Work progresses on just what improvements will be made to Krug
Park with the $12 million designated toward it from the voter-approved park
sales tax.

St. Joseph city officials held a public hearing last week to
gather input.

Assistant Parks Director Jeff Atkins says nothing members of
the public told officials really surprised them.

“But primarily I think the biggest concern, if we add them all
together, I think people are just wanting to make sure that we take care of what’s
there and preserve that the best we can,” Atkins tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Atkins says most want the city to make sure Krug Park remains
family-friendly, which is how Atkins envisions Krug Park.

“I just see the park being used as a place for families to
gather,” Atkins says. “That’s kind of our goal for all our parks, even in the
sports aspects of it; it’s families.”

The actual total the city has to spend on Krug is $13 million
when money from the Capital Improvement Program sales tax is added.

Structural problems have emerged with the castle. The
structural integrity of the tunnel, built in the 40s, needs to be evaluated.

“And, sadly, a lot of that money is going to be almost hidden
money,” Atkins says. “We could theoretically go up there and spend $2 or $3
million on the castle and when we get done it might not look much different
than it looks today.”

Yet, it appears that is what St. Joseph residents want. Atkins
says citizens have told the city to make sure to take care of what St. Joseph
has before considering additions.

“The money is going to be well spent, but it’s not all going
to be spent on new shiny things,” Atkins says. “It just can’t. We can’t neglect
what’s there just to get something new and shiny.”

Atkins says when he came up through the Parks Department
maintenance crew, he saw first-hand the deterioration of Krug Park due to a
lack of money.

“Finally having money to address that is just wonderful,”
Atkins says. “And hopefully at the same time to, we will be able to, if we don’t
put new things, hopefully we’ll be able to upgrade the current facilities enough
that it will make a huge difference to the public.”

A consulting firm will present conceptual drawings at a meeting
tentatively scheduled for September. Atkins says the city hopes to make a final
presentation to the city council at the end of the year.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690300423744.jpeg" alt="Krug Park Castle/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Krug Park Castle/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWork progresses on just what improvements will be made to Krug
Park with the $12 million designated toward it from the voter-approved park
sales tax.St. Joseph city officials held a public hearing last week to
gather input.Assistant Parks Director Jeff Atkins says nothing members of
the public told officials really surprised them.“But primarily I think the biggest concern, if we add them all
together, I think people are just wanting to make sure that we take care of what’s
there and preserve that the best we can,” Atkins tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Atkins says most want the city to make sure Krug Park remains
family-friendly, which is how Atkins envisions Krug Park.“I just see the park being used as a place for families to
gather,” Atkins says. “That’s kind of our goal for all our parks, even in the
sports aspects of it; it’s families.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690300645997.jpeg" alt="The tunnel at Krug Park/Phot by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>The tunnel at Krug Park/Phot by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The actual total the city has to spend on Krug is $13 million
when money from the Capital Improvement Program sales tax is added.Structural problems have emerged with the castle. The
structural integrity of the tunnel, built in the 40s, needs to be evaluated.“And, sadly, a lot of that money is going to be almost hidden
money,” Atkins says. “We could theoretically go up there and spend $2 or $3
million on the castle and when we get done it might not look much different
than it looks today.”Yet, it appears that is what St. Joseph residents want. Atkins
says citizens have told the city to make sure to take care of what St. Joseph
has before considering additions.“The money is going to be well spent, but it’s not all going
to be spent on new shiny things,” Atkins says. “It just can’t. We can’t neglect
what’s there just to get something new and shiny.”Atkins says when he came up through the Parks Department
maintenance crew, he saw first-hand the deterioration of Krug Park due to a
lack of money.“Finally having money to address that is just wonderful,”
Atkins says. “And hopefully at the same time to, we will be able to, if we don’t
put new things, hopefully we’ll be able to upgrade the current facilities enough
that it will make a huge difference to the public.”A consulting firm will present conceptual drawings at a meeting
tentatively scheduled for September. Atkins says the city hopes to make a final
presentation to the city council at the end of the year.You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent, @680KFEQ, and @StJosephPost.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Improvements-for-Krug-Park-still-under-discussion-e27c8aa" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Input crucial in future of St. Joseph's Krug Park

California accounts for nearly all renewable diesel consumption in the United States, according to data released last week by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. 

California's consumption of renewable diesel was more than eight times the amount produced there in 2021. 

Instead, most of California’s renewable diesel was produced in other states or was imported. California’s renewable diesel consumption grew substantially after its Low Carbon Fuel Standard went into effect in 2011. 

Between 2011 and 2021, consumption grew from one million barrels to 28 million barrels per year, over 18 times its original volume. Six states—Louisiana, North Dakota, California, Wyoming, Washington, and Kansas—accounted for all renewable diesel production in the United States in 2021. 

Many of the plants in the other states have exclusive agreements to send all of the renewable diesel they produce to distributors in California. U.S. renewable diesel production capacity could more than double by 2025, boosting domestic production.

California accounts for nearly all renewable diesel consumption in the United States, according to data released last week by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. California's consumption of renewable diesel was more than eight times the amount produced there in 2021. Instead, most of California’s renewable diesel was produced in other states or was imported. California’s renewable diesel consumption grew substantially after its Low Carbon Fuel Standard went into effect in 2011. Between 2011 and 2021, consumption grew from one million barrels to 28 million barrels per year, over 18 times its original volume. Six states—Louisiana, North Dakota, California, Wyoming, Washington, and Kansas—accounted for all renewable diesel production in the United States in 2021. Many of the plants in the other states have exclusive agreements to send all of the renewable diesel they produce to distributors in California. U.S. renewable diesel production capacity could more than double by 2025, boosting domestic production.- NAFB

California consumes nearly all U.S. renewable diesel

A group of lawmakers last week introduced legislation to exclude reporting of routine emissions from livestock farms to state and local emergency response authorities. 

The National Pork Producers Council supports the legislation. Pork producers and other livestock industries have engaged with federal and state regulators for decades over permitting and reporting of air emissions. 

This engagement has included both the air consent agreements that many producers signed, exempting them from having to file emergency reports to first responders. 

In 2018, Congress permanently exempted livestock farmers from having to report emissions under the Superfund law to the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Response Center. At the same time, EPA exempted those same farms from making similar reports to state and local first responders. 

Following litigation, the Biden Administration agreed to re-open that rulemaking to reconsider the exemption from the emergency release reporting rule. 

The new legislation would clarify that the 2018 Farms Act, and EPA’s prior regulations, were correct and that livestock farms should not be required to inundate local fire departments with emission reports.

A group of lawmakers last week introduced legislation to exclude reporting of routine emissions from livestock farms to state and local emergency response authorities. The National Pork Producers Council supports the legislation. Pork producers and other livestock industries have engaged with federal and state regulators for decades over permitting and reporting of air emissions. This engagement has included both the air consent agreements that many producers signed, exempting them from having to file emergency reports to first responders. In 2018, Congress permanently exempted livestock farmers from having to report emissions under the Superfund law to the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Response Center. At the same time, EPA exempted those same farms from making similar reports to state and local first responders. Following litigation, the Biden Administration agreed to re-open that rulemaking to reconsider the exemption from the emergency release reporting rule. The new legislation would clarify that the 2018 Farms Act, and EPA’s prior regulations, were correct and that livestock farms should not be required to inundate local fire departments with emission reports.- NAFB

Legislation would exempt farms from emission reporting

By JASON HANCOCK <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek may have to fend off at least two of his fellow Republicans in the GOP primary next year, after another state legislator joined the race on Monday.&nbsp;

Malek, who was appointed treasurer by Gov. Mike Parson in January, was already facing a primary challenge by state Rep. Cody Smith, a Carthage Republican and chairman of the powerful House budget committee.&nbsp;

Smith officially launched his campaign earlier this month, though he signaled his intentions in April by filing paperwork with the state ethics commission declaring he would run for treasurer.

On Monday, state Sen. Andrew Koenig joined the race, kicking off his candidacy with a fundraiser in St. Louis. He told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he is running because “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/st-louis-county-senator-joins-race-for-state-treasurer/article_533d2fc4-2a39-11ee-9765-2f0386d9ecf8.html">we need conservatives up and down the state ticket</a>.”

The treasurer’s office was vacated by Scott Fitzpatrick last year after he was elected state auditor.&nbsp;

Since taking office, Malek has post huge fundraising totals — especially for a first-time candidate.&nbsp;

Between his candidate committee and an independent PAC created to boost his campaign, Malek reported roughly $2 million cash on hand this month. He recently launched a TV ad introducing him to voters by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/MalekVivek/status/1682384804208160769">highlighting his journey from India to America</a>.&nbsp;

“There’s a lot that divides us,” Malek says in the ad. “But the one thing that unites us all is our love for this great country.”

Smith reported this month roughly $300,000 cash on hand between his campaign and supporting PAC. Koenig had around $80,000.&nbsp;

Lucas Johnson, a business owner from St. Louis County, is running in the race as a Democrat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690281166769.png" alt=" Vivek Malek speaks Dec. 20 after being announced as the next Missouri State Treasurer by Gov. Mike Parson (Photo courtesy Missouri Governor’s Office)." />
 <figcaption> Vivek Malek speaks Dec. 20 after being announced as the next Missouri State Treasurer by Gov. Mike Parson (Photo courtesy Missouri Governor’s Office).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON HANCOCK <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek may have to fend off at least two of his fellow Republicans in the GOP primary next year, after another state legislator joined the race on Monday.&nbsp;Malek, who was appointed treasurer by Gov. Mike Parson in January, was already facing a primary challenge by state Rep. Cody Smith, a Carthage Republican and chairman of the powerful House budget committee.&nbsp;Smith officially launched his campaign earlier this month, though he signaled his intentions in April by filing paperwork with the state ethics commission declaring he would run for treasurer.On Monday, state Sen. Andrew Koenig joined the race, kicking off his candidacy with a fundraiser in St. Louis. He told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he is running because “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/st-louis-county-senator-joins-race-for-state-treasurer/article_533d2fc4-2a39-11ee-9765-2f0386d9ecf8.html">we need conservatives up and down the state ticket</a>.”The treasurer’s office was vacated by Scott Fitzpatrick last year after he was elected state auditor.&nbsp;Since taking office, Malek has post huge fundraising totals — especially for a first-time candidate.&nbsp;Between his candidate committee and an independent PAC created to boost his campaign, Malek reported roughly $2 million cash on hand this month. He recently launched a TV ad introducing him to voters by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/MalekVivek/status/1682384804208160769">highlighting his journey from India to America</a>.&nbsp;“There’s a lot that divides us,” Malek says in the ad. “But the one thing that unites us all is our love for this great country.”Smith reported this month roughly $300,000 cash on hand between his campaign and supporting PAC. Koenig had around $80,000.&nbsp;Lucas Johnson, a business owner from St. Louis County, is running in the race as a Democrat.

GOP primary for Missouri treasurer now a three-way race

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Monday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Durango driven by Stephanie M. Robbins, 33, Gower, was southbound on U.S. 169 four miles south of Gower.

The vehicle turned left into the path of a northbound 2022 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Heidi R. Shoemaker, 45, Kansas City. The Durango struck the Trailblazer.

After impact, the Trailblazer became airborne and overturned. A private vehicle transported Shoemaker to North Kansas City Hospital. Robbins was not wearing a seat belt and refused treatment at the scene, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Monday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Durango driven by Stephanie M. Robbins, 33, Gower, was southbound on U.S. 169 four miles south of Gower.The vehicle turned left into the path of a northbound 2022 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Heidi R. Shoemaker, 45, Kansas City. The Durango struck the Trailblazer.After impact, the Trailblazer became airborne and overturned. A private vehicle transported Shoemaker to North Kansas City Hospital. Robbins was not wearing a seat belt and refused treatment at the scene, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman hospitalized after SUV goes airborne in crash

A motorcyclist died in a crash at a St. Joseph intersection
late Saturday morning.

St. Joseph police report that 22-year-old Clayton Loubey of
St. Joseph was riding north on the Belt Highway and crashed into a car turning
onto Belt from Pear Street.

Loubey died in the crash. The
driver of the vehicle was hospitalized for moderate injuries.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA motorcyclist died in a crash at a St. Joseph intersection
late Saturday morning.St. Joseph police report that 22-year-old Clayton Loubey of
St. Joseph was riding north on the Belt Highway and crashed into a car turning
onto Belt from Pear Street.Loubey died in the crash. The
driver of the vehicle was hospitalized for moderate injuries.

Young motorcyclist dies in St. Joseph crash

A union leader hopes all the jobs at the historic Atchison,
Kansas distillery will be saved as the company moves them to a planned new
texturized protein facility.

President Mark May of Local 74 of the United Food and
Commercial Workers says the prospect of the new plant eases the unexpected blow
of the announced closing of the distillery.

“So, with that added of jobs we’re hoping to just to have a
smooth transition from guys that were distillery workers into the textured
protein side,” May tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

MGP Ingredients announced it will close the distillery in
Atchison, Kansas at the end of the year. In a written statement released by
MGP, the company said the decision is consistent with the company’s plan to
address profitability with its grain neutral spirits and industrial alcohol products.
MGP plans to complete construction of its $16.7 million texturized protein
facility by the beginning of next year.

MGP President David Colo blamed shifts in the grain neutral
and industrial alcohol markets combined with the increase in the cost of corn
for the decision to close the distillery.

“The decision to close the Atchison distillery unfortunately
represents the best path forward,” Colo said in that written statement released
by the company.

MGP declined a request from KFEQ/St. Joseph Post for an
interview, stating the company is not doing any interviews on the decision at
this time.

The decision to end the distillery’s run came as a shock to
May, who says he never thought the distillery would close.

“Working with the company for over five years, it just didn’t
seem like I would ever be having a conversation about losing something that’s
been a staple in the Atchison MGP for over 75 years,” May says.

The distillery has become a source of community pride,
according to May.

“You know, I’m from Atchison,” May says. “MGP’s a big part of,
just not for me because I work there and other guys I represent, but also for
the community.”

May thought he would never see the distillery close.

“MGP is a big part of Atchison. And it’s just so scary to hear
the fact that we’re losing a piece of it.”

May expects the hourly workers at the distillery to find
positions with the new textured protein facility. Some salaried positions might
be lost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690213074719.jpeg" alt="MGP Distillery, Atchison, KS/Photo by MGP Distillery" />
 <figcaption>MGP Distillery, Atchison, KS/Photo by MGP Distillery</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA union leader hopes all the jobs at the historic Atchison,
Kansas distillery will be saved as the company moves them to a planned new
texturized protein facility.President Mark May of Local 74 of the United Food and
Commercial Workers says the prospect of the new plant eases the unexpected blow
of the announced closing of the distillery.“So, with that added of jobs we’re hoping to just to have a
smooth transition from guys that were distillery workers into the textured
protein side,” May tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.MGP Ingredients announced it will close the distillery in
Atchison, Kansas at the end of the year. In a written statement released by
MGP, the company said the decision is consistent with the company’s plan to
address profitability with its grain neutral spirits and industrial alcohol products.
MGP plans to complete construction of its $16.7 million texturized protein
facility by the beginning of next year.MGP President David Colo blamed shifts in the grain neutral
and industrial alcohol markets combined with the increase in the cost of corn
for the decision to close the distillery.“The decision to close the Atchison distillery unfortunately
represents the best path forward,” Colo said in that written statement released
by the company.MGP declined a request from KFEQ/St. Joseph Post for an
interview, stating the company is not doing any interviews on the decision at
this time.The decision to end the distillery’s run came as a shock to
May, who says he never thought the distillery would close.“Working with the company for over five years, it just didn’t
seem like I would ever be having a conversation about losing something that’s
been a staple in the Atchison MGP for over 75 years,” May says.The distillery has become a source of community pride,
according to May.“You know, I’m from Atchison,” May says. “MGP’s a big part of,
just not for me because I work there and other guys I represent, but also for
the community.”May thought he would never see the distillery close.“MGP is a big part of Atchison. And it’s just so scary to hear
the fact that we’re losing a piece of it.”May expects the hourly workers at the distillery to find
positions with the new textured protein facility. Some salaried positions might
be lost.

Jobs lost with closing of Atchison distillery might be saved

Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase the transparency and oversight of foreign ownership in America’s agricultural industry. 

The “Farmland Security Act of 2023” builds on the “Farmland Security Act of 2022” by ensuring that all foreign investors, including “shell companies,” who buy American agricultural land report their holdings and strengthens the penalties for those who evade the required filing. 

It also invests in research to better understand the impact foreign ownership of American farmland and agricultural production capacity has on our domestic food supply, family farms, and rural communities. 

Current reporting shows that foreign-owned agricultural acreage has increased in recent years. However, the data that’s been collected is incomplete or inaccurate. 

The new legislation will direct USDA to conduct an annual compliance audit to ensure accuracy and provide annual training to state and county-level USDA staff on identifying non-reporting of foreign-owned agricultural land.

Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase the transparency and oversight of foreign ownership in America’s agricultural industry. The “Farmland Security Act of 2023” builds on the “Farmland Security Act of 2022” by ensuring that all foreign investors, including “shell companies,” who buy American agricultural land report their holdings and strengthens the penalties for those who evade the required filing. It also invests in research to better understand the impact foreign ownership of American farmland and agricultural production capacity has on our domestic food supply, family farms, and rural communities. Current reporting shows that foreign-owned agricultural acreage has increased in recent years. However, the data that’s been collected is incomplete or inaccurate. The new legislation will direct USDA to conduct an annual compliance audit to ensure accuracy and provide annual training to state and county-level USDA staff on identifying non-reporting of foreign-owned agricultural land.- NAFB

Senate bill would bring transparency to foreign land purchases

U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power says the U.S. will provide another $250 million in aid to Ukraine’s agricultural producers. 

Feedstuffs says the money will get distributed through AGRI-Ukraine, an initiative that began in 2022 to help support Ukraine’s agricultural exports and to combat global food security issues made worse by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Power says multiple groups are working together to keep Ukraine farming and producing commodities. 

USAID has already been helping Ukraine’s farmers store the grain they can’t sell. It’s also working with private sector partners to provide financing, seed, and fertilizer. 

Power says the additional investments should help Ukraine’s producers to plant new crops even if they can’t sell grain from their previous harvests. 

“These investments that the U.S. and partners are making will not only help Ukraine win the war but also help them to build a much more resilient future,” Power adds. &nbsp;

U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power says the U.S. will provide another $250 million in aid to Ukraine’s agricultural producers. Feedstuffs says the money will get distributed through AGRI-Ukraine, an initiative that began in 2022 to help support Ukraine’s agricultural exports and to combat global food security issues made worse by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Power says multiple groups are working together to keep Ukraine farming and producing commodities. USAID has already been helping Ukraine’s farmers store the grain they can’t sell. It’s also working with private sector partners to provide financing, seed, and fertilizer. Power says the additional investments should help Ukraine’s producers to plant new crops even if they can’t sell grain from their previous harvests. “These investments that the U.S. and partners are making will not only help Ukraine win the war but also help them to build a much more resilient future,” Power adds. &nbsp;- NAFB

U.S. providing $250 million to Ukraine farmers

BUCHANAN COUNTY –One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Ram driven by Alexander T. Baiza, 29, Olathe, Kansas, was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of downtown St. Joseph.

The pickup rear-ended a 2013 Dodge Durango driven by Colon I. Marldonado, 61, Leavenworth, Kansas, who had slowed in traffic.

Buchanan County EMS transported Marldondo to Mosaic Life Care. Baiza was not injured both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY –One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Ram driven by Alexander T. Baiza, 29, Olathe, Kansas, was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of downtown St. Joseph.The pickup rear-ended a 2013 Dodge Durango driven by Colon I. Marldonado, 61, Leavenworth, Kansas, who had slowed in traffic.Buchanan County EMS transported Marldondo to Mosaic Life Care. Baiza was not injured both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Kan. man hospitalized after Buchanan Co. rear-end crash

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating five suspects on drug allegations after a&nbsp;lengthy investigation.

Just before 10:30p.m. Thursday,&nbsp;the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated a search warrant at 404 S. 3rd Street in Hiawatha, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies seized Meth, Marijuana, needles, syringes, scales and pipes as evidence from the residence.

They arrested 42-year-old Douglas Milford of Hiawatha on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Jessica Dominguez, 38, Hiawatha was&nbsp; arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Anthony Tull, 46, Robinson was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction and a Hiawatha Failure to Appear Warrant.

Allicia Ramirez, 34, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Leonard Stanley Bindel, 63, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Obstruction. Meth, Marijuana, needles, syringes, scales, pipes, etc were seized as evidence from the residence.&nbsp; Many hours went in the preparation, execution and follow up of the search warrant as well as casework.&nbsp; I am very fortunate to have proactive officers who thoroughly investigate concerns from the public and follow up accordingly.&nbsp; We take illegal drug use anywhere&nbsp; in Brown County very seriously and will continue to hold&nbsp; those accountable&nbsp; who choose to lead this lifestyle. The case is still under investigation and other charges could be possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thank you to the Sac and Fox PD and Hiawatha PD for their assistance in this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956434544.png" alt="Photo Brown Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Brown Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating five suspects on drug allegations after a&nbsp;lengthy investigation.Just before 10:30p.m. Thursday,&nbsp;the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated a search warrant at 404 S. 3rd Street in Hiawatha, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Deputies seized Meth, Marijuana, needles, syringes, scales and pipes as evidence from the residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956490094.png" alt="Milford-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Milford-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>They arrested 42-year-old Douglas Milford of Hiawatha on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956547961.png" alt=" Dominguez-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption> Dominguez-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jessica Dominguez, 38, Hiawatha was&nbsp; arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956598497.png" alt="Tull-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Tull-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Anthony Tull, 46, Robinson was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction and a Hiawatha Failure to Appear Warrant. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956645066.png" alt="Ramirez-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Ramirez-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Allicia Ramirez, 34, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689956698867.png" alt="Bindel" />
 <figcaption>Bindel</figcaption>
 </figure> Leonard Stanley Bindel, 63, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Obstruction. Meth, Marijuana, needles, syringes, scales, pipes, etc were seized as evidence from the residence.&nbsp; Many hours went in the preparation, execution and follow up of the search warrant as well as casework.&nbsp; I am very fortunate to have proactive officers who thoroughly investigate concerns from the public and follow up accordingly.&nbsp; We take illegal drug use anywhere&nbsp; in Brown County very seriously and will continue to hold&nbsp; those accountable&nbsp; who choose to lead this lifestyle. The case is still under investigation and other charges could be possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thank you to the Sac and Fox PD and Hiawatha PD for their assistance in this case.

Deputies found meth, marijuana sold from NE Kansas home

GRUNDY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Monte Carlo driven by Twila J. Whitney, 77, Trenton, was westbound on MO 6 one mile west of Trenton.

The car rear-ended a 2011 Ford F250 driven by James H. Havens, 66, Trenton, who was stopped at a traffic light.

Grundy County ambulance transported both drivers to Wright Memorial Hospital where Whitney was pronounced deceased. She was later transported to Slater Neal Funeral Home. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Monte Carlo driven by Twila J. Whitney, 77, Trenton, was westbound on MO 6 one mile west of Trenton.The car rear-ended a 2011 Ford F250 driven by James H. Havens, 66, Trenton, who was stopped at a traffic light.Grundy County ambulance transported both drivers to Wright Memorial Hospital where Whitney was pronounced deceased. She was later transported to Slater Neal Funeral Home. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman dies after rear-end crash

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Jameson, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding&nbsp;<a>the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program,&nbsp;</a>a program created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, according to the United State's Attorney.

Troy Jennings, 49, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to a federal information that charges him with one count of theft of government funds.

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)—a program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Farm Service Agency (FSA)—was created to provide financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities during the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the program, cattle producers could receive a per-head payment for cattle sold between January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In June 2020, Jennings provided false information on his CFAP application regarding the number of cattle he sold. When asked by the FSA to substantiate his numbers, Jennings submitted multiple fraudulent documents and activated a pre-paid phone in an attempt to impersonate another man.

As part of his plea agreement, Jennings will be required to pay restitution in the amount of $114,267, the full amount he received from the CFAP.&nbsp;

Under federal statutes, Jennings is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas P. Heberle. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Jameson, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding&nbsp;<a>the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program,&nbsp;</a>a program created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, according to the United State's Attorney.Troy Jennings, 49, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to a federal information that charges him with one count of theft of government funds.The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)—a program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Farm Service Agency (FSA)—was created to provide financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities during the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the program, cattle producers could receive a per-head payment for cattle sold between January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020.&nbsp; &nbsp;In June 2020, Jennings provided false information on his CFAP application regarding the number of cattle he sold. When asked by the FSA to substantiate his numbers, Jennings submitted multiple fraudulent documents and activated a pre-paid phone in an attempt to impersonate another man.As part of his plea agreement, Jennings will be required to pay restitution in the amount of $114,267, the full amount he received from the CFAP.&nbsp;Under federal statutes, Jennings is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas P. Heberle. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.

Daviess County man admits defrauding Covid ag program

The Kansas City Chiefs had their first full day of training camp Sunday, and it was the public’s first chance to watch camp as well.

Lines were long and the stands were well packed at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph on a clear and mild morning.

Temperatures were in the mid 70s at the start of camp, as the Chiefs spent about an hour-and-a-half in helmets, jerseys and shorts.

The biggest absence was that of defensive tackle Chris Jones, who did not report to camp as he waits on a contract extension.

Head coach Andy Reid says they’re in talks with Jones, but he wouldn't divulge the nature of those conversations.

 "As far as Chris goes, we'll see how things go here down the road," Reid said. "There had been communication. We'll see where it goes from here."

Jones is in the final year of a four-year contract. Jones and the Chiefs are reportedly "far apart" on an agreement, per a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Per NFL rules, Jones could be fined up to $50,000 for every day of camp that he misses.

Receiver Kadarius Toney was limited Sunday. He tweaked his knee during a punt return drill before Sunday’s practice really even got going.

Reid says the team "will see how it goes" in terms of recovery.

Rookie offensive lineman Wanya Morris (hamstring) was present, but did not work Sunday. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (knee) is on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

Several receivers had some big moments Sunday, particularly Richie James. James signed with the Chiefs back in April. He spent three years in San Francisco and spent 2022 with the New York Giants.

While he mostly worked in second team offense Sunday, James had some nice grabs and made some great juke moves out in space. Receiver Justyn Ross also had a big day, as he rotated in with the first-team offense.

Ross signed with the Chiefs last May as an undrafted free agent out of Clemson. He was placed on injured reserve last year after surgery needed to repair a foot injury. Ross also had congenital fusion in his spine during college, but he looked fully healthy on Sunday and was very active.

Another offensive player who shined was rookie running back Deneric Prince, who showed the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and hit the hole hard after the catch.

It's early, and there's solid competition at running back, but the rookie out of Tulsa had a great first day. All told, Reid was pleased with both sides of the football.

"Offense had good snaps, defense had good snaps," Reid said. "It went back and forth. Great energy. For this type of a camp without pads on, it's a great thing. It's also great to get the new guys, let them feel the energy here with our fans."

The Chiefs are back in St. Joseph for training camp for the 13th time this summer. Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, who also spoke with reporters Sunday, was quite complimentary of the job Missouri Western staff do to keep camp running smoothly.

 "The University and staff do a fantastic job of welcoming us up here and taking care of all of our needs," Hunt said.

Chiefs safety Justin Reid says the fans’ presence at camp makes a huge difference.

 "They bring energy to the guys and make this a lot of fun," Reid said. "Otherwise, Andy Reid's camps are no joke. (The fans) make it a lot more bearable to come out here."

This is the first time that the Chiefs have held camp in St. Joseph coming off of a Super Bowl victory. When the Chiefs won Super Bowl 54 in 2020, camp was confined to Kansas City.

Hunt says there’s certainly a palpable energy at camp coming off of that world championship.

 "I think we're expecting record (training camp) crowds this year," he said. "Certainly with good justification coming off of the Super Bowl win. So, it's great to be here and be able to share this with our amazing fan base."

The Chiefs are one of just a handful of NFL teams that still travel outside of their home city for training camp. Reid has always enjoyed the idea of going up to Missouri Western, which is less than an hour away, and having players get to know one another better. Basically, a near month-long retreat.

"You're up here and you room with somebody, you eat with them, you meet with them. This takes a lot of time when you're up at camp and you're always busy doing something and you're doing it with your teammates."

Chiefs president Mark Donovan was asked on Friday what the future of Arrowhead Stadium holds with the Kansas City Royals in active talks about building a new stadium away from the Truman Sports Complex.

Hunt reiterated Sunday that the three options are to renovate the current stadium, build a new one at the current site or build a new stadium at a new site.

Donovan said Friday that the preference is to renovate the current stadium, but both he and Hunt have said that all three options are still on the table, as they wait and see what the Royals end up doing.

Hunt said Sunday that renovating the current stadium could "extend its lifespan by about 25 years."

Training camp resumes on Monday at 9:15 a.m. The crowd will be limited to season ticket holders only.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659124756673.jpeg" alt="Chris Jones (left) seen here at training camp in 2022. He has not yet reported to camp this year as he awaits a contract extension with the Chiefs. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Chris Jones (left) seen here at training camp in 2022. He has not yet reported to camp this year as he awaits a contract extension with the Chiefs. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs had their first full day of training camp Sunday, and it was the public’s first chance to watch camp as well.Lines were long and the stands were well packed at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph on a clear and mild morning.Temperatures were in the mid 70s at the start of camp, as the Chiefs spent about an hour-and-a-half in helmets, jerseys and shorts.The biggest absence was that of defensive tackle Chris Jones, who did not report to camp as he waits on a contract extension.Head coach Andy Reid says they’re in talks with Jones, but he wouldn't divulge the nature of those conversations. "As far as Chris goes, we'll see how things go here down the road," Reid said. "There had been communication. We'll see where it goes from here."Jones is in the final year of a four-year contract. Jones and the Chiefs are reportedly "far apart" on an agreement, per a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Per NFL rules, Jones could be fined up to $50,000 for every day of camp that he misses.InjuriesReceiver Kadarius Toney was limited Sunday. He tweaked his knee during a punt return drill before Sunday’s practice really even got going.Reid says the team "will see how it goes" in terms of recovery.Rookie offensive lineman Wanya Morris (hamstring) was present, but did not work Sunday. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (knee) is on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.ObservationsSeveral receivers had some big moments Sunday, particularly Richie James. James signed with the Chiefs back in April. He spent three years in San Francisco and spent 2022 with the New York Giants.While he mostly worked in second team offense Sunday, James had some nice grabs and made some great juke moves out in space. Receiver Justyn Ross also had a big day, as he rotated in with the first-team offense.Ross signed with the Chiefs last May as an undrafted free agent out of Clemson. He was placed on injured reserve last year after surgery needed to repair a foot injury. Ross also had congenital fusion in his spine during college, but he looked fully healthy on Sunday and was very active.Another offensive player who shined was rookie running back Deneric Prince, who showed the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and hit the hole hard after the catch.It's early, and there's solid competition at running back, but the rookie out of Tulsa had a great first day. All told, Reid was pleased with both sides of the football."Offense had good snaps, defense had good snaps," Reid said. "It went back and forth. Great energy. For this type of a camp without pads on, it's a great thing. It's also great to get the new guys, let them feel the energy here with our fans."Home sweet St. JoeThe Chiefs are back in St. Joseph for training camp for the 13th time this summer. Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, who also spoke with reporters Sunday, was quite complimentary of the job Missouri Western staff do to keep camp running smoothly. "The University and staff do a fantastic job of welcoming us up here and taking care of all of our needs," Hunt said.Chiefs safety Justin Reid says the fans’ presence at camp makes a huge difference. "They bring energy to the guys and make this a lot of fun," Reid said. "Otherwise, Andy Reid's camps are no joke. (The fans) make it a lot more bearable to come out here."This is the first time that the Chiefs have held camp in St. Joseph coming off of a Super Bowl victory. When the Chiefs won Super Bowl 54 in 2020, camp was confined to Kansas City.Hunt says there’s certainly a palpable energy at camp coming off of that world championship. "I think we're expecting record (training camp) crowds this year," he said. "Certainly with good justification coming off of the Super Bowl win. So, it's great to be here and be able to share this with our amazing fan base."The Chiefs are one of just a handful of NFL teams that still travel outside of their home city for training camp. Reid has always enjoyed the idea of going up to Missouri Western, which is less than an hour away, and having players get to know one another better. Basically, a near month-long retreat."You're up here and you room with somebody, you eat with them, you meet with them. This takes a lot of time when you're up at camp and you're always busy doing something and you're doing it with your teammates." Arrowhead Stadium futureChiefs president Mark Donovan was asked on Friday what the future of Arrowhead Stadium holds with the Kansas City Royals in active talks about building a new stadium away from the Truman Sports Complex.Hunt reiterated Sunday that the three options are to renovate the current stadium, build a new one at the current site or build a new stadium at a new site.Donovan said Friday that the preference is to renovate the current stadium, but both he and Hunt have said that all three options are still on the table, as they wait and see what the Royals end up doing.Hunt said Sunday that renovating the current stadium could "extend its lifespan by about 25 years."Training camp resumes on Monday at 9:15 a.m. The crowd will be limited to season ticket holders only.Video report<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fvideos%2F802710451517541%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690137511106.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690137587325.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chris Jones not present as Chiefs complete first day of training camp Sunday

GENTRY COUNTY–One person was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Saturday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Javen M. Paxton, 22, Savannah, was eastbound on Route Z five miles east of King City. The driver failed to observe a stop sign, applied the brakes, began to skid on the asphalt and the motorcycle crashed.

Grand River EMS transported Paxton to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY–One person was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Saturday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Javen M. Paxton, 22, Savannah, was eastbound on Route Z five miles east of King City. The driver failed to observe a stop sign, applied the brakes, began to skid on the asphalt and the motorcycle crashed.Grand River EMS transported Paxton to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Andrew Co. man injured in motorcycle accident

The state budget allocates small grants to support urban farming projects that address food insecurity. Still, critics argue the grant structure creates obstacles to accessing the funds

By&nbsp;MEG CUNNINGHAM <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

News that the Missouri legislature has authorized $500,000 for urban farming grants ought to be welcomed by small growers like Darian and Nicolette Davis, who run an orchard in Kansas City’s Swope Park to provide fresh fruit to their community.

The couple hatched the idea of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcufc.org/">Kansas City Urban Farm Co-op</a>&nbsp;during the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014 following the killing of a teenager, Michael Brown, by a police officer. They wanted to respond to that incident by doing something positive for their own community, which led to the launch of their farm in 2016.

Darian Davis sees a systemic injustice in the gap between communities where nutritious food is abundant and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2023/06/12/kansas-city-election-city-council-candidates-2023/">others where it is lacking</a>. He describes it as “food apartheid.”

“So we’re talking about kids with single-parent households, a lot of them didn’t have cars, and they’re living off of low-value, high-priced foodstuffs,” he said. “So to witness that, we really started thinking about how serious this problem is. We said, ‘Hey, instead of complaining about it, what can we do to make a difference?’”

The 2024 fiscal year will be the second consecutive year that the state set aside $500,000 to address food insecurity in Missouri’s urban areas. The program began in the 2020 fiscal year with a budget of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills191/hlrbillspdf/0006H.05T.pdf">$200,000.&nbsp;</a>Applications for the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/urban.php">program</a>&nbsp;open on Monday.

But for Davis and other small urban growers, even applying for a grant opportunity can be a challenge. Davis and his wife largely operate their orchard on their own, while taking care of a family and owning other businesses. Their financial margin is so precarious he isn’t sure he can take time away from his farming enterprise to attempt to fill out a grant application.

“Right now we’re having to make hard decisions, saying, ‘Man, should I go to work so I can get this guaranteed money?” Davis told The Beacon. “Or should I spend this six hours and not make money for something that I may or may not get? It’s a hard call to make when you’re super broke.”

Navigating funding support can be difficult for small farmers

Darian and Nicolette Davis have looked at state grants and other competitive resources in the past, but don’t have confidence in their grant-writing skills. And even finding someone to help them write grants is difficult with a small budget, Darian said.

“The key missing part that we need is the initial money to get the money,” he said. “That’s the missing piece, because I can reach out to grant writers that have a proven success record, but I’ll have them say, ‘Yes, it’s gonna cost this much.’ Well, I don’t have that much.”

Accessing grant money can be tricky for farmers, according to Ami Freeberg at Cultivate KC, one of Kansas City’s larger urban farming organizations. The reimbursement structure — plus the application and payout timelines — don’t exactly line up with peak growing season, which can make it complicated to apply for the grant and comply with the requirements.

“Pretty much all state and federal grants, and a lot of local government grants, are reimbursable,&nbsp; which means you have to spend the money before you get back,” Freeberg said.

That’s not a big deal for larger farming businesses like Cultivate Kansas City, Freeberg said. But it’s a challenge for smaller agricultural enterprises.

“If you’re a farmer that’s operating week-to-week, or your cash flow is better in the summer but the awards for these grants are made in the winter, you may have to be making that investment at a time of year that the funds aren’t there,” Freeberg said.

Some of the problem comes down to the timing of the fiscal year, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The fiscal year begins on July 1, in the peak of summer activity for the state’s farmers. Applications must be submitted quickly so they can be reviewed and awarded before mid-October. And projects must be completed by the end of May, according to the program’s website.

“It is just a really quick timeline, from October to December when you’re shutting down a farm for the season, to also be making those infrastructure investments,” Freeberg said. “And it’s also not enough time to go out and seek a loan, if you were to try to access the capital that way, knowing you are getting the reimbursement.”

Despite the hiccups, there are always more applicants for state funds than there is money available, officials said.

Lawmakers and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are aware of the challenges faced by&nbsp; urban farmers, especially those who operate on a small scale, said state Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat who represents Kansas City.

Washington worked with agriculture officials to increase the state’s share of grants to growers. Previously the state chipped in 50% for the projects it approved. Now it will cover 75%, and the urban agricultural businesses will be responsible for 25%.

“I know that there have been some concessions for the urban farming grant program that are a little more lenient than the traditional Department of Agriculture grant funding,” Washington said.

Besides the $500,000 allocated for small grants to combat food insecurity, Washington also secured funding to award larger grants of $250,000 each to two urban farming projects in Kansas City. One is for urban farming educational programs, and the other is for youth entrepreneurship and urban agriculture.

Possible recipients include BoysGrow and Green Acres Urban Farm and Research Project, Washington said.

State support can help improve operations, free up cash for other projects

Farmers who receive grants said the state money can make a big difference.

“You really just have to plan for it,” said Anthony Nealy, the founder of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.globaloneurbanfarming.org/">Global One Urban Farming&nbsp;</a>in east Kansas City. “You have to make sure your deadlines and stuff fit for the reimbursement, and make sure you have the capital to even accept the grant, because you pay for everything upfront.”

Support from the state last year allowed Nealy to clear 10,000 square feet of trees. And it freed up resources for Global One to invest in things like youth programs.

Nealy said the educational aspects of his program — where youths learn to grow produce from seed to harvest — can help prepare kids to start their own businesses.

“We gave them things to do as far as learning how to register their name as an LLC with the state, create a mission statement and create the first budget for business,” Nealy said. “And they love it and we’ve had fun with it.”

Nealy said he hopes more money can go toward educational projects and urban farming overall, especially for people of color in Kansas City.

“You have to put the emphasis in place at the state level, that actually looks at helping out Black and Hispanic people, and in the areas of greatest need,” he said.

This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2023/07/18/kansas-city-urban-farming-2023/">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/">The Beacon</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690029922122.png" alt="Nicolette Davis waters plants in a one-acre orchard in Swope Park intended to address food insecurity (Zach Bauman/The Beacon)." />
 <figcaption>Nicolette Davis waters plants in a one-acre orchard in Swope Park intended to address food insecurity (Zach Bauman/The Beacon).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The state budget allocates small grants to support urban farming projects that address food insecurity. Still, critics argue the grant structure creates obstacles to accessing the funds</h2>By&nbsp;MEG CUNNINGHAM <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>News that the Missouri legislature has authorized $500,000 for urban farming grants ought to be welcomed by small growers like Darian and Nicolette Davis, who run an orchard in Kansas City’s Swope Park to provide fresh fruit to their community.The couple hatched the idea of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcufc.org/">Kansas City Urban Farm Co-op</a>&nbsp;during the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014 following the killing of a teenager, Michael Brown, by a police officer. They wanted to respond to that incident by doing something positive for their own community, which led to the launch of their farm in 2016.Darian Davis sees a systemic injustice in the gap between communities where nutritious food is abundant and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2023/06/12/kansas-city-election-city-council-candidates-2023/">others where it is lacking</a>. He describes it as “food apartheid.”“So we’re talking about kids with single-parent households, a lot of them didn’t have cars, and they’re living off of low-value, high-priced foodstuffs,” he said. “So to witness that, we really started thinking about how serious this problem is. We said, ‘Hey, instead of complaining about it, what can we do to make a difference?’”The 2024 fiscal year will be the second consecutive year that the state set aside $500,000 to address food insecurity in Missouri’s urban areas. The program began in the 2020 fiscal year with a budget of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills191/hlrbillspdf/0006H.05T.pdf">$200,000.&nbsp;</a>Applications for the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/urban.php">program</a>&nbsp;open on Monday.But for Davis and other small urban growers, even applying for a grant opportunity can be a challenge. Davis and his wife largely operate their orchard on their own, while taking care of a family and owning other businesses. Their financial margin is so precarious he isn’t sure he can take time away from his farming enterprise to attempt to fill out a grant application.“Right now we’re having to make hard decisions, saying, ‘Man, should I go to work so I can get this guaranteed money?” Davis told The Beacon. “Or should I spend this six hours and not make money for something that I may or may not get? It’s a hard call to make when you’re super broke.”<h2>Navigating funding support can be difficult for small farmers</h2>Darian and Nicolette Davis have looked at state grants and other competitive resources in the past, but don’t have confidence in their grant-writing skills. And even finding someone to help them write grants is difficult with a small budget, Darian said.“The key missing part that we need is the initial money to get the money,” he said. “That’s the missing piece, because I can reach out to grant writers that have a proven success record, but I’ll have them say, ‘Yes, it’s gonna cost this much.’ Well, I don’t have that much.”Accessing grant money can be tricky for farmers, according to Ami Freeberg at Cultivate KC, one of Kansas City’s larger urban farming organizations. The reimbursement structure — plus the application and payout timelines — don’t exactly line up with peak growing season, which can make it complicated to apply for the grant and comply with the requirements.“Pretty much all state and federal grants, and a lot of local government grants, are reimbursable,&nbsp; which means you have to spend the money before you get back,” Freeberg said.That’s not a big deal for larger farming businesses like Cultivate Kansas City, Freeberg said. But it’s a challenge for smaller agricultural enterprises.“If you’re a farmer that’s operating week-to-week, or your cash flow is better in the summer but the awards for these grants are made in the winter, you may have to be making that investment at a time of year that the funds aren’t there,” Freeberg said.Some of the problem comes down to the timing of the fiscal year, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The fiscal year begins on July 1, in the peak of summer activity for the state’s farmers. Applications must be submitted quickly so they can be reviewed and awarded before mid-October. And projects must be completed by the end of May, according to the program’s website.“It is just a really quick timeline, from October to December when you’re shutting down a farm for the season, to also be making those infrastructure investments,” Freeberg said. “And it’s also not enough time to go out and seek a loan, if you were to try to access the capital that way, knowing you are getting the reimbursement.”Despite the hiccups, there are always more applicants for state funds than there is money available, officials said.Lawmakers and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are aware of the challenges faced by&nbsp; urban farmers, especially those who operate on a small scale, said state Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat who represents Kansas City.Washington worked with agriculture officials to increase the state’s share of grants to growers. Previously the state chipped in 50% for the projects it approved. Now it will cover 75%, and the urban agricultural businesses will be responsible for 25%.“I know that there have been some concessions for the urban farming grant program that are a little more lenient than the traditional Department of Agriculture grant funding,” Washington said.Besides the $500,000 allocated for small grants to combat food insecurity, Washington also secured funding to award larger grants of $250,000 each to two urban farming projects in Kansas City. One is for urban farming educational programs, and the other is for youth entrepreneurship and urban agriculture.Possible recipients include BoysGrow and Green Acres Urban Farm and Research Project, Washington said.<h2>State support can help improve operations, free up cash for other projects</h2>Farmers who receive grants said the state money can make a big difference.“You really just have to plan for it,” said Anthony Nealy, the founder of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.globaloneurbanfarming.org/">Global One Urban Farming&nbsp;</a>in east Kansas City. “You have to make sure your deadlines and stuff fit for the reimbursement, and make sure you have the capital to even accept the grant, because you pay for everything upfront.”Support from the state last year allowed Nealy to clear 10,000 square feet of trees. And it freed up resources for Global One to invest in things like youth programs.Nealy said the educational aspects of his program — where youths learn to grow produce from seed to harvest — can help prepare kids to start their own businesses.“We gave them things to do as far as learning how to register their name as an LLC with the state, create a mission statement and create the first budget for business,” Nealy said. “And they love it and we’ve had fun with it.”Nealy said he hopes more money can go toward educational projects and urban farming overall, especially for people of color in Kansas City.“You have to put the emphasis in place at the state level, that actually looks at helping out Black and Hispanic people, and in the areas of greatest need,” he said.This&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/stories/2023/07/18/kansas-city-urban-farming-2023/">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kcbeacon.org/">The Beacon</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<figure>
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Missouri has a $500k incentive for urban farmers — if growers can figure out how to get it

ATCHISON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Atchison County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Dodge Challenger driven by Matthew D. Hughes, 32, Philadelphia, Mississippi, was northbound on U.S. 73 one mile south of Atchison.

The car crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2020 BMW X7 driven by Heather R. Smith, 51, Tonganoxie.

EMS transported Smith to KU Medical and Hughes to Mosaic in St. Joseph. A passenger in the BMW identified as Gary T. Smith, 62, Tonganoxie, was transported to Amberwell in Atchison. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Atchison County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Dodge Challenger driven by Matthew D. Hughes, 32, Philadelphia, Mississippi, was northbound on U.S. 73 one mile south of Atchison.The car crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2020 BMW X7 driven by Heather R. Smith, 51, Tonganoxie.EMS transported Smith to KU Medical and Hughes to Mosaic in St. Joseph. A passenger in the BMW identified as Gary T. Smith, 62, Tonganoxie, was transported to Amberwell in Atchison. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

3 hospitalized after 2-vehicle Kansas crash

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

Just after 7 p.m. July 17, a sheriff's deputy identified 32-year-old Latisha Campbell of Hiawatha, while on routine patrol and was aware that she had an outstanding warrant, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

The deputy conducted a traffic stop and arrested Campbell&nbsp; on a Failure to Appear Warrant. She was booked into jail on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Trafficking Contraband into a Correctional Facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689971045216.png" alt="Campbell-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Campbell-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.Just after 7 p.m. July 17, a sheriff's deputy identified 32-year-old Latisha Campbell of Hiawatha, while on routine patrol and was aware that she had an outstanding warrant, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.The deputy conducted a traffic stop and arrested Campbell&nbsp; on a Failure to Appear Warrant. She was booked into jail on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Trafficking Contraband into a Correctional Facility.