The National Corn Growers Association urged EPA officials to implement a petition from Midwest governors that would remove barriers to higher blends of ethanol and avoid further delay. 

EPA’s public hearing reviewed the agency’s recent proposal to implement a plan from eight Midwest governors to require lower-volatility gasoline so drivers in those states continue to have year-round access to fuel with 15 percent ethanol, often marketed as Unleaded 88. 

EPA has proposed delaying implementation of the governors’ plan until 2024. 

NCGA President Tom Haag took issue with the delays to date and urged EPA to avoid further delays in implementation. He also highlighted the emissions reduction benefits of E15 and the current cost savings of up to 20 cents or more per gallon when drivers choose E15. 

Haag says, “we now strongly urge EPA to implement this rule with an effective date of April 28, 2024 -- as proposed --without further delay.”

The National Corn Growers Association urged EPA officials to implement a petition from Midwest governors that would remove barriers to higher blends of ethanol and avoid further delay. EPA’s public hearing reviewed the agency’s recent proposal to implement a plan from eight Midwest governors to require lower-volatility gasoline so drivers in those states continue to have year-round access to fuel with 15 percent ethanol, often marketed as Unleaded 88. EPA has proposed delaying implementation of the governors’ plan until 2024. NCGA President Tom Haag took issue with the delays to date and urged EPA to avoid further delays in implementation. He also highlighted the emissions reduction benefits of E15 and the current cost savings of up to 20 cents or more per gallon when drivers choose E15. Haag says, “we now strongly urge EPA to implement this rule with an effective date of April 28, 2024 -- as proposed --without further delay.”

NCGA to EPA: Ensure consumer access to higher ethanol blends

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A bill to legalize sports gambling in Missouri passed the state House speedily on Tuesday, but the measure's prospects in the Senate are far less certain.

The Republican-led House voted 118-35 in favor of the legislation, which would tax sports betting at 10%. Tax revenues would go to fund public education.

Bills to allow sports betting have failed for years to make it to the governor's desk, despite interest from residents and the Kansas City Chiefs' two Super Bowl wins in the past four years.

Attempts to authorize sports betting have gotten bogged down in the Senate this year over efforts to pair them with regulations on slot-machine-style games that have been popping up in convenience stores.

“This is a bill that we've been trying to get past the Legislature for far too long,” Kansas City Democratic Rep. Ashley Aune said during House debate. “Our constituents want this; we need to get it done.”

A total of 33 states and the District of Columbia now offer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-betting-march-madness-c8b6d663a992ca4e7c616d8c3af8d585">at least some form of sports wagering</a>&nbsp;— each scrambling for shares of a multibillion-dollar enterprise that has rapidly expanded after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed it nearly five years ago.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A bill to legalize sports gambling in Missouri passed the state House speedily on Tuesday, but the measure's prospects in the Senate are far less certain.The Republican-led House voted 118-35 in favor of the legislation, which would tax sports betting at 10%. Tax revenues would go to fund public education.Bills to allow sports betting have failed for years to make it to the governor's desk, despite interest from residents and the Kansas City Chiefs' two Super Bowl wins in the past four years.Attempts to authorize sports betting have gotten bogged down in the Senate this year over efforts to pair them with regulations on slot-machine-style games that have been popping up in convenience stores.“This is a bill that we've been trying to get past the Legislature for far too long,” Kansas City Democratic Rep. Ashley Aune said during House debate. “Our constituents want this; we need to get it done.”A total of 33 states and the District of Columbia now offer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-betting-march-madness-c8b6d663a992ca4e7c616d8c3af8d585">at least some form of sports wagering</a>&nbsp;— each scrambling for shares of a multibillion-dollar enterprise that has rapidly expanded after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed it nearly five years ago.

Missouri a step closer to allowing sports gambling

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple alleged crimes.

Shortly before 2a.m. on March 11, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of 4th and L Street in Atchison after the officer had been called to the area for a disturbance involving the vehicle, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The vehicle fled but a short time later the vehicle stopped near 8th and Riley where the driver and a passenger both jumped out of the vehicle and fled into the darkness.

 An investigation determined that the 17-year-old boy was the driver of the vehicle. 

Just after 8p.m. Tuesday, police located the teen in the 700 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison and arrested him on requested charges of fleeing and attempting to elude and other traffic charges and interference with law enforcement. He is being held in the juvenile detention facility.

On March 17, police also took an 18-year-old woman into custody&nbsp; on a District Court warrant charging her with criminal deprivation of a motor vehicle involving the same vehicle.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple alleged crimes.Shortly before 2a.m. on March 11, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of 4th and L Street in Atchison after the officer had been called to the area for a disturbance involving the vehicle, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The vehicle fled but a short time later the vehicle stopped near 8th and Riley where the driver and a passenger both jumped out of the vehicle and fled into the darkness. An investigation determined that the 17-year-old boy was the driver of the vehicle. Just after 8p.m. Tuesday, police located the teen in the 700 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison and arrested him on requested charges of fleeing and attempting to elude and other traffic charges and interference with law enforcement. He is being held in the juvenile detention facility.On March 17, police also took an 18-year-old woman into custody&nbsp; on a District Court warrant charging her with criminal deprivation of a motor vehicle involving the same vehicle.

Police locate teen who fled from alleged disturbance

The NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight presented the perfect opportunity to show off the new and improved amenities at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph. &nbsp;

A refurbished and redesigned basketball court, new LED lights donning the arena, new basketball hoops, new seats, and a center court suspended video scoreboard were shown off during the opening games on Monday. &nbsp;

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Scott Nelson attended the games and says the improvements are a sight to see. &nbsp;

"You put the floor down, you look at the new scoreboard, you look at the seats that they're all there, good color, crowd was 900 to 1000 people," Nelson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And that's pretty good for that cause those teams had to travel, there was really no local flavor."&nbsp;

Nelson says the only thing missing from the new setup was a brand-new scorer’s table, which has not arrived yet.&nbsp;

Nelson says he knows there were doubts about whether Civic Arena should be renovated or just replaced. &nbsp;

"For the money that you had to spend, I think they've done a good job," Nelson says. "And the outside, the sidewalks look great and it's wrapped, it looks good down there."&nbsp;

Nelson says despite having no local teams playing, the event drew several fans to the arena from all around the nation. &nbsp;

The remaining four teams will play for a chance at the championship game in Dallas, Texas this evening.&nbsp; Games will be played at 6 and 8:30pm.&nbsp;

Nelson hopes though that these renovations will help draw more events to the arena. &nbsp;

Nelson says that in the past year the Civic Arena was holding events or had people working 180 days out of the year&nbsp;

"Now a lot of that's prep, breakdown, get ready for the next event, so there's a lot going in there," Nelson explains. "Can there be a lot more in there? Sure, but staffing is an issue."&nbsp;

Nelson says to fill those jobs it takes the right person with the right desire to work what could be considered an odd job with an odd work schedule.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679502589475.jpeg" alt="A refurbished and renovated court was designed by Hillyard Inc in preperation for the tournament/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>A refurbished and renovated court was designed by Hillyard Inc in preperation for the tournament/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight presented the perfect opportunity to show off the new and improved amenities at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph. &nbsp;A refurbished and redesigned basketball court, new LED lights donning the arena, new basketball hoops, new seats, and a center court suspended video scoreboard were shown off during the opening games on Monday. &nbsp;Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Scott Nelson attended the games and says the improvements are a sight to see. &nbsp;"You put the floor down, you look at the new scoreboard, you look at the seats that they're all there, good color, crowd was 900 to 1000 people," Nelson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And that's pretty good for that cause those teams had to travel, there was really no local flavor."&nbsp;Nelson says the only thing missing from the new setup was a brand-new scorer’s table, which has not arrived yet.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679502658051.jpeg" alt="A new video scoreboard hangs at center court in the Civic Arena/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>A new video scoreboard hangs at center court in the Civic Arena/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Nelson says he knows there were doubts about whether Civic Arena should be renovated or just replaced. &nbsp;"For the money that you had to spend, I think they've done a good job," Nelson says. "And the outside, the sidewalks look great and it's wrapped, it looks good down there."&nbsp;Nelson says despite having no local teams playing, the event drew several fans to the arena from all around the nation. &nbsp;The remaining four teams will play for a chance at the championship game in Dallas, Texas this evening.&nbsp; Games will be played at 6 and 8:30pm.&nbsp;Nelson hopes though that these renovations will help draw more events to the arena. &nbsp;Nelson says that in the past year the Civic Arena was holding events or had people working 180 days out of the year&nbsp;"Now a lot of that's prep, breakdown, get ready for the next event, so there's a lot going in there," Nelson explains. "Can there be a lot more in there? Sure, but staffing is an issue."&nbsp;Nelson says to fill those jobs it takes the right person with the right desire to work what could be considered an odd job with an odd work schedule.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679502565267.jpeg" alt="Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>

Elite Eight tournament showcases upgraded Civic Arena

Northwest Missouri State University has chosen a long-time
administrator and academic from a university in Alabama to become its next
president.

Lance Tatum comes to Northwest from Troy University, where he
is senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief academic officer.

Tatum says the reputation of Northwest among its peers
attracted him to the school.

“Providing access to students who won’t have the opportunity perhaps
to go out of state or to go a larger, research one university. And so, really
the mission and what they stand for was what drew me to them at the end,” Tatum
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.

Tatum began at Troy University in 1998 as an assistant
professor. Tatum has served in his current role at Troy since 2019 while also a
professor in its Sorrell College of Business-School of Hospitality, Sport, and
Tourism Management.

Tatum begins his duties on the Maryville campus June 1st.

Tatum says he is incredibly excited to get started.

“The opportunity to impact the lives of students is just
something that I’m drawn to,” Tatum says. “I have a real passion for students
and student success.”

Tatum says he was attracted to the mission of Northwest to provide
access to college for the region’s youth and provide the higher education so
vital to the region’s workforce.

“It’s regionals who provide the nurses and provide the
teachers and provide the accountants and provide the business professionals
that go back into those communities and really build the foundation of success
for the communities where they live,” according to Tatum.

A lot is going on in the Tatum household as the family gets
ready to make the move from their longtime home in southern Alabama to a new
environment in the northwest Missouri community of Maryville.

Tatum says he’s incredibly excited to get started.

“We’re making preparations now so that we can get ourselves
moved from Alabama and be in Missouri in enough time so that when we get there
June 1st we’re ready to hit the ground and be ready to learn and
understand so by the time we get to the fall, I’ll feel like I’m in a good
position to start the fall semester,” Tatum says.

Tatum was in Maryville last week to be formally introduced to
the Northwest Missouri State community.

NWMSU Vice President for Culture, Clarence Green, who also
serves as the Chief of University Police has served as interim president since
the Board of Regents declined to renew the contract of John Jasinski.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679500937284.jpeg" alt="In coming NWMSU President Lance Tatum speaks with interim President Clarence Green/Photo by Todd Weddle, NWMSU" />
 <figcaption>In coming NWMSU President Lance Tatum speaks with interim President Clarence Green/Photo by Todd Weddle, NWMSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthwest Missouri State University has chosen a long-time
administrator and academic from a university in Alabama to become its next
president.Lance Tatum comes to Northwest from Troy University, where he
is senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief academic officer.Tatum says the reputation of Northwest among its peers
attracted him to the school.“Providing access to students who won’t have the opportunity perhaps
to go out of state or to go a larger, research one university. And so, really
the mission and what they stand for was what drew me to them at the end,” Tatum
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.Tatum began at Troy University in 1998 as an assistant
professor. Tatum has served in his current role at Troy since 2019 while also a
professor in its Sorrell College of Business-School of Hospitality, Sport, and
Tourism Management.Tatum begins his duties on the Maryville campus June 1st.Tatum says he is incredibly excited to get started.“The opportunity to impact the lives of students is just
something that I’m drawn to,” Tatum says. “I have a real passion for students
and student success.”Tatum says he was attracted to the mission of Northwest to provide
access to college for the region’s youth and provide the higher education so
vital to the region’s workforce.“It’s regionals who provide the nurses and provide the
teachers and provide the accountants and provide the business professionals
that go back into those communities and really build the foundation of success
for the communities where they live,” according to Tatum.A lot is going on in the Tatum household as the family gets
ready to make the move from their longtime home in southern Alabama to a new
environment in the northwest Missouri community of Maryville.Tatum says he’s incredibly excited to get started.“We’re making preparations now so that we can get ourselves
moved from Alabama and be in Missouri in enough time so that when we get there
June 1st we’re ready to hit the ground and be ready to learn and
understand so by the time we get to the fall, I’ll feel like I’m in a good
position to start the fall semester,” Tatum says.Tatum was in Maryville last week to be formally introduced to
the Northwest Missouri State community.NWMSU Vice President for Culture, Clarence Green, who also
serves as the Chief of University Police has served as interim president since
the Board of Regents declined to renew the contract of John Jasinski.

Tatum excited to begin as NWMSU president

President Biden Tuesday announced two new actions to conserve and restore lands and waters across the nation. 

The effort includes establishing the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada and Castner Range National Monument in Texas. 

The Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada will honor Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples while conserving public lands and growing America’s outdoor recreation economy, according to the White House. 

The Castner Range National Monument will expand access to the outdoors for the El Paso community while honoring veterans and servicemembers. Together, these new national monuments protect nearly 514,000 acres of public lands. 

The President also directed the Secretary of Commerce to consider initiating a new National Marine Sanctuary designation within 30 days to protect all U.S. waters around the Pacific Remote Islands. If completed, the new sanctuary would ensure the U.S. will reach the President's goal of conserving at least 30% of ocean waters under American jurisdiction by 2030.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679499076139.jpeg" alt="Castner Range National Monument in Texas- White House Photo" />
 <figcaption>Castner Range National Monument in Texas- White House Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>President Biden Tuesday announced two new actions to conserve and restore lands and waters across the nation. The effort includes establishing the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada and Castner Range National Monument in Texas. The Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada will honor Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples while conserving public lands and growing America’s outdoor recreation economy, according to the White House. The Castner Range National Monument will expand access to the outdoors for the El Paso community while honoring veterans and servicemembers. Together, these new national monuments protect nearly 514,000 acres of public lands. The President also directed the Secretary of Commerce to consider initiating a new National Marine Sanctuary designation within 30 days to protect all U.S. waters around the Pacific Remote Islands. If completed, the new sanctuary would ensure the U.S. will reach the President's goal of conserving at least 30% of ocean waters under American jurisdiction by 2030.

Biden creates new National Monuments to conserve land and waters

Feeding America this week announced the launch of Farmers Feed America. 

The organization says the broad coalition shows that farmers and food banks are united in calling for a strong 2023 Farm Bill that meets the needs of America's farmers and protects federal nutrition programs. 

The new nonpartisan coalition comprises farmers, food companies, food retailers, and hunger-relief organizations, including Feeding America and the American Farm Bureau Association. 

This year's farm bill reauthorization process is an opportunity to reflect on the innovations that worked during the pandemic and apply those learnings to future food and nutrition policy, according to the organization. 

The Farmers Feed America coalition has come together to establish shared principles for the next farm bill that help meet the continued needs of communities facing hunger, bolster the nation's food resilience, and enhance markets for farmers and ranchers. The coalition urges members of Congress to adopt these principles as they write the 2023 Farm Bill.

Feeding America this week announced the launch of Farmers Feed America. The organization says the broad coalition shows that farmers and food banks are united in calling for a strong 2023 Farm Bill that meets the needs of America's farmers and protects federal nutrition programs. The new nonpartisan coalition comprises farmers, food companies, food retailers, and hunger-relief organizations, including Feeding America and the American Farm Bureau Association. This year's farm bill reauthorization process is an opportunity to reflect on the innovations that worked during the pandemic and apply those learnings to future food and nutrition policy, according to the organization. The Farmers Feed America coalition has come together to establish shared principles for the next farm bill that help meet the continued needs of communities facing hunger, bolster the nation's food resilience, and enhance markets for farmers and ranchers. The coalition urges members of Congress to adopt these principles as they write the 2023 Farm Bill.

New coalition calls for robust Farm Bill agriculture and nutrition funding

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas man jailed for drug possession in January is back in jail on new charges.

On Monday, police arrested 24-year-old Justin L. Lurquin of Atchison on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In January, police arrested&nbsp; him on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court and a requested charge of possession of fentanyl after officers found it on his person.&nbsp;

In January of 2022, police arrested him for alleged drug possession, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673273013220.png" alt="Lurquin-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Lurquin-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas man jailed for drug possession in January is back in jail on new charges.On Monday, police arrested 24-year-old Justin L. Lurquin of Atchison on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In January, police arrested&nbsp; him on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court and a requested charge of possession of fentanyl after officers found it on his person.&nbsp;In January of 2022, police arrested him for alleged drug possession, according to online jail records.

Kan. man caught with fentanyl during arrest is back in jail

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was inured in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Hyundai Sonata driven by Tammy L. Bowen, 45, Jamesport, was northbound on U.S. 69 one mile east of Winston.

The car traveled off the road, struck a tree and overturned

Community ambulance transported Bowen to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was inured in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Hyundai Sonata driven by Tammy L. Bowen, 45, Jamesport, was northbound on U.S. 69 one mile east of Winston.The car traveled off the road, struck a tree and overturnedCommunity ambulance transported Bowen to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after car strikes a tree

The Biden administration's version of the Waters of the U.S. rule went into effect Monday. 

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association expressed displeasure in a District Court decision to deny a preliminary injunction of the rule. 

NCBA President Todd Wilkinson says, "This latest WOTUS rule will place more burdens on family farms and ranches, drive up costs, and prevent cattle producers like me from making investments in our land." 

The Environmental Protection Agency finalized the latest WOTUS rule at the end of 2022. NCBA and its litigation partners filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the rule on January 18, 2023. 

NCBA sought a nationwide preliminary injunction, which would have prevented the federal government from implementing the WOTUS rule until the entire case is decided. 

Instead, the court granted a limited injunction in only two states—Texas and Idaho. NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart adds, “The court’s decision to keep the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule in place is concerning and irresponsible.”

The Biden administration's version of the Waters of the U.S. rule went into effect Monday. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association expressed displeasure in a District Court decision to deny a preliminary injunction of the rule. NCBA President Todd Wilkinson says, "This latest WOTUS rule will place more burdens on family farms and ranches, drive up costs, and prevent cattle producers like me from making investments in our land." The Environmental Protection Agency finalized the latest WOTUS rule at the end of 2022. NCBA and its litigation partners filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the rule on January 18, 2023. NCBA sought a nationwide preliminary injunction, which would have prevented the federal government from implementing the WOTUS rule until the entire case is decided. Instead, the court granted a limited injunction in only two states—Texas and Idaho. NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart adds, “The court’s decision to keep the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule in place is concerning and irresponsible.”

NCBA concerned with District Court decision to let WOTUS rule stand

The United Nations Secretary-General over the weekend announced an extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. 

The announcement came at the last minute as the agreement was set to expire. 

The Initiative facilitates the safe navigation for the exports of grain and related foodstuffs and fertilizers, including ammonia, from designated Ukrainian seaports. 

During the first two terms, some 25 million metric tons of grain and foodstuffs have been moved to 45 countries, helping to bring down global food prices and stabilizing the markets. 

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, alongside the Memorandum of Understanding on promoting Russian food products and fertilizers to the world markets, are critical for global food security, especially for developing countries. 

The original agreement was signed in July of 2022 to address the need for Ukraine to export agricultural products during the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian officials indicate the agreement was extended for another 120 days.

The United Nations Secretary-General over the weekend announced an extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The announcement came at the last minute as the agreement was set to expire. The Initiative facilitates the safe navigation for the exports of grain and related foodstuffs and fertilizers, including ammonia, from designated Ukrainian seaports. During the first two terms, some 25 million metric tons of grain and foodstuffs have been moved to 45 countries, helping to bring down global food prices and stabilizing the markets. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, alongside the Memorandum of Understanding on promoting Russian food products and fertilizers to the world markets, are critical for global food security, especially for developing countries. The original agreement was signed in July of 2022 to address the need for Ukraine to export agricultural products during the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian officials indicate the agreement was extended for another 120 days.

UN reaches Black Sea Grain Initiative extension

There's less than a month left until your tax returns are due and officials with the IRS want you to be aware of possible scams.&nbsp;

Spokesman Michael Devine says criminals are very savvy.&nbsp;

"They watch the news, whatever is in the news they're going to capitalize on," Devine tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Whether it's a disaster and they create a fake website to try to get you to donate or filing season when they pretend to be the IRS."&nbsp;

Devine says you may get a call out of the blue from someone claiming to be the IRS saying you owe money right now&nbsp;

"Well, the IRS doesn't call you out of the blue, we send you a letter through the mail," Devine says. "And we know that 90% of all data thefts begin with an email for phishing."&nbsp;

Devine says if you get an email claiming to be from the IRS, don't open it, because they also will not contact you that way. The IRS will only contact you through the United States mail and no other way.&nbsp;

Devine says that criminals want to get your attention and want to scare you&nbsp;

"They want to convince you that you have to give them your information or your money," Devine explains. "And think about it just for a minute, you can't pay your utility bills with anything other than a check or a credit card or a debit card, you can't go buy gift cards and give them the number, that's what criminals do."&nbsp;

Devine says to be very cautious this tax season as you work to file your returns.&nbsp;

Devine says if you have been a victim of identity theft because of a scam call or email, the IRS has a tool to help&nbsp;

"The IRS urges you to join a program that we created a few years ago, and now it's open to everyone, it's called an identity protection pin number, this is a voluntary program," Devine says. "And what it does is after you proven you are who you say you are, every year you will get a letter in the mail with a six-digit number that's a unique number between you and the IRS."&nbsp;

Devine says without that six-digit number your tax return will not be processed.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;There's less than a month left until your tax returns are due and officials with the IRS want you to be aware of possible scams.&nbsp;Spokesman Michael Devine says criminals are very savvy.&nbsp;"They watch the news, whatever is in the news they're going to capitalize on," Devine tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Whether it's a disaster and they create a fake website to try to get you to donate or filing season when they pretend to be the IRS."&nbsp;Devine says you may get a call out of the blue from someone claiming to be the IRS saying you owe money right now&nbsp;"Well, the IRS doesn't call you out of the blue, we send you a letter through the mail," Devine says. "And we know that 90% of all data thefts begin with an email for phishing."&nbsp;Devine says if you get an email claiming to be from the IRS, don't open it, because they also will not contact you that way. The IRS will only contact you through the United States mail and no other way.&nbsp;Devine says that criminals want to get your attention and want to scare you&nbsp;"They want to convince you that you have to give them your information or your money," Devine explains. "And think about it just for a minute, you can't pay your utility bills with anything other than a check or a credit card or a debit card, you can't go buy gift cards and give them the number, that's what criminals do."&nbsp;Devine says to be very cautious this tax season as you work to file your returns.&nbsp;Devine says if you have been a victim of identity theft because of a scam call or email, the IRS has a tool to help&nbsp;"The IRS urges you to join a program that we created a few years ago, and now it's open to everyone, it's called an identity protection pin number, this is a voluntary program," Devine says. "And what it does is after you proven you are who you say you are, every year you will get a letter in the mail with a six-digit number that's a unique number between you and the IRS."&nbsp;Devine says without that six-digit number your tax return will not be processed.&nbsp;Tax returns are due April 18th.&nbsp;

Beware: Tax season is also scam season

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.

Just after 10:30a.m. March 17, the Brown County Sheriffs Office Drug Task Force initiated search warrants at 605 Virginia Street and 610 Roxanna Street in Morrill, Kansas, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies Arrested 39-year-old Forrest Gaston II of Morill on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Distribution of Meth,&nbsp; Possession of Marijuana and Possesion of Drug. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679341190812.png" alt="Gaston-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Gaston-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.Just after 10:30a.m. March 17, the Brown County Sheriffs Office Drug Task Force initiated search warrants at 605 Virginia Street and 610 Roxanna Street in Morrill, Kansas, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Deputies Arrested 39-year-old Forrest Gaston II of Morill on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Distribution of Meth,&nbsp; Possession of Marijuana and Possesion of Drug. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of selling meth

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s Republican attorney general on Monday said he will limit access to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-mental-ce8f5a9ee53768af03c3c65d5331045b">gender-affirming care</a>&nbsp;for minors, sidestepping the GOP-led Senate as it struggles to pass a law banning the practice for children completely.

As hundreds of activists rallied at the Capitol to pressure lawmakers to act on the bill, Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced plans to file an emergency rule.

The rule will require an 18-month waiting period, 15 hour-long therapy sessions and treatment of any mental illnesses before Missouri doctors can provide that kind of care to transgender children, according to Bailey's office.

“I am dedicated to using every legal tool at my disposal to stand in the gap and protect children from being subject to inhumane science experiments,” Bailey said.

The emergency rule also requires disclosure of information about puberty blocker drugs, including that they are experimental, not approved by the FDA and that the FDA has warned they can lead to brain swelling and blindness, Bailey said.

While puberty blockers and hormones often prescribed in transgender treatment are not FDA approved for transgender care, they are used in those cases “off-label,″ which is an accepted and permitted practice.

This is not the first time Bailey has weighed in on transgender health care since taking office in January.

In February, Bailey&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-hawley-jamie-reed-st-louis-missouri-health-83953afb898dff7caa2b542c91480069">announced an investigation</a>&nbsp;of a transgender youth clinic in St. Louis run by Washington University, following allegations of abuse by a former employee. He asked the university to shut down the clinic, but it refused.

Bailey's spokeswoman did not say when the new health care rule will be filed and did not provide a copy.

Maysa Akbar, chief diversity officer for the American Psychological Association, called the rule “a disturbing development for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth in Missouri.”

“This emergency order flies in the face of the scientific consensus, which is that, with appropriate psychological screening, treatment approaches should affirm an adolescent’s gender identity, not deny it," Akbar said. "Research shows that discrimination has adverse effects on the health and well-being of transgender people.”

The rule appears to be aimed at helping children who might regret transitioning, said Dr. Jack Drescher, section editor of the gender dysphoria chapter of the DSM-5, the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s mental illness manual.

“However it does so at the expense of those children who would indeed benefit from transition services,” Drescher said. “Sacrificing the well being of the latter for the presumed benefit to the former is an ethically troubling intervention by the state into clinical practice.”

Missouri LGBTQ-rights group PROMO called Bailey's rule an abuse of power and said his office “does not respect the professional guidelines of every major medical association in our country, who agrees gender-affirming healthcare is the standard of care for transgender Missourians.”

The rule comes amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-health-texas-state-government-tennessee-minnesota-878a9217fa434f3ecd83738a71e40572">national push</a>&nbsp;to restrict transgender health care, drag shows, bathroom access and how LGBTQ topics are discussed in schools.

Erin Reed, a researcher who tracks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-health-texas-state-government-tennessee-minnesota-878a9217fa434f3ecd83738a71e40572">transgender legislation</a>, said Bailey is among Republican elected officials in state executive offices across the nation who are finding ways to limit gender-affirming care when legislatures fail to act.

“An action like this taken to sidestep the legislature and sidestep the democratic process is in and of itself undemocratic and is going to harm trans youth in Missouri,” Reed said.

Florida state medical officials last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-health-business-florida-government-and-politics-78e417a184718de8b9e71ff32efbc77f">banned transgender children</a>&nbsp;from receiving hormones or undergoing surgeries to treat gender dysphoria at the urging of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is widely considered to be weighing a run for the Republican presidential nomination.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-child-abuse-child-welfare-greg-abbott-ken-paxton-65c054b6ccd9040e81ad1a4be11403b9">Texas went farther than any state</a>&nbsp;last year when Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued a first-of-its-kind order that instructed child welfare officials to investigate reports of gender-confirming care for kids as abuse.

A couple hundred people rallied Monday at the Capitol in hopes of pushing lawmakers to pass a law to ban all gender-affirming treatment for children, while several came in opposition. The rally featured a diverse collection of speakers, including Republican state officials such as Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Christian leaders and several gay and transgender activists who said that only adults should be able to access gender-affirming care.

Catherine Dreher, vice chair of the Missouri Libertarian Party, said her 18-year-old son has dealt with mental health issues, recently left home and wants to transition to a woman, which distresses her. She opposes allowing that for minors, calling it “child abuse.”

Debate on the Missouri bill stalled when the conservative sponsor, Republican Sen. Mike Moon, struggled to negotiate with Democrats on the legislation. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-sports-health-youth-missouri-14aaffe8553e5b4567cb179f7a96176b">GOP-led Senate</a>&nbsp;ultimately failed to pass any legislation dealing with the topic before lawmakers left for their annual spring break.

“Protecting Missouri's children is not up for negotiation,” Moon wrote in a public letter signed by seven other Republican senators, who vowed to take any action necessary to bring Moon's bill to a vote this week.

The issue threatens to derail the Senate. Several Republican senators on Monday spoke against another Republican lawmaker's attempt to combine Moon's bill with a ban on transgender girls competing on school girls' sports teams, fearing that merging the issues might make the legislation unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have indicated that they may filibuster to encourage compromise, a stall tactic that involves senators talking nonstop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679362016015.png" alt="“I am dedicated to using every legal tool at my disposal to stand in the gap and protect children from being subject to inhumane science experiments,”&nbsp; Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said." />
 <figcaption>“I am dedicated to using every legal tool at my disposal to stand in the gap and protect children from being subject to inhumane science experiments,”&nbsp; Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said.</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s Republican attorney general on Monday said he will limit access to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-mental-ce8f5a9ee53768af03c3c65d5331045b">gender-affirming care</a>&nbsp;for minors, sidestepping the GOP-led Senate as it struggles to pass a law banning the practice for children completely.As hundreds of activists rallied at the Capitol to pressure lawmakers to act on the bill, Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced plans to file an emergency rule.The rule will require an 18-month waiting period, 15 hour-long therapy sessions and treatment of any mental illnesses before Missouri doctors can provide that kind of care to transgender children, according to Bailey's office.“I am dedicated to using every legal tool at my disposal to stand in the gap and protect children from being subject to inhumane science experiments,” Bailey said.The emergency rule also requires disclosure of information about puberty blocker drugs, including that they are experimental, not approved by the FDA and that the FDA has warned they can lead to brain swelling and blindness, Bailey said.While puberty blockers and hormones often prescribed in transgender treatment are not FDA approved for transgender care, they are used in those cases “off-label,″ which is an accepted and permitted practice.This is not the first time Bailey has weighed in on transgender health care since taking office in January.In February, Bailey&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-hawley-jamie-reed-st-louis-missouri-health-83953afb898dff7caa2b542c91480069">announced an investigation</a>&nbsp;of a transgender youth clinic in St. Louis run by Washington University, following allegations of abuse by a former employee. He asked the university to shut down the clinic, but it refused.Bailey's spokeswoman did not say when the new health care rule will be filed and did not provide a copy.Maysa Akbar, chief diversity officer for the American Psychological Association, called the rule “a disturbing development for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth in Missouri.”“This emergency order flies in the face of the scientific consensus, which is that, with appropriate psychological screening, treatment approaches should affirm an adolescent’s gender identity, not deny it," Akbar said. "Research shows that discrimination has adverse effects on the health and well-being of transgender people.”The rule appears to be aimed at helping children who might regret transitioning, said Dr. Jack Drescher, section editor of the gender dysphoria chapter of the DSM-5, the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s mental illness manual.“However it does so at the expense of those children who would indeed benefit from transition services,” Drescher said. “Sacrificing the well being of the latter for the presumed benefit to the former is an ethically troubling intervention by the state into clinical practice.”Missouri LGBTQ-rights group PROMO called Bailey's rule an abuse of power and said his office “does not respect the professional guidelines of every major medical association in our country, who agrees gender-affirming healthcare is the standard of care for transgender Missourians.”The rule comes amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-health-texas-state-government-tennessee-minnesota-878a9217fa434f3ecd83738a71e40572">national push</a>&nbsp;to restrict transgender health care, drag shows, bathroom access and how LGBTQ topics are discussed in schools.Erin Reed, a researcher who tracks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-health-texas-state-government-tennessee-minnesota-878a9217fa434f3ecd83738a71e40572">transgender legislation</a>, said Bailey is among Republican elected officials in state executive offices across the nation who are finding ways to limit gender-affirming care when legislatures fail to act.“An action like this taken to sidestep the legislature and sidestep the democratic process is in and of itself undemocratic and is going to harm trans youth in Missouri,” Reed said.Florida state medical officials last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-health-business-florida-government-and-politics-78e417a184718de8b9e71ff32efbc77f">banned transgender children</a>&nbsp;from receiving hormones or undergoing surgeries to treat gender dysphoria at the urging of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is widely considered to be weighing a run for the Republican presidential nomination.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-child-abuse-child-welfare-greg-abbott-ken-paxton-65c054b6ccd9040e81ad1a4be11403b9">Texas went farther than any state</a>&nbsp;last year when Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued a first-of-its-kind order that instructed child welfare officials to investigate reports of gender-confirming care for kids as abuse.A couple hundred people rallied Monday at the Capitol in hopes of pushing lawmakers to pass a law to ban all gender-affirming treatment for children, while several came in opposition. The rally featured a diverse collection of speakers, including Republican state officials such as Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Christian leaders and several gay and transgender activists who said that only adults should be able to access gender-affirming care.Catherine Dreher, vice chair of the Missouri Libertarian Party, said her 18-year-old son has dealt with mental health issues, recently left home and wants to transition to a woman, which distresses her. She opposes allowing that for minors, calling it “child abuse.”Debate on the Missouri bill stalled when the conservative sponsor, Republican Sen. Mike Moon, struggled to negotiate with Democrats on the legislation. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-sports-health-youth-missouri-14aaffe8553e5b4567cb179f7a96176b">GOP-led Senate</a>&nbsp;ultimately failed to pass any legislation dealing with the topic before lawmakers left for their annual spring break.“Protecting Missouri's children is not up for negotiation,” Moon wrote in a public letter signed by seven other Republican senators, who vowed to take any action necessary to bring Moon's bill to a vote this week.The issue threatens to derail the Senate. Several Republican senators on Monday spoke against another Republican lawmaker's attempt to combine Moon's bill with a ban on transgender girls competing on school girls' sports teams, fearing that merging the issues might make the legislation unconstitutional.Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have indicated that they may filibuster to encourage compromise, a stall tactic that involves senators talking nonstop.

Mo. announces rule to restrict  gender-affirming care for minors

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for alleged crimes in Atchison.

On March 2, Police investigated a disturbance that had occurred in the 100 block South 2nd Street in Atchison. During the disturbance between two family members a 55-year-old victim was grabbed and her purse was taken, according to Wilson. There were no injuries.

Just before 2a.m. on March 11, a victim reported the theft of a 2002 Lincoln LS sedan from the 500 block U.S.73, in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Officer recovered the vehicle that same morning at 8th and Riley.

On March 17, police arrested 18-year-old Raven M. Haley of Atchison on a District Court warrants for robbery, domestic battery, theft and a District Court warrant for criminal deprivation of a motor vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679318518725.png" alt="Haley-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Haley-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for alleged crimes in Atchison.On March 2, Police investigated a disturbance that had occurred in the 100 block South 2nd Street in Atchison. During the disturbance between two family members a 55-year-old victim was grabbed and her purse was taken, according to Wilson. There were no injuries.Just before 2a.m. on March 11, a victim reported the theft of a 2002 Lincoln LS sedan from the 500 block U.S.73, in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Officer recovered the vehicle that same morning at 8th and Riley.On March 17, police arrested 18-year-old Raven M. Haley of Atchison on a District Court warrants for robbery, domestic battery, theft and a District Court warrant for criminal deprivation of a motor vehicle.

Kansas woman jailed for alleged car theft, robbery

African Swine Fever is making a resurgence in China and will potentially push prices higher for the most popular protein in the country. 

Bloomberg says multiple outbreaks have shown up in different parts of the country throughout the winter. 

Rabobank expects the most recent wave of ASF to significantly lower production capacity and push prices higher during the second quarter of 2023. 

The outbreak was most severe in the northern regions of the country, and multiple areas are still struggling with the disease. Rabobank estimates say the latest wave has hit 10 percent of the nation’s sow herd, which controls hog production. 

An outbreak in 2018-2019 decimated China’s pig herd, at the time, the largest herd in the world. The spike fueled inflation as pork is a key element in the Chinese consumer price index. Official estimates say 8-15 percent of total production could be lost in the current outbreak. &nbsp;

African Swine Fever is making a resurgence in China and will potentially push prices higher for the most popular protein in the country. Bloomberg says multiple outbreaks have shown up in different parts of the country throughout the winter. Rabobank expects the most recent wave of ASF to significantly lower production capacity and push prices higher during the second quarter of 2023. The outbreak was most severe in the northern regions of the country, and multiple areas are still struggling with the disease. Rabobank estimates say the latest wave has hit 10 percent of the nation’s sow herd, which controls hog production. An outbreak in 2018-2019 decimated China’s pig herd, at the time, the largest herd in the world. The spike fueled inflation as pork is a key element in the Chinese consumer price index. Official estimates say 8-15 percent of total production could be lost in the current outbreak. &nbsp;

African Swine Fever surging again in China

St. Joseph suffered through a deadly Saturday.

St. Joseph police responded to two accidents Saturday that killed three people.

A vehicle traveling south on 36th Street Saturday
morning lost control and crashed into the U-Haul Moving and Storage Building at
903 North 36th Street. Police report 36-year-old Gabriel HGauk and
35-year-old Francy Santiago, both from Micronesia, died at the scene.

In a separate accident Saturday, a man in his 80s, identified as
John O. Ness, appeared to have suffered a medical condition that caused a wreck
near the intersection of North Belt Highway and Faraon Street.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph suffered through a deadly Saturday.St. Joseph police responded to two accidents Saturday that killed three people.A vehicle traveling south on 36th Street Saturday
morning lost control and crashed into the U-Haul Moving and Storage Building at
903 North 36th Street. Police report 36-year-old Gabriel HGauk and
35-year-old Francy Santiago, both from Micronesia, died at the scene.In a separate accident Saturday, a man in his 80s, identified as
John O. Ness, appeared to have suffered a medical condition that caused a wreck
near the intersection of North Belt Highway and Faraon Street.

Three die in two separate wrecks in St. Joseph over the weekend

St. Joseph police are investigating a death in downtown St.
Joseph.

Police say a body was located near South 6th Street
and Messanie Street Saturday morning, identified as 44-year-old James M. Yaung, who was homeless.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports the death does not
appear to be suspicious. The bitter cold temperatures Saturday morning might
have played a role.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police are investigating a death in downtown St.
Joseph.Police say a body was located near South 6th Street
and Messanie Street Saturday morning, identified as 44-year-old James M. Yaung, who was homeless.The St. Joseph Police Department reports the death does not
appear to be suspicious. The bitter cold temperatures Saturday morning might
have played a role.

Body found in downtown St. Joseph Saturday morning

America’s top food and ag organizations representing thousands of farmers, ranchers, producers, and workers sent a letter to Congress urging action to improve ag exports. 

More than 50 of the most influential food and ag groups urged Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority. 

TPA is regularly passed by Congress to give the administration objectives and guidance in pursuing tariff-cutting trade agreements. 

The letter notes when it comes to trade agreements with tariff reduction, the U.S. is falling behind global economic competitors like China and the European Union. “Regrettably, America is falling badly behind,” the letter says. 

“Between 2010 and 2020, China and the E.U. enjoyed over twice as much advantage from trade agreement tariff reductions as the U.S.” They also say the situation has gotten much worse this decade. “The United States has not implemented a comprehensive trade agreement that opens new markets in more than a decade,” the groups add.

America’s top food and ag organizations representing thousands of farmers, ranchers, producers, and workers sent a letter to Congress urging action to improve ag exports. More than 50 of the most influential food and ag groups urged Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority. TPA is regularly passed by Congress to give the administration objectives and guidance in pursuing tariff-cutting trade agreements. The letter notes when it comes to trade agreements with tariff reduction, the U.S. is falling behind global economic competitors like China and the European Union. “Regrettably, America is falling badly behind,” the letter says. “Between 2010 and 2020, China and the E.U. enjoyed over twice as much advantage from trade agreement tariff reductions as the U.S.” They also say the situation has gotten much worse this decade. “The United States has not implemented a comprehensive trade agreement that opens new markets in more than a decade,” the groups add.

Organizations want Congress to pass TPA

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;

Just after 11p.m. on Saturday an officer on patrol observed 38-year-old Christopher L. Crane of Bendena driving a vehicle near 6th and Park Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The officer was aware that there were outstanding warrants for Crane and attempted to stop Crane’s vehicle.

Crane fled a short distance in the vehicle, stopped the vehicle, and fled on foot. After a foot pursuit the officer apprehended Crane in the 400 block South 5th Street. He was taken to the County Jail on requested charges of fleeing and attempting to elude, interference with law enforcement, and a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court and a Community Corrections detain order, according to Wilson.

In August and November of 2022, Crane was jailed for alleged bond violations, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679317157989.png" alt="Crane-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Crane-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;Just after 11p.m. on Saturday an officer on patrol observed 38-year-old Christopher L. Crane of Bendena driving a vehicle near 6th and Park Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The officer was aware that there were outstanding warrants for Crane and attempted to stop Crane’s vehicle.Crane fled a short distance in the vehicle, stopped the vehicle, and fled on foot. After a foot pursuit the officer apprehended Crane in the 400 block South 5th Street. He was taken to the County Jail on requested charges of fleeing and attempting to elude, interference with law enforcement, and a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court and a Community Corrections detain order, according to Wilson.In August and November of 2022, Crane was jailed for alleged bond violations, according to online jail records.

Police jail wanted Kansas man after chase

After many months of hard work, preparation and anticipation, the week is finally here.

The city of St. Joseph, in conjunction with the St. Joseph Sports Commission and Missouri Western State University, is all set to host the 2023 NCAA Division II women's basketball Elite Eight tournament. This is the fifth time the city has hosted this event, and the first time since 2011.

Brett Esely, director of both the St. Joseph Sports Commission and DII women's basketball Elite Eight tournament, says the biggest project undertaken to get ready for this event was the renovation of the venue itself - Civic Arena.

"That transformation began almost a year ago," Esely said on KFEQ's The Hotline. "Between the city of St. Joseph and some kind work from the Hillyard companies here in town. For those who don't know, Hillyard is a leader in gym floor finish. They essentially took on the refurbishing of the Civic Arena court."

A half-cent sales tax increase approved by St. Joseph voters in August 2021 is expected to raise $50-$60 million for the city's parks and recreation facilities before it sunsets in 2031. About $2.1 million of that is going toward the arena.

First opening in 1980, Civic Arena now looks like a new building inside.

Hillyard, Inc. refurbished and repainted the floor. New, LED lights were installed. New hoops were put in a few months ago. About 80 percent of the 3,800 seats have been replaced. New electronic scorers' tables don the courtside.

Esely says, though, there's one change at Civic Arena that shines brighter than the rest.

"I would say the crown jewel of the aesthetic renovation is the new center-hung scoreboard," he said. "It's LED. When you walk into major venues, nine times out of ten, that's the kind of scoreboard you see. So, that gives it a new look in itself."

As for the teams competing this week, this field of eight is quite elite indeed. Catawba, Assumption, University of Texas-Tyler, defending national champion Glenville State, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Minnesota-Duluth, undefeated Ashland and Tampa are the eight teams vying for a national title this year.

Coming in from eight different states over this past weekend, Esely says this field is as strong as it gets.

"This is a national tournament and that field couldn't get any more national than this," Esely remarked. "Five of those teams have won more than 30 games, one of them is undefeated. We have the defending national champion in the field."

Seven of the teams competing were the No. 1 seed in their respective regional tournaments. The games this week will be split into three sessions spread out over two days.

Each session consists of two games. The first session begins Monday at noon, with the first game pinning Catawba against Cal State Dominguez Hills. The second game Monday is at 2:30, featuring Assumption against Minnesota-Duluth.

The second session on Monday starts at 6 p.m., with Texas-Tyler playing Ashland. That'll be followed Glenville State versus Tampa at 8:30.

Wednesday features the third and final session, with the two semifinal games being played at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Fans can purchase a ticket bundle for all three sessions, or all six games, for $40 total.

Single-game tickets on Ticketmaster are $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can also be purchased at StJoMoSports.com, or by calling 816-271-4717.

The national championship game be played not in St. Joseph, but in Dallas, Texas on April 1 at the American Airlines Center - the same city, venue and weekend as the DI and DIII women's basketball national title games. This is being done to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of Title IX.

The DII women's basketball Elite Eight will be back in St. Joseph in 2024, and Civic Arena will host the national title game next year as well.

 Even with the national title being played in Dallas this year, Esely says the games on Monday and Wednesday this week provide a rare opportunity to see high level basketball right in St. Joseph's downtown.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679251865103.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph's Civic Arena has been completely refurbished over the last year or so, with a newly renovated floor, new scoreboard, new electronic scorers' tables, new seats, new hoops and more. Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph's Civic Arena has been completely refurbished over the last year or so, with a newly renovated floor, new scoreboard, new electronic scorers' tables, new seats, new hoops and more. Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAfter many months of hard work, preparation and anticipation, the week is finally here.The city of St. Joseph, in conjunction with the St. Joseph Sports Commission and Missouri Western State University, is all set to host the 2023 NCAA Division II women's basketball Elite Eight tournament. This is the fifth time the city has hosted this event, and the first time since 2011.Brett Esely, director of both the St. Joseph Sports Commission and DII women's basketball Elite Eight tournament, says the biggest project undertaken to get ready for this event was the renovation of the venue itself - Civic Arena."That transformation began almost a year ago," Esely said on KFEQ's The Hotline. "Between the city of St. Joseph and some kind work from the Hillyard companies here in town. For those who don't know, Hillyard is a leader in gym floor finish. They essentially took on the refurbishing of the Civic Arena court."A half-cent sales tax increase approved by St. Joseph voters in August 2021 is expected to raise $50-$60 million for the city's parks and recreation facilities before it sunsets in 2031. About $2.1 million of that is going toward the arena.First opening in 1980, Civic Arena now looks like a new building inside.Hillyard, Inc. refurbished and repainted the floor. New, LED lights were installed. New hoops were put in a few months ago. About 80 percent of the 3,800 seats have been replaced. New electronic scorers' tables don the courtside.Esely says, though, there's one change at Civic Arena that shines brighter than the rest."I would say the crown jewel of the aesthetic renovation is the new center-hung scoreboard," he said. "It's LED. When you walk into major venues, nine times out of ten, that's the kind of scoreboard you see. So, that gives it a new look in itself."As for the teams competing this week, this field of eight is quite elite indeed. Catawba, Assumption, University of Texas-Tyler, defending national champion Glenville State, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Minnesota-Duluth, undefeated Ashland and Tampa are the eight teams vying for a national title this year.Coming in from eight different states over this past weekend, Esely says this field is as strong as it gets."This is a national tournament and that field couldn't get any more national than this," Esely remarked. "Five of those teams have won more than 30 games, one of them is undefeated. We have the defending national champion in the field."Seven of the teams competing were the No. 1 seed in their respective regional tournaments. The games this week will be split into three sessions spread out over two days.Each session consists of two games. The first session begins Monday at noon, with the first game pinning Catawba against Cal State Dominguez Hills. The second game Monday is at 2:30, featuring Assumption against Minnesota-Duluth.The second session on Monday starts at 6 p.m., with Texas-Tyler playing Ashland. That'll be followed Glenville State versus Tampa at 8:30.Wednesday features the third and final session, with the two semifinal games being played at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Fans can purchase a ticket bundle for all three sessions, or all six games, for $40 total.Single-game tickets on Ticketmaster are $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can also be purchased at StJoMoSports.com, or by calling 816-271-4717.The national championship game be played not in St. Joseph, but in Dallas, Texas on April 1 at the American Airlines Center - the same city, venue and weekend as the DI and DIII women's basketball national title games. This is being done to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of Title IX.The DII women's basketball Elite Eight will be back in St. Joseph in 2024, and Civic Arena will host the national title game next year as well. Even with the national title being played in Dallas this year, Esely says the games on Monday and Wednesday this week provide a rare opportunity to see high level basketball right in St. Joseph's downtown."This is a national championship event," Esely pointed out. "Six games for $40. I'm not great at math, but that's like $6.99 apiece for the games. Which, for anywhere for a championship level event, that's a pretty good price."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679254611518.jpeg" alt="A look at the new electronic, video capable scoreboard inside Civic Arena. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>A look at the new electronic, video capable scoreboard inside Civic Arena. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679254772016.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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