BROWN COUNTY —The Brown County Sheriff's Office has spent many many hours investigating criminal activity and over the course of the last few days, search warrants involving several different states and multiple locations in Kansas led to&nbsp; the discovery of many thousands of dollars of stolen property that has been recovered, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

With Brown County officials sharing information to other agencies and networking together,&nbsp; multiple arrests have been made in surrounding states which also cleared many of their open investigations.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The sheriff's office is asking the public for assistance in identifying the owners of the following items.

BROWN COUNTY —The Brown County Sheriff's Office has spent many many hours investigating criminal activity and over the course of the last few days, search warrants involving several different states and multiple locations in Kansas led to&nbsp; the discovery of many thousands of dollars of stolen property that has been recovered, according to Sheriff John Merchant.With Brown County officials sharing information to other agencies and networking together,&nbsp; multiple arrests have been made in surrounding states which also cleared many of their open investigations.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sheriff's office is asking the public for assistance in identifying the owners of the following items.<figure>
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Sheriff recovers thousands of dollars in stolen property

An annual event in St. Joseph is giving residents and people from around the region the chance to experience cultures they might never have before. &nbsp;

The 54th annual St. Patrick's Fiesta is this Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 pm.&nbsp;

Organizer Matthew Bobela says the event started out as just a small fundraiser when the church first opened.&nbsp;

"Just kind of help integrate the Irish Catholic community of St. Patrick, and now the new Mexican community, started as a small fundraiser and the over the years it has grown to the parishes sustaining fundraiser," Bobela tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, this fiesta is what keeps St. Patrick Church going."&nbsp;

Bobela says the annual fundraiser draws in people from all over.&nbsp;

"We get our parishioners that attend, but it's people from all across the city, I've heard of people coming from out of town, from out of state, they'll come from Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, because they remember from a long time ago its fiesta weekend, and all the fun and celebration they'll come from out of town just to relive that," Bobela says.&nbsp;

The event will begin on Friday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at 4305 Frederik Avenue, with Mexican Food, a silent auction, and many more activities, running from 5 to 10pm.&nbsp;

Bobela says Saturday the event will expand to even more of Latin America&nbsp;

"Of course, we'll have Mexican food as well, our taqueria is coming back from Friday he's coming down and making tacos on Saturday, and then we'll have some other Mexican booths," Bobela says.&nbsp;

Bobela says booths featured on Saturday will present foods from other Latin American countries as well&nbsp;

"We'll have a couple more booths from Guatemala and El Salvador selling various types of food there too, I don't know exactly what they're offering," Bobela explains.&nbsp;

The event will move to St. Patrick Church, at 1723 S 12th Street, on Saturday, also running from 5 to 10pm.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;An annual event in St. Joseph is giving residents and people from around the region the chance to experience cultures they might never have before. &nbsp;The 54th annual St. Patrick's Fiesta is this Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 pm.&nbsp;Organizer Matthew Bobela says the event started out as just a small fundraiser when the church first opened.&nbsp;"Just kind of help integrate the Irish Catholic community of St. Patrick, and now the new Mexican community, started as a small fundraiser and the over the years it has grown to the parishes sustaining fundraiser," Bobela tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, this fiesta is what keeps St. Patrick Church going."&nbsp;Bobela says the annual fundraiser draws in people from all over.&nbsp;"We get our parishioners that attend, but it's people from all across the city, I've heard of people coming from out of town, from out of state, they'll come from Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, because they remember from a long time ago its fiesta weekend, and all the fun and celebration they'll come from out of town just to relive that," Bobela says.&nbsp;The event will begin on Friday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at 4305 Frederik Avenue, with Mexican Food, a silent auction, and many more activities, running from 5 to 10pm.&nbsp;Bobela says Saturday the event will expand to even more of Latin America&nbsp;"Of course, we'll have Mexican food as well, our taqueria is coming back from Friday he's coming down and making tacos on Saturday, and then we'll have some other Mexican booths," Bobela says.&nbsp;Bobela says booths featured on Saturday will present foods from other Latin American countries as well&nbsp;"We'll have a couple more booths from Guatemala and El Salvador selling various types of food there too, I don't know exactly what they're offering," Bobela explains.&nbsp;The event will move to St. Patrick Church, at 1723 S 12th Street, on Saturday, also running from 5 to 10pm.&nbsp;

Annual event gives St. Joseph residents the opportunity to experience new cultures

Ethanol groups welcome new legislation that seeks to level the playing field for vehicles running on low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol. 

Senators Pete Ricketts, a Nebraska Republican, and Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, introduced the Flex Fuel Fairness Act last week. 

The legislation, according to the lawmakers, would provide a meaningful incentive for automakers to manufacture flex-fuel vehicles in addition to battery electric vehicles. 

Currently, the Biden administration's Environmental Protection Agency has prioritized regulations that favor dramatically increasing production of EVs and forcing them on consumers, according to Senator Rickets, who says, "The Biden EPA has made a mistake and ignored the proven benefits of flex fuel vehicles that can run higher ethanol blends.” 

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “This bill would level the playing field, so both electricity and low-carbon biofuels can drive progress toward a net-zero future.” Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper adds, “This legislation helps unlock the potential of renewable fuels and puts more tools in the toolbox for automakers.”

Ethanol groups welcome new legislation that seeks to level the playing field for vehicles running on low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol. Senators Pete Ricketts, a Nebraska Republican, and Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, introduced the Flex Fuel Fairness Act last week. The legislation, according to the lawmakers, would provide a meaningful incentive for automakers to manufacture flex-fuel vehicles in addition to battery electric vehicles. Currently, the Biden administration's Environmental Protection Agency has prioritized regulations that favor dramatically increasing production of EVs and forcing them on consumers, according to Senator Rickets, who says, "The Biden EPA has made a mistake and ignored the proven benefits of flex fuel vehicles that can run higher ethanol blends.” Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “This bill would level the playing field, so both electricity and low-carbon biofuels can drive progress toward a net-zero future.” Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper adds, “This legislation helps unlock the potential of renewable fuels and puts more tools in the toolbox for automakers.”- NAFB

Ethanol groups welcome Flex Fuel Fairness Act

The Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee plans to release a draft Farm Bill at the end of August. 

During a Farm Bill listening session in Maine this week, Representative Glenn GT Thompson told the Hagstrom Report he plans a markup "in mid-September," but only if the leadership has told him what week the bill will be scheduled to come up on the House floor. 

However, that depends on when House leadership will schedule floor time for the bill. 

The Pennsylvania Republican told attendees of the listening session, "This farm bill is going to be bipartisan, bicameral, on time and highly effective," adding, "Now the time part, we only control the House, we do not control the Senate, but we are doing our job." 

The House Agriculture Committee is holding additional listening sessions, including one Wednesday at FarmFest in Minnesota. The current Farm Bill expires at the end of the Fiscal Year, September 30, 2023.

The Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee plans to release a draft Farm Bill at the end of August. During a Farm Bill listening session in Maine this week, Representative Glenn GT Thompson told the Hagstrom Report he plans a markup "in mid-September," but only if the leadership has told him what week the bill will be scheduled to come up on the House floor. However, that depends on when House leadership will schedule floor time for the bill. The Pennsylvania Republican told attendees of the listening session, "This farm bill is going to be bipartisan, bicameral, on time and highly effective," adding, "Now the time part, we only control the House, we do not control the Senate, but we are doing our job." The House Agriculture Committee is holding additional listening sessions, including one Wednesday at FarmFest in Minnesota. The current Farm Bill expires at the end of the Fiscal Year, September 30, 2023.- NAFB

House Ag Chair hoping for September Farm Bill markup

Missouri Governor Mike Parson has announced that Bill Grimwood, has been appointed to the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors.  

Grimwood is the Chief Information Officer for Hillyard Companies of St. Joseph.  His term will expire on October 29th, 2024.  

“I’m a strong believer in public service,” Grimwood says in a news release. “I believe that my volunteer work in the community matters. I like to see our community, the Northwest Missouri region and the state of Missouri grow healthier, stronger, and more sustainable. I believe that a university is an anchor for each community where they are based."  

"I want to be part of the decisions that help MWSU succeed and by extension, help St Joseph, Buchanan County, and the Northwest Missouri region thrive.” 

Grimwood has been with Hilyard for 24 years.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Kansas and is in his ninth year on the MWSU Foundation Board, serving as chairman for the last two.  He also served 10 years on the Mosaic Life Care Foundation Board, three as board chairman, and is currently on the Mosaic Life Care Quality Committee. 

Parson’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate. Grimwood’s appointment will bring the Board of Governors to a full seven voting members plus the non-voting student member. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690989314993.jpeg" alt="Bill Grimwood/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University" />
 <figcaption>Bill Grimwood/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMissouri Governor Mike Parson has announced that Bill Grimwood, has been appointed to the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors. Grimwood is the Chief Information Officer for Hillyard Companies of St. Joseph. His term will expire on October 29th, 2024. “I’m a strong believer in public service,” Grimwood says in a news release. “I believe that my volunteer work in the community matters. I like to see our community, the Northwest Missouri region and the state of Missouri grow healthier, stronger, and more sustainable. I believe that a university is an anchor for each community where they are based." "I want to be part of the decisions that help MWSU succeed and by extension, help St Joseph, Buchanan County, and the Northwest Missouri region thrive.” Grimwood has been with Hilyard for 24 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Kansas and is in his ninth year on the MWSU Foundation Board, serving as chairman for the last two. He also served 10 years on the Mosaic Life Care Foundation Board, three as board chairman, and is currently on the Mosaic Life Care Quality Committee. Parson’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate. Grimwood’s appointment will bring the Board of Governors to a full seven voting members plus the non-voting student member.

Bill Grimwood appointed to Missouri Western Board of Governors

An executive with the Noyes Home says a lot of misconceptions
surround the home for children in St. Joseph.

Noyes Home Executive Director Chelsea Howlett says too many
believe the home is the equivalent of a juvenile detention center or a place
for kids to get scared straight. But Howlett says that isn’t the service the
Noyes Home provides.

“What I’ve seen in the last decade, is by far and large the
majority of the kids that we serve are precariously housed, meaning they’re bouncing
from house to house. They don’t have one roof to call theirs,” Howlett says in
an interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We also have a fair number of kids who
are in foster care and they may stay with us for a few days or maybe a couple
of months until they’re able to find a more permanent foster home that’s
available to them.”

Howlett says the Noyes Home meets immediate needs as well as
provides long-term care for youth.

Howlett says the Noyes Home seeks to serve youth and their
family in a time of need.

“Our goal is to provide a safe, warm, welcoming environment to
a child whose family is in crisis.”

Howlett says the Noyes Home is a voluntary placement site.

“So that means that the parents are able to come in here and
say I need help and Children’s Division doesn’t have to get involved,” Howlett
says. “The state isn’t at risk of taking their children, because they’re making
a safe plan. They’re identifying that they need help.”

Howlett says too many people assume the Noyes Home is a sad
place.

“And the reality is it’s a really joyful place,” Howlett says.
“We have an amazing staff who truly care about our kids. And while the kids are
going through really hard times, you hear more laughter than you see tears. And
they know that they are loved and that they are safe.”

The Noyes Home operates on a $2 million annual budget with a
major fundraiser planned for this month.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690984141527.jpeg" alt="Noyes Home children with Chief Happiness Officer Newton/Photo provided by the Noyes Home" />
 <figcaption>Noyes Home children with Chief Happiness Officer Newton/Photo provided by the Noyes Home</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn executive with the Noyes Home says a lot of misconceptions
surround the home for children in St. Joseph.Noyes Home Executive Director Chelsea Howlett says too many
believe the home is the equivalent of a juvenile detention center or a place
for kids to get scared straight. But Howlett says that isn’t the service the
Noyes Home provides.“What I’ve seen in the last decade, is by far and large the
majority of the kids that we serve are precariously housed, meaning they’re bouncing
from house to house. They don’t have one roof to call theirs,” Howlett says in
an interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We also have a fair number of kids who
are in foster care and they may stay with us for a few days or maybe a couple
of months until they’re able to find a more permanent foster home that’s
available to them.”Howlett says the Noyes Home meets immediate needs as well as
provides long-term care for youth.Howlett says the Noyes Home seeks to serve youth and their
family in a time of need.“Our goal is to provide a safe, warm, welcoming environment to
a child whose family is in crisis.”Howlett says the Noyes Home is a voluntary placement site.“So that means that the parents are able to come in here and
say I need help and Children’s Division doesn’t have to get involved,” Howlett
says. “The state isn’t at risk of taking their children, because they’re making
a safe plan. They’re identifying that they need help.”Howlett says too many people assume the Noyes Home is a sad
place.“And the reality is it’s a really joyful place,” Howlett says.
“We have an amazing staff who truly care about our kids. And while the kids are
going through really hard times, you hear more laughter than you see tears. And
they know that they are loved and that they are safe.”The Noyes Home operates on a $2 million annual budget with a
major fundraiser planned for this month.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690984327137.jpeg" alt="Photo provided by the Noyes Home" />
 <figcaption>Photo provided by the Noyes Home</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent, @680KFEQ, and @StJosephPost.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Noyes-Home-For-Children-providing-care-in-St--Joseph-e27lmpu" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Noyes Home Ex. Dir. seeks to dispel misconceptions

DEKALB COUNTY—Seven people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Impala driven by Harry M. Jenkins, 30, Kansas City, was eastbound on U.S. 36 at Ensign Trace.

The car struck a northbound 2009 Chevy Impala driven by Brianna L. Filley, 19, Cameron in the driver side door.

Cameron ambulance transported Jenkins to Mosaic Life Care. A private vehicle transported three passengers in the 2012 Impala identified as Adam D. Jenkins, 30, Winston; Shawn E. McBee, 50, Corder and Steven M. Pankau, 45. Pattonsburg to Mosaic. 

A private vehicle also transported Filley and two passengers in the 2009 Impala Avery J. Dickerson, 22, Cameron and Kennedy K. Dickerson, 19, Centralia, to Mosaic.

Harry Jenkins, McBee and Pankau were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—Seven people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Impala driven by Harry M. Jenkins, 30, Kansas City, was eastbound on U.S. 36 at Ensign Trace.The car struck a northbound 2009 Chevy Impala driven by Brianna L. Filley, 19, Cameron in the driver side door.Cameron ambulance transported Jenkins to Mosaic Life Care. A private vehicle transported three passengers in the 2012 Impala identified as Adam D. Jenkins, 30, Winston; Shawn E. McBee, 50, Corder and Steven M. Pankau, 45. Pattonsburg to Mosaic. A private vehicle also transported Filley and two passengers in the 2009 Impala Avery J. Dickerson, 22, Cameron and Kennedy K. Dickerson, 19, Centralia, to Mosaic.Harry Jenkins, McBee and Pankau were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Seven hospitalized in St. Joe after 2-vehicle crash

BROWN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 1130a.m. Tuesday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Tanner J..&nbsp; Shobney, 30, Saint Marys, Kansas, was westbound on U.S. 36 just west of U.S. 75.

The semi crossed the center line and struck a 2007&nbsp; Kenworth semi that was legally parked on the shoulder of the highway. The driver&nbsp;Matthew D. Cairns, 47, Batesville, Indiana, was standing outside the vehicle when the accident occurred.

EMS transported Cairns and&nbsp; Shobney to the Sabetha hospital. Shobney was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 1130a.m. Tuesday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Tanner J..&nbsp; Shobney, 30, Saint Marys, Kansas, was westbound on U.S. 36 just west of U.S. 75.The semi crossed the center line and struck a 2007&nbsp; Kenworth semi that was legally parked on the shoulder of the highway. The driver&nbsp;Matthew D. Cairns, 47, Batesville, Indiana, was standing outside the vehicle when the accident occurred.EMS transported Cairns and&nbsp; Shobney to the Sabetha hospital. Shobney was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 semi drivers hospitalized after crash

A former officer of the local plumbers and pipefitters union
has been charged with child molestation, accused both of videoing the victim
and physically assaulting her.

Former Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 45 Business Manager,
Dereck Heineman of St. Joseph, was arraigned Tuesday morning in Buchanan
County Associate Circuit Court with the class B felony of child molestation in
the first degree. Bond has been denied.

In the probable cause statement, a St. Joseph police detective
reports nude photos of the victim were found on Heineman’s phone. Heineman, who
is 43, is alleged to have installed cameras in the bedroom and the bathroom of
the victim, observing the victim for four years, from the time the victim was
eight until the age of 12. The victim told police Heineman would come into her
room and sexually assault her.

An officer with Local 45 confirmed that Heineman is no longer
with the union.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690838730956.jpeg" alt="Dereck Heineman/Buchanan County Sheriff's Dept." />
 <figcaption>Dereck Heineman/Buchanan County Sheriff's Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA former officer of the local plumbers and pipefitters union
has been charged with child molestation, accused both of videoing the victim
and physically assaulting her.Former Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 45 Business Manager,
Dereck Heineman of St. Joseph, was arraigned Tuesday morning in Buchanan
County Associate Circuit Court with the class B felony of child molestation in
the first degree. Bond has been denied.In the probable cause statement, a St. Joseph police detective
reports nude photos of the victim were found on Heineman’s phone. Heineman, who
is 43, is alleged to have installed cameras in the bedroom and the bathroom of
the victim, observing the victim for four years, from the time the victim was
eight until the age of 12. The victim told police Heineman would come into her
room and sexually assault her.An officer with Local 45 confirmed that Heineman is no longer
with the union.You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent, @680KFEQ, AND @StJosephPost.

Former St. Joseph union officer charged with child molestation

Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation begin work repairing the I-229 bridge in downtown St. Joseph today.&nbsp;

Extreme heat caused the asphalt to buckle, forcing MoDOT to close the northbound lane due to unsafe driving conditions. &nbsp;

Assistant District Engineer Troy Slagle says the bridge is constructed with a wearing surface that the heat caused to become unstable.&nbsp;

"And with that sun hitting it, there was nothing to hold it down, and basically when it was expanding from that heat it ended up buckling it and breaking it, actually broke it down one of the joints down the middle of the bridge," Slagle tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;

Repairs on the bridge will begin today. MoDOT will close the southbound lane between the Felix and Charles Street ramps and the U.S. Route 59 (St. Joseph Avenue) ramp to southbound I-229 along with the northbound lane.&nbsp;

Slagle says the damage is across about a 100-foot stretch of road, but once crews are out there's a chance more damage could be found.&nbsp;

"When we start removing it, we'll know more, it might expand, sometimes you're doing the best you can looking at it from above and sounding it and trying to figure out what parts sound and what part isn't," Slagle explains. "But when you actually start sawing and removing, you'll figure it out pretty quick."&nbsp;

Slagle says currently there is not a timeline for how long the repairs will take. &nbsp;

"We'll have to figure out when we get that wearing surface removed and look and see what we've got, what we're dealing with down below, and like I said the length of the damage," Slagle says. "But naturally we're going to have to remove that, get it sand blasted, cleaned, put a bonding agent in there, and then go back with new concrete."&nbsp;

Slagle says once the concrete is settled it will still take some time for it to cure so the repairs will not be quick. All road repairs will be done weather permitting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690905069865.jpeg" alt="The Missouri Department of Transportation closed the northbound lane of the I-229 double decker bridge after extreme heat caused the asphalt on the road to buckle.&nbsp; Repairs on the bridge begin today/ Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>The Missouri Department of Transportation closed the northbound lane of the I-229 double decker bridge after extreme heat caused the asphalt on the road to buckle.&nbsp; Repairs on the bridge begin today/ Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation begin work repairing the I-229 bridge in downtown St. Joseph today.&nbsp;Extreme heat caused the asphalt to buckle, forcing MoDOT to close the northbound lane due to unsafe driving conditions. &nbsp;Assistant District Engineer Troy Slagle says the bridge is constructed with a wearing surface that the heat caused to become unstable.&nbsp;"And with that sun hitting it, there was nothing to hold it down, and basically when it was expanding from that heat it ended up buckling it and breaking it, actually broke it down one of the joints down the middle of the bridge," Slagle tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;Repairs on the bridge will begin today. MoDOT will close the southbound lane between the Felix and Charles Street ramps and the U.S. Route 59 (St. Joseph Avenue) ramp to southbound I-229 along with the northbound lane.&nbsp;Slagle says the damage is across about a 100-foot stretch of road, but once crews are out there's a chance more damage could be found.&nbsp;"When we start removing it, we'll know more, it might expand, sometimes you're doing the best you can looking at it from above and sounding it and trying to figure out what parts sound and what part isn't," Slagle explains. "But when you actually start sawing and removing, you'll figure it out pretty quick."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690905635800.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Slagle says currently there is not a timeline for how long the repairs will take. &nbsp;"We'll have to figure out when we get that wearing surface removed and look and see what we've got, what we're dealing with down below, and like I said the length of the damage," Slagle says. "But naturally we're going to have to remove that, get it sand blasted, cleaned, put a bonding agent in there, and then go back with new concrete."&nbsp;Slagle says once the concrete is settled it will still take some time for it to cure so the repairs will not be quick. All road repairs will be done weather permitting.&nbsp;

Repairs underway on I-229 bridge after extreme heat caused unsafe road conditions

The 2023 Precision Agriculture Dealership Survey shows continued growth in technology to streamline and increase the efficiency of operations, such as in sprayer boom section/nozzle control, turn compensation, fleet management and telemetry. 

These are possible reactions to input costs and skilled worker shortages, according to Purdue University and CropLife America, organizers of the survey. 

The enthusiasm continues for applying crop inputs with drones. 

More dealers will offer drone imagery, but fewer dealers are offering satellite or aerial imagery, and dealers say imagery use is declining on farms. 

On-farm data continues to be used the most for fertilizer-related decisions and for hybrid/variety selection, but in the last few years, dealers have not increased their use of on-farm data for decision-making. 

The survey shows 89 percent of dealers use auto guidance on their application equipment/GPS-guided boom section/nozzle controllers on sprayers, which reduce doubling-up and skips, are used at 82 percent of dealerships, and sprayer turn compensation continues to grow, now at 41 percent.

The 2023 Precision Agriculture Dealership Survey shows continued growth in technology to streamline and increase the efficiency of operations, such as in sprayer boom section/nozzle control, turn compensation, fleet management and telemetry. These are possible reactions to input costs and skilled worker shortages, according to Purdue University and CropLife America, organizers of the survey. The enthusiasm continues for applying crop inputs with drones. More dealers will offer drone imagery, but fewer dealers are offering satellite or aerial imagery, and dealers say imagery use is declining on farms. On-farm data continues to be used the most for fertilizer-related decisions and for hybrid/variety selection, but in the last few years, dealers have not increased their use of on-farm data for decision-making. The survey shows 89 percent of dealers use auto guidance on their application equipment/GPS-guided boom section/nozzle controllers on sprayers, which reduce doubling-up and skips, are used at 82 percent of dealerships, and sprayer turn compensation continues to grow, now at 41 percent.- NAFB

Precision technology growth continues

Senators recently introduced the Farmer to Farmer Education Act. 

Senators Ben Ray Luján, a New Mexico Democrat, and Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, introduced the bill last week. 

The legislation would leverage existing technical assistance resources by supporting farmer-led education networks and build capacity for new ones—particularly for communities historically marginalized from existing systems—as a key strategy to increase adoption of conservation practices. 

As farmers and ranchers are met daily with unique challenges, including unexpected weather, droughts, and floods, they often turn to colleagues to find the right answer. 

The lawmakers say the bill fills a critical gap in federal programs to support and provide guidance to those networks. 

Specifically, the bill would authorize the National Resources Conservation Service to enter into cooperative agreements with community-based organizations in each state that can identify and build on established and burgeoning peer-to-peer networks, and/or create new ones.

Senators recently introduced the Farmer to Farmer Education Act. Senators Ben Ray Luján, a New Mexico Democrat, and Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, introduced the bill last week. The legislation would leverage existing technical assistance resources by supporting farmer-led education networks and build capacity for new ones—particularly for communities historically marginalized from existing systems—as a key strategy to increase adoption of conservation practices. As farmers and ranchers are met daily with unique challenges, including unexpected weather, droughts, and floods, they often turn to colleagues to find the right answer. The lawmakers say the bill fills a critical gap in federal programs to support and provide guidance to those networks. Specifically, the bill would authorize the National Resources Conservation Service to enter into cooperative agreements with community-based organizations in each state that can identify and build on established and burgeoning peer-to-peer networks, and/or create new ones.- NAFB

Farmer to Farmer Education Act introduced in senate

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson says he’s pleased overall with the
legislative session this year, though he acknowledges lawmakers failed to get some
measures across the finish line.

Parson says he wants the state to focus on the workforce of
tomorrow, which led to a $6 million appropriation for Hillyard Technical Center
operated by the St. Joseph School District and $2.5 million to complete the
financing of the Convergent Alliance Technology Center on the Missouri Western
campus.

“A high school kid needs to understand, maybe you’re going to
go to college, maybe you’re not,” Parson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during a
stop in St. Joseph. “Maybe you’re not suited to go there and we need to put
them in other avenues to say, okay, maybe you need to go to a tech school,
maybe you need to go community college, maybe you need to go to some sort of
training. Then maybe college is not going to be the route and we need to be
honest with them and try to get people in the right direction they need to go.”

The technology center will be jointly operated by Missouri
Western State University and North Central Missouri College of Trenton.

Parson says a quality workforce is key to maintaining a strong
state economy.

A quality workforce is one of the keys to the economy,
according to Parson, who adds a lack of quality child care is holing Missouri
back. Parson says state government can play a role in enticing residents to
re-enter the workforce by helping workers secure child care.

“Probably the number one thing that we lose quality work on is
child care, because you’ve got parents out there trying to make the decision do
I stay at home with the child or do I go to work?” Parson says. “And they
should never be in that position.”

Parson sees two big problems with child care:&nbsp; availability and affordability.

Parson is disappointed the legislature failed to pass a child
care tax credit bill pushed by St. Joseph state Representative Brenda Shields,
designed not just to help workers afford child care, but to encourage growth in
the child care industry.

Parson does say he’s pleased the legislature appropriated $150
million toward expanding child care options.

“So, we made one of the largest investments this year in child
care and we’re going to continue to do that. Because, again, we know that keeps
people out of the workforce and that’s the last thing we want to do,” Parson
says. “So, you’re going to see more investments in that. I think we made about
$150 million this year towards that and next year I’m sure we’re going to be trying
to do more on the day care side.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690898317319.jpeg" alt="Gov Mike Parson speaks during a recent meeting at MWSU/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Gov Mike Parson speaks during a recent meeting at MWSU/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Gov. Mike Parson says he’s pleased overall with the
legislative session this year, though he acknowledges lawmakers failed to get some
measures across the finish line.Parson says he wants the state to focus on the workforce of
tomorrow, which led to a $6 million appropriation for Hillyard Technical Center
operated by the St. Joseph School District and $2.5 million to complete the
financing of the Convergent Alliance Technology Center on the Missouri Western
campus.“A high school kid needs to understand, maybe you’re going to
go to college, maybe you’re not,” Parson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during a
stop in St. Joseph. “Maybe you’re not suited to go there and we need to put
them in other avenues to say, okay, maybe you need to go to a tech school,
maybe you need to go community college, maybe you need to go to some sort of
training. Then maybe college is not going to be the route and we need to be
honest with them and try to get people in the right direction they need to go.”The technology center will be jointly operated by Missouri
Western State University and North Central Missouri College of Trenton.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690898411423.jpeg" alt="Gov. Parson talks with a constituent after speaking at MWSU/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Parson talks with a constituent after speaking at MWSU/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Parson says a quality workforce is key to maintaining a strong
state economy.A quality workforce is one of the keys to the economy,
according to Parson, who adds a lack of quality child care is holing Missouri
back. Parson says state government can play a role in enticing residents to
re-enter the workforce by helping workers secure child care.“Probably the number one thing that we lose quality work on is
child care, because you’ve got parents out there trying to make the decision do
I stay at home with the child or do I go to work?” Parson says. “And they
should never be in that position.”Parson sees two big problems with child care:&nbsp; availability and affordability.Parson is disappointed the legislature failed to pass a child
care tax credit bill pushed by St. Joseph state Representative Brenda Shields,
designed not just to help workers afford child care, but to encourage growth in
the child care industry.Parson does say he’s pleased the legislature appropriated $150
million toward expanding child care options.“So, we made one of the largest investments this year in child
care and we’re going to continue to do that. Because, again, we know that keeps
people out of the workforce and that’s the last thing we want to do,” Parson
says. “So, you’re going to see more investments in that. I think we made about
$150 million this year towards that and next year I’m sure we’re going to be trying
to do more on the day care side.”You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent, @680KFEQ, AND @StJosephPost.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Governor-Mike-Parson-on-Missouri-Legislative-Session-e27kc0e" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Gov. Parson says 2 obstacles stand in the way of economic growth

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Harley Davidson Tri-Glide driven by Melissa M. Mcconnaughey, 52, Troy, Kansas, was southbound on Interstate 35 one mile north of Bethany.

The motorcycle lost the rear drivers side wheel. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, crossed the median and northbound lanes, struck a ditch and the driver was ejected.

NTA ambulance transported McConnaughey to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Harley Davidson Tri-Glide driven by Melissa M. Mcconnaughey, 52, Troy, Kansas, was southbound on Interstate 35 one mile north of Bethany.The motorcycle lost the rear drivers side wheel. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, crossed the median and northbound lanes, struck a ditch and the driver was ejected.NTA ambulance transported McConnaughey to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Kansas woman injured after motorcycle lost rear wheel

Nixon, a Democrat, will be ‘ballot integrity director’ for No Labels group seeking 2024 ballot access

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

A national campaign to field a third-party presidential candidate in 2024 enlisted former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon as director of its effort to make the ballot in all 50 states next year.

Nixon, a Democrat who was governor from 2009 to 2017 following 16 years as state attorney general, has generally stayed out of politics since leaving office. He was pushed in 2021 to make a third run for a seat in the U.S. Senate but decided to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/29/jay-nixon-will-not-run-for-missouris-open-u-s-senate-seat-in-2022/">sit out the race</a>&nbsp;to replace retiring Sen. Roy Blunt.

The No Labels organization was founded in 2009 by former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, a one-time Democrat from Connecticut who ended his political career as an independent. The group has advocated for bipartisan solutions and prior to the current effort has not tried to nominate candidates for any office.

National co-chairs include former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory, and Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, a trade association for Black-owned community newspapers.

Nixon will direct the organization’s Ballot Integrity Project. No Labels has gathered over 700,000 signatures and qualified for the ballot in five states, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nolabels.org/former-missouri-governor-and-attorney-general-jay-nixon-joins-no-labels-to-protect-the-constitutional-right-of-americans-to-choose-their-leaders">news release</a>&nbsp;announcing Nixon’s new role states.&nbsp;

No Labels needs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=115.315&amp;bid=6085&amp;hl=">10,000 signatures</a>&nbsp;from registered voters, submitted no later than July 29, 2024, to make the 2024 ballot in Missouri.

“Americans have the constitutional right to put any person or party on the ballot and to vote for whomever they want,” Nixon said in a news release. “Anyone who is against that isn’t standing up for democracy. They are standing in the way.”

Nixon did not respond to messages seeking comment.

After leaving office, Nixon became a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dowdbennett.com/attorneys/jeremiah-w-jay-nixon/">partner in the Dowd Bennet law firm</a>.

No Labels created the position for Nixon because of increasing efforts to block the new party from accessing state ballots, the news release said.

In Arizona,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/30/politics/arizona-democrats-sue-no-labels/index.html">Democrats are suing</a>&nbsp;to keep No Labels off that state’s ballot and in Maine, the secretary of state accused No Labels of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/no-labels-third-party-maine-misleading-voters-rcna87720">misleading voters</a>&nbsp;with their signature push.

Starting a new party, or chasing the presidency via third party effort, has been almost universally unsuccessful in American politics.

“No Labels is a movement dedicated to democracy, and democracy can’t stop because the powers that be think it’s ‘dangerous’ to have competition,” Chavis said in the news release announcing Nixon’s role..

The Republican Party was considered a third party when Abraham Lincoln won the 1860 election and that victory is viewed as the only time a third party has put its candidate in the White House. The second-best showing by a third party presidential candidate came in 1912, when Theodore Roosevelt, running on the Progressive Party ticket, ran second to Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson with incumbent Republican President William Howard Taft running third.

No third-party candidate has won any electoral votes since 1968, when segregationist Alabama Gov. George Wallace carried several southern states running on the American Independent Party label.

The best recent popular vote showing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_party_and_independent_candidates_for_the_2016_United_States_presidential_election">by a third party</a>&nbsp;was the 3.28% received by Libertarian Party nominee William Weld, a former Republican governor of Massachusetts, in the 2016 election. The most recent third party presidential candidate to exceed 10% of the vote was Ross Perot, who polled 19% in the 1992 election.

Leaders of the No Labels organization have said their polling shows there is a path to electoral college victory in 2024. The party will do polling in early 2024 to determine if that path still exists prior to gathering in Dallas.

“No Labels will gauge the mood of the American public and their openness to an independent Unity ticket and will offer our ballot line to a ticket if and only if such a ticket has a viable path to victory in the 2024 presidential election,” the news release announcing Nixon’s appointment stated.

No Labels believes it can attract moderate voters put off by the extremes dominating the two major parties. A recent town hall meeting in New Hampshire was headlined by Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and former Republican Gov. John Huntsman of Utah, raising speculation that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/17/politics/joe-manchin-no-labels-new-hampshire/index.html">they could be the No Labels ticket</a>&nbsp;for 2024.

That path likely closes if the Republican Party does not nominate former President Donald Trump, a No Labels leader said recently.

“From the polling and modeling that we see today, if it’s any Republican other than Trump, those voters probably” back the GOP nominee, Ryan Clancy, chief strategist for No Labels, said during a recent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/13/no-labels-presidential-bid-trump-out-00101168">Zoom interview with Politico</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690849520921.png" alt="Nixon-photo courtesy National Governor's Association" />
 <figcaption>Nixon-photo courtesy National Governor's Association</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Nixon, a Democrat, will be ‘ballot integrity director’ for No Labels group seeking 2024 ballot access</h2>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A national campaign to field a third-party presidential candidate in 2024 enlisted former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon as director of its effort to make the ballot in all 50 states next year.Nixon, a Democrat who was governor from 2009 to 2017 following 16 years as state attorney general, has generally stayed out of politics since leaving office. He was pushed in 2021 to make a third run for a seat in the U.S. Senate but decided to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/29/jay-nixon-will-not-run-for-missouris-open-u-s-senate-seat-in-2022/">sit out the race</a>&nbsp;to replace retiring Sen. Roy Blunt.The No Labels organization was founded in 2009 by former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, a one-time Democrat from Connecticut who ended his political career as an independent. The group has advocated for bipartisan solutions and prior to the current effort has not tried to nominate candidates for any office.National co-chairs include former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory, and Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, a trade association for Black-owned community newspapers.Nixon will direct the organization’s Ballot Integrity Project. No Labels has gathered over 700,000 signatures and qualified for the ballot in five states, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nolabels.org/former-missouri-governor-and-attorney-general-jay-nixon-joins-no-labels-to-protect-the-constitutional-right-of-americans-to-choose-their-leaders">news release</a>&nbsp;announcing Nixon’s new role states.&nbsp;No Labels needs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=115.315&amp;bid=6085&amp;hl=">10,000 signatures</a>&nbsp;from registered voters, submitted no later than July 29, 2024, to make the 2024 ballot in Missouri.“Americans have the constitutional right to put any person or party on the ballot and to vote for whomever they want,” Nixon said in a news release. “Anyone who is against that isn’t standing up for democracy. They are standing in the way.”Nixon did not respond to messages seeking comment.After leaving office, Nixon became a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dowdbennett.com/attorneys/jeremiah-w-jay-nixon/">partner in the Dowd Bennet law firm</a>.No Labels created the position for Nixon because of increasing efforts to block the new party from accessing state ballots, the news release said.In Arizona,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/30/politics/arizona-democrats-sue-no-labels/index.html">Democrats are suing</a>&nbsp;to keep No Labels off that state’s ballot and in Maine, the secretary of state accused No Labels of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/no-labels-third-party-maine-misleading-voters-rcna87720">misleading voters</a>&nbsp;with their signature push.Starting a new party, or chasing the presidency via third party effort, has been almost universally unsuccessful in American politics.“No Labels is a movement dedicated to democracy, and democracy can’t stop because the powers that be think it’s ‘dangerous’ to have competition,” Chavis said in the news release announcing Nixon’s role..The Republican Party was considered a third party when Abraham Lincoln won the 1860 election and that victory is viewed as the only time a third party has put its candidate in the White House. The second-best showing by a third party presidential candidate came in 1912, when Theodore Roosevelt, running on the Progressive Party ticket, ran second to Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson with incumbent Republican President William Howard Taft running third.No third-party candidate has won any electoral votes since 1968, when segregationist Alabama Gov. George Wallace carried several southern states running on the American Independent Party label.The best recent popular vote showing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_party_and_independent_candidates_for_the_2016_United_States_presidential_election">by a third party</a>&nbsp;was the 3.28% received by Libertarian Party nominee William Weld, a former Republican governor of Massachusetts, in the 2016 election. The most recent third party presidential candidate to exceed 10% of the vote was Ross Perot, who polled 19% in the 1992 election.Leaders of the No Labels organization have said their polling shows there is a path to electoral college victory in 2024. The party will do polling in early 2024 to determine if that path still exists prior to gathering in Dallas.“No Labels will gauge the mood of the American public and their openness to an independent Unity ticket and will offer our ballot line to a ticket if and only if such a ticket has a viable path to victory in the 2024 presidential election,” the news release announcing Nixon’s appointment stated.No Labels believes it can attract moderate voters put off by the extremes dominating the two major parties. A recent town hall meeting in New Hampshire was headlined by Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and former Republican Gov. John Huntsman of Utah, raising speculation that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/17/politics/joe-manchin-no-labels-new-hampshire/index.html">they could be the No Labels ticket</a>&nbsp;for 2024.That path likely closes if the Republican Party does not nominate former President Donald Trump, a No Labels leader said recently.“From the polling and modeling that we see today, if it’s any Republican other than Trump, those voters probably” back the GOP nominee, Ryan Clancy, chief strategist for No Labels, said during a recent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/13/no-labels-presidential-bid-trump-out-00101168">Zoom interview with Politico</a>.

Former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon enlists in effort to build new political force

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 GMC Sierra driven by Ronald G. Dane, 75, Yukon, Oklahoma, was westbound on U.S. 36 seven miles east of Stewartsville.

The driver fell asleep.&nbsp; The pickup traveled off the south side of the road, through the median, struck the embankment several time and then crossed the median crossover.

DeKalb-Clinton County EMS transported Dane to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 GMC Sierra driven by Ronald G. Dane, 75, Yukon, Oklahoma, was westbound on U.S. 36 seven miles east of Stewartsville.The driver fell asleep.&nbsp; The pickup traveled off the south side of the road, through the median, struck the embankment several time and then crossed the median crossover.DeKalb-Clinton County EMS transported Dane to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Pickup crashed after driver fell asleep in DeKalb County 

A long running shoe distribution program held by AFL-CIO Community Services in St. Joseph is behind in donations from years past. 

The Soles 4 Christ shoe distribution event isn't until August 8th, but Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says even a week before the event donations are lagging. 

"Usually by this time we have about 750 to 800 pairs of shoes donated and right now we're sitting right around 450 pairs of shoes, so we are really behind on donations so far this year," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Not quite sure why, you never know, you just never know how things are going to roll out or why they are the way they are so questioning those things is usually a fool's errand." 

Seckinger says while they need shoes of all sizes, there are some sizes that go quicker than others during the distribution.  

"Sizes from kids' size 10 through adult size eight in both boys and girls' shoes, we go through those quicker than quick, some of our bigger sizes it takes a little bit longer for us to go through those," Seckinger says. "I can't really give you any one or two sizes we run out faster than the other, and it changes every year." 

Tennis shoes can be donated for the distribution up until Friday August 4th, but if needed Community Services will take them up until the day of the event.  

The shoe distribution even will be held August 8th and 9th from 9am to 7pm at the Scottish Rite Temple in St. Joseph. 

Seckinger says many volunteers have already signed up to help with the event, but there's still more needed to do various jobs 

"We do still have slots available for people to volunteer, and there's a lot of things volunteers can do," Seckinger explains. "They can help with crowd control, they can help register families, they can actually help the kids try on shoes and the fitting of the shoes,"  

There are also volunteer opportunities in the storage room at the event, running and getting different pairs of shoes for kids to try on. 

Seckinger says the event for volunteers spans four days with a set up day the day before the event and a tear down day the day after.   

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A long running shoe distribution program held by AFL-CIO Community Services in St. Joseph is behind in donations from years past. The Soles 4 Christ shoe distribution event isn't until August 8th, but Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says even a week before the event donations are lagging. "Usually by this time we have about 750 to 800 pairs of shoes donated and right now we're sitting right around 450 pairs of shoes, so we are really behind on donations so far this year," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Not quite sure why, you never know, you just never know how things are going to roll out or why they are the way they are so questioning those things is usually a fool's errand." Seckinger says while they need shoes of all sizes, there are some sizes that go quicker than others during the distribution. "Sizes from kids' size 10 through adult size eight in both boys and girls' shoes, we go through those quicker than quick, some of our bigger sizes it takes a little bit longer for us to go through those," Seckinger says. "I can't really give you any one or two sizes we run out faster than the other, and it changes every year." Tennis shoes can be donated for the distribution up until Friday August 4th, but if needed Community Services will take them up until the day of the event. The shoe distribution even will be held August 8th and 9th from 9am to 7pm at the Scottish Rite Temple in St. Joseph. Seckinger says many volunteers have already signed up to help with the event, but there's still more needed to do various jobs "We do still have slots available for people to volunteer, and there's a lot of things volunteers can do," Seckinger explains. "They can help with crowd control, they can help register families, they can actually help the kids try on shoes and the fitting of the shoes," There are also volunteer opportunities in the storage room at the event, running and getting different pairs of shoes for kids to try on. Seckinger says the event for volunteers spans four days with a set up day the day before the event and a tear down day the day after. <div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Soles-4-Christ-providing-shoes-to-children-e27j4u5" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Donations lagging for annual shoe distribution 

Gov. Mike Parson says he vetoed the money to study whether U.S.
Highway 36 should become I-72, because the proper groundwork hasn’t been laid
yet.

Parson used his line-item veto pen to scratch out a $2.5 million
appropriation to study the feasibility of turning Highway 36 into an
interstate.

“Before you do the study, we got to make sure we’re even prepared
to do that,” Parson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview. “Do we have the
land to do it? Is the environmental (study) , where’s it at? You’ve got to look
at overpasses and getting on people’s property. So, there’s a lot of things
going into that. What you don’t want to do is spend $2.5 million on a study and
five years, seven years from now, it’s obsolete.”

Parson says lawmakers added between $600-to-700 million worth
of transportation projects at the end of the legislative session. Parson says
he had to consider whether projects would benefit the state as a whole.

Parson says it would do no good to study an idea without being
ready to move forward.

“So, there’s a lot of moving parts to that,” Parson says. “I
mean the idea, look, we’re not opposed to building more roads. I think I’ve
proven that. But, you know, you’ve got to think if you’re going to put an
interstate in, how is that going to take place? Do you have the land to do it
number one and do you have all the things in place to do that? Frankly, we didn’t
think it was ready for that at this point, not that I oppose the idea.”

Parson says lawmakers saw a large budget and began adding pet
projects to it.

“In my particular case, you have to weigh that out and say,
look, what are the priorities of the state and how do we afford to continue to do
what we’re doing in the future,” according to Parson.

Parson says he’s not opposed to the idea of creating I-72
across northern Missouri.

“It’s not a question we didn’t like the idea, it’s probably
the timing’s off and then it needs to go through a process to make sure (the
money) is available to do that.”

Parson vetoed approximately $550 million in spending while
signing the $50 billion state budget.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690821883971.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostGov. Mike Parson says he vetoed the money to study whether U.S.
Highway 36 should become I-72, because the proper groundwork hasn’t been laid
yet.Parson used his line-item veto pen to scratch out a $2.5 million
appropriation to study the feasibility of turning Highway 36 into an
interstate.“Before you do the study, we got to make sure we’re even prepared
to do that,” Parson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview. “Do we have the
land to do it? Is the environmental (study) , where’s it at? You’ve got to look
at overpasses and getting on people’s property. So, there’s a lot of things
going into that. What you don’t want to do is spend $2.5 million on a study and
five years, seven years from now, it’s obsolete.”Parson says lawmakers added between $600-to-700 million worth
of transportation projects at the end of the legislative session. Parson says
he had to consider whether projects would benefit the state as a whole.Parson says it would do no good to study an idea without being
ready to move forward.“So, there’s a lot of moving parts to that,” Parson says. “I
mean the idea, look, we’re not opposed to building more roads. I think I’ve
proven that. But, you know, you’ve got to think if you’re going to put an
interstate in, how is that going to take place? Do you have the land to do it
number one and do you have all the things in place to do that? Frankly, we didn’t
think it was ready for that at this point, not that I oppose the idea.”Parson says lawmakers saw a large budget and began adding pet
projects to it.“In my particular case, you have to weigh that out and say,
look, what are the priorities of the state and how do we afford to continue to do
what we’re doing in the future,” according to Parson.Parson says he’s not opposed to the idea of creating I-72
across northern Missouri.“It’s not a question we didn’t like the idea, it’s probably
the timing’s off and then it needs to go through a process to make sure (the
money) is available to do that.”Parson vetoed approximately $550 million in spending while
signing the $50 billion state budget.

Gov. Parson says groundwork needed before HW 36 becomes I-72

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– Reps. Jake LaTurner (R-KS) and Yadira Caraveo, M.D. (D-CO) introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDux8Q-D5Gd5wjqYJZiAqEtUjNQ7rR7XWe20_7I-eCVYL9VohtkhgJDmjU8TxNN-hhOSX7CkKNDVfGdW8C9TSoNxSqftcfEuv6dUjuQ_Dm8NlkJGhj9CadLSqpJ1-47loSIjIwVZnwnOb3F4KuaIYWUWkfJUr5CgIxmzv3ix6Y12JRG4lmBE_kRDnpKnnzo0aBxeyVBsXfpfkWm-N0ARx-0RyVSO36JIG_kOrHEDgkGN5lX4Crw68IIaQ==&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">a bipartisan bill</a>&nbsp;Thursday that will help&nbsp;family farmers and ranchers fight drought.

The&nbsp;Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act&nbsp;gives farmers and ranchers the flexibility they need to protect groundwater sources while also keeping their agricultural lands in production under a new voluntary groundwater easement program at the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) within the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDu2szG0UzImqjFvrM69sG4_Hkqwr3kU_jHVH0LGFOMMcJK4DXRClBK1iaeUFscStvYHuI10M8GRyWn9X2YBFrMZ0t3jbaiv5dgxlDbdk685ht5drpxVvKW0gYXUeufblsAs3U96Za5F8zNUaA_mctIGHWjSRzbKdYo1UPdIADE6LmQrP1Gi8GQSQ==&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">Agricultural Conservation Easements Program.</a>

"Declining groundwater supply is a growing concern for our rural communities. As farmers and ranchers across Kansas continue to face historic drought, it's more important than ever that we work to conserve our state's water supply for generations to come," said LaTurner.

"I'm proud to partner with Rep. Caraveo to introduce the Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act to provide agriculture producers with the resources they need to help reduce groundwater use, conserve our natural resources, and keep their land in production."

“We in the West understand just how precious a resource our water is. That’s especially true in many rural communities, which rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water, and as irrigation supply for farmers and ranchers,” said&nbsp; Caraveo.

America’s groundwater resources are a primary source of drinking water for rural communities and a vital irrigation water supply for many family farms and ranches across the country. However, these resources are in decline — a trend that could seriously affect communities, water users, ecosystem health and local economies.

The&nbsp;Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act&nbsp;would:&nbsp;

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.)&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDu0kKB4lTDaUo5BD8fuZ93PoVBqu0uVnjVmqBWYucyVRS9zh8cAbvROD5E_KHl6tAuYz0SHAv281zpFK6ndOwUC_itRIC5KsJYbDrh6jn5n3sWyFB7rhCxNTXpmJR6sART3oKEFZfsgN6fdL5UgvUaoKcxctG9TG4TIlLfq0AEkT8V68-BWEuOD8NyHHRhayH6&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act&nbsp;in the Senate&nbsp;earlier this month.

Full text of the bill is available&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDux8Q-D5Gd5wjqYJZiAqEtUjNQ7rR7XWe20_7I-eCVYL9VohtkhgJDmjU8TxNN-hhOSX7CkKNDVfGdW8C9TSoNxSqftcfEuv6dUjuQ_Dm8NlkJGhj9CadLSqpJ1-47loSIjIwVZnwnOb3F4KuaIYWUWkfJUr5CgIxmzv3ix6Y12JRG4lmBE_kRDnpKnnzo0aBxeyVBsXfpfkWm-N0ARx-0RyVSO36JIG_kOrHEDgkGN5lX4Crw68IIaQ==&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684858055085.jpeg" alt="U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-KS, 2nd District" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-KS, 2nd District</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Rep. LaTurnerWASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– Reps. Jake LaTurner (R-KS) and Yadira Caraveo, M.D. (D-CO) introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDux8Q-D5Gd5wjqYJZiAqEtUjNQ7rR7XWe20_7I-eCVYL9VohtkhgJDmjU8TxNN-hhOSX7CkKNDVfGdW8C9TSoNxSqftcfEuv6dUjuQ_Dm8NlkJGhj9CadLSqpJ1-47loSIjIwVZnwnOb3F4KuaIYWUWkfJUr5CgIxmzv3ix6Y12JRG4lmBE_kRDnpKnnzo0aBxeyVBsXfpfkWm-N0ARx-0RyVSO36JIG_kOrHEDgkGN5lX4Crw68IIaQ==&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">a bipartisan bill</a>&nbsp;Thursday that will help&nbsp;family farmers and ranchers fight drought. The&nbsp;Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act&nbsp;gives farmers and ranchers the flexibility they need to protect groundwater sources while also keeping their agricultural lands in production under a new voluntary groundwater easement program at the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) within the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDu2szG0UzImqjFvrM69sG4_Hkqwr3kU_jHVH0LGFOMMcJK4DXRClBK1iaeUFscStvYHuI10M8GRyWn9X2YBFrMZ0t3jbaiv5dgxlDbdk685ht5drpxVvKW0gYXUeufblsAs3U96Za5F8zNUaA_mctIGHWjSRzbKdYo1UPdIADE6LmQrP1Gi8GQSQ==&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">Agricultural Conservation Easements Program.</a> "Declining groundwater supply is a growing concern for our rural communities. As farmers and ranchers across Kansas continue to face historic drought, it's more important than ever that we work to conserve our state's water supply for generations to come," said LaTurner."I'm proud to partner with Rep. Caraveo to introduce the Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act to provide agriculture producers with the resources they need to help reduce groundwater use, conserve our natural resources, and keep their land in production."“We in the West understand just how precious a resource our water is. That’s especially true in many rural communities, which rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water, and as irrigation supply for farmers and ranchers,” said&nbsp; Caraveo.America’s groundwater resources are a primary source of drinking water for rural communities and a vital irrigation water supply for many family farms and ranches across the country. However, these resources are in decline — a trend that could seriously affect communities, water users, ecosystem health and local economies.The&nbsp;Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act&nbsp;would:&nbsp; <ol>
 <li>Create a new Groundwater Conservation Easement Program at USDA to encourage voluntary, compensated reductions in groundwater consumption on agricultural land and advance local, regional, or state groundwater management goals;</li><li>Allow NRCS to reimburse transaction costs up to 5 percent of the federal share and requires an advance payment for limited resource producers to cover these costs;</li><li>Guarantee long-term management flexibility for a producer to continue farming and choose how they reduce their water use, as long as they conserve the amount they’ve committed to reducing each year;</li><li>Ensure that farmers are fairly compensated using a payment based on the market value for the water right instead of a per acre payment; and</li><li>Clarify that easement funds shall not be counted towards a farm’s adjusted gross income and that producers with an adjusted gross income of more than $900,000 are eligible for a waiver from the Secretary to participate in groundwater conservation easements.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.)&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDu0kKB4lTDaUo5BD8fuZ93PoVBqu0uVnjVmqBWYucyVRS9zh8cAbvROD5E_KHl6tAuYz0SHAv281zpFK6ndOwUC_itRIC5KsJYbDrh6jn5n3sWyFB7rhCxNTXpmJR6sART3oKEFZfsgN6fdL5UgvUaoKcxctG9TG4TIlLfq0AEkT8V68-BWEuOD8NyHHRhayH6&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">introduced</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act&nbsp;in the Senate&nbsp;earlier this month. Full text of the bill is available&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011SLYJ9ABCDxg6BUiHGPGP5cUkkqtOpXgma-kZ1I6BHEwQV_bf6uo6G-x0ArqBXDux8Q-D5Gd5wjqYJZiAqEtUjNQ7rR7XWe20_7I-eCVYL9VohtkhgJDmjU8TxNN-hhOSX7CkKNDVfGdW8C9TSoNxSqftcfEuv6dUjuQ_Dm8NlkJGhj9CadLSqpJ1-47loSIjIwVZnwnOb3F4KuaIYWUWkfJUr5CgIxmzv3ix6Y12JRG4lmBE_kRDnpKnnzo0aBxeyVBsXfpfkWm-N0ARx-0RyVSO36JIG_kOrHEDgkGN5lX4Crw68IIaQ==&amp;c=RHt9dJ_vS3tQrOnLdVYe01c-BmyxTkj9cD0Jpw3Ro7kCQqbfjNQwAQ==&amp;ch=nB6GgIT9vtqVeaP3EPqk7tlbixGyKGH5C61DfKxl_RZhbtRxlh2K2g==" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

Rep. LaTurner intros bill to help farmers, ranchers combat drought

CLAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 6a.m. Monday in Clay County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Dodge Charger driven by Trevor J. Chaffee, 22, Platte City, was northbound on Salem Road just north of NE 142 Terrace.

The driver lost control on the wet road. The car traveled off the right side of the road, struck a sign, a tree and a guardrail.

EMS transported Chaffee and a passenger Joshua D. Hyatt, 38, Rayville, to Liberty Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 6a.m. Monday in Clay County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Dodge Charger driven by Trevor J. Chaffee, 22, Platte City, was northbound on Salem Road just north of NE 142 Terrace.The driver lost control on the wet road. The car traveled off the right side of the road, struck a sign, a tree and a guardrail.EMS transported Chaffee and a passenger Joshua D. Hyatt, 38, Rayville, to Liberty Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 Missouri men injured after car strikes tree, guardrail

Tragedy struck Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph.

Mosaic Life Care reports a fan died during the Sunday morning practice
at Missouri Western State University.

Mosaic released a written statement, “We are devastated to
share that one of the Kansas City Chiefs beloved fans, Jessica Tangen of
Riverside, Mo., passed away Sunday morning during practice at Chiefs Training
Camp.”

Mosaic provided no details. No cause of death has been given.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690765196943.jpeg" alt="Pictured in photo (l-r): Jessica Tangen, daughter Kyla and mother, Lee/Photo provided by Mosaic Life Care" />
 <figcaption>Pictured in photo (l-r): Jessica Tangen, daughter Kyla and mother, Lee/Photo provided by Mosaic Life Care</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTragedy struck Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph.Mosaic Life Care reports a fan died during the Sunday morning practice
at Missouri Western State University.Mosaic released a written statement, “We are devastated to
share that one of the Kansas City Chiefs beloved fans, Jessica Tangen of
Riverside, Mo., passed away Sunday morning during practice at Chiefs Training
Camp.”Mosaic provided no details. No cause of death has been given.Mosaic stated its caregivers and emergency department caregivers
responded. Mosaic thanked Buchanan County EMS and Missouri Western staff for
reacting swiftly to the situation.“Jessica’s family shared that she was a lifelong Chiefs fan
and loved cheering for the team. Please join us in lifting up the grieving
family with your thoughts and prayers. No additional details will be released,”
Mosaic concluded in its statement.