A section of the Rock Island hiking and biking trail will be
closed for the remainder of the year to allow Evergy to rebuild an aging
transmission line.

The City of St. Joseph announced a section of the urban hiking
and biking trail between Highway 169 and Pickett Road will be closed for the
rest of the year. Property restoration is forecast to be completed in March of
next year.

Evergy plans to rebuild the line. Existing wood H-frame
structures or steel single pole structures will be replaced with new steel
single pole structures 10-to-30 feet taller than the current ones. 

Project details are available at <a href="https://www.evergy.com/stjoseph">www.evergy.com/stjoseph</a>.

A section of the Rock Island hiking and biking trail will be
closed for the remainder of the year to allow Evergy to rebuild an aging
transmission line.The City of St. Joseph announced a section of the urban hiking
and biking trail between Highway 169 and Pickett Road will be closed for the
rest of the year. Property restoration is forecast to be completed in March of
next year.Evergy plans to rebuild the line. Existing wood H-frame
structures or steel single pole structures will be replaced with new steel
single pole structures 10-to-30 feet taller than the current ones. Project details are available at <a href="https://www.evergy.com/stjoseph">www.evergy.com/stjoseph</a>.- St. Joseph Post staff

Section of Rock Island hiking&biking trail to close for utility work

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Amy Ashelford
6th Judicial Circuit Associate Circuit Judge to succeed the
Honorable Dennis Eckold, who has retired.

Ashelford, who is from Platte City, is the Platte County Assistant
Prosecuting Attorney. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from
the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and received a Juris Doctor from the
University of Missouri­–Kansas City.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Amy Ashelford
6th Judicial Circuit Associate Circuit Judge to succeed the
Honorable Dennis Eckold, who has retired.Ashelford, who is from Platte City, is the Platte County Assistant
Prosecuting Attorney. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from
the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and received a Juris Doctor from the
University of Missouri­–Kansas City.- St. Joseph Post staff

Gov. Parson appoints Ashelford as 6th Circuit Assoc. Circuit Judge

GRUNDY COUNTY—&nbsp;&nbsp;The National Weather survey team reported they found tracks from three tornadoes in northwest Missouri Saturday.

The supercell produced large hail, a few stones up to the size of baseball and softball size. In addition to the tornado damage, there were also areas of non-tornadic wind damage.

&nbsp;The tornado in Trenton started a 7:30p.m. and was rated EF-0 with peak winds of 85 mph, according to the National Weather Service.&nbsp; The first of two tornadoes in Linn County started at 8:22p.m., was rated EF-2 with peak winds of 135 mph.

The second tornado in Linn County started at 8:57p.m. and was rated an EF-1 with max winds of 99 mph.

Grundy County Emergency Manager Glen Briggs told KSHB television that several buildings in Trenton, about 100 miles north of Kansas City, sustained serious wind damage when the storm moved through Saturday night. Hail nearly 4-inches (10 centimeters) in diameter was also reported in the area, according to the National Weather Service.

No injuries were reported.&nbsp; Most of the roof of the Wesley United Methodist Church in downtown Trenton was damaged. Pastor Steve Martin said people used tarps to cover the “big gaping holes” in the sanctuary.

Briggs said at least five other structures on the west side of Trenton sustained major roof damage, and several windows were blown out of buildings downtown.

Large hail and strong winds were also reported in neighboring Harrison and Daviess counties. In one case, hail penetrated the roof of a steel building in Daviess County

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683543344479.png" alt="Most of the roof of the Wesley United Methodist Church in downtown Trenton was damaged-photo Grundy Co. Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Most of the roof of the Wesley United Methodist Church in downtown Trenton was damaged-photo Grundy Co. Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>GRUNDY COUNTY—&nbsp;&nbsp;The National Weather survey team reported they found tracks from three tornadoes in northwest Missouri Saturday.The supercell produced large hail, a few stones up to the size of baseball and softball size. In addition to the tornado damage, there were also areas of non-tornadic wind damage.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgrundycountymoema%2Fposts%2Fpfbid034GxDcCr7fNgewH2oVwyDfkAC4VrzPxtTZFjvR446uD5XSfEHBYv1DtSk7TQSJTTsl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="562" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>&nbsp;The tornado in Trenton started a 7:30p.m. and was rated EF-0 with peak winds of 85 mph, according to the National Weather Service.&nbsp; The first of two tornadoes in Linn County started at 8:22p.m., was rated EF-2 with peak winds of 135 mph.The second tornado in Linn County started at 8:57p.m. and was rated an EF-1 with max winds of 99 mph.Grundy County Emergency Manager Glen Briggs told KSHB television that several buildings in Trenton, about 100 miles north of Kansas City, sustained serious wind damage when the storm moved through Saturday night. Hail nearly 4-inches (10 centimeters) in diameter was also reported in the area, according to the National Weather Service.No injuries were reported.&nbsp; Most of the roof of the Wesley United Methodist Church in downtown Trenton was damaged. Pastor Steve Martin said people used tarps to cover the “big gaping holes” in the sanctuary.Briggs said at least five other structures on the west side of Trenton sustained major roof damage, and several windows were blown out of buildings downtown.Large hail and strong winds were also reported in neighboring Harrison and Daviess counties. In one case, hail penetrated the roof of a steel building in Daviess County-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

NWS confirmed 3 tornadoes in NW Missouri Saturday

DAVIESS COUNTY —Six people were injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Monday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Equinox driven by Omar I. Munoz, 40, Houston, Texas, was southbound on Interstate 35 just north of the Route 6 exit.

The SUV slid off the west side of the road, struck the guardrail, traveled back over the road and came to rest facing north.&nbsp;

EMS transported Munoz and passengers Sudie G. Cuevas, 27, Veronica D. Cuevas, 26, a 6-year-old boy, a 5-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy all of Houston to Cameron Regional Medical Center.

DAVIESS COUNTY —Six people were injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Monday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Equinox driven by Omar I. Munoz, 40, Houston, Texas, was southbound on Interstate 35 just north of the Route 6 exit.The SUV slid off the west side of the road, struck the guardrail, traveled back over the road and came to rest facing north.&nbsp;EMS transported Munoz and passengers Sudie G. Cuevas, 27, Veronica D. Cuevas, 26, a 6-year-old boy, a 5-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy all of Houston to Cameron Regional Medical Center.

3 adults, 3 children hospitalized after Daviess Co. crash

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal threat.

Just after 5p.m. on Saturday officers investigated a criminal threat that had occurred at 119 South 9th Street, according to. Police Chief Mike Wilson.

A 25-year-old employee at a local business reported that a man who had previously been banned from being on the premises had came onto the business property around 5:15p.m. on Saturday and threatened the employee with great bodily harm. 

Police located the suspect identified as 48-year-old Tyon Whitely a short time later in the 100 block South 8th and he was taken into custody.

In April, police arrested him on requested charges of theft by deception, according to online jail records in connection with an incident at Casey’s. 1629 Main Street in Atchison, according to Wilson.

On two occasions in 2021 Whitely spent time in jail on requested charges involving criminal trespass, according to online jail records.

He remains jailed on requested charge of criminal threat and criminal trespass, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683477527351.png" alt="Whitely-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Whitely-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal threat.Just after 5p.m. on Saturday officers investigated a criminal threat that had occurred at 119 South 9th Street, according to. Police Chief Mike Wilson.A 25-year-old employee at a local business reported that a man who had previously been banned from being on the premises had came onto the business property around 5:15p.m. on Saturday and threatened the employee with great bodily harm. Police located the suspect identified as 48-year-old Tyon Whitely a short time later in the 100 block South 8th and he was taken into custody.In April, police arrested him on requested charges of theft by deception, according to online jail records in connection with an incident at Casey’s. 1629 Main Street in Atchison, according to Wilson.On two occasions in 2021 Whitely spent time in jail on requested charges involving criminal trespass, according to online jail records.He remains jailed on requested charge of criminal threat and criminal trespass, according to Wilson.

Police: Kansas man accused of criminal threat at business

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Nissan Rogue driven by Kathryn A. Foster, 26, Savannah, was northbound on Business 71 six miles south of Savannah.

The SUV struck a deer&nbsp; that wandered onto the road. A private vehicle transported Foster to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Nissan Rogue driven by Kathryn A. Foster, 26, Savannah, was northbound on Business 71 six miles south of Savannah.The SUV struck a deer&nbsp; that wandered onto the road. A private vehicle transported Foster to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after SUV strikes a deer

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Lincoln MKZ driven by Bobby G. Christian, 77, Maitland, was eastbound and traveled into the intersection of U.S. 71 at Route B.&nbsp;

The driver failed to yield to a northbound 2022 Toyota Camry driven by Ada S. Barcus, 82, Hopkins. The Toyota struck the right rear of the Lincoln.

A private vehicle transported Barcus and a passenger in the Toyota James I. Barcus, 89, Hopkins, to Mosaic Life Care. Christian refused treatment at the scene. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Friday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Lincoln MKZ driven by Bobby G. Christian, 77, Maitland, was eastbound and traveled into the intersection of U.S. 71 at Route B.&nbsp;The driver failed to yield to a northbound 2022 Toyota Camry driven by Ada S. Barcus, 82, Hopkins. The Toyota struck the right rear of the Lincoln.A private vehicle transported Barcus and a passenger in the Toyota James I. Barcus, 89, Hopkins, to Mosaic Life Care. Christian refused treatment at the scene. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

3 injured after 2-vehicle Andrew County crash

MERCER COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Friday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by Angel D. Hutton, 44, Cainsville, was southbound on Route B at MO 145 thirteen miles south of the Iowa State line.

The SUV traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, a fence and overturned.

Mercer County EMS transported Hutton, a 3-year-old boy and a 4-year-old boy both from Cainsville to Harrison County Community Hospital. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

MERCER COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Friday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by Angel D. Hutton, 44, Cainsville, was southbound on Route B at MO 145 thirteen miles south of the Iowa State line.The SUV traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, a fence and overturned.Mercer County EMS transported Hutton, a 3-year-old boy and a 4-year-old boy both from Cainsville to Harrison County Community Hospital. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman, 2 children hospitalized after SUV overturns

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

Just before 11:30p.m. Wednesday, a sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop in the vicinity of U.S. 75 Y near 260th, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

Following an investigation, the deputy arrested the passenger of the vehicle identified as Tracey Lieber 56, of Bellevue, Nebraska on requested charges that include Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683300814065.png" alt="Lieber-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Lieber-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before 11:30p.m. Wednesday, a sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop in the vicinity of U.S. 75 Y near 260th, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.Following an investigation, the deputy arrested the passenger of the vehicle identified as Tracey Lieber 56, of Bellevue, Nebraska on requested charges that include Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Nebraska man caught with meth in NE Kansas

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lower-income new mothers could gain a full year of Medicaid health-care coverage in Missouri under legislation given final approval Friday as part of a national push to improve maternal health.

The legislation, which now goes to Gov. Mike Parson, would add Missouri to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-postpartum-coverage-antiabortion-republican-states-mississippi-706300151c48acce64a928fec0513c72">a growing list of Republican-led states</a>&nbsp;that have previously balked at Medicaid expansions but which are now joining Democratic states in providing 12 months of coverage — instead of the typical 60 days — after women give birth.

“If we want healthy babies, we have to have healthy mammas — and that is so important,” said Republican state Sen. Elaine Gannon, one of the sponsors of the Missouri legislation.

The option for longer Medicaid coverage was made possible under a pandemic relief law signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. About two-thirds of states already have implemented 12 months of postpartum care, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Some Republican-led states didn't act upon the Medicaid expansion until after the U.S. Supreme Court used a Mississippi case last June to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturn a constitutional right to abortion</a>. When Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mississippi-medicaid-postpartum-birth-abortion-ad3f32d293f267fe0a125a69b5def7d5">signed legislation in March</a>&nbsp;expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage, he described it as part of a “new pro-life agenda” to help mothers now that abortion access is restricted.

When signing a similar bill in March, Republican Gov. Mark Gordon of Wyoming also described it as a “signature piece of pro-life legislation.”

In Missouri, where abortion is banned except in certain medical emergencies, Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden opened this year's session by saying he wanted broaden the definition of “pro-life” policies — citing longer postpartum Medicaid coverage as one example.

When the Senate initially passed the legislation earlier this year, conservative Republicans attached&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-abortion-missouri-cea51d72f7ce996a1aad940e021542c2">a provision intended to exclude women who get elective abortions</a>. But that was stripped from the final version after other lawmakers raised concerns that an anti-abortion provision could jeopardize needed approval from the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid.

Missouri has the nation's seventh highest maternal mortality rate, according to the state Department of Health and Senior Services. A department report released last year found that an average of 61 Missouri women died while pregnant or within one year of their pregnancy during 2017-2019, and about three-fourths of those deaths were preventable. The report also found that Black women were more than three times as likely to die of pregnancy-related causes as white women.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lower-income new mothers could gain a full year of Medicaid health-care coverage in Missouri under legislation given final approval Friday as part of a national push to improve maternal health.The legislation, which now goes to Gov. Mike Parson, would add Missouri to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-postpartum-coverage-antiabortion-republican-states-mississippi-706300151c48acce64a928fec0513c72">a growing list of Republican-led states</a>&nbsp;that have previously balked at Medicaid expansions but which are now joining Democratic states in providing 12 months of coverage — instead of the typical 60 days — after women give birth.“If we want healthy babies, we have to have healthy mammas — and that is so important,” said Republican state Sen. Elaine Gannon, one of the sponsors of the Missouri legislation.The option for longer Medicaid coverage was made possible under a pandemic relief law signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. About two-thirds of states already have implemented 12 months of postpartum care, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.Some Republican-led states didn't act upon the Medicaid expansion until after the U.S. Supreme Court used a Mississippi case last June to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturn a constitutional right to abortion</a>. When Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mississippi-medicaid-postpartum-birth-abortion-ad3f32d293f267fe0a125a69b5def7d5">signed legislation in March</a>&nbsp;expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage, he described it as part of a “new pro-life agenda” to help mothers now that abortion access is restricted.When signing a similar bill in March, Republican Gov. Mark Gordon of Wyoming also described it as a “signature piece of pro-life legislation.”In Missouri, where abortion is banned except in certain medical emergencies, Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden opened this year's session by saying he wanted broaden the definition of “pro-life” policies — citing longer postpartum Medicaid coverage as one example.When the Senate initially passed the legislation earlier this year, conservative Republicans attached&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-abortion-missouri-cea51d72f7ce996a1aad940e021542c2">a provision intended to exclude women who get elective abortions</a>. But that was stripped from the final version after other lawmakers raised concerns that an anti-abortion provision could jeopardize needed approval from the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid.Missouri has the nation's seventh highest maternal mortality rate, according to the state Department of Health and Senior Services. A department report released last year found that an average of 61 Missouri women died while pregnant or within one year of their pregnancy during 2017-2019, and about three-fourths of those deaths were preventable. The report also found that Black women were more than three times as likely to die of pregnancy-related causes as white women.

Medicaid expansion for new moms wins approval in Missouri

A nine year old was hit by a vehicle while riding his bike Thursday night in St. Joseph. 

St. Joseph Police report that around 7:20pm Thursday night a nine year old was riding his bike at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and north 15th street when his bike struck the back tire of a grey SUV travelling westbound that had ran a stop sign.

The child was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care with possible minor injuries, though St. Joseph Police report it was unclear if there were any. 

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA nine year old was hit by a vehicle while riding his bike Thursday night in St. Joseph. St. Joseph Police report that around 7:20pm Thursday night a nine year old was riding his bike at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and north 15th street when his bike struck the back tire of a grey SUV travelling westbound that had ran a stop sign.The child was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care with possible minor injuries, though St. Joseph Police report it was unclear if there were any.

Child on bike struck by car in St. Joseph Thursday night

A program that was opened during the height of the coronavirus pandemic is being closed in the St. Joseph School District.&nbsp;

Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services Ashly McGinnis says the virtual academy was opened to provide more quality education than the paper packets schools provided when schools closed during the pandemic.&nbsp;

McGinnis says while the virtual academy did provide a quality learning experience, now the districts needs have changed. &nbsp;

"We have a responsibility to assess staffing at all of our buildings," McGinnis tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Currently we have approximately 18 to 20 elementary teacher openings, and that's not including the three elementary VA positions."&nbsp;

McGinnis says staffing was what largely played into the decision to close the virtual academy.&nbsp; For students that prefer virtual learning, it can still be accessed through the Department of elementary and secondary education.&nbsp;

McGinnis says one thing the district learned with the academy is how the virtual format doesn't work for every student&nbsp;

"Our numbers have decreased over the last three years," Mcginnis says. "So, in the height of fall of 2020 we had several students go virtual, but it just wasn't effective for a large chunk of kids."&nbsp;

But on the other hand, Mcginnis says there are other students it works great for. &nbsp;

"Who have the parent support at home, the motivation and drive to be a little bit more of an independent learner and learn through those means," McGinnis explains&nbsp;

McGinnis says the district’s focus on filling vacant teacher positions played a large part in choosing to close the virtual academy. &nbsp;

Ashly McGinnis says even though the academy is closing, if something were to happen that buildings had to close again, they do have the materials to reopen it&nbsp;

"As curriculum changes, we may have to make tweaks to those, but all of that work is still saved on our end, "McGinnis says. "So that if we were ever put into a situation where we were closed, we could utilize those resources."&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A program that was opened during the height of the coronavirus pandemic is being closed in the St. Joseph School District.&nbsp;Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services Ashly McGinnis says the virtual academy was opened to provide more quality education than the paper packets schools provided when schools closed during the pandemic.&nbsp;McGinnis says while the virtual academy did provide a quality learning experience, now the districts needs have changed. &nbsp;"We have a responsibility to assess staffing at all of our buildings," McGinnis tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Currently we have approximately 18 to 20 elementary teacher openings, and that's not including the three elementary VA positions."&nbsp;McGinnis says staffing was what largely played into the decision to close the virtual academy.&nbsp; For students that prefer virtual learning, it can still be accessed through the Department of elementary and secondary education.&nbsp;McGinnis says one thing the district learned with the academy is how the virtual format doesn't work for every student&nbsp;"Our numbers have decreased over the last three years," Mcginnis says. "So, in the height of fall of 2020 we had several students go virtual, but it just wasn't effective for a large chunk of kids."&nbsp;But on the other hand, Mcginnis says there are other students it works great for. &nbsp;"Who have the parent support at home, the motivation and drive to be a little bit more of an independent learner and learn through those means," McGinnis explains&nbsp;McGinnis says the district’s focus on filling vacant teacher positions played a large part in choosing to close the virtual academy. &nbsp;Ashly McGinnis says even though the academy is closing, if something were to happen that buildings had to close again, they do have the materials to reopen it&nbsp;"As curriculum changes, we may have to make tweaks to those, but all of that work is still saved on our end, "McGinnis says. "So that if we were ever put into a situation where we were closed, we could utilize those resources."&nbsp;

St. Joseph School District closing virtual academy to focus on filling staffing

A local Missouri news outlet says that Smithfield Foods plans to close 37 sow farms. 

An employee who requested anonymity said the closures were to begin on May 1. 

Smithfield Foods didn’t confirm the story or offer any more details regarding the closures when National Hog Farmer asked for clarification. 

“We’re always taking steps to enhance our business for consistently strong performance during favorable and unfavorable market conditions,” says Jim Monroe, vice president for corporate affairs with Smithfield. 

In April, China’s WH Group informed shareholders and potential investors that it was expecting a 56 percent drop in its first quarter 2023 profit outlook, down from $395 million during the same time last year. 

“Hog raising costs remain elevated while pork prices have been adversely impacted by softer consumer demand,” Smithfield says. The company also says the drop was mainly attributable to the challenging market conditions in the U.S. pork segment.

A local Missouri news outlet says that Smithfield Foods plans to close 37 sow farms. An employee who requested anonymity said the closures were to begin on May 1. Smithfield Foods didn’t confirm the story or offer any more details regarding the closures when National Hog Farmer asked for clarification. “We’re always taking steps to enhance our business for consistently strong performance during favorable and unfavorable market conditions,” says Jim Monroe, vice president for corporate affairs with Smithfield. In April, China’s WH Group informed shareholders and potential investors that it was expecting a 56 percent drop in its first quarter 2023 profit outlook, down from $395 million during the same time last year. “Hog raising costs remain elevated while pork prices have been adversely impacted by softer consumer demand,” Smithfield says. The company also says the drop was mainly attributable to the challenging market conditions in the U.S. pork segment.

Smithfield reportedly closing 37 sow farms in Missouri

The USDA recently announced the creation of 12 new USDA Regional Food Business Centers, and the National Farmers Union is pleased with the move. 

“This is the kind of capacity and investment that we need to make meaningful improvements in our food system,” says NFU President Rob Larew. 

“Providing local and regional access to processing and distribution is one avenue to fight back against the rampant consolidation in the agriculture and food sector.” 

The new USDA Regional Food Centers will provide national coverage coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building to help farmers, ranchers, and other food businesses access new markets and navigate federal, state, and local resources. 

“This move provides support for farmers and ranchers to market their products in their own communities, and keeping those resources local is a win for everyone,” Larew says. “This will build resiliency in the food supply and vitality in our rural and agricultural economy.”

The USDA recently announced the creation of 12 new USDA Regional Food Business Centers, and the National Farmers Union is pleased with the move. “This is the kind of capacity and investment that we need to make meaningful improvements in our food system,” says NFU President Rob Larew. “Providing local and regional access to processing and distribution is one avenue to fight back against the rampant consolidation in the agriculture and food sector.” The new USDA Regional Food Centers will provide national coverage coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building to help farmers, ranchers, and other food businesses access new markets and navigate federal, state, and local resources. “This move provides support for farmers and ranchers to market their products in their own communities, and keeping those resources local is a win for everyone,” Larew says. “This will build resiliency in the food supply and vitality in our rural and agricultural economy.”

NFU appreciates USDA funding to strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure

Missouri legislators race against time as the deadline looms
to complete the state budget.

The Missouri House passed a $45.6 billion budget. The Senate
increased spending and approved a $49.9 billion budget. Both chambers must
approve the compromise version by six o’clock this evening.

St. Joseph State Rep. Brenda Shields says the budget includes $2.5
million to fund a study of the feasibility of upgrading U.S. Highway 36 to
Interstate 72. Shields says this study will be unique, because of how Highway 36
is used in northern Missouri.

“And right now, we don’t have limited access across 36. So, it
would require a lot of overpasses to be built,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “That’s why we’re looking at how we can make it farmer friendly, because
I know our farmers enjoy using 36, to cross 36, to get to their fields.”

Shields says even though the Senate increased spending by more
than $4 billion, there remained a $2.5 billion surplus in the Senate version of
the proposed budget.

A big item in the Senate version is the $2.8 billion set aside
to expand I-70 to three lanes across Missouri, half to be paid upfront with the
second half paid through bonds.

The Senate proposal fully funds the school funding formula as
well as raises the starting annual teacher salary in Missouri to $38,000, more
for those with a masters. It provides enough money for the state to fully pay
its share of school bus transportation. That proposal also contains a change
allowing the state to increase its education spending by a larger percentage
annually.

“So, it would bring more dollars to education,” Shields says. “They’ve
fully funded the transportation categorical which is incredibly important to
all the rural districts that we serve in northwest Missouri.”

Shields says the budget contains a lot of money for projects
in St. Joseph, such as $19 million for Rosecrans Memorial Airport, $6 million
for Hillyard Technical School, and $1 million for the downtown Children’s
Discovery Center.

An influx of federal funds has made this a record budget year for
Missouri as the state benefits from money approved by Congress both to fight
the coronavirus pandemic and to stimulate the economy in wake of the pandemic.
Shields says the General Assembly has been careful to spend that extra money on
one-time expenses, not ongoing ones.

“A lot of the money that we’re spending now is ARPA (American
Rescue Plan Act) dollars and they are going to projects. They’re not going to continuing
expenses,” according to Shields. “So, I just want you to think about that. And even
some of the money that we spent out of the surplus, is going to projects, not
to programs that continue to happen every year.”

The Missouri legislature has a constitutional obligation to
pass a state budget for the coming fiscal year by six o’clock this evening.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri legislators race against time as the deadline looms
to complete the state budget.The Missouri House passed a $45.6 billion budget. The Senate
increased spending and approved a $49.9 billion budget. Both chambers must
approve the compromise version by six o’clock this evening.St. Joseph State Rep. Brenda Shields says the budget includes $2.5
million to fund a study of the feasibility of upgrading U.S. Highway 36 to
Interstate 72. Shields says this study will be unique, because of how Highway 36
is used in northern Missouri.“And right now, we don’t have limited access across 36. So, it
would require a lot of overpasses to be built,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “That’s why we’re looking at how we can make it farmer friendly, because
I know our farmers enjoy using 36, to cross 36, to get to their fields.”Shields says even though the Senate increased spending by more
than $4 billion, there remained a $2.5 billion surplus in the Senate version of
the proposed budget.A big item in the Senate version is the $2.8 billion set aside
to expand I-70 to three lanes across Missouri, half to be paid upfront with the
second half paid through bonds.The Senate proposal fully funds the school funding formula as
well as raises the starting annual teacher salary in Missouri to $38,000, more
for those with a masters. It provides enough money for the state to fully pay
its share of school bus transportation. That proposal also contains a change
allowing the state to increase its education spending by a larger percentage
annually.“So, it would bring more dollars to education,” Shields says. “They’ve
fully funded the transportation categorical which is incredibly important to
all the rural districts that we serve in northwest Missouri.”Shields says the budget contains a lot of money for projects
in St. Joseph, such as $19 million for Rosecrans Memorial Airport, $6 million
for Hillyard Technical School, and $1 million for the downtown Children’s
Discovery Center.An influx of federal funds has made this a record budget year for
Missouri as the state benefits from money approved by Congress both to fight
the coronavirus pandemic and to stimulate the economy in wake of the pandemic.
Shields says the General Assembly has been careful to spend that extra money on
one-time expenses, not ongoing ones.“A lot of the money that we’re spending now is ARPA (American
Rescue Plan Act) dollars and they are going to projects. They’re not going to continuing
expenses,” according to Shields. “So, I just want you to think about that. And even
some of the money that we spent out of the surplus, is going to projects, not
to programs that continue to happen every year.”The Missouri legislature has a constitutional obligation to
pass a state budget for the coming fiscal year by six o’clock this evening.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/State-budget-deadline-approaching-e23g20j" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

A lot at stake for St. Joseph area as lawmakers consider state budget

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on new charges after a second arrest in two months.

On Wednesday, police arrested Brandon M. Brownfield, 33, Atchison, in the 200 block East Riley in Atchison on a District Court warrant for criminal damage to property and a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police arrested him in April for an alleged DUI, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683209028327.png" alt="Brownfield-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Brownfield-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on new charges after a second arrest in two months.On Wednesday, police arrested Brandon M. Brownfield, 33, Atchison, in the 200 block East Riley in Atchison on a District Court warrant for criminal damage to property and a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Police arrested him in April for an alleged DUI, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of DUI is back in jail on new allegations 

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Thursday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Edge driven by Tyrell W. Page, 37, St. Joseph, was northbound on Business 71 six miles south of Savannah.

The SUV rear-ended a 2018 Chevy Traverse driven by Wendy C. Groves, 50, Buckner, who was slowing to make a turn onto County Road 360.

Andrew County EMS transported Groves to Mosaic.&nbsp; Page refused treatment. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Thursday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Edge driven by Tyrell W. Page, 37, St. Joseph, was northbound on Business 71 six miles south of Savannah.The SUV rear-ended a 2018 Chevy Traverse driven by Wendy C. Groves, 50, Buckner, who was slowing to make a turn onto County Road 360.Andrew County EMS transported Groves to Mosaic.&nbsp; Page refused treatment. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after rear-end crash

The 2023 Farm Bureau Foundation Fellows have launched four free Applied Digital Skills lessons dedicated to helping students learn about food, fuel and fiber. 

The lessons were developed with support from Grow with Google to make digital skills and agricultural literacy more accessible to students across the country, with a focus on rural classrooms. 

The lessons are part of the Agriculture and Rural Communities Collection, available for free to educators across the United States. 

Foundation for Agriculture executive director Daniel Meloy says, “Whether you’re a teacher in a rural, urban or suburban classroom, these lessons can be used to teach a broad variety of technical skills while fostering understanding of agriculture.” 

The lessons were developed over the course of an eight-month&nbsp;fellowship. As part of the program, each Fellow will receive a stipend and Chromebooks for their classroom. For more information, visit the Farm Bureau Foundation website, agfoundation.org.

The 2023 Farm Bureau Foundation Fellows have launched four free Applied Digital Skills lessons dedicated to helping students learn about food, fuel and fiber. The lessons were developed with support from Grow with Google to make digital skills and agricultural literacy more accessible to students across the country, with a focus on rural classrooms. The lessons are part of the Agriculture and Rural Communities Collection, available for free to educators across the United States. Foundation for Agriculture executive director Daniel Meloy says, “Whether you’re a teacher in a rural, urban or suburban classroom, these lessons can be used to teach a broad variety of technical skills while fostering understanding of agriculture.” The lessons were developed over the course of an eight-month&nbsp;fellowship. As part of the program, each Fellow will receive a stipend and Chromebooks for their classroom. For more information, visit the Farm Bureau Foundation website, agfoundation.org.Courtesy of NAFB

Farm Bureau Foundation Fellows launch free digital skills and ag literacy lessons

Efforts continue by Missouri’s congressional delegation to persuade the Air National Guard to transfer the next generation of C-130 aircraft to Rosecrans Air National Guard base in St. Joseph. 

Missouri U-S Senator Josh Hawley suggests that Rosecrans NEEDS the state-of-the-art C-130-J to properly serve its mission:

“The 139th up there does a terrific, terrific job with their current rotation of C130’s. But the C130J’s of the future? Rosecrans has proven that they are vital to this mission, and we should have them in the state of Missouri," Hawley tells Missourinet

Hawley, along with every other member of the state’s congressional delegation, sent a letter to the Air Guard’s commanding general asking for eight C-130-J’s:

“It is tremendously helpful in transport, (it) would be necessary for -- if we ever were, heaven forbid, in a what the military calls a kinetic conflict, a hot conflict, a war -- having the C-130 able to transport is absolutely critical," Hawley says.

Hawley tells Missourinet that the 139th Airlift Wing stationed at Rosecrans has a long history with the older model C-130’s, but.

“The C130J is the newest iteration, and here's the deal: we want Rosecrans to stay open, we want people to continue to be employed there, we want them to have the latest equipment, and we want the 139th to continue to remain vital to our military's mission…so the 130-J’s ought to come there," Hawley explains

The C-130-J’s, like their older counterparts, would be used to transport troops to war zones if needed. But the 139th would also use them to respond to any natural disaster occurring in the U-S, especially the central part of the country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683205588737.jpeg" alt="139th Air Guard - C-130sII/ Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>139th Air Guard - C-130sII/ Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Efforts continue by Missouri’s congressional delegation to persuade the Air National Guard to transfer the next generation of C-130 aircraft to Rosecrans Air National Guard base in St. Joseph. Missouri U-S Senator Josh Hawley suggests that Rosecrans NEEDS the state-of-the-art C-130-J to properly serve its mission:“The 139th up there does a terrific, terrific job with their current rotation of C130’s. But the C130J’s of the future? Rosecrans has proven that they are vital to this mission, and we should have them in the state of Missouri," Hawley tells MissourinetHawley, along with every other member of the state’s congressional delegation, sent a letter to the Air Guard’s commanding general asking for eight C-130-J’s:“It is tremendously helpful in transport, (it) would be necessary for -- if we ever were, heaven forbid, in a what the military calls a kinetic conflict, a hot conflict, a war -- having the C-130 able to transport is absolutely critical," Hawley says.Hawley tells Missourinet that the 139th Airlift Wing stationed at Rosecrans has a long history with the older model C-130’s, but.“The C130J is the newest iteration, and here's the deal: we want Rosecrans to stay open, we want people to continue to be employed there, we want them to have the latest equipment, and we want the 139th to continue to remain vital to our military's mission…so the 130-J’s ought to come there," Hawley explainsThe C-130-J’s, like their older counterparts, would be used to transport troops to war zones if needed. But the 139th would also use them to respond to any natural disaster occurring in the U-S, especially the central part of the country.-Marshall Griffin, Missourinet

Hawley gives updates on C-130-J's being acquired for the 139th Airlift Wing

St. Joseph public schools will receive additional security
upgrades, thanks to a $600,000 state grant.

Non-Academic Student Services Director Shannon Nolte says the
money will be used to upgrade security measures at all of the buildings in the
St. Joseph School District.

“That will actually, by our estimates, some of the assessments
we’ve done, that will put extra security, extra measures at all of our buildings,
every building in the school district, every elementary, middle, high; Webster,
Hillyard, all the buildings in the school district will be able to have this
upgrade,” Nolte tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

The district made school safety/security a priority during the
successful campaign for the school levy increase in 2019.

The St. Joseph School District received the maximum amount for
a district its size from the new Missouri Safety Grant Program administered by
the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Grant funds must be spent
by April of 2024.

Nolte says safety, sadly, has become a greater need for school
districts.

“Unfortunately, in this day and age, with a lot of the things
that have happened across the country, with the shootings and entrances into
school buildings and businesses, other buildings as well, we feel like we have
to make sure those threats are minimized as much as possible,” Nolte says.

Nolte says the first order of business is to secure school
building entrances to keep intruders out or at least keep them at bay until police
can arrive. He says internal communications need an upgrade and he would like
to add at least three School Resources Officers. Nolte says the school district
works closely with the St. Joseph Police Department as well as the Buchanan County
Sheriff’s Department.

Nolte says the district will use the grant to bolster security
at every building in the district.

“This grant won’t cover every single area that’s needed,”
Nolte says. “I mean, there may be some other areas that we determine after this
grant is over that we still need to address and we will do that.”

The district reports that in the past four years secure
entrances have been added to all elementary, middle, and high school buildings
in the district. High resolution video surveillance systems have been installed
along with phone and visitor management systems. Other safety measures taken
include adding AEDs (automated external defibrillators), bleeding control kits,
and emergency staff training.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph public schools will receive additional security
upgrades, thanks to a $600,000 state grant.Non-Academic Student Services Director Shannon Nolte says the
money will be used to upgrade security measures at all of the buildings in the
St. Joseph School District.“That will actually, by our estimates, some of the assessments
we’ve done, that will put extra security, extra measures at all of our buildings,
every building in the school district, every elementary, middle, high; Webster,
Hillyard, all the buildings in the school district will be able to have this
upgrade,” Nolte tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.The district made school safety/security a priority during the
successful campaign for the school levy increase in 2019.The St. Joseph School District received the maximum amount for
a district its size from the new Missouri Safety Grant Program administered by
the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Grant funds must be spent
by April of 2024.Nolte says safety, sadly, has become a greater need for school
districts.“Unfortunately, in this day and age, with a lot of the things
that have happened across the country, with the shootings and entrances into
school buildings and businesses, other buildings as well, we feel like we have
to make sure those threats are minimized as much as possible,” Nolte says.Nolte says the first order of business is to secure school
building entrances to keep intruders out or at least keep them at bay until police
can arrive. He says internal communications need an upgrade and he would like
to add at least three School Resources Officers. Nolte says the school district
works closely with the St. Joseph Police Department as well as the Buchanan County
Sheriff’s Department.Nolte says the district will use the grant to bolster security
at every building in the district.“This grant won’t cover every single area that’s needed,”
Nolte says. “I mean, there may be some other areas that we determine after this
grant is over that we still need to address and we will do that.”The district reports that in the past four years secure
entrances have been added to all elementary, middle, and high school buildings
in the district. High resolution video surveillance systems have been installed
along with phone and visitor management systems. Other safety measures taken
include adding AEDs (automated external defibrillators), bleeding control kits,
and emergency staff training.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/St--Joseph-receives-school-safety-grant-e23ecu1" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

St. Joseph schools to undergo $600K security improvements

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust.

Just after 11p.m. Tuesday, the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated a search warrant at 310 E. 7th Street in Horton, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies found and seized meth, marijuana, grinders, needles, syringes, pipes, torches and bongs as evidence.

They arrested Jeremy Green 45 and Charlott Erickson 33, both of Horton on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Horton PD and Kickapoo PD assisted in the investigation, according to Merchant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683150054177.png" alt="Erickson-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Erickson-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust.Just after 11p.m. Tuesday, the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated a search warrant at 310 E. 7th Street in Horton, according to Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683150011047.png" alt="Photo Brown Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Brown Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies found and seized meth, marijuana, grinders, needles, syringes, pipes, torches and bongs as evidence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683150266601.png" alt="Green-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Green-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>They arrested Jeremy Green 45 and Charlott Erickson 33, both of Horton on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Horton PD and Kickapoo PD assisted in the investigation, according to Merchant.

Deputies seize meth, pot, needles and arrest 2 at Kansas home

Following the success of the Division II Women's Elite Eight this past March, more high-profile women's college basketball will be coming to St. Joseph.&nbsp;

The St. Joseph Sports Commision has announced the Inaugural Bill Snyder Classic will be played on December 9th between Kansas State and Missouri. &nbsp;

Sports Commision Director Brett Esely says this event took a lot of planning but came to be thanks to local connections with people at Kansas State University. &nbsp;

"In leveraging some relationships, gauging interest on whether or not playing a game in St. Joe would ever be a possibility, knowing where teams are playing non-conference games these days, goodness they're playing everywhere," Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "They're playing on aircraft carriers, hotel ballrooms, a number of neutral sites, and this just seemed like an opportunity especially given what was going on at Civic Arena, given our NCAA success."&nbsp;

Former Missouri Western women's basketball head coach and Hall of Famer Jeff Mittie is the current head coach for the Wildcats. &nbsp;

Some local talent will also return to the area this December when the Kansas State Wildcats come to St. Joseph.&nbsp;

Junior Serena Sundell played high school basketball in Maryville, before continuing her career at Kansas State.&nbsp;

Esely says it's very important for colleges to get their student athletes back in front of their home crowds&nbsp;

"And I think that was definitely a part of the motivation for Kansas State," Esely says. "Serena Sundell, you know Serena obviously had a great high school career at Maryville High, and she carried that right over to Kansas State."&nbsp;

Sundell in her freshman year was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team and has scored in double digits both years starting for the Wildcats.&nbsp;

Esely says what's also important though is the experience provided to student athletes&nbsp;

"Even though these institutions will play in venues of all shapes and sizes, some are new, some have been around a number of years, some are state of the art, some are historic, it is about the experience that they play in," Esely explains&nbsp;

Kansas State and Missouri will play in the inaugural Bill Snyder Classic at Civic Arena on December 9th.&nbsp; Ticket information will be released this summer.&nbsp;

The inaugural women's basketball matchup will hope to bring an even bigger impact to St. Joseph than the city saw during the Division II Women's Elite Eight.&nbsp;

Brett Esely says this is truly a regional event that will have impacts on all the facets he looks at. &nbsp;

"Considering not only is there a tremendous fan base and alumni footprint of Kansas State and Missouri right here in St. Joe, but in northwest Missouri, northeast Kansas, this is a draw from the Kansas City area," Esely says. "This is really a two-hour regional draw given, I think, the uniqueness this game has."&nbsp;

Esely says when planning an event, he looks at how it would impact the community, the teams involved, and tourism to St. Joseph. &nbsp;

Ticket information will be released later this summer.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683152134125.jpeg" alt="The Inaugural Bill Snyder Classic will bring Kansas State and Missouri to the St. Joseph Civic Arena on December 9th/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Inaugural Bill Snyder Classic will bring Kansas State and Missouri to the St. Joseph Civic Arena on December 9th/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Following the success of the Division II Women's Elite Eight this past March, more high-profile women's college basketball will be coming to St. Joseph.&nbsp;The St. Joseph Sports Commision has announced the Inaugural Bill Snyder Classic will be played on December 9th between Kansas State and Missouri. &nbsp;Sports Commision Director Brett Esely says this event took a lot of planning but came to be thanks to local connections with people at Kansas State University. &nbsp;"In leveraging some relationships, gauging interest on whether or not playing a game in St. Joe would ever be a possibility, knowing where teams are playing non-conference games these days, goodness they're playing everywhere," Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "They're playing on aircraft carriers, hotel ballrooms, a number of neutral sites, and this just seemed like an opportunity especially given what was going on at Civic Arena, given our NCAA success."&nbsp;Former Missouri Western women's basketball head coach and Hall of Famer Jeff Mittie is the current head coach for the Wildcats. &nbsp;Some local talent will also return to the area this December when the Kansas State Wildcats come to St. Joseph.&nbsp;Junior Serena Sundell played high school basketball in Maryville, before continuing her career at Kansas State.&nbsp;Esely says it's very important for colleges to get their student athletes back in front of their home crowds&nbsp;"And I think that was definitely a part of the motivation for Kansas State," Esely says. "Serena Sundell, you know Serena obviously had a great high school career at Maryville High, and she carried that right over to Kansas State."&nbsp;Sundell in her freshman year was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team and has scored in double digits both years starting for the Wildcats.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683152332839.jpeg" alt="Serena Sundell/ Photo courtesy of K State Athletics&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Serena Sundell/ Photo courtesy of K State Athletics&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Esely says what's also important though is the experience provided to student athletes&nbsp;"Even though these institutions will play in venues of all shapes and sizes, some are new, some have been around a number of years, some are state of the art, some are historic, it is about the experience that they play in," Esely explains&nbsp;Kansas State and Missouri will play in the inaugural Bill Snyder Classic at Civic Arena on December 9th.&nbsp; Ticket information will be released this summer.&nbsp;The inaugural women's basketball matchup will hope to bring an even bigger impact to St. Joseph than the city saw during the Division II Women's Elite Eight.&nbsp;Brett Esely says this is truly a regional event that will have impacts on all the facets he looks at. &nbsp;"Considering not only is there a tremendous fan base and alumni footprint of Kansas State and Missouri right here in St. Joe, but in northwest Missouri, northeast Kansas, this is a draw from the Kansas City area," Esely says. "This is really a two-hour regional draw given, I think, the uniqueness this game has."&nbsp;Esely says when planning an event, he looks at how it would impact the community, the teams involved, and tourism to St. Joseph. &nbsp;Ticket information will be released later this summer.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683152226414.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Civic Arena/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Civic Arena/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Division One women's basketball coming to St. Joseph for Inaugural Bill Snyder Classic 

A nationwide event is celebrating the impact that small businesses have on the economy. &nbsp;

Director of the Northwest Missouri State University Small Business Development Center Rebecca Lobina says Small Business Week is an event that's been held by the Small Business Administration for over 50 years.&nbsp;

"During national small business they salute them and offer some virtual events for them, and then of course all across the country different entities are offering workshops and training and stuff in order to show their appreciation," Lobina tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr.&nbsp;

Lobina says some people overlook the impact of small businesses on the economy.&nbsp;

"You know you've got your mom-and-pop shops that some people call them, and you have the main street shops, but those, especially in some small towns or rural towns they really are the economy of those particular towns and counties," Lobina explains. "But even in large cities people are drawn to the small businesses because they tend to have unique things that you can't find elsewhere."&nbsp;

Seminars and other events are being held through this week by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce alongside the Small Business Development Center. &nbsp;

The next event will take place today (Wed.) from 8:30 to noon.&nbsp; Other events will be held tomorrow (Thu.) and Friday.&nbsp;

Small businesses have a big impact on the economy, but one thing affecting those small businesses as well as larger ones, is a lack of childcare. &nbsp;

Lobina says there's a new grant available though that aims to help with that problem.&nbsp;

"The purpose of this particular grant is to incentivize businesses to help with the cost and burden of paying for childcare," Lobina says. "And so that money would be used to save spots for that companies workforce."&nbsp;

The grant would ask childcare facilities to partner with community partnerships or businesses to match funds, which would then be matched by the state. &nbsp;

This grant, among several others, will be explored during the seminar on Friday hosted by Lobina as part of Small Business Week, from 8 to 9am.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683129920005.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A nationwide event is celebrating the impact that small businesses have on the economy. &nbsp;Director of the Northwest Missouri State University Small Business Development Center Rebecca Lobina says Small Business Week is an event that's been held by the Small Business Administration for over 50 years.&nbsp;"During national small business they salute them and offer some virtual events for them, and then of course all across the country different entities are offering workshops and training and stuff in order to show their appreciation," Lobina tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr.&nbsp;Lobina says some people overlook the impact of small businesses on the economy.&nbsp;"You know you've got your mom-and-pop shops that some people call them, and you have the main street shops, but those, especially in some small towns or rural towns they really are the economy of those particular towns and counties," Lobina explains. "But even in large cities people are drawn to the small businesses because they tend to have unique things that you can't find elsewhere."&nbsp;Seminars and other events are being held through this week by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce alongside the Small Business Development Center. &nbsp;The next event will take place today (Wed.) from 8:30 to noon.&nbsp; Other events will be held tomorrow (Thu.) and Friday.&nbsp;Small businesses have a big impact on the economy, but one thing affecting those small businesses as well as larger ones, is a lack of childcare. &nbsp;Lobina says there's a new grant available though that aims to help with that problem.&nbsp;"The purpose of this particular grant is to incentivize businesses to help with the cost and burden of paying for childcare," Lobina says. "And so that money would be used to save spots for that companies workforce."&nbsp;The grant would ask childcare facilities to partner with community partnerships or businesses to match funds, which would then be matched by the state. &nbsp;This grant, among several others, will be explored during the seminar on Friday hosted by Lobina as part of Small Business Week, from 8 to 9am.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Small-Business-Week-celebrates-impact-of-small-businesses-e23ebki" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

St. Joseph joins in celebrating impact of small businesses

During a Senate Agriculture Subcommittee hearing Tuesday, a sorghum farmer told lawmakers farmers need a stronger farm safety net. 

National Sorghum Producers' Past&nbsp;Chairman, Kody Carson of Texas told lawmakers, "Right now, the farm safety net is not adequate." 

Carson also reaffirmed support for crop insurance, adding, "the tool has been absolutely critical in helping us manage the ongoing drought conditions decimating the Sorghum Belt." 

During a Senate Agriculture Subcommittee hearing Tuesday, a sorghum farmer told lawmakers farmers need a stronger farm safety net. National Sorghum Producers' Past&nbsp;Chairman, Kody Carson of Texas told lawmakers, "Right now, the farm safety net is not adequate." Carson also reaffirmed support for crop insurance, adding, "the tool has been absolutely critical in helping us manage the ongoing drought conditions decimating the Sorghum Belt." Meanwhile, American Soybean Association Secretary Caleb Ragland of Kentucky called crop insurance the most effective and important component of farm policy for soybean farmers. Ragland says that without crop insurance, “the risk would be more than many farmers and lenders could stand—it certainly would be for me,” while calling for improvements to the Title I farm safety net for soybeans. And National Corn Growers Association First Vice President Harold Wolle told the committee NCGA supports increasing the affordability of crop insurance coverage. Wolle adds, “The individual costs of purchasing coverage can discourage higher levels of coverage.”Courtesy of NAFB

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