A special challenge will be held in St. Joseph
next month with more than bragging rights at stake.

St. Joseph School District Foundation Executive
Director Julie Cobb says in this challenge, you eat and others benefit.

“The Tenderloin Challenge is a little bit of a
competition to deem St. Joe’s favorite tenderloin,” Cobb tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “Thursdays in October, a dollar from each tenderloin purchased at
participating restaurants are going to go back to relieve school lunch debt within
the district through the Foundation.”

The Tenderloin Challenge is a follow up to the
generous donation of the Central High School Class of 1976, which raised $7,000
to pay the lunch debt of St. Joseph students last year. Cobb says the class
wanted to get the entire community behind the effort this year.

“We would love to see that $7,000 raised again,”
Cobb says. “We don’t know how much is going to be incurred over the year, but it
was enough to cover it last year. We hoping that it would be enough to cover it
this year.”

The St. Joseph School District reports the school lunch debt at present is a bit more than $5,000.

More than a dozen St. Joseph area restaurants are
participating. 

“But we have several of them on board,” Cobb says.
“They’re excited. They’re excited to help the schools. They’re excited to see
the community come out and get engaged.”

Special t-shirts will also be on sale with
proceeds going to the St. Joseph School District Lunch Debt Relief Fund. Direct
donations are being accepted as well.

Click <a href="https://www.sjsdfoundation.com/">HERE</a> for the St. Joseph School District
Foundation website.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA special challenge will be held in St. Joseph
next month with more than bragging rights at stake.St. Joseph School District Foundation Executive
Director Julie Cobb says in this challenge, you eat and others benefit.“The Tenderloin Challenge is a little bit of a
competition to deem St. Joe’s favorite tenderloin,” Cobb tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “Thursdays in October, a dollar from each tenderloin purchased at
participating restaurants are going to go back to relieve school lunch debt within
the district through the Foundation.”The Tenderloin Challenge is a follow up to the
generous donation of the Central High School Class of 1976, which raised $7,000
to pay the lunch debt of St. Joseph students last year. Cobb says the class
wanted to get the entire community behind the effort this year.“We would love to see that $7,000 raised again,”
Cobb says. “We don’t know how much is going to be incurred over the year, but it
was enough to cover it last year. We hoping that it would be enough to cover it
this year.”The St. Joseph School District reports the school lunch debt at present is a bit more than $5,000.More than a dozen St. Joseph area restaurants are
participating. “But we have several of them on board,” Cobb says.
“They’re excited. They’re excited to help the schools. They’re excited to see
the community come out and get engaged.”Special t-shirts will also be on sale with
proceeds going to the St. Joseph School District Lunch Debt Relief Fund. Direct
donations are being accepted as well.Click <a href="https://www.sjsdfoundation.com/">HERE</a> for the St. Joseph School District
Foundation website.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/The-Tenderloin-Challenge-e29gvp5" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Participating restaurants are:D&amp;G PUB &amp; GRUB BREW HAUSPOP’S PLACE BAR &amp; GRILLHIHO BAR &amp; GRILLNORTYS BAR &amp; GRILLFREDERICK INNJAKE’S STEAKHOUSE &amp; SPORTS BARBOB’S FISHING LAKEFIRST WARD HOUSEBIGGINS SPORTSBAR &amp; GRILLLISA’S ROADSIDE DINERBETTY’S CAFEPAPPY’S GRILL &amp; PUBRC’S LUNCH CARADAM’S BAR &amp; GRILLB&amp;B RUNWAY CAFE JOYCE RAE PATTERSON SR. CENTER

Tenderloin Challenge to help offset St. Joseph student lunch debt

Numbers of COVID-19 cases around the United States have risen as a new strain of the virus effects the country. . . And it’s no different in Doniphan County. &nbsp;

Health Department Director Sheryl Pierce says while she does not have an exact number, she does know that cases in the county are high. &nbsp;

"I absolutely do know that we've had people call because thankfully there are still some people that are still concerned about COVID, they call us and ask a lot of questions," Pierce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We're still asking that you have that 1o day isolation period, five days complete isolation not around anybody, day six if you're fever free for 24 hours and have a negative antigen test then wear a mask for the next five days."&nbsp;

Pierce says a new monovalent vaccine will replace the current bivalent one. &nbsp;

Pierce says the new vaccine will operate much like getting a flu shot.&nbsp;

"Every year then you'll end up getting a flu shot and then whatever strain of that COVID they've scientifically figured is the most prevalent, you'll be getting that one too," Pierce says. "Maybe down the road you'll see them combined with maybe RSV, but that's many years away yet."&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Numbers of COVID-19 cases around the United States have risen as a new strain of the virus effects the country. . . And it’s no different in Doniphan County. &nbsp;Health Department Director Sheryl Pierce says while she does not have an exact number, she does know that cases in the county are high. &nbsp;"I absolutely do know that we've had people call because thankfully there are still some people that are still concerned about COVID, they call us and ask a lot of questions," Pierce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We're still asking that you have that 1o day isolation period, five days complete isolation not around anybody, day six if you're fever free for 24 hours and have a negative antigen test then wear a mask for the next five days."&nbsp;Pierce says a new monovalent vaccine will replace the current bivalent one. &nbsp;Pierce says the new vaccine will operate much like getting a flu shot.&nbsp;"Every year then you'll end up getting a flu shot and then whatever strain of that COVID they've scientifically figured is the most prevalent, you'll be getting that one too," Pierce says. "Maybe down the road you'll see them combined with maybe RSV, but that's many years away yet."&nbsp;

Prevalent strain of coronavirus causing numbers to rise in Doniphan County

American ethanol organizations like the U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on sustainable aviation fuel. 

When it comes to global actions to decarbonize the aviation transportation sector using Sustainable Aviation Fuel, the industry wants to encourage the use of updated carbon-intensity scoring in the GREET model. 

They don’t want scoring used in the CORSIA model for corn-based ethanol SAF. 

The letter says, “We strongly support adopting the DOE’s GREET Model as the standard for carbon intensity scoring of conventional aviation fuels and SAF. 

The latest GREET model relies on the most current information and highest-resolution data regarding the energy use, carbon emissions, and potential land use impacts associated with the corn ethanol-based SAF process.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The letter also says GREET allows the Treasury to unlock the full potential of agriculture to meet the growing global aviation industry SAF demand.

American ethanol organizations like the U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on sustainable aviation fuel. When it comes to global actions to decarbonize the aviation transportation sector using Sustainable Aviation Fuel, the industry wants to encourage the use of updated carbon-intensity scoring in the GREET model. They don’t want scoring used in the CORSIA model for corn-based ethanol SAF. The letter says, “We strongly support adopting the DOE’s GREET Model as the standard for carbon intensity scoring of conventional aviation fuels and SAF. The latest GREET model relies on the most current information and highest-resolution data regarding the energy use, carbon emissions, and potential land use impacts associated with the corn ethanol-based SAF process.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The letter also says GREET allows the Treasury to unlock the full potential of agriculture to meet the growing global aviation industry SAF demand.- NAFB

Ethanol industry supports GREET model for scientific emissions accuracy

Iowa Secretary of Ag Mike Naig announced the new Livestock Protection Innovation Grant Program. 

The program will provide grant funding to assist Iowa-based companies in the development of safe and effective vaccines that may help protect livestock from foreign animal diseases. 

“Protecting Iowa’s nation-leading livestock industry from devastating foreign animal diseases is enormously important to the farm families and local communities that benefit from its 13-billion-dollar impact,” Naig says. 

“Vaccine development is one of the many steps we are taking to help safeguard our farm animals because it’s important to have tools available to effectively respond to disease and protect our food supply.” 

The Iowa Legislature, with support from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, appropriated $250,000 for livestock vaccine development within Iowa during the last legislative session. 

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is working in collaboration with many stakeholders and officials to swiftly respond to any threat. &nbsp;

Iowa Secretary of Ag Mike Naig announced the new Livestock Protection Innovation Grant Program. The program will provide grant funding to assist Iowa-based companies in the development of safe and effective vaccines that may help protect livestock from foreign animal diseases. “Protecting Iowa’s nation-leading livestock industry from devastating foreign animal diseases is enormously important to the farm families and local communities that benefit from its 13-billion-dollar impact,” Naig says. “Vaccine development is one of the many steps we are taking to help safeguard our farm animals because it’s important to have tools available to effectively respond to disease and protect our food supply.” The Iowa Legislature, with support from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, appropriated $250,000 for livestock vaccine development within Iowa during the last legislative session. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is working in collaboration with many stakeholders and officials to swiftly respond to any threat. &nbsp;- NAFB

Iowa announces grant opportunity for new livestock vaccines

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashlynnperez/">ASHLYNN PEREZ</a>

Within 24 hours of posting, a Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services tweet posted Wednesday racked up over 250,000 views and 140 comments: a staggering difference from their usual engagement.

The same messaging did numbers on Facebook as well, with over 140 comments and 50 shares by Friday.

So, what accounts for this sudden spike in engagement and higher numbers than DHSS has seen in a year?

“COVID vaccines will be available in Missouri soon, if you’re in to that sort of thing,” the tweet read. “If not, just keep scrolling!”

Two short sentences fanned the flame of a deep divide over COVID-19 vaccines. The new vaccine, approved by the CDC last week, is expected to be available in Missouri soon and aims to dampen the effects of the current viral surge in the U.S.

X, formerly known as Twitter, users took quickly to the comments. Some lauded the government agency for its “honest” and “laid-back” approach, while others expressed anger that the issue of COVID-19 vaccines seemed to be taken lightly by DHSS, calling the tweet “disappointing” and “ridiculous.”

“Passive-aggressive much?” one user commented. “Snark doesnt&nbsp;translate when it comes to public health. Do better. Commit to your core beliefs.”

The same post was divisive on Facebook, too. One user responded, “This isn’t a comedy special,” while another user posted a meme with a depiction of former chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci and the text, “The same snakes that are selling the panic are selling the cure.”

“I want to take a moment to address our social media messaging announcing the recommendations for this season’s COVID-19 vaccine,” DHSS spokesperson Lisa Cox&nbsp;said in a recent note sent to local public health agencies. “I know there have been mixed feelings on the messaging, which was anticipated, but I wanted to explain why this approach was used.”

In her note, Cox dubbed the department’s social media strategy as “tongue in cheek” and admitted that they took a risk with this tactic. She said that the goal of this course of action was to meet Missouri’s social media users where they are — whether that be the pro-vaccine or the anti-vaccine community.

“We tried something different, showed the human side of government and surprised people,” Cox continued in the note. “Today, more people are talking about the COVID vaccine because of it.”

Cox also cited “COVID fatigue” in the note, a phenomenon caused by extended media messaging on the vaccine.

“We are all aware that vaccine messaging has become increasingly difficult over the years, and I would argue that this fall we are facing the toughest time to date,” Cox said in the note. “People are beyond COVID-fatigued. In recent weeks, as respiratory illness cases have increased (as predicted for this time of year), the noise on social media has amplified.”

Georges Benjamin is the executive director of the American Public Health Association. APHA is a Washington D.C. advocacy group for public health professionals, dedicated to improving the health of the public and achieving equity in health status. Benjamin has worked as a state health department official; he started at APHA in 2002 after working as secretary of the Maryland Department of Health.

“Whether you’re a politician, you work for the government, or if you’re a health person that doesn’t work for the government, your job is to protect the public’s good,” Benjamin said. “Clearly, we think that promoting this vaccine is a strong public health measure, and that’s how we support it.”

Cox and Benjamin both agree that medicine and public health are not and should not be political, but political debates surrounding COVID-19 vaccines are still circulating on social media in Missouri, four months after the disease was no longer categorized as a health emergency and amid an uptick in cases.

“Are we going to please everyone? Never,” Cox said in her note. “Will the negative comments stop on social? Also never. But we will keep sharing the facts and keep recommending public health measures. It just might not always look how the government has always done it.”

This story originally appeared in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/covid19/controversial-covid-vaccine-post-from-dhss-sparks-backlash-on-social-media/article_b593d0a6-53e2-11ee-ab2f-f7fd6f382bd1.html#tncms-source=Top%20Story">the Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649633006948.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashlynnperez/">ASHLYNN PEREZ</a>Within 24 hours of posting, a Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services tweet posted Wednesday racked up over 250,000 views and 140 comments: a staggering difference from their usual engagement.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">COVID vaccines will be available in Missouri soon, if you&#39;re in to that sort of thing. If not, just keep scrolling! <a href="https://t.co/OGbIdh0CHG">pic.twitter.com/OGbIdh0CHG</a>&mdash; Missouri Department of Health &amp; Senior Services (@HealthyLivingMo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HealthyLivingMo/status/1702071127017725981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The same messaging did numbers on Facebook as well, with over 140 comments and 50 shares by Friday.So, what accounts for this sudden spike in engagement and higher numbers than DHSS has seen in a year?“COVID vaccines will be available in Missouri soon, if you’re in to that sort of thing,” the tweet read. “If not, just keep scrolling!”Two short sentences fanned the flame of a deep divide over COVID-19 vaccines. The new vaccine, approved by the CDC last week, is expected to be available in Missouri soon and aims to dampen the effects of the current viral surge in the U.S.X, formerly known as Twitter, users took quickly to the comments. Some lauded the government agency for its “honest” and “laid-back” approach, while others expressed anger that the issue of COVID-19 vaccines seemed to be taken lightly by DHSS, calling the tweet “disappointing” and “ridiculous.”“Passive-aggressive much?” one user commented. “Snark doesnt&nbsp;translate when it comes to public health. Do better. Commit to your core beliefs.”The same post was divisive on Facebook, too. One user responded, “This isn’t a comedy special,” while another user posted a meme with a depiction of former chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci and the text, “The same snakes that are selling the panic are selling the cure.”“I want to take a moment to address our social media messaging announcing the recommendations for this season’s COVID-19 vaccine,” DHSS spokesperson Lisa Cox&nbsp;said in a recent note sent to local public health agencies. “I know there have been mixed feelings on the messaging, which was anticipated, but I wanted to explain why this approach was used.”In her note, Cox dubbed the department’s social media strategy as “tongue in cheek” and admitted that they took a risk with this tactic. She said that the goal of this course of action was to meet Missouri’s social media users where they are — whether that be the pro-vaccine or the anti-vaccine community.“We tried something different, showed the human side of government and surprised people,” Cox continued in the note. “Today, more people are talking about the COVID vaccine because of it.”Cox also cited “COVID fatigue” in the note, a phenomenon caused by extended media messaging on the vaccine.“We are all aware that vaccine messaging has become increasingly difficult over the years, and I would argue that this fall we are facing the toughest time to date,” Cox said in the note. “People are beyond COVID-fatigued. In recent weeks, as respiratory illness cases have increased (as predicted for this time of year), the noise on social media has amplified.”Georges Benjamin is the executive director of the American Public Health Association. APHA is a Washington D.C. advocacy group for public health professionals, dedicated to improving the health of the public and achieving equity in health status. Benjamin has worked as a state health department official; he started at APHA in 2002 after working as secretary of the Maryland Department of Health.“Whether you’re a politician, you work for the government, or if you’re a health person that doesn’t work for the government, your job is to protect the public’s good,” Benjamin said. “Clearly, we think that promoting this vaccine is a strong public health measure, and that’s how we support it.”Cox and Benjamin both agree that medicine and public health are not and should not be political, but political debates surrounding COVID-19 vaccines are still circulating on social media in Missouri, four months after the disease was no longer categorized as a health emergency and amid an uptick in cases.“Are we going to please everyone? Never,” Cox said in her note. “Will the negative comments stop on social? Also never. But we will keep sharing the facts and keep recommending public health measures. It just might not always look how the government has always done it.”This story originally appeared in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/covid19/controversial-covid-vaccine-post-from-dhss-sparks-backlash-on-social-media/article_b593d0a6-53e2-11ee-ab2f-f7fd6f382bd1.html#tncms-source=Top%20Story">the Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

COVID vaccine post from Mo. health department sparks backlash on social media

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

A disability-rights advocate pleaded with Missouri mental health officials Thursday not to implement a policy change that could freeze pay rates for at-home caregivers relied upon by more than 3,000 individuals around the state.

At issue is a decision by the Missouri Department of Mental Health to change how it calculates rates for a program called self-directed supports. The department also has moved to exclude the program from a funding increase for caregivers approved by the legislature this year.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/programs/self-directed-supports">program</a>&nbsp;allows Missourians with severe developmental disabilities to receive at-home care funded through Medicaid — and for the caregivers to be directly hired, trained and managed by someone close to them, often a family member. Families who use the program say the change caught them by surprise and lacked transparency.

“These recent actions are insulting and discriminatory to our families,”&nbsp;Larry Opinsky, steering committee member of an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://stladvocate.com/sds-family-support-group/">advocacy group</a>&nbsp;that represents over 700 Missouri families utilizing the program, testified Thursday to the Mental Health Commission.

“The proposal to freeze the [self-directed supports] rates at last year’s levels is not acceptable for any reason,” Opinsky said.

<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/31/missouri-advocates-decry-proposed-change-to-at-home-disability-care-funding/">Many families&nbsp;</a>herald the program as granting them autonomy to provide the care best tailored to their loved one, and avoid needing to place them in residential treatment.&nbsp;

Opinsky’s testimony comes&nbsp;after public comment periods for the changes&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/sites/dmh/files/media/pdf/2023/08/blast9csr453080.pdf">have</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://moddcouncil.org/attention-public-comment-duesunday-aug-13-2023-for-the-mo-healthnet-home-and-community-based-services-hcbs-waiver/">closed</a>&nbsp;and as the state awaits federal approval to implement the new policies. He&nbsp;argued families still haven’t been included in discussions or received an adequate response to their concerns from state officials.&nbsp;

He called Thursday’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/about/commission">mental health commission</a>&nbsp;meeting — a monthly meeting for department officials to update seven members of an advisory committee — the “only remaining avenue our stakeholders have to officially be recognized.”

In an email Wednesday to The Independent, the department’s spokeswoman said the state continues to solicit input on the changes.&nbsp;

The department “has had multiple conversations with advocates, families, and other stakeholders throughout the informal public comment period regarding the proposed amendments,” said Debra Walker, spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health.

“Specifically, there have been direct conversations with Mr. Opinsky about [self-directed supports] rates,” Walker said.

Angie Brenner,&nbsp;deputy division director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, confirmed at the meeting Thursday that the agency submitted an amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Studies and is awaiting approval.

Walker’s email, more than two weeks after The Independent submitted questions, acknowledged a rationale for the changes: cost.&nbsp;

Home health companies — businesses which employ caregivers — incur overhead costs that self-directed&nbsp;supports&nbsp;do not, and so should receive a lower rate, she said.&nbsp;

“The provider agency rates include costs that an agency incurs to run its business,” she said, including payroll processing systems, employee related expenses like human resources, office expenses and supplies and building and utilities costs.

In self-directed supports, someone called a designated representative, often a family member, is in charge of overseeing staff, including recruiting, hiring, training and supervising them, and has the flexibility of choosing how to allocate a yearly budget. They are not paid for the administrative work.

To determine a new rate for self-directed&nbsp;supports,&nbsp;the department will initiate a rate study this fall, Walker said. That&nbsp;will determine what amount is needed to fully fund the program.&nbsp;

The rate study will let the department standardize rates, Walker said, “thereby preventing a situation of preferential treatment with regard to funding for any specific service type or model,” and will include opportunities for feedback.

Advocates question why the rate study didn’t precede the decision to change the rates — and say it’s not a given that they should get less money than their agency equivalents.

The regulation change “is not appropriate without a prior rate study,” Opinsky told The Independent.

There was a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/media/pdf/2022-hcbs-rate-study-stakeholder-meeting-presentation-111022">rate study last year&nbsp;</a>the state conducted to determine average wages for staff serving home and community-based health services — but the survey did not evaluate self-directed services.

Some advocates believe that self-directed services actually save the state money because family members do the administrative work for free and it prevents some individuals from needing more-expensive institutionalized care. They also say they need to pay higher wages than agencies because they cannot provide any benefits or insurance to their employees.

And the state’s program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://manuals.momed.com/collections/collection_archive/collection_dmh/Print_03012021.pdf">manual</a>&nbsp;notes an overall cost of services decrease is part of the premise of the program.

“As an advocate seeing one group treated differently than another, it appears that there’s discrimination taking place, as there’s no other reason given,” Opinsky said. “As a parent, it feels like I’m being treated differently solely because my daughter chooses to utilize (self-directed supports.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694973420534.png" alt="Missouri’s Department of Mental Health building in Jefferson City, as photographed Thursday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri’s Department of Mental Health building in Jefferson City, as photographed Thursday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By CLARA BATES,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A disability-rights advocate pleaded with Missouri mental health officials Thursday not to implement a policy change that could freeze pay rates for at-home caregivers relied upon by more than 3,000 individuals around the state.At issue is a decision by the Missouri Department of Mental Health to change how it calculates rates for a program called self-directed supports. The department also has moved to exclude the program from a funding increase for caregivers approved by the legislature this year.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/programs/self-directed-supports">program</a>&nbsp;allows Missourians with severe developmental disabilities to receive at-home care funded through Medicaid — and for the caregivers to be directly hired, trained and managed by someone close to them, often a family member. Families who use the program say the change caught them by surprise and lacked transparency.“These recent actions are insulting and discriminatory to our families,”&nbsp;Larry Opinsky, steering committee member of an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://stladvocate.com/sds-family-support-group/">advocacy group</a>&nbsp;that represents over 700 Missouri families utilizing the program, testified Thursday to the Mental Health Commission.“The proposal to freeze the [self-directed supports] rates at last year’s levels is not acceptable for any reason,” Opinsky said.<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/31/missouri-advocates-decry-proposed-change-to-at-home-disability-care-funding/">Many families&nbsp;</a>herald the program as granting them autonomy to provide the care best tailored to their loved one, and avoid needing to place them in residential treatment.&nbsp;Opinsky’s testimony comes&nbsp;after public comment periods for the changes&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/sites/dmh/files/media/pdf/2023/08/blast9csr453080.pdf">have</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://moddcouncil.org/attention-public-comment-duesunday-aug-13-2023-for-the-mo-healthnet-home-and-community-based-services-hcbs-waiver/">closed</a>&nbsp;and as the state awaits federal approval to implement the new policies. He&nbsp;argued families still haven’t been included in discussions or received an adequate response to their concerns from state officials.&nbsp;He called Thursday’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/about/commission">mental health commission</a>&nbsp;meeting — a monthly meeting for department officials to update seven members of an advisory committee — the “only remaining avenue our stakeholders have to officially be recognized.”In an email Wednesday to The Independent, the department’s spokeswoman said the state continues to solicit input on the changes.&nbsp;The department “has had multiple conversations with advocates, families, and other stakeholders throughout the informal public comment period regarding the proposed amendments,” said Debra Walker, spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health.“Specifically, there have been direct conversations with Mr. Opinsky about [self-directed supports] rates,” Walker said.Angie Brenner,&nbsp;deputy division director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, confirmed at the meeting Thursday that the agency submitted an amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Studies and is awaiting approval.<h2>Questions about true cost</h2>Walker’s email, more than two weeks after The Independent submitted questions, acknowledged a rationale for the changes: cost.&nbsp;Home health companies — businesses which employ caregivers — incur overhead costs that self-directed&nbsp;supports&nbsp;do not, and so should receive a lower rate, she said.&nbsp;“The provider agency rates include costs that an agency incurs to run its business,” she said, including payroll processing systems, employee related expenses like human resources, office expenses and supplies and building and utilities costs.In self-directed supports, someone called a designated representative, often a family member, is in charge of overseeing staff, including recruiting, hiring, training and supervising them, and has the flexibility of choosing how to allocate a yearly budget. They are not paid for the administrative work.To determine a new rate for self-directed&nbsp;supports,&nbsp;the department will initiate a rate study this fall, Walker said. That&nbsp;will determine what amount is needed to fully fund the program.&nbsp;The rate study will let the department standardize rates, Walker said, “thereby preventing a situation of preferential treatment with regard to funding for any specific service type or model,” and will include opportunities for feedback.Advocates question why the rate study didn’t precede the decision to change the rates — and say it’s not a given that they should get less money than their agency equivalents.The regulation change “is not appropriate without a prior rate study,” Opinsky told The Independent.There was a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dmh.mo.gov/media/pdf/2022-hcbs-rate-study-stakeholder-meeting-presentation-111022">rate study last year&nbsp;</a>the state conducted to determine average wages for staff serving home and community-based health services — but the survey did not evaluate self-directed services.Some advocates believe that self-directed services actually save the state money because family members do the administrative work for free and it prevents some individuals from needing more-expensive institutionalized care. They also say they need to pay higher wages than agencies because they cannot provide any benefits or insurance to their employees.And the state’s program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://manuals.momed.com/collections/collection_archive/collection_dmh/Print_03012021.pdf">manual</a>&nbsp;notes an overall cost of services decrease is part of the premise of the program.“As an advocate seeing one group treated differently than another, it appears that there’s discrimination taking place, as there’s no other reason given,” Opinsky said. “As a parent, it feels like I’m being treated differently solely because my daughter chooses to utilize (self-directed supports.”

Mo. mental health department urged to abandon at-home care funding freeze

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Equinox driven by Judith K. Williams, 57, Atchison, Kan. was southbound on U.S. 59 seven miles south of St. Joseph.

The SUV struck the passenger side of a 2002 Dodge 1500 driven by Clinton D. Pine, 46, Platte City, who was broken down in the middle of the road.

Pine and an occupant were outside the pickup at the time of the crash. The impact forced the pickup into Pike and the occupant.

Buchanan County EMS transported Pike, a 13-year-old Platte City boy and Williams to Mosaic Life Care. Williams was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Equinox driven by Judith K. Williams, 57, Atchison, Kan. was southbound on U.S. 59 seven miles south of St. Joseph.The SUV struck the passenger side of a 2002 Dodge 1500 driven by Clinton D. Pine, 46, Platte City, who was broken down in the middle of the road.Pine and an occupant were outside the pickup at the time of the crash. The impact forced the pickup into Pike and the occupant.Buchanan County EMS transported Pike, a 13-year-old Platte City boy and Williams to Mosaic Life Care. Williams was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

3 hospitalized after SUV strikes disabled  pickup in Buchanan Co.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/alysepfeil/">ALYSE PFEIL</a>&nbsp;

“This time next year,” construction will begin on a 20-mile stretch of Interstate 70 that runs from&nbsp;U.S. 63 in Columbia to Kingdom City.

That’s what Missouri Department of Transportation officials told state lawmakers at a committee hearing Wednesday at the Capitol.

Eric Schroeter, assistant chief engineer, and Eric Kopinski, Improve I-70 program director, shared the transportation department’s vision for rebuilding 200 miles of interstate highway, which they estimate will take five to seven years.

Construction will be broken up into&nbsp;six projects, the first being the stretch from Columbia to Kingdom City. According to a tentative project schedule&nbsp;posted online, the sixth project will be a stretch of highway from Marshall to Columbia.

Contracts for each of the six projects will be awarded one at a time. Each project will be approximately 20 to 50 miles long, and the contract values will be between $300 million and $600 million, according to the presentation.

The initial phase of the bidding process for the first project is underway, and MoDOT will select an initial shortlist of design-build teams in the next two to three weeks, Kopinski said in an interview. MoDOT expects to announce the final contract award at the February meeting of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.

Bidding for the second project will begin after the contract for the first project is awarded. Once the contract for the second project is awarded, bidding for the third project will begin.

Several senators raised concerns about the accuracy of the $2.8 billion project cost estimate and the impact of future inflation on costs.

Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, said he was concerned about a scenario where “we rip up the highway” but then unexpectedly don’t have enough money to complete construction.

Kopinski said part of the justification for breaking up the highway rebuild into six projects is to monitor costs.

Aside from a competitive $300 million federal grant MoDOT is applying for, Missouri has already allocated all available federal transportation funding, Schroeter said.

Kopinski said “a centralized group” at MoDOT will lead the project along with three district teams in Kansas City, central Missouri and St. Louis.

This story originally appeared in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/modot-presents-i-70-expansion-roadmap-to-lawmakers/article_24d4dff4-5259-11ee-a0b7-afbb13b23a02.html">the Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674082566224.png" alt="The initial phase of the bidding process for the first project is underway, and MoDOT will select an initial shortlist of design-build teams in the next two to three weeks-photo KC Scout" />
 <figcaption>The initial phase of the bidding process for the first project is underway, and MoDOT will select an initial shortlist of design-build teams in the next two to three weeks-photo KC Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/alysepfeil/">ALYSE PFEIL</a>&nbsp;“This time next year,” construction will begin on a 20-mile stretch of Interstate 70 that runs from&nbsp;U.S. 63 in Columbia to Kingdom City.That’s what Missouri Department of Transportation officials told state lawmakers at a committee hearing Wednesday at the Capitol.Eric Schroeter, assistant chief engineer, and Eric Kopinski, Improve I-70 program director, shared the transportation department’s vision for rebuilding 200 miles of interstate highway, which they estimate will take five to seven years.Construction will be broken up into&nbsp;six projects, the first being the stretch from Columbia to Kingdom City. According to a tentative project schedule&nbsp;posted online, the sixth project will be a stretch of highway from Marshall to Columbia.Contracts for each of the six projects will be awarded one at a time. Each project will be approximately 20 to 50 miles long, and the contract values will be between $300 million and $600 million, according to the presentation.The initial phase of the bidding process for the first project is underway, and MoDOT will select an initial shortlist of design-build teams in the next two to three weeks, Kopinski said in an interview. MoDOT expects to announce the final contract award at the February meeting of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.Bidding for the second project will begin after the contract for the first project is awarded. Once the contract for the second project is awarded, bidding for the third project will begin.Several senators raised concerns about the accuracy of the $2.8 billion project cost estimate and the impact of future inflation on costs.Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, said he was concerned about a scenario where “we rip up the highway” but then unexpectedly don’t have enough money to complete construction.Kopinski said part of the justification for breaking up the highway rebuild into six projects is to monitor costs.Aside from a competitive $300 million federal grant MoDOT is applying for, Missouri has already allocated all available federal transportation funding, Schroeter said.Kopinski said “a centralized group” at MoDOT will lead the project along with three district teams in Kansas City, central Missouri and St. Louis.This story originally appeared in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/modot-presents-i-70-expansion-roadmap-to-lawmakers/article_24d4dff4-5259-11ee-a0b7-afbb13b23a02.html">the Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Transportation officials present I-70 expansion roadmap to lawmakers

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Friday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy 2500 driven by Donald W. Summer, 73, Lathrop, was eastbound on MO 116 one mile east of Plattsburg.&nbsp;

The driver suffered a medical emergency and failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup traveled off the north side of the road, crossed a private road and struck a road sign. The towed unit of the pickup became detached and landed in the middle of the road. The pickup continued southbound across MO 116 and struck a building.

Tri-County ambulance transported Summer to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Friday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy 2500 driven by Donald W. Summer, 73, Lathrop, was eastbound on MO 116 one mile east of Plattsburg.&nbsp;The driver suffered a medical emergency and failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup traveled off the north side of the road, crossed a private road and struck a road sign. The towed unit of the pickup became detached and landed in the middle of the road. The pickup continued southbound across MO 116 and struck a building.Tri-County ambulance transported Summer to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Mo. driver injured in violent crash after he suffers medical emergency

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Friday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Kenneth M. Sangren, 82, Egan, Minnesota, was southbound south the Ramp to Interstate 29 one half mile south of Rock Port.

The Jeep traveled into the path of a southbound 2024 Freightliner semi driven by Jeffrey L. Bowen, 49, Omaha.&nbsp; The semi struck the drivers side of the Jeep.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Sangren to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Bowen was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Friday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Kenneth M. Sangren, 82, Egan, Minnesota, was southbound south the Ramp to Interstate 29 one half mile south of Rock Port.The Jeep traveled into the path of a southbound 2024 Freightliner semi driven by Jeffrey L. Bowen, 49, Omaha.&nbsp; The semi struck the drivers side of the Jeep.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Sangren to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Bowen was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Man hospitalized in St. Joe after Jeep, semi crash

Seven of St. Joseph's historic architectural jewels will be shown off during an annual tour this weekend. &nbsp;

The sixth annual Jewels of St. Joseph Homes tour will once again draw in hundreds of people from around the region to see historic architecture.&nbsp;

Owner of the Shakespeare Chateau Isobel McGowan says the event is always popular. &nbsp;

"We sold out again this year, we sell out just about every year I think the only year we didn't sell out we had some bad weather that was predicted and in fact came around, so we didn't sell as many tickets that year, but we sold 650 this year," McGowan tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;

The homes tour will show off five historic homes with the tour running from 10am to 5pm&nbsp;

McGowan says with that timeframe people on the tour should be able to visit every site on display.&nbsp;

"With seven homes over a seven-hour period most people are able to get into all of the seven locations and learn a little bit," McGowan explains. "We always have some volunteers who are dressed up in period costume, everybody likes to have their picture taken with that, and it's just a fun day."&nbsp;

Walkers on the tour will also have an opportunity to visit the historic Trail Theatre and the First Christian Church downtown. &nbsp;

This year's tour is sold out so interested people should keep an eye out for next year's event. &nbsp;

McGowan says the event every year draws in hundreds of people from around the region.&nbsp;

"My facility is sold out the night before, it brings in lots of economic interest and vitality into our downtown area," McGowan says. "This year we've actually got a list in the tour booklet of locations in downtown, restaurants and shops that are going to be open on tour day, so it's a win-win-win situation, everybody wins."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694806021555.jpeg" alt="CD Smith House, 718 North 7th Street/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>CD Smith House, 718 North 7th Street/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Seven of St. Joseph's historic architectural jewels will be shown off during an annual tour this weekend. &nbsp;The sixth annual Jewels of St. Joseph Homes tour will once again draw in hundreds of people from around the region to see historic architecture.&nbsp;Owner of the Shakespeare Chateau Isobel McGowan says the event is always popular. &nbsp;"We sold out again this year, we sell out just about every year I think the only year we didn't sell out we had some bad weather that was predicted and in fact came around, so we didn't sell as many tickets that year, but we sold 650 this year," McGowan tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;The homes tour will show off five historic homes with the tour running from 10am to 5pm&nbsp;McGowan says with that timeframe people on the tour should be able to visit every site on display.&nbsp;"With seven homes over a seven-hour period most people are able to get into all of the seven locations and learn a little bit," McGowan explains. "We always have some volunteers who are dressed up in period costume, everybody likes to have their picture taken with that, and it's just a fun day."&nbsp;Walkers on the tour will also have an opportunity to visit the historic Trail Theatre and the First Christian Church downtown. &nbsp;This year's tour is sold out so interested people should keep an eye out for next year's event. &nbsp;McGowan says the event every year draws in hundreds of people from around the region.&nbsp;"My facility is sold out the night before, it brings in lots of economic interest and vitality into our downtown area," McGowan says. "This year we've actually got a list in the tour booklet of locations in downtown, restaurants and shops that are going to be open on tour day, so it's a win-win-win situation, everybody wins."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694806056706.jpeg" alt="Cooper-Heaton House, 2028 Clay Street/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cooper-Heaton House, 2028 Clay Street/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Annual homes tour shows off historic jewels of St. Joseph

A senior officer with the Buchanan County
Sheriff’s Department says the department still struggles to fill positions,
though the law enforcement sales tax passed by voters in 2021 has helped.

Buchanan County Chief Deputy Mike Donaldson says
the national mood that turned against law enforcement the past few years, sparking
the Defund the Police movement, prompted some in the profession to retire
early.

“With a lot of the negativity, anyone who was
eligible or close to being eligible decided, hey this might be good time for me
to just go ahead and leave. It’s just not worth all the negativity to stay
around,” Donaldson tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And, again, if
they had the ability to retire there were several people that took that option.”

Donaldson says the department is grateful
Buchanan County residents back law enforcement as seen by the 77% support given
the law enforcement sales tax at the ballot box.

Donaldson says the department is looking to fill
both commissioned and non-commissioned positions. Donaldson says testing the
stress tolerance of an applicant is now part of the process the department uses
in recruiting officers.

Donaldson says law enforcement is a fulfilling,
but stressful career. And while mental health care has been available to
officers in the past, annual evaluations now are mandated by the state of
Missouri. Donaldson says the mandate overcomes a hesitancy to seek help that
officers often had in the past.

“I would say anyone who does this job long-term,
at some point would have benefitted from talking to someone having certain situations
or just the cumulative effect of all the little incidents,” Donaldson says. “It’s
good to be able to talk about it; to have someone help them through any issues.”

Donaldson says while counseling might come with a
stigma for law enforcement officers, any veteran officer can testify to the
stress that comes with the career.

“A lot of times when you start this, some of the
things your veteran officers will tell you:&nbsp;
here’s the steps you need to take to help you survive this career,”
according to Donaldson. “And not just survive a critical incident, I mean survive
the career itself.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA senior officer with the Buchanan County
Sheriff’s Department says the department still struggles to fill positions,
though the law enforcement sales tax passed by voters in 2021 has helped.Buchanan County Chief Deputy Mike Donaldson says
the national mood that turned against law enforcement the past few years, sparking
the Defund the Police movement, prompted some in the profession to retire
early.“With a lot of the negativity, anyone who was
eligible or close to being eligible decided, hey this might be good time for me
to just go ahead and leave. It’s just not worth all the negativity to stay
around,” Donaldson tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And, again, if
they had the ability to retire there were several people that took that option.”Donaldson says the department is grateful
Buchanan County residents back law enforcement as seen by the 77% support given
the law enforcement sales tax at the ballot box.Donaldson says the department is looking to fill
both commissioned and non-commissioned positions. Donaldson says testing the
stress tolerance of an applicant is now part of the process the department uses
in recruiting officers.Donaldson says law enforcement is a fulfilling,
but stressful career. And while mental health care has been available to
officers in the past, annual evaluations now are mandated by the state of
Missouri. Donaldson says the mandate overcomes a hesitancy to seek help that
officers often had in the past.“I would say anyone who does this job long-term,
at some point would have benefitted from talking to someone having certain situations
or just the cumulative effect of all the little incidents,” Donaldson says. “It’s
good to be able to talk about it; to have someone help them through any issues.”Donaldson says while counseling might come with a
stigma for law enforcement officers, any veteran officer can testify to the
stress that comes with the career.“A lot of times when you start this, some of the
things your veteran officers will tell you:&nbsp;
here’s the steps you need to take to help you survive this career,”
according to Donaldson. “And not just survive a critical incident, I mean survive
the career itself.”<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Buchanan-County-Sheriff-still-seeking-new-deputy-e29c95s" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Buchanan CO still seeking right candidates for stressful deputy positions

Farmers in the U.S. and Canada appear to be embracing autonomous technology to optimize their operations and boost productivity. 

A survey conducted by Forward Group revealed that 65 percent of the operators surveyed expressed enthusiasm for adopting autonomy solutions, while 29 percent showed high levels of enthusiasm. 

The survey findings emphasize the positive impact of autonomous solutions on farming efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. 

Sixty-seven percent of the farmers intend to adopt autonomy technology by 2027, with 47 percent planning integration into their operations by 2025, provided the technology proves effective for the tasks. 

The survey also shows that 59 percent of farmers believe the autonomy will bring significant value to their carting operations. 

A substantial 51 percent of respondents expressed trust in autonomy technology for their harvesting. The driving factors behind the growing interest include 42 percent of the farmers interested in the technology wanting the autonomy to increase their productivity.

Farmers in the U.S. and Canada appear to be embracing autonomous technology to optimize their operations and boost productivity. A survey conducted by Forward Group revealed that 65 percent of the operators surveyed expressed enthusiasm for adopting autonomy solutions, while 29 percent showed high levels of enthusiasm. The survey findings emphasize the positive impact of autonomous solutions on farming efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. Sixty-seven percent of the farmers intend to adopt autonomy technology by 2027, with 47 percent planning integration into their operations by 2025, provided the technology proves effective for the tasks. The survey also shows that 59 percent of farmers believe the autonomy will bring significant value to their carting operations. A substantial 51 percent of respondents expressed trust in autonomy technology for their harvesting. The driving factors behind the growing interest include 42 percent of the farmers interested in the technology wanting the autonomy to increase their productivity.- NAFB

Farmers show high interest in harvest autonomy

The U.S. Justice Department, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency, resolved long-standing litigation covering over 1,000 pesticide products. 

The resolution allows EPA to fulfill its obligations to protect endangered species while conducting reviews and approvals of pesticides in a safe and protective manner. 

In 2011, a lawsuit was filed against EPA alleging it violated the Endangered Species Act when it registered or reevaluated the registration of 382 pesticide active ingredients. 

A settlement entered in a federal court resolves all outstanding claims. “The agreement is a win-win to protect endangered species, ensure the availability of pesticides needed to grow food across America, and save considerable time and taxpayer expenses further required to litigate this case,” says Michael Freedhoff of the EPA. 

“This settlement allows EPA time to fulfill its obligations under the ESA and adopt key elements from the Agency’s 2022 ESA work plan, which has a wide range of stakeholders’ support.” &nbsp;

The U.S. Justice Department, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency, resolved long-standing litigation covering over 1,000 pesticide products. The resolution allows EPA to fulfill its obligations to protect endangered species while conducting reviews and approvals of pesticides in a safe and protective manner. In 2011, a lawsuit was filed against EPA alleging it violated the Endangered Species Act when it registered or reevaluated the registration of 382 pesticide active ingredients. A settlement entered in a federal court resolves all outstanding claims. “The agreement is a win-win to protect endangered species, ensure the availability of pesticides needed to grow food across America, and save considerable time and taxpayer expenses further required to litigate this case,” says Michael Freedhoff of the EPA. “This settlement allows EPA time to fulfill its obligations under the ESA and adopt key elements from the Agency’s 2022 ESA work plan, which has a wide range of stakeholders’ support.” &nbsp;- NAFB

EPA resolves long-standing ESA litigation

The 15th annual Happy Camper Scamper to benefit Camp Quality is happening tomorrow at Bartlett Park in St. Joseph. 

Joetown 107.5's Gregg Lynn who hosts the annual 5k, says this event is really the kickoff to raising money for Camp Quality.  

"We'll raise anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 with this event and then go right into the Radio-a-thon in the spring," Lynn tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And hopefully you know with this event included we normally raise between $20,000 and $25,000 for camp every year, which costs over $100, about $150 per camper, to send them to Camp Quality." 

The 3.1-mile walk, or run will begin on Saturday at 9am.  You can still sign up for the event up until the start time on Saturday.  

Lynn says it's been difficult to get participants this year for various reasons. 

"In the past we'd always done it Father's Day weekend which people, a lot like a turkey trot on Thanksgiving where people kind of make a family thing about it, well they were doing that for Father's Day weekend also, but unfortunately we couldn't do it Father's Day weekend," Lynn says. "But yeah, so our numbers a little down, we sure could use some walkers and runners on Saturday." 

A sign-up link be found on Joetown1075.com. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The 15th annual Happy Camper Scamper to benefit Camp Quality is happening tomorrow at Bartlett Park in St. Joseph. Joetown 107.5's Gregg Lynn who hosts the annual 5k, says this event is really the kickoff to raising money for Camp Quality. "We'll raise anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 with this event and then go right into the Radio-a-thon in the spring," Lynn tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And hopefully you know with this event included we normally raise between $20,000 and $25,000 for camp every year, which costs over $100, about $150 per camper, to send them to Camp Quality." The 3.1-mile walk, or run will begin on Saturday at 9am. You can still sign up for the event up until the start time on Saturday. Lynn says it's been difficult to get participants this year for various reasons. "In the past we'd always done it Father's Day weekend which people, a lot like a turkey trot on Thanksgiving where people kind of make a family thing about it, well they were doing that for Father's Day weekend also, but unfortunately we couldn't do it Father's Day weekend," Lynn says. "But yeah, so our numbers a little down, we sure could use some walkers and runners on Saturday." A sign-up link be found on Joetown1075.com.

Gregg Lynn's Happy Camper Scamper helping raise money for Camp Quality Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sarah Pratt involves her family throughout the butter sculpting process and this year was no different. With the help of her 10-year-old son Dean's research, Pratt decided to sculpt Kansas legend Amelia Earhart for the 2023 Kansas State Fair Butter Sculpture.

"He made me a little note that said you should sculpt Amelia Earhart and then wrote next to it, to the stars through their difficulty," said Pratt. "And he was like, mom this is perfect. Their state motto perfectly fits Amelia Earhart and he was right."&nbsp;

Kansans likely know Amelia Earhart as a native of Atchison, Kansas who was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.&nbsp; Pratt said she learned through her own research that Earhart was so much more than just that.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"She was also a community advocate for people who were in need, people who were sick and people who maybe didn't have the opportunities she did and so it showed me this entirely different side to her," Pratt said. "I hope that people see that and maybe, you know, learn a little bit more about her and certainly take pride in the fact that she claims Kansas as her home."

Pratt has been the lead butter sculptor at the Kansas and Illinois State Fair since 2016. She's been the lead sculptor in her home state of Iowa since 2006. Pratt took over after her mentor Norma Duffy Lyon retired from sculpting.&nbsp;

"One of the things I love about butter sculpting is that I get to do it with my family," Pratt said. Depending on the different fairs we are visiting, my husband will travel with me, my daughter Grace has traveled out of state with me and then here in Iowa my twin daughters Hannah and Grace are my two apprentices, so it's a huge joy to do it together as a family."&nbsp;

The butter sculpture is sponsored by Southwest Dairy Farmers and is on display in the Pride of Kansas building. Every other year, a dairy cow butter sculpture is sculpted to represent the dairy industry.&nbsp;

More information about butter sculpting is available next to the sculpture display or by going to <a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/">kansasstatefair.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694769636074.jpeg" alt="Butter Sculptor Sarah Pratt with 2023 Kansas State Fair subject, Amelia Earhart.-Photo by Andy Pratt" />
 <figcaption>Butter Sculptor Sarah Pratt with 2023 Kansas State Fair subject, Amelia Earhart.-Photo by Andy Pratt</figcaption>
 </figure>EMMIE BOESE Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sarah Pratt involves her family throughout the butter sculpting process and this year was no different. With the help of her 10-year-old son Dean's research, Pratt decided to sculpt Kansas legend Amelia Earhart for the 2023 Kansas State Fair Butter Sculpture.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694769866712.jpeg" alt="Amelia Earhart is the 2023 Kansas State Fair Butter Sculpture-Photo by Sarah Pratt" />
 <figcaption>Amelia Earhart is the 2023 Kansas State Fair Butter Sculpture-Photo by Sarah Pratt</figcaption>
 </figure>"He made me a little note that said you should sculpt Amelia Earhart and then wrote next to it, to the stars through their difficulty," said Pratt. "And he was like, mom this is perfect. Their state motto perfectly fits Amelia Earhart and he was right."&nbsp;Kansans likely know Amelia Earhart as a native of Atchison, Kansas who was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.&nbsp; Pratt said she learned through her own research that Earhart was so much more than just that.&nbsp;&nbsp;"She was also a community advocate for people who were in need, people who were sick and people who maybe didn't have the opportunities she did and so it showed me this entirely different side to her," Pratt said. "I hope that people see that and maybe, you know, learn a little bit more about her and certainly take pride in the fact that she claims Kansas as her home."Pratt has been the lead butter sculptor at the Kansas and Illinois State Fair since 2016. She's been the lead sculptor in her home state of Iowa since 2006. Pratt took over after her mentor Norma Duffy Lyon retired from sculpting.&nbsp;"One of the things I love about butter sculpting is that I get to do it with my family," Pratt said. Depending on the different fairs we are visiting, my husband will travel with me, my daughter Grace has traveled out of state with me and then here in Iowa my twin daughters Hannah and Grace are my two apprentices, so it's a huge joy to do it together as a family."&nbsp;The butter sculpture is sponsored by Southwest Dairy Farmers and is on display in the Pride of Kansas building. Every other year, a dairy cow butter sculpture is sculpted to represent the dairy industry.&nbsp;More information about butter sculpting is available next to the sculpture display or by going to <a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/">kansasstatefair.com</a>

Earhart is subject of 2023 Kansas State Fair Butter Sculpture

September is Hunger Action Month and staff at Second Harvest Community Food Bank took on a special challenge to raise awareness for a national program 

SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a national food assistance program designed to help supplement people's grocery shopping budget, however many will live off this money.  

In honor of Hunger Action Month last week, Second Harvest spokesperson Mackenzie Osborn says staff and some community members took on a special challenge 

"Where staff and some community members try to do their own grocery list off of the average SNAP allotments," Osborn tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Osborn says SNAP is supposed to be supplemental, but for many that Second Harvest serves, it might be all they have.  

"It was really eye opening for us to have to go and buy all of these groceries and still trying to eat healthy and eat the same way that we normally do," Osborn explains. "It was really hard, and it was really eye opening for what people around us are living through every single day." 

Osborn says the challenge was intended to help raise awareness of the SNAP program, better known as food stamps, to encourage more people to enroll. 

"Because even if it's only a little bit that you end up being approved for, that can help so significantly," Osborn says. "So, we were hoping to be able to bring awareness to this and kind push away that stigma of signing up for SNAP." 

Osborn says she hopes to see challenges like this to help bring awareness to more programs at Second Harvest to help more people in the region. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post September is Hunger Action Month and staff at Second Harvest Community Food Bank took on a special challenge to raise awareness for a national program SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a national food assistance program designed to help supplement people's grocery shopping budget, however many will live off this money. In honor of Hunger Action Month last week, Second Harvest spokesperson Mackenzie Osborn says staff and some community members took on a special challenge "Where staff and some community members try to do their own grocery list off of the average SNAP allotments," Osborn tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Osborn says SNAP is supposed to be supplemental, but for many that Second Harvest serves, it might be all they have. "It was really eye opening for us to have to go and buy all of these groceries and still trying to eat healthy and eat the same way that we normally do," Osborn explains. "It was really hard, and it was really eye opening for what people around us are living through every single day." Osborn says the challenge was intended to help raise awareness of the SNAP program, better known as food stamps, to encourage more people to enroll. "Because even if it's only a little bit that you end up being approved for, that can help so significantly," Osborn says. "So, we were hoping to be able to bring awareness to this and kind push away that stigma of signing up for SNAP." Osborn says she hopes to see challenges like this to help bring awareness to more programs at Second Harvest to help more people in the region.

Second Harvest challenge opens eyes to difficulty of living on food stamps

Clean Fuels Alliance America Wednesday released a new report assessing potential global supplies of used cooking oil. 

Specifically, the report looks at used cooking oil to meet the growing demand for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel through 2030. 

In 2022, global used cooling oil trade reached 3.7 billion gallons. 

With anticipated demand and added value from biodiesel and renewable diesel production, the supply could grow to between five billion and ten billion gallons by 2030. 

With additional global used cooking oil collection, the potential supply could increase by an additional four billion to seven billion gallons. 

The report indicates that the United States has the most well-developed used cooking oil collection system, due to long-standing practices for its use and disposal. In 2022, the U.S. supply reached 850 million gallons. 

Increasing biodiesel and renewable diesel production incentivizes domestic use of that supply – curbing recent export trends. Global used cooking oil trade reached 1.3 billion gallons in 2022.

Clean Fuels Alliance America Wednesday released a new report assessing potential global supplies of used cooking oil. Specifically, the report looks at used cooking oil to meet the growing demand for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel through 2030. In 2022, global used cooling oil trade reached 3.7 billion gallons. With anticipated demand and added value from biodiesel and renewable diesel production, the supply could grow to between five billion and ten billion gallons by 2030. With additional global used cooking oil collection, the potential supply could increase by an additional four billion to seven billion gallons. The report indicates that the United States has the most well-developed used cooking oil collection system, due to long-standing practices for its use and disposal. In 2022, the U.S. supply reached 850 million gallons. Increasing biodiesel and renewable diesel production incentivizes domestic use of that supply – curbing recent export trends. Global used cooking oil trade reached 1.3 billion gallons in 2022.- NAFB

Clean Fuels releases used cooking oil outlook for biodiesel

A St. Joseph state representative who fell short
in efforts to provide child care incentives during the last legislative session
expects the issue to resurface as one of, if not the, top issue next session.

Rep. Brenda Shields got her child care tax credit
bill through the House, but it got tangle up in Senate Republican infighting at
the end of the session. Shields kept pushing the issue after the session
wrapped up.

“We’ve been working really hard on it,” Shields
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I’ve been going around the state advocating for
the bill, talking to business leaders so that we’re all on the same page. We
have real plans to be able to get it across the finish line this year.”

Shields says the last-week collapse might have
been avoided if she were able to start earlier.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph state representative who fell short
in efforts to provide child care incentives during the last legislative session
expects the issue to resurface as one of, if not the, top issue next session.Rep. Brenda Shields got her child care tax credit
bill through the House, but it got tangle up in Senate Republican infighting at
the end of the session. Shields kept pushing the issue after the session
wrapped up.“We’ve been working really hard on it,” Shields
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I’ve been going around the state advocating for
the bill, talking to business leaders so that we’re all on the same page. We
have real plans to be able to get it across the finish line this year.”Shields says the last-week collapse might have
been avoided if she were able to start earlier.“Well, we got started late on the bill,” Shields
says. “We didn’t introduce it until after the governor’s State of the State
address, so that puts us a month into session and I really think if we’d had
more time, we would have been able to get it across the finish line.”Despite backing by Gov. Mike Parson, the bill
failed to make it through the session to his desk. Shield’s bill would have allowed
child care providers to claim a tax credit of up to 30% of their expenses.
Child care providers would also have been allowed to keep the withholding tax
of their employees. Businesses would have been given a tax break if they helped
offset the cost of child care for their employees.“So, I think that that is helpful that we’ll be
able to increase the capacity and then on top of that this will give businesses
incentive,” Shields says. “They say that they have a problem, they can’t create
a workforce, they can’t get enough people to work, because of child care
issues. This requires businesses to put skin in the game and if they put skin
in the game, then the state will get involved in the crisis and that’s exactly
what the purpose of a great tax credit is.”Shields says the business community needs to make
its case for the incentives and not just during the next legislative session.
Shields says business leaders need to be speaking with their individual
legislators before the session starts in January.“I think the key of getting it passed is making
sure that we have our business community 100% behind it, so they can advocate
their legislators,” Shields says. “And I think it’s once again tremendous
communication with the legislative body on an individual basis which is what I’ve
been doing all summer long.”The Missouri General Assembly just concluded its
annual veto session (with no vetoes overridden) and will return to the state
Capitol in Jefferson City for the next session in January.

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