ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged domestic violence.

On Tuesday, police arrested 26-year-old Sareya D. Elmore of Atchison on a requested charges of domestic battery in the 1200 block North 4th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She remains in custody on a $2500 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693430870841.png" alt="Elmore-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Elmore-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged domestic violence.On Tuesday, police arrested 26-year-old Sareya D. Elmore of Atchison on a requested charges of domestic battery in the 1200 block North 4th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.She remains in custody on a $2500 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas woman jailed for alleged domestic battery

Losing a loved one is difficult on even the strongest person, a local group in St. Joseph is working to help those grieving gets through it.  

The GriefShare program has been in St. Joseph for nearly 16 years now, the first ever group meeting at Brookdale Presbyterian Church.  

Organizer Mary Noel Owens says the program is for anyone that is going through the loss of a loved one. 

"That might be a spouse, a grandparent, a sibling, a child, a grandchild, a good friend, it just can be anyone, but no matter who it is your grief is real and it impacts everything in your life," Owens tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr.  

After beginning at Brookdale Presbyterian, GriefShare has now spread to two other St. Joseph churches, providing a 13-week program helping people through their grief journey.  

Organizer Debbie Lyons says while suffering through the loss of a loved one, it's nice to have a group of people around you are going through the same thing. 

"That have that connection with them, that know what they're going through, that understand and can truly be there for them when they need an ear to listen," Lyons explains. "Need somebody to just know their deep, deep sorrow because it is so overwhelming when you're going through that, and you feel so alone." 

Lyons says they call the group their tribe and they want people to know there's a tribe of people who understand what they are going through. 

Lyons knows firsthand the power of the 13-week GriefShare program, after going through it when her late husband passed away.  

Lyons says at first when she was shown the program, she didn't feel like it would be something for her, so she knows how much courage it takes to come join the group.  

"You don't know who's going to be in there that will understand what you're going through and it was, wow, the first four to five sessions I didn't remember initially what happened, but I never stopped going, I didn't miss a day," Lyons says. 

GriefShare programs will be held on Wednesdays at Wyatt Park Baptist, located at 2902 N. Leonard Road in St. Joseph, beginning today, Brookdale Presbyterian located at 203 S. 31st Street in St Joseph on Thursdays, starting tomorrow, and Tuesdays at Three Oaks Hospice located at 1213 N. Belt Highway Suite E beside Spine and Sport in St. Joseph, beginning on September 5th. 

If you are unable to make the first class, you can come at any time during the 13-week program. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Losing a loved one is difficult on even the strongest person, a local group in St. Joseph is working to help those grieving gets through it. The GriefShare program has been in St. Joseph for nearly 16 years now, the first ever group meeting at Brookdale Presbyterian Church. Organizer Mary Noel Owens says the program is for anyone that is going through the loss of a loved one. "That might be a spouse, a grandparent, a sibling, a child, a grandchild, a good friend, it just can be anyone, but no matter who it is your grief is real and it impacts everything in your life," Owens tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. After beginning at Brookdale Presbyterian, GriefShare has now spread to two other St. Joseph churches, providing a 13-week program helping people through their grief journey. Organizer Debbie Lyons says while suffering through the loss of a loved one, it's nice to have a group of people around you are going through the same thing. "That have that connection with them, that know what they're going through, that understand and can truly be there for them when they need an ear to listen," Lyons explains. "Need somebody to just know their deep, deep sorrow because it is so overwhelming when you're going through that, and you feel so alone." Lyons says they call the group their tribe and they want people to know there's a tribe of people who understand what they are going through. Lyons knows firsthand the power of the 13-week GriefShare program, after going through it when her late husband passed away. Lyons says at first when she was shown the program, she didn't feel like it would be something for her, so she knows how much courage it takes to come join the group. "You don't know who's going to be in there that will understand what you're going through and it was, wow, the first four to five sessions I didn't remember initially what happened, but I never stopped going, I didn't miss a day," Lyons says. GriefShare programs will be held on Wednesdays at Wyatt Park Baptist, located at 2902 N. Leonard Road in St. Joseph, beginning today, Brookdale Presbyterian located at 203 S. 31st Street in St Joseph on Thursdays, starting tomorrow, and Tuesdays at Three Oaks Hospice located at 1213 N. Belt Highway Suite E beside Spine and Sport in St. Joseph, beginning on September 5th. If you are unable to make the first class, you can come at any time during the 13-week program.

GriefShare program hopes to help console those dealing with the loss of a loved one

University of Missouri officials say they saw a need and
sought to fill it.

That need:&nbsp; more health
care workers in rural America. The solution:&nbsp;
build a new, $14.5 million UMKC School of Medicine across from Mosaic
Life Care in St. Joseph.

University of Missouri system President Mun Choi says the
university wants to help address the needs of rural Missouri.

“It is not only rural health care, but also rural broadband as
well as meeting the needs of rural education,” Choi tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

The 22,000 square-foot building is expected to open in 2025.
It is designed to allow for the instruction of 80 medical students at a time
with 20 projected to graduate each year. It is an extension of the UMKC Medical
School program began at Mosaic three years ago, held within the Mosaic Life
Care hospital complex.

Choi says the UMKC program in St. Joseph and plans for a new facility
fit nicely with other moves by MU.

“This is an expansion, because we’ve not had a medical school
campus in this part of the state,” Choi says. “But this is continuing what we
began in Springfield with MU School of Medicine having a satellite campus in
Springfield.”

The University of Missouri held an elaborate groundbreaking
ceremony at the corner of Faraon Street and Riverside Road Tuesday with a huge
white tent filled with dignitaries from the academic, medical, and political
world. Students demonstrated some of the classes taught currently by UMKC at the
Mosaic campus, across the road.

UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal says this new medical building
could be just the start of the school’s offerings in St. Joseph.

“Once we have this program running, we have so many degrees in
the health areas that we offer out of UMKC, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t
think of those in the future,” Agrawal tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “But, one
thing at a time. Let this one be successful. We’ll work out all the kinks. Then
we will consider other programs as well.”

Students currently being taught at the UMKC Mosaic program are
nearing graduation.

Emma Smith is a student from St. Louis who got her
undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia and has one year to
go in the St. Joseph program and hopes to work in rural America.

“I actually lived outside of Columbia for three of my four
years of my undergraduate degree and that’s kind of where I started to
recognize some of the disparities within rural care and some of the barriers
that patients can face in these areas,” Smith tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So,
that’s why the St. Joseph program was such a good fit for me.”

Smith plans to take up residency once she completes the
program at Mosaic and has yet to decide what specialty she will enter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693400095718.jpeg" alt="University of Missouri President Mun Choi greets an attendee at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new UMKC School of Medicine building in St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>University of Missouri President Mun Choi greets an attendee at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new UMKC School of Medicine building in St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostUniversity of Missouri officials say they saw a need and
sought to fill it.That need:&nbsp; more health
care workers in rural America. The solution:&nbsp;
build a new, $14.5 million UMKC School of Medicine across from Mosaic
Life Care in St. Joseph.University of Missouri system President Mun Choi says the
university wants to help address the needs of rural Missouri.“It is not only rural health care, but also rural broadband as
well as meeting the needs of rural education,” Choi tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.The 22,000 square-foot building is expected to open in 2025.
It is designed to allow for the instruction of 80 medical students at a time
with 20 projected to graduate each year. It is an extension of the UMKC Medical
School program began at Mosaic three years ago, held within the Mosaic Life
Care hospital complex.Choi says the UMKC program in St. Joseph and plans for a new facility
fit nicely with other moves by MU.“This is an expansion, because we’ve not had a medical school
campus in this part of the state,” Choi says. “But this is continuing what we
began in Springfield with MU School of Medicine having a satellite campus in
Springfield.”The University of Missouri held an elaborate groundbreaking
ceremony at the corner of Faraon Street and Riverside Road Tuesday with a huge
white tent filled with dignitaries from the academic, medical, and political
world. Students demonstrated some of the classes taught currently by UMKC at the
Mosaic campus, across the road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693400214367.jpeg" alt="UMKC Chancellor Maul Agrawal talks with those attending the groundbreaking/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>UMKC Chancellor Maul Agrawal talks with those attending the groundbreaking/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal says this new medical building
could be just the start of the school’s offerings in St. Joseph.“Once we have this program running, we have so many degrees in
the health areas that we offer out of UMKC, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t
think of those in the future,” Agrawal tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “But, one
thing at a time. Let this one be successful. We’ll work out all the kinks. Then
we will consider other programs as well.”Students currently being taught at the UMKC Mosaic program are
nearing graduation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693400290395.jpeg" alt="UMKC medical student Emma Smith (right, in lab coat) talks with fellow students during the groundbreaking ceremony/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>UMKC medical student Emma Smith (right, in lab coat) talks with fellow students during the groundbreaking ceremony/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Emma Smith is a student from St. Louis who got her
undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia and has one year to
go in the St. Joseph program and hopes to work in rural America.“I actually lived outside of Columbia for three of my four
years of my undergraduate degree and that’s kind of where I started to
recognize some of the disparities within rural care and some of the barriers
that patients can face in these areas,” Smith tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So,
that’s why the St. Joseph program was such a good fit for me.”Smith plans to take up residency once she completes the
program at Mosaic and has yet to decide what specialty she will enter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693400586928.jpeg" alt="UMKC St. Joseph campus/Rendering provided by Clark &amp; Enersen" />
 <figcaption>UMKC St. Joseph campus/Rendering provided by Clark &amp; Enersen</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/UMKC-expands-into-St--Joseph-e28nrit" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

MU moves into St. Joseph to help meet rural health care needs

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

A recent survey found growing displeasure with Missouri schools.

A majority of respondents — 56% — rated their local schools as only fair or poor, and 71% said that about public schools generally in the state, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/big-ideas/slu-poll/data-archive/august-2023-poll/slu-poll-august-2023-topline-results.pdf">SLU You/Gov poll results</a>&nbsp;released last week.&nbsp;

More of the voters surveyed also said that charter schools — small public schools operated independently of the local distinct — should be allowed in their district, and 55% said they should be allowed statewide.

The poll happens about every six months, weighing voters’ opinions on both politicians and the big issues at the time. Poll director Steven Rogers noted a trend in perspectives on public education since the first one conducted in the early days of the pandemic.

“People have been more disapproving or rating them more poorly,” he said.

Among subgroups&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/big-ideas/slu-poll/data-archive/august-2023-poll/slu-poll-august2023-results-crosstabs.pdf">listed in the poll results</a>, the highest negative ratings about local schools were from adults 30-44 and most likely to have children of school age, at 65% rating schools fair or poor. Black Missourians, at 73%, Democrats, at 63%, and residents of northwest Missouri, at 66%, also had high negative ratings for their local schools.

The highest favorable ratings for local schools came from Republicans, with 48% rating them good or excellent, and southeast Missouri, where 46% said their schools are good or excellent.

The highest negative ratings about schools generally in Missouri were from young people 18-29, recently out of the education system, at 79%, Black Missourians, 86%, Democrats, 80%, and residents of northwest Missouri, also at 80%. The highest favorable ratings for schools statewide came from Republicans, with 36% rating them good or excellent, and southeast Missouri, where 39% said schools across the state are good or excellent.

The only subgroup where opposition to charter schools equals or exceeds support either for local districts or statewide is among Democrats when asked about local charter schools. Even then, the respondents were split, with 33% supporting local charter schools, 33% opposed and 34% unsure.

Results show a majority believe there is a shortage of teachers, that four-fifths of respondents think teachers should be paid more — but that only 35% would recommend teaching as a profession. There is no subgroup that doesn’t view teacher shortages as a problem. And only two subgroups, people age 18-29 and Democrats, where more respondents said they would recommend teaching as a career than not.

The findings “are completely depressing, but they are accurate,” said state Rep. Paula Brown, D-Hazelwood. “As a former teacher, I am sad that people don’t want to go into education. But look at what is happening. They aren’t paid well. And they get an egregious amount of backlash.”

Lawmakers approved state funding to raise minimum teacher salaries to $38,000 but have not changed the law mandating only a $25,000 minimum as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/18/commission-recommends-salary-increases-to-address-missouri-teacher-shortage/">recommended by a blue ribbon commission</a>&nbsp;appointed by the State Board of Education.

Charter schools are not a panacea to education problems, Brown said. They serve only a small number of the state’s 900,000 schoolchildren, she pointed out, and must support a separate administration from school districts.

So far, she said, testing does not show significant differences in achievement in charter schools over traditional public schools.

“If most people really knew the ins and outs of charter schools, I wonder if they would answer the same way,” Brown said.&nbsp;

Mark Jones, spokesman for the Missouri National Education Association, said he questions the SLU You/Gov results for local school ratings. NEA polling shows better results for local schools, he said, and elections indicate people have confidence in their districts.

“What we always tend to see in polling is that folks rate their local schools very high, and then when you ask about the entire state, that is more detached,” Jones said. “And at the ballot boxes, voters are passing taxes and levies to support students, even though the state is failing to increase funding.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691616488001.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A recent survey found growing displeasure with Missouri schools.A majority of respondents — 56% — rated their local schools as only fair or poor, and 71% said that about public schools generally in the state, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/big-ideas/slu-poll/data-archive/august-2023-poll/slu-poll-august-2023-topline-results.pdf">SLU You/Gov poll results</a>&nbsp;released last week.&nbsp;More of the voters surveyed also said that charter schools — small public schools operated independently of the local distinct — should be allowed in their district, and 55% said they should be allowed statewide.The poll happens about every six months, weighing voters’ opinions on both politicians and the big issues at the time. Poll director Steven Rogers noted a trend in perspectives on public education since the first one conducted in the early days of the pandemic.“People have been more disapproving or rating them more poorly,” he said.Among subgroups&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/big-ideas/slu-poll/data-archive/august-2023-poll/slu-poll-august2023-results-crosstabs.pdf">listed in the poll results</a>, the highest negative ratings about local schools were from adults 30-44 and most likely to have children of school age, at 65% rating schools fair or poor. Black Missourians, at 73%, Democrats, at 63%, and residents of northwest Missouri, at 66%, also had high negative ratings for their local schools.The highest favorable ratings for local schools came from Republicans, with 48% rating them good or excellent, and southeast Missouri, where 46% said their schools are good or excellent.The highest negative ratings about schools generally in Missouri were from young people 18-29, recently out of the education system, at 79%, Black Missourians, 86%, Democrats, 80%, and residents of northwest Missouri, also at 80%. The highest favorable ratings for schools statewide came from Republicans, with 36% rating them good or excellent, and southeast Missouri, where 39% said schools across the state are good or excellent.The only subgroup where opposition to charter schools equals or exceeds support either for local districts or statewide is among Democrats when asked about local charter schools. Even then, the respondents were split, with 33% supporting local charter schools, 33% opposed and 34% unsure.Results show a majority believe there is a shortage of teachers, that four-fifths of respondents think teachers should be paid more — but that only 35% would recommend teaching as a profession. There is no subgroup that doesn’t view teacher shortages as a problem. And only two subgroups, people age 18-29 and Democrats, where more respondents said they would recommend teaching as a career than not.The findings “are completely depressing, but they are accurate,” said state Rep. Paula Brown, D-Hazelwood. “As a former teacher, I am sad that people don’t want to go into education. But look at what is happening. They aren’t paid well. And they get an egregious amount of backlash.”Lawmakers approved state funding to raise minimum teacher salaries to $38,000 but have not changed the law mandating only a $25,000 minimum as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/18/commission-recommends-salary-increases-to-address-missouri-teacher-shortage/">recommended by a blue ribbon commission</a>&nbsp;appointed by the State Board of Education.Charter schools are not a panacea to education problems, Brown said. They serve only a small number of the state’s 900,000 schoolchildren, she pointed out, and must support a separate administration from school districts.So far, she said, testing does not show significant differences in achievement in charter schools over traditional public schools.“If most people really knew the ins and outs of charter schools, I wonder if they would answer the same way,” Brown said.&nbsp;Mark Jones, spokesman for the Missouri National Education Association, said he questions the SLU You/Gov results for local school ratings. NEA polling shows better results for local schools, he said, and elections indicate people have confidence in their districts.“What we always tend to see in polling is that folks rate their local schools very high, and then when you ask about the entire state, that is more detached,” Jones said. “And at the ballot boxes, voters are passing taxes and levies to support students, even though the state is failing to increase funding.”

Poll: More Missourians dissatisfied with public education

AT&amp;T has given up its fight with city hall.

St. Joseph city officials report AT&amp;T has withdrawn its
lawsuit against the city council decision to deny it a permit to build a
telecommunications tower at 3802 Karnes Road, a proposal that drew widespread
opposition from homeowners in the residential neighborhood.

AT&amp;T has withdrawn lawsuits filed in federal court and,
instead, has proposed erecting a tower at 3914 Karnes Road instead. The new
proposed location is adjacent to the water tower on which AT&amp;T has an
existing tower. 

The new application remains subject to St. Joseph City Council
approval.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAT&amp;T has given up its fight with city hall.St. Joseph city officials report AT&amp;T has withdrawn its
lawsuit against the city council decision to deny it a permit to build a
telecommunications tower at 3802 Karnes Road, a proposal that drew widespread
opposition from homeowners in the residential neighborhood.AT&amp;T has withdrawn lawsuits filed in federal court and,
instead, has proposed erecting a tower at 3914 Karnes Road instead. The new
proposed location is adjacent to the water tower on which AT&amp;T has an
existing tower. The new application remains subject to St. Joseph City Council
approval.

AT&T drops lawsuits against St. Joseph City Council, proposes new tower site

St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter says the city hasn’t
forgotten about a proposal to build a new animal shelter. Carter says the city
simply has run into a funding issue.

Friends of the Animal Shelter has raised $1.5 million to fund
replacing the existing shelter it describes as noisy and crowded with a new
one.

Carter, though, says the cost has skyrocketed, from the
projected $2.5 million to between $5 million and $6 million.

Carter says the funding gap is getting in the way of an upgrade.

“We have a problem now and it’s a problem related to the
amount of funding that’s available for the project that needs to be done,”
Carter tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And we have to look at all
solutions.”

Carter says the cost of locating a new animal shelter,
proposed for Corporate Drive, has at least doubled.

“We know we’ve gone a long way down this road,” Carter says. “We
know that the Friends of the Animal Shelter has done an excellent job of
getting out boots on the ground, fundraising, putting together a lot of money.”

Carter says the problem now is that’s not enough money. Carter
says the city retains $1 million from the 2018 CIP list and must find enough
money to build an animal shelter that will be a real improvement over the
current facility in south St. Joseph.

Carter says more money must be raised the city must be assured
the new shelter is a true upgrade from the current shelter.

“We have to analyze the plan, make sure that we’re pursuing
the right plan and that it is going to work,” Carter says. “And that’s the
conversations that go back to what corners can be cut? Is that the right facility?
All of those pieces that are encompassed in that and then there’s the fact that
we have to figure out where the rest of the money is coming from.”

It has been a frustrating delay for Friends of the Animal
Shelter which first discussed building a new shelter with city officials more
than 10 years ago.

A member of Friends of the Animal Shelter, Lucinda Kerns, urges
citizens to remind the St. Joseph City Council of the importance of a new
shelter.

“If you can keep contacting the council and let them know that
you are behind us, you support us, you want it, you’d love to see it for the
community,” Kerns says. “It would help us out, I think.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter says the city hasn’t
forgotten about a proposal to build a new animal shelter. Carter says the city
simply has run into a funding issue.Friends of the Animal Shelter has raised $1.5 million to fund
replacing the existing shelter it describes as noisy and crowded with a new
one.Carter, though, says the cost has skyrocketed, from the
projected $2.5 million to between $5 million and $6 million.Carter says the funding gap is getting in the way of an upgrade.“We have a problem now and it’s a problem related to the
amount of funding that’s available for the project that needs to be done,”
Carter tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And we have to look at all
solutions.”Carter says the cost of locating a new animal shelter,
proposed for Corporate Drive, has at least doubled.“We know we’ve gone a long way down this road,” Carter says. “We
know that the Friends of the Animal Shelter has done an excellent job of
getting out boots on the ground, fundraising, putting together a lot of money.”Carter says the problem now is that’s not enough money. Carter
says the city retains $1 million from the 2018 CIP list and must find enough
money to build an animal shelter that will be a real improvement over the
current facility in south St. Joseph.Carter says more money must be raised the city must be assured
the new shelter is a true upgrade from the current shelter.“We have to analyze the plan, make sure that we’re pursuing
the right plan and that it is going to work,” Carter says. “And that’s the
conversations that go back to what corners can be cut? Is that the right facility?
All of those pieces that are encompassed in that and then there’s the fact that
we have to figure out where the rest of the money is coming from.”It has been a frustrating delay for Friends of the Animal
Shelter which first discussed building a new shelter with city officials more
than 10 years ago.A member of Friends of the Animal Shelter, Lucinda Kerns, urges
citizens to remind the St. Joseph City Council of the importance of a new
shelter.“If you can keep contacting the council and let them know that
you are behind us, you support us, you want it, you’d love to see it for the
community,” Kerns says. “It would help us out, I think.”

New St. Joseph animal shelter not a reality, yet

Ground has been broken in St. Joseph as the University of
Missouri-Kansas City expands its medical program in the city with a $14.5
million building.

The building will be located on Faraon Street across from the Mosaic
Life Care complex and will expand a program begun by UMKC at Mosaic three years
ago.

State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph remembered the first meeting
between UMKC and Mosaic officials in April of 2019, praising Mosaic officials
for the reception they gave UMKC’s proposal.

“They took the meeting and they listened to UMKC’s proposal of
creating a school in a rural setting to train rural doctors,” Shields said
during a ceremony held at the site. “Creating the school is important, because
we know that doctors that train in rural settings set up their practice in
rural settings.”

Shields praised the UMKC students who came to Mosaic at the
beginning of the program to begin their academic career.

“Who took a risk in January of 2021 to come here and go to
school, that they bought into our idea that we were creating the premiere
school in the nation to train rural physicians,” Shields said.

The elaborate ground-breaking ceremony under a huge white tent
at Faraon and Riverside attracted a wide variety of officials: &nbsp;political, medical, and academic.

The project took a huge step forward when former U.S. Sen. Roy
Blunt secured $13 million in federal funds. The state of Missouri contributed
$1.5 million. The money will finance construction of a 22,000 square foot building
expected to open in 2025.

The building will have the capacity to train 80 students with
a graduating class of 20 each year, designed specifically to address rural
health care needs.

University of Missouri system president Mun Choi attended the ground-breaking
ceremonies in St. Joseph and got a chance to speak with UMKC students seeking
their degree at Mosaic.

“I had a chance to meet a few of the students. I’m going to
meet all of you before the day is out,” Choi told the large audience in
attendance. “And I asked them the question, ‘Will you serve you serve rural
Missouri?’ And, to a person, they said yes. I’m going to hold you to it.”

The UMKC program is designed specifically to address medical
needs in rural parts of the area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693333807511.jpeg" alt="UMKC School of Medicine Dean Mary Anne Jackson addressed the crowd during the groundbreaking ceremony/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>UMKC School of Medicine Dean Mary Anne Jackson addressed the crowd during the groundbreaking ceremony/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostGround has been broken in St. Joseph as the University of
Missouri-Kansas City expands its medical program in the city with a $14.5
million building.The building will be located on Faraon Street across from the Mosaic
Life Care complex and will expand a program begun by UMKC at Mosaic three years
ago.State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph remembered the first meeting
between UMKC and Mosaic officials in April of 2019, praising Mosaic officials
for the reception they gave UMKC’s proposal.“They took the meeting and they listened to UMKC’s proposal of
creating a school in a rural setting to train rural doctors,” Shields said
during a ceremony held at the site. “Creating the school is important, because
we know that doctors that train in rural settings set up their practice in
rural settings.”Shields praised the UMKC students who came to Mosaic at the
beginning of the program to begin their academic career.“Who took a risk in January of 2021 to come here and go to
school, that they bought into our idea that we were creating the premiere
school in the nation to train rural physicians,” Shields said.The elaborate ground-breaking ceremony under a huge white tent
at Faraon and Riverside attracted a wide variety of officials: &nbsp;political, medical, and academic.The project took a huge step forward when former U.S. Sen. Roy
Blunt secured $13 million in federal funds. The state of Missouri contributed
$1.5 million. The money will finance construction of a 22,000 square foot building
expected to open in 2025.The building will have the capacity to train 80 students with
a graduating class of 20 each year, designed specifically to address rural
health care needs.University of Missouri system president Mun Choi attended the ground-breaking
ceremonies in St. Joseph and got a chance to speak with UMKC students seeking
their degree at Mosaic.“I had a chance to meet a few of the students. I’m going to
meet all of you before the day is out,” Choi told the large audience in
attendance. “And I asked them the question, ‘Will you serve you serve rural
Missouri?’ And, to a person, they said yes. I’m going to hold you to it.”The UMKC program is designed specifically to address medical
needs in rural parts of the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693333901598.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>

UMKC breaks ground in St. Joseph for new medical school

The merger of Farm Credit of New Mexico and American AgCredit Farm Credit cooperatives will be effective October 1, 2023.

The merger will create one Farm Credit Association with enhanced marketplace stability, increased funding capacity, and better access to technology. The voting stockholders of Farm Credit of New Mexico re-voted for the proposed merger after a reconsideration process established by the Farm Credit Administration.

American AgCredit CEO Curt Hudnutt says, "This merger makes us a better partner for our customers." Hudnutt will lead the merged American AgCredit, which will have more than 900 employees. The October 1, 2023, effective merger date is pending final Farm Credit Association approval.

American AgCredit was chartered in 1916 as part of the nationwide Farm Credit System and is the nation's fourth-largest Farm Credit association. Farm Credit of New Mexico is the largest agricultural lender in New Mexico, a $2 billion cooperative specializing in agricultural lending and related services.

The merger of Farm Credit of New Mexico and American AgCredit Farm Credit cooperatives will be effective October 1, 2023.The merger will create one Farm Credit Association with enhanced marketplace stability, increased funding capacity, and better access to technology. The voting stockholders of Farm Credit of New Mexico re-voted for the proposed merger after a reconsideration process established by the Farm Credit Administration.American AgCredit CEO Curt Hudnutt says, "This merger makes us a better partner for our customers." Hudnutt will lead the merged American AgCredit, which will have more than 900 employees. The October 1, 2023, effective merger date is pending final Farm Credit Association approval.American AgCredit was chartered in 1916 as part of the nationwide Farm Credit System and is the nation's fourth-largest Farm Credit association. Farm Credit of New Mexico is the largest agricultural lender in New Mexico, a $2 billion cooperative specializing in agricultural lending and related services.-NAFB

Farm Credit Farmer-Owned Cooperatives Merger Effective October 1

St. Joseph is home to many small businesses and a national magazine named the city one of the best places to start a small business in the country.  

Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Redmond says Site Selector Magazine named St. Joseph the number 18 best place to start a small business, the only city in Missouri selected for the list.  

Redmond says the roots of St. Joseph are based on entrepreneurship and that spirit still lives on today.  

"It's just a great place to start a small business, there are a lot of resources, there's a lot of support, but the small business owners that I work with day in and day out they’re so supportive of each other and they really want to see each other be successful," Redmond tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "And I think that's the secret sauce that you see is why we get named in a top place to start a small business." 

St. Joseph small businesses work well alongside each other, and that camaraderie is reason for the top 20 ranking from the national magazine.  

Redmond says she works with many of these business owners around the city, and mostly all of these entrepreneurs work together 

"If I have an entrepreneur that's new, that's struggling, that really wants help in a certain thing, I can call another small business owner, entrepreneur, and they're always willing to mentor and help," Redmond says. "It is just a really great place to have that camaraderie." 

Redmond says whether its Cup of Joe or any of the resources in St. Joseph it is a very collaborative city for small businesses which she is very proud of. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph is home to many small businesses and a national magazine named the city one of the best places to start a small business in the country. Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Redmond says Site Selector Magazine named St. Joseph the number 18 best place to start a small business, the only city in Missouri selected for the list. Redmond says the roots of St. Joseph are based on entrepreneurship and that spirit still lives on today. "It's just a great place to start a small business, there are a lot of resources, there's a lot of support, but the small business owners that I work with day in and day out they’re so supportive of each other and they really want to see each other be successful," Redmond tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "And I think that's the secret sauce that you see is why we get named in a top place to start a small business." St. Joseph small businesses work well alongside each other, and that camaraderie is reason for the top 20 ranking from the national magazine. Redmond says she works with many of these business owners around the city, and mostly all of these entrepreneurs work together "If I have an entrepreneur that's new, that's struggling, that really wants help in a certain thing, I can call another small business owner, entrepreneur, and they're always willing to mentor and help," Redmond says. "It is just a really great place to have that camaraderie." Redmond says whether its Cup of Joe or any of the resources in St. Joseph it is a very collaborative city for small businesses which she is very proud of.

St. Joseph ranked 18th best spot to start a small business by national magazine

For the first time in over a month, the nation's average price of gasoline declined, falling 4.0 cents from a week ago to $3.78 per gallon.

The national average is up 5.8 cents from a month ago but 3.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average diesel price rose 3.3 cents in the last week to $4.33 per gallon, 70.7 cents lower than one year ago. However, GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says, "The drop may be short-lived, as one of the nation's largest refineries partially shut last week after a fire at a storage tank, and as we see more tropical activity that could lead to further disruption."

After rallying for seven straight weeks, oil prices have lost some of their luster, much of which can be blamed on continued weakness in China’s economy, and refinery issues in the U.S. limiting how much crude oil refineries will be able to process.

For the first time in over a month, the nation's average price of gasoline declined, falling 4.0 cents from a week ago to $3.78 per gallon.The national average is up 5.8 cents from a month ago but 3.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average diesel price rose 3.3 cents in the last week to $4.33 per gallon, 70.7 cents lower than one year ago. However, GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says, "The drop may be short-lived, as one of the nation's largest refineries partially shut last week after a fire at a storage tank, and as we see more tropical activity that could lead to further disruption."After rallying for seven straight weeks, oil prices have lost some of their luster, much of which can be blamed on continued weakness in China’s economy, and refinery issues in the U.S. limiting how much crude oil refineries will be able to process.-NAFB

Gas Lower, Diesel Higher, Ahead of Labor Day Weekend

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate a weekend drive-by shooting&nbsp; in the 400 block U Street in Atchison that sent a teen to the hospital

 Police now know the victim is a 15-year-old from Columbia Missouri, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. She had originally provided inaccurate information. .

Just after 4p.m. Saturday, the teen was sitting in a vehicle in the 400 block U Street in Atchison.&nbsp; A&nbsp;person drove up next to the vehicle and fired a single shot.

A private vehicle transported the girl to a local hospital. She was later transferred to a Kansas City hospital. She has been released from the hospital, according Wilson.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate a weekend drive-by shooting&nbsp; in the 400 block U Street in Atchison that sent a teen to the hospital Police now know the victim is a 15-year-old from Columbia Missouri, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. She had originally provided inaccurate information. .Just after 4p.m. Saturday, the teen was sitting in a vehicle in the 400 block U Street in Atchison.&nbsp; A&nbsp;person drove up next to the vehicle and fired a single shot.A private vehicle transported the girl to a local hospital. She was later transferred to a Kansas City hospital. She has been released from the hospital, according Wilson.

Mo. girl injured in Kan. drive-by shooting released from hospital

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/30/open-enrollment-missouri-school-choice/">Missouri Independent</a>

This week, a Missouri law will penalize drivers for using their cell phones while the car is moving.

Inattention is a leading cause of collisions, said Captain John Hotz, director of public information and education for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Between 2017 and 2021, roughly 380 people died in incidents involving a distracted driver,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/distracted-driving">according to the Missouri Coalition for Road Safety</a>.

But law-enforcement officers can’t penalize someone just for holding a phone. A driver must also be committing another violation.

Texting while driving is a secondary offense — meaning police officers can’t pull a driver over simply for using a cell phone, but it can be added to other citations.

“The seatbelt law is also a secondary violation, but yet we still have almost 90% of people wearing their seatbelts,” Hotz told The Independent. “Our hope is that even though this is a secondary violation, if we can get nine out of 10 people to stop using these devices when they’re driving, that’s going to make a huge difference in the number of crashes that we see.”

Officers also may not search a driver’s cell phone unless a violation of the law “results in serious bodily injury or death.”

Law enforcement will issue warnings until 2025.

Then, citations will cost up to $150 for the first offense, $250 for the second violation in 24 months and $500 for the third. Fines can cost up to $500 for the first offense if the driver is in a construction or school zone.

The law prohibits holding a cell phone, except when stopped. Drivers are also not allowed to record or watch videos, although this can be done hands-free.

The law carves out a few situations in which one can use their phone: Viewing a map, accessing music or podcasts and communicating with emergency services.

Hotz said he didn’t think one could hold their phone while looking at GPS and recommended drivers obtain a dashboard mount for a cell phone, but the carveout may protect drivers in that situation.

Drivers may use hands-free technology, like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, headsets and technology built into the car.

In the Missouri House, legislators had concerns the law would lead to privacy violations as drivers try to prove they weren’t texting.

“​​The problem is, ultimately, the vast latitude that it gives to law enforcement to hassle people on the side of the road without any real ability for you to prove that you are not guilty of this infraction without basically giving up your electronic device to be searched,” Rep. Tony Lovasco, R-O’Fallon, said during House discussion.

Rep. Raychel Proudie, D-Ferguson, said she is worried cell-phone usage will become a secondary violation when people are pulled over and record the interaction or call a loved one for help or accountability.

Rep. Jeff Knight, R-Lebanon, said there is a year and a half to “retrain” oneself to wait until stopped to press record or call a relative. Knight sponsored the amendment that added the distracted driving provision to an overarching bill.

“I can’t tell people who have decades of muscle memory when it comes to how to interact with police for their own safety to retrain themselves on how that works,” Proudie said.

She said her concerns wouldn’t stop her from supporting the amendment because she is also concerned with distracted driving.

“We’ve seen a troubling and unacceptable trend of distracted driving crashes in recent years, and sadly, more times than not, someone other than the distracted driver was killed,” MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood said in a statement. “We’re thankful the General Assembly and Gov. Parson recognized the need for a hands-free law in Missouri. We’re hopeful this law will change the safety culture around phone use while driving and save lives.”

By ANNELISE HANSHAW<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/30/open-enrollment-missouri-school-choice/">Missouri Independent</a>This week, a Missouri law will penalize drivers for using their cell phones while the car is moving.Inattention is a leading cause of collisions, said Captain John Hotz, director of public information and education for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.Between 2017 and 2021, roughly 380 people died in incidents involving a distracted driver,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/distracted-driving">according to the Missouri Coalition for Road Safety</a>.But law-enforcement officers can’t penalize someone just for holding a phone. A driver must also be committing another violation.Texting while driving is a secondary offense — meaning police officers can’t pull a driver over simply for using a cell phone, but it can be added to other citations.“The seatbelt law is also a secondary violation, but yet we still have almost 90% of people wearing their seatbelts,” Hotz told The Independent. “Our hope is that even though this is a secondary violation, if we can get nine out of 10 people to stop using these devices when they’re driving, that’s going to make a huge difference in the number of crashes that we see.”Officers also may not search a driver’s cell phone unless a violation of the law “results in serious bodily injury or death.”Law enforcement will issue warnings until 2025.Then, citations will cost up to $150 for the first offense, $250 for the second violation in 24 months and $500 for the third. Fines can cost up to $500 for the first offense if the driver is in a construction or school zone.The law prohibits holding a cell phone, except when stopped. Drivers are also not allowed to record or watch videos, although this can be done hands-free.The law carves out a few situations in which one can use their phone: Viewing a map, accessing music or podcasts and communicating with emergency services.Hotz said he didn’t think one could hold their phone while looking at GPS and recommended drivers obtain a dashboard mount for a cell phone, but the carveout may protect drivers in that situation.Drivers may use hands-free technology, like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, headsets and technology built into the car.In the Missouri House, legislators had concerns the law would lead to privacy violations as drivers try to prove they weren’t texting.“​​The problem is, ultimately, the vast latitude that it gives to law enforcement to hassle people on the side of the road without any real ability for you to prove that you are not guilty of this infraction without basically giving up your electronic device to be searched,” Rep. Tony Lovasco, R-O’Fallon, said during House discussion.Rep. Raychel Proudie, D-Ferguson, said she is worried cell-phone usage will become a secondary violation when people are pulled over and record the interaction or call a loved one for help or accountability.Rep. Jeff Knight, R-Lebanon, said there is a year and a half to “retrain” oneself to wait until stopped to press record or call a relative. Knight sponsored the amendment that added the distracted driving provision to an overarching bill.“I can’t tell people who have decades of muscle memory when it comes to how to interact with police for their own safety to retrain themselves on how that works,” Proudie said.She said her concerns wouldn’t stop her from supporting the amendment because she is also concerned with distracted driving.“We’ve seen a troubling and unacceptable trend of distracted driving crashes in recent years, and sadly, more times than not, someone other than the distracted driver was killed,” MoDOT State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood said in a statement. “We’re thankful the General Assembly and Gov. Parson recognized the need for a hands-free law in Missouri. We’re hopeful this law will change the safety culture around phone use while driving and save lives.”

Missouri’s new distracted driving law begins with warning-only period

HIGHLAND, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas community college that was accused of trying to reduce the number of Black student-athletes has agreed to a settlement, the Justice Department announced Monday.

The department said in a news release that the agreement requires Highland Community College to make its disciplinary proceedings more fair, to provide more training and to improve its procedures for responding to student complaints.

A university spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a phone message or email seeking comment.

The agreement resolves the department's investigation into complaints that Black students were targeted for searches and disciplined more severely than their white peers, resulting in their unfair removal from campus housing, or even expulsion, the department said in the release.

“No college student should have their educational experience marred or disrupted by discrimination based on their race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

The allegations led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-kansas-football-education-race-and-ethnicity-35dfa40e9b3aed75ee8d067a6d083f34">lawsuits</a>, one filed by former coaches and another by former athletes.

The coaches' suit, which was settled this year, alleged that the school intimidated Black student-athletes into leaving and told coaches not to recruit African Americans.

The American Civil Liberties Union alleged in another suit that Highland expelled Black students for minor or bogus infractions and subjected them to arbitrary searches, surveillance and harassment on campus. In that case, the school agreed to pay as much as $15,000 to four students and pledged to provide anti-discrimination and Fourth Amendment training to staff members and administrators.

Highland has about 3,200 students and is about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City, Missouri. Fewer than 6% of the students are African American, but half or more of the student-athletes, until recently, were Black and came from out of state, according to the lawsuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605539986198.png" alt="Image courtesy Highland Community College" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Highland Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>HIGHLAND, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas community college that was accused of trying to reduce the number of Black student-athletes has agreed to a settlement, the Justice Department announced Monday.The department said in a news release that the agreement requires Highland Community College to make its disciplinary proceedings more fair, to provide more training and to improve its procedures for responding to student complaints.A university spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a phone message or email seeking comment.The agreement resolves the department's investigation into complaints that Black students were targeted for searches and disciplined more severely than their white peers, resulting in their unfair removal from campus housing, or even expulsion, the department said in the release.“No college student should have their educational experience marred or disrupted by discrimination based on their race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.The allegations led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-kansas-football-education-race-and-ethnicity-35dfa40e9b3aed75ee8d067a6d083f34">lawsuits</a>, one filed by former coaches and another by former athletes.The coaches' suit, which was settled this year, alleged that the school intimidated Black student-athletes into leaving and told coaches not to recruit African Americans.The American Civil Liberties Union alleged in another suit that Highland expelled Black students for minor or bogus infractions and subjected them to arbitrary searches, surveillance and harassment on campus. In that case, the school agreed to pay as much as $15,000 to four students and pledged to provide anti-discrimination and Fourth Amendment training to staff members and administrators.Highland has about 3,200 students and is about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City, Missouri. Fewer than 6% of the students are African American, but half or more of the student-athletes, until recently, were Black and came from out of state, according to the lawsuit.

Settlement in lawsuit alleging college discriminated against Black athletes   

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves claims
his vote against accepting the Electoral College results after the 2020
elections had more to do with legislative races than casting a vote in favor of
former President Donald Trump.

Graves, a Republican, is critical of how states
such as Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Arizona conducted their elections in 2020. 

“Just the simple fact that states allow mail-in
voting with no signature verification is just flat-out wrong,” Graves tells a
caller on the KFEQ Hotline. “My vote had more to do with those outcomes in
Senate and House races than it did with the president.”

The caller challenged Graves on his vote, asking if
he regretted it.

Graves says he is more concerned about how state
voting irregularities might affect the majorities in the Senate and House in
Washington, D.C. than who occupies the White House. Graves says he doesn’t
favor a federal takeover of elections, but does believe there needs to be
guidelines for the states in conducting elections.

Pressed about the federal indictments
accumulating around the former president, Graves says every citizen should be
concerned about the role of the FBI and the Biden Administration Department of
Justice in the criminal charges being filed against the Republican
front-runner.

“I don’t care if it’s a Republican administration
or a Democrat administration,” Graves insists. “The fact that we have weaponized
federal agencies like that that is something that scares me more than anything
else, because that means that they can come after anyone.”

One accuses the president of taking classified
documents from the White House. Another accuses Trump of trying to overturn the
2020 election results. The most recent case brought against Trump is similar.
It accuses him of interfering with the Georgia elections.

The initial case brought against Trump accuses
him of paying hush money to a porn star for her silence about their alleged
affair.

Graves says Americans will need to wait and see
how the criminal justice system plays out in those four indictments.

Graves declines to speculate too much about what
motivates Trump to keep pursuing the Republican nomination to run again.

“President Trump is very ego driven, for lack of
a better way of describing it, and I think he’s very frustrated and he wants to
get another chance at another term,” Graves says. “Obviously, that will play
out and we’ll see what happens.”

Republican primary voters once again face a
crowded field of candidates. Fourteen Republican candidates, including Trump,
have declared for president.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693238700546.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves on the KFEQ Hotline/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves on the KFEQ Hotline/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves claims
his vote against accepting the Electoral College results after the 2020
elections had more to do with legislative races than casting a vote in favor of
former President Donald Trump.Graves, a Republican, is critical of how states
such as Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Arizona conducted their elections in 2020. “Just the simple fact that states allow mail-in
voting with no signature verification is just flat-out wrong,” Graves tells a
caller on the KFEQ Hotline. “My vote had more to do with those outcomes in
Senate and House races than it did with the president.”The caller challenged Graves on his vote, asking if
he regretted it.Graves says he is more concerned about how state
voting irregularities might affect the majorities in the Senate and House in
Washington, D.C. than who occupies the White House. Graves says he doesn’t
favor a federal takeover of elections, but does believe there needs to be
guidelines for the states in conducting elections.Pressed about the federal indictments
accumulating around the former president, Graves says every citizen should be
concerned about the role of the FBI and the Biden Administration Department of
Justice in the criminal charges being filed against the Republican
front-runner.“I don’t care if it’s a Republican administration
or a Democrat administration,” Graves insists. “The fact that we have weaponized
federal agencies like that that is something that scares me more than anything
else, because that means that they can come after anyone.”Trump is under four indictments, total.One accuses the president of taking classified
documents from the White House. Another accuses Trump of trying to overturn the
2020 election results. The most recent case brought against Trump is similar.
It accuses him of interfering with the Georgia elections.The initial case brought against Trump accuses
him of paying hush money to a porn star for her silence about their alleged
affair.Graves says Americans will need to wait and see
how the criminal justice system plays out in those four indictments.Graves declines to speculate too much about what
motivates Trump to keep pursuing the Republican nomination to run again.“President Trump is very ego driven, for lack of
a better way of describing it, and I think he’s very frustrated and he wants to
get another chance at another term,” Graves says. “Obviously, that will play
out and we’ll see what happens.”Republican primary voters once again face a
crowded field of candidates. Fourteen Republican candidates, including Trump,
have declared for president.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Congressman-Sam-Graves-on-Donald-Trump-e28ki9r" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Graves defends Electoral College vote; says nation must wait and see on Trump indictments

Missouri US Sen. Eric Schmitt is closely watching the crowded field running for the Republican nomination for President.  

Schmitt says during a visit to St. Joseph it's important through this whole season to find a President who puts America first. 

"My position on that is we don't have one right now and we had that under President Trump, I'm supporting him, but there's no reason that worldwide we should have been declaring war on domestic energy production, we have all the energy we need right here under our feet in the United States of America it's a national security issue, it's also driving inflation and I think the spending is out of control in Washington," Schmitt tells reporters.  "So, I think people that are speaking to that." 

A talking point after the first debate last week was former President Trump not participating. 

Schmitt has no issue with Trump not taking part.  

"I think he's the clear frontrunner, he's going to be the nominated, I support hm and I think he's going to be the next President," Schmitt says. 

Schmitt adds we need a President who will listen to the real concerns of Missourians.  

"If you want to understand what's really going on in the country, you come here, because we're common sense folks and they understand that every time they go to the grocery store its painful, I mean the average family is paying $10,000 more a year now for the same things they were paying for two years ago," Schmitt explains. "So, we've got to get that under control, so I think the candidates that speak to that are going to be viewed favorably." 

While Schmitt voices his support for former President Donald Trump, he says that for Republicans to win back the White House, people need to address the record of President Joe Biden, including his economic record. 

"It's like trying to jedi mind trick, I mean people understand what's happening on the ground their lives are tougher, working families its tougher for them, and it's all happened in the last two years," Schmitt points out. "We have a border that's unsecure, he's declared war on domestic energy production, he's censoring Americans, I mean this is a pretty radical administration and I think we've got to get back to a place where people are working and making more money and things are less expensive, we're exporting more energy, that's what I mean by America First policies." 

Schmitt says those policies are ones he feels Trump has a strong stance on which is why Schmitt views the former President as the clear frontrunner. 

The next Republican presidential primary debate will be held late next month in California. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693241056478.jpeg" alt="Missouri US Senator Eric Schmitt toured the 139th Airlift Wing Base at Rosecrans in St. Joseph and the C-130 planes that serve from the base/ Photo courtesy of Senator Eric Schmitt's Office" />
 <figcaption>Missouri US Senator Eric Schmitt toured the 139th Airlift Wing Base at Rosecrans in St. Joseph and the C-130 planes that serve from the base/ Photo courtesy of Senator Eric Schmitt's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Missouri US Sen. Eric Schmitt is closely watching the crowded field running for the Republican nomination for President. Schmitt says during a visit to St. Joseph it's important through this whole season to find a President who puts America first. "My position on that is we don't have one right now and we had that under President Trump, I'm supporting him, but there's no reason that worldwide we should have been declaring war on domestic energy production, we have all the energy we need right here under our feet in the United States of America it's a national security issue, it's also driving inflation and I think the spending is out of control in Washington," Schmitt tells reporters. "So, I think people that are speaking to that." A talking point after the first debate last week was former President Trump not participating. Schmitt has no issue with Trump not taking part. "I think he's the clear frontrunner, he's going to be the nominated, I support hm and I think he's going to be the next President," Schmitt says. Schmitt adds we need a President who will listen to the real concerns of Missourians. "If you want to understand what's really going on in the country, you come here, because we're common sense folks and they understand that every time they go to the grocery store its painful, I mean the average family is paying $10,000 more a year now for the same things they were paying for two years ago," Schmitt explains. "So, we've got to get that under control, so I think the candidates that speak to that are going to be viewed favorably." While Schmitt voices his support for former President Donald Trump, he says that for Republicans to win back the White House, people need to address the record of President Joe Biden, including his economic record. "It's like trying to jedi mind trick, I mean people understand what's happening on the ground their lives are tougher, working families its tougher for them, and it's all happened in the last two years," Schmitt points out. "We have a border that's unsecure, he's declared war on domestic energy production, he's censoring Americans, I mean this is a pretty radical administration and I think we've got to get back to a place where people are working and making more money and things are less expensive, we're exporting more energy, that's what I mean by America First policies." Schmitt says those policies are ones he feels Trump has a strong stance on which is why Schmitt views the former President as the clear frontrunner. The next Republican presidential primary debate will be held late next month in California.

Sen. Schmitt says he's listening to GOP field; but he supports Trump

DAVIESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have identified the remains of a man whose body was found in April as 28-year-old Skylar C. Ware of Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

On April 21, the Daviess County Sheriff's office requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H DDCC&nbsp; with human remains discovered by a mushroom hunter on private property in rural Daviess County.

Cause of death is homicide. In May of 2020, Ware was reported as a missing person in Jackson County

If you have any information related to this investigation, call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693235797196.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DAVIESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have identified the remains of a man whose body was found in April as 28-year-old Skylar C. Ware of Kansas City, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.On April 21, the Daviess County Sheriff's office requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H DDCC&nbsp; with human remains discovered by a mushroom hunter on private property in rural Daviess County.Cause of death is homicide. In May of 2020, Ware was reported as a missing person in Jackson CountyIf you have any information related to this investigation, call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Homicide: Patrol IDs remains as man missing since 2020

BUCHANAN COUNTY — All drivers in Missouri are now prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of their body.

Drivers are no longer allowed to manually type, scroll or hold their cell phone while driving. This also means drivers can't hold their phones and record, post or broadcast in video calls or on social media posts.

The challenge is simple: when you get into any vehicle, buckle up your safety belt. If you are a driver, put the cell phone down. Turn it off if you have to. Every trip, every time. Accept the challenge and challenge a friend, relative or members of your community to buckle their seat belts and put their phones down while driving.

The Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law will help reduce the number of cell phone related distracted driving crashes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693222235323.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUCHANAN COUNTY — All drivers in Missouri are now prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of their body.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, and every day, please put the phone down. It’s the law! <a href="https://t.co/ajnzd3E6we">pic.twitter.com/ajnzd3E6we</a>&mdash; MSHP Troop A (@MSHPTrooperA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperA/status/1696141618821177755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Drivers are no longer allowed to manually type, scroll or hold their cell phone while driving. This also means drivers can't hold their phones and record, post or broadcast in video calls or on social media posts.The challenge is simple: when you get into any vehicle, buckle up your safety belt. If you are a driver, put the cell phone down. Turn it off if you have to. Every trip, every time. Accept the challenge and challenge a friend, relative or members of your community to buckle their seat belts and put their phones down while driving.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693248412317.png" alt="photo MODOT" />
 <figcaption>photo MODOT</figcaption>
 </figure>The Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law will help reduce the number of cell phone related distracted driving crashes.

Phone down while driving now the law in Missouri

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Sunday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Freightliner semi driven by Tahj L. Beckham, 26, Milledgeville, Georgia, was northbound on Interstate 29 just north of the exit for Watson.

The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, returned to the road and overturned.&nbsp;

Holt EMS transported a passenger Courtney D. Crawford, 26, Eatonton, Georgia to Grapevine Community. Hospital. Beckham was not injured. Crawford was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Sunday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Freightliner semi driven by Tahj L. Beckham, 26, Milledgeville, Georgia, was northbound on Interstate 29 just north of the exit for Watson.The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, returned to the road and overturned.&nbsp;Holt EMS transported a passenger Courtney D. Crawford, 26, Eatonton, Georgia to Grapevine Community. Hospital. Beckham was not injured. Crawford was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Woman hospitalized after semi overturns

The 2023 St. Joseph Area Sports of Hall of Fame Class was officially inducted during an enshrinement ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center on Sunday.

The ceremony, the third ever of its kind in St. Joseph, was attended by over 400 people and put on by the St. Joseph Sports Commission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693184889503.jpeg" alt="Former Kansas State coach and St. Joseph native Bill Snyder presents Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball coach Jackie Steltenpohl with the Bill Snyder Woman of Impact Award during the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center Sunday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas State coach and St. Joseph native Bill Snyder presents Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball coach Jackie Steltenpohl with the Bill Snyder Woman of Impact Award during the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center Sunday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe 2023 St. Joseph Area Sports of Hall of Fame Class was officially inducted during an enshrinement ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center on Sunday.The ceremony, the third ever of its kind in St. Joseph, was attended by over 400 people and put on by the St. Joseph Sports Commission.The 2023 Hall of Fame class is comprised of nine individuals, one team inductee and a Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.&nbsp;To be eligible for the Hall, the individual or team must have been born in Buchanan County, must have made their sports career or accomplished their feat in Buchanan County, or must be contributing to sports in Buchanan County currently.This class includes College Football and NFL tight ends Dwayne Blakley and Martin Rucker,&nbsp;Elite Track &amp; Field/Cross Country Runner Ann Marie (Brooks) Chappell, tennis legend Kathleen (Heckman) Winegardner,&nbsp;Olympic Weightlifter Pete Kelley,&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7e6a5bda-d62e-4468-9737-3cd95a4f22d4">World Class Amateur Golfer Brad Nurski</a>,&nbsp;High School Coaching Legend Paul “Pop” Springer, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7d69d6ce-9f1b-4bc6-a2bd-9869e4481ce6">NFL assistant coach Chris Tabor</a>, Major League Baseball Pitcher and Coach Jim Wright, the 1976 Lafayette High School Boys Basketball State Championship team and Special Olympics Area Athlete of the Year Jane Wood.An anonymous three-person committee selects each year's class. The St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame was established in November of 2020, and this was the third ever class to be enshrined.The Hall of Fame committee selected these 10 inductees in a field of 54 nominations. This year's committee was chaired by Patsy Smith.Other committee members included Steve Booher, Dave Elms, Mike Halloran, Melody Prawitz, Ron Hook, Marci Bennett, Chuck Kempf, Bob Roth, Bob Slater, and Mary Supple.Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball coach J<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/de243cf5-ed59-47dd-b9ae-775c8de2ab32">ackie Steltenpohl was also presented</a> with the Bill Snyder Woman of Impact Award during the ceremony on Sunday.The Woman of Impact Award, established in 2022, recognizes a female athlete, coach, administrator or contributor who achieved an outstanding season or accomplishment over the past year.Steltenpohl led the Golden Eagles to a 28-4 record in 2022-23 , a district championship and a&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/3582bd1c-e84e-4a20-ae6c-2123b678b9fa">runner-up finish in the Class 2 Final Four&nbsp;</a>in Springfield.LeBlond advanced to their first Final Four since 1986, and it was their first state title game appearance since 1983.This year's Hall of Fame ceremony was held a month earlier than normal, because the inaugural St. Joseph marathon comes up on September 23.You can read about <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/320ce7c8-c79f-47e2-9538-334e99873ea6">each member of the 2023 Hall of Fame Class here</a>.Photos<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185752522.jpeg" alt="Ann Marie (Brooks) Chappell." />
 <figcaption>Ann Marie (Brooks) Chappell.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185798287.jpeg" alt="Dwayne Blakely." />
 <figcaption>Dwayne Blakely.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185818362.jpeg" alt="Kathleen Winegardner." />
 <figcaption>Kathleen Winegardner.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185856537.jpeg" alt="Members of the 1976 Lafayette boys' state basketball championship team." />
 <figcaption>Members of the 1976 Lafayette boys' state basketball championship team.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185878010.jpeg" alt="Martin Rucker." />
 <figcaption>Martin Rucker.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185901194.jpeg" alt="Paul "Pop" Springer." />
 <figcaption>Paul "Pop" Springer.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185946244.jpeg" alt="Head coach Mel Clark along with other members of the 1976 Lafayette boys' basketball team." />
 <figcaption>Head coach Mel Clark along with other members of the 1976 Lafayette boys' basketball team.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693185977012.jpeg" alt="The entire 2023 class." />
 <figcaption>The entire 2023 class.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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