One
person has been wounded in a domestic dispute in which a shot ricocheted off
the ground and struck the man.

The
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department reports deputies continue to investigate the
confrontation between a son and his father late Friday night in the 5400 block
of U.S. Highway 169. The department says the son shot toward his father with a
shotgun. The pellets hit the ground and ricocheted. The father was taken to
Mosaic Life Care for treatment.

No
names are being released at this time.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostOne
person has been wounded in a domestic dispute in which a shot ricocheted off
the ground and struck the man.The
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department reports deputies continue to investigate the
confrontation between a son and his father late Friday night in the 5400 block
of U.S. Highway 169. The department says the son shot toward his father with a
shotgun. The pellets hit the ground and ricocheted. The father was taken to
Mosaic Life Care for treatment.The
suspect remains at large.No
names are being released at this time.

One wounded in Buchanan County shooting

July runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 3.3 million acre-feet, 99 percent of the average. 

Runoff was near or above average in all reaches except the Fort Peck reach, which was 68 percent of the average. 

“Soil moisture conditions deteriorated in Montana, North Dakota, and northern South Dakota over the last month and improved across southern South Dakota and into the lower basin,” says John Remus, Army Corps of Engineers Chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. 

Precipitation was below normal over most of the upper Missouri River basin last month except for small areas in Wyoming and southern South Dakota. The lower basin saw a mix of above-and-below-normal precipitation. 

The annual runoff forecast above Sioux City is 28.5-million-acre feet, 111 percent of average. System storage on August 1 was 56.3-million-acre feet, 0.2-million-acre feet above the base of the Annual Flood Control and Multiple Use zone.

July runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 3.3 million acre-feet, 99 percent of the average. Runoff was near or above average in all reaches except the Fort Peck reach, which was 68 percent of the average. “Soil moisture conditions deteriorated in Montana, North Dakota, and northern South Dakota over the last month and improved across southern South Dakota and into the lower basin,” says John Remus, Army Corps of Engineers Chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. Precipitation was below normal over most of the upper Missouri River basin last month except for small areas in Wyoming and southern South Dakota. The lower basin saw a mix of above-and-below-normal precipitation. The annual runoff forecast above Sioux City is 28.5-million-acre feet, 111 percent of average. System storage on August 1 was 56.3-million-acre feet, 0.2-million-acre feet above the base of the Annual Flood Control and Multiple Use zone.- NAFB

Drought conditions persist in the Missouri River Basin

Legislation has been introduced in Congress that would overturn California’s Prop 12. 

Reuters says some of the country’s biggest pork producers who’ve already spent money to comply with the California requirements don’t favor throwing out Prop 12. 

The Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act would curb states’ ability to regulate agricultural products sold within their borders. 

The bill was introduced in the Senate by Roger Marshall (R-KS) and the House by Representatives by Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and supported by the National Pork Producers Council. Prop 12 bans sales within California of pork, veal, and eggs from animals whose housing conditions fail to meet certain standards. 

Clements Food Group, the fifth-largest pork processor in the country, says it won’t support the EATS Act. Some of the larger producers in the country like Tyson Foods and Smithfield have said publicly that they’ll be complying with the law when it takes effect on January 1.

Legislation has been introduced in Congress that would overturn California’s Prop 12. Reuters says some of the country’s biggest pork producers who’ve already spent money to comply with the California requirements don’t favor throwing out Prop 12. The Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act would curb states’ ability to regulate agricultural products sold within their borders. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Roger Marshall (R-KS) and the House by Representatives by Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and supported by the National Pork Producers Council. Prop 12 bans sales within California of pork, veal, and eggs from animals whose housing conditions fail to meet certain standards. Clements Food Group, the fifth-largest pork processor in the country, says it won’t support the EATS Act. Some of the larger producers in the country like Tyson Foods and Smithfield have said publicly that they’ll be complying with the law when it takes effect on January 1.- NAFB

Large pork producers don’t favor overturning Prop 12

Area residents got out during tax free weekend and contributed a massive amount of school supplies to the annual Stuff the Bus Campaign. 

Community members from St. Joseph and the surrounding area donated 14,784 school supply items to the drive held by the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.  In addition, community members donated nearly $2,000 to allow United Way to purchase supplies that were not donated.  

Community members have donated more than 277,000 school supply items since United Way STUFF THE BUS! began in 2009. 

The collected school supplies will be distributed through United Way Partner Agencies and Programs including, The Salvation Army. When students have the tools they need, they enter school better prepared to learn. 

“The caring power of community was strongly visible this weekend! Community members' generosity will reach hundreds of students in the area. The goals of United Way STUFF THE BUS! are to ease financial strain on parents, caregivers, teachers and schools by collecting supplies to distribute to students, provide an easy way for community members to support education and elevate it’s importance in our community, and provide a meaningful volunteer activity for all ages," United Way President, Kylee Strough said in a news release. 

"We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Mosaic Life Care for sponsoring the event, Walmart, First Student bus company, the volunteers, and the hundreds of shoppers &amp; donors who made the effort a success, as well as the many companies who hosted supply drives for their employees. Thank you to the community for coming together to help ensure children can start school with the tools and supplies needed to be successful in the classroom.” 

Families who may need assistance with school supplies collected from this year’s United Way STUFF THE BUS! School Supplies Drive are encouraged to call The Salvation Army at 816-232-5824 to learn more about their school supply distribution which will take place on August 10, 2023. 

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostArea residents got out during tax free weekend and contributed a massive amount of school supplies to the annual Stuff the Bus Campaign. Community members from St. Joseph and the surrounding area donated 14,784 school supply items to the drive held by the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. In addition, community members donated nearly $2,000 to allow United Way to purchase supplies that were not donated. Community members have donated more than 277,000 school supply items since United Way STUFF THE BUS! began in 2009. The collected school supplies will be distributed through United Way Partner Agencies and Programs including, The Salvation Army. When students have the tools they need, they enter school better prepared to learn. “The caring power of community was strongly visible this weekend! Community members' generosity will reach hundreds of students in the area. The goals of United Way STUFF THE BUS! are to ease financial strain on parents, caregivers, teachers and schools by collecting supplies to distribute to students, provide an easy way for community members to support education and elevate it’s importance in our community, and provide a meaningful volunteer activity for all ages," United Way President, Kylee Strough said in a news release. "We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Mosaic Life Care for sponsoring the event, Walmart, First Student bus company, the volunteers, and the hundreds of shoppers &amp; donors who made the effort a success, as well as the many companies who hosted supply drives for their employees. Thank you to the community for coming together to help ensure children can start school with the tools and supplies needed to be successful in the classroom.” Families who may need assistance with school supplies collected from this year’s United Way STUFF THE BUS! School Supplies Drive are encouraged to call The Salvation Army at 816-232-5824 to learn more about their school supply distribution which will take place on August 10, 2023.

Area residents show massive support to help Stuff the Bus!

A woman in her 40s died in a motorcycle crash with
a car last night.

St. Joseph police report a motorcycle and car
crashed Sunday evening at North 17th Street and Frederick Avenue. A
man on the motorcycle suffered injuries in the wreck. The man is hospitalized. The
woman on the motorcycle died of her injuries. 

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA woman in her 40s died in a motorcycle crash with
a car last night.St. Joseph police report a motorcycle and car
crashed Sunday evening at North 17th Street and Frederick Avenue. A
man on the motorcycle suffered injuries in the wreck. The man is hospitalized. The
woman on the motorcycle died of her injuries. The crash remains under
investigation.

Woman dies in motorcycle-car crash in St. Joseph

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by Seung I. Choi, 47, Woodridge, Illinois, was southbound on Interstate 29 four miles south of St. Joseph.

The semi traveled off the east side of the road, struck a cable barrier, crossed the median, traveled southbound in the northbound lane, traveled off the road, struck a guardrail and overturned.

Buchanan County EMS transported Choi to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Interstate 29 northbound lanes&nbsp; were closed at the 35 mile marker in Buchanan County due to the crash. The KHP rerouted traffic onto Route DD west to MO 371 north.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by Seung I. Choi, 47, Woodridge, Illinois, was southbound on Interstate 29 four miles south of St. Joseph.The semi traveled off the east side of the road, struck a cable barrier, crossed the median, traveled southbound in the northbound lane, traveled off the road, struck a guardrail and overturned.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Attention!! Interstate 29 northbound lanes are currently closed at the 35 mile marker in Buchanan County due to a traffic crash. Traffic is being rerouted on Route DD west to MO 371 north. <a href="https://t.co/XFpkZgdgl1">pic.twitter.com/XFpkZgdgl1</a>&mdash; MSHP Troop H (@MSHPTrooperH) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperH/status/1688345693272817664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Buchanan County EMS transported Choi to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.Interstate 29 northbound lanes&nbsp; were closed at the 35 mile marker in Buchanan County due to the crash. The KHP rerouted traffic onto Route DD west to MO 371 north.

Driver injured after semi crash that shut down portions of I-29

CLINTON COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Sunday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Dodge truck driven by Susie M. Bremer, 25, Cameron, was northbound on 336th at U.S. 69 three miles south of Cameron.

The driver was distracted after waiting for another vehicle to turn. The pickup rear-ended a 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Davin R. Lucassen, 31, Cameron.

DeKalb EMS transported Bremer to Cameron Regional. Cameron ambulance transported a 7-year-old boy in the Dodge, an 11-year-old girl in the Ford to Children's Mercy and Lucassen to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Sunday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Dodge truck driven by Susie M. Bremer, 25, Cameron, was northbound on 336th at U.S. 69 three miles south of Cameron.The driver was distracted after waiting for another vehicle to turn. The pickup rear-ended a 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Davin R. Lucassen, 31, Cameron.DeKalb EMS transported Bremer to Cameron Regional. Cameron ambulance transported a 7-year-old boy in the Dodge, an 11-year-old girl in the Ford to Children's Mercy and Lucassen to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 children, 2 adults hospitalized after rear-end crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy 1500 driven by&nbsp; Kenneth R. Kincaid, 46, Trenton, was westbound on MO 6 at County Road 180th two miles east of Altamont.

The pickup traveled into the eastbound lane, continued off the south side of the road and struck a trees.

Daviess County EMS transported Kincaid to Mosaic Life Care, a 17-year-old passenger and a second passenger Teresa J. Kincaid, 57, both of Trenton to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The teen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy 1500 driven by&nbsp; Kenneth R. Kincaid, 46, Trenton, was westbound on MO 6 at County Road 180th two miles east of Altamont.The pickup traveled into the eastbound lane, continued off the south side of the road and struck a trees.Daviess County EMS transported Kincaid to Mosaic Life Care, a 17-year-old passenger and a second passenger Teresa J. Kincaid, 57, both of Trenton to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The teen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 adults, teen injured after pickup strikes trees

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Trax driven by Rhoda M. Embrey, 88, Union Star, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Route V two miles west of Helena.

The Chevy attempted to pass a northbound 2018 Hyundai Elantra driven by Kaysie R. Richter, 30, Helena.&nbsp; The Hyundai was slowing to turn left onto Main Street.

The Chevy struck the left side of the Hyundai and both vehicle traveled off the road.

EMS transported Embery to Mosaic. Richter was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Trax driven by Rhoda M. Embrey, 88, Union Star, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Route V two miles west of Helena.The Chevy attempted to pass a northbound 2018 Hyundai Elantra driven by Kaysie R. Richter, 30, Helena.&nbsp; The Hyundai was slowing to turn left onto Main Street.The Chevy struck the left side of the Hyundai and both vehicle traveled off the road.EMS transported Embery to Mosaic. Richter was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman injured after 2-vehicle Andrew Co. crash

Over one million Missourians on Medicaid will have their eligibility checked between now and next May. Many have never undergone the process before

By CLARA BATES <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri has begun checking the eligibility of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/29/missouri-to-begin-medicaid-renewals-vowing-as-seamless-a-process-as-possible/">everyone on its Medicaid rolls</a>&nbsp;— a review process that was paused for three years because of pandemic-era federal protections.&nbsp;

Many advocates hope continuing to get the word out about how to navigate what is, for many, an unfamiliar process, will help those who are eligible retain coverage.

About one-quarter of the state’s population was enrolled in Medicaid as of June, the government health insurance program for low-income residents, called MO HealthNet in Missouri.&nbsp;

In June, the state had&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/mis/clcounter/">1.5 million</a>&nbsp;Medicaid enrollees on its books, up from around 900,000 in March 2020&nbsp;— in part because Missouri&nbsp;implemented voter-approved Medicaid expansion for low-income adults in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/08/10/judge-orders-state-to-immediately-allow-missourians-to-enroll-in-expanded-medicaid/">late 2021</a>&nbsp;and in part because of the federal rules providing continuous coverage.&nbsp;

Hundreds of thousands are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/kids-make-up-half-of-missourians-who-lost-medicaid-in-first-month-of-reviews/">projected</a>&nbsp;to lose coverage in the state. Nationally, more than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker/#:~:text=At%20least%201%2C652%2C000%20Medicaid%20enrollees,as%20of%20July%2005%2C%202023&amp;text=Across%20all%20states%20with%20available,coverage%20terminated%20for%20procedural%20reasons.">3.7 million</a>&nbsp;enrollees already have been stripped from the rolls.

“A lot of people got Medicaid during the public health emergency during COVID that had never had it before, so they’ve never had to go through the annual renewal process,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Brandi Linder, community health coordinator at Missouri Ozarks Community Health, a federally-qualified health center that assists with Medicaid renewals.

Linder said the focus has been ensuring that those who are new to the renewal process understand the stakes: “That if they don’t do it, they could possibly lose their coverage.”

Here are some of the things advocates and state officials want participants to know.

1. Renewal month is typically the anniversary month of first enrollment.

Missouri’s process of evaluating the eligibility of each person on its caseload will unfold over one year — the state began in June and will end with those due in May 2024.&nbsp;

Participants can view their renewal date on the Department of Social Services’ new online&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://my.mo.gov/fsdbenefits">portal</a>, but need a smartphone and an active email address to sign up for the required multi-factor authentication.

2. Participants should update their contact information with the state, especially mailing addresses.

The social services department “strongly encourages” all participants to do the following to “ensure they maintain coverage for anyone in their family who is eligible,” said spokesperson Caitlin Whaley:&nbsp;

Participants can update their contact info&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://formsportal.dss.mo.gov/content/forms/af/moa/my-dss/family-support-division/change-report.html">online</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/dss_map/">in-person</a>&nbsp;or by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mydss.mo.gov/renew">phone</a>.

3. The participant will likely need to return paperwork to the state.

In the first month of renewals, the agency renewed around&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/kids-make-up-half-of-missourians-who-lost-medicaid-in-first-month-of-reviews/">one-third</a>&nbsp;of those evaluated without needing to contact the participant for information, using existing data. Even those renewed in this streamlined way should get a letter from the state informing them they were renewed: Everyone in their renewal month should expect a letter.

The majority in the first group of renewals, though, needed to respond to paperwork.&nbsp;If the state doesn’t have sufficient data to renew a participant’s coverage, the participant will need to provide additional information.

That paperwork will be sent to the participant by mail and will be a yellow form.

The participant should receive the form&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mydss.mo.gov/media/pdf/state-plan-resuming-medicaid-renewals">55 days</a>&nbsp;before their annual renewal is due.

The state sends forms already partially completed with information it has about the participant.&nbsp;

The participant should, in addition to filling out any blanks in the form, be sure to do the following, said Geoffrey Oliver, program director of Connecting Kids to Coverage at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, which provides free assistance to low-income children, pregnant women and families with children navigating Medicaid:

4. Participants could benefit from submitting the paperwork, even if they believe they’re no longer eligible.

Being removed from Medicaid due to being found ineligible — rather than simply not returning the form — could help a participant access other insurance, Oliver said.

That’s because the state is supposed to help facilitate a participant’s transition into subsidized coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace, if they find them ineligible for Medicaid.

“Even if you’re not eligible, it’s to your benefit to get that eligibility denial versus a procedural denial,” Oliver said, “because it’ll get you more assistance with regards to enrolling in a marketplace plan, if that’s the best option for you.”

Additionally, he said, even if a parent is no longer eligible, children are often still eligible due to higher Medicaid income limits for kids.&nbsp;

Adults could fall into one of the groups qualifying for Medicaid at a higher income level, too, such as Medicaid for pregnant women or postpartum coverage. Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/07/governor-signs-bill-extending-postpartum-coverage-under-missouri-medicaid/">recently extended</a>&nbsp;the duration of postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year.

Participants can submit the renewal information by mail to the address shown on the letter, in person to a local&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/dss_map/">Resource Center</a>, online through the portal or by phone.&nbsp;

5. If there are paperwork issues, eligible participants could lose coverage.

The state can end coverage for two reasons.&nbsp;

If the participant is found to be ineligible — because their income exceeds the allowed maximum, for instance, they will be deemed ineligible and lose coverage.

A participant can also lose coverage for what are called “procedural” reasons, meaning the state couldn’t determine the participant’s eligibility, generally due to paperwork issues.&nbsp;

For instance, a participant could be procedurally disenrolled if they did not return the required paperwork, or did not receive the paperwork — perhaps because of a change in address or lack of a stable address.&nbsp;

Oliver said his office has met with two families unsure whether they received the initial notice by mail and were then disenrolled — “The first they heard about it was the denial” letter, he said.

For another family, the notice was sent to the wrong address because the head of household changed.

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri helped the families submit the paperwork to get coverage reinstated, Oliver said.

In June, the first month of reviews,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/kids-make-up-half-of-missourians-who-lost-medicaid-in-first-month-of-reviews/">more than 32,000 Missourians – half of them children</a>&nbsp;– lost Medicaid coverage.&nbsp;

As is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://t-and-unwinding-tracker/">the case nationally</a>, Missouri has, so far, had a high rate of terminations due to paperwork issues — 72% of terminations in June were due to procedural reasons. That means around 23,000 Missourians disenrolled were not directly found ineligible but their eligibility couldn’t be determined. (According to the health policy nonprofit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker/">KFF</a>, that places Missouri around average nationally.)

6. But participants can regain coverage if they act within 90 days of termination.

If a participant loses Medicaid but believes they are still eligible, they should act quickly, Oliver said.

Enrollees have 90 days after the termination to submit required paperwork for reconsideration&nbsp; — rather than filling out an entirely new application for Medicaid. If they’re found eligible, they can get coverage reinstated.

It’s “very important to turn that paperwork in as soon as possible,” Oliver said. “It’s not too late.”

Medicaid will retroactively cover care during that lapse, Whaley said.

Submitting the information within those 90 days allows participants to stay on the same health plan — retaining the same doctors, for instance. After the 90 days have passed, the participant needs to start from scratch and reapply for Medicaid.

7. The participant should be covered until they receive official notice of continued coverage or disenrollment.

If a participant has submitted paperwork by the deadline but not yet heard back from the state with a decision, they may wonder whether they still have coverage.

In the first month of renewals, around 34,000 determinations remained pending, or 29% of those who were due for renewal. Whaley&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/kids-make-up-half-of-missourians-who-lost-medicaid-in-first-month-of-reviews/">said</a>&nbsp;at least some of those pending were renewal forms submitted near the deadline which the agency was still processing.

Even if the deadline has passed and a participant hasn’t heard back with a determination, they should still have coverage.

“Coverage will remain in effect” until the determination is made, Whaley said.

They can also check their eligibility on the portal, she said.

8. Those who lose coverage may be eligible for plans through the Affordable Care Act.

States are supposed to help those who lose Medicaid due to ineligibility transition to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthcare.gov/">Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace</a>, by transferring their information over.

There is a special enrollment period for those who lose Medicaid which lasts from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-to-marketplace/#:~:text=Between%20March%2031%2C%202023%20and,after%20you%20complete%20your%20enrollment.">March 31, 2023 to July 31, 2024.&nbsp;</a>

If you’re a Missourian interested in speaking to a reporter about your experience with the Medicaid renewal process, please contact&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:cbates@missouriindependent.com">cbates@missouriindependent.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691326880077.png" alt="Medicaid participants can update their contact info online, in-person or by phone. (Screenshot via Missouri Department of Social Services)" />
 <figcaption>Medicaid participants can update their contact info online, in-person or by phone. (Screenshot via Missouri Department of Social Services)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Over one million Missourians on Medicaid will have their eligibility checked between now and next May. Many have never undergone the process before</h2>By CLARA BATES <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri has begun checking the eligibility of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/29/missouri-to-begin-medicaid-renewals-vowing-as-seamless-a-process-as-possible/">everyone on its Medicaid rolls</a>&nbsp;— a review process that was paused for three years because of pandemic-era federal protections.&nbsp;Many advocates hope continuing to get the word out about how to navigate what is, for many, an unfamiliar process, will help those who are eligible retain coverage.About one-quarter of the state’s population was enrolled in Medicaid as of June, the government health insurance program for low-income residents, called MO HealthNet in Missouri.&nbsp;In June, the state had&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/mis/clcounter/">1.5 million</a>&nbsp;Medicaid enrollees on its books, up from around 900,000 in March 2020&nbsp;— in part because Missouri&nbsp;implemented voter-approved Medicaid expansion for low-income adults in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/08/10/judge-orders-state-to-immediately-allow-missourians-to-enroll-in-expanded-medicaid/">late 2021</a>&nbsp;and in part because of the federal rules providing continuous coverage.&nbsp;Hundreds of thousands are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/kids-make-up-half-of-missourians-who-lost-medicaid-in-first-month-of-reviews/">projected</a>&nbsp;to lose coverage in the state. Nationally, more than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker/#:~:text=At%20least%201%2C652%2C000%20Medicaid%20enrollees,as%20of%20July%2005%2C%202023&amp;text=Across%20all%20states%20with%20available,coverage%20terminated%20for%20procedural%20reasons.">3.7 million</a>&nbsp;enrollees already have been stripped from the rolls.“A lot of people got Medicaid during the public health emergency during COVID that had never had it before, so they’ve never had to go through the annual renewal process,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Brandi Linder, community health coordinator at Missouri Ozarks Community Health, a federally-qualified health center that assists with Medicaid renewals.Linder said the focus has been ensuring that those who are new to the renewal process understand the stakes: “That if they don’t do it, they could possibly lose their coverage.”Here are some of the things advocates and state officials want participants to know.<h2>1. Renewal month is typically the anniversary month of first enrollment.</h2>Missouri’s process of evaluating the eligibility of each person on its caseload will unfold over one year — the state began in June and will end with those due in May 2024.&nbsp;Participants can view their renewal date on the Department of Social Services’ new online&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://my.mo.gov/fsdbenefits">portal</a>, but need a smartphone and an active email address to sign up for the required multi-factor authentication.<h2>2. Participants should update their contact information with the state, especially mailing addresses.</h2>The social services department “strongly encourages” all participants to do the following to “ensure they maintain coverage for anyone in their family who is eligible,” said spokesperson Caitlin Whaley:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>keep their address up to date — notifying the state if they’ve moved in the last three years;</li><li>check mail regularly;</li><li>and/or verify renewal date in the Family Support Division Benefit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://my.mo.gov/fsdbenefits">Portal</a>.</li>
 </ul>Participants can update their contact info&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://formsportal.dss.mo.gov/content/forms/af/moa/my-dss/family-support-division/change-report.html">online</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/dss_map/">in-person</a>&nbsp;or by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mydss.mo.gov/renew">phone</a>.<h2>3. The participant will likely need to return paperwork to the state.</h2>In the first month of renewals, the agency renewed around&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/kids-make-up-half-of-missourians-who-lost-medicaid-in-first-month-of-reviews/">one-third</a>&nbsp;of those evaluated without needing to contact the participant for information, using existing data. Even those renewed in this streamlined way should get a letter from the state informing them they were renewed: Everyone in their renewal month should expect a letter.The majority in the first group of renewals, though, needed to respond to paperwork.&nbsp;If the state doesn’t have sufficient data to renew a participant’s coverage, the participant will need to provide additional information.That paperwork will be sent to the participant by mail and will be a yellow form.The participant should receive the form&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mydss.mo.gov/media/pdf/state-plan-resuming-medicaid-renewals">55 days</a>&nbsp;before their annual renewal is due.The state sends forms already partially completed with information it has about the participant.&nbsp;The participant should, in addition to filling out any blanks in the form, be sure to do the following, said Geoffrey Oliver, program director of Connecting Kids to Coverage at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, which provides free assistance to low-income children, pregnant women and families with children navigating Medicaid:<ul>
 <li>Review the pre-populated information the state filled out;</li><li>Cross out anything that is not accurate and correct it;</li><li>And be sure to sign the document before submitting it.</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691326839593.png" alt="The Department of Social Services is using yellow forms for annual eligibility review submissions. (Screenshot via Missouri Department of Social Services)" />
 <figcaption>The Department of Social Services is using yellow forms for annual eligibility review submissions. (Screenshot via Missouri Department of Social Services)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>4. Participants could benefit from submitting the paperwork, even if they believe they’re no longer eligible.</h2>Being removed from Medicaid due to being found ineligible — rather than simply not returning the form — could help a participant access other insurance, Oliver said.That’s because the state is supposed to help facilitate a participant’s transition into subsidized coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace, if they find them ineligible for Medicaid.“Even if you’re not eligible, it’s to your benefit to get that eligibility denial versus a procedural denial,” Oliver said, “because it’ll get you more assistance with regards to enrolling in a marketplace plan, if that’s the best option for you.”Additionally, he said, even if a parent is no longer eligible, children are often still eligible due to higher Medicaid income limits for kids.&nbsp;Adults could fall into one of the groups qualifying for Medicaid at a higher income level, too, such as Medicaid for pregnant women or postpartum coverage. Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/07/governor-signs-bill-extending-postpartum-coverage-under-missouri-medicaid/">recently extended</a>&nbsp;the duration of postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year.Participants can submit the renewal information by mail to the address shown on the letter, in person to a local&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/dss_map/">Resource Center</a>, online through the portal or by phone.&nbsp;<h2>5. If there are paperwork issues, eligible participants could lose coverage.</h2>The state can end coverage for two reasons.&nbsp;If the participant is found to be ineligible — because their income exceeds the allowed maximum, for instance, they will be deemed ineligible and lose coverage.A participant can also lose coverage for what are called “procedural” reasons, meaning the state couldn’t determine the participant’s eligibility, generally due to paperwork issues.&nbsp;For instance, a participant could be procedurally disenrolled if they did not return the required paperwork, or did not receive the paperwork — perhaps because of a change in address or lack of a stable address.&nbsp;Oliver said his office has met with two families unsure whether they received the initial notice by mail and were then disenrolled — “The first they heard about it was the denial” letter, he said.For another family, the notice was sent to the wrong address because the head of household changed.Legal Services of Eastern Missouri helped the families submit the paperwork to get coverage reinstated, Oliver said.In June, the first month of reviews,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/kids-make-up-half-of-missourians-who-lost-medicaid-in-first-month-of-reviews/">more than 32,000 Missourians – half of them children</a>&nbsp;– lost Medicaid coverage.&nbsp;As is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://t-and-unwinding-tracker/">the case nationally</a>, Missouri has, so far, had a high rate of terminations due to paperwork issues — 72% of terminations in June were due to procedural reasons. That means around 23,000 Missourians disenrolled were not directly found ineligible but their eligibility couldn’t be determined. (According to the health policy nonprofit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker/">KFF</a>, that places Missouri around average nationally.)<h2>6. But participants can regain coverage if they act within 90 days of termination.</h2>If a participant loses Medicaid but believes they are still eligible, they should act quickly, Oliver said.Enrollees have 90 days after the termination to submit required paperwork for reconsideration&nbsp; — rather than filling out an entirely new application for Medicaid. If they’re found eligible, they can get coverage reinstated.It’s “very important to turn that paperwork in as soon as possible,” Oliver said. “It’s not too late.”Medicaid will retroactively cover care during that lapse, Whaley said.Submitting the information within those 90 days allows participants to stay on the same health plan — retaining the same doctors, for instance. After the 90 days have passed, the participant needs to start from scratch and reapply for Medicaid.<h2>7. The participant should be covered until they receive official notice of continued coverage or disenrollment.</h2>If a participant has submitted paperwork by the deadline but not yet heard back from the state with a decision, they may wonder whether they still have coverage.In the first month of renewals, around 34,000 determinations remained pending, or 29% of those who were due for renewal. Whaley&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/27/kids-make-up-half-of-missourians-who-lost-medicaid-in-first-month-of-reviews/">said</a>&nbsp;at least some of those pending were renewal forms submitted near the deadline which the agency was still processing.Even if the deadline has passed and a participant hasn’t heard back with a determination, they should still have coverage.“Coverage will remain in effect” until the determination is made, Whaley said.They can also check their eligibility on the portal, she said.<h2>8. Those who lose coverage may be eligible for plans through the Affordable Care Act.</h2>States are supposed to help those who lose Medicaid due to ineligibility transition to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthcare.gov/">Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace</a>, by transferring their information over.There is a special enrollment period for those who lose Medicaid which lasts from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-to-marketplace/#:~:text=Between%20March%2031%2C%202023%20and,after%20you%20complete%20your%20enrollment.">March 31, 2023 to July 31, 2024.&nbsp;</a>If you’re a Missourian interested in speaking to a reporter about your experience with the Medicaid renewal process, please contact&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:cbates@missouriindependent.com">cbates@missouriindependent.com</a>.

Navigating your Medicaid renewal? Missouri advocates offer advice

DONIPHAN COOUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Saturday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Avalanche driven by by Rachel M.&nbsp;Rezzaq, 30, Denton, Kansas, was eastbound on Kansas 20 one half mile west of Kansas 7.

The driver&nbsp; was allegedly distracted by a child in the vehicle. 

The pickup left the roadway to the right, re-entered the roadway and then left the roadway to the left. The vehicle re-entered the roadway again rolled onto its roof.

EMS transported&nbsp;Rezzaq to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Four juveniles were present in the vehicle; juvenile record is protected data, according to the KHP.

DONIPHAN COOUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Saturday in Doniphan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Avalanche driven by by Rachel M.&nbsp;Rezzaq, 30, Denton, Kansas, was eastbound on Kansas 20 one half mile west of Kansas 7.The driver&nbsp; was allegedly distracted by a child in the vehicle. The pickup left the roadway to the right, re-entered the roadway and then left the roadway to the left. The vehicle re-entered the roadway again rolled onto its roof.EMS transported&nbsp;Rezzaq to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Four juveniles were present in the vehicle; juvenile record is protected data, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman hospitalized in St. Joe after pickup rollover crash

Despite being a top priority of many lawmakers following a mass shooting last year at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, school safety improvements are limited going into the 2023-2024 school year

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

The top priority of many Missouri parents and educators is school safety,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/june-2023-update-strategic-plan">according to a survey presented at the latest State Board of Education meeting</a>.

But statewide safety improvements for schools didn’t garner much traction during the legislative session that ended in May, with&nbsp;most proposals dying without ever making it to the full House or Senate for debate.

Action has largely come through the budget, with lawmakers approving recommendations from the governor’s office giving school districts access to grant money for physical security upgrades and emergency supplies. The state funded a new app for school lockdowns for all districts to access.

The result is a few changes for the 2023-2024 school year, likely at levels unnoticeable to students.

In May, Gov. Mike Parson announced that funding was available for school districts to sign up for a mobile application to assist in emergencies. The app,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://raptortech.com/missouri-mobile-panic-alert-from-raptor-technologies/">Raptor Alert</a>, will allow school staff to silently trigger alarms and communicate with emergency responders.

Missouri school districts are being trained on the software, and those who signed up prior to the end of June should have the technology ready before the school year begins.

“We want all students across Missouri to have the opportunity to learn in safe and secure schools,” Parson said at the time. “That’s why our administration included funding for this school safety app.”

Parson set aside $20 million in school safety grants in his 2023 early supplemental budget request, which legislators approved. Almost 170 districts claimed a portion of the funds, with grants ranging from $7,100 to $450,000.

Northwest R-1 School District in Jefferson County, the recipient of the $450,000 grant, is using the money to install a surveillance system throughout its elementary schools, Mark Janiesch, the district’s chief operating officer, told The Independent.

Janiesch said DESE decided the amount of the&nbsp; award to the district through a questionnaire that assessed buildings’ age and current surveillance coverage.

“This grant is going to greatly help make our schools safer and more secure,” he said. “If the state could offer grants similar to this one within future budgets, they could help ensure that more schools across the state have an opportunity to incorporate ongoing and up-to-date safety measures over the years.”

Parson plans to increase the grant fund to $50 million next year, if approved by lawmakers.

In April, a research firm hired by the state school board&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/june-2023-update-strategic-plan">asked stakeholders about their priorities for the department</a>. “​​Ensuring schools and classrooms remain the safest places for students and teachers” resonated most with survey participants, which included school staff and parents. Those surveyed listed funding as the top barrier to success.

Carol Hallquist, the board’s vice president, presented the data at the meeting,&nbsp; saying she asked the researchers to look at groups other than parents and educators that took the survey, like community leaders and staff from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

“No matter how they cut the data, pretty much these were the priorities for the other groups as well,” she said during the board’s June meeting.

The data will inform the board’s recommendations to lawmakers for 2024’s legislative session.

During this year’s session, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle filed 18 bills related to school safety. Some focused on school resource officers, others on mental health.

Although the topic is bipartisan, the parties took different approaches to the legislation, with Democrats filing bills to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB459&amp;year=2023&amp;code=R">reduce children’s access to guns</a>&nbsp;and Republicans looking to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB70&amp;year=2023&amp;code=R">allow more school personnel to qualify to carry a weapon on campus as a school resource officer</a>.

In late February, students from Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, who lost a classmate and a teacher in a school shooting in October, visited the State Capitol.

They held a rally, where they showed art they created to express their grief, and spoke to lawmakers.

“We, all of us, deserve more than empty promises,” then-high-school senior Bryanna Love said during the rally,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/cvpa-school-shooting-survivors-jefferson-city/63-aef2f721-7a2f-4b91-9f07-8d08f24a529c">as broadcast by KSDK-TV</a>.

Just one was signed into law, a bill by Scott City Republican Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder that expands background checks to include adults taking classes in facilities with K-12 students on site. The law exempts adults that are part of a school’s average daily attendance, like high school seniors who are 18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691182029657.png" alt=" Rows of flowers and candles in front of Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, following the shooting on Oct. 24, 2022 that left two dead and several others wounded (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Rows of flowers and candles in front of Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, following the shooting on Oct. 24, 2022 that left two dead and several others wounded (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Despite being a top priority of many lawmakers following a mass shooting last year at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, school safety improvements are limited going into the 2023-2024 school year</h2>By ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/30/open-enrollment-missouri-school-choice/">Missouri Independent</a>The top priority of many Missouri parents and educators is school safety,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/june-2023-update-strategic-plan">according to a survey presented at the latest State Board of Education meeting</a>.But statewide safety improvements for schools didn’t garner much traction during the legislative session that ended in May, with&nbsp;most proposals dying without ever making it to the full House or Senate for debate.Action has largely come through the budget, with lawmakers approving recommendations from the governor’s office giving school districts access to grant money for physical security upgrades and emergency supplies. The state funded a new app for school lockdowns for all districts to access.The result is a few changes for the 2023-2024 school year, likely at levels unnoticeable to students.In May, Gov. Mike Parson announced that funding was available for school districts to sign up for a mobile application to assist in emergencies. The app,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://raptortech.com/missouri-mobile-panic-alert-from-raptor-technologies/">Raptor Alert</a>, will allow school staff to silently trigger alarms and communicate with emergency responders.Missouri school districts are being trained on the software, and those who signed up prior to the end of June should have the technology ready before the school year begins.“We want all students across Missouri to have the opportunity to learn in safe and secure schools,” Parson said at the time. “That’s why our administration included funding for this school safety app.”Parson set aside $20 million in school safety grants in his 2023 early supplemental budget request, which legislators approved. Almost 170 districts claimed a portion of the funds, with grants ranging from $7,100 to $450,000.Northwest R-1 School District in Jefferson County, the recipient of the $450,000 grant, is using the money to install a surveillance system throughout its elementary schools, Mark Janiesch, the district’s chief operating officer, told The Independent.Janiesch said DESE decided the amount of the&nbsp; award to the district through a questionnaire that assessed buildings’ age and current surveillance coverage.“This grant is going to greatly help make our schools safer and more secure,” he said. “If the state could offer grants similar to this one within future budgets, they could help ensure that more schools across the state have an opportunity to incorporate ongoing and up-to-date safety measures over the years.”Parson plans to increase the grant fund to $50 million next year, if approved by lawmakers.In April, a research firm hired by the state school board&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/june-2023-update-strategic-plan">asked stakeholders about their priorities for the department</a>. “​​Ensuring schools and classrooms remain the safest places for students and teachers” resonated most with survey participants, which included school staff and parents. Those surveyed listed funding as the top barrier to success.Carol Hallquist, the board’s vice president, presented the data at the meeting,&nbsp; saying she asked the researchers to look at groups other than parents and educators that took the survey, like community leaders and staff from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.“No matter how they cut the data, pretty much these were the priorities for the other groups as well,” she said during the board’s June meeting.The data will inform the board’s recommendations to lawmakers for 2024’s legislative session.During this year’s session, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle filed 18 bills related to school safety. Some focused on school resource officers, others on mental health.Although the topic is bipartisan, the parties took different approaches to the legislation, with Democrats filing bills to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB459&amp;year=2023&amp;code=R">reduce children’s access to guns</a>&nbsp;and Republicans looking to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB70&amp;year=2023&amp;code=R">allow more school personnel to qualify to carry a weapon on campus as a school resource officer</a>.In late February, students from Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, who lost a classmate and a teacher in a school shooting in October, visited the State Capitol.They held a rally, where they showed art they created to express their grief, and spoke to lawmakers.“We, all of us, deserve more than empty promises,” then-high-school senior Bryanna Love said during the rally,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/cvpa-school-shooting-survivors-jefferson-city/63-aef2f721-7a2f-4b91-9f07-8d08f24a529c">as broadcast by KSDK-TV</a>.Just one was signed into law, a bill by Scott City Republican Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder that expands background checks to include adults taking classes in facilities with K-12 students on site. The law exempts adults that are part of a school’s average daily attendance, like high school seniors who are 18.

Missouri takes steps to address school safety largely through its budget

A fan who died at Chiefs Training Camp died of natural causes,
according to the Buchanan County Medical Examiner’s Office.

County Medical Examiner, Dr. Adam Wineinger, has ruled that
Jessica Tangen died of natural causes Sunday while attending the
Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp on the Missouri Western State University campus
in St. Joseph.

In a statement from Mosaic Life Care according to medical professionals, Tangen's death resulted from a cardiac-related issue. An autopsy will not be performed, in accordance with the families wishes.

The family of Tangen, who was from Riverside, says she was a
life-long Chiefs fan.

A trust fund has been established in Tangen's nine year old daughter Kyla's name. Donations can be made to the Kyla R. Tangen Trust courtesy of Union State Bank of Horton in Horton, Kansas. Donations can also be made online <a href="https://www.givesendgo.com/Krtangentrust">HERE</a>.

You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent, @680KFEQ, and @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691176069142.jpeg" alt="Jessica Tangen pictured with (l-r) daughter Kyla and mother, Lee/Photo provided by Mosaic Life Care" />
 <figcaption>Jessica Tangen pictured with (l-r) daughter Kyla and mother, Lee/Photo provided by Mosaic Life Care</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA fan who died at Chiefs Training Camp died of natural causes,
according to the Buchanan County Medical Examiner’s Office.County Medical Examiner, Dr. Adam Wineinger, has ruled that
Jessica Tangen died of natural causes Sunday while attending the
Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp on the Missouri Western State University campus
in St. Joseph.In a statement from Mosaic Life Care according to medical professionals, Tangen's death resulted from a cardiac-related issue. An autopsy will not be performed, in accordance with the families wishes.The family of Tangen, who was from Riverside, says she was a
life-long Chiefs fan.A trust fund has been established in Tangen's nine year old daughter Kyla's name. Donations can be made to the Kyla R. Tangen Trust courtesy of Union State Bank of Horton in Horton, Kansas. Donations can also be made online <a href="https://www.givesendgo.com/Krtangentrust">HERE</a>.Tangen was 43.You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent, @680KFEQ, and @StJosephPost.

Buchanan CO rules training camp death due to natural causes

This weekend, shoppers save on back-to-school merchandise,
which is rather loosely defined during the weekend. Eligible purchases range
from school supplies, which includes computers, to clothes.

East Hills Shopping Center General Manager Lindsey Davis says
the savings aren’t just available to St. Joseph residents or even Missouri
residents.

“In my years of working in retail and here at the shopping
mall, we do pull in anywhere around a 90-mile radius,” Davis tells the
Missourinet. “So yes, we get people from Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa all coming to
St. Joe to take advantage of this sales tax holiday.”

State law recently expanded the sales tax holiday to include
not just the state sales tax, but all local sales and use taxes.

Davis says the weekend has become so popular, it rivals Black
Friday for certain retailers. Many retailers sponsor events to attract customers.

Davis says the mall hopes to attract shoppers with more than
just a tax break.

“We have different events that are turtle related,” Davis
says. “We are having a live tortoise event on Saturday. Remington Nature
Center, affiliated with our city, they have someone they know that also does a
tortoise rescue. So, between the two of them, they’re bringing out about five
to seven live, big tortoises that kids can see, touch, and just learn about the
awesome animals.”

The back-to-school sales tax holiday in Missouri runs from
Friday through the close of Sunday.

Alisa Nelson with the Missourinet contributed to this story.

You call follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent, @680KFEQ, and @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691164432845.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt is tax-free weekend in Missouri.This weekend, shoppers save on back-to-school merchandise,
which is rather loosely defined during the weekend. Eligible purchases range
from school supplies, which includes computers, to clothes.East Hills Shopping Center General Manager Lindsey Davis says
the savings aren’t just available to St. Joseph residents or even Missouri
residents.“In my years of working in retail and here at the shopping
mall, we do pull in anywhere around a 90-mile radius,” Davis tells the
Missourinet. “So yes, we get people from Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa all coming to
St. Joe to take advantage of this sales tax holiday.”State law recently expanded the sales tax holiday to include
not just the state sales tax, but all local sales and use taxes.Davis says the weekend has become so popular, it rivals Black
Friday for certain retailers. Many retailers sponsor events to attract customers.Davis says the mall hopes to attract shoppers with more than
just a tax break.“We have different events that are turtle related,” Davis
says. “We are having a live tortoise event on Saturday. Remington Nature
Center, affiliated with our city, they have someone they know that also does a
tortoise rescue. So, between the two of them, they’re bringing out about five
to seven live, big tortoises that kids can see, touch, and just learn about the
awesome animals.”The back-to-school sales tax holiday in Missouri runs from
Friday through the close of Sunday.Alisa Nelson with the Missourinet contributed to this story.You call follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent, @680KFEQ, and @StJosephPost.

This is tax-free back-to-school weekend in Missouri

The House Ag Committee Chair says he plans to use the upcoming farm bill to deal with California’s Prop 12 that was upheld by the Supreme Court. 

Roll Call says pork producers across the country have said this will lead to patchwork laws between states that will interfere with commerce. 

At Minnesota’s Farmfest, Glenn “GT” Thompson said the Supreme Court did say in its decision that Congress has the power to address the issues caused by Prop 12. 

However, Congress has chosen not to deal with those issues in the past. Thompson addressed the audience during a farm bill listening session and said the court let it stand because they’re tired of handling Congressional work. 

Thompson didn’t specify if the Ag Committee would write its own legislation or use pending legislation to deal with California’s law. Bills have already been introduced in both congressional chambers that would nullify Prop 12.

The House Ag Committee Chair says he plans to use the upcoming farm bill to deal with California’s Prop 12 that was upheld by the Supreme Court. Roll Call says pork producers across the country have said this will lead to patchwork laws between states that will interfere with commerce. At Minnesota’s Farmfest, Glenn “GT” Thompson said the Supreme Court did say in its decision that Congress has the power to address the issues caused by Prop 12. However, Congress has chosen not to deal with those issues in the past. Thompson addressed the audience during a farm bill listening session and said the court let it stand because they’re tired of handling Congressional work. Thompson didn’t specify if the Ag Committee would write its own legislation or use pending legislation to deal with California’s law. Bills have already been introduced in both congressional chambers that would nullify Prop 12.- NAFB

House farm bill will address California’s Prop 12

Four elected officials from California introduced the “Agricultural Emergency Relief Act” to create a permanent USDA structure that would provide relief to farmers hurt by natural disasters. 

While Congress routinely provides disaster relief to farmers hurt by natural disasters, the lack of a permanent program has resulted in multiple administrative changes. 

That can cause confusion for farmers and result in unnecessary delays in implementation. Representative Mike Thompson of California was one of the co-sponsors. 

He says, “California and many other states have been hit hard by disasters. It’s clear we need a permanent disaster relief program. This bill will help streamline the process for all farmers and growers to receive the relief they deserve.” 

The legislation would formally authorize a program that already has funding from 2022 and 2023 omnibus bills. It will require farmers who apply for relief payments to purchase crop insurance for two years after receiving a payment. &nbsp;

Four elected officials from California introduced the “Agricultural Emergency Relief Act” to create a permanent USDA structure that would provide relief to farmers hurt by natural disasters. While Congress routinely provides disaster relief to farmers hurt by natural disasters, the lack of a permanent program has resulted in multiple administrative changes. That can cause confusion for farmers and result in unnecessary delays in implementation. Representative Mike Thompson of California was one of the co-sponsors. He says, “California and many other states have been hit hard by disasters. It’s clear we need a permanent disaster relief program. This bill will help streamline the process for all farmers and growers to receive the relief they deserve.” The legislation would formally authorize a program that already has funding from 2022 and 2023 omnibus bills. It will require farmers who apply for relief payments to purchase crop insurance for two years after receiving a payment. &nbsp;- NAFB

Legislation would create a permanent disaster relief program

Tax Free Weekend is here in Missouri and that means United Way's Stuff the Bus will also be back out at Walmart in St. Joseph this weekend. &nbsp;

Yellow busses will be at both the north and south belt Walmart's collecting school supplies for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. &nbsp;

Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says the variety of people that donate to the event is surprising&nbsp;

"Might be the retiree, I'm just going to call him the old grandpa, who comes out with a Walmart sack of markers and crayons and he's thinking I used to help my grandkids or my own kids with their school supplies now I want to help somebody else, he doesn't have kids anymore but he wants to give back a little bit and it just puts a smile on my face," Flurry tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;

"Or when the little kids run over with their bag of supplies that they want to donate, so they've just done their back-to-school shopping, but they want to help other kids too."&nbsp;

Flurry says it's encouraging to see the amount of donations received from the St. Joseph community. &nbsp;

"And it doesn't take a lot, sometimes we'll have people roll up with an entire shopping cart full of school supplies, and sometimes it's just here's what I can afford, here's a couple packs of pencils and some glue," Flurry says. "And it's every little bit counts and it's amazing the generosity of our community to support this effort, both from the volunteer side of things as well as the donations they make in school supplies."&nbsp;

Since its inception in 2009 more than 262,000 school supplies have been donated to Stuff the Bus. &nbsp;

Busses will be out at both the north and south Belt Walmart locations in St. Joseph today from 8am to 7pm and tomorrow from 8am to 5:30pm.&nbsp;

Flurry says the event helps kids in need get school supplies, but supplies are also available for teachers&nbsp;

"We also if there's leftover supplies are able to offer that out to classrooms, and teachers, and schools, to help them out as well," Flurry explains. &nbsp;

Flurry says the event is also a great opportunity to volunteer in your community.&nbsp;

"So, it is a great way for people to volunteer and get engaged in their community, it's a way that parents with children can volunteer, so we also use United Way Stuff the Bus as a way to promote volunteerism and engagement in our community," Flurry says. &nbsp;

United Way will have a school supply list, provided by the St. Joseph School District, available at the busses for supplies that can be donated.&nbsp; Supplies range from pencils, crayons, and markers to tissue boxes and three ring binders.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691163639771.jpeg" alt="United Way volunteers help Stuff the Bus during Tax Free Weekend in St. Joseph today and tomorrow/ Photo courtesy of United Way of Greater St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>United Way volunteers help Stuff the Bus during Tax Free Weekend in St. Joseph today and tomorrow/ Photo courtesy of United Way of Greater St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Tax Free Weekend is here in Missouri and that means United Way's Stuff the Bus will also be back out at Walmart in St. Joseph this weekend. &nbsp;Yellow busses will be at both the north and south belt Walmart's collecting school supplies for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. &nbsp;Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says the variety of people that donate to the event is surprising&nbsp;"Might be the retiree, I'm just going to call him the old grandpa, who comes out with a Walmart sack of markers and crayons and he's thinking I used to help my grandkids or my own kids with their school supplies now I want to help somebody else, he doesn't have kids anymore but he wants to give back a little bit and it just puts a smile on my face," Flurry tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;"Or when the little kids run over with their bag of supplies that they want to donate, so they've just done their back-to-school shopping, but they want to help other kids too."&nbsp;Flurry says it's encouraging to see the amount of donations received from the St. Joseph community. &nbsp;"And it doesn't take a lot, sometimes we'll have people roll up with an entire shopping cart full of school supplies, and sometimes it's just here's what I can afford, here's a couple packs of pencils and some glue," Flurry says. "And it's every little bit counts and it's amazing the generosity of our community to support this effort, both from the volunteer side of things as well as the donations they make in school supplies."&nbsp;Since its inception in 2009 more than 262,000 school supplies have been donated to Stuff the Bus. &nbsp;Busses will be out at both the north and south Belt Walmart locations in St. Joseph today from 8am to 7pm and tomorrow from 8am to 5:30pm.&nbsp;Flurry says the event helps kids in need get school supplies, but supplies are also available for teachers&nbsp;"We also if there's leftover supplies are able to offer that out to classrooms, and teachers, and schools, to help them out as well," Flurry explains. &nbsp;Flurry says the event is also a great opportunity to volunteer in your community.&nbsp;"So, it is a great way for people to volunteer and get engaged in their community, it's a way that parents with children can volunteer, so we also use United Way Stuff the Bus as a way to promote volunteerism and engagement in our community," Flurry says. &nbsp;United Way will have a school supply list, provided by the St. Joseph School District, available at the busses for supplies that can be donated.&nbsp; Supplies range from pencils, crayons, and markers to tissue boxes and three ring binders.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691163723650.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of United Way of Greater St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of United Way of Greater St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>

Tax Free Weekend means it's time to Stuff the Bus and help students in need

A long-time former prosecutor believes the city of St. Joseph
is turning the corner on crime.

Dwight Scroggins served as Buchanan County Prosecutor for 28
years before retiring. Scroggins praises the current city council for
concentrating on crime, stating the number one problem facing St. Joseph the
past few years has been the number of patrol cars on the streets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691156446887.jpeg" alt="Buchanan County Law Enforcement Center in St. Joseph/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Buchanan County Law Enforcement Center in St. Joseph/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA long-time former prosecutor believes the city of St. Joseph
is turning the corner on crime.Dwight Scroggins served as Buchanan County Prosecutor for 28
years before retiring. Scroggins praises the current city council for
concentrating on crime, stating the number one problem facing St. Joseph the
past few years has been the number of patrol cars on the streets.“We should be running, if you follow the policing model that I
think is still in place, we should be running at least nine units all the time
and six overlap units at high-intensity times,” Scroggins tells host Barry Birr
during a call to the KFEQ Hotline. “And for the last two or three years, we’re
running four or five units on the street.”Scroggins says the half-cent law enforcement sales tax will
make a real difference in the staff shortage at the St. Joseph Police
Department.“It’s going to take a while,” Scroggins says. “People need to
understand that, because it took 10 years to get to where we were. It’s going
to take three or four years before you get anywhere near full staffing again.”In November of 2022, St. Joseph voters gave overwhelming
approval to a half-cent law enforcement sales tax. The tax is expected to
generate $5.5 million annually, enough to finance an agreement reached between
the City of St. Joseph and the local Fraternal Order of Police. The additional
revenue has allowed the city to raise starting police officer pay to $49,000 a
year. It also provides enough to fund three percent annual pay raises.City officials say the extra money is needed not just to
retain veteran officers on the St. Joseph Police Department force, but attract
new officers to fill approximately 20 vacancies. St. Joseph is authorized for
138 commissioned officers, but rarely has had that many on staff.St. Joseph City Councilmember Kenton Randolph believes
reducing crime and increasing beautification is the key to growing the city
population.“When I campaigned, I think some of our core responsibilities
are to help reduce crime and beautification and if we can get those two things
under control then I think we (will) have better success to encourage more people
to come to St. Joseph, move to St. Joseph,” Randolph tells Birr during his appearance
on the Hotline.You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent, @680KFEQ, and @StJosephPost.

Local