Losing someone is difficult, and an annual program at Brookdale Presbyterian Church in St. Joseph helps those suffering through their grief.  

The GriefShare program brings together those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, to learn about and find their lives on the other side of that loss.  

Organizer Debbie Lyons says the group brings like-minded people together, no matter if it's the loss of a spouse, sibling, parent, or a child. 

"You’re feelings are different with each one, so when you meet people, like I lost my spouse and my sister, and when I meet people that have that same thinking in their head and they have suffered that same great loss we can connect, and it helps to hear from other people who have suffered the same loss,” Lyons says on the KFEQmunnity show. 

Lyons says this Sunday, the church will host an introduction to the GriefShare program with the Loss of Spouse seminar. 

"That’s just what it is and we help people who have lost their spouse, whether it was yesterday, last week, or 16 years ago, to understand what’s going on,” Lyons explains.  “There are things to do in the book, gentle reminders, messages from God, it’s a great resource for them to get, and again we’ll be at Brookdale Presbyterian Church.” 

The seminar will begin at 2pm on Sunday.  

Lyons says through the 13 weeks the courses will cover several topics of a person's grief journey 

"Why am I angry, is it normal to be angry?  What to do with secondary things, like we are no longer a we, we are a me, how do we get through that with the secondary jobs with trying to do everything at once,” Lyons says.  “There’s some on getting stuck in grief, there is one on am I normal? Well to me that is not a good word for grieving.” 

GriefShare will be held on Thursdays with sessions at 10am and 6pm at Brookdale, beginning on August 28th. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostLosing someone is difficult, and an annual program at Brookdale Presbyterian Church in St. Joseph helps those suffering through their grief. The GriefShare program brings together those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, to learn about and find their lives on the other side of that loss. Organizer Debbie Lyons says the group brings like-minded people together, no matter if it's the loss of a spouse, sibling, parent, or a child. "You’re feelings are different with each one, so when you meet people, like I lost my spouse and my sister, and when I meet people that have that same thinking in their head and they have suffered that same great loss we can connect, and it helps to hear from other people who have suffered the same loss,” Lyons says on the KFEQmunnity show. Lyons says this Sunday, the church will host an introduction to the GriefShare program with the Loss of Spouse seminar. "That’s just what it is and we help people who have lost their spouse, whether it was yesterday, last week, or 16 years ago, to understand what’s going on,” Lyons explains. “There are things to do in the book, gentle reminders, messages from God, it’s a great resource for them to get, and again we’ll be at Brookdale Presbyterian Church.” The seminar will begin at 2pm on Sunday. Lyons says through the 13 weeks the courses will cover several topics of a person's grief journey "Why am I angry, is it normal to be angry? What to do with secondary things, like we are no longer a we, we are a me, how do we get through that with the secondary jobs with trying to do everything at once,” Lyons says. “There’s some on getting stuck in grief, there is one on am I normal? Well to me that is not a good word for grieving.” GriefShare will be held on Thursdays with sessions at 10am and 6pm at Brookdale, beginning on August 28th. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Seminar helps those suffering from loss of a loved one

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/64naMR3ZKALvmJ5LFZpu2h?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2TLr3W7NkWweIuFT7bGt7D?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

St. Joseph city officials have no comment on a lawsuit filed
against the city by 
Sandra Hemme, recently released from prison after being incarcerated for 43
years for a murder the courts found she didn’t commit.

Hemme’s attorney, Justin Hill with the Chicago law firm Loevy and
Loevy, says the lawsuit names the city and several individuals employed by the
St. Joseph Police Department at the time of the 1980 case.

“This lawsuit seeks compensation for police taking advantage
of Sandy Hemme who was an extremely vulnerable 20-year-old woman who had
significant psychiatric impairments in 1980 and framing her for a murder that
she did not commit,” Hill tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Hill claims St. Joseph police coerced a confession from Hemme
to protect one of their own. The lawsuit states all the evidence in the murder
of St. Joseph librarian Patricia Jeschke in November of 1980 pointed to Officer
Michael Holman.

Livington County Circuit Judge, Ryan Horsman, found Hemme
innocent and ordered her release from the Chillicothe women’s prison. In his
ruling, Horsman called Hemme “the victim of a manifest injustice.”

The
lawsuit is very critical of the St. Joseph Police Department at the time of the
Jeschke case. It claims former Police Chief, Bob Hayes, fostered a culture
of impunity with the police department. Hayes is dead as are nearly all the
individuals named in the lawsuit.

Hill claims the department went to
extraordinary lengths to avoid embarrassment.

“And so, they wanted to avoid that news story and chose
to pen it on Sandy Hemme,” according to Hill.

“There’s also another young man named Melvin Lee Reynolds who
is similarly in a tough place in life and they framed him for the murder of a
young man named Eric Christgen around the same time.”

Reynolds was released from prison after the courts found he
had been falsely convicted in the murder of Christgen, four years old at the
time of his death. Charles Hatcher would later be convicted in the death of
Christgen and 11-year-old Michelle Steele.

The lawsuit asks for a jury trial. It doesn’t request specific
compensation.

Hill says it is difficult to place a price tag on losing 43
years of your life.

“Sandy lost almost all of her adult life and putting a number
on that is going to be a significant challenge for the jury,” Hill says. “But
we’re going to put it to them.”

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755806344160.jpeg" alt="Sandra Hemme/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Sandra Hemme/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph city officials have no comment on a lawsuit filed
against the city by 
Sandra Hemme, recently released from prison after being incarcerated for 43
years for a murder the courts found she didn’t commit.Hemme’s attorney, Justin Hill with the Chicago law firm Loevy and
Loevy, says the lawsuit names the city and several individuals employed by the
St. Joseph Police Department at the time of the 1980 case.“This lawsuit seeks compensation for police taking advantage
of Sandy Hemme who was an extremely vulnerable 20-year-old woman who had
significant psychiatric impairments in 1980 and framing her for a murder that
she did not commit,” Hill tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Hill claims St. Joseph police coerced a confession from Hemme
to protect one of their own. The lawsuit states all the evidence in the murder
of St. Joseph librarian Patricia Jeschke in November of 1980 pointed to Officer
Michael Holman.Livington County Circuit Judge, Ryan Horsman, found Hemme
innocent and ordered her release from the Chillicothe women’s prison. In his
ruling, Horsman called Hemme “the victim of a manifest injustice.”The
lawsuit is very critical of the St. Joseph Police Department at the time of the
Jeschke case. It claims former Police Chief, Bob Hayes, fostered a culture
of impunity with the police department. Hayes is dead as are nearly all the
individuals named in the lawsuit.Hill claims the department went to
extraordinary lengths to avoid embarrassment.“And so, they wanted to avoid that news story and chose
to pen it on Sandy Hemme,” according to Hill.Hill adds it wasn’t the first time.“There’s also another young man named Melvin Lee Reynolds who
is similarly in a tough place in life and they framed him for the murder of a
young man named Eric Christgen around the same time.”Reynolds was released from prison after the courts found he
had been falsely convicted in the murder of Christgen, four years old at the
time of his death. Charles Hatcher would later be convicted in the death of
Christgen and 11-year-old Michelle Steele.The lawsuit asks for a jury trial. It doesn’t request specific
compensation.Hill says it is difficult to place a price tag on losing 43
years of your life.“Sandy lost almost all of her adult life and putting a number
on that is going to be a significant challenge for the jury,” Hill says. “But
we’re going to put it to them.”<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3Xg4OYIgy3Ft3KGqXMz4NV?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755806394193.png" alt="Sandra Hemme, at the time of the 1980 murder, and from her time at the Chillicothe women's prison/Both photos courtesy of the Hemme family" />
 <figcaption>Sandra Hemme, at the time of the 1980 murder, and from her time at the Chillicothe women's prison/Both photos courtesy of the Hemme family</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph city officials have no comment on Hemme lawsuit

State tax dollars have already started flowing out of the State Treasurer’s Office to fund private-school scholarships. A lawsuit seeks to block what attorneys argue is an unauthorized use of taxpayer dollars

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

Attorneys for Missouri’s largest teacher’s union are hoping to stop tax dollars from pouring into the state’s voucher program, arguing in Cole County Circuit Court Thursday that payments should be paused until a judge rules on the legality of the program’s funding.

The State Treasurer’s Office has already begun dipping into a $51 million appropriation of general revenue to award private-school scholarships under the MOScholars program, state attorneys said Thursday. Over 6,100 students have been promised scholarships, and any delay would be a “massive disruption to the MOScholars program,” William Seidleck, principal deputy solicitor general, told the judge.

But Loretta Haggard, attorney for the Missouri branch of the Missouri National Education Association, argued Thursday that MOScholars lacks authority to pull directly from general revenue, and taxpayers would be harmed by the illegal use of funds.&nbsp;

MNEA&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/01/missouri-educators-sue-state-over-51-million-appropriation-to-private-school-vouchers/">filed requests</a>&nbsp;at the end of June for a temporary restraining order to block the flow of funds until trial and a permanent injunction. But the attorney general’s office asked the judge to reject MNEA’s request for an expedited timeline,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/article_5f4f5093-90a6-4cfd-ad0c-d63e8bfd38de.html" target="_blank">citing the recent departure of two top attorneys.&nbsp;</a>

The delay pushed the hearing on the injunction past the start of the school year.&nbsp;

“You can’t just turn on a hose of $51 million in general revenue and force it through the tax credit framework,” Haggard said. “There are gaps in that framework.”

MOScholars was created in a 2021 law which set up the program to work through educational nonprofits approved by the state treasurer. Funding is initiated by donations, which taxpayers are able to receive back as a tax credit equal to 100% of their contribution.

The law set up a fund, the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts fund, “to be used by the state treasurer for marketing and administrative expenses or the costs incurred in administering the scholarship program, whichever is less.”

But last month, that account received a $48 million infusion, which the treasurer’s office is using to pay for student scholarships.

Haggard argues that using the fund this way is “inconsistent” with the 2021 law, telling the judge to block the outflow of funds before it is too late.

“The money will be gone (if the court doesn’t pause payments),” she said. “Nobody seriously thinks that this court will be able to order the families or the schools to discard the money. That will be gone.”

Seidleck argued that although state law doesn’t explicitly allow for the direct spending of general revenue, there are no provisions that directly forbid it. “Statutory silence,” he said, is not enough.

When deciding whether to issue a temporary restraining order, Circuit Court Judge Brian Stumpe must consider the potential harm to affected parties against the public interest. This piece was a large part of the state’s and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/04/parents-intervene-in-missouri-voucher-lawsuit-with-help-from-herzog-foundation-leader/">intervenor EdChoice</a>’s arguments.

EdChoice Legal Advocates joined the case earlier this month, representing three parents who say the influx of state funding will expand their access to scholarships.

Prior to the $51 million appropriation, MOScholars had a growing waitlist, said EdChoice attorney Bryan Cleveland. With the added funding, the program is now more reliable for those who were previously awarded scholarships, and parents are hopeful to get their other children access as well.

“The plaintiffs have asserted taxpayer standing but they haven’t stated any personal harm,” he said. “In contrast, the families have demonstrated irreparable harm because they need the scholarships to pay not just for tuition but also to pay for reading tutors.”

Seidleck emphasized that the program prioritizes students with an individualized education plan, which serves students with learning and physical disabilities.

MNEA, which is a union of public-school teachers, won’t be harmed by the vouchers, he argued, saying it might help public schools by “facilitating smaller class sizes.” MNEA President Rebeka McIntosh, who was watching the arguments, chuckled at his argument.

Stumpe had few questions Thursday, apart from asking Cleveland how the intervening families would be harmed. He told attorneys he plans on ruling by the end of the day Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755859705105.png" alt="Cole County Circuit Court Judge Brian Stumpe hears arguments for and against pausing the use of general revenue for private-school vouchers Thursday afternoon (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Cole County Circuit Court Judge Brian Stumpe hears arguments for and against pausing the use of general revenue for private-school vouchers Thursday afternoon (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>State tax dollars have already started flowing out of the State Treasurer’s Office to fund private-school scholarships. A lawsuit seeks to block what attorneys argue is an unauthorized use of taxpayer dollars</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Attorneys for Missouri’s largest teacher’s union are hoping to stop tax dollars from pouring into the state’s voucher program, arguing in Cole County Circuit Court Thursday that payments should be paused until a judge rules on the legality of the program’s funding.The State Treasurer’s Office has already begun dipping into a $51 million appropriation of general revenue to award private-school scholarships under the MOScholars program, state attorneys said Thursday. Over 6,100 students have been promised scholarships, and any delay would be a “massive disruption to the MOScholars program,” William Seidleck, principal deputy solicitor general, told the judge.But Loretta Haggard, attorney for the Missouri branch of the Missouri National Education Association, argued Thursday that MOScholars lacks authority to pull directly from general revenue, and taxpayers would be harmed by the illegal use of funds.&nbsp;MNEA&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/01/missouri-educators-sue-state-over-51-million-appropriation-to-private-school-vouchers/">filed requests</a>&nbsp;at the end of June for a temporary restraining order to block the flow of funds until trial and a permanent injunction. But the attorney general’s office asked the judge to reject MNEA’s request for an expedited timeline,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/article_5f4f5093-90a6-4cfd-ad0c-d63e8bfd38de.html" target="_blank">citing the recent departure of two top attorneys.&nbsp;</a>The delay pushed the hearing on the injunction past the start of the school year.&nbsp;“You can’t just turn on a hose of $51 million in general revenue and force it through the tax credit framework,” Haggard said. “There are gaps in that framework.”MOScholars was created in a 2021 law which set up the program to work through educational nonprofits approved by the state treasurer. Funding is initiated by donations, which taxpayers are able to receive back as a tax credit equal to 100% of their contribution.The law set up a fund, the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts fund, “to be used by the state treasurer for marketing and administrative expenses or the costs incurred in administering the scholarship program, whichever is less.”But last month, that account received a $48 million infusion, which the treasurer’s office is using to pay for student scholarships.Haggard argues that using the fund this way is “inconsistent” with the 2021 law, telling the judge to block the outflow of funds before it is too late.“The money will be gone (if the court doesn’t pause payments),” she said. “Nobody seriously thinks that this court will be able to order the families or the schools to discard the money. That will be gone.”Seidleck argued that although state law doesn’t explicitly allow for the direct spending of general revenue, there are no provisions that directly forbid it. “Statutory silence,” he said, is not enough.When deciding whether to issue a temporary restraining order, Circuit Court Judge Brian Stumpe must consider the potential harm to affected parties against the public interest. This piece was a large part of the state’s and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/04/parents-intervene-in-missouri-voucher-lawsuit-with-help-from-herzog-foundation-leader/">intervenor EdChoice</a>’s arguments.EdChoice Legal Advocates joined the case earlier this month, representing three parents who say the influx of state funding will expand their access to scholarships.Prior to the $51 million appropriation, MOScholars had a growing waitlist, said EdChoice attorney Bryan Cleveland. With the added funding, the program is now more reliable for those who were previously awarded scholarships, and parents are hopeful to get their other children access as well.“The plaintiffs have asserted taxpayer standing but they haven’t stated any personal harm,” he said. “In contrast, the families have demonstrated irreparable harm because they need the scholarships to pay not just for tuition but also to pay for reading tutors.”Seidleck emphasized that the program prioritizes students with an individualized education plan, which serves students with learning and physical disabilities.MNEA, which is a union of public-school teachers, won’t be harmed by the vouchers, he argued, saying it might help public schools by “facilitating smaller class sizes.” MNEA President Rebeka McIntosh, who was watching the arguments, chuckled at his argument.Stumpe had few questions Thursday, apart from asking Cleveland how the intervening families would be harmed. He told attorneys he plans on ruling by the end of the day Friday.

Missouri teachers union asks judge to freeze private-school-voucher payments

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Thursday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Freightliner semi driven by a 65-year-old Hamilton man was northbound on MO 13 at East Putnum just north of Hamilton. The semi traveled off the right side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the south side of the road and came to rest on its wheels.

Caldwell County EMS transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Thursday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Freightliner semi driven by a 65-year-old Hamilton man was northbound on MO 13 at East Putnum just north of Hamilton. The semi traveled off the right side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the south side of the road and came to rest on its wheels.Caldwell County EMS transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured after semi accident

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a drug bust at a Kansas home.

Based on an intensive investigation by the Brown&nbsp; County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force,&nbsp; a search warrant was applied for and granted for a residence at 645 West 13th Street in Horton, Kansas, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Just after 7:30 p.m. August 19, deputies initiated the search warrant at that residence.&nbsp; Approximately 7 grams of Methamphetamine, Over 2 pounds of Marijuana, various meth pipes, bongs, marijuana pipes, scales, grinders, baggies&nbsp; and numerous&nbsp; firearms were located as well as a .22 pistol which was&nbsp; confirmed stolen out of Michigan and&nbsp; seized as evidence.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Up onconclusion of the warrant, Gayleen Koon&nbsp;&nbsp; 43 Horton was arrested on requested charges of&nbsp; Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of DrugParaphernalia, Distribution of Meth 3.5&lt;100 Grams, Distribution ofMarijuana 450 Grams&gt;30 KG and No Drug Tax Stamp.&nbsp; Horton police assisted with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755708932837.png" alt="Photo Brown Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Brown Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a drug bust at a Kansas home.Based on an intensive investigation by the Brown&nbsp; County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force,&nbsp; a search warrant was applied for and granted for a residence at 645 West 13th Street in Horton, Kansas, according to Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755708861920.png" alt="Koon photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Koon photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 7:30 p.m. August 19, deputies initiated the search warrant at that residence.&nbsp; Approximately 7 grams of Methamphetamine, Over 2 pounds of Marijuana, various meth pipes, bongs, marijuana pipes, scales, grinders, baggies&nbsp; and numerous&nbsp; firearms were located as well as a .22 pistol which was&nbsp; confirmed stolen out of Michigan and&nbsp; seized as evidence.&nbsp;&nbsp; Up onconclusion of the warrant, Gayleen Koon&nbsp;&nbsp; 43 Horton was arrested on requested charges of&nbsp; Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of DrugParaphernalia, Distribution of Meth 3.5&lt;100 Grams, Distribution ofMarijuana 450 Grams&gt;30 KG and No Drug Tax Stamp.&nbsp; Horton police assisted with the investigation.

Deputies seize meth, marijuana and stolen gun at Kansas home

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30 a.m. Thursday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Toyota Corolla driven by a 22-year-old St. Joseph man was northbound on U.S. 71 two miles west of Savannah. The car struck a deer, traveled off the road, down an embankment and overturned..&nbsp;

Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30 a.m. Thursday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Toyota Corolla driven by a 22-year-old St. Joseph man was northbound on U.S. 71 two miles west of Savannah. The car struck a deer, traveled off the road, down an embankment and overturned..&nbsp;Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patol no longer releases names of accident victims.

St. Joe man injured after car strikes a deer, overturns

Soil samples have been taken. Tests will
be done. Then, it will be up to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers whether
dredging can begin as Buchanan County attempts to restore Lake Contrary.

Western District Buchanan County
Commissioner, Ron Hook, says the final soil test plots were taken on Monday and
sent to the lab. That comes after herbicide was spread to kill the weeds which
have overtaken Lake Contrary.

“It’s worked in spots. We’ve had probably
70% of it take hold of the spray,” Hook says during an appearance on
KFEQmmunity. “Our contracted person is going to come back and view it again
before fall. If it needs to be re-sprayed in some areas, he’s going to do
that.”

Hook says the weeds must be removed
before dredging can begin.

Dredging will not be allowed unless the
Army Corps of Engineers grants Buchanan County a permit.

Hook says work to restore Lake Contrary
has been a long time coming.

“We’ve been working on this off-and-on
throughout my whole tenure of county commissioner,” Hooks says. “So that’s been
16 years. This is the closest we’ve been at this point.”

At present, the lake south of St. Joseph
resembles more of a field than a lake. There is little water in Lake Contrary.
There are plenty of weeds. Those weeds don’t just suffocate the lake, they
would wreak havoc on any attempts to dredge, stubbornly clinging to the earth
and clogging any efforts to uproot them.

Hook says the process of restoring Lake
Contrary has dragged on for years.

“We’re moving in the right direction,”
Hook says. “And I think with these soil samples, it’s going to show and prove
to the Corps of Engineers that what we’re going to do is going to be a positive
for the community.”

Hook says the final 34 soil samples were
taken on Monday. The Corps of Engineers will examine the results to determine
whether to permit Buchanan County to dredge the lake and deposit soil back into
the Missouri River.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755792417277.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSoil samples have been taken. Tests will
be done. Then, it will be up to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers whether
dredging can begin as Buchanan County attempts to restore Lake Contrary.Western District Buchanan County
Commissioner, Ron Hook, says the final soil test plots were taken on Monday and
sent to the lab. That comes after herbicide was spread to kill the weeds which
have overtaken Lake Contrary.“It’s worked in spots. We’ve had probably
70% of it take hold of the spray,” Hook says during an appearance on
KFEQmmunity. “Our contracted person is going to come back and view it again
before fall. If it needs to be re-sprayed in some areas, he’s going to do
that.”Hook says the weeds must be removed
before dredging can begin.Dredging will not be allowed unless the
Army Corps of Engineers grants Buchanan County a permit.Hook says work to restore Lake Contrary
has been a long time coming.“We’ve been working on this off-and-on
throughout my whole tenure of county commissioner,” Hooks says. “So that’s been
16 years. This is the closest we’ve been at this point.”At present, the lake south of St. Joseph
resembles more of a field than a lake. There is little water in Lake Contrary.
There are plenty of weeds. Those weeds don’t just suffocate the lake, they
would wreak havoc on any attempts to dredge, stubbornly clinging to the earth
and clogging any efforts to uproot them.Hook says the process of restoring Lake
Contrary has dragged on for years.“We’re moving in the right direction,”
Hook says. “And I think with these soil samples, it’s going to show and prove
to the Corps of Engineers that what we’re going to do is going to be a positive
for the community.”Hook says the final 34 soil samples were
taken on Monday. The Corps of Engineers will examine the results to determine
whether to permit Buchanan County to dredge the lake and deposit soil back into
the Missouri River.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Work continues on efforts to revive Lake Contrary

The Jefferson County Humane Society in Valley Falls, Kansas is promoting adoption of pets in a fun and unique way.   

A kid's fair will be hosted in the parking lot of the shelter this Saturday, with many fun activities and games.  

Jenni Cubbison with the Humane Society says this event centers around the Clear the Shelter event which is held every year 

"With our fair we hope to have fair games, concessions, prizes for the kids, hair coloring, and we're also going to have a cake walk," Cubbison says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "So that should be fun for everyone." 

Cubbison says while this event is about fun, it also stresses the importance of adoption, with this being a time of year where many unwanted cats and dogs show up at the shelter. 

"We strive to give every animal a second chance at a loving home, but unfortunately it is a situation with all shelters I think within our area, and around America unfortunately, that there's such an overpopulation of animals that are in need," Cubbison says. 

The event is a free will donation, with everything donated going to the animal shelter.  Cubbison says on the day you can also view pets that are available for adoption.  

The fair will run from 1 to 5pm on Saturday at 15295 K4 Hwy Valley Falls, Kansas. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755793251450.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Jefferson County Humane Society in Valley Falls, Kansas is promoting adoption of pets in a fun and unique way. A kid's fair will be hosted in the parking lot of the shelter this Saturday, with many fun activities and games. Jenni Cubbison with the Humane Society says this event centers around the Clear the Shelter event which is held every year "With our fair we hope to have fair games, concessions, prizes for the kids, hair coloring, and we're also going to have a cake walk," Cubbison says on the KFEQmunnity show. "So that should be fun for everyone." Cubbison says while this event is about fun, it also stresses the importance of adoption, with this being a time of year where many unwanted cats and dogs show up at the shelter. "We strive to give every animal a second chance at a loving home, but unfortunately it is a situation with all shelters I think within our area, and around America unfortunately, that there's such an overpopulation of animals that are in need," Cubbison says. The event is a free will donation, with everything donated going to the animal shelter. Cubbison says on the day you can also view pets that are available for adoption. The fair will run from 1 to 5pm on Saturday at 15295 K4 Hwy Valley Falls, Kansas. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755793347192.jpeg" alt="Kid's Fair event poster/ Photo courtesy of Jefferson County Humane Society" />
 <figcaption>Kid's Fair event poster/ Photo courtesy of Jefferson County Humane Society</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Kid's Fair promotes importance of pet adoption

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2QAHan775wSwocvh1hD384?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3nzc4UXA96P16Y0JAHAAVd?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

A St. Joseph
leader went to the State Fair to stump for the 139th Airlift Wing.

St. Joseph Chamber
of Commerce President, Natalie Hawn, worked the Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the
State Fair, stumping for the 139th Airlift Wing to get updated C-130
cargo planes.

Hawn spoke with
the Missourinet during an interview when she was in Sedalia. Hawn said the 139th
needs the new “J” model planes, pointing out the Advanced Airlift Tactics
Training Center at Rosecrans Memorial Airport trains pilots throughout the
world on J model planes.

“We train the NATO
nations in St. Joseph, Missouri on air tactical weapons training,” Hawn told
the Missourinet. “The National Guard tends to get overlooked when it comes to
important resources.”

Hawn is on the
Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission and is part of the
Air Mobility Command Leadership Academy, representing the 139th.

Hawn said the 139th
needs an upgrade from its current fleet of C-130H cargo planes, reasoning modern
planes are need for the Air Guard to respond to disasters.

“If we do, God
forbid, go to war it does have that domestic impact as well and so your National
Guard bases have to be ready,” Hawn said. “We love our Air Force. We support
our Air Force, but we also have to make sure those National Guard bases are
ready, because they’re the ones that are going to be here tomorrow if national
disaster happens in Missouri. And we have to be ready and prepared for that. I
don’t think we talk about that enough.”

The Air Guard has
passed over the 139th in awarding C-130J model planes to other
bases. Landing the J model is seen as vital for the longevity of the 139th
at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

When Missourinet
asked Hawn why the Chamber of Commerce is so involved in attempting to lure the
new planes to the Rosecrans base, Hawn pointed out the 139th isn’t
just the fourth largest employer in St. Joseph, it provides vital services to
businesses throughout the area, which she said became evidence during the COVID
pandemic.

“They were able to
support our large agriculture manufacturers in St. Joseph with COVID vaccines
pretty immediately so we could continue to feed America,” Hawn responded. “So,
I would argue that it is very much an economic development issue.”

Hawn is working
with the Missouri Congressional delegation to upgrade the C-130 cargo planes at
Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755712283562.jpeg" alt="C-130H cargo plane at Rosecrans Memorial Airport/file photo" />
 <figcaption>C-130H cargo plane at Rosecrans Memorial Airport/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph
leader went to the State Fair to stump for the 139th Airlift Wing.St. Joseph Chamber
of Commerce President, Natalie Hawn, worked the Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the
State Fair, stumping for the 139th Airlift Wing to get updated C-130
cargo planes.Hawn spoke with
the Missourinet during an interview when she was in Sedalia. Hawn said the 139th
needs the new “J” model planes, pointing out the Advanced Airlift Tactics
Training Center at Rosecrans Memorial Airport trains pilots throughout the
world on J model planes.“We train the NATO
nations in St. Joseph, Missouri on air tactical weapons training,” Hawn told
the Missourinet. “The National Guard tends to get overlooked when it comes to
important resources.”Hawn is on the
Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission and is part of the
Air Mobility Command Leadership Academy, representing the 139th.Hawn said the 139th
needs an upgrade from its current fleet of C-130H cargo planes, reasoning modern
planes are need for the Air Guard to respond to disasters.“If we do, God
forbid, go to war it does have that domestic impact as well and so your National
Guard bases have to be ready,” Hawn said. “We love our Air Force. We support
our Air Force, but we also have to make sure those National Guard bases are
ready, because they’re the ones that are going to be here tomorrow if national
disaster happens in Missouri. And we have to be ready and prepared for that. I
don’t think we talk about that enough.”The Air Guard has
passed over the 139th in awarding C-130J model planes to other
bases. Landing the J model is seen as vital for the longevity of the 139th
at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.When Missourinet
asked Hawn why the Chamber of Commerce is so involved in attempting to lure the
new planes to the Rosecrans base, Hawn pointed out the 139th isn’t
just the fourth largest employer in St. Joseph, it provides vital services to
businesses throughout the area, which she said became evidence during the COVID
pandemic.“They were able to
support our large agriculture manufacturers in St. Joseph with COVID vaccines
pretty immediately so we could continue to feed America,” Hawn responded. “So,
I would argue that it is very much an economic development issue.”Hawn is working
with the Missouri Congressional delegation to upgrade the C-130 cargo planes at
Rosecrans Memorial Airport.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph leader stumps for 139th at Missouri State Fair

DAVIESS COUNTY —A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Silverado driven by a 74-year-old Chillicothe man was northbound on MO 190 two miles south of Jamesport. The front of the pickup struck the rear drivers side of a horse and buggy driven by a 15-year-old Jamesport boy.&nbsp; The teen was ejected from the vehicle into the ditch.

Daviess County EMS transported the teen to Children's Mercy. The pickup driver was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686146756144.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DAVIESS COUNTY —A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Silverado driven by a 74-year-old Chillicothe man was northbound on MO 190 two miles south of Jamesport. The front of the pickup struck the rear drivers side of a horse and buggy driven by a 15-year-old Jamesport boy.&nbsp; The teen was ejected from the vehicle into the ditch.Daviess County EMS transported the teen to Children's Mercy. The pickup driver was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. teen injured after pickup rear-ends horse and buggy

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an incident in Missouri.

Just after 10:30a.m. Tuesday, Nodaway County, Missouri law enforcement notified Brown County law enforcement dispatch about a man, identified as 41-year-old Matthew Olson from Hiawatha, Kansas who was involved as a suspect in a&nbsp; "shots fired" incident in their county, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

Olson was reported driving a gold or tan SUV type vehicle with a Kansas license plate.&nbsp; Brown County deputies , KHP, Hiawatha Police, Sac and Fox, Iowa and Kickapoo Police all staged at various areas of the county to try and intercept the vehicle should Olson try and returnt o Hiawatha.&nbsp;

Just before noon, the vehicle was stopped in Hiawatha in the Carpet Plus parking lot and Olson taken into custody without incident.

Olson is being held in the Brown County jail on requested Nodaway County charges of Criminal Discharge of a Weapon, Telecom Harassment, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755708670405.png" alt="Olson photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Olson photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an incident in Missouri.Just after 10:30a.m. Tuesday, Nodaway County, Missouri law enforcement notified Brown County law enforcement dispatch about a man, identified as 41-year-old Matthew Olson from Hiawatha, Kansas who was involved as a suspect in a&nbsp; "shots fired" incident in their county, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.Olson was reported driving a gold or tan SUV type vehicle with a Kansas license plate.&nbsp; Brown County deputies , KHP, Hiawatha Police, Sac and Fox, Iowa and Kickapoo Police all staged at various areas of the county to try and intercept the vehicle should Olson try and returnt o Hiawatha.&nbsp;Just before noon, the vehicle was stopped in Hiawatha in the Carpet Plus parking lot and Olson taken into custody without incident.Olson is being held in the Brown County jail on requested Nodaway County charges of Criminal Discharge of a Weapon, Telecom Harassment, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Kansas man captured after alleged crimes in Nodaway County

The doors have officially opened to the new building housing the University of Missouri-Kansas City Medical School in St. Joseph.  

The school had been functioning out of the Mosaic hospital campus, but cut the ribbon, with a scalpel rather than scissors, today on the new 22,000-square-foot building. 

UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal says to get to this point has been five years of hard work 

"We started dreaming this five years ago planting a medical school here, we started the academic program it was housed in Mosaic's hospital, and that has been great," Agrawal tells reporters.  "But we wanted a building of our own so we could put all the high-tech education right here in St. Joe, this is the most high-tech medical education I've seen anywhere, it's happening right here in St. Joseph." 

Agrawal says while the high-tech facility does help the learning experience, the most vital piece of the facility is students learning in rural health clinics.  

Agrawal points out two students that recently graduated from the school, took jobs with Mosaic, saying that the school shows students they don't need to go to bigger cities, but rather can stay in rural communities to work.  

Integral in getting the state funding for the school was St. Joseph State Representative Brenda Shields.  Shields says the discussions on the school started after she lamented on the need for rural nursing education in St. Joseph.  

Shields was persistent in getting the funding for the school, and says it was important for her, because it's important to train rural physicians 

"If you talked to anybody that lives in rural America, they talk how it takes months for them to be able to get an appointment or they have to drive miles and miles, well people will stop living in rural America if they can't access the healthcare that they need," Shields explains.  "And for rural Missouri to be vibrant, we have to have healthcare, so that we can grow the economy of those communities." 

Shields says for students from around the area to have the opportunity to learn here and eventually stay here to serve their communities is a huge deal for bringing a school into St. Joseph as well.  

The medical school has operated out of Mosaic having its first graduating class this past January, but the new facility offers those high-tech learning opportunities for students.  

One of those students, Mikalah Brock, is from Maysville, and says getting to earn her M. D so close to home is very special to her 

"Coming home and being around my family, having that support system, getting to go to my sister's basketball games while I'm achieving my M.D, and getting to hear from the people in this area what healthcare challenges they're having in real time, it's amazing, it's such an educational opportunity that I would not be able to get anywhere else," Brock says. 

Brock says though she will have to go away on residency, it is amazing to get to work close to home and build connections with physicians in the area that she'll be able to contact when she is back practicing in the area. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755712881961.jpeg" alt="The UMKC School of Medicine officially opened the doors of its new building today after previously operating out of the Mosaic Life Care campus/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The UMKC School of Medicine officially opened the doors of its new building today after previously operating out of the Mosaic Life Care campus/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The doors have officially opened to the new building housing the University of Missouri-Kansas City Medical School in St. Joseph. The school had been functioning out of the Mosaic hospital campus, but cut the ribbon, with a scalpel rather than scissors, today on the new 22,000-square-foot building. UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal says to get to this point has been five years of hard work "We started dreaming this five years ago planting a medical school here, we started the academic program it was housed in Mosaic's hospital, and that has been great," Agrawal tells reporters. "But we wanted a building of our own so we could put all the high-tech education right here in St. Joe, this is the most high-tech medical education I've seen anywhere, it's happening right here in St. Joseph." Agrawal says while the high-tech facility does help the learning experience, the most vital piece of the facility is students learning in rural health clinics. Agrawal points out two students that recently graduated from the school, took jobs with Mosaic, saying that the school shows students they don't need to go to bigger cities, but rather can stay in rural communities to work. Integral in getting the state funding for the school was St. Joseph State Representative Brenda Shields. Shields says the discussions on the school started after she lamented on the need for rural nursing education in St. Joseph. Shields was persistent in getting the funding for the school, and says it was important for her, because it's important to train rural physicians "If you talked to anybody that lives in rural America, they talk how it takes months for them to be able to get an appointment or they have to drive miles and miles, well people will stop living in rural America if they can't access the healthcare that they need," Shields explains. "And for rural Missouri to be vibrant, we have to have healthcare, so that we can grow the economy of those communities." Shields says for students from around the area to have the opportunity to learn here and eventually stay here to serve their communities is a huge deal for bringing a school into St. Joseph as well. The medical school has operated out of Mosaic having its first graduating class this past January, but the new facility offers those high-tech learning opportunities for students. One of those students, Mikalah Brock, is from Maysville, and says getting to earn her M. D so close to home is very special to her "Coming home and being around my family, having that support system, getting to go to my sister's basketball games while I'm achieving my M.D, and getting to hear from the people in this area what healthcare challenges they're having in real time, it's amazing, it's such an educational opportunity that I would not be able to get anywhere else," Brock says. Brock says though she will have to go away on residency, it is amazing to get to work close to home and build connections with physicians in the area that she'll be able to contact when she is back practicing in the area. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

UMKC opens doors of new high-tech School of Medicine building

Following the passage of a law banning mobile phone use, school boards have quickly adopted policies banning the devices from bell to bell

Amidst a plethora of back-to-school reminders, Missouri public schools are making a special effort to inform parents about a new state law banning cell phones during the school day.

The law, signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe in July, requires school districts to set a policy barring students from using mobile devices except for in emergencies or when instructed by a teacher. And with most students returning to classrooms this week, districts have been warning parents about the new expectations.

“I don’t know any district that’s fighting this,” Susan Goldammer, policy chief for the Missouri School Boards’ Association, told The Independent. “Most of the folks that I’ve spoken to are secretly quite happy that they have a little bit of additional authority to explain to parents why (devices) are not allowed.”

Goldammer wrote the association’s model policy that many Missouri school boards have personalized and adopted within the last month. Districts have asked about details, like exceptions for students with medical issues requiring access to cell phones, but they are largely ready to start the school year with the new policy.

Some Missouri districts already had bans on cell phones, while others were considering adding restrictions. For them, the law is a welcome addition and helps fight any pushback from parents and students.

“I have been surprised at how easy it was for districts to do this, and I can’t help but think that’s because all of the adults now are realizing it is not good to have the kind of electronic connectivity that kids have all the time,” Goldammer said.

The law is more restrictive than other states by banning cell phone usage throughout the entire school day instead of only during instructional time. But it allows for some nuances, giving districts the ability to choose how to enforce the policy and how devices will be stored.

Most districts have told parents that smartwatches are barred, citing the law’s ban of any “portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images or data electronically.”

The Rockwood School District in Eureka,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/54342171" target="_blank">in a message to parents</a>, indicated that it wasn’t completely banning smartwatches but that it expects students “to only use their smartwatch for the purpose of keeping time and not for communication purposes during school hours.”

The North Kansas City School District, though, will restrict all uses of smartwatches. The district included the question “Can my student wear their smartwatch if they aren’t using it for communication?” on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nkcschools.org/district/dept/technology/personal-device-policy" target="_blank">its website</a>, telling parents that smartwatches are barred but fitness trackers without message capabilities are allowed.

Districts also have different expectations on how devices will be stowed, though most are allowing students to have their devices turned off in their backpacks.

St. Louis Public Schools’ board of education approved a policy that allows for each school to choose its phone-collection method.&nbsp;

“This flexibility acknowledges the diverse operational needs and preferences expressed by elementary and secondary staff and families,” Superintendent Millicent Borishade wrote in her August&nbsp;<a href="https://www.slps.org/Page/81605" target="_blank">newsletter</a>.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://slps.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=520" target="_blank">its Aug. 12 meeting</a>, the board also approved the purchase of locking phone pouches from Yondr for Gateway STEM High School at a cost of $40,000.

Goldammer anticipates that more districts will be considering purchasing phone-storage systems and evolving their policies before next school year. With a little over a month between the law’s passage and the first day of school, districts had time to set policies, but many were not able to make large purchases that quickly, she said.

But for now, administrators will be working on the best ways to execute the policy.

“There will be a learning curve,” Goldammer said. “There will be kids that break the rules. There always are.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679496400146.jpg" alt="image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Following the passage of a law banning mobile phone use, school boards have quickly adopted policies banning the devices from bell to bell</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Amidst a plethora of back-to-school reminders, Missouri public schools are making a special effort to inform parents about a new state law banning cell phones during the school day.The law, signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe in July, requires school districts to set a policy barring students from using mobile devices except for in emergencies or when instructed by a teacher. And with most students returning to classrooms this week, districts have been warning parents about the new expectations.“I don’t know any district that’s fighting this,” Susan Goldammer, policy chief for the Missouri School Boards’ Association, told The Independent. “Most of the folks that I’ve spoken to are secretly quite happy that they have a little bit of additional authority to explain to parents why (devices) are not allowed.”Goldammer wrote the association’s model policy that many Missouri school boards have personalized and adopted within the last month. Districts have asked about details, like exceptions for students with medical issues requiring access to cell phones, but they are largely ready to start the school year with the new policy.Some Missouri districts already had bans on cell phones, while others were considering adding restrictions. For them, the law is a welcome addition and helps fight any pushback from parents and students.“I have been surprised at how easy it was for districts to do this, and I can’t help but think that’s because all of the adults now are realizing it is not good to have the kind of electronic connectivity that kids have all the time,” Goldammer said.The law is more restrictive than other states by banning cell phone usage throughout the entire school day instead of only during instructional time. But it allows for some nuances, giving districts the ability to choose how to enforce the policy and how devices will be stored.Most districts have told parents that smartwatches are barred, citing the law’s ban of any “portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images or data electronically.”The Rockwood School District in Eureka,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/54342171" target="_blank">in a message to parents</a>, indicated that it wasn’t completely banning smartwatches but that it expects students “to only use their smartwatch for the purpose of keeping time and not for communication purposes during school hours.”The North Kansas City School District, though, will restrict all uses of smartwatches. The district included the question “Can my student wear their smartwatch if they aren’t using it for communication?” on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nkcschools.org/district/dept/technology/personal-device-policy" target="_blank">its website</a>, telling parents that smartwatches are barred but fitness trackers without message capabilities are allowed.Districts also have different expectations on how devices will be stowed, though most are allowing students to have their devices turned off in their backpacks.St. Louis Public Schools’ board of education approved a policy that allows for each school to choose its phone-collection method.&nbsp;“This flexibility acknowledges the diverse operational needs and preferences expressed by elementary and secondary staff and families,” Superintendent Millicent Borishade wrote in her August&nbsp;<a href="https://www.slps.org/Page/81605" target="_blank">newsletter</a>.In&nbsp;<a href="https://slps.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=520" target="_blank">its Aug. 12 meeting</a>, the board also approved the purchase of locking phone pouches from Yondr for Gateway STEM High School at a cost of $40,000.Goldammer anticipates that more districts will be considering purchasing phone-storage systems and evolving their policies before next school year. With a little over a month between the law’s passage and the first day of school, districts had time to set policies, but many were not able to make large purchases that quickly, she said.But for now, administrators will be working on the best ways to execute the policy.“There will be a learning curve,” Goldammer said. “There will be kids that break the rules. There always are.”

Missouri districts begin new school year with state-mandated cell-phone ban

Eastern Kansas
Congressman Derek Schmitt says Congress will need to review its changes to
Medicaid to lessen any impact they might have on rural hospitals.

Critics charge the
Medicaid changes contained in the one big, beautiful bill might look pretty
ugly to rural hospitals which rely on Medicaid payments to survive.

Schmitt, a
Republican, defends changes that require recipients to look for work or enroll
in college.

“That is very
reasonable. It’s the right thing to do. It should have been the public policy
all along. It is in most of the public benefits programs,” Schmitt tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And applying that to Medicaid, it’s not just a numbers
thing, it’s the right thing to do for the individuals involved. There’s a
dignity in work and helping people move in the direction of becoming self-sufficient
is very, very important for all of us.”

Schmitt
acknowledges, though, that the changes could hurt rural hospitals.

“This is a
complicated issue. You’re talking about tweaking different parts of a spending
formula that affects many, many people; many, many communities and lots and
lots and lots of taxpayer money,” Schmitt says. “And we need to be able to get
pass the sort of sloganeering debate and have a more thoughtful discussion
about the individual provisions. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

Schmitt says the
Senate moves that changed the provider tax and state-directed payments could
hurt rural hospitals and should be re-examined by Congress.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEastern Kansas
Congressman Derek Schmitt says Congress will need to review its changes to
Medicaid to lessen any impact they might have on rural hospitals.Critics charge the
Medicaid changes contained in the one big, beautiful bill might look pretty
ugly to rural hospitals which rely on Medicaid payments to survive.Schmitt, a
Republican, defends changes that require recipients to look for work or enroll
in college.“That is very
reasonable. It’s the right thing to do. It should have been the public policy
all along. It is in most of the public benefits programs,” Schmitt tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And applying that to Medicaid, it’s not just a numbers
thing, it’s the right thing to do for the individuals involved. There’s a
dignity in work and helping people move in the direction of becoming self-sufficient
is very, very important for all of us.”Schmitt
acknowledges, though, that the changes could hurt rural hospitals.“This is a
complicated issue. You’re talking about tweaking different parts of a spending
formula that affects many, many people; many, many communities and lots and
lots and lots of taxpayer money,” Schmitt says. “And we need to be able to get
pass the sort of sloganeering debate and have a more thoughtful discussion
about the individual provisions. That’s what we’re trying to do.”Schmitt says the
Senate moves that changed the provider tax and state-directed payments could
hurt rural hospitals and should be re-examined by Congress.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Schmitt says how Medicaid changes impact rural hospitals might need reexamined

Certain raw frozen shrimp products processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods), a company located in Indonesia, and sold at Walmart stores in Missouri and a dozen other states, according to a statement from the FDA.

These products include the following product names, lot codes, and best by dates:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-public-not-eat-sell-or-serve-certain-imported-frozen-shrimp-indonesian-firm#ProductDesc">Additional product information is in a table below.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

At this time, no product that has tested positive or alerted for Cesium-137 (Cs-137) has entered the U.S. commerce. FDA is working with distributors and retailers that received product from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati after the date of first detection of Cs-137 by Customs &amp; Border Protection (CBP), but from shipments that did not alert for Cs-137, to recommend that firms conduct a recall. In conjunction with other information, FDA determined that product from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati violates the Federal Food, Drug, &amp; Cosmetic Act in that it appears to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with Cs-137 and may pose a safety concern.&nbsp;

FDA has also added PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_1187.html">new import alert</a>&nbsp;for chemical contamination to stop products from this firm from coming into the U.S. until the firm has resolved the conditions that gave rise to the appearance of the violation.

FDA’s investigation is ongoing. This advisory will be updated as more information becomes available.&nbsp;

FDA detected Cs-137 in a single shipment of imported frozen shrimp from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati that did not enter U.S. commerce. The level of Cs-137 detected in the detained shipment was approximately 68 Bq/kg, which is below&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/process-contaminants-food/supporting-document-guidance-levels-radionuclides-domestic-and-imported-foods">FDA’s Derived Intervention Level for Cs-137</a>&nbsp;of 1200 Bq/kg. At this level, the product would not pose an acute hazard to consumers. Avoiding products like the shipment FDA tested with similar levels of Cs-137 is a measure intended to reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could have health impacts with continued exposure over a long period of time.

The primary health effect of concern following longer term, repeated low dose exposure (e.g., through consumption of contaminated food or water over time) is an elevated risk of cancer, resulting from damage to DNA within living cells of the body. Additional information about Cs-137 and your health is available through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts157.pdf">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry resources</a>.

FDA is actively investigating reports of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination in shipping containers and frozen shrimp products processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods) of Indonesia. The U.S. Customs &amp; Border Protection (CBP) alerted FDA to the detection of Cs-137 in shipping containers at four U.S. ports (Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami). FDA collected multiple samples for radionuclide analysis, with results confirming the presence of Cs-137 in one sample of breaded shrimp. All containers and product testing positive or alerting for Cs-137 have been denied entry into the country. The agency continues to coordinate with CBP to prevent any contaminated products from reaching consumers and is working with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to investigate the root cause of the contamination.&nbsp;

Although testing to date has not confirmed the presence of contamination in any product in commerce, the product appears to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with Cs-137 and may pose a safety concern. To date, FDA has learned that Walmart has received implicated raw frozen shrimp, imported after the date of first detection of Cs-137 by CBP, but from shipments that did not alert for Cs-137. FDA has recommended Walmart recall this product.&nbsp;

Consumers should not eat or serve certain lots of Great Value raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart stores in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, OH, OK, PA, TX, and WV: &nbsp;

If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away. Do not eat or serve this product.

Cs-137 is a radioisotope of cesium that is man-made through nuclear reactions and because it is widespread worldwide, trace amounts of Cs-137 can be found in the environment, including soil, food, and air. FDA food monitoring focuses on radioisotopes (radionuclides) that are not normally present and are generally the result of human activities. Any unexpected finding of Cs-137 in a food product is evaluated to determine if follow up action is warranted on a case-by-case basis. After being alerted to the contamination of shipping containers detected by CBP, FDA initiated sampling of products which included five different shrimp products from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, one of which was a sample of frozen breaded shrimp. FDA's laboratory confirmation of Cs-137 in the breaded shrimp had detectable levels of Cs-137 present at 68.48 Bq/kg +/- 8.25 Bq/kg. There was no detectable Cs-137 in the other products tested; however, this does not rule out contamination.

FDA has not detected Cs-137 in any product above the current&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/process-contaminants-food/supporting-document-guidance-levels-radionuclides-domestic-and-imported-foods">derived intervention levels for Cs-137</a>&nbsp;(1200 Bq/kg); however, FDA has concluded that the level detected in the breaded shrimp sample could represent a potential health concern for those exposed to this level of Cs-137 from consumption of the shrimp over an extended period of time combined with radiation that exists in the environment and from other sources such as medical procedures. Avoiding products like the shipment FDA tested with similar levels of Cs-137 is a measure intended to reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could have health impacts with continued exposure over a long period of time. FDA has taken swift action to prevent potentially contaminated product from being introduced into U.S. commerce in response to reports of contaminated shipping containers from CBP. On August 14, 2025, FDA posted a new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_1187.html">import alert (IA 99-51)</a>&nbsp;for chemical contamination under section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. &nbsp;PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati has been added to the red list of this alert due to the presence of Cs-137. The import alert ensures that no implicated shrimp products will enter U.S. commerce until the company resolves the conditions that gave rise to the appearance of the violation.&nbsp;

Certain raw frozen shrimp products processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods), a company located in Indonesia, and sold at Walmart stores in Missouri and a dozen other states, according to a statement from the FDA.These products include the following product names, lot codes, and best by dates:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027</li><li>Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027</li><li>Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027</li>
 </ul><a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-public-not-eat-sell-or-serve-certain-imported-frozen-shrimp-indonesian-firm#ProductDesc">Additional product information is in a table below.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;At this time, no product that has tested positive or alerted for Cesium-137 (Cs-137) has entered the U.S. commerce. FDA is working with distributors and retailers that received product from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati after the date of first detection of Cs-137 by Customs &amp; Border Protection (CBP), but from shipments that did not alert for Cs-137, to recommend that firms conduct a recall. In conjunction with other information, FDA determined that product from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati violates the Federal Food, Drug, &amp; Cosmetic Act in that it appears to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with Cs-137 and may pose a safety concern.&nbsp;FDA has also added PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_1187.html">new import alert</a>&nbsp;for chemical contamination to stop products from this firm from coming into the U.S. until the firm has resolved the conditions that gave rise to the appearance of the violation.FDA’s investigation is ongoing. This advisory will be updated as more information becomes available.&nbsp;<h2>Health impacts of cesium exposure</h2>FDA detected Cs-137 in a single shipment of imported frozen shrimp from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati that did not enter U.S. commerce. The level of Cs-137 detected in the detained shipment was approximately 68 Bq/kg, which is below&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/process-contaminants-food/supporting-document-guidance-levels-radionuclides-domestic-and-imported-foods">FDA’s Derived Intervention Level for Cs-137</a>&nbsp;of 1200 Bq/kg. At this level, the product would not pose an acute hazard to consumers. Avoiding products like the shipment FDA tested with similar levels of Cs-137 is a measure intended to reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could have health impacts with continued exposure over a long period of time.The primary health effect of concern following longer term, repeated low dose exposure (e.g., through consumption of contaminated food or water over time) is an elevated risk of cancer, resulting from damage to DNA within living cells of the body. Additional information about Cs-137 and your health is available through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts157.pdf">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry resources</a>.<h2>Recommendation</h2><ul>
 <li>If you recently purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-public-not-eat-sell-or-serve-certain-imported-frozen-shrimp-indonesian-firm#ProductDesc">one of the impacted lots</a>&nbsp;of Great Value raw frozen shrimp from Walmart, throw it away. Do not eat or serve this product.</li><li>Distributors and retailers should dispose of this product and should not sell or serve this product.</li><li>If you suspect you have been exposed to elevated levels of cesium, talk to your healthcare provider.</li>
 </ul><h2>Current Update</h2>August 19, 2025FDA is actively investigating reports of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination in shipping containers and frozen shrimp products processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods) of Indonesia. The U.S. Customs &amp; Border Protection (CBP) alerted FDA to the detection of Cs-137 in shipping containers at four U.S. ports (Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami). FDA collected multiple samples for radionuclide analysis, with results confirming the presence of Cs-137 in one sample of breaded shrimp. All containers and product testing positive or alerting for Cs-137 have been denied entry into the country. The agency continues to coordinate with CBP to prevent any contaminated products from reaching consumers and is working with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to investigate the root cause of the contamination.&nbsp;Although testing to date has not confirmed the presence of contamination in any product in commerce, the product appears to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with Cs-137 and may pose a safety concern. To date, FDA has learned that Walmart has received implicated raw frozen shrimp, imported after the date of first detection of Cs-137 by CBP, but from shipments that did not alert for Cs-137. FDA has recommended Walmart recall this product.&nbsp;Consumers should not eat or serve certain lots of Great Value raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart stores in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, OH, OK, PA, TX, and WV: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027&nbsp;</li><li>Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027&nbsp;</li><li>Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away. Do not eat or serve this product.Cs-137 is a radioisotope of cesium that is man-made through nuclear reactions and because it is widespread worldwide, trace amounts of Cs-137 can be found in the environment, including soil, food, and air. FDA food monitoring focuses on radioisotopes (radionuclides) that are not normally present and are generally the result of human activities. Any unexpected finding of Cs-137 in a food product is evaluated to determine if follow up action is warranted on a case-by-case basis. After being alerted to the contamination of shipping containers detected by CBP, FDA initiated sampling of products which included five different shrimp products from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, one of which was a sample of frozen breaded shrimp. FDA's laboratory confirmation of Cs-137 in the breaded shrimp had detectable levels of Cs-137 present at 68.48 Bq/kg +/- 8.25 Bq/kg. There was no detectable Cs-137 in the other products tested; however, this does not rule out contamination.FDA has not detected Cs-137 in any product above the current&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/process-contaminants-food/supporting-document-guidance-levels-radionuclides-domestic-and-imported-foods">derived intervention levels for Cs-137</a>&nbsp;(1200 Bq/kg); however, FDA has concluded that the level detected in the breaded shrimp sample could represent a potential health concern for those exposed to this level of Cs-137 from consumption of the shrimp over an extended period of time combined with radiation that exists in the environment and from other sources such as medical procedures. Avoiding products like the shipment FDA tested with similar levels of Cs-137 is a measure intended to reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could have health impacts with continued exposure over a long period of time. FDA has taken swift action to prevent potentially contaminated product from being introduced into U.S. commerce in response to reports of contaminated shipping containers from CBP. On August 14, 2025, FDA posted a new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_1187.html">import alert (IA 99-51)</a>&nbsp;for chemical contamination under section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. &nbsp;PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati has been added to the red list of this alert due to the presence of Cs-137. The import alert ensures that no implicated shrimp products will enter U.S. commerce until the company resolves the conditions that gave rise to the appearance of the violation.&nbsp;

Walmart recalls frozen shrimp sold in Missouri over potential radioactive contamination

PLATTE COUNTY—One person was injured and another arrested in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday in Platte County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1996 Dodge Caravan driven by a 48-year-old Parkville man was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of 64th Street. The van rear-ended a 2018 Isuzu passenger vehicle.&nbsp; The Isuzu driver, later identified as a Todd M. Moulin, 48, Kansas City, Missouri, left the scene of the crash.

KC Fire transported the van driver to North Kansas City Hospital.&nbsp; The Patrol later arrested Moulin on requested charges of driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a crash, no valid license and for no insurance. He was released for treatment at North Kansas City Hospital.

PLATTE COUNTY—One person was injured and another arrested in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday in Platte County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1996 Dodge Caravan driven by a 48-year-old Parkville man was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of 64th Street. The van rear-ended a 2018 Isuzu passenger vehicle.&nbsp; The Isuzu driver, later identified as a Todd M. Moulin, 48, Kansas City, Missouri, left the scene of the crash.KC Fire transported the van driver to North Kansas City Hospital.&nbsp; The Patrol later arrested Moulin on requested charges of driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a crash, no valid license and for no insurance. He was released for treatment at North Kansas City Hospital.

One injured, one accused of DUI after rear-end crash

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Peterbilt semi driven by a 66-year-old Amazonia man was westbound on U.S. 136 at Route EE in New Hampton. The semi attempted to pass a 2015 Chevy Malibu driven by a 45-year-old Bethany woman that had slowed to make a left turn.

The right front of the semi struck the left front of the car.

Grand River Ambulance transported the Bethany woman to Mosaic in Albany. The semi driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Peterbilt semi driven by a 66-year-old Amazonia man was westbound on U.S. 136 at Route EE in New Hampton. The semi attempted to pass a 2015 Chevy Malibu driven by a 45-year-old Bethany woman that had slowed to make a left turn.The right front of the semi struck the left front of the car.Grand River Ambulance transported the Bethany woman to Mosaic in Albany. The semi driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after semi, car crash

A new class of the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame will be enshrined this weekend.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Executive Director Brett Esely says every class in the hall has something special about it, and the more he's thought about this one, the more he defines it as a gritty class 

"They all come from a great background here in St. Joe, they all did elite things, and these were guys that had careers that expand longevity," Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "And I think you would assume that with most hall of fame inductees." 

While Esely says this class is gritty, he says there's also one other thing that stands out about the 2025 class. 

"You have folks in this class that were really good at what they did, but you have folks that were really good mentors and helped other people either achieve their best or just get to a level where they feel comfortable," Esely explains.  "And I think that's a huge piece of what a hall of famer is, is you're great at what you do, but you're great at making people comfortable and better at what they do, and there's a lot of that in this class and all over it." 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A new class of the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame will be enshrined this weekend. St. Joseph Sports Commission Executive Director Brett Esely says every class in the hall has something special about it, and the more he's thought about this one, the more he defines it as a gritty class "They all come from a great background here in St. Joe, they all did elite things, and these were guys that had careers that expand longevity," Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show. "And I think you would assume that with most hall of fame inductees." While Esely says this class is gritty, he says there's also one other thing that stands out about the 2025 class. "You have folks in this class that were really good at what they did, but you have folks that were really good mentors and helped other people either achieve their best or just get to a level where they feel comfortable," Esely explains. "And I think that's a huge piece of what a hall of famer is, is you're great at what you do, but you're great at making people comfortable and better at what they do, and there's a lot of that in this class and all over it." Esely says many in the class did this as mentors to others, using Bob Boyles as an example, "Bob has a gym in his home, that's been his day to day job for a number of years, and he has trained athletes on all levels whether they be world class athletes, a unique thing is Rob Calloway, whose also in our class, worked with Bob for a while training wise, but you also have athletes that are just trying to reach personal fitness goals and stay in shape," Esely says. Esely says Sunday's enshrinement ceremony is sure to bring a lot of great stories to tell and relive during the ceremony. Nine individuals, one team, and one special Olympic athlete will have their names etched into the St. Joseph history books during Sunday's enshrinement ceremony. There are still tickets available for the ceremony that can be purchased online for $25. The ceremony will take place on Sunday at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center from 5 to 7pm. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

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