A local longtime middle school librarian is being honored for her work.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Robidoux Middle School Librarian Melissa Corey has been named by Scholastic and School Library Journal as one of two finalists for Librarian of The Year. &nbsp;

Corey says it was a surprise to find out she had been honored and that she had to read the email a couple of times to find out what she had been honored for.&nbsp;

"I'd applied for the award at the end of last year and you know you sometimes just put your name in the bucket and you're not sure if the work that you're doing is at the level to be recognized," Corey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so, I was really honored and very humbled."&nbsp;

Corey has been working in libraries in the St. Joseph School District for 14 years, her first three years at Benton, one year as a tech specialist, and the last 10 at Robidoux.&nbsp;

While not being named the winner, Corey won some niece prizes from Scholastic including a Scholastic Power of Story collection for her library as well as a subscription to Scholastic. &nbsp;

Corey says one of her biggest goals as a librarian is to be able to provide equity and access in her library. &nbsp;

"Especially now that we're sort of in this post pandemic world, having gone through the shut down in 2020 students didn't have access to books, I still remember the first time a student walked into my library that fall and said oh wow a library," Corey says. "They were eager to have reading material again."&nbsp;

Corey says now that the library is back to full checkout and in person events her goal is to find a way to provide most every student with reading material.&nbsp;

Corey says she became a librarian partly for her love of books, but also in large part because of her parents. &nbsp;

"We did not have a ton of money growing up, but my parents always found a way to get us books, the two for one-dollar classics at Walmart they never said no to those, and they took us to the public library, they purchased books at the book fair," Corey explains. "So even though we didn't have a lot to go around they made sure that reading was valued in our home because they knew that reading was how me and my siblings would get ahead, and so I really have to thank them."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680710408834.jpeg" alt="Melissa Corey, Library Media Specialist at Robidoux Middle School, was honored as a finalist for the 2023 Librarian of the Year by Scholastic and School Library Journal/ Photo by Ashley Coats with the St. Joseph School District" />
 <figcaption>Melissa Corey, Library Media Specialist at Robidoux Middle School, was honored as a finalist for the 2023 Librarian of the Year by Scholastic and School Library Journal/ Photo by Ashley Coats with the St. Joseph School District</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A local longtime middle school librarian is being honored for her work.&nbsp; &nbsp;Robidoux Middle School Librarian Melissa Corey has been named by Scholastic and School Library Journal as one of two finalists for Librarian of The Year. &nbsp;Corey says it was a surprise to find out she had been honored and that she had to read the email a couple of times to find out what she had been honored for.&nbsp;"I'd applied for the award at the end of last year and you know you sometimes just put your name in the bucket and you're not sure if the work that you're doing is at the level to be recognized," Corey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so, I was really honored and very humbled."&nbsp;Corey has been working in libraries in the St. Joseph School District for 14 years, her first three years at Benton, one year as a tech specialist, and the last 10 at Robidoux.&nbsp;While not being named the winner, Corey won some niece prizes from Scholastic including a Scholastic Power of Story collection for her library as well as a subscription to Scholastic. &nbsp;Corey says one of her biggest goals as a librarian is to be able to provide equity and access in her library. &nbsp;"Especially now that we're sort of in this post pandemic world, having gone through the shut down in 2020 students didn't have access to books, I still remember the first time a student walked into my library that fall and said oh wow a library," Corey says. "They were eager to have reading material again."&nbsp;Corey says now that the library is back to full checkout and in person events her goal is to find a way to provide most every student with reading material.&nbsp;Corey says she became a librarian partly for her love of books, but also in large part because of her parents. &nbsp;"We did not have a ton of money growing up, but my parents always found a way to get us books, the two for one-dollar classics at Walmart they never said no to those, and they took us to the public library, they purchased books at the book fair," Corey explains. "So even though we didn't have a lot to go around they made sure that reading was valued in our home because they knew that reading was how me and my siblings would get ahead, and so I really have to thank them."&nbsp;

St. Joseph school librarian named finalist for national award

The National Corn Growers Association president and 18 state groups call on the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure uninterrupted access to E15 through the summer. 

In a letter to the EPA Tuesday, the industry leaders say, "Fuel market conditions that warranted EPA's actions last summer are expected to continue this summer." 

Last year, the EPA provided a waiver to allow summertime sales of E15. 

NCGA points out that E15 has been sold year-round for the past four years, but outdated regulatory barriers continue to hinder permanent full-market access to E15. 

Retailers have increased availability of E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88, to offer consumers choice and lower fuel costs, as well as increase the fuel supply. 

The corn grower leaders pointed to warning signs, such as OPEC's announcement of a 1.16 million barrels per day output reduction beginning in May, as reason the Biden administration should do everything possible to increase the domestic fuel supply to help keep prices down.

The National Corn Growers Association president and 18 state groups call on the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure uninterrupted access to E15 through the summer. In a letter to the EPA Tuesday, the industry leaders say, "Fuel market conditions that warranted EPA's actions last summer are expected to continue this summer." Last year, the EPA provided a waiver to allow summertime sales of E15. NCGA points out that E15 has been sold year-round for the past four years, but outdated regulatory barriers continue to hinder permanent full-market access to E15. Retailers have increased availability of E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88, to offer consumers choice and lower fuel costs, as well as increase the fuel supply. The corn grower leaders pointed to warning signs, such as OPEC's announcement of a 1.16 million barrels per day output reduction beginning in May, as reason the Biden administration should do everything possible to increase the domestic fuel supply to help keep prices down.

Corn growers to EPA: Maintaining consumer access to E15 increases fuel supply

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday declared April as 2023 Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month. 

The outreach effort is dedicated to highlighting the impact of invasive plant pests and diseases on plants nationwide. 

The campaign also seeks to inform Americans on how they can help reduce the spread of invasive plant pests. 

Each year, invasive insects and plant diseases cause an estimated $40 billion in damages to plants, including key agricultural crops. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “This spring, familiarize yourself with the invasive pest quarantines in your area and do your part to avoid inadvertently moving invasive insects and plant diseases to new areas.” 

Nonnative plant pests can hitchhike in untreated firewood, attach themselves to cars, boats, and other outdoor surfaces—or take a ride in the mail. They can travel to new areas on agricultural materials such as soil, seeds, homegrown produce, and plants.

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday declared April as 2023 Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month. The outreach effort is dedicated to highlighting the impact of invasive plant pests and diseases on plants nationwide. The campaign also seeks to inform Americans on how they can help reduce the spread of invasive plant pests. Each year, invasive insects and plant diseases cause an estimated $40 billion in damages to plants, including key agricultural crops. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “This spring, familiarize yourself with the invasive pest quarantines in your area and do your part to avoid inadvertently moving invasive insects and plant diseases to new areas.” Nonnative plant pests can hitchhike in untreated firewood, attach themselves to cars, boats, and other outdoor surfaces—or take a ride in the mail. They can travel to new areas on agricultural materials such as soil, seeds, homegrown produce, and plants.

USDA: Look for invasive pests this month

It appears the two new members of the St. Joseph School Board
are Richard “Rick” Gehring and Whitney Lanning.

While Gehring garnered the most votes in the crowded field for
school board, Lanning barely edged Jennifer Kerns to come in second.

Gehring won 2,088 votes, or 19.64% of the vote.

Lanning came in second in the unofficial tally from the
Buchanan County Clerk’s office with 1,883 votes, or 17.71% of the votes cast.
Jennifer Kerns trailed Lanning by only 29 votes, receiving 1,854, or 17.44% of
the total.

Amanda Cook came in fourth in the field of nine on the ballot
for the two open seats on the St. Joseph School Board. Cook received 1,288
votes, followed by Don Crabtree with 1,206 votes.

Bradly Huett received 903 votes; Brian Shewell with 642,
Harold B. Barr, Jr. with 508 votes, and Jonathon Bell with 220 votes.

St. Joseph voters overwhelmingly approved a three-percent tax
on the sale of recreational marijuana. Buchanan County voters just as
overwhelmingly approved the extension of the quarter-cent ambulance service
sales tax.

On the marijuana tax, 4,620 voters favored the tax with only
876 voting against it, a split of 84-to-16%.

More than 5,000 voters cast ballots in favor of a 20-year
extension of the quarter-cent sales tax that provides nearly half the funding
for the Buchanan County EMS ambulance service. The unofficial tally was 5,506
in favor (86.96%) with only 826 voting against (13.04%).

The Buchanan County Clerk’s office reports 6,389 voters cast
ballots in this April election, a paltry voter turnout of 12.6%.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt appears the two new members of the St. Joseph School Board
are Richard “Rick” Gehring and Whitney Lanning.While Gehring garnered the most votes in the crowded field for
school board, Lanning barely edged Jennifer Kerns to come in second.Gehring won 2,088 votes, or 19.64% of the vote.Lanning came in second in the unofficial tally from the
Buchanan County Clerk’s office with 1,883 votes, or 17.71% of the votes cast.
Jennifer Kerns trailed Lanning by only 29 votes, receiving 1,854, or 17.44% of
the total.Amanda Cook came in fourth in the field of nine on the ballot
for the two open seats on the St. Joseph School Board. Cook received 1,288
votes, followed by Don Crabtree with 1,206 votes.Bradly Huett received 903 votes; Brian Shewell with 642,
Harold B. Barr, Jr. with 508 votes, and Jonathon Bell with 220 votes.St. Joseph voters overwhelmingly approved a three-percent tax
on the sale of recreational marijuana. Buchanan County voters just as
overwhelmingly approved the extension of the quarter-cent ambulance service
sales tax.On the marijuana tax, 4,620 voters favored the tax with only
876 voting against it, a split of 84-to-16%.More than 5,000 voters cast ballots in favor of a 20-year
extension of the quarter-cent sales tax that provides nearly half the funding
for the Buchanan County EMS ambulance service. The unofficial tally was 5,506
in favor (86.96%) with only 826 voting against (13.04%).The Buchanan County Clerk’s office reports 6,389 voters cast
ballots in this April election, a paltry voter turnout of 12.6%.

Close race for St. Joseph School Board; tax issues pass easily

GENTRY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Tuesday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ram pickup driven by Pedro A. Salvador, 19, Kansas City, Kansas, was southbound on U.S. 169 four miles north of King City.

The pickup rear-ended a 2009 Nissan Sentra driven by Donald L. Adkins, 85, Darlington, who was stopped in traffic.

Grand River ambulance transported Adkins and a passenger in the Nissan Kathleen J. Adkins, 71, Darlington, to Mosaic in Albany.&nbsp; Kathleen Adkins was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP

GENTRY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Tuesday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ram pickup driven by Pedro A. Salvador, 19, Kansas City, Kansas, was southbound on U.S. 169 four miles north of King City. The pickup rear-ended a 2009 Nissan Sentra driven by Donald L. Adkins, 85, Darlington, who was stopped in traffic.Grand River ambulance transported Adkins and a passenger in the Nissan Kathleen J. Adkins, 71, Darlington, to Mosaic in Albany.&nbsp; Kathleen Adkins was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP

Missouri couple injured after rear-end crash

HOLT COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Ford F150 driven by Steven A. Portman, 47, Craig, was southbound on Beagle Road one half mile south of Craig.

A grass fire created zero visibility. The pickup rear-ended a 2021 Dodge Durango driven by Jonathan S. Black, 31, Craig, while it was parked.

&nbsp;Atchison Holt ambulance transported both drivers to Fairfax Community Hospital. They were both properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Ford F150 driven by Steven A. Portman, 47, Craig, was southbound on Beagle Road one half mile south of Craig.A grass fire created zero visibility. The pickup rear-ended a 2021 Dodge Durango driven by Jonathan S. Black, 31, Craig, while it was parked.&nbsp;Atchison Holt ambulance transported both drivers to Fairfax Community Hospital. They were both properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after rear-end crash amid grass fire

Senator John Thune (R-SD) and 40 colleagues reintroduced legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax. 

The “Death Tax Repeal Act” would end a tax that hits family-run farms, ranches, and businesses hard after the owner’s death. 

“Agriculture is the backbone of the rural American economy,” Thune says. 

“Family-owned farms and ranches often bear the brunt of this tax, which makes it difficult and costly to pass these businesses down to future generations.” 

Todd Wilkinson, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, says no cattle producers should ever be forced to sell their family’s farm or ranch to pay a tax bill due to the death of a family member. 

“Repealing the death tax is a commonsense way to keep the farm or ranch in the family,” Wilkinson says. “As a land-based, capital-intensive industry, most cattle families are asset rich and cash poor, with few options to pay tax liabilities.”

Senator John Thune (R-SD) and 40 colleagues reintroduced legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax. The “Death Tax Repeal Act” would end a tax that hits family-run farms, ranches, and businesses hard after the owner’s death. “Agriculture is the backbone of the rural American economy,” Thune says. “Family-owned farms and ranches often bear the brunt of this tax, which makes it difficult and costly to pass these businesses down to future generations.” Todd Wilkinson, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, says no cattle producers should ever be forced to sell their family’s farm or ranch to pay a tax bill due to the death of a family member. “Repealing the death tax is a commonsense way to keep the farm or ranch in the family,” Wilkinson says. “As a land-based, capital-intensive industry, most cattle families are asset rich and cash poor, with few options to pay tax liabilities.”

Thune reintroduces Repeal of the 'Death Tax'

With a number of local issues that will impact the community, officials are expecting a low voter turnout for today's election. &nbsp;

Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack Garvey says it’s surprising to her how quiet voters have been in this election thus far. &nbsp;

"Our absentees, the people that came into the counter, we barely broke 100 people," Baack Garvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, I'm going to predict about an 11% turnout for today for all around Buchanan County." &nbsp;

In Buchanan County, voters will choose two new St. Joseph School Board members, whether recreational marijuana sales will be taxed, and whether to extend the quarter-cent sales tax for the Buchanan County EMS ambulance service.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The school board race is crowded with nine candidates on the ballot for two open positions. St. Joseph School District voters will choose among these candidates: Whitney Lanning, Brian Shewell, Jonathon Bell, Harold B. Barr Jr., Bradly G. Huett, Jennifer Kerns, Amanda Cook, Don Crabtree, and Richard Gehring.&nbsp;

Baack Garvey says she's hopeful those numbers will turn out higher and encourages voters to get out and vote. &nbsp;

"These elections impact us the most locally, so I just really wish that our voters would get out there and realize that, that they need to vote on their local election, their issues, that affect them immediately not federally," Baack Garvey says. "So, it does kind of surprise me that no one has really showed up to vote quite yet, we'll see what happens today."&nbsp;

Baack Garvey says voter turnout could end up higher with more people getting out with the weather expected to be nicer&nbsp;

Baack Garvey says these elections have more of an impact on the community and that every issue is just as important as the others. &nbsp;

"Especially our school board, I mean they're there to support our kids and do the right decisions for our children and that impacts our economic development, so school board I think is probably the highest priority," Baack Garvey explains. "But honestly everything on the ballot today impacts everyone in some way."&nbsp;

The 3pm check in shows that just 6.7% of voters have come to vote.  Polls are open until 7pm.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;With a number of local issues that will impact the community, officials are expecting a low voter turnout for today's election. &nbsp;Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack Garvey says it’s surprising to her how quiet voters have been in this election thus far. &nbsp;"Our absentees, the people that came into the counter, we barely broke 100 people," Baack Garvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, I'm going to predict about an 11% turnout for today for all around Buchanan County." &nbsp;In Buchanan County, voters will choose two new St. Joseph School Board members, whether recreational marijuana sales will be taxed, and whether to extend the quarter-cent sales tax for the Buchanan County EMS ambulance service.&nbsp;&nbsp;The school board race is crowded with nine candidates on the ballot for two open positions. St. Joseph School District voters will choose among these candidates: Whitney Lanning, Brian Shewell, Jonathon Bell, Harold B. Barr Jr., Bradly G. Huett, Jennifer Kerns, Amanda Cook, Don Crabtree, and Richard Gehring.&nbsp;Baack Garvey says she's hopeful those numbers will turn out higher and encourages voters to get out and vote. &nbsp;"These elections impact us the most locally, so I just really wish that our voters would get out there and realize that, that they need to vote on their local election, their issues, that affect them immediately not federally," Baack Garvey says. "So, it does kind of surprise me that no one has really showed up to vote quite yet, we'll see what happens today."&nbsp;Baack Garvey says voter turnout could end up higher with more people getting out with the weather expected to be nicer&nbsp;Baack Garvey says these elections have more of an impact on the community and that every issue is just as important as the others. &nbsp;"Especially our school board, I mean they're there to support our kids and do the right decisions for our children and that impacts our economic development, so school board I think is probably the highest priority," Baack Garvey explains. "But honestly everything on the ballot today impacts everyone in some way."&nbsp;The 3pm check in shows that just 6.7% of voters have come to vote. Polls are open until 7pm.&nbsp;

Voter turnout just under expectations for spring election in Buchanan County

Cities,
counties, and school districts have candidates and issues on the ballot.

In
Buchanan County, voters will choose two new St. Joseph School Board members,
whether recreational marijuana sales will be taxed in St. Joseph, and whether to extend the
quarter-cent sales tax for the Buchanan County EMS ambulance service.

The
school board race is crowded with nine candidates on the ballot for two open
positions. St. Joseph School District voters will choose among these
candidates: Whitney Lanning, Brian Shewell, Jonathon Bell, Harold B. Barr Jr.,
Bradly G. Huett, Jennifer Kerns, Amanda Cook, Don Crabtree, and Richard
Gehring.

Eight
of the nine attended a St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce candidate forum,
broadcast live on KFEQ last week. Click <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/70b3606c-9031-483b-b999-300cc2f20f2f">HERE</a> for our story.

Also, for our preview of the marijuana issue, click <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e1357460-a6a1-41aa-a04d-c6fae688788d">HERE</a>.

The Buchanan County ambulance service story can be found <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/8e65afdb-4ca3-4e26-a6ed-51120bc3a54f">HERE</a>.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt
is Election Day in Missouri.Cities,
counties, and school districts have candidates and issues on the ballot.In
Buchanan County, voters will choose two new St. Joseph School Board members,
whether recreational marijuana sales will be taxed in St. Joseph, and whether to extend the
quarter-cent sales tax for the Buchanan County EMS ambulance service.The
school board race is crowded with nine candidates on the ballot for two open
positions. St. Joseph School District voters will choose among these
candidates: Whitney Lanning, Brian Shewell, Jonathon Bell, Harold B. Barr Jr.,
Bradly G. Huett, Jennifer Kerns, Amanda Cook, Don Crabtree, and Richard
Gehring.Eight
of the nine attended a St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce candidate forum,
broadcast live on KFEQ last week. Click <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/70b3606c-9031-483b-b999-300cc2f20f2f">HERE</a> for our story.Also, for our preview of the marijuana issue, click <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e1357460-a6a1-41aa-a04d-c6fae688788d">HERE</a>.The Buchanan County ambulance service story can be found <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/8e65afdb-4ca3-4e26-a6ed-51120bc3a54f">HERE</a>.

Candidates and issues will be decided today on Election Day

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Monday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 GMC Yukon driven by Katheryn D. Tantay, 70, Chillicothe, was westbound on U.S. 36 five miles west of Chillicothe.&nbsp;

The driver lost control of the SUV. It traveled off the north side of the highway and overturned.

Chillicothe EMS transported Tantay to Hedrick Memorial Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Monday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 GMC Yukon driven by Katheryn D. Tantay, 70, Chillicothe, was westbound on U.S. 36 five miles west of Chillicothe.&nbsp;The driver lost control of the SUV. It traveled off the north side of the highway and overturned.Chillicothe EMS transported Tantay to Hedrick Memorial Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after SUV overturns

PLATTE COUNTY —A St. Joseph man who had been out of prison for less than four months has been convicted of felony stealing and armed criminal action, according to a media release from the Platte Co. Attorney's office.

Christopher Mejia, 43, was found guilty by a Platte County jury after a three-day trial last week.

At trial, prosecutors proved that in February 2021, Mejia held an 18-year-old victim at knifepoint and demanded his debit card and PIN number. Mejia threatened the victim, telling him, “Do you know who I am? Do you know what I’m about? I don’t play around.”

After the victim gave Mejia his debit card, Mejia handed it to an accomplice, who then used it at an ATM in Gladstone to withdraw $380 from the victim’s bank account.

That transaction was captured on the bank’s ATM camera and was played during the trial. Mejia continued to hold the victim at knifepoint until the accomplice returned with the money.

At the time of the incident, Mejia was on parole from the Missouri Department of Corrections on an attempted first degree robbery conviction.

Using a provision of Missouri law that allows prosecutors to enhance criminal penalties for repeat felony offenders, the county attorney&nbsp; successfully sought to have Mejia designated as a persistent felony offender. As a result, Mejia faces up to 10 years in prison on the stealing charge and a minimum of three years in prison for armed criminal action. Under Missouri law, those sentences must run consecutively to one another.

Mejia is set to be sentenced on June 2. He is currently being held in the Platte County jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680540943008.png" alt="Mejia-photo Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>Mejia-photo Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY —A St. Joseph man who had been out of prison for less than four months has been convicted of felony stealing and armed criminal action, according to a media release from the Platte Co. Attorney's office. Christopher Mejia, 43, was found guilty by a Platte County jury after a three-day trial last week. At trial, prosecutors proved that in February 2021, Mejia held an 18-year-old victim at knifepoint and demanded his debit card and PIN number. Mejia threatened the victim, telling him, “Do you know who I am? Do you know what I’m about? I don’t play around.”After the victim gave Mejia his debit card, Mejia handed it to an accomplice, who then used it at an ATM in Gladstone to withdraw $380 from the victim’s bank account. That transaction was captured on the bank’s ATM camera and was played during the trial. Mejia continued to hold the victim at knifepoint until the accomplice returned with the money. At the time of the incident, Mejia was on parole from the Missouri Department of Corrections on an attempted first degree robbery conviction. Using a provision of Missouri law that allows prosecutors to enhance criminal penalties for repeat felony offenders, the county attorney&nbsp; successfully sought to have Mejia designated as a persistent felony offender. As a result, Mejia faces up to 10 years in prison on the stealing charge and a minimum of three years in prison for armed criminal action. Under Missouri law, those sentences must run consecutively to one another. Mejia is set to be sentenced on June 2. He is currently being held in the Platte County jail.

St. Joseph man took victim's debit card at knifepoint 

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for an alleged domestic incident.

On Friday, police arrested 41-year-old Glen R. Buckley, Jr. of Atchison, in the 1200 Block of South 2nd street on a requested charge of domestic battery, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In March of 2020, police accused him of domestic battery. In February, he spent time in jail for alleged failure to appear, according to online booking records.

He has. previous felony convictions for theft, giving worthless checks and computer crimes, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680524821308.png" alt="Buckley has. previous felony convictions for theft, giving worthless checks and computer crimes, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Buckley has. previous felony convictions for theft, giving worthless checks and computer crimes, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for an alleged domestic incident.On Friday, police arrested 41-year-old Glen R. Buckley, Jr. of Atchison, in the 1200 Block of South 2nd street on a requested charge of domestic battery, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In March of 2020, police accused him of domestic battery. In February, he spent time in jail for alleged failure to appear, according to online booking records.He has. previous felony convictions for theft, giving worthless checks and computer crimes, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. man with history of crime accused of domestic battery

Water main valve replacement will force a road closure in St. Joseph Tuesday.&nbsp;

Missouri American Water will begin work to replace water main valves on 28th Street. South 28th Street will close to all traffic at the north intersection of Walnut beginning Tuesday April 4th at 7:00 a.m. 

Northbound traffic will follow the detour north on Agency Road then east on Jackson Street back to 28th. Southbound traffic will detour east on Winterwood Lane, south on Valley Brook Ln, east on Walnut Street and south on Parkway Boulevard back to 28th.

The road closure is expected to end Friday, April 7.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostWater main valve replacement will force a road closure in St. Joseph Tuesday.&nbsp;Missouri American Water will begin work to replace water main valves on 28th Street. South 28th Street will close to all traffic at the north intersection of Walnut beginning Tuesday April 4th at 7:00 a.m. Northbound traffic will follow the detour north on Agency Road then east on Jackson Street back to 28th. Southbound traffic will detour east on Winterwood Lane, south on Valley Brook Ln, east on Walnut Street and south on Parkway Boulevard back to 28th.The road closure is expected to end Friday, April 7.

South 28th Street in St. Joseph closed starting Tuesday for water main valve replacement

Buchanan County voters will decide today whether to extend the
sales tax that pays for much of the county ambulance service.

The quarter-cent emergency ambulance service expires at the
end of the year. Buchanan County EMS is asking voters to approve a 20-year
extension.

Field Operations Director Steve Groshong says the tax is vital
to funding the ambulance service.

“So, the county collects a quarter-cent sales tax, which
basically covers probably about 45% of our expenses,” Groshong tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “We make up the rest of that with fees for re-insurance,
fees for service.” 

Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement provides much of the
ambulance funding. Fees and insurance reimbursement provides some of the money
to keep the ambulances running.

Buchanan County EMS Executive Director Wally Patrick says new
technology and training is always required to keep the district up to date and
he worries voters might take the service for granted. 

“So, there’s always something on the horizon that we have to
meet, but the people that we provide the care to aren’t always aware of all those
new things and aware of what it takes to keep things at that level,” according
to Patrick. “My fear would be is that someone would think, oh they’re doing a
great job, but why would we want to continue this, because it’s good right now.”

The Buchanan County Emergency Ambulance Service began after
then-Heartland decided to get out of the ambulance business. The county found
no viable option other than taking over the ambulance service.

Officials asked for a 10-year extension last time. This year,
they are asking for a 20-year extension.

“Medicare, they have the option in a year to change our
funding. We want to ensure that we can provide the level of service that we
provide now in three years and in four years, in five years,” Patrik says. “So,
us stretching that out, doesn’t mean that we’re taxing the public more, but it means
it allows us to continue to provide this service for 20 years.”

Buchanan County EMS reports it makes approximately 1,300 calls
a month with an average response time of under five minutes.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County voters will decide today whether to extend the
sales tax that pays for much of the county ambulance service.The quarter-cent emergency ambulance service expires at the
end of the year. Buchanan County EMS is asking voters to approve a 20-year
extension.Field Operations Director Steve Groshong says the tax is vital
to funding the ambulance service.“So, the county collects a quarter-cent sales tax, which
basically covers probably about 45% of our expenses,” Groshong tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “We make up the rest of that with fees for re-insurance,
fees for service.” Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement provides much of the
ambulance funding. Fees and insurance reimbursement provides some of the money
to keep the ambulances running.Buchanan County EMS Executive Director Wally Patrick says new
technology and training is always required to keep the district up to date and
he worries voters might take the service for granted. “So, there’s always something on the horizon that we have to
meet, but the people that we provide the care to aren’t always aware of all those
new things and aware of what it takes to keep things at that level,” according
to Patrick. “My fear would be is that someone would think, oh they’re doing a
great job, but why would we want to continue this, because it’s good right now.”The Buchanan County Emergency Ambulance Service began after
then-Heartland decided to get out of the ambulance business. The county found
no viable option other than taking over the ambulance service.Officials asked for a 10-year extension last time. This year,
they are asking for a 20-year extension.“Medicare, they have the option in a year to change our
funding. We want to ensure that we can provide the level of service that we
provide now in three years and in four years, in five years,” Patrik says. “So,
us stretching that out, doesn’t mean that we’re taxing the public more, but it means
it allows us to continue to provide this service for 20 years.”Buchanan County EMS reports it makes approximately 1,300 calls
a month with an average response time of under five minutes.

Buchanan County voters decide quarter-cent ambulance tax on Tuesday

CALDWELL COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after noon on Monday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Sterling Dump Truck driven by Jeramie J. Glazier, 45, Polo, was southbound on MO 13 one mile north of Polo.

The driver lost control when the front left tire blew. The truck crossed the center of the road, traveled off the west side of the road, overturned and struck a utility pole.

Caldwell County ambulance transported Glazier to Liberty Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after noon on Monday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Sterling Dump Truck driven by Jeramie J. Glazier, 45, Polo, was southbound on MO 13 one mile north of Polo.The driver lost control when the front left tire blew. The truck crossed the center of the road, traveled off the west side of the road, overturned and struck a utility pole.Caldwell County ambulance transported Glazier to Liberty Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after dump truck overturns

The Next Generation Fuels Act has been officially reintroduced in the House of Representatives. 

Several of America’s top agricultural organizations endorsed the move, saying it would help address the country’s most pressing energy issues through a transition to cleaner fuels and vehicles. 

“The Act would clean up the nation’s fuel supply and transition new vehicles to use cleaner, more efficient fuels that would also lower costs for drivers,” says Tom Haag, president of the National Corn Growers Association. 

“By establishing a clean, high-octane standard for fuel and requiring that sources of additional octane result in at least 40 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, automakers could improve fuel efficiency through advanced engines.” 

Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, says there’s no time to waste. “America’s farmers and ranchers are ready to be part of the global climate solution,” Larew says. “This will benefit farmers, consumers, and the planet.”

The Next Generation Fuels Act has been officially reintroduced in the House of Representatives. Several of America’s top agricultural organizations endorsed the move, saying it would help address the country’s most pressing energy issues through a transition to cleaner fuels and vehicles. “The Act would clean up the nation’s fuel supply and transition new vehicles to use cleaner, more efficient fuels that would also lower costs for drivers,” says Tom Haag, president of the National Corn Growers Association. “By establishing a clean, high-octane standard for fuel and requiring that sources of additional octane result in at least 40 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, automakers could improve fuel efficiency through advanced engines.” Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, says there’s no time to waste. “America’s farmers and ranchers are ready to be part of the global climate solution,” Larew says. “This will benefit farmers, consumers, and the planet.”

Next Generation Fuels Act reintroduced in the House

USDA announced it is expanding the Margin Protection insurance plan. 

The agency will add more than 1,000 counties to the insurance option that provides coverage against an unexpected decrease in operating margins for corn and soybean farmers. 

This expansion comes from growing interest among producers and will be available by June 30. 

Interested producers will need to purchase their coverage by September 30 to be eligible for the 2024 crop year. “Increasing the availability of a program is sometimes the best way we can improve upon an effective program and serve our farmers with more risk management resources,” says Marcia Bunger, administrator of the Risk Management Agency. 

Margin Protection protects against decreases in margin caused by reduced county yields, reduced commodity prices, increased prices of certain inputs, or any combination of these issues. “This expansion will provide a viable insurance option for so many more farmers across the country,” Bunger adds.

USDA announced it is expanding the Margin Protection insurance plan. The agency will add more than 1,000 counties to the insurance option that provides coverage against an unexpected decrease in operating margins for corn and soybean farmers. This expansion comes from growing interest among producers and will be available by June 30. Interested producers will need to purchase their coverage by September 30 to be eligible for the 2024 crop year. “Increasing the availability of a program is sometimes the best way we can improve upon an effective program and serve our farmers with more risk management resources,” says Marcia Bunger, administrator of the Risk Management Agency. Margin Protection protects against decreases in margin caused by reduced county yields, reduced commodity prices, increased prices of certain inputs, or any combination of these issues. “This expansion will provide a viable insurance option for so many more farmers across the country,” Bunger adds.

USDA expands Margin Protection for corn and soybean growers

A new clinic in St. Joseph will focus on providing urgent mental health care. &nbsp;

Family Guidance Center is opening the doors of its Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center to serve those in need of immediate mental health care. &nbsp;

Family Guidance Center Co-CEO Kris Hannon says the clinic will treat anyone in the community, regardless of whether they have insurance or not.&nbsp;

"We will treat children five years and up, and adults all the way through the lifespan, whether you have insurance, no insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, to us it doesn't matter we want you to get the behavioral health help you need," Hannon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;

"So, whether you're struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance use, hearing voices, just feeling sad, going through a trauma, we want you to walk in and we will see you and help connect you to care."&nbsp;

Hannon says the clinic will provide help with the goal of getting people in and out quickly, so they do not have to wait for the care they need. &nbsp;

Hannon says this new center is an expansion of the services provided by Family Guidance.

"Because our goal at Family Guidance Center is that there is no wrong door to care and our goal is that when somebody comes in, when somebody says I need help today, we have got to be able to provide that help to them today," Hannon explains. "It can't be ok well I need help today and us telling them Well can you come back in a week or can you come back in three days."&nbsp;

The clinic is located at 4906 Frederick Avenue next to Larson's Heating and Air. Services are now open after the staff trained over the last several weeks. &nbsp;

Hannon says much like Mosaic's medical urgent care, this clinic will focus on providing care and cutting wait time.&nbsp;

"I've been to the local urgent care, I have an 11-year-old, so I frequent both of them because there's always an injury, so sometimes you go in and you're sitting there waiting for 30 minutes, 60 minutes, an hour, because they're busy," Hannon says. "We have staffed this so that we think we can get people in and out quickly and get their care needs met quickly."&nbsp;

Patients will be welcome into the urgent care center for a variety of mental health struggles.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680535674723.jpeg" alt="Family Guidance Center Co-CEO Kris Hannon speaks to a crowd gathered at the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center ribbon cutting/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Family Guidance Center Co-CEO Kris Hannon speaks to a crowd gathered at the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center ribbon cutting/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A new clinic in St. Joseph will focus on providing urgent mental health care. &nbsp;Family Guidance Center is opening the doors of its Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center to serve those in need of immediate mental health care. &nbsp;Family Guidance Center Co-CEO Kris Hannon says the clinic will treat anyone in the community, regardless of whether they have insurance or not.&nbsp;"We will treat children five years and up, and adults all the way through the lifespan, whether you have insurance, no insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, to us it doesn't matter we want you to get the behavioral health help you need," Hannon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;"So, whether you're struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance use, hearing voices, just feeling sad, going through a trauma, we want you to walk in and we will see you and help connect you to care."&nbsp;Hannon says the clinic will provide help with the goal of getting people in and out quickly, so they do not have to wait for the care they need. &nbsp;Hannon says this new center is an expansion of the services provided by Family Guidance."Because our goal at Family Guidance Center is that there is no wrong door to care and our goal is that when somebody comes in, when somebody says I need help today, we have got to be able to provide that help to them today," Hannon explains. "It can't be ok well I need help today and us telling them Well can you come back in a week or can you come back in three days."&nbsp;The clinic is located at 4906 Frederick Avenue next to Larson's Heating and Air. Services are now open after the staff trained over the last several weeks. &nbsp;Hannon says much like Mosaic's medical urgent care, this clinic will focus on providing care and cutting wait time.&nbsp;"I've been to the local urgent care, I have an 11-year-old, so I frequent both of them because there's always an injury, so sometimes you go in and you're sitting there waiting for 30 minutes, 60 minutes, an hour, because they're busy," Hannon says. "We have staffed this so that we think we can get people in and out quickly and get their care needs met quickly."&nbsp;Patients will be welcome into the urgent care center for a variety of mental health struggles.&nbsp;

New clinic aims to assist mental health struggles in St. Joseph

Massive ranch is for sale for $16.7 million

By CINDIY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/03/dumbbell-in-nebraska-sandhills-gains-spotlight-with-sheer-size-storied-past/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — It’s a $16.7 million ranch story sure to stir some nostalgic memories in the Sandhills of Nebraska.

But even if you’re not from the area, a property called Dumbbell has got to pique curiosity.

The Dumbbell Ranch, which spans a 
whopping 15,500 acres, mostly in Cherry County, is attracting attention 
as it now is up for sale&nbsp; — poised to separate from the family that has 
owned it for more than a century.&nbsp;

The rationale behind that break may 
sound familiar: The younger generation has more pressing interests than 
to oversee the Hyannis area operation.&nbsp;

“They don’t want to ranch, and I’m 
really grateful they were honest with me,” Anne Anderson Bennett said of
 her daughters Margaret and Leatha, who are in their 20s.

Bennett’s only sibling, Gordon 
Anderson, is a “computer guru” who loves his life in Colorado. Their 
parents have passed. At 57, Bennett, divorced for 17 years, is preparing
 to get married again.

“It just really was the right time,” she said of selling.

A less common occurrence, says 
Valentine area broker Mark Johnson of Hall and Hall, is a place like the
 Dumbbell hitting the market.

Johnson, whose business is selling 
ranches, said the property stands out for various reasons, including a 
precious natural resource, water. It sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer, 
which creates shallow lakes and sub-irrigated meadows that he said are 
known to be the headwaters for the Middle Loup River.

“This one has a deeper stamp,” 
Johnson said, noting the ranch’s storied past, its artesian wells, 27 
windmills, eight solar wells, rangeland and watering sites for 
livestock.

He called the Dumbbell — historically
 a 900-head cow/calf operation that’s in the nation’s “top cow county”— 
one of the founding ranches of the Nebraska Sandhills.

Anne’s great-grandfather Gustaf Anderson, an orphaned Swedish immigrant, acquired the area in 1913.

As the history goes, pieced together 
from family and various other sources, the Dumbbell headquarters was 
established in 1887 by Dr. A.J. Plumer, who had hoped the railroad would
 be built through the valley.

He and his wife, Anna, a nurse, constructed a “white mansion” structure to serve as a maternity hospital.&nbsp;

Lore has it that Plumer accidentally 
slammed a hammer on his thumb while building the hospital, exclaiming 
“Only a dumbbell would do that.”

Plumer expanded a cattle operation 
before moving and selling the ranch in 1906. In 1913, Gustaf Anderson 
became sole owner of a property that would grow to about 52,000 acres.

Anderson would make the trip from Red
 Oak, Iowa, to the Dumbbell Ranch at least a dozen times a year by train
 or vehicle —&nbsp; a trip that each generation of Andersons has made over 
the decades.

Three children of Gustaf and his 
wife, Janie, later split the ranch into sections and called them 
Pitchfork, 3 Circles and Dumbbell.&nbsp;

Son Gordon got the Dumbbell and eventually passed it to son Gerald, who then left it to Anne and her brother.

Anne said she has worked the past 
three decades with her dad on the business, traveling as often as she 
could to the ranch. “We love it so much, we’ve been able to make it 
work.”

She lauded the lineup of managers who
 over the generations lived at the site, maintained the operation and 
became engaged in the community.&nbsp;

“They are the ones that live there and have boots on the ground,” she said.

Her dad died in 2016; her mom passed in 2021.

The ranch has received local suitors, as well as interest and visitors from other states, since Johnson<a target="_blank" href="https://hallhall.com/property-for-sale/nebraska/dumbbell-ranch/a095d00002U10JQ/"> started marketing</a> it about a week ago, he said.

Anne said her family is proud to have
 diversified the operation, which includes the Flying A Cattle Company, 
without forsaking the native rangeland. The family feels blessed, she 
said, to “be a small part of the unique Sandhills ecosystem and 
community.”

“It’s dear to our hearts,” said Anne. “We love the Sandhills. Our family loves ranching. It’s time to move on.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554659570.png" alt="The Dumbbell Ranch spans about 15,500 acres, mostly in Nebraska’s Cherry County, known as the nation’s “top cow county.” It is for sale, which means it will have owners outside the Anderson family for first time in over a century. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>The Dumbbell Ranch spans about 15,500 acres, mostly in Nebraska’s Cherry County, known as the nation’s “top cow county.” It is for sale, which means it will have owners outside the Anderson family for first time in over a century. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Massive ranch is for sale for $16.7 million</h2>By CINDIY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/03/dumbbell-in-nebraska-sandhills-gains-spotlight-with-sheer-size-storied-past/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — It’s a $16.7 million ranch story sure to stir some nostalgic memories in the Sandhills of Nebraska.But even if you’re not from the area, a property called Dumbbell has got to pique curiosity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554762652.jpeg" alt="Native range and meadows used by livestock and wildlife habitat cover the ranch. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>Native range and meadows used by livestock and wildlife habitat cover the ranch. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Dumbbell Ranch, which spans a 
whopping 15,500 acres, mostly in Cherry County, is attracting attention 
as it now is up for sale&nbsp; — poised to separate from the family that has 
owned it for more than a century.&nbsp;The rationale behind that break may 
sound familiar: The younger generation has more pressing interests than 
to oversee the Hyannis area operation.&nbsp;“They don’t want to ranch, and I’m 
really grateful they were honest with me,” Anne Anderson Bennett said of
 her daughters Margaret and Leatha, who are in their 20s.Bennett’s only sibling, Gordon 
Anderson, is a “computer guru” who loves his life in Colorado. Their 
parents have passed. At 57, Bennett, divorced for 17 years, is preparing
 to get married again.“It just really was the right time,” she said of selling.A less common occurrence, says 
Valentine area broker Mark Johnson of Hall and Hall, is a place like the
 Dumbbell hitting the market.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554815794.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson, whose business is selling 
ranches, said the property stands out for various reasons, including a 
precious natural resource, water. It sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer, 
which creates shallow lakes and sub-irrigated meadows that he said are 
known to be the headwaters for the Middle Loup River.“This one has a deeper stamp,” 
Johnson said, noting the ranch’s storied past, its artesian wells, 27 
windmills, eight solar wells, rangeland and watering sites for 
livestock.He called the Dumbbell — historically
 a 900-head cow/calf operation that’s in the nation’s “top cow county”— 
one of the founding ranches of the Nebraska Sandhills.Anne’s great-grandfather Gustaf Anderson, an orphaned Swedish immigrant, acquired the area in 1913.As the history goes, pieced together 
from family and various other sources, the Dumbbell headquarters was 
established in 1887 by Dr. A.J. Plumer, who had hoped the railroad would
 be built through the valley.He and his wife, Anna, a nurse, constructed a “white mansion” structure to serve as a maternity hospital.&nbsp;Lore has it that Plumer accidentally 
slammed a hammer on his thumb while building the hospital, exclaiming 
“Only a dumbbell would do that.”Hence, the Dumbbell name.Plumer expanded a cattle operation 
before moving and selling the ranch in 1906. In 1913, Gustaf Anderson 
became sole owner of a property that would grow to about 52,000 acres.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554852926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Anderson would make the trip from Red
 Oak, Iowa, to the Dumbbell Ranch at least a dozen times a year by train
 or vehicle —&nbsp; a trip that each generation of Andersons has made over 
the decades.Three children of Gustaf and his 
wife, Janie, later split the ranch into sections and called them 
Pitchfork, 3 Circles and Dumbbell.&nbsp;Son Gordon got the Dumbbell and eventually passed it to son Gerald, who then left it to Anne and her brother.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554880289.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy of Hall and Hall, Anderson family)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy of Hall and Hall, Anderson family)</figcaption>
 </figure>Anne said she has worked the past 
three decades with her dad on the business, traveling as often as she 
could to the ranch. “We love it so much, we’ve been able to make it 
work.”She lauded the lineup of managers who
 over the generations lived at the site, maintained the operation and 
became engaged in the community.&nbsp;“They are the ones that live there and have boots on the ground,” she said.Her dad died in 2016; her mom passed in 2021.The ranch has received local suitors, as well as interest and visitors from other states, since Johnson<a target="_blank" href="https://hallhall.com/property-for-sale/nebraska/dumbbell-ranch/a095d00002U10JQ/"> started marketing</a> it about a week ago, he said.Anne said her family is proud to have
 diversified the operation, which includes the Flying A Cattle Company, 
without forsaking the native rangeland. The family feels blessed, she 
said, to “be a small part of the unique Sandhills ecosystem and 
community.”“It’s dear to our hearts,” said Anne. “We love the Sandhills. Our family loves ranching. It’s time to move on.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680554917938.png" alt="The Dumbbell Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>The Dumbbell Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure>

‘Dumbbell’ in Nebraska Sandhills gains spotlight with sheer size, storied past

St. Joseph voters will decide Tuesday whether sales of
recreational marijuana will be taxed in St. Joseph.

City Manager Bryan Carter says the city council at first
passed on asking voters to impose the tax, but changed its mind after receiving
additional information.

“That decision was made when we figured out that there were about
60 other communities, at least 60 other communities, that were running a tax in
April,” Carter tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Plus, we were kind
of in the midst of dealing with all the other changes we have to make related
to marijuana.”

Carter says the city has had to make changes in its zoning
code, criminal code, and employment policy with the legalization of marijuana
in Missouri.

Carter says a number of factors made the city council hesitant
to ask voters to approve a tax on recreational marijuana. The city manager says
councilmembers worried voters would experience tax fatigue that could
negatively affect future tax hike requests.

Then, councilmembers received more information and changed
their minds.

“And frankly, as we begin to realize that we don’t know what
the world of legalized marijuana is going to bring to us,” Carter says. “We don’t
know what new expenses it will bring to us. We decided that all of those
factors really kind of overrode the fact that we had a couple of other taxes
that were running close in time.”

The city likely will soon ask voters to extend the Capital
Improvement Program, or CIP, tax.

Carter says the city cannot be sure how much a three-percent
tax on marijuana sales would generate.

“Ordinarily, when we run a tax we can say, this is what the
outcome of this tax will be, this is an intended use of the money,” according
to Carter. “We just can’t do that. There’s not a good historical data tracking
for marijuana sales.”

St. Joseph receives between $13o-to-155,000 a year on the
sales to medical marijuana.

If voters approve the tax, it will go into effect sometime in
the third quarter of the year.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph voters will decide Tuesday whether sales of
recreational marijuana will be taxed in St. Joseph.City Manager Bryan Carter says the city council at first
passed on asking voters to impose the tax, but changed its mind after receiving
additional information.“That decision was made when we figured out that there were about
60 other communities, at least 60 other communities, that were running a tax in
April,” Carter tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Plus, we were kind
of in the midst of dealing with all the other changes we have to make related
to marijuana.”Carter says the city has had to make changes in its zoning
code, criminal code, and employment policy with the legalization of marijuana
in Missouri.Carter says a number of factors made the city council hesitant
to ask voters to approve a tax on recreational marijuana. The city manager says
councilmembers worried voters would experience tax fatigue that could
negatively affect future tax hike requests.Then, councilmembers received more information and changed
their minds.“And frankly, as we begin to realize that we don’t know what
the world of legalized marijuana is going to bring to us,” Carter says. “We don’t
know what new expenses it will bring to us. We decided that all of those
factors really kind of overrode the fact that we had a couple of other taxes
that were running close in time.”The city likely will soon ask voters to extend the Capital
Improvement Program, or CIP, tax.Carter says the city cannot be sure how much a three-percent
tax on marijuana sales would generate.“Ordinarily, when we run a tax we can say, this is what the
outcome of this tax will be, this is an intended use of the money,” according
to Carter. “We just can’t do that. There’s not a good historical data tracking
for marijuana sales.”St. Joseph receives between $13o-to-155,000 a year on the
sales to medical marijuana.If voters approve the tax, it will go into effect sometime in
the third quarter of the year.

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