conveniently attend,” said St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely in a written statement.

“We are grateful to United Fiber for their outstanding partnership and commitment not only to Holiday Hoops but the commissions’ rapidly growing event profile. Their support not only is an investment into our community but helps enhance Holiday Hoops as well as our growing event profile in creating and maintaining a first-class event experience for all involved.”

This year’s event has expanded to three days and features 14 total games.

 Day one tips off with two schools making their Holiday Hoops debut, as Mid-Buchanan faces Savannah, followed by a city rivalry, pitting Central against Lafayette. 

Day two opens with a boys/girls doubleheader between North Platte and East Atchison and concludes with Benton taking on Battle High School from Columbia. 

The third and final day features three doubleheaders with East Buchanan vs. Maysville, St. Joseph Christian vs. Dekalb and Bishop LeBlond facing North Andrew.

Ticket information will be released in late fall. All sales will be facilitated through the Civic Arena Box Office.&nbsp; Sponsorship opportunities for the event are available by contacting the sports commission.

Wednesday, December 20 3:30 PM – Mid-Buchanan vs. Savannah (Girls) 5:00 PM – Mid-Buchanan vs. Savannah (Boys) 6:30 PM – Central vs. Lafayette (Girls) 8:00 PM – Central vs. Lafayette (Boys)

Thursday, December 21 3:30 PM – North Platte vs. East Atchison (Girls) 5:00 PM – North Platte vs. East Atchison (Boys) 6:30 PM – Benton vs. Columbia Battle (Girls) 8:00 PM – Benton vs. Columbia Battle (Boys)

Friday, December 22 12:30 PM – East Buchanan vs. Maysville (Girls) 2:00 PM – East Buchanan vs. Maysville (Boys) 3:30 PM – St. Joseph Christian vs. Dekalb (Girls) 5:00 PM – St. Joseph Christian vs. Dekalb (Boys) 6:30 PM – LeBlond vs. North Andrew (Girls) 8:00 PM – LeBlond vs. North Andrew (Boys)

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671685298754.jpeg" alt="Gabe Fields and the St. Joseph Central boys faced Lafayette in the inaugural St. Joseph Sports Commission last December at Civic Arena. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Gabe Fields and the St. Joseph Central boys faced Lafayette in the inaugural St. Joseph Sports Commission last December at Civic Arena. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Sports Commission announced the matchups for the Second Annual St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame High School Holiday Hoops Classic, which is slated December 20-22 at Civic Arena.&nbsp; The event features all eight Buchanan County high schools along with other local teams competing in a boys/girls doubleheader, classic style format just before Christmas.This year's event will also be the start of a long-term title sponsorship with United Fiber, a new foundation partner of the St. Joseph Sports Commission.“This event was very well received last year in which our goal will always be to include our county high schools along with other schools within close proximity as much as possible to put together a great experience for our student-athletes and coaches in a venue that continues to transform into a regional sports hub in the heart of our downtown which fans can conveniently attend,” said St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely in a written statement.“We are grateful to United Fiber for their outstanding partnership and commitment not only to Holiday Hoops but the commissions’ rapidly growing event profile. Their support not only is an investment into our community but helps enhance Holiday Hoops as well as our growing event profile in creating and maintaining a first-class event experience for all involved.”This year’s event has expanded to three days and features 14 total games. Day one tips off with two schools making their Holiday Hoops debut, as Mid-Buchanan faces Savannah, followed by a city rivalry, pitting Central against Lafayette. Day two opens with a boys/girls doubleheader between North Platte and East Atchison and concludes with Benton taking on Battle High School from Columbia. The third and final day features three doubleheaders with East Buchanan vs. Maysville, St. Joseph Christian vs. Dekalb and Bishop LeBlond facing North Andrew.Ticket information will be released in late fall. All sales will be facilitated through the Civic Arena Box Office.&nbsp; Sponsorship opportunities for the event are available by contacting the sports commission.GAME SCHEDULE:Wednesday, December 20 3:30 PM – Mid-Buchanan vs. Savannah (Girls) 5:00 PM – Mid-Buchanan vs. Savannah (Boys) 6:30 PM – Central vs. Lafayette (Girls) 8:00 PM – Central vs. Lafayette (Boys)Thursday, December 21 3:30 PM – North Platte vs. East Atchison (Girls) 5:00 PM – North Platte vs. East Atchison (Boys) 6:30 PM – Benton vs. Columbia Battle (Girls) 8:00 PM – Benton vs. Columbia Battle (Boys)Friday, December 22 12:30 PM – East Buchanan vs. Maysville (Girls) 2:00 PM – East Buchanan vs. Maysville (Boys) 3:30 PM – St. Joseph Christian vs. Dekalb (Girls) 5:00 PM – St. Joseph Christian vs. Dekalb (Boys) 6:30 PM – LeBlond vs. North Andrew (Girls) 8:00 PM – LeBlond vs. North Andrew (Boys)You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Sports Commission announces 2023 Holiday Hoops Classic

A portion of busy
Frederick Avenue in St. Joseph will close for most of next week to allow
Missouri American Water workers to replace an aging water pipe.

Missouri American
says it is working to replace 2,725 feet of 12-inch pipe that has had several
breaks in recent years.

The intersection
of North 36th Street and Frederick Avenue will close beginning Monday,
May 15th, and will remain closed until that Thursday, the 19th,
weather permitting. The street will close 50 feet south of the
intersection. The utility advises drivers to approach the intersection with
caution.

Missouri American
has become a massive water pipe replacement project on Frederick Avenue this
year. The utility will replace 28,000 feet, or about five miles, of water pipe
that has outlived its useful life in 2023. The Frederick Avenue project is
projected to be completed this summer.

Customers can view pipe replacement projects that are
planned, in construction and recently completed on Missouri American Water’s
website <a href="https://www.amwater.com/moaw/">missouriamwater.com</a> by clicking on “Pipe Replacement Map.”   &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683650208115.jpeg" alt="Photo by Megan Watson, courtesy of Missouri American Water" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Megan Watson, courtesy of Missouri American Water</figcaption>
 </figure>A portion of busy
Frederick Avenue in St. Joseph will close for most of next week to allow
Missouri American Water workers to replace an aging water pipe.Missouri American
says it is working to replace 2,725 feet of 12-inch pipe that has had several
breaks in recent years.The intersection
of North 36th Street and Frederick Avenue will close beginning Monday,
May 15th, and will remain closed until that Thursday, the 19th,
weather permitting. The street will close 50 feet south of the
intersection. The utility advises drivers to approach the intersection with
caution.Missouri American
has become a massive water pipe replacement project on Frederick Avenue this
year. The utility will replace 28,000 feet, or about five miles, of water pipe
that has outlived its useful life in 2023. The Frederick Avenue project is
projected to be completed this summer.Customers can view pipe replacement projects that are
planned, in construction and recently completed on Missouri American Water’s
website <a href="https://www.amwater.com/moaw/">missouriamwater.com</a> by clicking on “Pipe Replacement Map.”   &nbsp;- St. Joseph Post staff

Part of Frederick Ave. in St. Joseph to close next week for pipe replacement

St.
Joseph stands to benefit greatly from the Missouri state budget approved by
lawmakers.

State
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations
Committee, says $19 million has been allocated to Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

“I
think there’s some ongoing expenses relating to the air traffic control tower,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And so, these will make needed
upgrades at Rosecrans to make sure that we are keeping the 139th
Airlift Wing up to date.”

Luetkemeyer
says the allocation demonstrates state government understands the importance of
the Air National Guard base at Rosecrans.

“It’s
critical that we make sure that the 139th Airlift Wing stays at Rosecrans
in St. Joseph and so the 19 million that I was able to get in the budget this
year is a part of that continuing effort to make sure that the 139th
stays where it is right now,” according to Luetkemeyer.

Luetekemeyer
says a strong state economy combined with an influx of federal funds from
Congress, both to offset coronavirus pandemic expenses and to stimulate the
economy, created a record state budget, totaling nearly $50 billion. The
Missouri legislature was required to allocate the federal funds this year.
Rosecrans benefited, receiving $10 million in General Revenue and $9 million in
federal funds.

The
state budget contains $6 million for Hillyard Technical School in St. Joseph.
One million dollars has been allocated to help fund creation of the Children’s
Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph. Half a million dollars will go to the
Northwest Missouri Police Foundation, which will benefit law enforcement throughout
northwest Missouri through the grants it distributes.

Both
Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph and Northwest Missouri State
University in Maryville will receive a 7% increase in their core budgets to
offset rising costs due to inflation. 

State
lawmakers have set aside $2.5 million to help fund the new Convergent
Technology Alliance Center on the Missouri Western campus the university is
building in partnership with North Central Missouri College of Trenton. Both it
and the improvements at Hillyard are designed to help youth not seeking traditional four-year college
degrees get the training needed for high-skill labor jobs.

Another
$3 million has been authorized to make further improvements to the Kansas City
Chiefs’ training camp held on the Missouri Western campus.

St.
Joseph and area schools will be aided in their search to find quality teachers
by the $3.6 billion investment in public education included in the budget as
well as the money allocated to increase the minimum public teacher pay to
$38,000.

“Missouri,
at least previously, ranked at the very bottom of teacher pay relative to all
of our other states,” according to Luetkemeyer. “And we need to make sure that when
it comes to teachers in the classroom we’re recruiting and retaining the best
and brightest teaching our kids. So that’s very important. We need to make sure
that our teachers are well paid and that they are compensated for the work that
they do.”

Luetkemeyer
is pleased with the final budget product.

“You
know, we made some historic investments in things that are going to outlive all
of us who are serving right now.”

Luetkemeyer
says with a record amount of money the legislature was able to fund some
transformational projects.

“One
of which, the one that has probably gotten the most attention, is expanding
I-70 to three lanes,” Luetkemeyer says. “That’s the main artery of traffic
through the state of Missouri. We’re a major shipping hub and there’s a lot of traffic
that goes across I-70 to transport goods and services in and out of the state
of Missouri.”

The
budget also includes $2.5 million to study the feasibility of turning Highway
36 into Interstate 72.

The
spending blueprint now goes to the desk of Gov. Mike Parson for his
consideration.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph stands to benefit greatly from the Missouri state budget approved by
lawmakers.State
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations
Committee, says $19 million has been allocated to Rosecrans Memorial Airport.“I
think there’s some ongoing expenses relating to the air traffic control tower,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And so, these will make needed
upgrades at Rosecrans to make sure that we are keeping the 139th
Airlift Wing up to date.”Luetkemeyer
says the allocation demonstrates state government understands the importance of
the Air National Guard base at Rosecrans.“It’s
critical that we make sure that the 139th Airlift Wing stays at Rosecrans
in St. Joseph and so the 19 million that I was able to get in the budget this
year is a part of that continuing effort to make sure that the 139th
stays where it is right now,” according to Luetkemeyer.Luetekemeyer
says a strong state economy combined with an influx of federal funds from
Congress, both to offset coronavirus pandemic expenses and to stimulate the
economy, created a record state budget, totaling nearly $50 billion. The
Missouri legislature was required to allocate the federal funds this year.
Rosecrans benefited, receiving $10 million in General Revenue and $9 million in
federal funds.The
state budget contains $6 million for Hillyard Technical School in St. Joseph.
One million dollars has been allocated to help fund creation of the Children’s
Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph. Half a million dollars will go to the
Northwest Missouri Police Foundation, which will benefit law enforcement throughout
northwest Missouri through the grants it distributes.Both
Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph and Northwest Missouri State
University in Maryville will receive a 7% increase in their core budgets to
offset rising costs due to inflation. State
lawmakers have set aside $2.5 million to help fund the new Convergent
Technology Alliance Center on the Missouri Western campus the university is
building in partnership with North Central Missouri College of Trenton. Both it
and the improvements at Hillyard are designed to help youth not seeking traditional four-year college
degrees get the training needed for high-skill labor jobs.Another
$3 million has been authorized to make further improvements to the Kansas City
Chiefs’ training camp held on the Missouri Western campus.St.
Joseph and area schools will be aided in their search to find quality teachers
by the $3.6 billion investment in public education included in the budget as
well as the money allocated to increase the minimum public teacher pay to
$38,000.“Missouri,
at least previously, ranked at the very bottom of teacher pay relative to all
of our other states,” according to Luetkemeyer. “And we need to make sure that when
it comes to teachers in the classroom we’re recruiting and retaining the best
and brightest teaching our kids. So that’s very important. We need to make sure
that our teachers are well paid and that they are compensated for the work that
they do.”Luetkemeyer
is pleased with the final budget product.“You
know, we made some historic investments in things that are going to outlive all
of us who are serving right now.”Luetkemeyer
says with a record amount of money the legislature was able to fund some
transformational projects.“One
of which, the one that has probably gotten the most attention, is expanding
I-70 to three lanes,” Luetkemeyer says. “That’s the main artery of traffic
through the state of Missouri. We’re a major shipping hub and there’s a lot of traffic
that goes across I-70 to transport goods and services in and out of the state
of Missouri.”The
budget also includes $2.5 million to study the feasibility of turning Highway
36 into Interstate 72.The
spending blueprint now goes to the desk of Gov. Mike Parson for his
consideration.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Newly-approved-State-Budget-has-impacts-for-St--Joseph-e23p0oo" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Record state budget means money flowing to St. Joseph

It’s no secret to anyone working in equipment manufacturing the ever-growing technician shortage is a problem poised to get a lot worse before it gets better. 

According to a 2020 report, the industry may need to fill as many as 73,500 heavy equipment technician positions by 2025. 

In addition, the report stated equipment manufacturing possesses a job opening rate three times higher than the national average. 

Among survey respondents, 95 percent agreed with the assertion there was a skills gap in the industry, while 89 percent reported a shortage of workers within their companies. 

Julie Davis, AEM Senior Director of Workforce and Industry Initiatives, says, “Equipment manufacturers can and should embrace and adopt a number of short-term and long-term strategies to set themselves up for sustained success as it relates to workforce development. 

AEM offers four tips to businesses for addressing the shortage: focus on retention, fill the talent pipeline, diversify and optimize recruitment strategies, and collaborate with others.

It’s no secret to anyone working in equipment manufacturing the ever-growing technician shortage is a problem poised to get a lot worse before it gets better. According to a 2020 report, the industry may need to fill as many as 73,500 heavy equipment technician positions by 2025. In addition, the report stated equipment manufacturing possesses a job opening rate three times higher than the national average. Among survey respondents, 95 percent agreed with the assertion there was a skills gap in the industry, while 89 percent reported a shortage of workers within their companies. Julie Davis, AEM Senior Director of Workforce and Industry Initiatives, says, “Equipment manufacturers can and should embrace and adopt a number of short-term and long-term strategies to set themselves up for sustained success as it relates to workforce development. AEM offers four tips to businesses for addressing the shortage: focus on retention, fill the talent pipeline, diversify and optimize recruitment strategies, and collaborate with others.

AEM offers ways to address the industry’s technician shortage

CALDWELL COUNTY—Canadian Pacific-Kansas City&nbsp;cleared the railroad crossing on Route A at Railroad Street in Braymer early Tuesday following the train derailment, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

A preliminary investigation indicates a CPKC train was westbound when nine rail cars derailed. All cars remained upright and were not breached. There were no injuries and no threat to public safety or the environment, according to the MSHP. Officials lifted the original evacuation order Monday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683636984074.png" alt="There were no injuries and no threat to public safety or the environment-photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>There were no injuries and no threat to public safety or the environment-photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>CALDWELL COUNTY—Canadian Pacific-Kansas City&nbsp;cleared the railroad crossing on Route A at Railroad Street in Braymer early Tuesday following the train derailment, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.A preliminary investigation indicates a CPKC train was westbound when nine rail cars derailed. All cars remained upright and were not breached. There were no injuries and no threat to public safety or the environment, according to the MSHP. Officials lifted the original evacuation order Monday evening.

CPKC clears rail crossing after derailment in Braymer

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Monday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Ford Edge driven by Alexa E. Owen, 21, Lawson, was southbound on U.S. 69 three miles north of Lawson.

The driver swerved to avoid a deer and the SUV traveled off the road.&nbsp; Lawson Fire and Rescue transported Owen to Liberty Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Monday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Ford Edge driven by Alexa E. Owen, 21, Lawson, was southbound on U.S. 69 three miles north of Lawson.The driver swerved to avoid a deer and the SUV traveled off the road.&nbsp; Lawson Fire and Rescue transported Owen to Liberty Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after she swerves to avoid a deer

HOLT COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Monday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by Thomas L. Williams, 74, Oregon, Missouri., was eastbound on MO 111 at North Chestnut Street in Forest City.

The pickup traveled off the road, struck a concrete barrier and traveled down an embankment.&nbsp;

A private vehicle transported Williams to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Monday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by Thomas L. Williams, 74, Oregon, Missouri., was eastbound on MO 111 at North Chestnut Street in Forest City.The pickup traveled off the road, struck a concrete barrier and traveled down an embankment.&nbsp;A private vehicle transported Williams to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after pickup crash

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Monday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Jeep Liberty driven by Tonya A. Butler, 46, Trenton, was southbound on 220th Avenue four miles north of Bethany.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The Jeep traveled off the right side of the road and struck a ditch.

NTA Ambulance transported Butler to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Monday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Jeep Liberty driven by Tonya A. Butler, 46, Trenton, was southbound on 220th Avenue four miles north of Bethany.The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The Jeep traveled off the right side of the road and struck a ditch.NTA Ambulance transported Butler to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after Jeep crash

Authorities are investigating a train derailment in Braymer that occurred Monday afternoon.

The incident happened near South Main Street at about 1:20 p.m.

Police evacuated downtown Braymer as a precaution, but later confirmed that no hazardous materials were spilled.

The derailment of roughly 10 train cars was blocking A Highway, which is also Main Street in Braymer. There were no injuries.

The cause of the derailment is under investigation.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAuthorities are investigating a train derailment in Braymer that occurred Monday afternoon.The incident happened near South Main Street at about 1:20 p.m.Police evacuated downtown Braymer as a precaution, but later confirmed that no hazardous materials were spilled.The derailment of roughly 10 train cars was blocking A Highway, which is also Main Street in Braymer. There were no injuries.The cause of the derailment is under investigation.

Downtown Braymer evacuated as a precaution after train derailment Monday

A 39-year-old woman has been arrested after a shooting involving a 41-year-old man on Friday night in Fairfax, Missouri.

The victim, Dee E. Duering, is in critical condition, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H.

Kristi J. Duering, of Fairfax, has been charged with first-degree domestic assault causing serious physical injury, according to Atchison County Court documents. Duering is a teacher with the Fairfax R-III School District.

Classes are running as normal at the school, and the district has counseling services available for families of the Fairfax district at 660-686-2421, according to a statement from the district.

Troop H Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating the shooting.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA 39-year-old woman has been arrested after a shooting involving a 41-year-old man on Friday night in Fairfax, Missouri.The victim, Dee E. Duering, is in critical condition, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H.Kristi J. Duering, of Fairfax, has been charged with first-degree domestic assault causing serious physical injury, according to Atchison County Court documents. Duering is a teacher with the Fairfax R-III School District.Classes are running as normal at the school, and the district has counseling services available for families of the Fairfax district at 660-686-2421, according to a statement from the district.Troop H Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating the shooting.

Woman arrested after a shooting in Fairfax Friday

Missouri American
Water customers will see a rate increase in their monthly bill.

The Missouri Public
Service Commission signed off on a rate settlement to allow Missouri American
to recoup nearly $770 million in water and wastewater system improvements made
between January of 2021 to May of 2023.

Most residential
customers, according to Missouri American, will see an increase of about $5 to
$7 in their monthly bill. Sewer bills will rise between a bit less than $1 to
$7 monthly. The new rates take effect at the end of the month.

The PSC agreed to
a settlement reached among PSC staff, the Office of the Public Counsel, the Midwest
Energy Consumers Group, the City of St. Joseph, and Consumer’s Council of
Missouri.

“We are pleased the Missouri Public Service
Commission approved the settlement, which was reached after working diligently
with the parties to balance affordability with system investments,” said Missouri
American President Rich Svindland in a written statement released by the
utility. “The settlement allows us to recover prudent investments in our treatment
plants and pipelines that benefit customers by enhancing service, reliability,
resiliency and water quality.”

Missouri American filed for the rate
increase in July of last year.

The PSC also approved customer assistance
funding. 

“While a water bill is typically one of the
lowest utility bills, we understand it’s not the only bill that customers pay,”
said Svindland. “We are proud to continue our support for our H2O Help to
Others customer assistance program and offer flexible options like installment plans
and budget billing, and to help customers facing especially difficult
circumstances like rehousing or a critical event.”

Information on customer assistance programs
can be found at <a href="https://www.amwater.com/moaw/">missouriamwater.com</a> &gt; Customer Service and Billing &gt;
Payment Assistance Options. Customers in need are also encouraged to apply for
the <a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/utility-assistance/lihwap">Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program</a>, which is a temporary federal program that
offers grants up to $750 to help with water and/or wastewater bills.&nbsp;

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri American
Water customers will see a rate increase in their monthly bill.The Missouri Public
Service Commission signed off on a rate settlement to allow Missouri American
to recoup nearly $770 million in water and wastewater system improvements made
between January of 2021 to May of 2023.Most residential
customers, according to Missouri American, will see an increase of about $5 to
$7 in their monthly bill. Sewer bills will rise between a bit less than $1 to
$7 monthly. The new rates take effect at the end of the month.The PSC agreed to
a settlement reached among PSC staff, the Office of the Public Counsel, the Midwest
Energy Consumers Group, the City of St. Joseph, and Consumer’s Council of
Missouri.“We are pleased the Missouri Public Service
Commission approved the settlement, which was reached after working diligently
with the parties to balance affordability with system investments,” said Missouri
American President Rich Svindland in a written statement released by the
utility. “The settlement allows us to recover prudent investments in our treatment
plants and pipelines that benefit customers by enhancing service, reliability,
resiliency and water quality.”Missouri American filed for the rate
increase in July of last year.The PSC also approved customer assistance
funding. “While a water bill is typically one of the
lowest utility bills, we understand it’s not the only bill that customers pay,”
said Svindland. “We are proud to continue our support for our H2O Help to
Others customer assistance program and offer flexible options like installment plans
and budget billing, and to help customers facing especially difficult
circumstances like rehousing or a critical event.”Information on customer assistance programs
can be found at <a href="https://www.amwater.com/moaw/">missouriamwater.com</a> &gt; Customer Service and Billing &gt;
Payment Assistance Options. Customers in need are also encouraged to apply for
the <a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/utility-assistance/lihwap">Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program</a>, which is a temporary federal program that
offers grants up to $750 to help with water and/or wastewater bills.&nbsp;

Missouri American wins approval to raise rates, recoup costs

America’s beef cow herd hasn’t been this small since 1962. Drought and the high cost of feed forced producers to cut their herd sizes instead of keeping animals for breeding. 

Livestock producers who fatten cattle suddenly have leverage over meatpackers as they negotiate cattle prices with organizations like Tyson Foods, JBS, and Cargill. 

U.S. News says meat processors are assessing the future of consumer demand should beef prices rise, along with cattle supplies and margins, to determine how many animals to slaughter in the months ahead. 

Cargill says it expects cattle prices will rise further and beef prices to rise as well. “The unknown factor is demand: how much will consumers be willing to pay,” says Tom Windish of Cargill. 

The amount of money that meatpackers make buying cattle and converting them to meat dropped under $40 per head in April. That’s after reaching over $700 a head in May 2020.

America’s beef cow herd hasn’t been this small since 1962. Drought and the high cost of feed forced producers to cut their herd sizes instead of keeping animals for breeding. Livestock producers who fatten cattle suddenly have leverage over meatpackers as they negotiate cattle prices with organizations like Tyson Foods, JBS, and Cargill. U.S. News says meat processors are assessing the future of consumer demand should beef prices rise, along with cattle supplies and margins, to determine how many animals to slaughter in the months ahead. Cargill says it expects cattle prices will rise further and beef prices to rise as well. “The unknown factor is demand: how much will consumers be willing to pay,” says Tom Windish of Cargill. The amount of money that meatpackers make buying cattle and converting them to meat dropped under $40 per head in April. That’s after reaching over $700 a head in May 2020.

Smaller U.S. Cattle Herd squeezing meatpacker profits

A large impact on the community that people might not know about is the number of tourists that travel in. 

Executive Director of the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau Marci Bennett says while people may not know it's large impact, tourism is the second largest industry in the state

"And it's so hard for people to realize the impact, because we're not producing boxes and widgets, and you can't count the boxes and the widgets," Bennett tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "It is bringing people into the state, into the county, to spend their money, have an excellent time, and then go home."

Bennett says in the 2022 Fiscal Year Buchanan County saw tourists spending more than $216M in the county according to the Department of Revenue

Bennett says while it's not fully back, tourism is slowly growing again.

"We have the leisure travel back, we have the sports travel back, it's the business travel that has not come back really," Bennett explains. "The business meetings and the conventions that you would have so many people are using Zoom and that kind of thing, so we've really had to supplant that with focusing more on the leisure and on the sports marketing."

Already this year the Convention and Visitors Bureau alongside the St. Joseph Sports Commission has brough the Division II Women's Elite Eight to the city. 

Later this year should bring more tourism as in December Kansas State and Missouri will play in the Inaugural Bill Snyder Classic at Civic Arena.

With the tourism industry steadily growing back following the coronavirus pandemic, and with people coming to St. Joseph, hotels are filling up. 

Bennett says the occupancy at hotels in the city has been near the top in the state.

"We have the highest occupancy and the second to the highest average daily rate, and that's two-fold, it's because we're keeping them full but because we need more inventory," Bennett says. "We need more hotels and more meeting space, and there are plans in the works right now to have some of that done."

Bennett says in order to book more events like the Division II Women's Elite Eight, it's important to get more space to draw more teams to the area.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA large impact on the community that people might not know about is the number of tourists that travel in. Executive Director of the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau Marci Bennett says while people may not know it's large impact, tourism is the second largest industry in the state"And it's so hard for people to realize the impact, because we're not producing boxes and widgets, and you can't count the boxes and the widgets," Bennett tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "It is bringing people into the state, into the county, to spend their money, have an excellent time, and then go home."Bennett says in the 2022 Fiscal Year Buchanan County saw tourists spending more than $216M in the county according to the Department of RevenueBennett says while it's not fully back, tourism is slowly growing again."We have the leisure travel back, we have the sports travel back, it's the business travel that has not come back really," Bennett explains. "The business meetings and the conventions that you would have so many people are using Zoom and that kind of thing, so we've really had to supplant that with focusing more on the leisure and on the sports marketing."Already this year the Convention and Visitors Bureau alongside the St. Joseph Sports Commission has brough the Division II Women's Elite Eight to the city. Later this year should bring more tourism as in December Kansas State and Missouri will play in the Inaugural Bill Snyder Classic at Civic Arena.With the tourism industry steadily growing back following the coronavirus pandemic, and with people coming to St. Joseph, hotels are filling up. Bennett says the occupancy at hotels in the city has been near the top in the state."We have the highest occupancy and the second to the highest average daily rate, and that's two-fold, it's because we're keeping them full but because we need more inventory," Bennett says. "We need more hotels and more meeting space, and there are plans in the works right now to have some of that done."Bennett says in order to book more events like the Division II Women's Elite Eight, it's important to get more space to draw more teams to the area.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Tourism-and-its-impact-on-Buchanan-County-and-St--Joseph-e23p0e2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Tourism bouncing back from pandemic

Last week, Oklahoma Republican Representative Josh Brecheen, himself a fourth-generation rancher, introduced the Deregulation Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen Wheelers Act. 

The bill would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from implementing any rule or regulation requiring vehicles over 26,000 pounds that are engaged in interstate commerce to be equipped with a speed-limiting device set to a maximum speed. 

In 2022, the FMSCA issued a notice of intent that it was considering rules requiring speed-limiting devices for certain large commercial vehicles.&nbsp;&nbsp;USCA Transportation Committee Chair Steve Hilker says their members are responsible for safely transporting millions of animals. 

Livestock haulers must take into consideration the welfare of their cargo, which means avoiding rough road conditions, adjusting speed, and being more aware of their surroundings to prevent animal injuries,” says Hilker.&nbsp;&nbsp;“USCA is opposed to any federal mandate that limits a driver’s autonomy over their own truck and trailer.” &nbsp;

Last week, Oklahoma Republican Representative Josh Brecheen, himself a fourth-generation rancher, introduced the Deregulation Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen Wheelers Act. The bill would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from implementing any rule or regulation requiring vehicles over 26,000 pounds that are engaged in interstate commerce to be equipped with a speed-limiting device set to a maximum speed. In 2022, the FMSCA issued a notice of intent that it was considering rules requiring speed-limiting devices for certain large commercial vehicles.&nbsp;&nbsp;USCA Transportation Committee Chair Steve Hilker says their members are responsible for safely transporting millions of animals. Livestock haulers must take into consideration the welfare of their cargo, which means avoiding rough road conditions, adjusting speed, and being more aware of their surroundings to prevent animal injuries,” says Hilker.&nbsp;&nbsp;“USCA is opposed to any federal mandate that limits a driver’s autonomy over their own truck and trailer.” &nbsp;

USCA applauds introduction of the DRIVE Act

A section of the Rock Island hiking and biking trail will be
closed for the remainder of the year to allow Evergy to rebuild an aging
transmission line.

The City of St. Joseph announced a section of the urban hiking
and biking trail between Highway 169 and Pickett Road will be closed for the
rest of the year. Property restoration is forecast to be completed in March of
next year.

Evergy plans to rebuild the line. Existing wood H-frame
structures or steel single pole structures will be replaced with new steel
single pole structures 10-to-30 feet taller than the current ones. 

Project details are available at <a href="https://www.evergy.com/stjoseph">www.evergy.com/stjoseph</a>.

A section of the Rock Island hiking and biking trail will be
closed for the remainder of the year to allow Evergy to rebuild an aging
transmission line.The City of St. Joseph announced a section of the urban hiking
and biking trail between Highway 169 and Pickett Road will be closed for the
rest of the year. Property restoration is forecast to be completed in March of
next year.Evergy plans to rebuild the line. Existing wood H-frame
structures or steel single pole structures will be replaced with new steel
single pole structures 10-to-30 feet taller than the current ones. Project details are available at <a href="https://www.evergy.com/stjoseph">www.evergy.com/stjoseph</a>.- St. Joseph Post staff

Section of Rock Island hiking&biking trail to close for utility work

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Amy Ashelford
6th Judicial Circuit Associate Circuit Judge to succeed the
Honorable Dennis Eckold, who has retired.

Ashelford, who is from Platte City, is the Platte County Assistant
Prosecuting Attorney. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from
the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and received a Juris Doctor from the
University of Missouri­–Kansas City.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Amy Ashelford
6th Judicial Circuit Associate Circuit Judge to succeed the
Honorable Dennis Eckold, who has retired.Ashelford, who is from Platte City, is the Platte County Assistant
Prosecuting Attorney. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from
the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and received a Juris Doctor from the
University of Missouri­–Kansas City.- St. Joseph Post staff

Gov. Parson appoints Ashelford as 6th Circuit Assoc. Circuit Judge

GRUNDY COUNTY—&nbsp;&nbsp;The National Weather survey team reported they found tracks from three tornadoes in northwest Missouri Saturday.

The supercell produced large hail, a few stones up to the size of baseball and softball size. In addition to the tornado damage, there were also areas of non-tornadic wind damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683543344479.png" alt="Most of the roof of the Wesley United Methodist Church in downtown Trenton was damaged-photo Grundy Co. Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Most of the roof of the Wesley United Methodist Church in downtown Trenton was damaged-photo Grundy Co. Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>GRUNDY COUNTY—&nbsp;&nbsp;The National Weather survey team reported they found tracks from three tornadoes in northwest Missouri Saturday.The supercell produced large hail, a few stones up to the size of baseball and softball size. In addition to the tornado damage, there were also areas of non-tornadic wind damage.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgrundycountymoema%2Fposts%2Fpfbid034GxDcCr7fNgewH2oVwyDfkAC4VrzPxtTZFjvR446uD5XSfEHBYv1DtSk7TQSJTTsl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="562" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>&nbsp;The tornado in Trenton started a 7:30p.m. and was rated EF-0 with peak winds of 85 mph, according to the National Weather Service.&nbsp; The first of two tornadoes in Linn County started at 8:22p.m., was rated EF-2 with peak winds of 135 mph.The second tornado in Linn County started at 8:57p.m. and was rated an EF-1 with max winds of 99 mph.Grundy County Emergency Manager Glen Briggs told KSHB television that several buildings in Trenton, about 100 miles north of Kansas City, sustained serious wind damage when the storm moved through Saturday night. Hail nearly 4-inches (10 centimeters) in diameter was also reported in the area, according to the National Weather Service.No injuries were reported.&nbsp; Most of the roof of the Wesley United Methodist Church in downtown Trenton was damaged. Pastor Steve Martin said people used tarps to cover the “big gaping holes” in the sanctuary.Briggs said at least five other structures on the west side of Trenton sustained major roof damage, and several windows were blown out of buildings downtown.Large hail and strong winds were also reported in neighboring Harrison and Daviess counties. In one case, hail penetrated the roof of a steel building in Daviess County-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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