GRUNDY COUNTY —Authorities&nbsp; investigating a drowning in Grundy County released additional details on Wednesday.

Just after 11 p.m. Monday, Marine Troopers assisted Trenton police with a report of a possible drowning in the Thompson River, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

A 17-year-old boy from Jamesport was walking across the Thompson River near SW Beech Lane. He fell into a deep hole, went under the water and did not resurface.

The Trenton Volunteer Fire Department recovered the body. The boy was pronounced deceased at the scene.

GRUNDY COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a drowning in Grundy County.

Just after 11 p.m. Monday, Marine Troopers assisted Trenton police with a report of a possible drowning in the Thompson River, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol

 The victim identified as a 17-year-old boy from Jamesport was recovered by the Trenton Volunteer Fire Department and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The MSHP released no additional details early Tuesday.

GRUNDY COUNTY —Authorities&nbsp; investigating a drowning in Grundy County released additional details on Wednesday.Just after 11 p.m. Monday, Marine Troopers assisted Trenton police with a report of a possible drowning in the Thompson River, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.A 17-year-old boy from Jamesport was walking across the Thompson River near SW Beech Lane. He fell into a deep hole, went under the water and did not resurface.The Trenton Volunteer Fire Department recovered the body. The boy was pronounced deceased at the scene.--------------------------GRUNDY COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a drowning in Grundy County.Just after 11 p.m. Monday, Marine Troopers assisted Trenton police with a report of a possible drowning in the Thompson River, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol The victim identified as a 17-year-old boy from Jamesport was recovered by the Trenton Volunteer Fire Department and pronounced deceased at the scene.The MSHP released no additional details early Tuesday.

MSHP: NW Missouri teen fell into deep hole before drowning

The St. Joseph School District still has many open positions to fill before the start of the 2023-24 school year, and officials within the district are doing what they can to attract qualified candidates.

The District is holding a Hiring Fair on Thursday at the Administration Building on North 26th Street from 2-6 p.m.

Brian Kraus, assistant superintendent for human resources at the district, says there's a wide variety of jobs available.

"What we're hoping to do is just introduce people who might be interested in working for the school district to the wide variety of positions we have available," Kraus said. "Often times, when people think about school districts, people think teachers. While that's obviously a huge part of our work force, we have about 110 occupational categories."

Kraus says working for the district has several unique advantages.

"A lot of our positions are 9-9.5 months," he said. "So if they want to do something else in the summer or have the summer off, they can. We have a lot of different positions where it's regular hours. We have a very good benefits package."

Anyone interested in attending the hiring fair is encouraged to bring a resume with them. Attendees will be able to apply for jobs in person at the fair, or they can do so online at SJSD.info/jobs.

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

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School District still has many open positions to fill before the start of the 2023-24 school year, and officials within the district are doing what they can to attract qualified candidates.The District is holding a Hiring Fair on Thursday at the Administration Building on North 26th Street from 2-6 p.m.Brian Kraus, assistant superintendent for human resources at the district, says there's a wide variety of jobs available."What we're hoping to do is just introduce people who might be interested in working for the school district to the wide variety of positions we have available," Kraus said. "Often times, when people think about school districts, people think teachers. While that's obviously a huge part of our work force, we have about 110 occupational categories."Kraus says working for the district has several unique advantages."A lot of our positions are 9-9.5 months," he said. "So if they want to do something else in the summer or have the summer off, they can. We have a lot of different positions where it's regular hours. We have a very good benefits package."Anyone interested in attending the hiring fair is encouraged to bring a resume with them. Attendees will be able to apply for jobs in person at the fair, or they can do so online at SJSD.info/jobs.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph School District holding Hiring Fair Thursday

ATCHISON —A 12 year old boy escaped serious injury in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Wednesday in Atchison in a bicycle, pickup accident.

The boy was northbound on 4th Street on his bicycle when he entered the intersection at U.S. 59 and collided with a pickup truck driven by a 60-year-old, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The pickup was westbound on U.S. 59 and had entered the intersection on a green light. 

The 12-year-old was wearing a safety helmet and only suffered a few cuts and bruises, according to Wilson.&nbsp; He was treated at the scene by EMS and was going to subsequently be taken by private vehicle to the hospital for examination.

ATCHISON —A 12 year old boy escaped serious injury in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Wednesday in Atchison in a bicycle, pickup accident.The boy was northbound on 4th Street on his bicycle when he entered the intersection at U.S. 59 and collided with a pickup truck driven by a 60-year-old, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.The pickup was westbound on U.S. 59 and had entered the intersection on a green light. The 12-year-old was wearing a safety helmet and only suffered a few cuts and bruises, according to Wilson.&nbsp; He was treated at the scene by EMS and was going to subsequently be taken by private vehicle to the hospital for examination.

12-year-old avoids serious injury after bicycle, pickup accident

A group of farm-state Senators Tuesday introduced the USDA Spending Accountability Act. 

The bill was introduced by Republican Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Mike Braun of Indiana. 

The legislation would limit the disbursal of funds through the USDA’s financing institution, known as the Commodity Credit Cooperation, to be permitted only when authorized by Congress. 

The Secretary of Agriculture has broad discretionary authority in spending excess CCC funds. This includes reimbursing farmers for losses due to trade disputes and funding climate grants, often to multinational corporations. 

Recent instances of discretionary spending abuse have prompted bipartisan concern, as these programs are enacted without input from Congress and allow USDA to act as authorizer and appropriator. 

By removing this discretionary authority, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the USDA Spending Accountability Act would save $8 billion over ten years. The substantial savings created by this bill would assist Congress in its goal to find savings in the Farm Bill.

A group of farm-state Senators Tuesday introduced the USDA Spending Accountability Act. The bill was introduced by Republican Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Mike Braun of Indiana. The legislation would limit the disbursal of funds through the USDA’s financing institution, known as the Commodity Credit Cooperation, to be permitted only when authorized by Congress. The Secretary of Agriculture has broad discretionary authority in spending excess CCC funds. This includes reimbursing farmers for losses due to trade disputes and funding climate grants, often to multinational corporations. Recent instances of discretionary spending abuse have prompted bipartisan concern, as these programs are enacted without input from Congress and allow USDA to act as authorizer and appropriator. By removing this discretionary authority, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the USDA Spending Accountability Act would save $8 billion over ten years. The substantial savings created by this bill would assist Congress in its goal to find savings in the Farm Bill.- NAFB

USDA Spending Accountability Act introduced

Wholesale egg prices reached record highs in 2022 after avian flu resulted in significant reductions in egg-laying flocks, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. 

Avian flu is a disease that spreads rapidly in birds and poultry and is often lethal. Cumulative losses attributable to the disease amounted to more than 43 million egg-laying hens. 

At the height of the disease, in the last weeks of December 2022, weekly egg inventories were 29 percent lower than at the beginning of the year, and prices reached a high of $5.37 per dozen. 

With no new outbreaks reported in 2023, the size of the egg-laying flock has gradually increased since late 2022. In turn, wholesale prices have fallen sharply, reaching $0.89 per dozen in the first week of May 2023. 

As of the week ending June 30, 2023, egg inventories were about 24 percent higher than the lowest 2022 values. During the same week, the average price was $1.23 per dozen, about 77 percent lower than the highest average weekly price in 2022.

Wholesale egg prices reached record highs in 2022 after avian flu resulted in significant reductions in egg-laying flocks, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. Avian flu is a disease that spreads rapidly in birds and poultry and is often lethal. Cumulative losses attributable to the disease amounted to more than 43 million egg-laying hens. At the height of the disease, in the last weeks of December 2022, weekly egg inventories were 29 percent lower than at the beginning of the year, and prices reached a high of $5.37 per dozen. With no new outbreaks reported in 2023, the size of the egg-laying flock has gradually increased since late 2022. In turn, wholesale prices have fallen sharply, reaching $0.89 per dozen in the first week of May 2023. As of the week ending June 30, 2023, egg inventories were about 24 percent higher than the lowest 2022 values. During the same week, the average price was $1.23 per dozen, about 77 percent lower than the highest average weekly price in 2022.- NAFB

Wholesale egg prices tumble as egg supplies recover

The Senate Tuesday confirmed Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, welcomed by agriculture groups and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. 

In a statement following the vote, Vilsack says, "I have witnessed her lead with energy, authenticity and personal investment that I know will leave an impact on USDA for years to come." 

Since October 2021, Torres Small has served as Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA. 

Effective July 14, Rural Development Chief Operating Officer Roger Glendenning will serve as Acting Under Secretary.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before joining USDA, Torres Small was a United States Representative for the fifth largest district in the country. 

As a Member of Congress, she served as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, and chairwoman of the Oversight, Management, and Accountability Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was the first woman and first person of color to represent New Mexico's second congressional district.

The Senate Tuesday confirmed Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, welcomed by agriculture groups and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. In a statement following the vote, Vilsack says, "I have witnessed her lead with energy, authenticity and personal investment that I know will leave an impact on USDA for years to come." Since October 2021, Torres Small has served as Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA. Effective July 14, Rural Development Chief Operating Officer Roger Glendenning will serve as Acting Under Secretary.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before joining USDA, Torres Small was a United States Representative for the fifth largest district in the country. As a Member of Congress, she served as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, and chairwoman of the Oversight, Management, and Accountability Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was the first woman and first person of color to represent New Mexico's second congressional district.- NAFB

Senate confirms Torres Small as Deputy Agriculture Secretary

Missouri Western State University and North Central Missouri College have broken ground on a new center designed to boost the area's high-skilled workforce.&nbsp;

The $12 million Convergent Alliance Technology Center is a collaboration between the St. Joseph and Trenton colleges.&nbsp;

Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says the center, or CTAC for short, fits in perfect with Missouri Western’s mission as the state’s applied learning institution&nbsp;

"Talking about providing opportunities for our students, and also for training with adult workers, but it really gives us the opportunity to take that education piece, that training piece, from the classroom and provide a hands-on space," Kennedy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;

Kennedy says the CTAC is designed to help provide students the chance to engage in hands-on learning no matter their field&nbsp;

"Manufacturing, construction, cyber security, and even for workforce training," Kennedy explains. "It's a both kind of a dual purpose, it will provide the opportunities to use the equipment that our industries are currently using."&nbsp;

Partnerships with local manufacturing companies have helped determine what machines will be used the most at the center to help students be immediately prepared to jump into the workforce.&nbsp;

It was just one short year ago that Missouri Western and North Central Missouri College developed the Pirates2Griffons pathway program.

Now this new project has made ties stronger.&nbsp;

Kennedy says the partnership between the two schools has really helped erase a stigma&nbsp;

"I often hear people that will say something like, well you know a two-year degree isn't really college, and I'm like yes, it is," Kennedy says.&nbsp;

Kennedy says everyone in high skilled jobs need a way to get an education, which is what the partnership helps provide&nbsp;

"Dr. Klaver has been a joy to work with, he's just been great his whole staff his team, I was so pleased he had a couple board members that were able to come today because it is unique, you don't often see a close collaboration," Kennedy acknowledges following the groundbreaking ceremony. &nbsp;

Director of Corporate and Business Relations Jason Helton from NCMC says with Buchanan County now in the school’s service region this is just another way to serve more students.&nbsp;

"Whether it's our manufacturing partners or whether its students that are looking to skill up or students looking for something else that NCMC can offer, it allows us to have a presence here in St. Joe and Buchanan County," Helton explains.&nbsp;

Helton says having the building housed on the Missouri Western campus adds a unique twist to already existing partnerships between the schools&nbsp;

"Where a lot of our programs will transfer back and forth, credits will transfer back and forth, it's an opportunity for our students to seamlessly be a part of the higher education spectrum," Helton says.&nbsp;

The CTAC received a big boost in the Missouri state budget with Governor Mike Parson signing off on $2.5 million towards the project&nbsp;

It is estimated to be completed sometime next year.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689174036893.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western State University President Elizabeth Kennedy speaks at the podium during the ground breaking ceremony for the Convergent Technology Alliance Center/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western State University President Elizabeth Kennedy speaks at the podium during the ground breaking ceremony for the Convergent Technology Alliance Center/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Missouri Western State University and North Central Missouri College have broken ground on a new center designed to boost the area's high-skilled workforce.&nbsp;The $12 million Convergent Alliance Technology Center is a collaboration between the St. Joseph and Trenton colleges.&nbsp;Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says the center, or CTAC for short, fits in perfect with Missouri Western’s mission as the state’s applied learning institution&nbsp;"Talking about providing opportunities for our students, and also for training with adult workers, but it really gives us the opportunity to take that education piece, that training piece, from the classroom and provide a hands-on space," Kennedy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;Kennedy says the CTAC is designed to help provide students the chance to engage in hands-on learning no matter their field&nbsp;"Manufacturing, construction, cyber security, and even for workforce training," Kennedy explains. "It's a both kind of a dual purpose, it will provide the opportunities to use the equipment that our industries are currently using."&nbsp;Partnerships with local manufacturing companies have helped determine what machines will be used the most at the center to help students be immediately prepared to jump into the workforce.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689174190188.jpeg" alt="North Central Missouri College President Lenny Klaver at the ground breaking ceremony for the Convergent Technology Alliance Center.&nbsp; The building is a joint venture between NCMC and Missouri Western/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>North Central Missouri College President Lenny Klaver at the ground breaking ceremony for the Convergent Technology Alliance Center.&nbsp; The building is a joint venture between NCMC and Missouri Western/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>It was just one short year ago that Missouri Western and North Central Missouri College developed the Pirates2Griffons pathway program.Now this new project has made ties stronger.&nbsp;Kennedy says the partnership between the two schools has really helped erase a stigma&nbsp;"I often hear people that will say something like, well you know a two-year degree isn't really college, and I'm like yes, it is," Kennedy says.&nbsp;Kennedy says everyone in high skilled jobs need a way to get an education, which is what the partnership helps provide&nbsp;"Dr. Klaver has been a joy to work with, he's just been great his whole staff his team, I was so pleased he had a couple board members that were able to come today because it is unique, you don't often see a close collaboration," Kennedy acknowledges following the groundbreaking ceremony. &nbsp;Director of Corporate and Business Relations Jason Helton from NCMC says with Buchanan County now in the school’s service region this is just another way to serve more students.&nbsp;"Whether it's our manufacturing partners or whether its students that are looking to skill up or students looking for something else that NCMC can offer, it allows us to have a presence here in St. Joe and Buchanan County," Helton explains.&nbsp;Helton says having the building housed on the Missouri Western campus adds a unique twist to already existing partnerships between the schools&nbsp;"Where a lot of our programs will transfer back and forth, credits will transfer back and forth, it's an opportunity for our students to seamlessly be a part of the higher education spectrum," Helton says.&nbsp;The CTAC received a big boost in the Missouri state budget with Governor Mike Parson signing off on $2.5 million towards the project&nbsp;It is estimated to be completed sometime next year.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Convergent-Technology-Alliance-Center-at-Missouri-Western-designed-to-help-boost-workforce-e26s21r" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689173870333.jpeg" alt="The future site of the Convergent Technology Alliance Center is across the driveway from the Kit Bond Science and Technology Incubator/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The future site of the Convergent Technology Alliance Center is across the driveway from the Kit Bond Science and Technology Incubator/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>

Missouri Western, North Central partnership aims to meet workforce needs

Work
is underway to replace the roof of the Buchanan County Courthouse.

County
officials are warning the public to be cautious entering and exiting the
courthouse as well as walking the sidewalks around the courthouse during roof
repair. Parking might be reduced around the courthouse due to construction
equipment being parked nearby.

The
courthouse remains open and all Buchanan County offices are open to the public.

Ambrozi
Contracting has begun setting up perimeter fencing and scaffolding. Workers
will begin by tearing off the existing slate tile near the dome. The contractor
will repair the roof and the dome. Scaffolding will be erected inside the
courthouse, reaching from the basement to the inside of the dome.

The
project is expected to take four months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689102006415.jpeg" alt="Buchanan County Courthouse roof repairs/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Buchanan County Courthouse roof repairs/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWork
is underway to replace the roof of the Buchanan County Courthouse.County
officials are warning the public to be cautious entering and exiting the
courthouse as well as walking the sidewalks around the courthouse during roof
repair. Parking might be reduced around the courthouse due to construction
equipment being parked nearby.The
courthouse remains open and all Buchanan County offices are open to the public.Ambrozi
Contracting has begun setting up perimeter fencing and scaffolding. Workers
will begin by tearing off the existing slate tile near the dome. The contractor
will repair the roof and the dome. Scaffolding will be erected inside the
courthouse, reaching from the basement to the inside of the dome.The
project is expected to take four months.

Roof repair underway at the Buchanan County Courthouse

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy 1500 driven by Kayne M. Cook, 19, St. Joseph, was westbound on U.S.36 at Interstate 29 in St. Joseph.&nbsp;

The driver attempted to change lanes in front of a 2022 Jeep Gladiator driven by Lisa A. Goacher, 50, Easton, who was in the passing lane.&nbsp;

The Chevy struck the right front fender of the Jeep. After impact the Chevy traveled off the south side of the road, struck a guardrail and overturned.&nbsp; A westbound 2007 Ford Fusion driven by Pamela D. Leer, 42, Cameron, then rear-ended the Jeep

EMS transported Goacher and Cook to Mosaic Life Care. Leer was not injured.&nbsp; Cook was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy 1500 driven by Kayne M. Cook, 19, St. Joseph, was westbound on U.S.36 at Interstate 29 in St. Joseph.&nbsp; The driver attempted to change lanes in front of a 2022 Jeep Gladiator driven by Lisa A. Goacher, 50, Easton, who was in the passing lane.&nbsp;The Chevy struck the right front fender of the Jeep. After impact the Chevy traveled off the south side of the road, struck a guardrail and overturned.&nbsp; A westbound 2007 Ford Fusion driven by Pamela D. Leer, 42, Cameron, then rear-ended the JeepEMS transported Goacher and Cook to Mosaic Life Care. Leer was not injured.&nbsp; Cook was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after 3-vehicle Buchanan Co. crash

St. Joseph has received a big boost from the state budget to
keep momentum going toward economic development projects.

Rosecrans Memorial Airport benefits the most, with the state
budget allocating $19 million, enough to complete the financing of a new airport
terminal and air traffic control tower.

Mayor John Josendale points out Rosecrans wasn’t the only
beneficiary. Hillyard Tech got $6 million and the new Convergent Technology
Alliance Center, breaking ground on the Missouri Western campus Tuesday,
received $2.5 million.

“Workforce development is a huge thing and you’ll see that in
a lot of the efforts that went to get funding for different things, whether it
be at Hillyard, whether it be at Missouri Western,” Josendale tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “But, again, workforce development and developing
from within our own.”

Josendale says the state allocation of $19 million to
Rosecrans Memorial Airport is vital to keep the Air National Guard’s 139th
Airlift Wing base.

Josendale says the city is pleased with the huge influx of
state funding for various projects, adding it’s not just money that will
attract people and new businesses to choose the city.

“How we work with the community on improving the looks of the
city, but then opening up new housing or good housing, making it a place that
people want to be,” Josendale says.

Josendale notes the Chamber of Commerce’s new Adopt-A-Block
program is taking off.

“And they’ve gone in and they’re fixing up neighborhoods. You’ve
got the cleaning up of the parks,” Josendale says. “We’ve got meetings that are
now taking place on the revitalization of Krug Park and other activities that
are going on. We’ve got a feasibility study being done right now on whether or
not a new sports complex would be good for the community and the area.”

Josendale says supporters of the Children’s Discovery Center
will look to other means of raising $1 million in wake of the governor’s veto
of the appropriation that legislators placed in the $50 billion state budget.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689094068862.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph has received a big boost from the state budget to
keep momentum going toward economic development projects.Rosecrans Memorial Airport benefits the most, with the state
budget allocating $19 million, enough to complete the financing of a new airport
terminal and air traffic control tower.Mayor John Josendale points out Rosecrans wasn’t the only
beneficiary. Hillyard Tech got $6 million and the new Convergent Technology
Alliance Center, breaking ground on the Missouri Western campus Tuesday,
received $2.5 million.“Workforce development is a huge thing and you’ll see that in
a lot of the efforts that went to get funding for different things, whether it
be at Hillyard, whether it be at Missouri Western,” Josendale tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “But, again, workforce development and developing
from within our own.”Josendale says the state allocation of $19 million to
Rosecrans Memorial Airport is vital to keep the Air National Guard’s 139th
Airlift Wing base.Josendale says the city is pleased with the huge influx of
state funding for various projects, adding it’s not just money that will
attract people and new businesses to choose the city.“How we work with the community on improving the looks of the
city, but then opening up new housing or good housing, making it a place that
people want to be,” Josendale says.Josendale notes the Chamber of Commerce’s new Adopt-A-Block
program is taking off.“And they’ve gone in and they’re fixing up neighborhoods. You’ve
got the cleaning up of the parks,” Josendale says. “We’ve got meetings that are
now taking place on the revitalization of Krug Park and other activities that
are going on. We’ve got a feasibility study being done right now on whether or
not a new sports complex would be good for the community and the area.”Josendale says supporters of the Children’s Discovery Center
will look to other means of raising $1 million in wake of the governor’s veto
of the appropriation that legislators placed in the $50 billion state budget.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Mayor-John-Josendale-talks-economic-development-around-St--Joseph-e26qtke" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

State money helps fuel St. Joseph economic development momentum

You don't have to travel to France this summer for some fine cuisine, you just have to head to the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art.  

Director Eric Fuson says 80 Days Cafe will whip up a certified French dinner on Saturday at the museum 

"Our doors will open at 5pm so you can kind of look around and have a drink beforehand and then 5:30 I'll have a little talk about some French artwork that's in our collection, and then at 6 we'll have dinner, "Fuson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. 

Fuson says if you attend the event there also might be some surprise artwork 

"I'll even pull a couple of extra things from our vault which is always fun, you get to see something that's not usually out," Fuson says.  

The dinner is $55per person and you can find more information and register on the Albrecht Kempers website. 

The Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art is also hosting kids camps this summer to teach children about techniques, the creative process, and ways to look at art. 

The next kids camp is coming up next month running August 8th to the 11th.  

Fuson says the morning session is sold out in August but there still is a chance to get your child enrolled in the afternoon sessions 

"Put your name on the list we can get you in the afternoon," Fuson points out. "It's $125 for each child, but $100 if you're a member, and that's Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, its four days." 

Afternoon sessions are also currently available for the camp running today through Friday.  Contact the museum for details. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post You don't have to travel to France this summer for some fine cuisine, you just have to head to the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art. Director Eric Fuson says 80 Days Cafe will whip up a certified French dinner on Saturday at the museum "Our doors will open at 5pm so you can kind of look around and have a drink beforehand and then 5:30 I'll have a little talk about some French artwork that's in our collection, and then at 6 we'll have dinner, "Fuson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Fuson says if you attend the event there also might be some surprise artwork "I'll even pull a couple of extra things from our vault which is always fun, you get to see something that's not usually out," Fuson says. The dinner is $55per person and you can find more information and register on the Albrecht Kempers website. The Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art is also hosting kids camps this summer to teach children about techniques, the creative process, and ways to look at art. The next kids camp is coming up next month running August 8th to the 11th. Fuson says the morning session is sold out in August but there still is a chance to get your child enrolled in the afternoon sessions "Put your name on the list we can get you in the afternoon," Fuson points out. "It's $125 for each child, but $100 if you're a member, and that's Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, its four days." Afternoon sessions are also currently available for the camp running today through Friday. Contact the museum for details.

Fun summertime events happening at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art

ANDREW COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 3a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Kia Soul driven by Anita L. Wheeler, 23, Louisville, Kentucky, was southbound on Interstate 29 eight miles west of Savannah.

The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, struck a culvert and rolled.

Andrew County EMS transported Wheeler and passengers Brian J. Mcfarren, 25 and an 8-year-old girl both of Louisville, Kentucky, to Mosaic Life Care. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 3a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Kia Soul driven by Anita L. Wheeler, 23, Louisville, Kentucky, was southbound on Interstate 29 eight miles west of Savannah.The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, struck a culvert and rolled.Andrew County EMS transported Wheeler and passengers Brian J. Mcfarren, 25 and an 8-year-old girl both of Louisville, Kentucky, to Mosaic Life Care. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 adults, 8-year-old injured in rollover accident

The nation's average price of gasoline has remained unchanged from a week ago, holding at $3.50 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. 

The national average diesel price fell 1.3 cents in the last week and stands at $3.79 per gallon. 

GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says, “After declining going into July 4, average gasoline prices have struggled to find much momentum in either direction as the price of crude oil has continued to bounce around.” 

U.S. retail gasoline demand saw an 8.6 percent drop last week as the July 4 holiday closed and motorists returned from their holiday plans. However, De Haan says there is a risk of hurricane season and potential disruptions. 

Colorado State University recently released its third forecast for the 2023 hurricane season, showing a sharp uptick in the number of expected major hurricanes. 

Oil markets have seen a rally over the last week after Saudi Arabia extended its 1-million-barrel-per-day production cut to August, and Russia joined in by slowing oil exports.

The nation's average price of gasoline has remained unchanged from a week ago, holding at $3.50 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. The national average diesel price fell 1.3 cents in the last week and stands at $3.79 per gallon. GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says, “After declining going into July 4, average gasoline prices have struggled to find much momentum in either direction as the price of crude oil has continued to bounce around.” U.S. retail gasoline demand saw an 8.6 percent drop last week as the July 4 holiday closed and motorists returned from their holiday plans. However, De Haan says there is a risk of hurricane season and potential disruptions. Colorado State University recently released its third forecast for the 2023 hurricane season, showing a sharp uptick in the number of expected major hurricanes. Oil markets have seen a rally over the last week after Saudi Arabia extended its 1-million-barrel-per-day production cut to August, and Russia joined in by slowing oil exports.- NAFB

Fuel demand plummets after holiday

Lawsuit in Cole County alleges splits in Buchanan, Hazelwood County violate constitutional restriction that maps have fewest possible splits of cities, counties

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

A political activist who spent much of the past six years in the fight over how Missouri legislative districts should be drawn will be the prime witness in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/lawsuit-alleges-missouri-senate-map-hurt-minority-voters-splits-too-many-counties/">case challenging the state Senate map</a>.

Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem on Monday denied an effort to exclude testimony from Sean Nicholson, principal at GPS Impact and leader of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/elections/amendment-1-voters-strongly-support-clean-missouri-redistricting-plan-ethics-reform/article_6d2a9728-e155-11e8-b58e-43f1d7945f4e.html">2018 Clean Missouri initiative</a>, as an expert witness on redistricting. He will be the only witness for a group of three plaintiffs who are challenging aspects of the map&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/03/14/judges-release-new-boundaries-for-missouri-senate-districts/">crafted by a panel of judges</a>&nbsp;in early 2022.&nbsp;

The lawsuit asks Beetem to redraw the boundaries of five districts – three in northwest Missouri and two in St. Louis County – to remedy what the plaintiffs see are unconstitutional flaws. They contend that splitting Hazelwood in north St. Louis County between the 13th and 14th districts violates the constitution, as does splitting Buchanan County between the 12th and 34th districts.

If Beetem agrees, and changes the map, it would be used in the 2024 elections. The proposed map is unlikely to change the partisan makeup of the Republican-dominated Senate, but it would shift at least one candidate planning to run next year out of their current district.

Monday’s hearing on Nicholson’s qualifications was the last preliminary step before a trial, set to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Beetem did not indicate Monday whether he would rule at the end of the presentations Wednesday or at a later date.

Assistant Attorney General Jason Lewis, representing the secretary of state’s office, argued that advocacy does not equal expertise in redistricting issues.&nbsp;

“He certainly is an experienced professional in the area of civics and campaigning and advocacy,” Lewis said. “That is not redistricting. That is not a redistricting field. Redistricting is a specialty.”

In response, Chuck Hatfield, the Jefferson City attorney representing the plaintiffs, said Nicholson’s personal involvement in the fight over how Missouri should draw legislative districts makes his testimony important to determining whether the map should be changed.

In addition to working on ballot-issue campaigns, Nicholson worked on the House map currently in use and helped draft proposed Senate maps that ultimately were rejected by the Senate Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission, Hatfield said.

“I don’t think there is any way this evidence should be excluded,” he said.

Under the concept of one person, one vote, legislative districts are supposed to be nearly identical in population. And under civil rights laws, districts should be drawn to give minority voters an opportunity to elect representatives of their choice.

To meet those standards, and reduce political gerrymandering, since the 1960s the Missouri Constitution has required bipartisan commissions to do the work of redrawing lines after every census. When a commission, after being given six months, is unable to agree on a map, the job is turned over to a panel of appeals court judges.

In 2018, Nicholson and his backers successfully changed the constitution with an initiative petition they called Clean Missouri to make partisan fairness of the map a key priority for the commissions.&nbsp;

Republicans, upset with the potential for new maps that would challenge their supermajorities, put their own ideas for changing the process&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/11/04/voters-repeal-clean-missouri-redistricting-plan-they-enacted-in-2018/">on the 2020 ballot and it passed</a>.

It retained the idea that the districts should show some partisan fairness but made it a lower priority than keeping counties and cities intact in the new districts.

Both Clean Missouri and its successor retained redistricting commissions and, when they could not agree, judicial panels.&nbsp;

The Senate map being challenged in court was drawn by the judicial panel. A commission that worked on the Missouri House map agreed to a plan and it has not been challenged in court.

The first priority, under the constitution, intended to “take precedence over any other part of this constitution,” is to make them racially fair. Another priority is that splits of counties “shall each be as few as possible” and that “as few municipal lines shall be crossed as possible.”

In court on Monday, Beetem said that what he must decide after Wednesday’s trial is whether the map proposed in the lawsuit is a “better map,” constitutionally, than the one in use.

Based on the 2020 census, an ideal Senate district has 181,027 people. There can be a deviation of up to 1% overall, and districts that do not cross municipal or county boundaries can vary as much as 3% from the ideal.&nbsp;

Counties that have enough population for one or more districts are supposed to have as many whole districts as the population allows, with the remainder attached to a single adjacent district.

It is “possible” to draw a constitutional map with fewer splits, Hatfield said in an interview. That makes the current map unconstitutional.

“We think it is a very straightforward case,” Hatfield said.

The lawsuit contends that the line drawn through Hazelwood as a boundary between the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_13.pdf">13th District</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_14.pdf">14th District</a>&nbsp;is unnecessary, violating the “few as possible” provision and packing Black residents into the 13th District.

Only the boundary between those two districts would be changed under the proposed map.

On the western side of the state, Buchanan County is split between the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_12.pdf">12th District</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_34.pdf">34th District</a>. Putting Buchanan entirely within the 12th District, as proposed by the plaintiffs, would mean altering the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_21.pdf">21st District</a>&nbsp;as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under the proposed map, the 34th District would include Platte and all of Clay County outside the 17th District, which is entirely within the boundaries of Clay County. The portion of Clay County that would shift is currently drawn into the 21st District.

The counties that would become part of the 21st District are Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Daviess, Grundy, Linn, Livingston and Sullivan.

In the court filings responding to the proposed map, Lewis wrote that “many maps” could be drawn that do not split Hazelwood or Buchanan County but not every map with that result “is necessarily constitutional.”

Republicans hold a 24-10 majority in the Senate, and the changes being sought in Wednesday’s trial won’t significantly alter the partisan leanings of any district.

Half of the Senate is on the ballot every two years. Next year, odd-numbered districts will elect senators.

The two St. Louis County districts are both represented by Democrats. Sen. Angela Mosley will be seeking her second term representing the 13th District, while Sen. Brian Williams, who represents the 14th District, won his second and final term last year.

In the northwest Missouri districts, Sen. Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, won his 12th District seat last year and won’t be on the ballot until 2026. In the 34th District, Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, is barred from running again in 2026 due to term limits.

But proposed changes in the 21st District would put state Rep. Doug Richey, R-Excelsior Springs, the 34th District. Richey and state Rep. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall, have launched campaigns for the GOP nomination in the district currently represented by Sen. Denny Hoskins.

Richey’s home would be just a few miles outside the new district line but only residents of a district may run for legislative seats.

Richey made headlines during the session for his budget amendment that would have barred state agencies, institutions and contractors from having&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/30/diversity-debate-dominates-house-action-on-missouri-state-budget/">diversity, equity and inclusion programs</a>. The amendment was ultimately defeated.

He thinks the district lines will survive the challenge, Richey said.

“It is not likely that a judge is going to rule against a panel of judges with a declaration they didn’t have enough information to draw the map,” he said.

He’s going to continue campaigning while the court case – which is likely to be appealed no matter how Beetem rules – goes on, Richey said.

“Everyone is going to be watching very closely how he decides that matter,” Richey said. “It will definitely have an effect on this Senate district in terms of its boundaries.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689078400517.png" alt="he Missouri Senate at the end of the 2023 legislative session. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>he Missouri Senate at the end of the 2023 legislative session. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lawsuit in Cole County alleges splits in Buchanan, Hazelwood County violate constitutional restriction that maps have fewest possible splits of cities, counties</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 political activist who spent much of the past six years in the fight over how Missouri legislative districts should be drawn will be the prime witness in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/lawsuit-alleges-missouri-senate-map-hurt-minority-voters-splits-too-many-counties/">case challenging the state Senate map</a>.Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem on Monday denied an effort to exclude testimony from Sean Nicholson, principal at GPS Impact and leader of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/elections/amendment-1-voters-strongly-support-clean-missouri-redistricting-plan-ethics-reform/article_6d2a9728-e155-11e8-b58e-43f1d7945f4e.html">2018 Clean Missouri initiative</a>, as an expert witness on redistricting. He will be the only witness for a group of three plaintiffs who are challenging aspects of the map&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/03/14/judges-release-new-boundaries-for-missouri-senate-districts/">crafted by a panel of judges</a>&nbsp;in early 2022.&nbsp;The lawsuit asks Beetem to redraw the boundaries of five districts – three in northwest Missouri and two in St. Louis County – to remedy what the plaintiffs see are unconstitutional flaws. They contend that splitting Hazelwood in north St. Louis County between the 13th and 14th districts violates the constitution, as does splitting Buchanan County between the 12th and 34th districts.If Beetem agrees, and changes the map, it would be used in the 2024 elections. The proposed map is unlikely to change the partisan makeup of the Republican-dominated Senate, but it would shift at least one candidate planning to run next year out of their current district.Monday’s hearing on Nicholson’s qualifications was the last preliminary step before a trial, set to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Beetem did not indicate Monday whether he would rule at the end of the presentations Wednesday or at a later date.Assistant Attorney General Jason Lewis, representing the secretary of state’s office, argued that advocacy does not equal expertise in redistricting issues.&nbsp;“He certainly is an experienced professional in the area of civics and campaigning and advocacy,” Lewis said. “That is not redistricting. That is not a redistricting field. Redistricting is a specialty.”In response, Chuck Hatfield, the Jefferson City attorney representing the plaintiffs, said Nicholson’s personal involvement in the fight over how Missouri should draw legislative districts makes his testimony important to determining whether the map should be changed.In addition to working on ballot-issue campaigns, Nicholson worked on the House map currently in use and helped draft proposed Senate maps that ultimately were rejected by the Senate Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission, Hatfield said.“I don’t think there is any way this evidence should be excluded,” he said.<h2>Map issues</h2>Under the concept of one person, one vote, legislative districts are supposed to be nearly identical in population. And under civil rights laws, districts should be drawn to give minority voters an opportunity to elect representatives of their choice.To meet those standards, and reduce political gerrymandering, since the 1960s the Missouri Constitution has required bipartisan commissions to do the work of redrawing lines after every census. When a commission, after being given six months, is unable to agree on a map, the job is turned over to a panel of appeals court judges.In 2018, Nicholson and his backers successfully changed the constitution with an initiative petition they called Clean Missouri to make partisan fairness of the map a key priority for the commissions.&nbsp;Republicans, upset with the potential for new maps that would challenge their supermajorities, put their own ideas for changing the process&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/11/04/voters-repeal-clean-missouri-redistricting-plan-they-enacted-in-2018/">on the 2020 ballot and it passed</a>.It retained the idea that the districts should show some partisan fairness but made it a lower priority than keeping counties and cities intact in the new districts.Both Clean Missouri and its successor retained redistricting commissions and, when they could not agree, judicial panels.&nbsp;The Senate map being challenged in court was drawn by the judicial panel. A commission that worked on the Missouri House map agreed to a plan and it has not been challenged in court.The first priority, under the constitution, intended to “take precedence over any other part of this constitution,” is to make them racially fair. Another priority is that splits of counties “shall each be as few as possible” and that “as few municipal lines shall be crossed as possible.”In court on Monday, Beetem said that what he must decide after Wednesday’s trial is whether the map proposed in the lawsuit is a “better map,” constitutionally, than the one in use.Based on the 2020 census, an ideal Senate district has 181,027 people. There can be a deviation of up to 1% overall, and districts that do not cross municipal or county boundaries can vary as much as 3% from the ideal.&nbsp;Counties that have enough population for one or more districts are supposed to have as many whole districts as the population allows, with the remainder attached to a single adjacent district.It is “possible” to draw a constitutional map with fewer splits, Hatfield said in an interview. That makes the current map unconstitutional.“We think it is a very straightforward case,” Hatfield said.The lawsuit contends that the line drawn through Hazelwood as a boundary between the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_13.pdf">13th District</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_14.pdf">14th District</a>&nbsp;is unnecessary, violating the “few as possible” provision and packing Black residents into the 13th District.Only the boundary between those two districts would be changed under the proposed map.On the western side of the state, Buchanan County is split between the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_12.pdf">12th District</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_34.pdf">34th District</a>. Putting Buchanan entirely within the 12th District, as proposed by the plaintiffs, would mean altering the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/webPDFs/Maps/district_21.pdf">21st District</a>&nbsp;as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the proposed map, the 34th District would include Platte and all of Clay County outside the 17th District, which is entirely within the boundaries of Clay County. The portion of Clay County that would shift is currently drawn into the 21st District.The counties that would become part of the 21st District are Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Daviess, Grundy, Linn, Livingston and Sullivan.In the court filings responding to the proposed map, Lewis wrote that “many maps” could be drawn that do not split Hazelwood or Buchanan County but not every map with that result “is necessarily constitutional.”<h2>Political consequences</h2>Republicans hold a 24-10 majority in the Senate, and the changes being sought in Wednesday’s trial won’t significantly alter the partisan leanings of any district.Half of the Senate is on the ballot every two years. Next year, odd-numbered districts will elect senators.The two St. Louis County districts are both represented by Democrats. Sen. Angela Mosley will be seeking her second term representing the 13th District, while Sen. Brian Williams, who represents the 14th District, won his second and final term last year.In the northwest Missouri districts, Sen. Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, won his 12th District seat last year and won’t be on the ballot until 2026. In the 34th District, Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, is barred from running again in 2026 due to term limits.But proposed changes in the 21st District would put state Rep. Doug Richey, R-Excelsior Springs, the 34th District. Richey and state Rep. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall, have launched campaigns for the GOP nomination in the district currently represented by Sen. Denny Hoskins.Richey’s home would be just a few miles outside the new district line but only residents of a district may run for legislative seats.Richey made headlines during the session for his budget amendment that would have barred state agencies, institutions and contractors from having&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/30/diversity-debate-dominates-house-action-on-missouri-state-budget/">diversity, equity and inclusion programs</a>. The amendment was ultimately defeated.He thinks the district lines will survive the challenge, Richey said.“It is not likely that a judge is going to rule against a panel of judges with a declaration they didn’t have enough information to draw the map,” he said.He’s going to continue campaigning while the court case – which is likely to be appealed no matter how Beetem rules – goes on, Richey said.“Everyone is going to be watching very closely how he decides that matter,” Richey said. “It will definitely have an effect on this Senate district in terms of its boundaries.”

Trial this week to decide boundaries of five Missouri Senate districts

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Polaris Ranger 1000 XP driven by&nbsp; Darwin G. Nieman, 74, Chillicothe,&nbsp; was westbound on LIV 320 and a 2022 Chevy 3500 driven by Sherman W. Shields, 62, Hale, was southbound on LIV 369 two miles southeast of Avalon.

The vehicles met at an uncontrolled intersection. The front of the UTV struck the left rear of the pickup.

Life Flight transported Nieman to Truman Medical Center. Shields was not injured.&nbsp; Nieman was not wearing a helmet and Shields properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Polaris Ranger 1000 XP driven by&nbsp; Darwin G. Nieman, 74, Chillicothe,&nbsp; was westbound on LIV 320 and a 2022 Chevy 3500 driven by Sherman W. Shields, 62, Hale, was southbound on LIV 369 two miles southeast of Avalon.The vehicles met at an uncontrolled intersection. The front of the UTV struck the left rear of the pickup.Life Flight transported Nieman to Truman Medical Center. Shields was not injured.&nbsp; Nieman was not wearing a helmet and Shields properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

 NW Mo. man airlifted to hospital after UTV, pickup crash

BROWN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Monday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Freigtliner drump truck driven by John B. Schuetz, 54, Powhattan, was southwest bound on Kansas 20 Highway one mile east of Everest.

The driver attempted to turn southbound onto Raccoon Road and failed to yield to a 2004 Ford F150 driven by Robert A. Becker, 78, Everest.&nbsp; The dump truck struck the Ford on the driver's. After impact both vehicles traveled into the southeast ditch.

EMS transported Becker to KU Medical Center and Schuetz to Amberwell. Becker was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Monday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Freigtliner drump truck driven by John B. Schuetz, 54, Powhattan, was southwest bound on Kansas 20 Highway one mile east of Everest.The driver attempted to turn southbound onto Raccoon Road and failed to yield to a 2004 Ford F150 driven by Robert A. Becker, 78, Everest.&nbsp; The dump truck struck the Ford on the driver's. After impact both vehicles traveled into the southeast ditch.EMS transported Becker to KU Medical Center and Schuetz to Amberwell. Becker was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

2 Kansas men injured after dump truck, pickup crash

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican Gov. Mike Parson approved extended Medicaid health care for new mothers and a ban on handheld phone use while driving when he took final action on remaining bills last week.

Parson already signed a close to $52 billion state budget that includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/budget-missouri-school-funding-infrastructure-0ecaff4bedfa58a61991473df94dafa4">billions in funding to expand Interstate 70 across the state</a>. He also approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-missouri-republican-govenrnor-sports-d0d3ef01544dc7c22592d8ca2464138b">limits on access to transgender health care</a>&nbsp;and a ban on transgender girls and women competing with other female athletes in school sports.

Parson signed most of the remaining bills passed by the GOP-led Legislature this year, with the exception of a measure to pay wrongfully convicted prisoners for their time behind bars.

Most of the new laws will take effect Aug. 28.

Lower-income new mothers will get a full year of Medicaid health-care coverage in Missouri under legislation signed by Parson. Missouri joins&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-postpartum-coverage-antiabortion-republican-states-mississippi-706300151c48acce64a928fec0513c72">a growing list of Republican-led states</a>&nbsp;that previously balked at Medicaid expansions but are now joining Democratic states in providing 12 months of coverage — instead of the typical 60 days — after women give birth.

Missouri’s senior homeowners could be spared from rate hikes on property taxes under a bill signed by Parson. Beginning in September, counties can approve property tax breaks for people age 65 and older. The measure also ends state taxes on Social Security benefits.

Parson approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ballot-initiative-petition-voter-missouri-republican-8e4d5b8293eb864235cf347410d5d7f5">a ban on phone use while driving</a>, which covers holding a phone, making calls and reading messages. Using phones for navigation, emergency calls and listening to podcasts or music will be allowed, as well as hands-free phone use. The law takes effect in 2025. Until then, violators will only be given a warning.

Workers who receive raises no longer will be cut off from food stamps and welfare benefits if a program signed by Parson is implemented. The law, which depends on permission from the federal government, would allow reduced aid proportionate to workers' raises. The idea is that taking away benefits punishes workers for getting promoted, which might encourage people to stay in lower-earning jobs.

Parson vetoed one bill: legislation that would increase pay for people who were wrongfully convicted for time spent unjustly in prison and make it easier to clear past criminal records. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/sb-189-veto">letter</a>&nbsp;explaining his decision, Parson said taxpayers statewide should not have to pay for decisions made by local juries, judges and prosecutors dealing with wrongful convictions. He also wrote that proposed changes to criminal records could allow sexual exploitation of a minor and promoting child pornography — newer offenses under Missouri law — to be wiped from offenders' records.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican Gov. Mike Parson approved extended Medicaid health care for new mothers and a ban on handheld phone use while driving when he took final action on remaining bills last week.Parson already signed a close to $52 billion state budget that includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/budget-missouri-school-funding-infrastructure-0ecaff4bedfa58a61991473df94dafa4">billions in funding to expand Interstate 70 across the state</a>. He also approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-missouri-republican-govenrnor-sports-d0d3ef01544dc7c22592d8ca2464138b">limits on access to transgender health care</a>&nbsp;and a ban on transgender girls and women competing with other female athletes in school sports.Parson signed most of the remaining bills passed by the GOP-led Legislature this year, with the exception of a measure to pay wrongfully convicted prisoners for their time behind bars.Most of the new laws will take effect Aug. 28.POSTPARTUM MEDICAIDLower-income new mothers will get a full year of Medicaid health-care coverage in Missouri under legislation signed by Parson. Missouri joins&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-postpartum-coverage-antiabortion-republican-states-mississippi-706300151c48acce64a928fec0513c72">a growing list of Republican-led states</a>&nbsp;that previously balked at Medicaid expansions but are now joining Democratic states in providing 12 months of coverage — instead of the typical 60 days — after women give birth.SENIOR TAX BREAKSMissouri’s senior homeowners could be spared from rate hikes on property taxes under a bill signed by Parson. Beginning in September, counties can approve property tax breaks for people age 65 and older. The measure also ends state taxes on Social Security benefits.TEXTING WHILE DRIVINGParson approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ballot-initiative-petition-voter-missouri-republican-8e4d5b8293eb864235cf347410d5d7f5">a ban on phone use while driving</a>, which covers holding a phone, making calls and reading messages. Using phones for navigation, emergency calls and listening to podcasts or music will be allowed, as well as hands-free phone use. The law takes effect in 2025. Until then, violators will only be given a warning.WELFARE BENEFITSWorkers who receive raises no longer will be cut off from food stamps and welfare benefits if a program signed by Parson is implemented. The law, which depends on permission from the federal government, would allow reduced aid proportionate to workers' raises. The idea is that taking away benefits punishes workers for getting promoted, which might encourage people to stay in lower-earning jobs.WRONGFUL CONVICTIONSParson vetoed one bill: legislation that would increase pay for people who were wrongfully convicted for time spent unjustly in prison and make it easier to clear past criminal records. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/sb-189-veto">letter</a>&nbsp;explaining his decision, Parson said taxpayers statewide should not have to pay for decisions made by local juries, judges and prosecutors dealing with wrongful convictions. He also wrote that proposed changes to criminal records could allow sexual exploitation of a minor and promoting child pornography — newer offenses under Missouri law — to be wiped from offenders' records.

Mo. gov. signs laws for new moms' health care, ban on texting and driving

Buzz Verduzco just concluded a 23-year-long tenure as Missouri Western's head baseball coach this past May.

Following his retirement, another coaching opportunity came his way - this one at the high school level and in the same city.

Verduzco says St. Joseph Central athletic director David Lau approached him about the opportunity to take over as the Indians' next head softball coach.

"I was able to visit with David Lau, who used to be at Missouri Western," Verduzco told KFEQ Radio. "He approached me and I needed some time to think about it. I talked to my wife (Tracy) about it and I knew I still wanted to help kids, so this was the perfect opportunity, actually."

Verduzco was officially announced as Central's next head softball coach on June 26. He succeeds Kendra Hodgin, who had been the head coach there for the previous five seasons.

For decades, Verduzco has coached college baseball. He was an assistant at his alma mater, Washington State, for 10 years before taking over as Missouri Western's head man in 1999.

He recorded 629 wins with the Griffons, including 16 winning seasons, an MIAA championship in 2013 and four NCAA tournament berths.&nbsp;

As much success as he had coaching baseball, Verduzco knows shifting to high school softball is a big change.

He's relied on former Missouri Western softball coach Jen Bagley-Trotter (2002-2021), current Griffon softball coach Joe Yegge and others as he gets ready for this change.

"Jennifer, we worked together for over 20 years at Missouri Western," Verduzco said. "She's been an awesome support and great resource. Coach Yegge, who I've gotten to know over the last year, he's been terrific. There's been a lot of different people I can run to."

Verduzco, who was inducted into the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame earlier this summer, says he's proud of what he and his teams achieved over the years at Missouri Western as he reflected on his long tenure.

"Maybe some people look at it as a small market school, compared to other teams in the league," Verduzco said. "That didn't bother us. We wanted to make sure we put everything into it we could to make it a contender nationally and regionally and to make a lot of noise within the conference, which we did, and we were proud of that."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689015688189.png" alt="Buzz Verduzco with his wife Tracy after being inducted into the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics." />
 <figcaption>Buzz Verduzco with his wife Tracy after being inducted into the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBuzz Verduzco just concluded a 23-year-long tenure as Missouri Western's head baseball coach this past May.Following his retirement, another coaching opportunity came his way - this one at the high school level and in the same city.Verduzco says St. Joseph Central athletic director David Lau approached him about the opportunity to take over as the Indians' next head softball coach."I was able to visit with David Lau, who used to be at Missouri Western," Verduzco told KFEQ Radio. "He approached me and I needed some time to think about it. I talked to my wife (Tracy) about it and I knew I still wanted to help kids, so this was the perfect opportunity, actually."Verduzco was officially announced as Central's next head softball coach on June 26. He succeeds Kendra Hodgin, who had been the head coach there for the previous five seasons.For decades, Verduzco has coached college baseball. He was an assistant at his alma mater, Washington State, for 10 years before taking over as Missouri Western's head man in 1999.He recorded 629 wins with the Griffons, including 16 winning seasons, an MIAA championship in 2013 and four NCAA tournament berths.&nbsp;As much success as he had coaching baseball, Verduzco knows shifting to high school softball is a big change.He's relied on former Missouri Western softball coach Jen Bagley-Trotter (2002-2021), current Griffon softball coach Joe Yegge and others as he gets ready for this change."Jennifer, we worked together for over 20 years at Missouri Western," Verduzco said. "She's been an awesome support and great resource. Coach Yegge, who I've gotten to know over the last year, he's been terrific. There's been a lot of different people I can run to."Verduzco, who was inducted into the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame earlier this summer, says he's proud of what he and his teams achieved over the years at Missouri Western as he reflected on his long tenure."Maybe some people look at it as a small market school, compared to other teams in the league," Verduzco said. "That didn't bother us. We wanted to make sure we put everything into it we could to make it a contender nationally and regionally and to make a lot of noise within the conference, which we did, and we were proud of that."Full interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Buzz-Verduzco-talks-new-job-at-St--Joseph-Central-e26pijv" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689015602460.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689015619322.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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