ATCHISON —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Sunday in Atchison.

A Chevy pickup drive by 74-year-old John Patton of Atchison was traveling in the 400 Block of North 2nd Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The vehicle had a steering failure and struck three parked vehicles. Patton was treated at the scene by EMS but not transported.

ATCHISON —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Sunday in Atchison.A Chevy pickup drive by 74-year-old John Patton of Atchison was traveling in the 400 Block of North 2nd Street, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.The vehicle had a steering failure and struck three parked vehicles. Patton was treated at the scene by EMS but not transported.

Police: Kan. man injured after pickup steering wheel fails

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Sunday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Harley Davidson driven by Daniel L. Edwards, 49, St. Joseph, was eastbound on Route BB two miles east of Cameron.

The vehicle traveled into the westbound lanes, off the south side of the road, struck an embankment, rolled front over rear and came to rest in the grass on the side of the highway.

Caldwell County EMS transported Edwards to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Sunday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Harley Davidson driven by Daniel L. Edwards, 49, St. Joseph, was eastbound on Route BB two miles east of Cameron.The vehicle traveled into the westbound lanes, off the south side of the road, struck an embankment, rolled front over rear and came to rest in the grass on the side of the highway.Caldwell County EMS transported Edwards to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph man injured in violent motorcycle accident

A 17-year-old St. Joseph girl will represent the Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation of Kansas and Missouri in Washington, D.C.,
advocating to fund diabetes research.

Madison Theas will be a senior at Central High School this
fall. Before that, she will travel to Washington as part of a delegation of 160
children living with Type One Diabetes to lobby Congress for diabetes research.

“It’s just really important for me to be an advocate for
myself and my community,” Theas tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview. “We’re
a little unseen, unheard sometimes.”

Theas left for Washington Friday morning. The delegation will
speak with members of Congress and even testify at Congressional hearings.

Theas was diagnosed with diabetes Thanksgiving evening of 2012.
She went in and out of consciousness while being driven to Children’s Mercy
Hospital and had to spend two days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She
has been insulin dependent since.

The JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress runs Sunday through Tuesday.
It is comprised of 160 children living with Type One Diabetes, ages four to 17.
Joining the U.S. delegation will be five international delegates from Australia,
Canada, Israel, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The Children’s
Congress is inspired by a Massachusetts boy named Tommy Solo who at the age of
nine asked his mother why children with diabetes couldn’t go to Washington to
tell Congress they want scientists to find a cure.

Delegates to the Children’s Congress will lobby members of
Congress privately and some will testify during Congressional hearings.

“I’m excited for my story and my life to be heard and for them
to hopefully understand just what I go through and what other kids go through
and why it matters so much that this funding gets passed,” Theas says.

Theas says it’s important for members of Congress to hear from
the children who have to live with Type One Diabetes.

“I just hope that our representatives will be advocates, too
and speak for us in lawmaking,” Theas says. “And just take not only diabetics,
but all disabled families, children into account when they’re passing laws, when
they’re passing budgets.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688751309251.jpeg" alt="Madison Theas/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Madison Theas/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 17-year-old St. Joseph girl will represent the Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation of Kansas and Missouri in Washington, D.C.,
advocating to fund diabetes research.Madison Theas will be a senior at Central High School this
fall. Before that, she will travel to Washington as part of a delegation of 160
children living with Type One Diabetes to lobby Congress for diabetes research.“It’s just really important for me to be an advocate for
myself and my community,” Theas tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview. “We’re
a little unseen, unheard sometimes.”Theas left for Washington Friday morning. The delegation will
speak with members of Congress and even testify at Congressional hearings.Theas was diagnosed with diabetes Thanksgiving evening of 2012.
She went in and out of consciousness while being driven to Children’s Mercy
Hospital and had to spend two days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She
has been insulin dependent since.The JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress runs Sunday through Tuesday.
It is comprised of 160 children living with Type One Diabetes, ages four to 17.
Joining the U.S. delegation will be five international delegates from Australia,
Canada, Israel, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The Children’s
Congress is inspired by a Massachusetts boy named Tommy Solo who at the age of
nine asked his mother why children with diabetes couldn’t go to Washington to
tell Congress they want scientists to find a cure.Delegates to the Children’s Congress will lobby members of
Congress privately and some will testify during Congressional hearings.“I’m excited for my story and my life to be heard and for them
to hopefully understand just what I go through and what other kids go through
and why it matters so much that this funding gets passed,” Theas says.Theas says it’s important for members of Congress to hear from
the children who have to live with Type One Diabetes.“I just hope that our representatives will be advocates, too
and speak for us in lawmaking,” Theas says. “And just take not only diabetics,
but all disabled families, children into account when they’re passing laws, when
they’re passing budgets.”<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Central-Senior-lobbying-to-Congress-for-more-Diabetes-Research-and-funding-e26m8bf" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

St. Joseph teen goes to DC to lobby for diabetes research funding

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri House Minority Leader Crystal Quade is running for governor, and the Democrat from Springfield made the announcement Sunday in a campaign video that featured her bowling through skaters on a roller derby track.

Quade, a social worker first elected to the House in 2016, painted herself as unafraid of rough and rowdy politics while wearing elbow pads, wrist guards and a baby blue helmet. The 37-year-old says in the video that her childhood surviving on food stamps inspired her to enter public service.

“People say politics can be tough,” said Quade, who played on a derby team from 2010 to 2013. “I tell them, I can handle it. When you come from nothing, you fight the odds your whole life.”

Quade doesn't spend the whole video on the roller derby track, and the clip quickly pivots to scenes of her speaking to voters and laying out her campaign goals, which include restoring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-voters-election-0d2fdde552c2478b283937a6fab78cfc">abortion rights</a>&nbsp;in the state.

The governor's seat is up for grabs next year because current Republican Gov. Mike Parson is prevented by term limits from running again.

Quade wasted little time attacking Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who has not yet announced his candidacy but is expected to be a top contender. She said the Republican “uses fear to score cheap political points and divide us.”

“I’m not worried about bullies like Jay Ashcroft, because Missouri has never seen a governor like me before,” she said in the video.

Other top candidates for the office include Republicans Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and state Sen. Bill Eigel.

Springfield Representative Crystal Quade announced on social media she is launching a campaign for governor of Missouri.

Her campaign website includes details on why she is running.

"Growing up in rural Missouri, young Crystal Quade made the trek before daylight every morning to help her mom prepare the diner where she worked double or triple shifts waitressing."

"They lived in a small house on a gravel road, and Crystal was the first in her family to graduate from high school. She worked her way through Missouri State, began her own family – and then became the Democratic Leader of the Missouri House of Representatives."

"Crystal is leading our most important fights to restore our abortion rights, standing up to the biggest corporate special interests, and stopping China and Russia from buying up our farmland and squeezing Missouri farmers out."

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri House Minority Leader Crystal Quade is running for governor, and the Democrat from Springfield made the announcement Sunday in a campaign video that featured her bowling through skaters on a roller derby track.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Missouri doesn’t need more of the same. I’m running for Governor so the people working extra shifts today can make life better for their kids tomorrow. Join me and let’s beat the odds, together: <a href="https://t.co/2OnZOP96gY">https://t.co/2OnZOP96gY</a> <a href="https://t.co/6JGBoovTMo">pic.twitter.com/6JGBoovTMo</a>&mdash; Crystal Quade (@crystal_quade) <a href="https://twitter.com/crystal_quade/status/1677973367461224448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Quade, a social worker first elected to the House in 2016, painted herself as unafraid of rough and rowdy politics while wearing elbow pads, wrist guards and a baby blue helmet. The 37-year-old says in the video that her childhood surviving on food stamps inspired her to enter public service.“People say politics can be tough,” said Quade, who played on a derby team from 2010 to 2013. “I tell them, I can handle it. When you come from nothing, you fight the odds your whole life.”Quade doesn't spend the whole video on the roller derby track, and the clip quickly pivots to scenes of her speaking to voters and laying out her campaign goals, which include restoring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-voters-election-0d2fdde552c2478b283937a6fab78cfc">abortion rights</a>&nbsp;in the state.The governor's seat is up for grabs next year because current Republican Gov. Mike Parson is prevented by term limits from running again.Quade wasted little time attacking Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who has not yet announced his candidacy but is expected to be a top contender. She said the Republican “uses fear to score cheap political points and divide us.”“I’m not worried about bullies like Jay Ashcroft, because Missouri has never seen a governor like me before,” she said in the video.Other top candidates for the office include Republicans Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and state Sen. Bill Eigel.----------Springfield Representative Crystal Quade announced on social media she is launching a campaign for governor of Missouri.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Missouri doesn’t need more of the same. I’m running for Governor so the people working extra shifts today can make life better for their kids tomorrow. Join me and let’s beat the odds, together: <a href="https://t.co/2OnZOP96gY">https://t.co/2OnZOP96gY</a> <a href="https://t.co/6JGBoovTMo">pic.twitter.com/6JGBoovTMo</a>&mdash; Crystal Quade (@crystal_quade) <a href="https://twitter.com/crystal_quade/status/1677973367461224448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Her campaign website includes details on why she is running."Growing up in rural Missouri, young Crystal Quade made the trek before daylight every morning to help her mom prepare the diner where she worked double or triple shifts waitressing.""They lived in a small house on a gravel road, and Crystal was the first in her family to graduate from high school. She worked her way through Missouri State, began her own family – and then became the Democratic Leader of the Missouri House of Representatives.""Crystal is leading our most important fights to restore our abortion rights, standing up to the biggest corporate special interests, and stopping China and Russia from buying up our farmland and squeezing Missouri farmers out."

🎥Top Democrat in Missouri House launches campaign for governor

PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred in the 2500 block of Vivion Road in Northmoor, Missouri, at the Vivion West Shopping Center. 

At approximately 5:20 p.m. Saturday, members of the Riverside Police Department and the Platte County Sheriff's Office responded to a shooting at a restaurant, according to Sheriff Mark Owen.

A 24-year-old female employee of the restaurant had been injured after a single shot had been fired.

Preliminary investigation reveals that a fight broke out over a food order which resulted in employees of the restaurant being assaulted. As employees attempted to remove the involved individuals from the restaurant a single shot was fired from a handgun striking an employee in the foot. The injured employee was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

 Investigators spoke with a 29-year-old female and a 21-year-old female who are possible suspects.&nbsp;

Sheriff Mark Owen stated, “We never want to see this type of senseless behavior occur. Thankfully no one lost their life in this incident. Once again, the willingness of our citizens to&nbsp; come forward as witnesses and the cooperation between our law enforcement agencies has allowed us to conduct a thorough investigation and quickly apprehend suspects.”

The Sheriff's Office wishes to thank the Riverside Police Department for their assistance with the investigation

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688904738719.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred in the 2500 block of Vivion Road in Northmoor, Missouri, at the Vivion West Shopping Center. At approximately 5:20 p.m. Saturday, members of the Riverside Police Department and the Platte County Sheriff's Office responded to a shooting at a restaurant, according to Sheriff Mark Owen.A 24-year-old female employee of the restaurant had been injured after a single shot had been fired.Preliminary investigation reveals that a fight broke out over a food order which resulted in employees of the restaurant being assaulted. As employees attempted to remove the involved individuals from the restaurant a single shot was fired from a handgun striking an employee in the foot. The injured employee was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators spoke with a 29-year-old female and a 21-year-old female who are possible suspects.&nbsp;Sheriff Mark Owen stated, “We never want to see this type of senseless behavior occur. Thankfully no one lost their life in this incident. Once again, the willingness of our citizens to&nbsp; come forward as witnesses and the cooperation between our law enforcement agencies has allowed us to conduct a thorough investigation and quickly apprehend suspects.”The Sheriff's Office wishes to thank the Riverside Police Department for their assistance with the investigation

Sheriff: Restaurant employee shot in fight over food order

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Friday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford F250 driven by a 17-year-old St. Joseph girl was northbound on Route V two and one half miles south of Avenue City.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road. The pickup traveled off the east side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The pickup traveled off the west side of the road, overturned and came to rest on a barbed wire fence.

Andrew County EMS transported the teen to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Friday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford F250 driven by a 17-year-old St. Joseph girl was northbound on Route V two and one half miles south of Avenue City.The driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road. The pickup traveled off the east side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The pickup traveled off the west side of the road, overturned and came to rest on a barbed wire fence.Andrew County EMS transported the teen to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

St. Joe teen hospitalized after pickup rolls onto barbed wire fence

Gov. Mike Parson signs bill with $309 million tax cut cited as a reason for vetoing 201 line items in the state budget for the coming year

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

Gov. Mike Parson on Thursday&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/bill-exempting-social-security-from-missouri-income-tax-heading-to-governor/">signed the tax cut</a>&nbsp;he said a week earlier was responsible for his decision to veto most of the 201 spending items he&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/despite-8-billion-surplus-missouri-governor-vetoes-550-million-in-state-spending/">cut from the state budget</a>.

The bill,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=44564">exempting Social Security benefits</a>&nbsp;and public pension payments from income tax, would reduce state general revenue by an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2023-1/0058S.04T.ORG.pdf">estimated $309 million annually</a>. It would also allow counties to hold a vote on whether people 62 or older should be exempt from increases in their annual property tax bills.

The bill passed with broad bipartisan support – only two House members voted against it – but not without some misgivings among Democrats, said Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis.&nbsp;

Under current law, exemptions allowed for retirement income are phased out for single taxpayers earning more than $85,000 and married couples with incomes above $100,000.

“I was not thrilled with it,” Merideth said. “But honestly, to me, it was the best of the options presented.”

The Republican House leadership was pushing for a $1 billion&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/21/missouri-house-votes-to-cut-corporate-personal-income-taxes-by-1-billion/">cut in corporate and income taxes</a>. The bill’s property tax language began as a cap on increases in assessments for all property owners.&nbsp;

“Many of us agree that there is a real problem with seniors right now that are on fixed incomes dealing with inflation and property taxes are a big part of that,” Merideth said.

Homeowners around the state, especially in metropolitan areas, are seeing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article276909273.html">massive increases in their assessments</a>&nbsp;due to the recent rise in real estate prices. And while provisions in the constitution require rates to be rolled back when overall assessment increases exceed inflation, individual property owners could still see big increases if their property assessment went up more than the general average.

Parson’s decision to cite the tax cut for retirement benefits as a reason to veto spending items is not playing well with lawmakers. Budget leaders from both chambers said this week&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/06/gop-legislative-leaders-wont-rule-out-overriding-missouri-governor-budget-vetoes/">they will consider overrides</a>, and said fiscal policies pushed by the governor, more than the retirement exemption, are doing more to reduce state revenues.

“Maybe the governor’s concerned about what possible, further tax reductions that the legislature may be looking at, but that’s not necessarily how, in my opinion, you build this budget,” Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, said in an interview this week.

Missouri took in $13.2 billion in general revenue in the year that ended June 30. The state was also holding surplus funds of nearly $8 billion. Parson vetoed $555 million in spending, including $365 million in general revenue appropriations, from the $16 billion in general revenue items in the budget.

Growth in state revenue slowed, however, to 2.7% during fiscal 2023 and is expected to be just 0.7% in the current fiscal year. It is a large income tax cut passed last year, not the retirement exemptions, responsible for slowing growth, Merideth said.

“It’s one thing to blame this tax cut,” Merideth said, “but really, the real tax cut that’s gonna be costing us money is the other one.”

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville and sponsor of the bill, could not be reached Friday morning for comment.

Tucked into a bill that will ban texting while driving for all motorists is a provision requiring automobile dealers to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/18/missouri-bill-would-shift-sales-tax-collection-to-car-dealers/">begin collecting sales tax</a>&nbsp;at the time of a purchase.

​​At a February hearing, Missouri Association of Auto Dealers lobbyist Jay Reichard estimated that up to $60 million in auto sales taxes were delinquent. The dealers are paying an extra administrative fee for the new computer system, estimated to cost $120 million, and the system is designed for dealers to collect the tax.

Every motorist on the road knows if a fellow driver has paid the sales tax on a vehicle by looking at their license plate. If it is a paper temporary tag, the tax is still due because it must be paid at the state license office at the time a person registers their ownership of the vehicle.

“We think this is a great thing for our customers,” Reichard said in a May interview. “They want to go to one place and get the job done.”

Auto dealers are the only retailers who do not collect sales tax at the time of sale, he noted.

For an article in May, The Independent found a half-dozen temporary tags in a short period in Columbia, including one that had expired on Christmas Day.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2023-05-12/missouri-legislature-passes-bill-banning-texting-while-driving">texting provision</a>, which currently applies only to drivers under 21, will take effect on Aug. 28.&nbsp;

A driver could not be cited for a violation, however, unless the officer stops the car for another reason. That is similar to the law governing seat belt violations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688724701986.png" alt="Parson’s decision to cite the tax cut for retirement benefits as a reason to veto spending items is not playing well with lawmakers." />
 <figcaption>Parson’s decision to cite the tax cut for retirement benefits as a reason to veto spending items is not playing well with lawmakers.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Gov. Mike Parson signs bill with $309 million tax cut cited as a reason for vetoing 201 line items in the state budget for the coming year</h2>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Gov. Mike Parson on Thursday&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/bill-exempting-social-security-from-missouri-income-tax-heading-to-governor/">signed the tax cut</a>&nbsp;he said a week earlier was responsible for his decision to veto most of the 201 spending items he&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/despite-8-billion-surplus-missouri-governor-vetoes-550-million-in-state-spending/">cut from the state budget</a>.The bill,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=44564">exempting Social Security benefits</a>&nbsp;and public pension payments from income tax, would reduce state general revenue by an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2023-1/0058S.04T.ORG.pdf">estimated $309 million annually</a>. It would also allow counties to hold a vote on whether people 62 or older should be exempt from increases in their annual property tax bills.The bill passed with broad bipartisan support – only two House members voted against it – but not without some misgivings among Democrats, said Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis.&nbsp;Under current law, exemptions allowed for retirement income are phased out for single taxpayers earning more than $85,000 and married couples with incomes above $100,000.“I was not thrilled with it,” Merideth said. “But honestly, to me, it was the best of the options presented.”The Republican House leadership was pushing for a $1 billion&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/21/missouri-house-votes-to-cut-corporate-personal-income-taxes-by-1-billion/">cut in corporate and income taxes</a>. The bill’s property tax language began as a cap on increases in assessments for all property owners.&nbsp;“Many of us agree that there is a real problem with seniors right now that are on fixed incomes dealing with inflation and property taxes are a big part of that,” Merideth said.Homeowners around the state, especially in metropolitan areas, are seeing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article276909273.html">massive increases in their assessments</a>&nbsp;due to the recent rise in real estate prices. And while provisions in the constitution require rates to be rolled back when overall assessment increases exceed inflation, individual property owners could still see big increases if their property assessment went up more than the general average.Parson’s decision to cite the tax cut for retirement benefits as a reason to veto spending items is not playing well with lawmakers. Budget leaders from both chambers said this week&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/06/gop-legislative-leaders-wont-rule-out-overriding-missouri-governor-budget-vetoes/">they will consider overrides</a>, and said fiscal policies pushed by the governor, more than the retirement exemption, are doing more to reduce state revenues.“Maybe the governor’s concerned about what possible, further tax reductions that the legislature may be looking at, but that’s not necessarily how, in my opinion, you build this budget,” Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, said in an interview this week.Missouri took in $13.2 billion in general revenue in the year that ended June 30. The state was also holding surplus funds of nearly $8 billion. Parson vetoed $555 million in spending, including $365 million in general revenue appropriations, from the $16 billion in general revenue items in the budget.Growth in state revenue slowed, however, to 2.7% during fiscal 2023 and is expected to be just 0.7% in the current fiscal year. It is a large income tax cut passed last year, not the retirement exemptions, responsible for slowing growth, Merideth said.“It’s one thing to blame this tax cut,” Merideth said, “but really, the real tax cut that’s gonna be costing us money is the other one.”State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville and sponsor of the bill, could not be reached Friday morning for comment.<h2>Automobile sales tax</h2>Tucked into a bill that will ban texting while driving for all motorists is a provision requiring automobile dealers to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/18/missouri-bill-would-shift-sales-tax-collection-to-car-dealers/">begin collecting sales tax</a>&nbsp;at the time of a purchase.​​At a February hearing, Missouri Association of Auto Dealers lobbyist Jay Reichard estimated that up to $60 million in auto sales taxes were delinquent. The dealers are paying an extra administrative fee for the new computer system, estimated to cost $120 million, and the system is designed for dealers to collect the tax.Every motorist on the road knows if a fellow driver has paid the sales tax on a vehicle by looking at their license plate. If it is a paper temporary tag, the tax is still due because it must be paid at the state license office at the time a person registers their ownership of the vehicle.“We think this is a great thing for our customers,” Reichard said in a May interview. “They want to go to one place and get the job done.”Auto dealers are the only retailers who do not collect sales tax at the time of sale, he noted.For an article in May, The Independent found a half-dozen temporary tags in a short period in Columbia, including one that had expired on Christmas Day.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2023-05-12/missouri-legislature-passes-bill-banning-texting-while-driving">texting provision</a>, which currently applies only to drivers under 21, will take effect on Aug. 28.&nbsp;A driver could not be cited for a violation, however, unless the officer stops the car for another reason. That is similar to the law governing seat belt violations.

Missouri will exempt Social Security, public pension payments from state income taxes

The National Corn Growers Association submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding its proposed emissions standards. 

The corn growers are calling on the agency to open pathways for all low-carbon fuels and technologies as it finalizes its multi-pollutant emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles for model years 2027-2032. 

“For automakers to use new technologies and enhanced engines to meet stringent standards, they need updated fuel that enables new vehicles and fuels to work as a system to enhance greenhouse gas and other tailpipe emissions reductions,” says NCGA President Tom Haag. 

NCGA says the proposal picks winners and losers and places ethanol on the losing side. “Clean octane from today’s ethanol is 50 percent lower in GHG emissions than gasoline and replaces the most harmful hydrocarbon aromatics to improve air quality and prevents adverse health impacts,” Haag says. “EPA failed to broaden the solutions that reduce transportation emissions.”

The National Corn Growers Association submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding its proposed emissions standards. The corn growers are calling on the agency to open pathways for all low-carbon fuels and technologies as it finalizes its multi-pollutant emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles for model years 2027-2032. “For automakers to use new technologies and enhanced engines to meet stringent standards, they need updated fuel that enables new vehicles and fuels to work as a system to enhance greenhouse gas and other tailpipe emissions reductions,” says NCGA President Tom Haag. NCGA says the proposal picks winners and losers and places ethanol on the losing side. “Clean octane from today’s ethanol is 50 percent lower in GHG emissions than gasoline and replaces the most harmful hydrocarbon aromatics to improve air quality and prevents adverse health impacts,” Haag says. “EPA failed to broaden the solutions that reduce transportation emissions.”- NAFB

NCGA: Don’t pick winners and losers

Last year saw a 40 percent increase in the number of injuries and fatalities in confined spaces across agriculture. 

Purdue University released its 2022 summary of accidents involving agricultural confined space-related injuries and deaths. 

The summary reported 83 cases, 24 of which were fatal and 59 nonfatal cases involving agricultural confined spaces.&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s almost a 41 percent increase over the 59 cases in 2021. 

These numbers are approximate, as the study authors realize not every case gets reported. Additionally, the 42 grain-related entrapments represented a 45 percent increase over 2021. 

Of the 41 non-grain-related cases, incidents included livestock waste handling facilities, entanglements inside confined spaces, falls from confined space structures, and grain dust explosions or fires. 

Edward Sheldon of Purdue’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program says confined-space incidents continue to result in a significant number of injuries and fatalities. “Use best-management practices to keep yourself and employees safe,” Sheldon says.

Last year saw a 40 percent increase in the number of injuries and fatalities in confined spaces across agriculture. Purdue University released its 2022 summary of accidents involving agricultural confined space-related injuries and deaths. The summary reported 83 cases, 24 of which were fatal and 59 nonfatal cases involving agricultural confined spaces.&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s almost a 41 percent increase over the 59 cases in 2021. These numbers are approximate, as the study authors realize not every case gets reported. Additionally, the 42 grain-related entrapments represented a 45 percent increase over 2021. Of the 41 non-grain-related cases, incidents included livestock waste handling facilities, entanglements inside confined spaces, falls from confined space structures, and grain dust explosions or fires. Edward Sheldon of Purdue’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program says confined-space incidents continue to result in a significant number of injuries and fatalities. “Use best-management practices to keep yourself and employees safe,” Sheldon says.- NAFB

Purdue Study reports 40% more injuries in grain storage facilities

A controversy that arose over the reappointment of a member to the Public Library Board has prompted the St. Joseph City Council to change the process it uses to appoint and reappoint members to boards and commissions. &nbsp;

Grace Calvary Chapel Pastor Josh Blevins raised objections to the reelection of Library Board Vice President Brian Kirk, pastor of the First Christian Church who advocates for the LGBTQ community.&nbsp;

Mayor John Josendale says the policy changes come after hearing from several members of the public.&nbsp;

"The people that are currently up, can be put back up, and there's no one that can't be put up for review and new people can come forward that are interested in serving on that board," Josendale tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "We're very interested in seeing who will be put up and who is interested in serving in that."&nbsp;

Josendale says it's important for people in the public to get all of the facts on candidates before making a judgment.&nbsp;

Josendale says people should understand Kirk would have no say over library policies on the board.&nbsp;

"The library board is responsible for hiring and firing of the director, and so in a roundabout way you can say anything you want but there is input into that," Josendale explains. &nbsp;

Josendale says the city heard from more than 300 community members on the issue&nbsp;

"And it's important that when people react to or respond to who is being put on a board, or why they're putting on a board, or why they're not being put on a board, it's important to hear all the facts," Josendale says.&nbsp;

Josendale hopes the changes to the process will be more transparent with the public.&nbsp;

"Letting people know whose applying and if they have other people that they want to talk to to encourage to apply, then that would be brought out, I would pick three, we'd bring those up to the council, and then they'd be voted on by the council," Josendale points out.&nbsp;

The new process hopes to make the public more aware of opportunities on boards and commissions in the city.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A controversy that arose over the reappointment of a member to the Public Library Board has prompted the St. Joseph City Council to change the process it uses to appoint and reappoint members to boards and commissions. &nbsp;Grace Calvary Chapel Pastor Josh Blevins raised objections to the reelection of Library Board Vice President Brian Kirk, pastor of the First Christian Church who advocates for the LGBTQ community.&nbsp;Mayor John Josendale says the policy changes come after hearing from several members of the public.&nbsp;"The people that are currently up, can be put back up, and there's no one that can't be put up for review and new people can come forward that are interested in serving on that board," Josendale tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "We're very interested in seeing who will be put up and who is interested in serving in that."&nbsp;Josendale says it's important for people in the public to get all of the facts on candidates before making a judgment.&nbsp;Josendale says people should understand Kirk would have no say over library policies on the board.&nbsp;"The library board is responsible for hiring and firing of the director, and so in a roundabout way you can say anything you want but there is input into that," Josendale explains. &nbsp;Josendale says the city heard from more than 300 community members on the issue&nbsp;"And it's important that when people react to or respond to who is being put on a board, or why they're putting on a board, or why they're not being put on a board, it's important to hear all the facts," Josendale says.&nbsp;Josendale hopes the changes to the process will be more transparent with the public.&nbsp;"Letting people know whose applying and if they have other people that they want to talk to to encourage to apply, then that would be brought out, I would pick three, we'd bring those up to the council, and then they'd be voted on by the council," Josendale points out.&nbsp;The new process hopes to make the public more aware of opportunities on boards and commissions in the city.&nbsp;

Controversy over St. Joseph library board leads to new policy

A 38-year-old Savannah man is being held in the Andrew County
jail without bond after being arrested on suspicion that he possessed child pornography.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Matthew Raya was
arrested after an investigation that discovered alleged child porn on his cell
phone. The patrol says investigators executed a search warrant on his residence
in Savannah in late June.

The patrol’s Division
of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigations Unit conducted the
investigation with the assistance of the Kansas City Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688740367746.png" alt="Raya-photo Andrew Co." />
 <figcaption>Raya-photo Andrew Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 38-year-old Savannah man is being held in the Andrew County
jail without bond after being arrested on suspicion that he possessed child pornography.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Matthew Raya was
arrested after an investigation that discovered alleged child porn on his cell
phone. The patrol says investigators executed a search warrant on his residence
in Savannah in late June.The patrol’s Division
of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigations Unit conducted the
investigation with the assistance of the Kansas City Police Department.

Savannah man arrested on suspicion of child porn possession

A helicopter pilot who was spraying crops in DeKalb County is
being treated for moderate injuries after crashing.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reports the helicopter
crashed in the northwest part of the county Wednesday afternoon. The pilot was
the only person onboard. DeKalb County ambulance crew members rushed the pilot to
a local hospital to be treated.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the
crash.

You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent and St. Joseph Post.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA helicopter pilot who was spraying crops in DeKalb County is
being treated for moderate injuries after crashing.The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reports the helicopter
crashed in the northwest part of the county Wednesday afternoon. The pilot was
the only person onboard. DeKalb County ambulance crew members rushed the pilot to
a local hospital to be treated.The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the
crash.You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent and St. Joseph Post.

Helicopter pilot injured in DeKalb County crash

Only bill vetoed by Gov. Mike Parson would have also enacted ‘Blair’s Law,’ raise age for trying youth as adults, expanded conviction review process

The state shouldn’t be responsible for paying people released after their convictions have been overturned, Gov. Mike Parson wrote explaining his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=44562">veto of a bill</a>&nbsp;that expands who is eligible for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/missouri-legislators-seek-to-expand-law-providing-restitution-for-wrongful-convictions/">compensation for being wrongly imprisoned</a>.

Under current law, only someone shown to be innocent by means of a DNA test is eligible for compensation after being released. The law allows $36,500 a year for the same number of years the person was wrongly incarcerated.

The vetoed bill would have increased the payment to $65,000 a year and expanded it to include people freed by the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/06/01/pending-law-to-correct-wrongful-convictions-could-depend-on-missouri-attorney-general/">conviction review process</a>&nbsp;created in a 2021 law.&nbsp;

In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/sb-189-veto">letter explaining his veto</a>, Parson wrote that crimes are investigated and prosecuted locally and that juries and judges are from the community where the person was tried and convicted. He objects to the state being made to pay for the mistakes, Parson wrote.

“Local governments should bear the financial cost of their own actions,” he wrote.

The expanded eligibility for the payments is another reason to object to the bill, Parson wrote. It would have allowed payments for anyone released after a hearing that demonstrates the person’s innocence, the letter states.

“The vagueness of the language could allow anyone released from prison this way who simply claimed innocence to receive compensation,” Parson wrote. “I am opposed to subjecting taxpayers to such a nebulous standard.”

The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, could not be reached for comment. In a May interview, he said the current provisions for compensating people released after a finding of innocence are obsolete and inadequate.

“The worst thing that the criminal justice system can do is convict and incarcerate an innocent person,” Luetkemeyer said. “And so this statute reflects that when a state has that happen, that we owe some debt to the individual who’s wrongfully incarcerated.”

The compensation provision was included in a wide-ranging bill addressing criminal justice issues. The bill would have ended the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/30/missouri-bill-ends-crack-penalty-disparity-raises-age-for-trying-youths-as-adults/">sentencing disparity</a>&nbsp;for crack and powder cocaine and bar the courts from trying children aged 12 or 13 as adults, two tough-on-crime policies from the 1980s and early 1990s criticized as falling disparately on people from minority communities.&nbsp;

The bill would also have enacted “Blair’s Law” making it a crime to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/blair-s-law-awaits-a-signature-on-missouri-governor-s-desk/44399524#">discharge a gun within a city</a>. The law was named for Blair Shanahan Lane, killed July 4, 2011, when a celebratory bullet fired into the air struck her while she enjoyed Independence Day activities. She was 11.

“​​This veto is heartbreaking,” state Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, wrote in a text message on Thursday. “Blair’s Law would have saved property damage, injuries, and the lives of innocent Missourians.”

Four people were injured Tuesday by celebratory gunfire in Kansas City, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article277031983.html">Kansas City Star reported</a>.

Razer wrote he is “heartbroken for future victims of this disregard for the common sense one should expect from gun ownership” and “disheartened that the one piece of gun legislation that can unify Democrats and Republicans, the one thing we seem to agree on and all could be proud of, was lost at the last moment.”

Other significant provisions in the bill would have:

The bill would also have allowed people who committed some offenses while teens or young adults to have their records expunged, but Parson said the language in that part of the bill was too broad.

It would have allowed expungement for people who committed sex offenses before the state established a registry or before their particular offense was included on the list of crimes that require registration.

“This change would allow for some serious offenses to be expunged,” Parson wrote, including child pornography or sexual exploitation of a minor for offenses committed before 2004.

“I am deeply concerned that someone could&nbsp; have committed and been convicted of such heinous offenses, only late to receive a pass under the provisions of this bill,” Parson wrote.

Parson said he would have signed the bill absent the provision on compensation and expungement.

The bill “contains many public safety measures that we support and would like to sign into law, including Blair’s Law, Max’s Law, increased penalties for violent repeat offenders and gun crimes, and strengthening the public defender system,” Parson said in a news release. “However, in this case, these unintended consequences unfortunately outweigh the good.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688724701986.png" alt="Missouri Governor Mike Parson completed action on this year's legislation Thursday, including a veto of a bill to increase compensation for people wrongfully convicted-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Governor Mike Parson completed action on this year's legislation Thursday, including a veto of a bill to increase compensation for people wrongfully convicted-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Only bill vetoed by Gov. Mike Parson would have also enacted ‘Blair’s Law,’ raise age for trying youth as adults, expanded conviction review process</h2>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The state shouldn’t be responsible for paying people released after their convictions have been overturned, Gov. Mike Parson wrote explaining his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=44562">veto of a bill</a>&nbsp;that expands who is eligible for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/missouri-legislators-seek-to-expand-law-providing-restitution-for-wrongful-convictions/">compensation for being wrongly imprisoned</a>.Under current law, only someone shown to be innocent by means of a DNA test is eligible for compensation after being released. The law allows $36,500 a year for the same number of years the person was wrongly incarcerated.The vetoed bill would have increased the payment to $65,000 a year and expanded it to include people freed by the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/06/01/pending-law-to-correct-wrongful-convictions-could-depend-on-missouri-attorney-general/">conviction review process</a>&nbsp;created in a 2021 law.&nbsp;In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/sb-189-veto">letter explaining his veto</a>, Parson wrote that crimes are investigated and prosecuted locally and that juries and judges are from the community where the person was tried and convicted. He objects to the state being made to pay for the mistakes, Parson wrote.“Local governments should bear the financial cost of their own actions,” he wrote.The expanded eligibility for the payments is another reason to object to the bill, Parson wrote. It would have allowed payments for anyone released after a hearing that demonstrates the person’s innocence, the letter states.“The vagueness of the language could allow anyone released from prison this way who simply claimed innocence to receive compensation,” Parson wrote. “I am opposed to subjecting taxpayers to such a nebulous standard.”The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, could not be reached for comment. In a May interview, he said the current provisions for compensating people released after a finding of innocence are obsolete and inadequate.“The worst thing that the criminal justice system can do is convict and incarcerate an innocent person,” Luetkemeyer said. “And so this statute reflects that when a state has that happen, that we owe some debt to the individual who’s wrongfully incarcerated.”The compensation provision was included in a wide-ranging bill addressing criminal justice issues. The bill would have ended the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/30/missouri-bill-ends-crack-penalty-disparity-raises-age-for-trying-youths-as-adults/">sentencing disparity</a>&nbsp;for crack and powder cocaine and bar the courts from trying children aged 12 or 13 as adults, two tough-on-crime policies from the 1980s and early 1990s criticized as falling disparately on people from minority communities.&nbsp;The bill would also have enacted “Blair’s Law” making it a crime to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/blair-s-law-awaits-a-signature-on-missouri-governor-s-desk/44399524#">discharge a gun within a city</a>. The law was named for Blair Shanahan Lane, killed July 4, 2011, when a celebratory bullet fired into the air struck her while she enjoyed Independence Day activities. She was 11.“​​This veto is heartbreaking,” state Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, wrote in a text message on Thursday. “Blair’s Law would have saved property damage, injuries, and the lives of innocent Missourians.”Four people were injured Tuesday by celebratory gunfire in Kansas City, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article277031983.html">Kansas City Star reported</a>.Razer wrote he is “heartbroken for future victims of this disregard for the common sense one should expect from gun ownership” and “disheartened that the one piece of gun legislation that can unify Democrats and Republicans, the one thing we seem to agree on and all could be proud of, was lost at the last moment.”Other significant provisions in the bill would have:<ul>
 <li>Established training standards for chiefs of police under the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. Departments with chiefs who have not met the standard could not receive any commission training funds or federal and state grants.</li><li>Expanded the reasons for denying a person a commission as a peace officer to include crimes committed in other states and “any act of gross misconduct indicating inability to function as a peace officer.”</li><li>Expanded the conviction review process to allow reviews by the state Office of Prosecution Services and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-supreme-court-finds-prosecutor-has-no-jurisdiction-in-washington-county-innocence-claim-case/">fix a loophole</a>&nbsp;that prevented prosecutors from seeking a review in cases moved from their counties on a change of venue.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The bill would also have allowed people who committed some offenses while teens or young adults to have their records expunged, but Parson said the language in that part of the bill was too broad.It would have allowed expungement for people who committed sex offenses before the state established a registry or before their particular offense was included on the list of crimes that require registration.“This change would allow for some serious offenses to be expunged,” Parson wrote, including child pornography or sexual exploitation of a minor for offenses committed before 2004.“I am deeply concerned that someone could&nbsp; have committed and been convicted of such heinous offenses, only late to receive a pass under the provisions of this bill,” Parson wrote.Parson said he would have signed the bill absent the provision on compensation and expungement.The bill “contains many public safety measures that we support and would like to sign into law, including Blair’s Law, Max’s Law, increased penalties for violent repeat offenders and gun crimes, and strengthening the public defender system,” Parson said in a news release. “However, in this case, these unintended consequences unfortunately outweigh the good.”

Effort to boost payment for wrongly convicted vetoed by Missouri governor

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Mack Conventional truck driven by Willie A. Johnson, 60, Kingsville, was northbound on Route J three miles east of Stewartsville.

The truck traveled off the east side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle overturned.

DeKalb-Clinton Ambulance transported Johnson to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Mack Conventional truck driven by Willie A. Johnson, 60, Kingsville, was northbound on Route J three miles east of Stewartsville.The truck traveled off the east side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle overturned.DeKalb-Clinton Ambulance transported Johnson to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after truck overturns

Major projects and renovations are planned for Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph, and those projects just got a major boost from the state budget signed into law by Missouri Governor Mike Parson.

The budget, signed into law this past Friday, allocates $19 million to the airport - $10.2 million in state general revenue funds and $8.8 million in federal funding.

General manager of the airport, Julius Rice, says this money will help fund a new air control tower.

"What this is does, it'll completely fund the air traffic control tower portion of that aviation complex project," Rice said. "We already started the process of the terminal. That went through the city council a few months back."

"We're so grateful for what we got from the general revenue and that'll get us across the line and we should have the terminal and the tower both, hopefully, under construction at the same time out here, getting this aviation complex complete within the next few years."

Work has already begun on a new runway at Rosecrans, and construction is set to begin on a new terminal building in a few months.

Rice says he's hopeful that construction on the new air control tower will begin in spring of 2024.&nbsp;The current terminal building and tower were built in the 1950s.

The city is also hoping to build a new maintenance shed at Rosecrans to house snow removal equipment.

Rice is hopeful that there'll be enough money left over to build that shed.

"We're waiting to see how much the tower comes in at before we can pull the trigger on the snow removal equipment building as well," he said. "That'll get all of the airport operational maintenance equipment under one roof. It'll all be inside, enclosed and the return on investment on that is all of our equipment is going to last longer."&nbsp;

The 139th Airlift Wing is also in the process of moving its headquarters from the south side of Rosecrans to the north side.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631297009153.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMajor projects and renovations are planned for Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph, and those projects just got a major boost from the state budget signed into law by Missouri Governor Mike Parson.The budget, signed into law this past Friday, allocates $19 million to the airport - $10.2 million in state general revenue funds and $8.8 million in federal funding.General manager of the airport, Julius Rice, says this money will help fund a new air control tower."What this is does, it'll completely fund the air traffic control tower portion of that aviation complex project," Rice said. "We already started the process of the terminal. That went through the city council a few months back.""We're so grateful for what we got from the general revenue and that'll get us across the line and we should have the terminal and the tower both, hopefully, under construction at the same time out here, getting this aviation complex complete within the next few years."Work has already begun on a new runway at Rosecrans, and construction is set to begin on a new terminal building in a few months.Rice says he's hopeful that construction on the new air control tower will begin in spring of 2024.&nbsp;The current terminal building and tower were built in the 1950s.The city is also hoping to build a new maintenance shed at Rosecrans to house snow removal equipment.Rice is hopeful that there'll be enough money left over to build that shed."We're waiting to see how much the tower comes in at before we can pull the trigger on the snow removal equipment building as well," he said. "That'll get all of the airport operational maintenance equipment under one roof. It'll all be inside, enclosed and the return on investment on that is all of our equipment is going to last longer."&nbsp;The 139th Airlift Wing is also in the process of moving its headquarters from the south side of Rosecrans to the north side.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Rosecrans Memorial Airport receives funding boost from state budget

An unprecedented influx of federal money could well clear up a
backlog of projects needed to maintain navigation on the Missouri River.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced $248 million
from Congress’ infrastructure package will be paired with $100 million from the
supplemental budget to repair and upgrade structures from Rulo, Nebraska to St.
Louis.

Program Manager for Navigation Reliability, Dane Morris, in
the Corps’ Kansas City office points out the Missouri River is self-scouring
with 7,000 control structures over 735 miles, designed to maintain a river
channel nine feet deep and 300-feet wide.

“Doesn’t contain locks and dams like the Mississippi other
major rivers in the United States, but it relies on properly maintaining this
series of stone and timber dikes and revetments to our design parameters to
achieve flow patterns that provide those channel dimensions necessary for commercial
navigation and channel stability,” Morris tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone
interview.

The Kansas City Office maintains the Missouri River from
approximately Rulo, Nebraska all the way to St. Louis where it flows into the
Mississippi River. The Corps’ Omaha district maintains the Missouri from the
upstream reservoirs down to Rulo. Navigation on the Missouri begins at Sioux
City, Iowa.

Morris says the Corps typically gets only about $10-to-20 million
a year for navigation infrastructure repairs and upgrades. Morris says the 2019
Missouri River flood exposed the need for extensive infrastructure repairs to
keep barge traffic moving. High water levels prevented the Corps from
inspecting the structures or from assigning private contractors to complete
repair work. That combination created an even larger backlog of repair work
along the Missouri.

Morris says this latest allocation to repair Missouri River
infrastructure should be enough to clear that backlog or, at least, fund the
majority of delayed repairs.

“So, with this $248 million, that’s quite a bit larger than we
typically have received, obviously, when we get about $10 million per year,”
according to Morris.

Morris says the Corps plans to combine the latest allocation
with $100 million received from the supplemental budget to complete repairs and
keep the barges moving. Morris points out the Mississippi River had to restrict
navigation last fall.

“But the Missouri River has largely remained open,” Morris
says. “We haven’t had a navigation restriction in over a year. So, navigation
traffic has continued to be able to freely move.”

Morris says the Corps has worked hard to keep barge traffic
afloat even though drought has dropped the level of the Missouri River.

“I think a lot of that has to do with the repairs that we’ve
made with these funds so far,” Morris says. “And I think the other part of it
that has been a success is just the communication that we’ve had with industry.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688660363642.jpeg" alt="Loading a barge at the St. Joseph Port on the Missouri River/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Loading a barge at the St. Joseph Port on the Missouri River/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn unprecedented influx of federal money could well clear up a
backlog of projects needed to maintain navigation on the Missouri River.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced $248 million
from Congress’ infrastructure package will be paired with $100 million from the
supplemental budget to repair and upgrade structures from Rulo, Nebraska to St.
Louis.Program Manager for Navigation Reliability, Dane Morris, in
the Corps’ Kansas City office points out the Missouri River is self-scouring
with 7,000 control structures over 735 miles, designed to maintain a river
channel nine feet deep and 300-feet wide.“Doesn’t contain locks and dams like the Mississippi other
major rivers in the United States, but it relies on properly maintaining this
series of stone and timber dikes and revetments to our design parameters to
achieve flow patterns that provide those channel dimensions necessary for commercial
navigation and channel stability,” Morris tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone
interview.The Kansas City Office maintains the Missouri River from
approximately Rulo, Nebraska all the way to St. Louis where it flows into the
Mississippi River. The Corps’ Omaha district maintains the Missouri from the
upstream reservoirs down to Rulo. Navigation on the Missouri begins at Sioux
City, Iowa.Morris says the Corps typically gets only about $10-to-20 million
a year for navigation infrastructure repairs and upgrades. Morris says the 2019
Missouri River flood exposed the need for extensive infrastructure repairs to
keep barge traffic moving. High water levels prevented the Corps from
inspecting the structures or from assigning private contractors to complete
repair work. That combination created an even larger backlog of repair work
along the Missouri.Morris says this latest allocation to repair Missouri River
infrastructure should be enough to clear that backlog or, at least, fund the
majority of delayed repairs.“So, with this $248 million, that’s quite a bit larger than we
typically have received, obviously, when we get about $10 million per year,”
according to Morris.Morris says the Corps plans to combine the latest allocation
with $100 million received from the supplemental budget to complete repairs and
keep the barges moving. Morris points out the Mississippi River had to restrict
navigation last fall.“But the Missouri River has largely remained open,” Morris
says. “We haven’t had a navigation restriction in over a year. So, navigation
traffic has continued to be able to freely move.”Morris says the Corps has worked hard to keep barge traffic
afloat even though drought has dropped the level of the Missouri River.“I think a lot of that has to do with the repairs that we’ve
made with these funds so far,” Morris says. “And I think the other part of it
that has been a success is just the communication that we’ve had with industry.”You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrent and St. Joseph Post.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Repairing-the-Missouri-River-navigation-channel-e26krsr" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Influx of money could clear backlog of Missouri River navigation projects

If you're looking for a fun family friendly event this weekend, the small town of Gower is the place for you.   

The annual Gower Days Festival returns to the Gower City Park this weekend.  

Gower Days committee president Chip Holman says the festival is a great chance to bring the community together 

"Get everyone together, provide some great vendors, great entertainment, stuff for the entire family to do, but it's a way to showcase and give back to our community," Holman tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  

Fellow committee member Randy Frye says the festival has been a tradition held for decades 

"So, it's been a real kind of institution, something that people look forward to and have for many, many years," Frye says. 

Frye says the event every year draws several people to Gower and also brings many former residents back home. 

"You see all the time children who've grown up, have their own families, they're working somewhere else, but they make it a point to come back, bring their families, and hang out," Frye explains. "So, there's kind of a family reunion or family reconnection kind of vibe about a lot of what happens there, you just see a lot of people."

The event kicks off tomorrow with several food vendors and live music as well as many other family friendly events.

Holman says the festival is a weekend packed with family friendly entertainment 

"It's something you can bring the whole family to and it's just wonderful to see, last year it was phenomenal to see, it's going to be hard to top that, but I think we're coming close and we're going to do it this year," Holman says. "But the amount of people that show up, grab a nice dinner, lunch, listen to some wonderful local artists and entertainment, it's just a wonderful weekend you just can't go wrong." 

The festival runs tomorrow through Sunday, with opening ceremonies beginning at 5:30 tomorrow evening. 

You can find a full schedule of events on the Gower Days Facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688660544306.jpeg" alt="A crowd gathers in front of the stages during Gower Days 2022 to listen to live music in the park/ Photo used with permission from Chip Holman" />
 <figcaption>A crowd gathers in front of the stages during Gower Days 2022 to listen to live music in the park/ Photo used with permission from Chip Holman</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post If you're looking for a fun family friendly event this weekend, the small town of Gower is the place for you. The annual Gower Days Festival returns to the Gower City Park this weekend. Gower Days committee president Chip Holman says the festival is a great chance to bring the community together "Get everyone together, provide some great vendors, great entertainment, stuff for the entire family to do, but it's a way to showcase and give back to our community," Holman tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Fellow committee member Randy Frye says the festival has been a tradition held for decades "So, it's been a real kind of institution, something that people look forward to and have for many, many years," Frye says. Frye says the event every year draws several people to Gower and also brings many former residents back home. "You see all the time children who've grown up, have their own families, they're working somewhere else, but they make it a point to come back, bring their families, and hang out," Frye explains. "So, there's kind of a family reunion or family reconnection kind of vibe about a lot of what happens there, you just see a lot of people."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688660601497.jpeg" alt="Photo used with permission from Chip Holman" />
 <figcaption>Photo used with permission from Chip Holman</figcaption>
 </figure>The event kicks off tomorrow with several food vendors and live music as well as many other family friendly events.Holman says the festival is a weekend packed with family friendly entertainment "It's something you can bring the whole family to and it's just wonderful to see, last year it was phenomenal to see, it's going to be hard to top that, but I think we're coming close and we're going to do it this year," Holman says. "But the amount of people that show up, grab a nice dinner, lunch, listen to some wonderful local artists and entertainment, it's just a wonderful weekend you just can't go wrong." The festival runs tomorrow through Sunday, with opening ceremonies beginning at 5:30 tomorrow evening. You can find a full schedule of events on the Gower Days Facebook page.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688660622945.jpeg" alt="Gower Days 2023 schedule of events/ Photo courtesy of Gower Days Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Gower Days 2023 schedule of events/ Photo courtesy of Gower Days Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>

Family fun planned for Gower Days this weekend 

America’s farmers, fuel marketers, retailers, and renewable fuel producers called on the Environmental Protection Agency to change its proposed standards for tailpipe emissions. 

The groups want the agency to adopt a market-oriented, technology-neutral approach to transportation decarbonization in its final tailpipe emissions standards for 2027-2032 light- and medium-duty vehicles. 

In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, the groups say the proposed rule favors electric vehicles while failing to consider the decarbonization potential of existing biofuels that can improve the emissions profile of a majority of cars on the road today. 

“EPA should use the best available science to accurately account for the full lifecycle carbon intensity associated with particular fuels and technologies,” the groups say. 

They also feel the proposed rule “artificially tilts the scale” toward electric vehicles without considering other options. The National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, and Growth Energy were among the groups signing the letter. 

America’s farmers, fuel marketers, retailers, and renewable fuel producers called on the Environmental Protection Agency to change its proposed standards for tailpipe emissions. The groups want the agency to adopt a market-oriented, technology-neutral approach to transportation decarbonization in its final tailpipe emissions standards for 2027-2032 light- and medium-duty vehicles. In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, the groups say the proposed rule favors electric vehicles while failing to consider the decarbonization potential of existing biofuels that can improve the emissions profile of a majority of cars on the road today. “EPA should use the best available science to accurately account for the full lifecycle carbon intensity associated with particular fuels and technologies,” the groups say. They also feel the proposed rule “artificially tilts the scale” toward electric vehicles without considering other options. The National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, and Growth Energy were among the groups signing the letter. - NAFB&nbsp;

Groups want fairness in tailpipe emissions standards

July 1 was the third anniversary of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement going into effect, and the U.S. pork industry is happy to celebrate the occasion. 

Pork exports to America’s neighbors, especially Mexico, have soared under the successor to the North American Free Trade Agreement. 

Since USMCA took effect, U.S. pork exports to Mexico have increased from almost $1.2 billion in 2020 to more than $2 billion last year. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675100511487.jpeg" alt="USMCA (USDA).jpg" />
 <figcaption>USMCA (USDA).jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>July 1 was the third anniversary of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement going into effect, and the U.S. pork industry is happy to celebrate the occasion. Pork exports to America’s neighbors, especially Mexico, have soared under the successor to the North American Free Trade Agreement. Since USMCA took effect, U.S. pork exports to Mexico have increased from almost $1.2 billion in 2020 to more than $2 billion last year. Exports to Canada have grown from about $853 million in 2020 to $867 million in 2022. For the first four months of this year, both countries are on pace to take in record amounts of American pork during 2023. Exports to Mexico and Canada totaled nearly $3 billion, accounted for 38 percent of all U.S. pork exports in 2022, and supported more than 16,000 jobs. The USMCA maintained the zero-tariff rate on pork traded in North America which was first established under NAFTA.- NAFB