The St. Joseph community alliance is looking at the feasibility to determine the addition of a new sports facility. &nbsp;

The community alliance is made up of the St. Joseph city council, Buchanan County commission, Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Western, and the St. Joseph Visitors Bureau. &nbsp;

City Manager Bryan Carter says part of adding this new facility would be for youth athletics, but he also says this current study is unique.&nbsp;

"This isn't a situation where we're picking out exactly what it would be and determining if that would be feasibly," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. " But instead, we are looking at this general world of youth athletics and seeing if there's something related to youth athletics that could be placed in St. Jose that would benefit the community."&nbsp;

Carter says the study will help determine if this new facility is something that will be a help to the community rather than a burden that would take up valuable resources. &nbsp;

With so much sports history in Carter says this new facility won't just be about adding to the already rich history of softball in St. Joseph&nbsp;

"We're going to go into it looking at is building our softball history the answer, is that something that would benefit the community?" Carter explains. "Or do we build on something else, do we look at an emerging soccer situation, do we look at a flexible indoor space that would solve a whole lot of basketball court accessibility issues that we have?"&nbsp;

Carter says there are a number of different things that can be used, but views the new facility as something that supplements what already exists here.&nbsp;

Carter says the biggest keyword they'll look for with this new facility is sustainability &nbsp;

"Because the biggest element to this is we don't need to come out of this creating a new burden, creating something else that strains existing resources," Carter says. "Ideally, we come out of this with a new amenity, but one that supplements the amenities we already have, it grows the amenities that we already have."&nbsp;

Carter says it's hard to maintain a sustainable mindset, but believes if something hopes to be as successful in year 12 as it was in year one, it needs to be sustainable.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The St. Joseph community alliance is looking at the feasibility to determine the addition of a new sports facility. &nbsp;The community alliance is made up of the St. Joseph city council, Buchanan County commission, Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Western, and the St. Joseph Visitors Bureau. &nbsp;City Manager Bryan Carter says part of adding this new facility would be for youth athletics, but he also says this current study is unique.&nbsp;"This isn't a situation where we're picking out exactly what it would be and determining if that would be feasibly," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. " But instead, we are looking at this general world of youth athletics and seeing if there's something related to youth athletics that could be placed in St. Jose that would benefit the community."&nbsp;Carter says the study will help determine if this new facility is something that will be a help to the community rather than a burden that would take up valuable resources. &nbsp;With so much sports history in Carter says this new facility won't just be about adding to the already rich history of softball in St. Joseph&nbsp;"We're going to go into it looking at is building our softball history the answer, is that something that would benefit the community?" Carter explains. "Or do we build on something else, do we look at an emerging soccer situation, do we look at a flexible indoor space that would solve a whole lot of basketball court accessibility issues that we have?"&nbsp;Carter says there are a number of different things that can be used, but views the new facility as something that supplements what already exists here.&nbsp;Carter says the biggest keyword they'll look for with this new facility is sustainability &nbsp;"Because the biggest element to this is we don't need to come out of this creating a new burden, creating something else that strains existing resources," Carter says. "Ideally, we come out of this with a new amenity, but one that supplements the amenities we already have, it grows the amenities that we already have."&nbsp;Carter says it's hard to maintain a sustainable mindset, but believes if something hopes to be as successful in year 12 as it was in year one, it needs to be sustainable.&nbsp;

Study hopes to bring new athletic facility to St. Joseph

U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers are disappointed that the Surface Transportation Board approved the merger of the Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern Railroad. 

They believe the STB has given a green light to rail consolidation without regard for the consequences on agricultural shippers from a lack of competition in the U.S. rail sector. 

“U.S. rail consolidation has led to poorer, not improved, service for agricultural shippers,” says USW President Vince Peterson. 

“In addition, we see extreme disparity in rates for wheat shippers.” Higher shipping rates make U.S. wheat less competitive in the global market at a time when higher prices already hurt the competitiveness of American wheat. 

“With 50 percent of wheat getting exported, wheat is heavily reliant on rail transportation to move across the U.S.,” says NAWG CEO Chandler Goule. They say the STB must conduct more rigorous oversight of rail rates and service issues.

U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers are disappointed that the Surface Transportation Board approved the merger of the Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern Railroad. They believe the STB has given a green light to rail consolidation without regard for the consequences on agricultural shippers from a lack of competition in the U.S. rail sector. “U.S. rail consolidation has led to poorer, not improved, service for agricultural shippers,” says USW President Vince Peterson. “In addition, we see extreme disparity in rates for wheat shippers.” Higher shipping rates make U.S. wheat less competitive in the global market at a time when higher prices already hurt the competitiveness of American wheat. “With 50 percent of wheat getting exported, wheat is heavily reliant on rail transportation to move across the U.S.,” says NAWG CEO Chandler Goule. They say the STB must conduct more rigorous oversight of rail rates and service issues.

National wheat organizations disappointed in railroad merger

Broadcaster Max Armstrong says he’s observed a lot of change
during his long career, which he chronicled at the Farm City Breakfast this
morning sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.

Armstrong discussed his life and career during a question-and-answer
session led by National Farm Broadcasters Association Executive Director Tom Brand
at Word of Life Church.

Armstrong tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post afterward, the biggest
change is in the horse power of farm equipment.

“We’re bringing to the field now 600-700 horse power under the
hood. Whereas my little Farmall that I started out with, grew up with on the
farm in Indiana, was 33 horses,” Armstrong tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And,
back in those days we spent week after week after week after week tending to
the crop. Now, with the ability to plant and harvest with such large machines,
farmers can be so much more efficient.”

Armstrong says he enjoys coming to the area.

“I love every time I’m in Missouri. There’s something very
special about the people of Missouri and Kansas. They really stand out. They’re
welcoming. They’re appreciative. Many of them are people of faith which I
admire and I’ve just enjoyed being around them,” Armstrong says. “I’ve been the
luckiest guy on the planet to be able to do what I have done.” 

Armstrong is heard on KFEQ, anchoring the Midwest Digest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679069840249.jpeg" alt="Max Armstrong at the St. Joseph Farm City Breakfast/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Max Armstrong at the St. Joseph Farm City Breakfast/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBroadcaster Max Armstrong says he’s observed a lot of change
during his long career, which he chronicled at the Farm City Breakfast this
morning sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.Armstrong discussed his life and career during a question-and-answer
session led by National Farm Broadcasters Association Executive Director Tom Brand
at Word of Life Church.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679070041478.jpeg" alt="KFEQ Agriculture Director Dionne Bertling speaks with Max Armstrong after the Farm City Breakfast/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>KFEQ Agriculture Director Dionne Bertling speaks with Max Armstrong after the Farm City Breakfast/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Armstrong tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post afterward, the biggest
change is in the horse power of farm equipment.“We’re bringing to the field now 600-700 horse power under the
hood. Whereas my little Farmall that I started out with, grew up with on the
farm in Indiana, was 33 horses,” Armstrong tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And,
back in those days we spent week after week after week after week tending to
the crop. Now, with the ability to plant and harvest with such large machines,
farmers can be so much more efficient.”Armstrong says he enjoys coming to the area.“I love every time I’m in Missouri. There’s something very
special about the people of Missouri and Kansas. They really stand out. They’re
welcoming. They’re appreciative. Many of them are people of faith which I
admire and I’ve just enjoyed being around them,” Armstrong says. “I’ve been the
luckiest guy on the planet to be able to do what I have done.” Armstrong is heard on KFEQ, anchoring the Midwest Digest.

Max Armstrong talks life and farming during St. Joseph Farm City Breakfast

A big clean-up effort will be underway this weekend in
downtown St. Joseph as the city gets set to welcome the NCAA Division II Women’s
Elite Eight Tournament to town.

Terry Turbak, chair of the Beautify St. Joseph Committee, says
volunteers will meet at 4th and Francis Streets at 10 o’clock Saturday
morning, then fan out around the Civic Arena and the old hotel to spruce up the
downtown.

“We have quite a few people that were interested and very
supportive,” Turbak tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Also, all the downtown
businesses are participating by cleaning up their areas on that day, too. So,
we’ll have kind of a clean sweep of the whole downtown area. It will be really nice.”

Turbak says this clean-up effort is important as the city
prepares to welcome teams and their fans to the tournament.

“Well, first of all, we hope that we put our best foot forward
for the tournament as far as the city goes and our appearance of the city,” Turbak
says.

Appearance is important and not just with a major tournament coming
to town. Turbak points to the results of a recent survey that disclosed many
St. Joseph residents have concerns about the city’s appearance.

“We’re trying to make a difference there,” Turbak says. “And
then also to raise awareness about littering, about encouraging people not to
throw things on the ground, not to leave a mess behind.”

Turbak says volunteers do this, because they care about the
city.

“We really love St. Joe and we want St. Joe to appear cleaner
and more attractive to visitors that come here and also to the residents,
because there are a lot of residents that don’t know what to do and aren’t
aware of the litter problem as far as how can they make a difference, what
difference can they make?”

Again, volunteers will gather at 4th and Francis at
10 o’clock Saturday morning to begin the clean-up effort.

Click <a href="https://www.beautifystjoseph.org/">HERE</a> for more information about the downtown clean-up as
well as the Beautify St. Joseph Committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678994129758.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA big clean-up effort will be underway this weekend in
downtown St. Joseph as the city gets set to welcome the NCAA Division II Women’s
Elite Eight Tournament to town.Terry Turbak, chair of the Beautify St. Joseph Committee, says
volunteers will meet at 4th and Francis Streets at 10 o’clock Saturday
morning, then fan out around the Civic Arena and the old hotel to spruce up the
downtown.“We have quite a few people that were interested and very
supportive,” Turbak tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Also, all the downtown
businesses are participating by cleaning up their areas on that day, too. So,
we’ll have kind of a clean sweep of the whole downtown area. It will be really nice.”Turbak says this clean-up effort is important as the city
prepares to welcome teams and their fans to the tournament.“Well, first of all, we hope that we put our best foot forward
for the tournament as far as the city goes and our appearance of the city,” Turbak
says.Appearance is important and not just with a major tournament coming
to town. Turbak points to the results of a recent survey that disclosed many
St. Joseph residents have concerns about the city’s appearance.“We’re trying to make a difference there,” Turbak says. “And
then also to raise awareness about littering, about encouraging people not to
throw things on the ground, not to leave a mess behind.”Turbak says volunteers do this, because they care about the
city.“We really love St. Joe and we want St. Joe to appear cleaner
and more attractive to visitors that come here and also to the residents,
because there are a lot of residents that don’t know what to do and aren’t
aware of the litter problem as far as how can they make a difference, what
difference can they make?”Again, volunteers will gather at 4th and Francis at
10 o’clock Saturday morning to begin the clean-up effort.Click <a href="https://www.beautifystjoseph.org/">HERE</a> for more information about the downtown clean-up as
well as the Beautify St. Joseph Committee.

Downtown clean-up to get underway before D-2 Elite 8 tournament

Helios Artificial Intelligence, Inc. launched the open beta of its platform that will identify agricultural supply chain disruptions ahead of time. 

The company’s founder and CEO says they’ve created a one-stop platform for agricultural importers to understand the risks to their supply chain and get ahead of their competitors. 

The AI platform will eventually predict supply availability ahead of a company’s competitors and find alternative suppliers before they do. 

It identifies climate and economic risks to yields and works with supply chain partners to mitigate them before it’s too late. The AI will also provide actionable input into the negotiation process with insights and access to billions of data points. 

Existing customers are seeing good results so far. William Hovis, who used to be with Coca-Cola, says when suppliers missed deliveries, the company was missing sales. “Helios provides companies with actionable insights to help them get ahead of competitors.”

Helios Artificial Intelligence, Inc. launched the open beta of its platform that will identify agricultural supply chain disruptions ahead of time. The company’s founder and CEO says they’ve created a one-stop platform for agricultural importers to understand the risks to their supply chain and get ahead of their competitors. The AI platform will eventually predict supply availability ahead of a company’s competitors and find alternative suppliers before they do. It identifies climate and economic risks to yields and works with supply chain partners to mitigate them before it’s too late. The AI will also provide actionable input into the negotiation process with insights and access to billions of data points. Existing customers are seeing good results so far. William Hovis, who used to be with Coca-Cola, says when suppliers missed deliveries, the company was missing sales. “Helios provides companies with actionable insights to help them get ahead of competitors.”

New AI platform will predict ag supply chain disruptions

DEKALB COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just before midnight Thursday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway reported a 2017 Chevy Malibu driven by John R. Worland, 49, Cameron, was eastbound on MO 6 at Route J nine miles west of Maysville.

The car crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2003 Honda Odyssey driven by Donna S. Lattin, 54, Maryville.

Cameron ambulance transported Worland to Cameron Regional Medical Center. DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported Lattin and passengers&nbsp; Rosa and Marie Miller of Stanberry to Mosaic Life Care. All were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just before midnight Thursday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway reported a 2017 Chevy Malibu driven by John R. Worland, 49, Cameron, was eastbound on MO 6 at Route J nine miles west of Maysville.The car crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2003 Honda Odyssey driven by Donna S. Lattin, 54, Maryville.Cameron ambulance transported Worland to Cameron Regional Medical Center. DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported Lattin and passengers&nbsp; Rosa and Marie Miller of Stanberry to Mosaic Life Care. All were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

4 hospitalized after DeKalb Co. head-on crash

It's time, once again, for the St. Joseph Police Department to prepare for the worst. &nbsp;

St. Joseph officers will gather at Central High School throughout next week for active-shooter training while the St. Joseph School District is on spring break&nbsp;

Interim Chief Dave Hart says the department has a great partnership with the St. Joseph School District. &nbsp;

"The school district is a tremendous partner with us, we have our SROs in the school, but it goes beyond that with that relationship," Hart tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And they work just really well with us in trying to be prepared and develop response plans so anytime we go to them and we say hey we'd like to do this training, they're all in 100%."&nbsp;

Hart says operations for how police react during an active shooter have adapted over time.&nbsp;

"It used to be you would hold outside the building and you would get SWAT there, and we saw with pretty disastrous results what that philosophy got us," Hart explains. "We have not trained that for a long time now, our people are trained to go in, to deal with the threat, and to save lives and that's our mission and what we expect of them and that's how we'll be training them."&nbsp;

Officers will be gathered at Central starting at 1am on Monday and running until 10 or 11am.&nbsp;

Drills could potentially also carry into the following week. &nbsp;

Hart says if you get caught in a situation with an active shooter, try to get away, but if you can't, hide somewhere safe.&nbsp;

"There's a difference between hiding behind a cardboard cutout and hiding behind a wall you know," Hart says. "So, you want someplace that's safe, someplace you can secure yourself where no one can get access to you."&nbsp;

But Hart says if all else fails the proper thing to do is fight.&nbsp;

"Take it to the person, you know don't go down soft," Hart explains. "We're not all big, strapping, hulking people, but when properly motivated you'd be amazed at what human beings are capable of."&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;It's time, once again, for the St. Joseph Police Department to prepare for the worst. &nbsp;St. Joseph officers will gather at Central High School throughout next week for active-shooter training while the St. Joseph School District is on spring break&nbsp;Interim Chief Dave Hart says the department has a great partnership with the St. Joseph School District. &nbsp;"The school district is a tremendous partner with us, we have our SROs in the school, but it goes beyond that with that relationship," Hart tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And they work just really well with us in trying to be prepared and develop response plans so anytime we go to them and we say hey we'd like to do this training, they're all in 100%."&nbsp;Hart says operations for how police react during an active shooter have adapted over time.&nbsp;"It used to be you would hold outside the building and you would get SWAT there, and we saw with pretty disastrous results what that philosophy got us," Hart explains. "We have not trained that for a long time now, our people are trained to go in, to deal with the threat, and to save lives and that's our mission and what we expect of them and that's how we'll be training them."&nbsp;Officers will be gathered at Central starting at 1am on Monday and running until 10 or 11am.&nbsp;Drills could potentially also carry into the following week. &nbsp;Hart says if you get caught in a situation with an active shooter, try to get away, but if you can't, hide somewhere safe.&nbsp;"There's a difference between hiding behind a cardboard cutout and hiding behind a wall you know," Hart says. "So, you want someplace that's safe, someplace you can secure yourself where no one can get access to you."&nbsp;But Hart says if all else fails the proper thing to do is fight.&nbsp;"Take it to the person, you know don't go down soft," Hart explains. "We're not all big, strapping, hulking people, but when properly motivated you'd be amazed at what human beings are capable of."&nbsp;

As St. Joseph police train for active shooter, they ask residents to prepare for worst

Kansas
Gov. Laura Kelly has appointed John Fresh of Atchison as a judge in the 1st
Judicial District of Kansas to replace Chief Judge David King who retired.

Fresh
now serves in the firm of Farris, Fresh, &amp; Werring and is active in the Atchison
Bar Association and the Kansas Bar.

The
governor selects a nominee from those submitted by a district nominating
commission. Fresh will be subject to retention elections every four years.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKansas
Gov. Laura Kelly has appointed John Fresh of Atchison as a judge in the 1st
Judicial District of Kansas to replace Chief Judge David King who retired.Fresh
now serves in the firm of Farris, Fresh, &amp; Werring and is active in the Atchison
Bar Association and the Kansas Bar.The
governor selects a nominee from those submitted by a district nominating
commission. Fresh will be subject to retention elections every four years.

Gov. Kelly appoints Fresh to 1st Judicial District post

The National Corn Growers Association this week applauded legislation that would provide permanent, nationwide market access for E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88. 

NCGA reports 35 bipartisan Senate and House members introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. 

NCGA President Tom Haag says, "There's no reason for market access to a safe, clean and affordable fuel option to remain in question." 

Despite EPA approving E15 for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles, and a 2019 update to regulations, a 2021 court decision would have ended year-round market access to E15. Temporary action by the Biden administration allowed E15 sales last summer, but access is in question for 2023. 

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed implementing a plan from eight Midwest governors to require lower-volatility gasoline in their states to ensure year-round E15. 

However, EPA has proposed to delay implementation until 2024. NCGA encourages the Biden administration to again provide temporary access for the 2023 summer driving season.

The National Corn Growers Association this week applauded legislation that would provide permanent, nationwide market access for E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88. NCGA reports 35 bipartisan Senate and House members introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. NCGA President Tom Haag says, "There's no reason for market access to a safe, clean and affordable fuel option to remain in question." Despite EPA approving E15 for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles, and a 2019 update to regulations, a 2021 court decision would have ended year-round market access to E15. Temporary action by the Biden administration allowed E15 sales last summer, but access is in question for 2023. The Environmental Protection Agency proposed implementing a plan from eight Midwest governors to require lower-volatility gasoline in their states to ensure year-round E15. However, EPA has proposed to delay implementation until 2024. NCGA encourages the Biden administration to again provide temporary access for the 2023 summer driving season.

Bills providing permanent E15 fix introduced in House and Senate

St. Joseph police say they have little to go on in an investigation of a shooting just after midnight.

The St. Joseph Police Department says a 37-year-old man was shot shortly
after midnight Thursday during a confrontation inside a house in the 2300 block of
Charles Street. The wound is believed to be non-life-threatening.

This story has been updated since first published.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police say they have little to go on in an investigation of a shooting just after midnight.The St. Joseph Police Department says a 37-year-old man was shot shortly
after midnight Thursday during a confrontation inside a house in the 2300 block of
Charles Street. The wound is believed to be non-life-threatening.No suspect is in custody.The investigation continues.This story has been updated since first published.

Little to go on in St. Joseph shooting

ATCHISON COUNTY —For the second time in seven months, a Kansas woman is in jail for a criminal trespass.

On Wednesday, police arrested 29-year-old Corinne L. Rogers of Atchison, on a requested charge of criminal trespass in defiance of a restraining order at 405 U.S.59, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In August, she was jailed for criminal trespass. According to online jail records, she was released from jail on Monday just before police booked her back into jail Wednesday.

She is scheduled for a court appearance on Friday, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678885992857.png" alt="Rogers-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Rogers-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —For the second time in seven months, a Kansas woman is in jail for a criminal trespass.On Wednesday, police arrested 29-year-old Corinne L. Rogers of Atchison, on a requested charge of criminal trespass in defiance of a restraining order at 405 U.S.59, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In August, she was jailed for criminal trespass. According to online jail records, she was released from jail on Monday just before police booked her back into jail Wednesday.She is scheduled for a court appearance on Friday, according to online records.

Kan. woman booked into jail 2 days after release from custody

Events surrounding St. Joseph’s hosting of the<a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/ncaa-division-ii-womens-basketball-national-championship-day-2/"> NCAA Division II
Women’s Elite Eight National Championship Tournament</a> get underway this weekend.

The St. Joseph Sports Commission and Missouri Family Sports
host a <a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/hoop-city-tip-off/">youth basketball clinic</a> at East Hills Shopping Center Saturday,
beginning at 11am.

Sports Commission Director Brett Easley says a youth clinic
featuring former Missouri State standout Jackie Stiles next week on the
Missouri Western State University St. Joseph campus is already full.

“If you don’t know anything at all about Jackie, here’s the
one thing you need to know that will tell you, oh my goodness, she’s a pretty
special individual,” Easley tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Jackie
was the all-time leading scorer in women’s basketball history, across all levels.
That’s not Division I, Division II, Division III. That is all levels of
collegiate basketball. Now that record was broken a couple of years ago. So now
she’s third on the all-time list.”

Stiles, who grow up in Caflin, Kansas, finished her collegiate career at the then-Southwest
Missouri State University of Springfield with 3,393 points, a 26.3 per game
average. Stiles led SMS to the Final Four in 2001. She was the 2001 Rookie of
the Year with the Portland Fire of the WNBA.

Though the clinic with Stiles is full, a youth basketball clinic
is being held at East Hills Shopping Center this Saturday, March 18th.
It begins at 11am with the Sports Commission and Missouri Family Sports
promising to turn the mall into a basketball court that day. The clinic is open
to children of all ages. It is free. No registration is required.

“This is really a celebration of women’s basketball here in
St. Joe over the course of five days. We didn’t want it to be just two days of
games and best of luck the rest of the way,” Easley says. “It’s really a
highlight of St. Joe and a highlight that our community hosts events of this
nature very, very well. We want our visitors to feel welcome, but we also want
to make sure that we engage our community and our surrounding areas as well and
this is just another way to do that.”

The clinic is scheduled to run until three o’clock. There will
be contests and skills challenges, prizes and swag.

The women’s Elite Eight games begin on Monday at the St.
Joseph Civic Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678905426475.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEvents surrounding St. Joseph’s hosting of the<a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/ncaa-division-ii-womens-basketball-national-championship-day-2/"> NCAA Division II
Women’s Elite Eight National Championship Tournament</a> get underway this weekend.The St. Joseph Sports Commission and Missouri Family Sports
host a <a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/hoop-city-tip-off/">youth basketball clinic</a> at East Hills Shopping Center Saturday,
beginning at 11am.Sports Commission Director Brett Easley says a youth clinic
featuring former Missouri State standout Jackie Stiles next week on the
Missouri Western State University St. Joseph campus is already full.“If you don’t know anything at all about Jackie, here’s the
one thing you need to know that will tell you, oh my goodness, she’s a pretty
special individual,” Easley tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Jackie
was the all-time leading scorer in women’s basketball history, across all levels.
That’s not Division I, Division II, Division III. That is all levels of
collegiate basketball. Now that record was broken a couple of years ago. So now
she’s third on the all-time list.”Stiles, who grow up in Caflin, Kansas, finished her collegiate career at the then-Southwest
Missouri State University of Springfield with 3,393 points, a 26.3 per game
average. Stiles led SMS to the Final Four in 2001. She was the 2001 Rookie of
the Year with the Portland Fire of the WNBA.Though the clinic with Stiles is full, a youth basketball clinic
is being held at East Hills Shopping Center this Saturday, March 18th.
It begins at 11am with the Sports Commission and Missouri Family Sports
promising to turn the mall into a basketball court that day. The clinic is open
to children of all ages. It is free. No registration is required.“This is really a celebration of women’s basketball here in
St. Joe over the course of five days. We didn’t want it to be just two days of
games and best of luck the rest of the way,” Easley says. “It’s really a
highlight of St. Joe and a highlight that our community hosts events of this
nature very, very well. We want our visitors to feel welcome, but we also want
to make sure that we engage our community and our surrounding areas as well and
this is just another way to do that.”The clinic is scheduled to run until three o’clock. There will
be contests and skills challenges, prizes and swag.The women’s Elite Eight games begin on Monday at the St.
Joseph Civic Arena.

Events usher in NCAA Division II Women's Elite 8 tournament in St. Joseph

A local social media influencer is making big waves on Tik Tok.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Elisabeth Wykert grew up in Union Star and Savannah, and after a stint in Los Angeles moved back to St. Joseph in 2021. And since 2019, she has become quite the social media star&nbsp;

Wykert began posting Tik Toks in 2019 and in the four years of posting on the app, she has gained more than 600,000 followers. &nbsp;

Wykert says when a video of her just dancing in public in a leotard went viral, it was a cool and surreal moment. &nbsp;

"It was mind blowing from a small-town girl who grew up 400 town people, moved to the big city of 4,000 people," Wykert tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp; "So, to think that just so many people existed and they're watching me was just, what?"&nbsp;

Wykert makes music, does stand-up comedy, and dances on the app.&nbsp; And now she's taking her talent outside of the app, with a tour that she has planned since 2020 when the world shut down. &nbsp;

"And it's finally getting the pieces together and the right life point to do it, and I just look for venues whether it's a comedy venue, a music venue, I either rent it out or they kind of do a split door deal with me it just depends what they're up for," Wykert explains. "But I did Arizona last month, I have St. Joe this weekend which sold out in seven days and I added a late show, I had no idea that they were just going to like buy all the tickets right away."&nbsp;

Wykert is taking her tour nationwide all the way from New Hampshire to San Diego, and even eventually internationally to the United Kingdom, though those dates have yet to be announced.&nbsp;

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Tik Tok once again, but Wykert believes it will not be banned in the United States. &nbsp;

Wykert says there has been fear before about the app getting banned, and nothing happened.&nbsp; She believes if Tik Tok was really a national threat, it would currently be banned for people within the military. &nbsp;

"There are people in active-duty military overseas who have Tik Tok channels, and who are posting content overseas, they're not waiting until they get home and posting it here, they're posting it at military bases," Wykert says. "So, if it was truly a threat to national security, they would first be like, ok military you can't do this anymore."&nbsp;

Wykert says if that were to happen then she would believe that there was maybe enough evidence to force a ban across the nation. &nbsp;

You can find Elisabeth on several social media platforms including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/elisabethwykert">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/elisabethwykert">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elisabethwykert/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ElisabethWykert">YouTube</a>, and of course, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@elisabethwykert?lang=en">Tik Tok</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678894105009.jpeg" alt="Local Tik Tok star Elisabeth Wykert has amassed 600,000 Tik Tok followers and is making several waves outside of the app as well/ Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Local Tik Tok star Elisabeth Wykert has amassed 600,000 Tik Tok followers and is making several waves outside of the app as well/ Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A local social media influencer is making big waves on Tik Tok.&nbsp; &nbsp;Elisabeth Wykert grew up in Union Star and Savannah, and after a stint in Los Angeles moved back to St. Joseph in 2021. And since 2019, she has become quite the social media star&nbsp;Wykert began posting Tik Toks in 2019 and in the four years of posting on the app, she has gained more than 600,000 followers. &nbsp;Wykert says when a video of her just dancing in public in a leotard went viral, it was a cool and surreal moment. &nbsp;"It was mind blowing from a small-town girl who grew up 400 town people, moved to the big city of 4,000 people," Wykert tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp; "So, to think that just so many people existed and they're watching me was just, what?"&nbsp;Wykert makes music, does stand-up comedy, and dances on the app.&nbsp; And now she's taking her talent outside of the app, with a tour that she has planned since 2020 when the world shut down. &nbsp;"And it's finally getting the pieces together and the right life point to do it, and I just look for venues whether it's a comedy venue, a music venue, I either rent it out or they kind of do a split door deal with me it just depends what they're up for," Wykert explains. "But I did Arizona last month, I have St. Joe this weekend which sold out in seven days and I added a late show, I had no idea that they were just going to like buy all the tickets right away."&nbsp;Wykert is taking her tour nationwide all the way from New Hampshire to San Diego, and even eventually internationally to the United Kingdom, though those dates have yet to be announced.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678894149700.jpeg" alt="Elisabeth WykertI/ Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Elisabeth WykertI/ Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Tik Tok once again, but Wykert believes it will not be banned in the United States. &nbsp;Wykert says there has been fear before about the app getting banned, and nothing happened.&nbsp; She believes if Tik Tok was really a national threat, it would currently be banned for people within the military. &nbsp;"There are people in active-duty military overseas who have Tik Tok channels, and who are posting content overseas, they're not waiting until they get home and posting it here, they're posting it at military bases," Wykert says. "So, if it was truly a threat to national security, they would first be like, ok military you can't do this anymore."&nbsp;Wykert says if that were to happen then she would believe that there was maybe enough evidence to force a ban across the nation. &nbsp;You can find Elisabeth on several social media platforms including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/elisabethwykert">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/elisabethwykert">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elisabethwykert/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ElisabethWykert">YouTube</a>, and of course, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@elisabethwykert?lang=en">Tik Tok</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678894233561.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@elisabethwykert/video/7210483173292231982" data-video-id="7210483173292231982" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@elisabethwykert" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@elisabethwykert?refer=embed">@elisabethwykert</a> I got my own insurance but thanks for the concern 😅 DC @jesmartini <a title="comments" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/comments?refer=embed">#comments</a> <a title="funnycauseitstrue" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/funnycauseitstrue?refer=embed">#funnycauseitstrue</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ the joke is on you. icarly - Kate" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/the-joke-is-on-you-icarly-6687141405699214085?refer=embed">♬ the joke is on you. icarly - Kate</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/FULL-INTERVIEW-Local-social-media-star-Elisabeth-Wykert-making-waves-on-Tik-Tok-and-beyond-e20eaes" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/3152023-Journal--Local-social-media-star-Elisabeth-Wykert-making-waves-on-Tik-Tok-e20fo00" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Local Tik Tok star amazed by social media success

CALDWELL COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Wednesday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Freightliner semi driven by Luis J. Garcia, 47, Miami, Florida, was westbound on U.S. 36 two miles east of Hamilton.

The semi traveled off the south side of the road into the median, overturned onto its passenger side, slid on the eastbound lanes and came to rest blocking both eastbound lanes of traffic.

Caldwell County ambulance transported Garcia and a passenger Maida Calzada, 53, Miami, Florida, to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Wednesday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Freightliner semi driven by Luis J. Garcia, 47, Miami, Florida, was westbound on U.S. 36 two miles east of Hamilton.The semi traveled off the south side of the road into the median, overturned onto its passenger side, slid on the eastbound lanes and came to rest blocking both eastbound lanes of traffic.Caldwell County ambulance transported Garcia and a passenger Maida Calzada, 53, Miami, Florida, to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after semi overturns on U.S. 36

A Columbia man was indicted by a federal grand jury Tuesday after he was arrested in St. Joseph with methamphetamine and a firearm, and then again in Kansas City with about 2,300 fentanyl pills.

42-year-old Walter Antwine Moore was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City Tuesday. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Moore this past February. Moore has been detained in federal custody without bond since his arrest.

The indictment charges Moore with one count of possessing meth with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

Law enforcement contacted Moore when he arrived at a train station in Kansas City last month. Moore attempted to flee on foot, but was tackled and detained. Officers found a bundle wrapped in clear cellophane. The bundle contained approximately 2,300 fentanyl pills.

Moore had also been detained in St. Joseph this past January after officers received a report of a man reportedly stealing potato chips and trying to sell drugs. Officers searched Moore's vehicle and found a baggy that had a total of 284.8 grams of meth. They also found a loaded Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun.

Moore has two prior felony convictions for robbery, two prior felony convictions for forgery, and prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA Columbia man was indicted by a federal grand jury Tuesday after he was arrested in St. Joseph with methamphetamine and a firearm, and then again in Kansas City with about 2,300 fentanyl pills.42-year-old Walter Antwine Moore was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City Tuesday. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Moore this past February. Moore has been detained in federal custody without bond since his arrest.The indictment charges Moore with one count of possessing meth with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.Law enforcement contacted Moore when he arrived at a train station in Kansas City last month. Moore attempted to flee on foot, but was tackled and detained. Officers found a bundle wrapped in clear cellophane. The bundle contained approximately 2,300 fentanyl pills.Moore had also been detained in St. Joseph this past January after officers received a report of a man reportedly stealing potato chips and trying to sell drugs. Officers searched Moore's vehicle and found a baggy that had a total of 284.8 grams of meth. They also found a loaded Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun.Moore has two prior felony convictions for robbery, two prior felony convictions for forgery, and prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm

Man arrested in St. Joseph indicted on meth, fentanyl, firearm charges

St. Joseph residents and businesses are being encouraged to
adopt a city block and help improve the city’s appearance.

Appearance is a key, according to St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce President Natalie Redmond who says the Adopt-A-Block program grew out
of the latest survey of community residents.

“One of the areas that was particularly alarming was the area
of the perception of community appearance,” Redmond tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline. “So, it had drastically turned over the last couple of years
from the perception of what the community thinks of community appearance.”

Both groups and businesses are encouraged to participate.

This is more than just a “pick up the trash” program. Redmond
says the Adopt-A-Block program encourages clean-up as well as light
construction, patchwork, even painting. Also, the schedule is up to the group.

“Some are doing it once a year. Some might do it once a month.
It’s really up to you how you adopt that block. But the idea behind it is that you’re
helping with the community appearance; a little deeper than trash pickup. We’re
hoping that you’ll really try to work hard at making sure that you change the
appearance of the outwardness of that block.”

Redmond says businesses have found that working to improve a
city block can be a great team builder.

“There’s an instant gratification that comes with it. A lot of
us do work that maybe we don’t see that instant gratification and doing a
neighborhood cleanup is such a great teambuilder,” Redmond says. “So, you’re
giving back to your community and you’re working as a team.”

Those interested should go to <a href="https://imaginestjoseph2040.com/">Imagine St. Joseph 2040</a> to
register.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678816646934.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph residents and businesses are being encouraged to
adopt a city block and help improve the city’s appearance.Appearance is a key, according to St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce President Natalie Redmond who says the Adopt-A-Block program grew out
of the latest survey of community residents.“One of the areas that was particularly alarming was the area
of the perception of community appearance,” Redmond tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline. “So, it had drastically turned over the last couple of years
from the perception of what the community thinks of community appearance.”Both groups and businesses are encouraged to participate.This is more than just a “pick up the trash” program. Redmond
says the Adopt-A-Block program encourages clean-up as well as light
construction, patchwork, even painting. Also, the schedule is up to the group.“Some are doing it once a year. Some might do it once a month.
It’s really up to you how you adopt that block. But the idea behind it is that you’re
helping with the community appearance; a little deeper than trash pickup. We’re
hoping that you’ll really try to work hard at making sure that you change the
appearance of the outwardness of that block.”Redmond says businesses have found that working to improve a
city block can be a great team builder.“There’s an instant gratification that comes with it. A lot of
us do work that maybe we don’t see that instant gratification and doing a
neighborhood cleanup is such a great teambuilder,” Redmond says. “So, you’re
giving back to your community and you’re working as a team.”Those interested should go to <a href="https://imaginestjoseph2040.com/">Imagine St. Joseph 2040</a> to
register.

Groups, businesses encouraged to Adopt-A-Block and spruce up St. Joseph

Officials with the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force are continuing to fight the war against a growing drug problem. &nbsp;

Captain Shawn Collie with the strike force says they are seeing the continuing problem of fentanyl in the county, but are also seeing more problems with meth. &nbsp;

"And we're seeing it in quantities that we've never seen before," Collie tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "You know, five or ten years ago getting smaller amounts, user amounts, or a dealer may have up to an ounce or a couple of ounces, now we're seeing people on a daily basis with pounds or kilos."&nbsp;

Collie says a lot of that has to do with issues with the borders and how easy it is for the supply to get into the United States. &nbsp;

Collie says now it's becoming easier and less expensive for drug dealers to have their supply shipped in.&nbsp;

"You know when I first started in this area in the late 90's, meth labs were it seemed like every other day or something weekly that we dealt with," Collie explains. "And then as time went on and what we see now is that 99% of the drugs we deal with are being imported into our communities."&nbsp;

Collie says a majority of the supply is coming in from the southern border and being streamlined into the county. &nbsp;

Collie says with the drug problem ever growing there are even new drugs popping up.&nbsp;

"You'll see stuff here even in St. Joe where they're putting stuff out that may or may not be tested or approved by the FDA," Collie says. "Kratom is a big thing that we see and hear about and it depends on who you talk to for what effect it has on people, it's not banned."&nbsp;

Collie says they have worked with the city though to place an ordinance on this new drug where people have to be at least 18 years old for it.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Officials with the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force are continuing to fight the war against a growing drug problem. &nbsp;Captain Shawn Collie with the strike force says they are seeing the continuing problem of fentanyl in the county, but are also seeing more problems with meth. &nbsp;"And we're seeing it in quantities that we've never seen before," Collie tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "You know, five or ten years ago getting smaller amounts, user amounts, or a dealer may have up to an ounce or a couple of ounces, now we're seeing people on a daily basis with pounds or kilos."&nbsp;Collie says a lot of that has to do with issues with the borders and how easy it is for the supply to get into the United States. &nbsp;Collie says now it's becoming easier and less expensive for drug dealers to have their supply shipped in.&nbsp;"You know when I first started in this area in the late 90's, meth labs were it seemed like every other day or something weekly that we dealt with," Collie explains. "And then as time went on and what we see now is that 99% of the drugs we deal with are being imported into our communities."&nbsp;Collie says a majority of the supply is coming in from the southern border and being streamlined into the county. &nbsp;Collie says with the drug problem ever growing there are even new drugs popping up.&nbsp;"You'll see stuff here even in St. Joe where they're putting stuff out that may or may not be tested or approved by the FDA," Collie says. "Kratom is a big thing that we see and hear about and it depends on who you talk to for what effect it has on people, it's not banned."&nbsp;Collie says they have worked with the city though to place an ordinance on this new drug where people have to be at least 18 years old for it.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/3142023-Journal--War-on-drugs-continues-in-Buchanan-County-e20e8ie" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The war against drugs rages on in Buchanan County

Canada requested talks with Mexico regarding its decree banning biotech corn imports. 

The request came under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, just like the request from the United States. 

The U.S. formally requested technical consultations last week with Mexico regarding the issue, the first step towards a dispute resolution panel under USMCA. 

Canada is not a major exporter of corn to Mexico, but is concerned about Mexico putting prohibitions on agriculture biotech products, according to Bloomberg. Canada also raised concerns regarding Mexico’s lack of respect for trade regulations agreed to within USMCA. 

The updated decree by Mexico limits the import and use of biotech corn, including banning white corn exports immediately. 

Mexico’s economy ministry claims it will “demonstrate with data and evidence that there has not been an effect on trade” and that it has acted in accordance with the USMCA. The United States counters that the decree is not based on scientific evidence that biotech corn is safe.

Canada requested talks with Mexico regarding its decree banning biotech corn imports. The request came under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, just like the request from the United States. The U.S. formally requested technical consultations last week with Mexico regarding the issue, the first step towards a dispute resolution panel under USMCA. Canada is not a major exporter of corn to Mexico, but is concerned about Mexico putting prohibitions on agriculture biotech products, according to Bloomberg. Canada also raised concerns regarding Mexico’s lack of respect for trade regulations agreed to within USMCA. The updated decree by Mexico limits the import and use of biotech corn, including banning white corn exports immediately. Mexico’s economy ministry claims it will “demonstrate with data and evidence that there has not been an effect on trade” and that it has acted in accordance with the USMCA. The United States counters that the decree is not based on scientific evidence that biotech corn is safe.

Canada seeks conversation with Mexico regarding biotech crops

For the second straight week, the nation's average price of gasoline increased, up eight cents from a week ago to $3.44 per gallon. 

The national average is up 7.1 cents from a month ago but 87.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. 

The national average diesel price fell 4.1 cents in the last week and stands at $4.30 per gallon, 82.1 cents lower than one year ago. 

GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says the diesel price "continues to slowly decline as we see consumption for diesel lighten up." Wholesale gasoline prices continue to increase at a rate typical for this time of year, with the transition to more expensive summer gasoline underway. 

The most common U.S. gas price encountered by motorists stood at $3.29 per gallon, up 30 cents from last week, while the most common U.S. diesel price stood at $3.99 per gallon, unchanged from last week.

For the second straight week, the nation's average price of gasoline increased, up eight cents from a week ago to $3.44 per gallon. The national average is up 7.1 cents from a month ago but 87.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average diesel price fell 4.1 cents in the last week and stands at $4.30 per gallon, 82.1 cents lower than one year ago. GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says the diesel price "continues to slowly decline as we see consumption for diesel lighten up." Wholesale gasoline prices continue to increase at a rate typical for this time of year, with the transition to more expensive summer gasoline underway. The most common U.S. gas price encountered by motorists stood at $3.29 per gallon, up 30 cents from last week, while the most common U.S. diesel price stood at $3.99 per gallon, unchanged from last week.

Gas prices move higher, diesel lower

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on new charges after an arrest.

On March 10, police arrested 27-year-old Trevor M. Siard of Atchison,&nbsp; on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 In August he was accused of knowingly violating a protection from abuse order and for a probation violation in September.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2020, he was jailed on requested drug possession and child endangerment charges

He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678801361755.png" alt="Siard-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Siard-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on new charges after an arrest.On March 10, police arrested 27-year-old Trevor M. Siard of Atchison,&nbsp; on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. In August he was accused of knowingly violating a protection from abuse order and for a probation violation in September.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2020, he was jailed on requested drug possession and child endangerment chargesHe is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kansas man with a history of crime jailed on a detain order

The St. Joseph School district is celebrating two of its schools heading to Springfield for state basketball and will have no school on Thursday.  

Officials with the St. Joseph School district have announced that school will be closed on March 16th, giving students and faculty the chance to travel to Springfield to cheer on the Benton girls and Lafayette boys basketball teams. 

Officials chose to close school with many already planning to travel to Springfield, and made the decision due to a lack of substitute teachers. 

The district is exploring options for parents that are in need of childcare, parents will receive a notification from the district by 2pm on Tuesday, March 14th. 

The closure will lead directly into the school districts spring break, which begins on Friday.  The school district will be closed for spring break through March 27th.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School district is celebrating two of its schools heading to Springfield for state basketball and will have no school on Thursday. Officials with the St. Joseph School district have announced that school will be closed on March 16th, giving students and faculty the chance to travel to Springfield to cheer on the Benton girls and Lafayette boys basketball teams. Officials chose to close school with many already planning to travel to Springfield, and made the decision due to a lack of substitute teachers. The district is exploring options for parents that are in need of childcare, parents will receive a notification from the district by 2pm on Tuesday, March 14th. The closure will lead directly into the school districts spring break, which begins on Friday. The school district will be closed for spring break through March 27th.

St. Joseph School district closed on Thursday to celebrate state basketball bound teams

St. Joseph’s complaint against HPI Products has been dropped after
the company went into receivership and the federal government stepped in to
clean up alleged environmental damage from the chemical company located in
downtown St. Joseph.

City officials filed a complaint against HPI at the end of
November 2020, alleging HPI “repeatedly discharged chemicals into the City’s
sewer system and operated within city limits without a required Wastewater
Contribution Permit.”

The Environmental Protection Agency along with the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources acted against HPI, asking the federal courts to
compel environmental remediation activities at HPI’s properties. The Western
District Court of Missouri ordered HPI to cease all further chemical operations
and placed the company under receivership on September 19th last
year.

The temporary receiver appointed by the court closed the
chemical company and ended all disputed discharges. The EPA will conduct site
assessments and waste removal under its Superfund program.

The city dismissal preserves its ability to refile the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678735251657.jpeg" alt="HPI in downtown St. Joseph/file photo" />
 <figcaption>HPI in downtown St. Joseph/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph’s complaint against HPI Products has been dropped after
the company went into receivership and the federal government stepped in to
clean up alleged environmental damage from the chemical company located in
downtown St. Joseph.City officials filed a complaint against HPI at the end of
November 2020, alleging HPI “repeatedly discharged chemicals into the City’s
sewer system and operated within city limits without a required Wastewater
Contribution Permit.”The Environmental Protection Agency along with the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources acted against HPI, asking the federal courts to
compel environmental remediation activities at HPI’s properties. The Western
District Court of Missouri ordered HPI to cease all further chemical operations
and placed the company under receivership on September 19th last
year.The temporary receiver appointed by the court closed the
chemical company and ended all disputed discharges. The EPA will conduct site
assessments and waste removal under its Superfund program.The city dismissal preserves its ability to refile the case.

City drops case against HPI in downtown St. Joseph

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has led
Missouri out of a consortium of states formed to fight voter fraud.

Ashcroft, a Republican, says the <a href="https://ericstates.org/">Electronic
Registration Information Center</a>, known as ERIC, has strayed from its original
mission. Ashcroft complains that some states in the group focused too heavily
on adding to voter registration rolls at the expense of cracking down on voter
fraud.

“Those states seem to want to prioritize trying
to fill our voter rolls with people that didn’t want to vote as opposed to
making sure our voter rolls are clean and going after people that would cheat,”
Ashcroft tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.

Missouri left ERIC, along with Florida and West
Virginia.

Ashcroft flatly denies allegations that he led
Missouri out of ERIC to appease former President Donald Trump and his claim that
the 2020 presidential election was stolen.

Ashcroft rejects the assessment of critics who
claim Missouri was merely doing the bidding of Trump.

“But they’re acting like we responded to what he
said,” Ashcroft says, referring to a Trump social media post critical of ERIC. “And,
in truth, he didn’t put that out on social media until an hour-and-a-half, two
hours after we had made our decision.”

As for the claims that voter fraud was rampant in
the 2020 presidential election, Ashcroft says it is known some states failed to
provide an accurate count.

“I think it’s a travesty that there were certain
states that didn’t follow their own laws,” Ashcroft asserts. “That should never
be allowed to happen.”

Ashcroft claims Pennsylvania didn’t follow its
own election laws, that George abdicated signature requirements on absentee
ballots, and that Wisconsin used illegal ballot drop boxes during the 2020 presidential
election. Ashcroft will not say whether he believes Trump actually won.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678730496462.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has led
Missouri out of a consortium of states formed to fight voter fraud.Ashcroft, a Republican, says the <a href="https://ericstates.org/">Electronic
Registration Information Center</a>, known as ERIC, has strayed from its original
mission. Ashcroft complains that some states in the group focused too heavily
on adding to voter registration rolls at the expense of cracking down on voter
fraud.“Those states seem to want to prioritize trying
to fill our voter rolls with people that didn’t want to vote as opposed to
making sure our voter rolls are clean and going after people that would cheat,”
Ashcroft tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.Missouri left ERIC, along with Florida and West
Virginia.Ashcroft flatly denies allegations that he led
Missouri out of ERIC to appease former President Donald Trump and his claim that
the 2020 presidential election was stolen.Ashcroft rejects the assessment of critics who
claim Missouri was merely doing the bidding of Trump.“But they’re acting like we responded to what he
said,” Ashcroft says, referring to a Trump social media post critical of ERIC. “And,
in truth, he didn’t put that out on social media until an hour-and-a-half, two
hours after we had made our decision.”As for the claims that voter fraud was rampant in
the 2020 presidential election, Ashcroft says it is known some states failed to
provide an accurate count.“I think it’s a travesty that there were certain
states that didn’t follow their own laws,” Ashcroft asserts. “That should never
be allowed to happen.”Ashcroft claims Pennsylvania didn’t follow its
own election laws, that George abdicated signature requirements on absentee
ballots, and that Wisconsin used illegal ballot drop boxes during the 2020 presidential
election. Ashcroft will not say whether he believes Trump actually won.Ashcroft flatly denies allegations that Missouri,
Florida, and West Virginia left ERIC at the behest of Trump.“And it seems really interesting to me that
everybody seems to be doing their best not to have to defend ERIC’s inactions
on things that they should have been fixed,” according to Ashcroft.Ashcroft says he wanted ERIC to incorporate
better data protection, focus less on voter registration rolls and more on
voter fraud, and remove non-voting members from its board.“It’s awfully suspicious that no one will answer
why what we wanted to do was bad for ERIC or bad for elections,” Ashcroft says.
“And it sure seems like they’re scared to death of admitting that they refused
to make ERIC better and it’s their fault that these three states left.”Ashcroft says ERIC’s governing documents should
contain safeguards for the data it receives from Missouri and other states and
a promise that it will not be shared with third parties. Ashcroft objects to a
requirement that states continue to ask residents to register to vote who have
refused when asked at their local department of motor vehicles. He would also
like ERIC to no longer sit non-voting members, some of whom Ashcroft contends
are partisan, such as David Becker, executive director of the Center for
Election Innovation and Research.