The city of St. Joseph has received a $2.5 million grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development to initiate the River Bluff Gateway Project.

Kim Schutte, St. Joseph's Historic Preservation Planner, says this project is referred to as strategic community revitalization, which will cover a large swath of the city.

"It covers a lot of the city and a lot of the most challenged areas of the city," Schutte told St. Joseph Post. "We're doing sort of a three-pronged type approach. Structural rehabilitation, green and open space improvement and streetscape improvement."&nbsp;

The River Bluff Gateway Project focuses on four areas of the city - the Southside centered on King Hill Avenue, the 6th Street Corridor, Downtown and Northside centered on St. Joseph Avenue.

"It includes most of the traditional, historic downtown," Schutte explained. "And into the neighborhood centered around Washington Park Library."

Schutte says the money will will also be used to address homelessness.

Schutte says they'll try to use this $2.5 million as efficiently as possible, while also looking for other sources of revenue.

"It's a start," she said. "You know, $2.5 million, I always say, is a lot of money, but it's not a lot of money. So, it'll let us get started. We intend to be really smart with it, and we're also looking for other sources of funding to help with it."

"An application has gone into (U.S. Representative's) Sam Graves' office for federal funding. We don't expect to get it this go-around. Usually, you have to ask three times before they say yes. But, we're starting that. So, it's a start."

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

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe city of St. Joseph has received a $2.5 million grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development to initiate the River Bluff Gateway Project.Kim Schutte, St. Joseph's Historic Preservation Planner, says this project is referred to as strategic community revitalization, which will cover a large swath of the city."It covers a lot of the city and a lot of the most challenged areas of the city," Schutte told St. Joseph Post. "We're doing sort of a three-pronged type approach. Structural rehabilitation, green and open space improvement and streetscape improvement."&nbsp;The River Bluff Gateway Project focuses on four areas of the city - the Southside centered on King Hill Avenue, the 6th Street Corridor, Downtown and Northside centered on St. Joseph Avenue."It includes most of the traditional, historic downtown," Schutte explained. "And into the neighborhood centered around Washington Park Library."Schutte says the money will will also be used to address homelessness.Schutte says they'll try to use this $2.5 million as efficiently as possible, while also looking for other sources of revenue."It's a start," she said. "You know, $2.5 million, I always say, is a lot of money, but it's not a lot of money. So, it'll let us get started. We intend to be really smart with it, and we're also looking for other sources of funding to help with it.""An application has gone into (U.S. Representative's) Sam Graves' office for federal funding. We don't expect to get it this go-around. Usually, you have to ask three times before they say yes. But, we're starting that. So, it's a start."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Historic Preservation calls River Bluff Gateway Project 'a good start'

Auto-steer and guidance system adoption on U.S. farms increased sharply in the past 20 years, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. 

Farmers indicate they use the technology on more than 50 percent of the acreage planted to corn, soybeans, winter wheat, and cotton as of 2019. 

Adoption rates were 58.4 percent of acres planted to corn in 2016, 55.9 percent of winter wheat acres in 2017, 54.5 percent of soybean acres in 2018, and 64.5 percent of cotton acres in 2019. 

Economic Research Service researchers examined producer responses from various Agricultural Resource Management Surveys to better understand how auto-steer and guidance systems use has evolved. Using GPS, these technologies visualize and track the position of tractors, harvesters, and sprayers in the field in real time. 

Autonomous steering permits automatically guided fertilizing, harvesting, and other tasks in the field with minimal involvement from the farmer, increasing field efficiency, reducing operator fatigue, and freeing up operator time in the equipment’s cab.

Auto-steer and guidance system adoption on U.S. farms increased sharply in the past 20 years, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. Farmers indicate they use the technology on more than 50 percent of the acreage planted to corn, soybeans, winter wheat, and cotton as of 2019. Adoption rates were 58.4 percent of acres planted to corn in 2016, 55.9 percent of winter wheat acres in 2017, 54.5 percent of soybean acres in 2018, and 64.5 percent of cotton acres in 2019. Economic Research Service researchers examined producer responses from various Agricultural Resource Management Surveys to better understand how auto-steer and guidance systems use has evolved. Using GPS, these technologies visualize and track the position of tractors, harvesters, and sprayers in the field in real time. Autonomous steering permits automatically guided fertilizing, harvesting, and other tasks in the field with minimal involvement from the farmer, increasing field efficiency, reducing operator fatigue, and freeing up operator time in the equipment’s cab.

Most row crop acreage now managed using auto-steer and guidance

A local transit union gathered at St. Joseph City Hall to picket as contract negotiations with St. Joseph transit are ongoing. &nbsp;

St. Joseph Transit Facilities Manager Scott Butcher says currently contract negotiations are at a standstill between the Local 847 Union and St. Joseph Transit. &nbsp;

Butcher says after the contract with the union expired at the end of June last year negotiations began again. &nbsp;

"And then the union decided to not extend the contracts, which ultimately gave them the right to strike," Butcher tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "There are those things since they did not extend that union contract that are beneficial to them that change the dynamic between how the company does things and how the union does things."&nbsp;

Butcher says the latest development in negotiations was members of the union bringing forward a list of demands, including wages across the nation for transit drivers. &nbsp;

"So, what I would look for going forward now that the company had given last, best and final, even though there's been some discussions since, is they would bring that list to us and say hey here's this information, here's what these people make, this is why we want this," Butcher says. "So, then we can look at it and really evaluate it."&nbsp;

Butcher says currently what is holding up negotiations is members of the union asking for higher wages.&nbsp;

Butcher says if there were to be a strike from the union, St. Joseph Transit has an emergency contingency plan.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A local transit union gathered at St. Joseph City Hall to picket as contract negotiations with St. Joseph transit are ongoing. &nbsp;St. Joseph Transit Facilities Manager Scott Butcher says currently contract negotiations are at a standstill between the Local 847 Union and St. Joseph Transit. &nbsp;Butcher says after the contract with the union expired at the end of June last year negotiations began again. &nbsp;"And then the union decided to not extend the contracts, which ultimately gave them the right to strike," Butcher tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "There are those things since they did not extend that union contract that are beneficial to them that change the dynamic between how the company does things and how the union does things."&nbsp;Butcher says the latest development in negotiations was members of the union bringing forward a list of demands, including wages across the nation for transit drivers. &nbsp;"So, what I would look for going forward now that the company had given last, best and final, even though there's been some discussions since, is they would bring that list to us and say hey here's this information, here's what these people make, this is why we want this," Butcher says. "So, then we can look at it and really evaluate it."&nbsp;Butcher says currently what is holding up negotiations is members of the union asking for higher wages.&nbsp;Butcher says if there were to be a strike from the union, St. Joseph Transit has an emergency contingency plan.&nbsp;

Contract negotiations with transit workers stalled

Qcountry 92.7 would like to congratulate the $100 Ca$hville winners yesterday - Karen Taylor, Cheri Mozes, Karen Willits, and Jame Allen! You can win $100 thanks to Buck Stove, Pool, &amp; Spa each weekday at 9 am, 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. The keyword at those times unlock your chance to win HERE - <a href="https://www.myqcountry.com/cashville/#//">https://www.myqcountry.com/cashville/#//</a>

Qcountry 92.7 would like to congratulate the $100 Ca$hville winners yesterday - Karen Taylor, Cheri Mozes, Karen Willits, and Jame Allen! You can win $100 thanks to Buck Stove, Pool, &amp; Spa each weekday at 9 am, 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. The keyword at those times unlock your chance to win HERE - <a href="https://www.myqcountry.com/cashville/#//">https://www.myqcountry.com/cashville/#//</a>

Ca$hville Winners Of $100!

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of items from a vehicle in the 300 Block of North 13th in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The missing items included a machete, knife, CD’s and binoculars. 

The theft occurred between 1p.m. and 3:20p.m. on Sunday. Police released no additional details early Tuesday.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of items from a vehicle in the 300 Block of North 13th in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The missing items included a machete, knife, CD’s and binoculars. The theft occurred between 1p.m. and 3:20p.m. on Sunday. Police released no additional details early Tuesday.

Police: Machete taken in theft from vehicle 

Regional Red Cross officials have already sent
one volunteer to Mississippi to help in recovery in wake of a deadly tornado
that tore through the Mississippi River Delta.

The National Weather Service reports a massive storm spawned tornadoes that left much destruction in its wake as it stayed on the ground for more
than an hour, killing 25 and wounding dozens more.

Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri Red
Cross Executive Director JoAnn Woody says the Red Cross is responding to
Rolling Fork, Mississippi as well as parts of Georgia and Alabama hit by the
deadly storm.

“It’s tragic when you see an area hit multiple
days in a row or even larger region, larger area like that,” Woody tells host
Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Woody says that while area residents might want
to send clothes and food to the area, they would help most by sending cash.

“Financial donations allow us to meet the needs
more effectively, efficiently, quicker and with a lot more respect and dignity
for those that are receiving them.”

Woody says sending money helps the organizations
responding as well as the area recovering.

“It helps the responding agencies if they’re
needing, whichever agency you choose to donate to, it helps them buy the goods
locally which again helps support the economy of a recovering community,”
according to Woody.

Woody also issues a warning:&nbsp; be on guard for scammers. Woody says con
artists always move in in wake of disaster. In this case, it is donor beware.

“And I really recommend if anyone is looking to
donate financially to any organization:&nbsp;
do your homework,” Woody says. “Make sure that it is a reputable
organization that you know is doing the work that you want to support.”

One volunteer from the Kansas City/Northwest
Missouri Red Cross is on his way to Mississippi to aid with the Red Cross’
technology team on the ground there. Woody says others could follow.

Click <a href="https://www.redcross.org/?cid=generic&amp;med=cpc&amp;source=google&amp;scode=RSG00000E017&amp;&amp;&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoIqhBhAGEiwArXT7K6d1I280N2_9GwhxPx9PlCkl8YHPx3zHM1hDq7nhXm3Px7Z-Fnb8DhoC-OkQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">HERE</a> for a link to donate to Red Cross recovery efforts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680011952613.jpeg" alt="Disaster response/Photo courtesy of the American Red Cross" />
 <figcaption>Disaster response/Photo courtesy of the American Red Cross</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRegional Red Cross officials have already sent
one volunteer to Mississippi to help in recovery in wake of a deadly tornado
that tore through the Mississippi River Delta.The National Weather Service reports a massive storm spawned tornadoes that left much destruction in its wake as it stayed on the ground for more
than an hour, killing 25 and wounding dozens more.Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri Red
Cross Executive Director JoAnn Woody says the Red Cross is responding to
Rolling Fork, Mississippi as well as parts of Georgia and Alabama hit by the
deadly storm.“It’s tragic when you see an area hit multiple
days in a row or even larger region, larger area like that,” Woody tells host
Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Woody says that while area residents might want
to send clothes and food to the area, they would help most by sending cash.“Financial donations allow us to meet the needs
more effectively, efficiently, quicker and with a lot more respect and dignity
for those that are receiving them.”Woody says sending money helps the organizations
responding as well as the area recovering.“It helps the responding agencies if they’re
needing, whichever agency you choose to donate to, it helps them buy the goods
locally which again helps support the economy of a recovering community,”
according to Woody.Woody also issues a warning:&nbsp; be on guard for scammers. Woody says con
artists always move in in wake of disaster. In this case, it is donor beware.“And I really recommend if anyone is looking to
donate financially to any organization:&nbsp;
do your homework,” Woody says. “Make sure that it is a reputable
organization that you know is doing the work that you want to support.”One volunteer from the Kansas City/Northwest
Missouri Red Cross is on his way to Mississippi to aid with the Red Cross’
technology team on the ground there. Woody says others could follow.Click <a href="https://www.redcross.org/?cid=generic&amp;med=cpc&amp;source=google&amp;scode=RSG00000E017&amp;&amp;&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoIqhBhAGEiwArXT7K6d1I280N2_9GwhxPx9PlCkl8YHPx3zHM1hDq7nhXm3Px7Z-Fnb8DhoC-OkQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">HERE</a> for a link to donate to Red Cross recovery efforts.

Regional Red Cross responding to Mississippi tornado disaster

PLATTE COUNTY —A physician in Platte City was sentenced to 27 years in prison for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl, according to&nbsp;Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd.

&nbsp;Dr. Jonathan Philippe, 43, received the sentence&nbsp; after being found guilty by a jury in February of multiple&nbsp;counts related to his abuse of the girl. Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "This sentence sends the message that, regardless of one's station in life, child sexual abuse will be severely punished in Platte County. No one is above the law--particularly when a child is abused."&nbsp; At trial, prosecutors proved that Philippe began sexually abusing a young girl who was not a patient or family member&nbsp;in early 2020. She disclosed the abuse to another adult, who then reported it to the Platte County Sheriff’s Department. Philippe testified during the trial, and his criminal defense lawyer spent much time asking about his medical practice. At sentencing, he referred to his status as a physician, spoke at length about making hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, and criticized the jury for its verdict. Zahnd said, “Doctors are usually among the most respected people in any community, especially in relatively small cities like Platte City. To this&nbsp;doctor's dismay, the jury saw him for what he was: a dangerous man who&nbsp;preyed on a young child."&nbsp; The jury recommended sentences of 10 years on two counts of statutory sodomy, seven years for attempted enticement and three years for child molestation. With the exception of ordering the&nbsp;enticement and molestation counts to run concurrently, the court ran all of the counts consecutively, as required by Missouri law, resulting in the 27-year sentence. Phillippe must serve 85% of much of his sentence, meaning he will not be eligible for parole until sometime in the 2040s. The case was investigated by the Platte County Sheriff’s Department. The victim was treated at Children’s Mercy Hospital and completed a child forensic interview at Synergy Services. The case was tried by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Myles Perry and First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679687694351.png" alt="Philippe-photo Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>Philippe-photo Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY —A physician in Platte City was sentenced to 27 years in prison for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl, according to&nbsp;Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd.&nbsp;Dr. Jonathan Philippe, 43, received the sentence&nbsp; after being found guilty by a jury in February of multiple&nbsp;counts related to his abuse of the girl. Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "This sentence sends the message that, regardless of one's station in life, child sexual abuse will be severely punished in Platte County. No one is above the law--particularly when a child is abused."&nbsp; At trial, prosecutors proved that Philippe began sexually abusing a young girl who was not a patient or family member&nbsp;in early 2020. She disclosed the abuse to another adult, who then reported it to the Platte County Sheriff’s Department. Philippe testified during the trial, and his criminal defense lawyer spent much time asking about his medical practice. At sentencing, he referred to his status as a physician, spoke at length about making hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, and criticized the jury for its verdict. Zahnd said, “Doctors are usually among the most respected people in any community, especially in relatively small cities like Platte City. To this&nbsp;doctor's dismay, the jury saw him for what he was: a dangerous man who&nbsp;preyed on a young child."&nbsp; The jury recommended sentences of 10 years on two counts of statutory sodomy, seven years for attempted enticement and three years for child molestation. With the exception of ordering the&nbsp;enticement and molestation counts to run concurrently, the court ran all of the counts consecutively, as required by Missouri law, resulting in the 27-year sentence. Phillippe must serve 85% of much of his sentence, meaning he will not be eligible for parole until sometime in the 2040s. The case was investigated by the Platte County Sheriff’s Department. The victim was treated at Children’s Mercy Hospital and completed a child forensic interview at Synergy Services. The case was tried by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Myles Perry and First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson.---------

Platte Co. doctor sentenced for sex abuse of 13-year-old

St.
Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar faces a possible misdemeanor charge of driving
while intoxicated.

The
Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Edgar was given a ticket for misdemeanor DWI as well
as failing to drive on the right half of the roadway just before seven o’clock
Sunday evening.

The
St. Joseph School District issued a statement:

“The
St. Joseph School District is aware of the situation involving Dr. Gabe Edgar.
While we understand questions may arise, we cannot provide additional
information, as it relates to a confidential personnel matter of the district.

Please
be assured that the District takes the allegations seriously and will continue
to monitor any developments regarding this matter.”

St.
Joseph School Board President David Foster issued a statement, “The board is
aware of the situation. This personnel matter will be addressed effectively
once more information is received and legal consultation has provided adequate
direction.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679943227938.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph School Supt. Gabe Edgar/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph School Supt. Gabe Edgar/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar faces a possible misdemeanor charge of driving
while intoxicated.The
Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Edgar was given a ticket for misdemeanor DWI as well
as failing to drive on the right half of the roadway just before seven o’clock
Sunday evening.The
St. Joseph School District issued a statement:“The
St. Joseph School District is aware of the situation involving Dr. Gabe Edgar.
While we understand questions may arise, we cannot provide additional
information, as it relates to a confidential personnel matter of the district.Please
be assured that the District takes the allegations seriously and will continue
to monitor any developments regarding this matter.”St.
Joseph School Board President David Foster issued a statement, “The board is
aware of the situation. This personnel matter will be addressed effectively
once more information is received and legal consultation has provided adequate
direction.”

St. Joseph School Supt. Edgar faces possible DWI charge

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai testified before the Senate Finance Committee last week, and the discussion turned contentious. 

The Hagstrom Report says both Democrats and Republicans had a lot to say about the administration’s agricultural trade policies. 

Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said he has real concerns that USTR isn’t doing enough to break down the barriers our exporters face. 

“I’ll draw a line here – the U.S. cannot conclude agreements with Japan, Indonesia, or the EU that leave issues facing our exports unaddressed,” Wyden said. In other remarks, Tai said she’s open to trade talks with China. 

“While we keep the door open to conversations with China, including on its Phase 1 agreement commitments,” she said during prepared remarks, “we must also defend our values and economic interests from the negative impacts of China’s unfair economic practices.” Her remarks didn’t indicate specific plans for discussions with China’s new economic team.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai testified before the Senate Finance Committee last week, and the discussion turned contentious. The Hagstrom Report says both Democrats and Republicans had a lot to say about the administration’s agricultural trade policies. Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said he has real concerns that USTR isn’t doing enough to break down the barriers our exporters face. “I’ll draw a line here – the U.S. cannot conclude agreements with Japan, Indonesia, or the EU that leave issues facing our exports unaddressed,” Wyden said. In other remarks, Tai said she’s open to trade talks with China. “While we keep the door open to conversations with China, including on its Phase 1 agreement commitments,” she said during prepared remarks, “we must also defend our values and economic interests from the negative impacts of China’s unfair economic practices.” Her remarks didn’t indicate specific plans for discussions with China’s new economic team.

USTR hearing before Senate Committee gets testy

Once funds are raised through the United Way of Greater St. Joseph's annual fundraising drive.&nbsp;

Volunteers help allocate how much money is distributed between its 17 partner agencies. The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is currently seeking volunteers to help in this year's allocation process. &nbsp;

Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says each year United Way seeks between 150 to 180 volunteers for this process which may seem like a lot&nbsp;

"But when you're talking two and a half million dollars that the community has entrusted to United Way, thousands and thousands of donors, we want to make sure that we're accountable back to the community," Flurry tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So that's why we try to recruit as many people as possible from high school students to senior citizens and retirees, and everybody in between, everybody has a perspective, everybody has a voice, and we want to incorporate that into the allocations process."&nbsp;

Volunteers will be split up into groups that will discuss and meet with three of the partner agencies to come to a decision on how funds should be used. &nbsp;

Flurry says what they want volunteers to look at is how a specific partner agency is impacting the community. &nbsp;

"That's what we want to invest in, that our community is a better place because of this partner agency, because of the use of United Way donor dollars into this agency," Flurry explains. "So, anyone can participate, and we have educators, attorneys, medical professionals, high school students, retirees, and truly everybody in between."&nbsp;

Flurry says there is even volunteer groups that meet in the evenings to allow those that work during the day to be able to volunteer if they wish. &nbsp;

Jodi Flurry says the hope is that as a volunteer learns more about these agencies, they become an advocate for them. &nbsp;

""So they go tell their friends about the work of this agency, but also they might become a volunteer for them, they might join the board of this agency and get involved because of what they've learned through the allocations process they want to be more invested in this organization to help it grow and serve more people," Flurry says. &nbsp;

To volunteer to assist with the allocations process you can click <a href="https://forms.office.com/r/7z18f30M1f">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Once funds are raised through the United Way of Greater St. Joseph's annual fundraising drive.&nbsp;Volunteers help allocate how much money is distributed between its 17 partner agencies. The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is currently seeking volunteers to help in this year's allocation process. &nbsp;Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says each year United Way seeks between 150 to 180 volunteers for this process which may seem like a lot&nbsp;"But when you're talking two and a half million dollars that the community has entrusted to United Way, thousands and thousands of donors, we want to make sure that we're accountable back to the community," Flurry tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So that's why we try to recruit as many people as possible from high school students to senior citizens and retirees, and everybody in between, everybody has a perspective, everybody has a voice, and we want to incorporate that into the allocations process."&nbsp;Volunteers will be split up into groups that will discuss and meet with three of the partner agencies to come to a decision on how funds should be used. &nbsp;Flurry says what they want volunteers to look at is how a specific partner agency is impacting the community. &nbsp;"That's what we want to invest in, that our community is a better place because of this partner agency, because of the use of United Way donor dollars into this agency," Flurry explains. "So, anyone can participate, and we have educators, attorneys, medical professionals, high school students, retirees, and truly everybody in between."&nbsp;Flurry says there is even volunteer groups that meet in the evenings to allow those that work during the day to be able to volunteer if they wish. &nbsp;Jodi Flurry says the hope is that as a volunteer learns more about these agencies, they become an advocate for them. &nbsp;""So they go tell their friends about the work of this agency, but also they might become a volunteer for them, they might join the board of this agency and get involved because of what they've learned through the allocations process they want to be more invested in this organization to help it grow and serve more people," Flurry says. &nbsp;To volunteer to assist with the allocations process you can click <a href="https://forms.office.com/r/7z18f30M1f">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

United Way asking for volunteer help to allocate funds

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on out of state felony allegations.

On Saturday, police arrested 36-year-old Agustin C. Ruiz of Stockbridge Georgia, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Ruiz was wanted on a State of Indiana warrant for probation violation. He is being held without bond.&nbsp; Police released no additional details on Ruiz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679923647739.png" alt="Ruiz-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Ruiz-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on out of state felony allegations.On Saturday, police arrested 36-year-old Agustin C. Ruiz of Stockbridge Georgia, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Ruiz was wanted on a State of Indiana warrant for probation violation. He is being held without bond.&nbsp; Police released no additional details on Ruiz.

Man wanted on an out of state, felony warrant jailed in Kansas

Another
internet provider has come to St. Joseph.

Metronet
began recently to serve residences and businesses in the northeastern section
of the city. St. Joseph is part of a $350 million national expansion for
Metronet that includes cities in Iowa, Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida.

Whitney
White with Metronet says the company can provide broadband with speeds from 50
megabytes to 10 gigabytes.

“Fifty
meg would probably be used for maybe your small mom and pop shop that’s going
need internet for credit cards and email, and such,” White tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “Places that do a little more, work with multiple people online at
the same time, bigger offices, they’re going to need more bandwidth.”

White
says the company offers a wide range of services, designed to cover the needs
of the typical small business to a large corporation.

&nbsp;“We have the capability to handle just about
anything,” according to White. “And it’s all fiber optics all the way into the
premises to. Some other fiber optics companies will go to the edge of your
property or to the edge of your building.”

White
says the company began by offering broadband in the northeastern section of St.
Joseph.

“So
that’s already opened up,” White says. “We have additional areas around there
spreading from that location on. Those will be opening up in the next few
months.”

White
estimates it will take another year-and-a-half to bring the service to the
entire city.

Metronet
is based in Evansville, Indiana.

United
Fiber, a subsidiary of United Electric Cooperatives of Savannah, expanded into
St. Joseph in November.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAnother
internet provider has come to St. Joseph.Metronet
began recently to serve residences and businesses in the northeastern section
of the city. St. Joseph is part of a $350 million national expansion for
Metronet that includes cities in Iowa, Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida.Whitney
White with Metronet says the company can provide broadband with speeds from 50
megabytes to 10 gigabytes.“Fifty
meg would probably be used for maybe your small mom and pop shop that’s going
need internet for credit cards and email, and such,” White tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “Places that do a little more, work with multiple people online at
the same time, bigger offices, they’re going to need more bandwidth.”White
says the company offers a wide range of services, designed to cover the needs
of the typical small business to a large corporation.&nbsp;“We have the capability to handle just about
anything,” according to White. “And it’s all fiber optics all the way into the
premises to. Some other fiber optics companies will go to the edge of your
property or to the edge of your building.”White
says the company began by offering broadband in the northeastern section of St.
Joseph.“So
that’s already opened up,” White says. “We have additional areas around there
spreading from that location on. Those will be opening up in the next few
months.”White
estimates it will take another year-and-a-half to bring the service to the
entire city.Metronet
is based in Evansville, Indiana.United
Fiber, a subsidiary of United Electric Cooperatives of Savannah, expanded into
St. Joseph in November.

Metronet becomes next to provide broadband option in St. Joseph

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2011 Nissan Versa driven by Damon K. Blackburn, 30, Clarksville, TN, was northbound on Interstate 29 on mile north of Dearborn. The driver fell asleep. The car traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.

Buchanan County EMS transported Blackburn and a passenger Lacy R. Woods, 28, Forest Grove, Oregon, to Mosaic Life Care. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2011 Nissan Versa driven by Damon K. Blackburn, 30, Clarksville, TN, was northbound on Interstate 29 on mile north of Dearborn. The driver fell asleep. The car traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.Buchanan County EMS transported Blackburn and a passenger Lacy R. Woods, 28, Forest Grove, Oregon, to Mosaic Life Care. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after driver falls asleep, car overturns

GRUNDY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5a.m. Sunday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Cobalt driven by Colby J. Nelson, 19, Princeton, was westbound on 40th Street two mile west of Galt.

The vehicle traveled off the north side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned onto it top.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported Nelson to Wright Memorial Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5a.m. Sunday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Cobalt driven by Colby J. Nelson, 19, Princeton, was westbound on 40th Street two mile west of Galt.The vehicle traveled off the north side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned onto it top.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported Nelson to Wright Memorial Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen injured after car overturns

UPDATE: The Farmington Police Department has canceled the Endangered Person Advisory for Lisa Mae-Gladys Pierce. Pierce has been found safe. Jennings is still missing.

Authorities are searching for a missing 12-year-old girl who left her home in Farmington and could be heading to St. Joseph.

A State of Missouri Endangered Person Advisory has been issued for Lisa Mae-Gladys Pierce.

The Farmington Police Department issues the advisory after Lisa went missing from her home at 723 Maple Street in Farmington sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Police believe Lisa left her residence on foot with 18-year-old David Allen Jennings, her alleged boyfriend. Lisa has a diminished mental capacity and may not be able to make rational decisions.

Authorities report that Pierce has been found safe and the Endangers Persons Advisory has been cancelled.  Jennings is still on the loose. 

Lisa Mae-Gladys
Pierce is described as a white girl, age 12, 5'3", weighing 163 pounds
with black hair with red tint, blue eyes, fair complexion, with a burn mark on
her left wrist, wearing a black hoodie with “JT” in white letters and jeans
with holes in them.

David
Allen Jennings is described as a white man, age 18, 5'7", weighing 245 pounds, brown hair, hazel eyes, fair complexion, wearing a baseball cap, black
hoodie, and shorts.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Farmington Police Dept. at 573-431-3131.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679481564739.jpeg" alt="Lisa Mae-Gladys Pierce/Photos from Farmington Police Dept." />
 <figcaption>Lisa Mae-Gladys Pierce/Photos from Farmington Police Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: The Farmington Police Department has canceled the Endangered Person Advisory for Lisa Mae-Gladys Pierce. Pierce has been found safe. Jennings is still missing.By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAuthorities are searching for a missing 12-year-old girl who left her home in Farmington and could be heading to St. Joseph.A State of Missouri Endangered Person Advisory has been issued for Lisa Mae-Gladys Pierce.The Farmington Police Department issues the advisory after Lisa went missing from her home at 723 Maple Street in Farmington sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Police believe Lisa left her residence on foot with 18-year-old David Allen Jennings, her alleged boyfriend. Lisa has a diminished mental capacity and may not be able to make rational decisions.Authorities report that Pierce has been found safe and the Endangers Persons Advisory has been cancelled. Jennings is still on the loose. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679481625578.jpeg" alt="Lisa Mae-Gladys Pierce" />
 <figcaption>Lisa Mae-Gladys Pierce</figcaption>
 </figure>Lisa Mae-Gladys
Pierce is described as a white girl, age 12, 5'3", weighing 163 pounds
with black hair with red tint, blue eyes, fair complexion, with a burn mark on
her left wrist, wearing a black hoodie with “JT” in white letters and jeans
with holes in them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679481668236.png" alt="David Allen Jennings" />
 <figcaption>David Allen Jennings</figcaption>
 </figure>David
Allen Jennings is described as a white man, age 18, 5'7", weighing 245 pounds, brown hair, hazel eyes, fair complexion, wearing a baseball cap, black
hoodie, and shorts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679481702775.jpeg" alt="Lisa Mae-Gladys Pierce" />
 <figcaption>Lisa Mae-Gladys Pierce</figcaption>
 </figure>Anyone with information is urged to call the Farmington Police Dept. at 573-431-3131.

Endangered person advisory canceled as 12 year old girl found safe

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Friday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy 1500 driven by Nichole M. Nichols, 31, Guilford, was eastbound on Route M one mile west of Guilford.

The driver swerved to avoid a deer in the road. The pickup traveled off the right side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle overturned.

Nodaway County EMS transported Nichols to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Friday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy 1500 driven by Nichole M. Nichols, 31, Guilford, was eastbound on Route M one mile west of Guilford.The driver swerved to avoid a deer in the road. The pickup traveled off the right side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle overturned.Nodaway County EMS transported Nichols to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Nodaway Co. woman injured after pickup overturns

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Cobalt driven by Michael W. Ordonez, 26, Manhattan, Kan., was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of the I-229 exit in St. Joseph.

The driver failed to observe a 2011 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp; Stanley J. Drimmel, 70, Lancaster, Kansas, slow for an upcoming construction zone.

The Cobalt rear-ended the Equinox. The impact, pushed the Equinox into the rear of a 2018 Chevy Impala driven by David J. Mears, 94, St. Joseph.

Buchanan County EMS transported a passenger in the Cobalt Marisa E. Lord, 29, Manhattan, Kan. and a passenger in the Equinox&nbsp; Cynthia A. Drimmel, 68, Lancaster, Kan., to Mosaic Life Care.

The drivers were not injured. Lord was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Cobalt driven by Michael W. Ordonez, 26, Manhattan, Kan., was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of the I-229 exit in St. Joseph.The driver failed to observe a 2011 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp; Stanley J. Drimmel, 70, Lancaster, Kansas, slow for an upcoming construction zone.The Cobalt rear-ended the Equinox. The impact, pushed the Equinox into the rear of a 2018 Chevy Impala driven by David J. Mears, 94, St. Joseph.Buchanan County EMS transported a passenger in the Cobalt Marisa E. Lord, 29, Manhattan, Kan. and a passenger in the Equinox&nbsp; Cynthia A. Drimmel, 68, Lancaster, Kan., to Mosaic Life Care.The drivers were not injured. Lord was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after 3-vehicle Buchanan Co. crash

St. Joseph has received a $2.5 million state grant
to initiate the River Bluff Gateway Project.

City officials says the city received a Community
Revitalization grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

St. Joseph officials say the project is a targeted, strategic
community revitalization project that focuses on four areas of the city:
Southside (centered on King Hill Avenue), the 6th Street Corridor, Downtown,
and Northside (centered on St. Joseph Avenue).

According to the city, the money will pay for structural
rehabilitation, green and open space improvements, as well as what it terms “streetscape”
improvements. Part of the money will be used to address homelessness.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph has received a $2.5 million state grant
to initiate the River Bluff Gateway Project.City officials says the city received a Community
Revitalization grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.St. Joseph officials say the project is a targeted, strategic
community revitalization project that focuses on four areas of the city:
Southside (centered on King Hill Avenue), the 6th Street Corridor, Downtown,
and Northside (centered on St. Joseph Avenue).According to the city, the money will pay for structural
rehabilitation, green and open space improvements, as well as what it terms “streetscape”
improvements. Part of the money will be used to address homelessness.

St. Joseph gets $2.5M community revitalization grant

A brand-new rehab hospital in Elwood, Kansas is helping bring rehabilitation services to the region that have never been provided before. &nbsp;

Clearsky of Elwood and St. Joseph opened its doors last week to patients in need of intensive rehab care, such as after surgery.&nbsp;

CEO of the clinic Deanna Lamb says the need for this care is largely needed because this service has never been available here&nbsp;

"Patients who are needing inpatient rehabilitation are leaving the local area and going north to the Omaha Lincoln or south into Kansas City to try to obtain these same services," Lamb tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, we're able to keep patients closer to home."&nbsp;

Clearsky provides occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy to up to 30 patients to help get them back to where they were before their accident. &nbsp;

Lamb says the rehab provided is intensive rehabilitation care&nbsp;

"So, we have speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy that we provide to the patients, patients will have a minimum of three hours of therapy per day or 900 minutes per week," Lamb explains. "And that's what gives that intensive specialized therapy."&nbsp;

Lamb says a typical stay for a patient would be 12 to 14 days with the goal being to get that patient home quicker than they would with at home care.&nbsp;

Lamb says the goal is to get patients the care they need so they can go home, but eventually for those that do need more help the clinic will have outpatient therapy.&nbsp;

"So, some of those patients that receive that intensive therapy while they were in house will be able to come back and do outpatient therapy with us, if it's needed," Lamb says. "The goal is to get patients home, hopefully, without the need for outpatient but there will be some that will need outpatient therapy and we'll be able to provide that."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679673258508.jpeg" alt="Clearsky Rehabilitation Hospital of Elwood-St. Joseph/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Clearsky Rehabilitation Hospital of Elwood-St. Joseph/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A brand-new rehab hospital in Elwood, Kansas is helping bring rehabilitation services to the region that have never been provided before. &nbsp;Clearsky of Elwood and St. Joseph opened its doors last week to patients in need of intensive rehab care, such as after surgery.&nbsp;CEO of the clinic Deanna Lamb says the need for this care is largely needed because this service has never been available here&nbsp;"Patients who are needing inpatient rehabilitation are leaving the local area and going north to the Omaha Lincoln or south into Kansas City to try to obtain these same services," Lamb tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, we're able to keep patients closer to home."&nbsp;Clearsky provides occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy to up to 30 patients to help get them back to where they were before their accident. &nbsp;Lamb says the rehab provided is intensive rehabilitation care&nbsp;"So, we have speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy that we provide to the patients, patients will have a minimum of three hours of therapy per day or 900 minutes per week," Lamb explains. "And that's what gives that intensive specialized therapy."&nbsp;Lamb says a typical stay for a patient would be 12 to 14 days with the goal being to get that patient home quicker than they would with at home care.&nbsp;Lamb says the goal is to get patients the care they need so they can go home, but eventually for those that do need more help the clinic will have outpatient therapy.&nbsp;"So, some of those patients that receive that intensive therapy while they were in house will be able to come back and do outpatient therapy with us, if it's needed," Lamb says. "The goal is to get patients home, hopefully, without the need for outpatient but there will be some that will need outpatient therapy and we'll be able to provide that."&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/3242023-Journal--New-Medical-Rehab-Clinic-opens-in-Elwood-e210tmp" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

New hospital in Elwood offers several rehab services

The Next Generation Fuels Act was reintroduced in the Senate, a move that drew praise from the National Corn Growers Association. 

The legislation, one of NCGA’s top agricultural advocacy priorities, would lower fuel prices, reduce carbon emissions, and help keep America’s energy secure. 

The Act would clean up the nation’s fuel supply and transition new vehicles to use cleaner, more efficient fuels that also lower costs for drivers. 

It would establish a clean, high-octane standard for fuel and require that sources of additional octane result in at least 40 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. That would allow automakers to significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency through advanced engines. 

The legislation builds on the nation’s clean energy progress by advancing higher ethanol blends and new vehicles that work together to deliver greater emissions reductions, cost savings, and consumer choice. The Act would also permanently remove barriers that prohibit access to year-round ethanol.

The Next Generation Fuels Act was reintroduced in the Senate, a move that drew praise from the National Corn Growers Association. The legislation, one of NCGA’s top agricultural advocacy priorities, would lower fuel prices, reduce carbon emissions, and help keep America’s energy secure. The Act would clean up the nation’s fuel supply and transition new vehicles to use cleaner, more efficient fuels that also lower costs for drivers. It would establish a clean, high-octane standard for fuel and require that sources of additional octane result in at least 40 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. That would allow automakers to significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency through advanced engines. The legislation builds on the nation’s clean energy progress by advancing higher ethanol blends and new vehicles that work together to deliver greater emissions reductions, cost savings, and consumer choice. The Act would also permanently remove barriers that prohibit access to year-round ethanol.

Next Generation Fuels Act reintroduced in the Senate

Farmers Business Network released its 2023 Ag Chemical Price Transparency Report which highlights the extreme price variation facing farmers. 

The report collected information from 37 states and accounts for over 800 insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. 

“The last two years have seen extreme fluctuations in chemical pricing for farmers,” says Kevin McNew, chief economist and VP of FBN Research. 

“Providing more transparency enables producers to make more informed buying decisions to drive ROI from every input dollar.” Across 236 different chemical products, there was a 15 percent variance, on average, between the average list price of a product and the price farmers actually paid for it. 

For example, the average list price for Roundup PowerMAX 3 in June 2022 was $60 per gallon, but farmers paid between $45-$73 during that time. FBN says extreme farmer-to-farmer variability suggests that chemical markets make it challenging for farmers to get uniform costs for ag chemicals. &nbsp;

Farmers Business Network released its 2023 Ag Chemical Price Transparency Report which highlights the extreme price variation facing farmers. The report collected information from 37 states and accounts for over 800 insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. “The last two years have seen extreme fluctuations in chemical pricing for farmers,” says Kevin McNew, chief economist and VP of FBN Research. “Providing more transparency enables producers to make more informed buying decisions to drive ROI from every input dollar.” Across 236 different chemical products, there was a 15 percent variance, on average, between the average list price of a product and the price farmers actually paid for it. For example, the average list price for Roundup PowerMAX 3 in June 2022 was $60 per gallon, but farmers paid between $45-$73 during that time. FBN says extreme farmer-to-farmer variability suggests that chemical markets make it challenging for farmers to get uniform costs for ag chemicals. &nbsp;

Farmers face extreme variation in the price of inputs

HOLT COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a train vs. truck accident that occurred just after 4p.m. Thursday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Train struck a northbound 2000 Kenworth semi driven by Jason D. Smith, 47, Savannah, who was reversing on Unity Road to turn onto Holt 340 and traveled onto the tracks&nbsp;three miles south of Oregon.&nbsp;

The railroad crossbar and warning sign were present at the time of the accident.

Smith refused medical treatment at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. There were no other injuries reported.

HOLT COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a train vs. truck accident that occurred just after 4p.m. Thursday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Train struck a northbound 2000 Kenworth semi driven by Jason D. Smith, 47, Savannah, who was reversing on Unity Road to turn onto Holt 340 and traveled onto the tracks&nbsp;three miles south of Oregon.&nbsp;The railroad crossbar and warning sign were present at the time of the accident.Smith refused medical treatment at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. There were no other injuries reported.

Savannah man avoids serious injury after train, truck crash

Standout basketball player Jackie Stiles highlighted St.
Joseph’s week of hosting the NCAA Division II women’s Elite Eight basketball
tournament by hosting a basketball clinic.

Stiles shared her basketball tips and philosophy to 150 young
people who gathered at the Missouri Western State University Fieldhouse, though
a little hoarse during her visit.

Stiles earned All-American honors and set the women’s scoring
record while playing at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, now
Missouri State. Stiles left college coaching after the NCAA made changes she
believes hurt the game, such as allowing players to transfer and play
immediately at another school.

“Everything’s going to be hard. Everything worth accomplishing
is going to be hard and you’re going to go through hard times, especially your
freshman year,” Stiles tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “But what’s going to make
you stick through those hard times if you can just transfer? And then, you have
other colleges recruiting your players and how do you police that? So, I really
think that decision kind of hurt the game.”

Stiles is also critical of the NCAA rule change that allows
college players to profit off of their name, image, or likeness. She says both
changes tilt the game toward more individualized and less team-oriented play.

Stiles, who grew up in the little Kansas town of Claflin, led Southwest Missouri State to the Final Four in 2001
and set the individual scoring record with 3,393 points in four years. Stiles
now ranks third. Stiles earned All-American honors before going to the WNBA
where she won Rookie of the Year honors with the Portland Fire in 2001.

&nbsp;She says her message to
youth is fairly simple.

“Incredible things happen if, one, you’ll work hard and
believe in yourself. But secondly, you can’t accomplish anything great alone,”
Stiles says. “You have to have a team of incredible people surrounding you. I tell
everybody, if you want to be good, focus on making yourself better, but if you
want to be great, focus on also making those around you better. And then the
last thing is just have fun.”

Stiles has accomplished much in her life and now faces a much
more difficult foe that any she ever met on a basketball court, giving her an
even more important message. Stiles was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the eye
in 2017, ocular melanoma, and has to have frequent checkups. Her prognosis is
iffy.

“This cancer has a high rate of metastasis,” Stiles says. “Fifty
percent of the time it goes to the liver and there’s no treatment. So, it’s
made me much more present. And I always tell people if you want to do
something, why wait? None of us are promised tomorrow.”

Stiles uses that philosophy while conducting her basketball
clinics and as a personal trainer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679595049382.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Sports Commission Dir. Brett Esley introduces Jackie Stiles before her clinic at the MWSU Fieldhouse/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Sports Commission Dir. Brett Esley introduces Jackie Stiles before her clinic at the MWSU Fieldhouse/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostStandout basketball player Jackie Stiles highlighted St.
Joseph’s week of hosting the NCAA Division II women’s Elite Eight basketball
tournament by hosting a basketball clinic.Stiles shared her basketball tips and philosophy to 150 young
people who gathered at the Missouri Western State University Fieldhouse, though
a little hoarse during her visit.Stiles earned All-American honors and set the women’s scoring
record while playing at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, now
Missouri State. Stiles left college coaching after the NCAA made changes she
believes hurt the game, such as allowing players to transfer and play
immediately at another school.“Everything’s going to be hard. Everything worth accomplishing
is going to be hard and you’re going to go through hard times, especially your
freshman year,” Stiles tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “But what’s going to make
you stick through those hard times if you can just transfer? And then, you have
other colleges recruiting your players and how do you police that? So, I really
think that decision kind of hurt the game.”Stiles is also critical of the NCAA rule change that allows
college players to profit off of their name, image, or likeness. She says both
changes tilt the game toward more individualized and less team-oriented play.Stiles, who grew up in the little Kansas town of Claflin, led Southwest Missouri State to the Final Four in 2001
and set the individual scoring record with 3,393 points in four years. Stiles
now ranks third. Stiles earned All-American honors before going to the WNBA
where she won Rookie of the Year honors with the Portland Fire in 2001.&nbsp;She says her message to
youth is fairly simple.“Incredible things happen if, one, you’ll work hard and
believe in yourself. But secondly, you can’t accomplish anything great alone,”
Stiles says. “You have to have a team of incredible people surrounding you. I tell
everybody, if you want to be good, focus on making yourself better, but if you
want to be great, focus on also making those around you better. And then the
last thing is just have fun.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679595026478.jpeg" alt="Jackie Stiles talks to youth attending her clinic at the MWSU Fieldhouse/photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Stiles talks to youth attending her clinic at the MWSU Fieldhouse/photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Stiles has accomplished much in her life and now faces a much
more difficult foe that any she ever met on a basketball court, giving her an
even more important message. Stiles was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the eye
in 2017, ocular melanoma, and has to have frequent checkups. Her prognosis is
iffy.“This cancer has a high rate of metastasis,” Stiles says. “Fifty
percent of the time it goes to the liver and there’s no treatment. So, it’s
made me much more present. And I always tell people if you want to do
something, why wait? None of us are promised tomorrow.”Stiles uses that philosophy while conducting her basketball
clinics and as a personal trainer.

Basketball great teaches skills, philosophy to St. Joseph area youth

26-year-old Charlie Phillips of Savannah is heading to Berlin, Germany in June to represent the United States in the Special Olympics World Games. &nbsp;

Phillips says he is very excited for the opportunity to not only represent Missouri, but represent his country. &nbsp;

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that I dreamed ever since I started Special Olympics 15 years ago, and I can't believe I'm going to be representing our country in 11 weeks in powerlifting in a different country," Phillips tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "That is mind blowing."&nbsp;

Phillips earned his spot in the games in November at the Team USA trials in San Antonio, Texas, posting the top deadlift and top squat. &nbsp;

Phillips says that he was nervous going into the trials, after competing earlier that week in Kansas City, and didn't even know that he had the top lifts.&nbsp;

"I was surprised when they announced that I got nominated, and then went down there, lift, and then came back up here and then went on the news station," Phillips says. "They told me that I got picked and I was so happy that time."&nbsp;

Phillips says he's never been out of the country before, so he's excited to experience the new cultures and new foods. &nbsp;

His goal going into the competition is to get some new numbers and to make the podium. &nbsp;

"Get some world records or whatever is happening I just want to be on the podium, get some world records, and pull some new numbers," Phillips happily says. "So, I can tell everyone hey look I pulled new numbers and I can show everyone how much I did over there, I just can't wait."&nbsp;

Phillips has also been blown away by the community support he's received. Team Charlie T Shirts, yard signs, and window decals have been sold by B's Tees to help raise funds for Phillips and his family to make it to Berlin. You can order a shirt, sign, or window decal <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYNysAuwa8wbj5ZGLfQoYL-MEMz1hZAD2UZS8hjQsZFmbtCg/viewform">HERE</a>.

The Savannah Fire Department is also holding a Chili cookoff this weekend on Sunday from 12 to 2pm with a free will donation in which all proceeds will go towards helping Phillips get to Berlin.  Entry into the cookoff is $25.

The Special Olympics World Games are being held June 17th through June 25th.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675885609495.jpeg" alt="Charlie Phillips will compete in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin June 17-25. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Charlie Phillips will compete in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin June 17-25. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post26-year-old Charlie Phillips of Savannah is heading to Berlin, Germany in June to represent the United States in the Special Olympics World Games. &nbsp;Phillips says he is very excited for the opportunity to not only represent Missouri, but represent his country. &nbsp;"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that I dreamed ever since I started Special Olympics 15 years ago, and I can't believe I'm going to be representing our country in 11 weeks in powerlifting in a different country," Phillips tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "That is mind blowing."&nbsp;Phillips earned his spot in the games in November at the Team USA trials in San Antonio, Texas, posting the top deadlift and top squat. &nbsp;Phillips says that he was nervous going into the trials, after competing earlier that week in Kansas City, and didn't even know that he had the top lifts.&nbsp;"I was surprised when they announced that I got nominated, and then went down there, lift, and then came back up here and then went on the news station," Phillips says. "They told me that I got picked and I was so happy that time."&nbsp;Phillips says he's never been out of the country before, so he's excited to experience the new cultures and new foods. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674152767106.jpeg" alt="Charlie Phillips powerlifting at USA Games in 2018/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Phillips powerlifting at USA Games in 2018/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>His goal going into the competition is to get some new numbers and to make the podium. &nbsp;"Get some world records or whatever is happening I just want to be on the podium, get some world records, and pull some new numbers," Phillips happily says. "So, I can tell everyone hey look I pulled new numbers and I can show everyone how much I did over there, I just can't wait."&nbsp;Phillips has also been blown away by the community support he's received. Team Charlie T Shirts, yard signs, and window decals have been sold by B's Tees to help raise funds for Phillips and his family to make it to Berlin. You can order a shirt, sign, or window decal <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYNysAuwa8wbj5ZGLfQoYL-MEMz1hZAD2UZS8hjQsZFmbtCg/viewform">HERE</a>.The Savannah Fire Department is also holding a Chili cookoff this weekend on Sunday from 12 to 2pm with a free will donation in which all proceeds will go towards helping Phillips get to Berlin. Entry into the cookoff is $25.The Special Olympics World Games are being held June 17th through June 25th.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679588992004.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of the Savannah Missouri Fire Department Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of the Savannah Missouri Fire Department Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>

Charlie Phillips excited to represent Missouri and the US in Special Olympics World Games

Representative Josh Gotthemier this week urged electric vehicle manufacturers to include AM radio in their cars and trucks. 

Representative Josh Gotthemier this week urged electric vehicle manufacturers to include AM radio in their cars and trucks. The New Jersey Democrat says, "I would think that if Elon Musk has enough money to buy Twitter and send rockets to space, he can afford to include AM radio in his Teslas." The lawmaker says that despite the public safety uses of AM radio, many EV manufacturers have stopped including AM radio in their vehicles. AM radio is the backbone behind America's National Public Warning System, which provides emergency-alert and warning information to the public during major natural disasters and domestic threats. Gottheimer is writing to major EV auto manufacturers urging them to reconsider their decision to discontinue AM radio in their cars. Gottheimer also called on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to add AM radio to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to require that all automakers include AM radio as a stock feature in their vehicles.