Two different road projects in St. Joseph are being assisted in funding thanks to a cost share initiative from Governor Mike Parson.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The 75-million dollars proposed by the governor were approved during the previous legislative session.&nbsp;

Northwest Missouri District Engineer Marty Liles the funds help provide assistance in building roads and bridges across the state from the Governor’s transportation fund.&nbsp;

"They understand that it helps spur a lot of economic development and really helps improve a lot of those roads," Liles tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, it doesn't necessarily have to be roads that are maintained by the state and MoDot, it can actually be some other entities cities and counties as well."&nbsp;

The cost share program is helping fund 28 different projects for the Missouri Department of Transportation. &nbsp;

Liles says one of those projects locally will be at the intersection of Messanie and AC&nbsp;

"To do kind of a left turn lane improvement at the intersection of AC and Messanie, along with some other improvements right there, but that's kind of the general portion of that," Liles says. &nbsp;

The other will be some work on Ag Expo south of 36th street.&nbsp;

"At the Ag Expo Exchange down to Pickett Road and then also include improvements to Pickett Road and back to the west," Liles explains. &nbsp;

Liles says these projects could, in theory, get started as early as this summer.&nbsp;

Several road and bridge projects by the Missouri Department of Transportation are set to be funded thanks to a cost-share initiative by Governor Mike Parson. &nbsp;

Liles says while cost-share programs for MoDot are common for state funded roads, this initiative is unique. &nbsp;

"Whereas unique on this one was additional funding cost share coming from the governor's cost share, that 75 million, that didn't need to initially be done on our system if they didn't want to, so that was one of the unique things about that," Liles explains. "So that really helps out a lot of those cities and counties that want to apply for these and have projects and those plans ready to go."&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Two different road projects in St. Joseph are being assisted in funding thanks to a cost share initiative from Governor Mike Parson.&nbsp; &nbsp;The 75-million dollars proposed by the governor were approved during the previous legislative session.&nbsp;Northwest Missouri District Engineer Marty Liles the funds help provide assistance in building roads and bridges across the state from the Governor’s transportation fund.&nbsp;"They understand that it helps spur a lot of economic development and really helps improve a lot of those roads," Liles tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, it doesn't necessarily have to be roads that are maintained by the state and MoDot, it can actually be some other entities cities and counties as well."&nbsp;The cost share program is helping fund 28 different projects for the Missouri Department of Transportation. &nbsp;Liles says one of those projects locally will be at the intersection of Messanie and AC&nbsp;"To do kind of a left turn lane improvement at the intersection of AC and Messanie, along with some other improvements right there, but that's kind of the general portion of that," Liles says. &nbsp;The other will be some work on Ag Expo south of 36th street.&nbsp;"At the Ag Expo Exchange down to Pickett Road and then also include improvements to Pickett Road and back to the west," Liles explains. &nbsp;Liles says these projects could, in theory, get started as early as this summer.&nbsp;Several road and bridge projects by the Missouri Department of Transportation are set to be funded thanks to a cost-share initiative by Governor Mike Parson. &nbsp;Liles says while cost-share programs for MoDot are common for state funded roads, this initiative is unique. &nbsp;"Whereas unique on this one was additional funding cost share coming from the governor's cost share, that 75 million, that didn't need to initially be done on our system if they didn't want to, so that was one of the unique things about that," Liles explains. "So that really helps out a lot of those cities and counties that want to apply for these and have projects and those plans ready to go."&nbsp;

State cost share will help two St. Joseph road projects

A U.S. farm group is asking the Federal Trade Commission to look into the high prices of eggs and possible price gouging. 

Farm Action is a farmer-led advocacy organization that sent a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan to share their concerns over “apparent price gouging.” 

They point out that Americans are paying more than ever for an important household staple. 

The USDA says a recent record outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza is the reason for the high prices. The group says the nation’s top antitrust regulator must look into the record-high profits of the nation’s top egg company. 

Cal-Maine Foods controls 20 percent of the retail egg market and reported a quarterly sales increase of 110 percent. Gross profits are 600 percent higher than the same time last year. The company says avian flu is driving up prices. However, Cal-Maine had no positive flu tests on any of its farms.

A U.S. farm group is asking the Federal Trade Commission to look into the high prices of eggs and possible price gouging. Farm Action is a farmer-led advocacy organization that sent a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan to share their concerns over “apparent price gouging.” They point out that Americans are paying more than ever for an important household staple. The USDA says a recent record outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza is the reason for the high prices. The group says the nation’s top antitrust regulator must look into the record-high profits of the nation’s top egg company. Cal-Maine Foods controls 20 percent of the retail egg market and reported a quarterly sales increase of 110 percent. Gross profits are 600 percent higher than the same time last year. The company says avian flu is driving up prices. However, Cal-Maine had no positive flu tests on any of its farms.

Farm group wants investigation into egg prices

St. Joseph police are investigating a shooting early Sunday
evening.

Police report a person shot from the backyard into the second story of a house
at 25th and Faraon. No one was home at the time of the shooting.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police are investigating a shooting early Sunday
evening.Police report a person shot from the backyard into the second story of a house
at 25th and Faraon. No one was home at the time of the shooting. The
suspect is at-large.

St. Joseph police investigating shooting

St. Joseph police report a man has been found dead inside
a car parked on the side of the road in the 500 block of South 20th Street.

No cause of death has been determined, yet.

Police say officers responded to a call about 10:30 Sunday night about a deceased person located in a vehicle. The victim is described as
a middle-aged man.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police report a man has been found dead inside
a car parked on the side of the road in the 500 block of South 20th Street.No cause of death has been determined, yet.Police say officers responded to a call about 10:30 Sunday night about a deceased person located in a vehicle. The victim is described as
a middle-aged man.The investigation continues.

St. Joseph police investigating after body found in car

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Tremayne E. Jackson, 47, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of the I-229 interchange.

The Jeep rear-ended a 2003 Toyota Matrix driven by a 17-year-old boy from Agency who had slowed to avoid an earlier accident in front of them.

Buchanan County EMS transported the teen driver and a passenger 19-year-old Sidnee A. Carr of&nbsp; Easton to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp; Jackson was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Tremayne E. Jackson, 47, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of the I-229 interchange.The Jeep rear-ended a 2003 Toyota Matrix driven by a 17-year-old boy from Agency who had slowed to avoid an earlier accident in front of them.Buchanan County EMS transported the teen driver and a passenger 19-year-old Sidnee A. Carr of&nbsp; Easton to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp; Jackson was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 injured after Buchanan Co. rear-end crash

By ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/20/missouri-lawmaker-works-with-humane-society-to-stop-use-of-gas-to-kill-shelter-animals/">Missouri Independent</a>

Some of Missouri’s animals’ last moments are spent in a gas chamber, suffocating in carbon dioxide – but a <a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills231/hlrbillspdf/1605H.01I.pdf">bill by Rep. Adam Schwadron</a>, R-St. Charles, would bar shelters from using this type of euthanasia.

“Humanely treating our animals in our
 shelters is something that’s very important for us in the state,” 
Schwadron said. “And realizing that we are one of three states that 
still allow this practice: it’s time to end that.”

His bill would also prohibit other 
methods the American Veterinary Medical Association deems less than 
humane – such as gunshots and or clubbing unwanted animals. Shelters 
would be limited to euthanasia via sodium pentobarbital or a substance 
that is “clinically proven to be as humane.”

The association’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/avma-guidelines-euthanasia-animals">guidelines for the euthanasia</a>
 of animals explains that carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, the two 
gases named in Schwadron’s bill, can cause animals to become agitated 
and try to escape.

The association notes that carbon 
monoxide is harmful to humans, so facilities should be maintained and 
monitored to keep staff safe.&nbsp; Carbon dioxide, while less of a threat to
 humans, is linked to more pain and stress.

“It can take upwards of 30 minutes to
 kill an animal this way, and we’ve seen examples in some of these gas 
chambers where the animals just panicked and tried to claw their way out
 and ripped their claws out,” Schwadron said. “In the last moments of 
this animal’s life, it was scared, it was panicked, it was worried, and 
that’s not the way any animal should have to go.”

Cody Atkinson, who serves as 
Missouri’s state director for the Humane Society of the United States, 
said the Humane Society is watching three states with gas-chamber 
euthanasia in shelters: Wyoming, Utah and Missouri. Utah is currently 
considering legislation similar to Schwadron’s bill.

There are two public shelters in 
Missouri with a gas chamber, Jefferson City and Poplar Bluff. According 
to Jefferson City Police public information officer Lt. David Williams, 
the city does not use gas to euthanize dogs or cats – the only species 
named in the legislation.

Jefferson City used its gas chamber 
21 times last year, Williams said. He said the key benefit to using gas 
is that an animal control officer can use it, saving a veterinarian from
 potentially being harmed by a raccoon or other wild animal. The vet is 
also not available for as many hours during the week as the officers.

Poplar Bluff uses gas “very 
sparingly,” James Sisk, city planner and the shelter’s supervisor, said.
 “It’s only used in the case of an injured dog or a very sick dog that 
they can’t help.”

“A conversation has happened within 
the last few months of just removing it from the building altogether – 
that’s how sparingly it’s used anymore,” he said. “It’s been the better 
part of a decade since it was used on a regular basis.”

Poplar Bluff is one of five 
municipalities with a shelter that euthanizes companion animals, a fact 
the Humane Society of the United States tracks after hearing unsettling 
stories.

Atkinson recalled learning about a 
dog’s euthanasia in a gas chamber in 2017 in Moberly. It took 10 minutes
 of the dog gasping before the animal succumbed. Later that year, the 
animal shelter <a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/humane-society-helps-moberly-animal-shelter-discard-gas-chamber/article_fa215e3a-40b8-11e7-a245-171c52006190.html">discarded its gas chamber</a> with a $3,000 grant from the Humane Society of the United States.

The organization has been pleading 
with individual shelters to stop gas euthanasia but sees a more 
permanent solution in statewide legislation, Atkinson said.

“What we want is to not just discontinue their current use, but make sure that they don’t ever get fired up again,” he said.

Ohio’s governor signed a gas ban earlier this month, and Atkinson has hopes Missouri can do the same.

“I do think that Missourians love animals and want them to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

Despite residents’ admiration for 
animals, Missouri has the largest number of commercial dog breeders with
 problematic inspection reports, according to the Humane Society of the 
United States. Missouri is also home to the largest dog auction in the 
United States.

Schwadron said has been talking with colleagues and hopes to bring other lawmakers on as cosponsors.

Neither Atkinson nor Schwadron anticipate much opposition to the bill, including from the farm industry.

In 2010, when voters passed a ballot 
proposition to limit dog breeders’ number of breeding dogs to 50, the 
Missouri Farm Bureau was in fervent opposition. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/missouris-puppy-mill-politics-dog-breeders-outmaneuver-animal-rights-movement/">The legislature replaced the proposition</a> with new, less restrictive legislation in 2011.

Schwadron said he is not looking at 
expanding his legislation to impact livestock, so he doesn’t anticipate 
pushback from farmers. He is focused on dogs and cats in shelters.

“Cats and dogs in our animal 
shelters, they’ve got a specific mission,” he said. “And these are 
mostly companion animals and not livestock. So, keeping those two 
separate for me right now is important.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674246486943.png" alt="State Rep. Adam Schwadron, R-St. Charles, speaks March 28, 2022, during a hearing of the House Health and Mental Health Policy Committee (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Adam Schwadron, R-St. Charles, speaks March 28, 2022, during a hearing of the House Health and Mental Health Policy Committee (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/20/missouri-lawmaker-works-with-humane-society-to-stop-use-of-gas-to-kill-shelter-animals/">Missouri Independent</a>Some of Missouri’s animals’ last moments are spent in a gas chamber, suffocating in carbon dioxide – but a <a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills231/hlrbillspdf/1605H.01I.pdf">bill by Rep. Adam Schwadron</a>, R-St. Charles, would bar shelters from using this type of euthanasia.“Humanely treating our animals in our
 shelters is something that’s very important for us in the state,” 
Schwadron said. “And realizing that we are one of three states that 
still allow this practice: it’s time to end that.”His bill would also prohibit other 
methods the American Veterinary Medical Association deems less than 
humane – such as gunshots and or clubbing unwanted animals. Shelters 
would be limited to euthanasia via sodium pentobarbital or a substance 
that is “clinically proven to be as humane.”The association’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/avma-guidelines-euthanasia-animals">guidelines for the euthanasia</a>
 of animals explains that carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, the two 
gases named in Schwadron’s bill, can cause animals to become agitated 
and try to escape.The association notes that carbon 
monoxide is harmful to humans, so facilities should be maintained and 
monitored to keep staff safe.&nbsp; Carbon dioxide, while less of a threat to
 humans, is linked to more pain and stress.“It can take upwards of 30 minutes to
 kill an animal this way, and we’ve seen examples in some of these gas 
chambers where the animals just panicked and tried to claw their way out
 and ripped their claws out,” Schwadron said. “In the last moments of 
this animal’s life, it was scared, it was panicked, it was worried, and 
that’s not the way any animal should have to go.”Cody Atkinson, who serves as 
Missouri’s state director for the Humane Society of the United States, 
said the Humane Society is watching three states with gas-chamber 
euthanasia in shelters: Wyoming, Utah and Missouri. Utah is currently 
considering legislation similar to Schwadron’s bill.There are two public shelters in 
Missouri with a gas chamber, Jefferson City and Poplar Bluff. According 
to Jefferson City Police public information officer Lt. David Williams, 
the city does not use gas to euthanize dogs or cats – the only species 
named in the legislation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674246544996.jpeg" alt="The Jefferson City Animal Shelter is one of two public shelters in Missouri with a gas chamber. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>The Jefferson City Animal Shelter is one of two public shelters in Missouri with a gas chamber. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure>Jefferson City used its gas chamber 
21 times last year, Williams said. He said the key benefit to using gas 
is that an animal control officer can use it, saving a veterinarian from
 potentially being harmed by a raccoon or other wild animal. The vet is 
also not available for as many hours during the week as the officers.Poplar Bluff uses gas “very 
sparingly,” James Sisk, city planner and the shelter’s supervisor, said.
 “It’s only used in the case of an injured dog or a very sick dog that 
they can’t help.”“A conversation has happened within 
the last few months of just removing it from the building altogether – 
that’s how sparingly it’s used anymore,” he said. “It’s been the better 
part of a decade since it was used on a regular basis.”Poplar Bluff is one of five 
municipalities with a shelter that euthanizes companion animals, a fact 
the Humane Society of the United States tracks after hearing unsettling 
stories.Atkinson recalled learning about a 
dog’s euthanasia in a gas chamber in 2017 in Moberly. It took 10 minutes
 of the dog gasping before the animal succumbed. Later that year, the 
animal shelter <a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/humane-society-helps-moberly-animal-shelter-discard-gas-chamber/article_fa215e3a-40b8-11e7-a245-171c52006190.html">discarded its gas chamber</a> with a $3,000 grant from the Humane Society of the United States.The organization has been pleading 
with individual shelters to stop gas euthanasia but sees a more 
permanent solution in statewide legislation, Atkinson said.“What we want is to not just discontinue their current use, but make sure that they don’t ever get fired up again,” he said.Ohio’s governor signed a gas ban earlier this month, and Atkinson has hopes Missouri can do the same.“I do think that Missourians love animals and want them to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said.Despite residents’ admiration for 
animals, Missouri has the largest number of commercial dog breeders with
 problematic inspection reports, according to the Humane Society of the 
United States. Missouri is also home to the largest dog auction in the 
United States.Schwadron said has been talking with colleagues and hopes to bring other lawmakers on as cosponsors.Neither Atkinson nor Schwadron anticipate much opposition to the bill, including from the farm industry.In 2010, when voters passed a ballot 
proposition to limit dog breeders’ number of breeding dogs to 50, the 
Missouri Farm Bureau was in fervent opposition. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/missouris-puppy-mill-politics-dog-breeders-outmaneuver-animal-rights-movement/">The legislature replaced the proposition</a> with new, less restrictive legislation in 2011.Schwadron said he is not looking at 
expanding his legislation to impact livestock, so he doesn’t anticipate 
pushback from farmers. He is focused on dogs and cats in shelters.“Cats and dogs in our animal 
shelters, they’ve got a specific mission,” he said. “And these are 
mostly companion animals and not livestock. So, keeping those two 
separate for me right now is important.”

Mo. rep. Humane Society work to stop use of gas to kill shelter animals

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer says a couple of
changes have made all the difference in easing Republican tension this
legislative session in Jefferson City.

Luetkemeyer says the session is benefiting from
the absence of Congressional redistricting for one.

“I feel pretty optimistic about the outlook for
the legislative session,” Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Luetkemeyer, a Republican from Parkville who represents
Platte and Buchanan Counties, says he has already seen a big difference early
on in the session.

“Certainly, the temperature in the Senate has
gone down significantly compared to last year,” Luetkemeyer says. “We had a lot
of tension in the Senate, much of that being contributed to by the fact that we
were dealing with Congressional redistricting. Obviously with that issue not
being on the table this legislative session it makes things a little bit less
complicated.”

Another reason for optimism, according to
Luetkemeyer, is a less contentious Senate leadership election in which Senate
leader Caleb Rowden of Columbia was elected without opposition and Republicans
chose Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina as Majority Leader.

“I ended up supporting both of them for their
positions that they now currently hold and I think they’re going to make a
great leadership team,” Luetkemeyer says. “I think they both have unique
strengths that they will be able to play off of one another and really lead us
forward into hopefully what ends up being a very productive session.” 

Luetkemeyer says allowing factions within the
party to have their say during leadership elections did a lot to turn the
temperature down.

“They have their voice there, because you have
people who I would say probably represent more the two major factions that have
developed within the Republican Caucus,” according to Luetkemeyer. “So,
everybody feels like they have a voice. They feel like they have a seat at the
table. They feel like they are being heard. And, I think that is also
contributing to the more collegial environment that we’re experiencing this
session.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostState Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer says a couple of
changes have made all the difference in easing Republican tension this
legislative session in Jefferson City.Luetkemeyer says the session is benefiting from
the absence of Congressional redistricting for one.“I feel pretty optimistic about the outlook for
the legislative session,” Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Luetkemeyer, a Republican from Parkville who represents
Platte and Buchanan Counties, says he has already seen a big difference early
on in the session.“Certainly, the temperature in the Senate has
gone down significantly compared to last year,” Luetkemeyer says. “We had a lot
of tension in the Senate, much of that being contributed to by the fact that we
were dealing with Congressional redistricting. Obviously with that issue not
being on the table this legislative session it makes things a little bit less
complicated.”Another reason for optimism, according to
Luetkemeyer, is a less contentious Senate leadership election in which Senate
leader Caleb Rowden of Columbia was elected without opposition and Republicans
chose Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina as Majority Leader.“I ended up supporting both of them for their
positions that they now currently hold and I think they’re going to make a
great leadership team,” Luetkemeyer says. “I think they both have unique
strengths that they will be able to play off of one another and really lead us
forward into hopefully what ends up being a very productive session.” Luetkemeyer says allowing factions within the
party to have their say during leadership elections did a lot to turn the
temperature down.“They have their voice there, because you have
people who I would say probably represent more the two major factions that have
developed within the Republican Caucus,” according to Luetkemeyer. “So,
everybody feels like they have a voice. They feel like they have a seat at the
table. They feel like they are being heard. And, I think that is also
contributing to the more collegial environment that we’re experiencing this
session.”

Senator sees tensions within Missouri Senate easing this session

Conservation officials are making strides in getting the elk population back in Missouri.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The elk population is in a good place conservation officials say after efforts to revitalize the animal in Missouri. &nbsp;

Deer and Elk program leader Jason Isabel says his department in association with several others have been working hard to bring the elk back to the state.&nbsp;

"About 10 years ago we wrapped up that restoration effort, brought in about 110 elk from Kentucky and released them down into a part of the Ozarks where it was deemed the most appropriate in terms of having an elk population," Isabel tells Kyle Carroll during his regular visit on the KFEQ Hotline. "And they're doing really well."&nbsp;

Isabel says Missouri actually had its first elk hunting season in some time three years ago.&nbsp;

"So, we've had three elk hunting seasons in modern times and the population is doing really well we've got between 275 and 300 elk and we've been able to offer a relatively limited hunting opportunity for five lucky individuals for the last three years," Isabel explains. "And it's been a really great success."&nbsp;

Isabel says of the 15 tags that have been given over the last three years, 13 of them have been filled. &nbsp;

Isabel says the goal now is to get the population of elk up to around four or five hundred. &nbsp;

Isabel says the population is currently in a great place, and while there is limited hunting opportunities, people are also coming to just witness the elk. &nbsp;

"A limited hunting opportunity is great for those that are interested in applying for that and those few that get drawn for it," Isabel says. "But just having that ability for any members of the public to go down there and get to see elk is just really tremendous." &nbsp;

"And the local communities down there have been really excited about it and it's a huge boost to the tourism industry in that part of the state as well."&nbsp;

Isabel says the current population of elk is just about halfway to their goal, which provides good hunting opportunities as well as opportunity for elk to be seen.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674235314465.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of the Missouri Conservation Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of the Missouri Conservation Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Conservation officials are making strides in getting the elk population back in Missouri.&nbsp; &nbsp;The elk population is in a good place conservation officials say after efforts to revitalize the animal in Missouri. &nbsp;Deer and Elk program leader Jason Isabel says his department in association with several others have been working hard to bring the elk back to the state.&nbsp;"About 10 years ago we wrapped up that restoration effort, brought in about 110 elk from Kentucky and released them down into a part of the Ozarks where it was deemed the most appropriate in terms of having an elk population," Isabel tells Kyle Carroll during his regular visit on the KFEQ Hotline. "And they're doing really well."&nbsp;Isabel says Missouri actually had its first elk hunting season in some time three years ago.&nbsp;"So, we've had three elk hunting seasons in modern times and the population is doing really well we've got between 275 and 300 elk and we've been able to offer a relatively limited hunting opportunity for five lucky individuals for the last three years," Isabel explains. "And it's been a really great success."&nbsp;Isabel says of the 15 tags that have been given over the last three years, 13 of them have been filled. &nbsp;Isabel says the goal now is to get the population of elk up to around four or five hundred. &nbsp;Isabel says the population is currently in a great place, and while there is limited hunting opportunities, people are also coming to just witness the elk. &nbsp;"A limited hunting opportunity is great for those that are interested in applying for that and those few that get drawn for it," Isabel says. "But just having that ability for any members of the public to go down there and get to see elk is just really tremendous." &nbsp;"And the local communities down there have been really excited about it and it's a huge boost to the tourism industry in that part of the state as well."&nbsp;Isabel says the current population of elk is just about halfway to their goal, which provides good hunting opportunities as well as opportunity for elk to be seen.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674235359913.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Elk numbers continue to grow in Missouri

Groups representing agriculture, infrastructure, housing, and petroleum filed a legal challenge to the new Waters of the U.S. Rule. 

“The Biden Administration’s WOTUS definition is an attack on farmers and ranchers, and we’ll be fighting back in court,” says Mary-Thomas Hart, chief counsel for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. 

“The rule removes longstanding exclusions for small and isolated water features on farms and ranches and adds to the regulatory burden farmers already face.” 

Non-agriculture groups in the lawsuit include the American Petroleum Institute, the Associated General Contractors of America, and many others. “The new rule creates uncertainty for farmers and ranchers even if they’re miles from the nearest navigable water,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. 

“We believe a judge will see these regulations exceed the scope of the Clean Water Act.” A Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA could require the EPA to start over again on defining WOTUS.

Groups representing agriculture, infrastructure, housing, and petroleum filed a legal challenge to the new Waters of the U.S. Rule. “The Biden Administration’s WOTUS definition is an attack on farmers and ranchers, and we’ll be fighting back in court,” says Mary-Thomas Hart, chief counsel for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “The rule removes longstanding exclusions for small and isolated water features on farms and ranches and adds to the regulatory burden farmers already face.” Non-agriculture groups in the lawsuit include the American Petroleum Institute, the Associated General Contractors of America, and many others. “The new rule creates uncertainty for farmers and ranchers even if they’re miles from the nearest navigable water,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “We believe a judge will see these regulations exceed the scope of the Clean Water Act.” A Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA could require the EPA to start over again on defining WOTUS.

Groups file legal challenges to new WOTUS Rule

A hit and run on 22nd Street in St. Joseph has left
a St. Joseph man with serious injuries.

St. Joseph police report a vehicle struck the pedestrian on
South 22nd Street south of 11th Street Road around
midnight. The vehicle left the scene.

Police describe the victim as a man in his 60s. He has been
taken to Mosaic Life Care hospital with serious, possibly life-threatening
injuries.

St. Joseph police continue to investigate the incident.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA hit and run on 22nd Street in St. Joseph has left
a St. Joseph man with serious injuries.St. Joseph police report a vehicle struck the pedestrian on
South 22nd Street south of 11th Street Road around
midnight. The vehicle left the scene.Police describe the victim as a man in his 60s. He has been
taken to Mosaic Life Care hospital with serious, possibly life-threatening
injuries.St. Joseph police continue to investigate the incident.

St. Joseph man severely injured in hit and run

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President-Elect Todd Wilkinson released a statement on the USDA’s proposed rule on electronic identification for transporting cattle over state lines. 

“As USDA has worked toward a nationally significant traceability program, NCBA has engaged with industry stakeholders and USDA to ensure that cattle producers are represented and protected,” says Wilkinson, who also chairs the NCBA Traceability Working Group. 

“Any program must allow maximum flexibility and privacy while minimizing costs for producers and any industry disruptions.” 

NCBA also says foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks around the world continue to result in disruptions to commerce and depopulate livestock. That means immediate action is needed. 

“NCBA is committed to working with USDA to ensure workable solutions are identified and implemented,” Wilkinson says. The organization also says that cattle producers can be confident that any finished product will protect the nation’s livestock herd. The NCBA is continuing to review the proposed rule in its entirety.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President-Elect Todd Wilkinson released a statement on the USDA’s proposed rule on electronic identification for transporting cattle over state lines. “As USDA has worked toward a nationally significant traceability program, NCBA has engaged with industry stakeholders and USDA to ensure that cattle producers are represented and protected,” says Wilkinson, who also chairs the NCBA Traceability Working Group. “Any program must allow maximum flexibility and privacy while minimizing costs for producers and any industry disruptions.” NCBA also says foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks around the world continue to result in disruptions to commerce and depopulate livestock. That means immediate action is needed. “NCBA is committed to working with USDA to ensure workable solutions are identified and implemented,” Wilkinson says. The organization also says that cattle producers can be confident that any finished product will protect the nation’s livestock herd. The NCBA is continuing to review the proposed rule in its entirety.

NCBA statement on USDA’s proposed traceability rule

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Volvo semi driven by Fernando C. Suarez, 39, Cocoa, Florida, was southbound on Interstate 29 three miles north of Mound City.

The vehicle traveled off the road into a ditch and struck an embankment.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Suarez to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Volvo semi driven by Fernando C. Suarez, 39, Cocoa, Florida, was southbound on Interstate 29 three miles north of Mound City. The vehicle traveled off the road into a ditch and struck an embankment.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Suarez to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Driver hospitalized in St. Joe after semi strikes embankment

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A federal jury convicted a Kansas man on Thursday after he admitted in court that he threatened to kill U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner.

Chase Neill was found guilty after acting as his own attorney and questioning the congressman on the witness stand. Neill also testified during the trial, and he told jurors he was a messenger from God and that he threatened LaTurner for ignoring his concerns about sorcery, wizards, extraterrestrials and a war for people's souls.

Federal prosecutors said Neill, 32, from Lawrence in northeastern Kansas, fixated on LaTurner before leaving an after-hours voicemail with the congressman’s Topeka office that included, “I will kill you.” Neill’s trial comes amid a sharp rise in reported threats against elected officials and their families.

Representing himself in court, Neill admitted that he left that message and others with more death threats the next day. But he told jurors that he was merely the messenger, telling LaTurner and other officials that they faced death by an act of God, such as a tornado or hurricane, for attacking God’s creation.

“This is not me saying, ‘I’m going to chase you down with a knife,’ or something like that,” Neill said in his closing argument.

Presiding U.S. District Judge Holly Teeter had Neill present his testimony Thursday as a narrative from the witness stand because he is acting as his own attorney. He interrupted his comments to get documents projected on four big screens behind him and to conference with the judge and prosecutors over what evidence he could present. Prosecutors did not cross-examine him.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mental-kansas-topeka-lawrence-537e4ab84e3c459053d19f12352981bd">He faced a single count</a>&nbsp;of threatening a U.S. government official, punishable by 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The jury must decide whether his June 5 voicemail represents a true threat and whether Neill intended to intimidate LaTurner or interefere with LaTurner’s work as a congressman.

“You cannot cloak yourself in religious belief and justify such a threat,” federal prosecutor Stephen Hunting said in his closing remarks. “There is a line you cannot cross.”

Threats against members of Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-b8a3fb8b3e6f491fcfb16e155b877427">have increased</a>&nbsp;since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. In October, an intruder severely beat former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer in their San Francisco home.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-35db5c9eec87b85ca8eb95a64c2f6dd7">Local school board members</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-new-mexico-donald-trump-presidential-9356ff48f081250aa54040cbd7cf1cc3">election workers</a>&nbsp;across the nation also have endured harassment and threats. Police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this week arrested a failed Republican legislative candidate over a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-mexico-state-government-crime-albuquerque-1410b516f5b66c18d62342a0d7a9b60f">series of shootings</a>&nbsp;targeting elected Democratic officials’ homes or offices.

In Neill’s case, he said his concerns about a war for souls were sparked by a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/13/kelly-uses-veto-authority-to-reject-infectious-disease-medicaid-and-election-bills/">May 13 story</a>&nbsp;on the Kansas Reflector news site about a legislative debate in which a western Kansas lawmaker urged colleagues to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a measure that would have restricted public health officials’ power in epidemics following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Republican state Rep. Tatum Lee was quoted as saying, “The war is real you all. We are fighting for the soul of our nation.”

In court Thursday, Neill told jurors he values his soul and was required by God to act when he “heard the sound of the trumpet.”

He also showed jurors a LinkedIn page for himself, saying he dealt with “matters concerning over 400 million lives lost with high sorcery.”

“I am held to an obligation by our Creator,” Neill said.

LaTurner testified Wednesday that the June 5 voicemail made him concerned about the safety of his family and staff and prompted him to beef up security at his home and Topeka office.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/topeka-kansas-lawrence-df22820adfa2c5515085eb20279317a0">Cross-examined by Neill</a>, the congressman said he considered some of Neill’s language “ridiculous talk” but added, “I’m more focused on the the threats of death.”

A U.S. magistrate judge said in an August order refusing to release Neill from custody that Neill had suffered a head injury four or five years ago “characterized as a head fracture.” Neill told jurors Thursday that in 2018, “God came to me very directly,” without elaborating.

But the trial judge concluded last month that Neill is capable of following what goes on in court and assisting his lawyers, making him mentally competent to stand trial. She granted his request to act as his own attorney, starting Wednesday.

Neill, a convert to Judaism, said his special relationship with God causes natural events, including a hurricane and fires. He said he conveyed messages to LaTurner even though he knew it would likely result in his being prosecuted.

“I’m really trying to explain how I interact with God, and it’s a difficult explanation,” Neill told jurors during his testimony. “I apologize.”

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A jury began deliberating Thursday in the federal criminal case of a man who told them that a death threat he made against U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner came from God, prompted by the Kansas Republican ignoring concerns about sorcery, wizards, extraterrestrials and a war for people's souls.

Federal prosecutors say Chase Neill, 32, from Lawrence in northeastern Kansas, fixated on LaTurner before leaving an after-hours voicemail with the congressman's Topeka office that included, “I will kill you.” Neill's trial comes amid a sharp rise in reported threats against elected officials and their families.

Representing himself in court, Neill admitted that he left that message and others with more death threats the next day. But he told jurors that he was merely the messenger, telling LaTurner and other officials that they faced death by an act of God, such as a tornado or hurricane, for attacking God's creation.

“This is not me saying, ‘I’m going to chase you down with a knife,' or something like that,” Neill said in his closing argument.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mental-kansas-topeka-lawrence-537e4ab84e3c459053d19f12352981bd">He is charged</a>&nbsp;with a single count of threatening a U.S. government official, punishable by 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The jury must decide whether his June 5 voicemail represents a true threat and whether Neill intended to intimidate LaTurner or interefere with LaTurner's work as a congressman.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-35db5c9eec87b85ca8eb95a64c2f6dd7">Local school board members</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-new-mexico-donald-trump-presidential-9356ff48f081250aa54040cbd7cf1cc3">election workers</a>&nbsp;across the nation also have endured harassment and threats. Police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this week arrested a failed Republican legislative candidate over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-mexico-state-government-crime-albuquerque-1410b516f5b66c18d62342a0d7a9b60f">a series of shootings</a>&nbsp;targeting elected Democratic officials’ homes or offices.

In Neill's case, he said his concerns about a war for souls were sparked by a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/13/kelly-uses-veto-authority-to-reject-infectious-disease-medicaid-and-election-bills/">May 13 story</a>&nbsp;on the Kansas Reflector news site about a legislative debate in which a western Kansas lawmaker urged colleagues to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of a measure that would have restricted public health officials' power in epidemics following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Republican state Rep. Tatum Lee, was quoted as saying, “The war is real you all. We are fighting for the soul of our nation."

LaTurner testified Wednesday that the June 5 voicemail made him concerned about the safety of his family and staff and prompted him to beef up security at his home and Topeka office.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/topeka-kansas-lawrence-df22820adfa2c5515085eb20279317a0">Cross-examined by Neill,</a>&nbsp;the congressman said he considered some of Neill's language “ridiculous talk” but added, “I'm more focused on the the threats of death.”

“I'm really trying to explain how I interact with God, and it's a difficult explanation,” Neill told jurors during his testimony. “I apologize.”

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man told jurors Thursday that a death threat he made against U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner came from God, prompted by the Kansas Republican ignoring concerns about sorcery, wizards, extraterrestrials and a war for people's souls.

“I'm not going to try to pursue him for some sort of violent crime,” Neill said.

Presiding U.S. District Judge Holly Teeter had Neill present his case as a narrative from the witness stand because he is acting as his own attorney. He interrupted his comments to get documents projected on four big screens behind him and to conference with the judge and prosecutors over what evidence he could present. Prosecutors did not cross-examine him, clearing the way for closing statements.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mental-kansas-topeka-lawrence-537e4ab84e3c459053d19f12352981bd">He is charged</a>&nbsp;with a single count of threatening a public official, punishable by 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The jury will have to decide whether his June 5 voicemail represented a true threat meant to interfere with LaTurner's official duties.

“I'm really trying to explain how I interact with God, and it's a difficult explanation,” Neill told jurors. “I apologize.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673992624611.png" alt="Neill-photo Shawnee Co.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Neill-photo Shawnee Co.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A federal jury convicted a Kansas man on Thursday after he admitted in court that he threatened to kill U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner.Chase Neill was found guilty after acting as his own attorney and questioning the congressman on the witness stand. Neill also testified during the trial, and he told jurors he was a messenger from God and that he threatened LaTurner for ignoring his concerns about sorcery, wizards, extraterrestrials and a war for people's souls.Federal prosecutors said Neill, 32, from Lawrence in northeastern Kansas, fixated on LaTurner before leaving an after-hours voicemail with the congressman’s Topeka office that included, “I will kill you.” Neill’s trial comes amid a sharp rise in reported threats against elected officials and their families.Representing himself in court, Neill admitted that he left that message and others with more death threats the next day. But he told jurors that he was merely the messenger, telling LaTurner and other officials that they faced death by an act of God, such as a tornado or hurricane, for attacking God’s creation.“This is not me saying, ‘I’m going to chase you down with a knife,’ or something like that,” Neill said in his closing argument.Presiding U.S. District Judge Holly Teeter had Neill present his testimony Thursday as a narrative from the witness stand because he is acting as his own attorney. He interrupted his comments to get documents projected on four big screens behind him and to conference with the judge and prosecutors over what evidence he could present. Prosecutors did not cross-examine him.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mental-kansas-topeka-lawrence-537e4ab84e3c459053d19f12352981bd">He faced a single count</a>&nbsp;of threatening a U.S. government official, punishable by 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The jury must decide whether his June 5 voicemail represents a true threat and whether Neill intended to intimidate LaTurner or interefere with LaTurner’s work as a congressman.“You cannot cloak yourself in religious belief and justify such a threat,” federal prosecutor Stephen Hunting said in his closing remarks. “There is a line you cannot cross.”Threats against members of Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-b8a3fb8b3e6f491fcfb16e155b877427">have increased</a>&nbsp;since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. In October, an intruder severely beat former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer in their San Francisco home.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-35db5c9eec87b85ca8eb95a64c2f6dd7">Local school board members</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-new-mexico-donald-trump-presidential-9356ff48f081250aa54040cbd7cf1cc3">election workers</a>&nbsp;across the nation also have endured harassment and threats. Police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this week arrested a failed Republican legislative candidate over a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-mexico-state-government-crime-albuquerque-1410b516f5b66c18d62342a0d7a9b60f">series of shootings</a>&nbsp;targeting elected Democratic officials’ homes or offices.In Neill’s case, he said his concerns about a war for souls were sparked by a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/13/kelly-uses-veto-authority-to-reject-infectious-disease-medicaid-and-election-bills/">May 13 story</a>&nbsp;on the Kansas Reflector news site about a legislative debate in which a western Kansas lawmaker urged colleagues to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a measure that would have restricted public health officials’ power in epidemics following the COVID-19 pandemic.Republican state Rep. Tatum Lee was quoted as saying, “The war is real you all. We are fighting for the soul of our nation.”In court Thursday, Neill told jurors he values his soul and was required by God to act when he “heard the sound of the trumpet.”He also showed jurors a LinkedIn page for himself, saying he dealt with “matters concerning over 400 million lives lost with high sorcery.”“I am held to an obligation by our Creator,” Neill said.LaTurner testified Wednesday that the June 5 voicemail made him concerned about the safety of his family and staff and prompted him to beef up security at his home and Topeka office.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/topeka-kansas-lawrence-df22820adfa2c5515085eb20279317a0">Cross-examined by Neill</a>, the congressman said he considered some of Neill’s language “ridiculous talk” but added, “I’m more focused on the the threats of death.”A U.S. magistrate judge said in an August order refusing to release Neill from custody that Neill had suffered a head injury four or five years ago “characterized as a head fracture.” Neill told jurors Thursday that in 2018, “God came to me very directly,” without elaborating.But the trial judge concluded last month that Neill is capable of following what goes on in court and assisting his lawyers, making him mentally competent to stand trial. She granted his request to act as his own attorney, starting Wednesday.Neill, a convert to Judaism, said his special relationship with God causes natural events, including a hurricane and fires. He said he conveyed messages to LaTurner even though he knew it would likely result in his being prosecuted.“I’m really trying to explain how I interact with God, and it’s a difficult explanation,” Neill told jurors during his testimony. “I apologize.”___TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A jury began deliberating Thursday in the federal criminal case of a man who told them that a death threat he made against U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner came from God, prompted by the Kansas Republican ignoring concerns about sorcery, wizards, extraterrestrials and a war for people's souls.Federal prosecutors say Chase Neill, 32, from Lawrence in northeastern Kansas, fixated on LaTurner before leaving an after-hours voicemail with the congressman's Topeka office that included, “I will kill you.” Neill's trial comes amid a sharp rise in reported threats against elected officials and their families.Representing himself in court, Neill admitted that he left that message and others with more death threats the next day. But he told jurors that he was merely the messenger, telling LaTurner and other officials that they faced death by an act of God, such as a tornado or hurricane, for attacking God's creation.“This is not me saying, ‘I’m going to chase you down with a knife,' or something like that,” Neill said in his closing argument.Presiding U.S. District Judge Holly Teeter had Neill present his testimony Thursday as a narrative from the witness stand because he is acting as his own attorney. He interrupted his comments to get documents projected on four big screens behind him and to conference with the judge and prosecutors over what evidence he could present. Prosecutors did not cross-examine him.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mental-kansas-topeka-lawrence-537e4ab84e3c459053d19f12352981bd">He is charged</a>&nbsp;with a single count of threatening a U.S. government official, punishable by 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The jury must decide whether his June 5 voicemail represents a true threat and whether Neill intended to intimidate LaTurner or interefere with LaTurner's work as a congressman.“You cannot cloak yourself in religious belief and justify such a threat,” federal prosecutor Stephen Hunting said in his closing remarks. “There is a line you cannot cross.”Threats against members of Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-b8a3fb8b3e6f491fcfb16e155b877427">have increased</a>&nbsp;since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. In October, an intruder severely beat former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer in their San Francisco home.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-35db5c9eec87b85ca8eb95a64c2f6dd7">Local school board members</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-new-mexico-donald-trump-presidential-9356ff48f081250aa54040cbd7cf1cc3">election workers</a>&nbsp;across the nation also have endured harassment and threats. Police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this week arrested a failed Republican legislative candidate over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-mexico-state-government-crime-albuquerque-1410b516f5b66c18d62342a0d7a9b60f">a series of shootings</a>&nbsp;targeting elected Democratic officials’ homes or offices.In Neill's case, he said his concerns about a war for souls were sparked by a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/13/kelly-uses-veto-authority-to-reject-infectious-disease-medicaid-and-election-bills/">May 13 story</a>&nbsp;on the Kansas Reflector news site about a legislative debate in which a western Kansas lawmaker urged colleagues to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of a measure that would have restricted public health officials' power in epidemics following the COVID-19 pandemic.Republican state Rep. Tatum Lee, was quoted as saying, “The war is real you all. We are fighting for the soul of our nation."In court Thursday, Neill told jurors he values his soul and was required by God to act when he “heard the sound of the trumpet.”He also showed jurors a LinkedIn page for himself, saying he dealt with “matters concerning over 400 million lives lost with high sorcery.”“I am held to an obligation by our Creator,” Neill said.LaTurner testified Wednesday that the June 5 voicemail made him concerned about the safety of his family and staff and prompted him to beef up security at his home and Topeka office.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/topeka-kansas-lawrence-df22820adfa2c5515085eb20279317a0">Cross-examined by Neill,</a>&nbsp;the congressman said he considered some of Neill's language “ridiculous talk” but added, “I'm more focused on the the threats of death.”A U.S. magistrate judge said in an August order refusing to release Neill from custody that Neill had suffered a head injury four or five years ago “characterized as a head fracture.” Neill told jurors Thursday that in 2018, “God came to me very directly,” without elaborating.But the trial judge concluded last month that Neill is capable of following what goes on in court and assisting his lawyers, making him mentally competent to stand trial. She granted his request to act as his own attorney, starting Wednesday.Neill, a convert to Judaism, said his special relationship with God causes natural events, including a hurricane and fires. He said he conveyed messages to LaTurner even though he knew it would likely result in his being prosecuted.“I'm really trying to explain how I interact with God, and it's a difficult explanation,” Neill told jurors during his testimony. “I apologize.”----------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man told jurors Thursday that a death threat he made against U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner came from God, prompted by the Kansas Republican ignoring concerns about sorcery, wizards, extraterrestrials and a war for people's souls.Federal prosecutors say Chase Neill, 32, from Lawrence in northeastern Kansas, fixated on LaTurner before leaving an after-hours voicemail with the congressman's Topeka office that included, “I will kill you.” Neill's trial comes amid a sharp rise in reported threats against elected officials and their families.Representing himself in court, Neill admitted that he left that message and others with more death threats the next day. But he told jurors that he was merely the messenger, telling LaTurner and other officials that they faced death by an act of God, such as a tornado or hurricane, for attacking God's creation.“I'm not going to try to pursue him for some sort of violent crime,” Neill said.Presiding U.S. District Judge Holly Teeter had Neill present his case as a narrative from the witness stand because he is acting as his own attorney. He interrupted his comments to get documents projected on four big screens behind him and to conference with the judge and prosecutors over what evidence he could present. Prosecutors did not cross-examine him, clearing the way for closing statements.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mental-kansas-topeka-lawrence-537e4ab84e3c459053d19f12352981bd">He is charged</a>&nbsp;with a single count of threatening a public official, punishable by 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The jury will have to decide whether his June 5 voicemail represented a true threat meant to interfere with LaTurner's official duties.Threats against members of Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-b8a3fb8b3e6f491fcfb16e155b877427">have increased</a>&nbsp;since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. In October, an intruder severely beat former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer in their San Francisco home.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-35db5c9eec87b85ca8eb95a64c2f6dd7">Local school board members</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-new-mexico-donald-trump-presidential-9356ff48f081250aa54040cbd7cf1cc3">election workers</a>&nbsp;across the nation also have endured harassment and threats. Police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this week arrested a failed Republican legislative candidate over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-mexico-state-government-crime-albuquerque-1410b516f5b66c18d62342a0d7a9b60f">a series of shootings</a>&nbsp;targeting elected Democratic officials’ homes or offices.In Neill's case, he said his concerns about a war for souls were sparked by a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/13/kelly-uses-veto-authority-to-reject-infectious-disease-medicaid-and-election-bills/">May 13 story</a>&nbsp;on the Kansas Reflector news site about a legislative debate in which a western Kansas lawmaker urged colleagues to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of a measure that would have restricted public health officials' power in epidemics following the COVID-19 pandemic.Republican state Rep. Tatum Lee, was quoted as saying, “The war is real you all. We are fighting for the soul of our nation."In court Thursday, Neill told jurors he values his soul and was required by God to act when he “heard the sound of the trumpet.”He also showed jurors a LinkedIn page for himself, saying he dealt with “matters concerning over 400 million lives lost with high sorcery.”“I am held to an obligation by our Creator,” Neill said.LaTurner testified Wednesday that the June 5 voicemail made him concerned about the safety of his family and staff and prompted him to beef up security at his home and Topeka office.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/topeka-kansas-lawrence-df22820adfa2c5515085eb20279317a0">Cross-examined by Neill,</a>&nbsp;the congressman said he considered some of Neill's language “ridiculous talk” but added, “I'm more focused on the the threats of death.”A U.S. magistrate judge said in an August order refusing to release Neill from custody that Neill had suffered a head injury four or five years ago “characterized as a head fracture.” Neill told jurors Thursday that in 2018, “God came to me very directly,” without elaborating.But the trial judge concluded last month that Neill is capable of following what goes on in court and assisting his lawyers, making him mentally competent to stand trial. She granted his request to act as his own attorney, starting Wednesday.Neill, a convert to Judaism, said his special relationship with God causes natural events, including a hurricane and fires. He said he conveyed messages to LaTurner even though he knew it would likely result in his being prosecuted.“I'm really trying to explain how I interact with God, and it's a difficult explanation,” Neill told jurors. “I apologize.”

Kansas man convicted of threatening to kill Kan. congressman

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1993 Ford Ranger driven by Hunter R. Smidt, 18, Maysville, was eastbound on MO 6 one mile west of Maysville.

The pickup traveled off the road and struck a fence and a ditch. A private vehicle transported Smidt to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1993 Ford Ranger driven by Hunter R. Smidt, 18, Maysville, was eastbound on MO 6 one mile west of Maysville.The pickup traveled off the road and struck a fence and a ditch. A private vehicle transported Smidt to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Maysville teen injured after pickup strikes fence, ditch

&nbsp;The Missouri Department of Corrections says an offender died at Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center Thursday morning.&nbsp;

According to the department of corrections, 59-year-old Jerry McGinnis was pronounced dead at 9:15 a.m.&nbsp;

McGinnis was serving two seven-year sentences for possession of a controlled substance, a seven-year sentence for forgery, a seven-year sentence for distribution of a controlled substance and a seven-year sentence for endangering the welfare of a child, all in Ray County.

He began his sentence on December 8, 2016.&nbsp;

The department of corrections says McGinnis died of apparent natural causes.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674156655200.jpeg" alt="Western Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center / File photo" />
 <figcaption>Western Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center / File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post&nbsp;The Missouri Department of Corrections says an offender died at Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center Thursday morning.&nbsp;According to the department of corrections, 59-year-old Jerry McGinnis was pronounced dead at 9:15 a.m.&nbsp;McGinnis was serving two seven-year sentences for possession of a controlled substance, a seven-year sentence for forgery, a seven-year sentence for distribution of a controlled substance and a seven-year sentence for endangering the welfare of a child, all in Ray County.He began his sentence on December 8, 2016.&nbsp;The department of corrections says McGinnis died of apparent natural causes.&nbsp;

State reports death at St. Joseph prison

St. Joseph officers are currently investigating a suspicious death after discovering the victim early Wednesday morning. &nbsp;

The St. Joseph Police Department reports that just after 5:30am Wednesday morning, officers responded to a call at 2410 S. 20th street on a report of a disturbance, possibly involving a dead person. &nbsp;

When officers arrived, they found first responders treating 58-year-old Michael Bridges.&nbsp; Bridges was pronounced dead shortly after officers arrived.

The case is currently under investigation and the body has been sent in for an autopsy.&nbsp;

This article has been updated since first published.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph officers are currently investigating a suspicious death after discovering the victim early Wednesday morning. &nbsp;The St. Joseph Police Department reports that just after 5:30am Wednesday morning, officers responded to a call at 2410 S. 20th street on a report of a disturbance, possibly involving a dead person. &nbsp;When officers arrived, they found first responders treating 58-year-old Michael Bridges.&nbsp; Bridges was pronounced dead shortly after officers arrived.The case is currently under investigation and the body has been sent in for an autopsy.&nbsp;This article has been updated since first published.

St. Joseph police investigating suspicious death (UPDATED)

A 34-year-old man who fled from police was apprehended after crashing his car while fleeing police very early Wednesday morning. 

St. Joseph Police report that just after 1am Wednesday morning, officers pursued a vehicle driven by Kyle Vestal.  During the chase, the vehicle ran off the road and crashed into a pole at the intersection of King Hill and Lake Avenue.   

According to police, Vestal fled on foot following the crash, but was quickly apprehended by officers. Vestal was transported to Mosaic Life Care to be treated for minor injuries.

Vestal has been charged with
the unlawful possession of a firearm.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA 34-year-old man who fled from police was apprehended after crashing his car while fleeing police very early Wednesday morning. St. Joseph Police report that just after 1am Wednesday morning, officers pursued a vehicle driven by Kyle Vestal. During the chase, the vehicle ran off the road and crashed into a pole at the intersection of King Hill and Lake Avenue. According to police, Vestal fled on foot following the crash, but was quickly apprehended by officers. Vestal was transported to Mosaic Life Care to be treated for minor injuries.Vestal has been charged with
the unlawful possession of a firearm.This article has been updated since first published.

St. Joseph Police arrest man after chase early Wednesday morning (UPDATED)

A 26-year-old Special Olympian from Savannah is seeing his dreams become a reality after being selected to compete in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin 2023.

“I want to thank all the people who helped me get here,” Charlie Phillips said in a news release from Special Olympics Missouri.

Phillips earned his spot after proving himself at the Special Olympics USA Team Trials in San Antonio, Texas in November, finishing the weekend with the top squat of 182.5 kg as well as the top deadlift of 227.5. kg

Phillips also bench pressed 130 kg during the trials.  

“It was a lot of fun,” Phillips said. “I got to meet a lot of athletes from different states.” 

Phillips was the only Special Olympics Missouri athlete to be nominated for the games in Berlin. He learned about his initial nomination in September while attending a Missouri Western State University football game. <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/490ff825-74ad-4f90-b7f4-562bcab7f41c">Read more about that here</a>.

Phillips grew up in Pennsylvania, where he got his start with Special Olympics Pennsylvania 15 years ago. In 2010, he participated in his first-ever Special Olympics USA games as part of the Pennsylvania track team. Once he moved to Missouri, Phillips didn't skip a beat. 

In 2018, he was back at the USA games as a powerlifter for Special Olympics Missouri.  In his career, Phillips has participated in five different sports: basketball, track, soccer, flag football, and powerlifting. 

The Special Olympics World Games in Berlin will begin this June.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674152767106.jpeg" alt="Charlie Phillips powerlifting at USA Games in 2018/ Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Missouri" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Phillips powerlifting at USA Games in 2018/ Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA 26-year-old Special Olympian from Savannah is seeing his dreams become a reality after being selected to compete in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin 2023.“I want to thank all the people who helped me get here,” Charlie Phillips said in a news release from Special Olympics Missouri.Phillips earned his spot after proving himself at the Special Olympics USA Team Trials in San Antonio, Texas in November, finishing the weekend with the top squat of 182.5 kg as well as the top deadlift of 227.5. kgPhillips also bench pressed 130 kg during the trials. “It was a lot of fun,” Phillips said. “I got to meet a lot of athletes from different states.” Phillips was the only Special Olympics Missouri athlete to be nominated for the games in Berlin. He learned about his initial nomination in September while attending a Missouri Western State University football game. <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/490ff825-74ad-4f90-b7f4-562bcab7f41c">Read more about that here</a>.Phillips grew up in Pennsylvania, where he got his start with Special Olympics Pennsylvania 15 years ago. In 2010, he participated in his first-ever Special Olympics USA games as part of the Pennsylvania track team. Once he moved to Missouri, Phillips didn't skip a beat. In 2018, he was back at the USA games as a powerlifter for Special Olympics Missouri. In his career, Phillips has participated in five different sports: basketball, track, soccer, flag football, and powerlifting. The Special Olympics World Games in Berlin will begin this June.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674152861903.jpeg" alt="Charlie Phillips lifting during the Special Olympics Team Trials in San Antonio/ Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Missouri" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Phillips lifting during the Special Olympics Team Trials in San Antonio/ Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>

Savannah man achieves dream: earns spot in Special Olympics World Games

Progress might just be coming as the St. Joseph Police
Department attempts to fill more than 20 vacancies on the force.

Interim Police Chief Dave Hart reports the department has four
rookie officers beginning course work in the Law Enforcement Academy at
Missouri Western State University. The department is also looking at two others
enrolled in the academy, which began its latest course Wednesday.

And Hart says even though the department suffers from a real
officer shortage, it will remain picky.

“We’ve said all along, we’re short officers and we have a
staffing crisis,” Hart tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “The caveat
to that is, we’re not going to just hire anybody who comes through the door.
The job is too valuable and it’s too important to our community. We want the
best candidates that we can get.”

Hart has assigned an officer to be the department recruiter.

“And that’s what he’s doing is reaching out to these
candidates, maintaining contact with them, showing them really what we have to
offer and selling not only our department, but our community,” Hart says.

Hart says the department is being aggressive in trying to fill
its vacancies, hiring rookies who need training and recruiting veterans from
other departments.

“It’s going slow, but we are seeing good results,” according
to Hart. “We’re actually seeing several different candidates from other
agencies who have applied with us and are going through the process right now.”

In November, St. Joseph voters approved a half-cent sales tax
that will fund an agreement the St. Joseph City Council reached with the local
Fraternal Order of Police chapter, which will raise the beginning St. Joseph police
officer salary to $49,000 annually. The agreement also calls for 3% annual pay
hikes.

The St. Joseph Police Department has 23 vacancies. The
department is authorized for 138 commissioned officers.

Hart says the decisive election results as well as the overall
support from St. Joseph residents are important as the department attempts to
recruit both new officers and veteran officers, especially in light of national
trends perceived as anti-police.

“This is one of the best communities to police in, in my
opinion, across the country,” Hart says. “We’ve maintained consistent support
from this area through everything that has gone on nationally. We have that
support at home and it makes a difference, because we don’t police without the
community. We don’t get anything done if we don’t have buy-in from everybody
here.”

Hart says the salary bump approved by voters in November has
made the St. Joseph Police Department more competitive in recruiting quality
candidates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674146802897.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Police Department/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Police Department/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostProgress might just be coming as the St. Joseph Police
Department attempts to fill more than 20 vacancies on the force.Interim Police Chief Dave Hart reports the department has four
rookie officers beginning course work in the Law Enforcement Academy at
Missouri Western State University. The department is also looking at two others
enrolled in the academy, which began its latest course Wednesday.And Hart says even though the department suffers from a real
officer shortage, it will remain picky.“We’ve said all along, we’re short officers and we have a
staffing crisis,” Hart tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “The caveat
to that is, we’re not going to just hire anybody who comes through the door.
The job is too valuable and it’s too important to our community. We want the
best candidates that we can get.”Hart has assigned an officer to be the department recruiter.“And that’s what he’s doing is reaching out to these
candidates, maintaining contact with them, showing them really what we have to
offer and selling not only our department, but our community,” Hart says.Hart says the department is being aggressive in trying to fill
its vacancies, hiring rookies who need training and recruiting veterans from
other departments.“It’s going slow, but we are seeing good results,” according
to Hart. “We’re actually seeing several different candidates from other
agencies who have applied with us and are going through the process right now.”In November, St. Joseph voters approved a half-cent sales tax
that will fund an agreement the St. Joseph City Council reached with the local
Fraternal Order of Police chapter, which will raise the beginning St. Joseph police
officer salary to $49,000 annually. The agreement also calls for 3% annual pay
hikes.The St. Joseph Police Department has 23 vacancies. The
department is authorized for 138 commissioned officers.Hart says the decisive election results as well as the overall
support from St. Joseph residents are important as the department attempts to
recruit both new officers and veteran officers, especially in light of national
trends perceived as anti-police.“This is one of the best communities to police in, in my
opinion, across the country,” Hart says. “We’ve maintained consistent support
from this area through everything that has gone on nationally. We have that
support at home and it makes a difference, because we don’t police without the
community. We don’t get anything done if we don’t have buy-in from everybody
here.”Hart says the salary bump approved by voters in November has
made the St. Joseph Police Department more competitive in recruiting quality
candidates.