JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican governor on Thursday said he's ready to force lawmakers to keep working if they do not send him bills putting limits on transgender kids' health care and participation in sports by the session's upcoming end.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Mike Parson confirmed that he plans to call a special legislative session if lawmakers fail to pass bills on transgender issues by the May 12 end of their regular session.

Parson's last-minute push comes amid widespread support for those bills in both the GOP-led House and Senate but disagreement over the best approach.

House and Senate leaders on Thursday assured reporters that the policies will get passed. But a legislative game of chicken over whether the House or Senate version becomes law has delayed a final vote.

“The House is going to pass our bill," Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden said. “We’ve done our work, and everything else is hypothetical.”

House Speaker Dean Plocher said his chamber's version is “far more conservative." He bristled at the expectation that the House follow the lead of the Senate, where power is less consolidated and controversial bills rarely pass without compromise.

“The Senate is welcome to take up our bills over there as well," Plocher said.

In the Senate, where the Democratic minority holds more negotiating power, lawmakers agreed to allow kids whose gender-affirming treatment is already underway to continue receiving that health care. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-sports-missouri-d4297eebf904ef58c0fb1dabed93e331">Senate ban</a>&nbsp;would expire in 2027.

The House version does not include exceptions for in-progress treatments and would not expire unless repealed by future lawmakers or by citizens through an initiative petition.

“I can’t use the word that one is better than the other, because this whole discussion is disgusting,” Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade said. “But I will tell you that the work that the Senate Democrats did in putting the grandfather clause in there and the sunset, is important.”

The Senate passed legislation to ban transgender girls from playing on girls sports teams from kindergarten through college, both at public and private schools. The law would expire in 2027.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-sports-ban-missouri-814d459ad054976b21a45636ae04fb0d">House version</a>&nbsp;would apply to student athletes beginning in grade 6 and would not expire.

Republican infighting in the Legislature comes amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-transgender-health-care-andrew-baily-65c388ae85f610a2a885e2dff486bfe8">an effort by GOP Attorney General Andrew Bailey</a>&nbsp;to put strict limits on gender-affirming treatments for both adults and children through consumer-protection regulations.

A St. Louis County judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-hormones-puberty-republican-lawsuit-health-care-d92ae32d850851556bd69347a4e3ceb3">temporarily pushed back the effective date</a>&nbsp;of the rule from Thursday to Monday, but she's considering delaying its effectiveness even longer while a legal challenge to it plays out in court.

The attorney general's rule will require people to have experienced an “intense pattern” of documented gender dysphoria for three years and to have received at least 15 hourly sessions with a therapist over at least 18 months before receiving puberty blockers, hormones, surgery or other treatment. Patients also must first be screened for autism and “social media addiction,” and any psychiatric symptoms from mental health issues would have to be treated and resolved.

Some people would be able to maintain their prescriptions while undergoing required assessments.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican governor on Thursday said he's ready to force lawmakers to keep working if they do not send him bills putting limits on transgender kids' health care and participation in sports by the session's upcoming end.A spokeswoman for Gov. Mike Parson confirmed that he plans to call a special legislative session if lawmakers fail to pass bills on transgender issues by the May 12 end of their regular session.Parson's last-minute push comes amid widespread support for those bills in both the GOP-led House and Senate but disagreement over the best approach.House and Senate leaders on Thursday assured reporters that the policies will get passed. But a legislative game of chicken over whether the House or Senate version becomes law has delayed a final vote.“The House is going to pass our bill," Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden said. “We’ve done our work, and everything else is hypothetical.”House Speaker Dean Plocher said his chamber's version is “far more conservative." He bristled at the expectation that the House follow the lead of the Senate, where power is less consolidated and controversial bills rarely pass without compromise.“The Senate is welcome to take up our bills over there as well," Plocher said.In the Senate, where the Democratic minority holds more negotiating power, lawmakers agreed to allow kids whose gender-affirming treatment is already underway to continue receiving that health care. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-sports-missouri-d4297eebf904ef58c0fb1dabed93e331">Senate ban</a>&nbsp;would expire in 2027.The House version does not include exceptions for in-progress treatments and would not expire unless repealed by future lawmakers or by citizens through an initiative petition.“I can’t use the word that one is better than the other, because this whole discussion is disgusting,” Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade said. “But I will tell you that the work that the Senate Democrats did in putting the grandfather clause in there and the sunset, is important.”The Senate passed legislation to ban transgender girls from playing on girls sports teams from kindergarten through college, both at public and private schools. The law would expire in 2027.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-sports-ban-missouri-814d459ad054976b21a45636ae04fb0d">House version</a>&nbsp;would apply to student athletes beginning in grade 6 and would not expire.Republican infighting in the Legislature comes amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-transgender-health-care-andrew-baily-65c388ae85f610a2a885e2dff486bfe8">an effort by GOP Attorney General Andrew Bailey</a>&nbsp;to put strict limits on gender-affirming treatments for both adults and children through consumer-protection regulations.A St. Louis County judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-hormones-puberty-republican-lawsuit-health-care-d92ae32d850851556bd69347a4e3ceb3">temporarily pushed back the effective date</a>&nbsp;of the rule from Thursday to Monday, but she's considering delaying its effectiveness even longer while a legal challenge to it plays out in court.The attorney general's rule will require people to have experienced an “intense pattern” of documented gender dysphoria for three years and to have received at least 15 hourly sessions with a therapist over at least 18 months before receiving puberty blockers, hormones, surgery or other treatment. Patients also must first be screened for autism and “social media addiction,” and any psychiatric symptoms from mental health issues would have to be treated and resolved.Some people would be able to maintain their prescriptions while undergoing required assessments.

Missouri governor pushes ban on kids' gender-affirming care

ANDREW COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Hyundai Accent driven by Sally I. Burgher, 74, Maryville, was southbound in the northbound&nbsp; passing lane of Interstate 29 seven miles from Savannah.

The car struck a northbound 2020 Chevy Equinox driven by Bruce D. Rowe, 64, Kansas City, Missouri. After impact both vehicles traveled off the road into the median.

Burgher was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Price Funeral Home. Andrew County EMS transported Rowe and a passenger in the Chevy Carol J. Rowe, 70, Kansas City, Missouri to Mosaic Life Care. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Hyundai Accent driven by Sally I. Burgher, 74, Maryville, was southbound in the northbound&nbsp; passing lane of Interstate 29 seven miles from Savannah.The car struck a northbound 2020 Chevy Equinox driven by Bruce D. Rowe, 64, Kansas City, Missouri. After impact both vehicles traveled off the road into the median.Burgher was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Price Funeral Home. Andrew County EMS transported Rowe and a passenger in the Chevy Carol J. Rowe, 70, Kansas City, Missouri to Mosaic Life Care. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Maryville woman dead after wrong-way I-29 crash

A
St. Joseph couple, former officers of the St. Joseph Fraternal Order of Police,
has pleaded guilty in federal court of defrauding the FOP out of $99,000.

Former
St. Joseph Police Officer, 47-year-old Michael Hardin, and his wife, former Buchanan
County Sheriff’s Deputy 43-year-old Sarah Hardin pleaded guilty in separate
appearances before two different federal judges.

The
Hardins admitted to using debit cards from the bank accounts of the Fraternal
Order of Police Northwest Missouri Lodge #3 to make unauthorized purchases.

Sarah
Hardin confessed to making $77,342 in personal purchases with the
lodge’s debit card and another $22,484 from the FOP between 2015 and 2019.
Among the purchases, fence panels and fence posts for a fence at her residence;
flowers, potting soil, bench cushions, and LED lights for her residence; and
letter balloons spelling out the word “Falcons” for an event at her child’s
school.

Michael
Hardin admitted to using the FOP debit card in 2017 for payments to Hampton Inn
twice and to Life Lock Advantage; unauthorized purchases totaling between
$6,500 and $15,000 according to federal government financial analysis.

Hardin
served as president of the Fraternal Order of
Police Northwest Missouri Lodge #3 for about 10 years, through January of 2022.
Sarah Hardin was the treasurer of the lodge.

The Fraternal Order of Police Northwest
Missouri Lodge #3 has 300 members from nine northwest Missouri counties.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA
St. Joseph couple, former officers of the St. Joseph Fraternal Order of Police,
has pleaded guilty in federal court of defrauding the FOP out of $99,000.Former
St. Joseph Police Officer, 47-year-old Michael Hardin, and his wife, former Buchanan
County Sheriff’s Deputy 43-year-old Sarah Hardin pleaded guilty in separate
appearances before two different federal judges.The
Hardins admitted to using debit cards from the bank accounts of the Fraternal
Order of Police Northwest Missouri Lodge #3 to make unauthorized purchases.Sarah
Hardin confessed to making $77,342 in personal purchases with the
lodge’s debit card and another $22,484 from the FOP between 2015 and 2019.
Among the purchases, fence panels and fence posts for a fence at her residence;
flowers, potting soil, bench cushions, and LED lights for her residence; and
letter balloons spelling out the word “Falcons” for an event at her child’s
school.Michael
Hardin admitted to using the FOP debit card in 2017 for payments to Hampton Inn
twice and to Life Lock Advantage; unauthorized purchases totaling between
$6,500 and $15,000 according to federal government financial analysis.Hardin
served as president of the Fraternal Order of
Police Northwest Missouri Lodge #3 for about 10 years, through January of 2022.
Sarah Hardin was the treasurer of the lodge.The Fraternal Order of Police Northwest
Missouri Lodge #3 has 300 members from nine northwest Missouri counties.

Former St. Joseph FOP officers plead guilty to wire fraud

Corn growers are optimistic that Congress can make key farm bill programs more effective and responsive to the needs of farmers, according to the National Corn Growers Association. 

NCGA President Tom Haag, a Minnesota farmer, testified to the House Agriculture General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee. 

The committee hearing focused on stakeholder priorities for the crop insurance and commodity titles. 

Haag says, "Corn growers consistently rank crop insurance as the most important program and title of the farm bill. NCGA broadly supports increasing the affordability of crop insurance." 

Haag also offered recommendations for the commodity title, saying NCGA supports increasing the maximum rate in the Agriculture Risk Coverage County program to provide increased assistance to growers who experience significant revenue losses. 

Haag says NCGA recommends increasing the coverage level for ARC County to make the program more responsive to revenue losses. NCGA supports the improvement of the Price Loss Coverage program, investment to expand international markets and trade promotion.

Corn growers are optimistic that Congress can make key farm bill programs more effective and responsive to the needs of farmers, according to the National Corn Growers Association. NCGA President Tom Haag, a Minnesota farmer, testified to the House Agriculture General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee. The committee hearing focused on stakeholder priorities for the crop insurance and commodity titles. Haag says, "Corn growers consistently rank crop insurance as the most important program and title of the farm bill. NCGA broadly supports increasing the affordability of crop insurance." Haag also offered recommendations for the commodity title, saying NCGA supports increasing the maximum rate in the Agriculture Risk Coverage County program to provide increased assistance to growers who experience significant revenue losses. Haag says NCGA recommends increasing the coverage level for ARC County to make the program more responsive to revenue losses. NCGA supports the improvement of the Price Loss Coverage program, investment to expand international markets and trade promotion.

NCGA outlines farm bill priorities

Warmer weather means increased traffic along St. Joseph's Belt Highway, and increased traffic means a higher number of crashes.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Interim St. Joseph Police Chief Dave Hart says with the warmer weather things are beginning to shift from talking about slick road conditions, to talking about more drivers hitting the roads. &nbsp;

Hart says many crashes along the Belt Highway come down to inattention. &nbsp;

"You'll see it when you're driving around and somebody's at a stoplight and their head is down," Hart tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "They're looking at their phone, they're messing with their (radio), and then they're surprised when the light turns green or someone has to gently remind them that the light has turned green."&nbsp;

Hart says he's aware that cell phones and newer technology in cars make it easy to look away from the road but urges drivers to pay closer attention to the traffic.&nbsp;

Hart says traffic crashes at red lights are still as prevalent as ever with people not paying attention and running them.&nbsp;

"They're not like oh I got surprised by this thing I didn't know was going to happen, it's people not focusing on what they're doing," Hart explains. "You've got kids, you've got work, you've got the 9,000 things that we have pulling us in different directions, but if you lose that focus for even a second, things can go horribly and terribly wrong, and that's the last thing that we want for our community."&nbsp;

Hart advises defensive driving and to be on the lookout for cars that might be in the intersection too early.&nbsp;

While warmer weather means more people will be out driving along the Belt Highway, drivers will also see more motorcyclists out and about. &nbsp;

Hart says while there are many safe motorcycle drivers, St. Joseph also sees a certain group of motorcyclists. &nbsp;

"Causes problems, does silly tricks, that stuff has no business in a city, it has no business in our community, and we have zero tolerance for it," Hart says.&nbsp;

Hart says those people are not only putting themselves in danger, but also members of the community&nbsp;

"There's enough memorials up and down the Belt Highway of people who were killed in these accidents," Hart says. "Go find somewhere else to ride like a moron, because we don't want it here in St. Joe."&nbsp;

Hart says in years past the police department has done projects tackling these drivers and plan to do them again.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682619430844.jpeg" alt="Belt Highway/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Belt Highway/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Warmer weather means increased traffic along St. Joseph's Belt Highway, and increased traffic means a higher number of crashes.&nbsp; &nbsp;Interim St. Joseph Police Chief Dave Hart says with the warmer weather things are beginning to shift from talking about slick road conditions, to talking about more drivers hitting the roads. &nbsp;Hart says many crashes along the Belt Highway come down to inattention. &nbsp;"You'll see it when you're driving around and somebody's at a stoplight and their head is down," Hart tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "They're looking at their phone, they're messing with their (radio), and then they're surprised when the light turns green or someone has to gently remind them that the light has turned green."&nbsp;Hart says he's aware that cell phones and newer technology in cars make it easy to look away from the road but urges drivers to pay closer attention to the traffic.&nbsp;Hart says traffic crashes at red lights are still as prevalent as ever with people not paying attention and running them.&nbsp;"They're not like oh I got surprised by this thing I didn't know was going to happen, it's people not focusing on what they're doing," Hart explains. "You've got kids, you've got work, you've got the 9,000 things that we have pulling us in different directions, but if you lose that focus for even a second, things can go horribly and terribly wrong, and that's the last thing that we want for our community."&nbsp;Hart advises defensive driving and to be on the lookout for cars that might be in the intersection too early.&nbsp;While warmer weather means more people will be out driving along the Belt Highway, drivers will also see more motorcyclists out and about. &nbsp;Hart says while there are many safe motorcycle drivers, St. Joseph also sees a certain group of motorcyclists. &nbsp;"Causes problems, does silly tricks, that stuff has no business in a city, it has no business in our community, and we have zero tolerance for it," Hart says.&nbsp;Hart says those people are not only putting themselves in danger, but also members of the community&nbsp;"There's enough memorials up and down the Belt Highway of people who were killed in these accidents," Hart says. "Go find somewhere else to ride like a moron, because we don't want it here in St. Joe."&nbsp;Hart says in years past the police department has done projects tackling these drivers and plan to do them again.&nbsp;

Warmer weather brings more cars and motorcycles to the busy Belt Highway

It’s not Grain Belt Express, but it’s close
enough to catch the attention of Missouri lawmakers working on regulations for
a new power transmission line running through northern Missouri.

State Senator Rusty Black of Chillicothe is
working to regulate transmission projects by the Midcontinent Independent
System Operator, known as MISO.

“Primarily the people working on it are these out
of state groups,” Black tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “They get these big
projects, you know, and they come through, build power lines and they’re gone.”

Black calls the project Grain Belt Express II.

“That’s somewhat of a stretch in the fact that
MISO, it’s part of the national grid, it’s going to happen. It’s going to be
built,” Black says. “You can’t stop.”

Black wants two regulations primarily. He wants
to place MISO under the authority of the Missouri Public Service Commission,
but maybe even more importantly, Black wants to require MISO to put up its
transmission lines in established rights-of-way alongside existing transmission
lines. Black says such co-locating of lines would have the least impact on
northwest Missouri farmland.

MISO proposes running its transmission lines from
Iowa into Worth, Gentry, and Dekalb Counties. It would eventually wind up in
Illinois.

Unlike efforts to stop the Grain Belt Express,
this effort seeks to regulate.

“I’m not wanting to necessarily stop it, but my
bill will make it to where it’s better for our landowners,” Black says.
“Instead of using eminent domain to put another stretch of power lines that
might be a half mile from another stretch going through this.”

Legislators worked in the aftermath of the
unsuccessful campaign to stop the Grain Belt Express to push through
regulations. Lawmakers have required such transmission projects pay 150% of
market value for the property making up their rights-of-way.

Black says the Grain Belt Express legislation is
limited.

“The language that was perfected, passed, and
signed by the governor helped primarily on one thing:&nbsp; the amount that somebody was going to get
paid for the right-of-way,” Black says. “Does it force co-locate? The answer is
no.”

The biggest obstacle Black faces is time. The
legislative session in Jefferson City wraps up on Friday, May 12th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682607338945.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt’s not Grain Belt Express, but it’s close
enough to catch the attention of Missouri lawmakers working on regulations for
a new power transmission line running through northern Missouri.State Senator Rusty Black of Chillicothe is
working to regulate transmission projects by the Midcontinent Independent
System Operator, known as MISO.“Primarily the people working on it are these out
of state groups,” Black tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “They get these big
projects, you know, and they come through, build power lines and they’re gone.”Black calls the project Grain Belt Express II.“That’s somewhat of a stretch in the fact that
MISO, it’s part of the national grid, it’s going to happen. It’s going to be
built,” Black says. “You can’t stop.”Black wants two regulations primarily. He wants
to place MISO under the authority of the Missouri Public Service Commission,
but maybe even more importantly, Black wants to require MISO to put up its
transmission lines in established rights-of-way alongside existing transmission
lines. Black says such co-locating of lines would have the least impact on
northwest Missouri farmland.MISO proposes running its transmission lines from
Iowa into Worth, Gentry, and Dekalb Counties. It would eventually wind up in
Illinois.Unlike efforts to stop the Grain Belt Express,
this effort seeks to regulate.“I’m not wanting to necessarily stop it, but my
bill will make it to where it’s better for our landowners,” Black says.
“Instead of using eminent domain to put another stretch of power lines that
might be a half mile from another stretch going through this.”Legislators worked in the aftermath of the
unsuccessful campaign to stop the Grain Belt Express to push through
regulations. Lawmakers have required such transmission projects pay 150% of
market value for the property making up their rights-of-way.Black says the Grain Belt Express legislation is
limited.“The language that was perfected, passed, and
signed by the governor helped primarily on one thing:&nbsp; the amount that somebody was going to get
paid for the right-of-way,” Black says. “Does it force co-locate? The answer is
no.”The biggest obstacle Black faces is time. The
legislative session in Jefferson City wraps up on Friday, May 12th.

Lawmakers eye what one calls Grain Belt Express II

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association Wednesday once again announced opposition to the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption, or PRIME Act. 

Representatives Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, introduced the bill. 

The legislation would allow beef processed in a non-U.S. Department of Agriculture inspected facility to be distributed interstate, posing a threat to food safety and consumer trust in beef. 

NCBA President Todd Wilkinson says, "While the PRIME Act is well-intentioned, allowing uninspected beef to enter the retail market is dangerous to consumers." NCBA supports federal and state meat inspection efforts and has previously supported legislation like the DIRECT Act. 

That legislation would allow state-inspected beef to be sold interstate in limited quantities, direct-to-consumer, and through e-commerce. Unlike the PRIME Act, these measures would create the necessary paper trail to trace and contain any potential food safety concerns.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association Wednesday once again announced opposition to the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption, or PRIME Act. Representatives Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, introduced the bill. The legislation would allow beef processed in a non-U.S. Department of Agriculture inspected facility to be distributed interstate, posing a threat to food safety and consumer trust in beef. NCBA President Todd Wilkinson says, "While the PRIME Act is well-intentioned, allowing uninspected beef to enter the retail market is dangerous to consumers." NCBA supports federal and state meat inspection efforts and has previously supported legislation like the DIRECT Act. That legislation would allow state-inspected beef to be sold interstate in limited quantities, direct-to-consumer, and through e-commerce. Unlike the PRIME Act, these measures would create the necessary paper trail to trace and contain any potential food safety concerns.

NCBA reiterates importance of food safety, opposes PRIME Act

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.

According to Police Chief Mike Wilson, a Chrysler mini van driven by Stacy Peuker, 58, Bendena, was backing out of a parking space in the 900 block Commercial in Atchison when it collided with a westbound Chevrolet passenger car driven by Grace Brader, 20, Cummings. 

EMS transported Brader to Amberwell&nbsp; for treatment of injuries. Peuker was not injured. Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682601384935.png" alt="Photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.According to Police Chief Mike Wilson, a Chrysler mini van driven by Stacy Peuker, 58, Bendena, was backing out of a parking space in the 900 block Commercial in Atchison when it collided with a westbound Chevrolet passenger car driven by Grace Brader, 20, Cummings. EMS transported Brader to Amberwell&nbsp; for treatment of injuries. Peuker was not injured. Police released no additional details.

Kansas woman injured after 2-vehicle crash

KFEQ celebrates 100 years of service this year.

You are invited to hear the history of the station, a history
you created, this Thursday in Osborn.

Eagle St. Joseph News Director Brent Martin shares the stories
he unearthed about KFEQ, from its interesting beginnings to its current state
as the “Voice of St. Joseph.”

Join Martin and his special guest, legendary broadcaster Gene
Millard, at the Windy Wine Company, 9478 SW State Route J, in Osborn this Thursday,
the 27th, at 3pm. Join us for the history not just of a radio station, but of
our region, the development of radio, and a peek into the possible future.

Click <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/a-century-of-service">HERE</a> for a link to the series produced on the 100th
anniversary of KFEQ.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682365289413.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KFEQ celebrates 100 years of service this year.You are invited to hear the history of the station, a history
you created, this Thursday in Osborn.Eagle St. Joseph News Director Brent Martin shares the stories
he unearthed about KFEQ, from its interesting beginnings to its current state
as the “Voice of St. Joseph.”Join Martin and his special guest, legendary broadcaster Gene
Millard, at the Windy Wine Company, 9478 SW State Route J, in Osborn this Thursday,
the 27th, at 3pm. Join us for the history not just of a radio station, but of
our region, the development of radio, and a peek into the possible future.We would love to see you there.Click <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/a-century-of-service">HERE</a> for a link to the series produced on the 100th
anniversary of KFEQ.

Join us for a presentation on KFEQ's 100th anniversary

The Missouri Western women’s basketball team announced this month that they’re planning a 10-day trip to Greece this summer.

The Griffons will face international competition, and have the opportunity for additional practices to prepare for the upcoming season - practices they wouldn't have otherwise.

Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker says this time together will be especially important for evaluating any new players on the team.

"It gives us and the staff a chance to see the new kids," Whitaker told KFEQ Radio. "Start mixing things together and figuring it out. Every year is a bit different and it's always a process for a coaching staff to figure out exactly what you have and how to best utilize it."

The Griffons will be in Greece from August 14-24. They'll have 10 days of practice together in St. Joseph before they depart. The team will then play three games against international teams while abroad.

The Griffons will spend time in Athens and the island Santorini.&nbsp;Whitaker says this trip will cover many different places.

"Athens will be our primary location," she said, "and then we'll go to different islands off the coast of Athens and we'll fly to Santorini, and I think that's on everyone's bucket list - to see Santorini and spend some time there."

Missouri Western athletics is close to their fundraising goal of $85,000 to make the trip possible. Whitaker says they have about $5,000 still to go.

Whitaker says she took an international trip to Europe as a player at Texas Tech, and then again as the head coach at UMKC and Tech.

"I took my UMKC team to Costa Rica, I took our Texas Tech team to Portugal. It's always been a part of what I got to do as a player, and then leading programs, we've tried hard to make that happen."

The NCAA allows college basketball teams to take an international trip like this once every four years. The Missouri Western men's basketball team took a trip to Costa Rica last August where they went 3-0 against international competition.

Whitaker looks forward to a team-building experience similar to what the Griffon men experienced, and similar to what's she's experienced before as a player and coach at previous stops.

"The more your team plays together, the more chemistry they have on the floor," she said. "The more time they spend together off the floor, the more chemistry they build off the floor. All of those things play a really key role in success."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674798068113.png" alt="Stock photo by Paul Smith." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo by Paul Smith.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western women’s basketball team announced this month that they’re planning a 10-day trip to Greece this summer.The Griffons will face international competition, and have the opportunity for additional practices to prepare for the upcoming season - practices they wouldn't have otherwise.Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker says this time together will be especially important for evaluating any new players on the team."It gives us and the staff a chance to see the new kids," Whitaker told KFEQ Radio. "Start mixing things together and figuring it out. Every year is a bit different and it's always a process for a coaching staff to figure out exactly what you have and how to best utilize it."The Griffons will be in Greece from August 14-24. They'll have 10 days of practice together in St. Joseph before they depart. The team will then play three games against international teams while abroad.The Griffons will spend time in Athens and the island Santorini.&nbsp;Whitaker says this trip will cover many different places."Athens will be our primary location," she said, "and then we'll go to different islands off the coast of Athens and we'll fly to Santorini, and I think that's on everyone's bucket list - to see Santorini and spend some time there."Missouri Western athletics is close to their fundraising goal of $85,000 to make the trip possible. Whitaker says they have about $5,000 still to go.Whitaker says she took an international trip to Europe as a player at Texas Tech, and then again as the head coach at UMKC and Tech."I took my UMKC team to Costa Rica, I took our Texas Tech team to Portugal. It's always been a part of what I got to do as a player, and then leading programs, we've tried hard to make that happen."The NCAA allows college basketball teams to take an international trip like this once every four years. The Missouri Western men's basketball team took a trip to Costa Rica last August where they went 3-0 against international competition.Whitaker looks forward to a team-building experience similar to what the Griffon men experienced, and similar to what's she's experienced before as a player and coach at previous stops."The more your team plays together, the more chemistry they have on the floor," she said. "The more time they spend together off the floor, the more chemistry they build off the floor. All of those things play a really key role in success."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU women's basketball planning for 10-day trip to Greece in August

HOLT COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Wednesday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Buick LeSabre driven by Sophia E. Ferguson, 19, Maitland, was westbound on 180th Street three miles east of Mound City.

The car traveled off the south side of the road road and struck a fence post. Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Ferguson to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Wednesday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Buick LeSabre driven by Sophia E. Ferguson, 19, Maitland, was westbound on 180th Street three miles east of Mound City.The car traveled off the south side of the road road and struck a fence post. Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Ferguson to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after car strikes fence post

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Click&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.St. Joseph Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.<figure>
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Recent obituaries and service times

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge on Wednesday temporarily halted enforcement of a first-of-its-kind rule that restricts access to gender-affirming health care for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-transgender-health-care-andrew-baily-65c388ae85f610a2a885e2dff486bfe8">transgender kids and adults</a>, just hours before it was set to take effect.

The rule enstated by Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey places requirements on both minors and adults before they would be allowed to receive gender-affirming treatments, such as puberty blockers or hormones. It was set to take effect Thursday, but transgender Missourians and health care providers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-missouri-attorney-general-ef30b41658d95b7206535c5fd67513ae">sued to stop it from being enforced</a>.

St. Louis County Circuit Judge Ellen Ribaudo said Wednesday that she would like more time to review the matter before deciding whether to issue a temporary restraining order. She delayed implementation of the rule until 5 p.m. Monday, saying she anticipates she will issue a ruling before then.

Bailey has touted the rule as a way to shield minors from what he describes as experimental medical treatments, though puberty blockers and sex hormones have been prescribed for decades. But the lawsuit claims that Bailey sidestepped the GOP-led Legislature and acted beyond his authority in attempting to regulate gender-affirming health care under the state’s consumer-protection laws.

Attorney Tony Rothert with the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri told Ribaudo at a court hearing Wednesday that the regulations "will cause immediate, severe and potentially irreparable harm” for people who could lose access to medications that include puberty blockers and sex hormones.

He and other attorneys said that transgender people who can’t get gender-affirming care are at risk of suicide.

Assistant Attorney General Joshua Divine argued that Bailey’s order does not ban gender-affirming care.

The rule will require people to have experienced an “intense pattern” of documented gender dysphoria for three years and to have received at least 15 hourly sessions with a therapist over at least 18 months before receiving puberty blockers, hormones, surgery or other treatment. Patients also must first be screened for autism and “social media addiction,” and any psychiatric symptoms from mental health issues would have to be treated and resolved.

Divine said the rule provides “basic procedural guardrails.” He cited studies showing that a high percentage of kids seeking to transition are dealing with mental health issues. He said that rather than transition they should undergo “talk therapy.”

Those suing argue Bailey sidestepped the GOP-led Legislature and acted beyond his authority,

“We don’t allow attorneys general to legislate, and we don’t allow them to play doctor,” Rothert said.

Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said that with the delay, transgender and non-binary Missourians will still be able to receive treatment on Thursday. “And while this is temporary relief, our patients always deserve the highest standard of care, without the intervention of politicians who have no grasp of medicine,” she said.

Bailey issued the restrictions following an investigation he launched in February into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-transgender-youth-health-care-attorney-general-84da1c977c44bba9907f13b2d3a7141f">Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital</a>. The investigation was prompted by a former employee who alleged the center was providing children with gender-affirming care without informed consent, not enough individualized case review and wraparound mental health services. An internal review by the university found no misconduct and determined that the former employee's claims were unsubstantiated.

Bailey’s efforts to crack down on gender-affirming health care come as Republican lawmakers across the country have proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-lgbtq-gender-affirming-care-missouri-dd87f8682099f9073538c9c2ee544749">hundreds of laws aimed at transgender people</a>. At least 13 states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care for minors.

The Food and Drug Administration approved puberty blockers 30 years ago to treat children with precocious puberty — a condition that causes sexual development to begin much earlier than usual. Sex hormones — synthetic forms of estrogen and testosterone — were approved decades ago to treat hormone disorders or as birth control pills.

The FDA has not approved the medications specifically to treat gender-questioning youth. But they have been used for many years for that purpose “off label,” a common and accepted practice for many medical conditions. Doctors who treat transgender patients say those decades of use mean the treatments are not experimental.

Critics have raised concerns about children changing their minds. Yet the evidence suggests detransitioning is not as common as opponents of transgender medical treatment for youth contend, though few studies exist.

Missouri House Minority Leader Crystal Quade said Wednesday that she sent letters to President Joe Biden and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services earlier this week, asking for an executive order to extend coverage for Missourians who seek gender-affirming care in other states. She also sent letters to the governors of Kansas and Illinois, asking that their health care systems accept Missouri patients for such care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681466878038.png" alt="Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s emergency rule on transgender health care is on hold until at least Monday-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s emergency rule on transgender health care is on hold until at least Monday-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge on Wednesday temporarily halted enforcement of a first-of-its-kind rule that restricts access to gender-affirming health care for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-transgender-health-care-andrew-baily-65c388ae85f610a2a885e2dff486bfe8">transgender kids and adults</a>, just hours before it was set to take effect.The rule enstated by Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey places requirements on both minors and adults before they would be allowed to receive gender-affirming treatments, such as puberty blockers or hormones. It was set to take effect Thursday, but transgender Missourians and health care providers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-missouri-attorney-general-ef30b41658d95b7206535c5fd67513ae">sued to stop it from being enforced</a>.St. Louis County Circuit Judge Ellen Ribaudo said Wednesday that she would like more time to review the matter before deciding whether to issue a temporary restraining order. She delayed implementation of the rule until 5 p.m. Monday, saying she anticipates she will issue a ruling before then.Bailey has touted the rule as a way to shield minors from what he describes as experimental medical treatments, though puberty blockers and sex hormones have been prescribed for decades. But the lawsuit claims that Bailey sidestepped the GOP-led Legislature and acted beyond his authority in attempting to regulate gender-affirming health care under the state’s consumer-protection laws.Attorney Tony Rothert with the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri told Ribaudo at a court hearing Wednesday that the regulations "will cause immediate, severe and potentially irreparable harm” for people who could lose access to medications that include puberty blockers and sex hormones.He and other attorneys said that transgender people who can’t get gender-affirming care are at risk of suicide.Assistant Attorney General Joshua Divine argued that Bailey’s order does not ban gender-affirming care.The rule will require people to have experienced an “intense pattern” of documented gender dysphoria for three years and to have received at least 15 hourly sessions with a therapist over at least 18 months before receiving puberty blockers, hormones, surgery or other treatment. Patients also must first be screened for autism and “social media addiction,” and any psychiatric symptoms from mental health issues would have to be treated and resolved.Some people would be able to maintain their prescriptions while undergoing required assessments.Divine said the rule provides “basic procedural guardrails.” He cited studies showing that a high percentage of kids seeking to transition are dealing with mental health issues. He said that rather than transition they should undergo “talk therapy.”Those suing argue Bailey sidestepped the GOP-led Legislature and acted beyond his authority,“We don’t allow attorneys general to legislate, and we don’t allow them to play doctor,” Rothert said.Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said that with the delay, transgender and non-binary Missourians will still be able to receive treatment on Thursday. “And while this is temporary relief, our patients always deserve the highest standard of care, without the intervention of politicians who have no grasp of medicine,” she said.Bailey issued the restrictions following an investigation he launched in February into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-transgender-youth-health-care-attorney-general-84da1c977c44bba9907f13b2d3a7141f">Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital</a>. The investigation was prompted by a former employee who alleged the center was providing children with gender-affirming care without informed consent, not enough individualized case review and wraparound mental health services. An internal review by the university found no misconduct and determined that the former employee's claims were unsubstantiated.Bailey’s efforts to crack down on gender-affirming health care come as Republican lawmakers across the country have proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-lgbtq-gender-affirming-care-missouri-dd87f8682099f9073538c9c2ee544749">hundreds of laws aimed at transgender people</a>. At least 13 states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care for minors.The Food and Drug Administration approved puberty blockers 30 years ago to treat children with precocious puberty — a condition that causes sexual development to begin much earlier than usual. Sex hormones — synthetic forms of estrogen and testosterone — were approved decades ago to treat hormone disorders or as birth control pills.The FDA has not approved the medications specifically to treat gender-questioning youth. But they have been used for many years for that purpose “off label,” a common and accepted practice for many medical conditions. Doctors who treat transgender patients say those decades of use mean the treatments are not experimental.Critics have raised concerns about children changing their minds. Yet the evidence suggests detransitioning is not as common as opponents of transgender medical treatment for youth contend, though few studies exist.Missouri House Minority Leader Crystal Quade said Wednesday that she sent letters to President Joe Biden and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services earlier this week, asking for an executive order to extend coverage for Missourians who seek gender-affirming care in other states. She also sent letters to the governors of Kansas and Illinois, asking that their health care systems accept Missouri patients for such care.——-

Judge puts Missouri rule limiting transgender care on hold

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas sex offender on new allegations.

On Tuesday, police arrested 53-year-old David W. Chapman of Lancaster on a District Court warrant for violation of a protective order and District and Municipal Court warrants failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Chapman has previous convictions for aggravated criminal sodomy involving a child under the age of 14, perjury and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has been a registered offender since 2013.

In November, police arrested Chapman for alleged failure to appear. In January and&nbsp; April of 2022, he was in custody for alleged bond violations, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682516639495.png" alt="Chapman-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Chapman-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas sex offender on new allegations.On Tuesday, police arrested 53-year-old David W. Chapman of Lancaster on a District Court warrant for violation of a protective order and District and Municipal Court warrants failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Chapman has previous convictions for aggravated criminal sodomy involving a child under the age of 14, perjury and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has been a registered offender since 2013.In November, police arrested Chapman for alleged failure to appear. In January and&nbsp; April of 2022, he was in custody for alleged bond violations, according to online jail records.

Kansas sex offender jailed on new allegations

Area residents will have the opportunity to shop the Pony Express Farmers Market when it opens for the season on April 29.

The market will be open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through October in the East Hills Mall parking lot.

For more information, call (816) 244-2606. - Courtesy Pony Express Farmers Market

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682516164522.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Area residents will have the opportunity to shop the Pony Express Farmers Market when it opens for the season on April 29.The market will be open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through October in the East Hills Mall parking lot.For more information, call (816) 244-2606. - Courtesy Pony Express Farmers Market

Pony Express Farmers Market opens this weekend in St. Joseph

The city of St. Joseph opened its search for a new police chief back on February 24. Soon, the public will have its chance to meet the top candidates for the job.

Philip Lukens (Alliance, Nebraska police chief), Paul Luster (Kansas City, MO Police major) Stephenie Price (deputy police chief at Beauford, South Carolina) and Rance Quinn (acting deputy chief at Kansas City, KS) are the four finalists. No current employees of the St.&nbsp;Joseph Police Department applied for the position.

The finalists have been selected from a pool of 23 applicants.

St. Joseph city manager Bryan Carter says these candidates will come to the city on May 10 and 11.

"They'll come to town on the 10th and we'll do a community tour," Carter said on the KFEQ Hotline. "We'll take them around St. Joseph and introduce them to some of the areas in town. They'll have an opportunity, as a group, to meet with police department staff."

During that time, the candidates will have final interviews and have meet-and-greet opportunities for the public.

"We'll have a series of three-panel interviews," Carter explained. "We'll have a panel of community members, city leadership staff and police department employees."

There's a community meet-and greet -event set for May 11 from 6:30 to 8:00pm in Spratt Hall, Rooms 214 and 216, on the Missouri Western campus. The public is invited to attend.

The city hired Public Sector Search &amp; Consulting, a firm specializing in national level recruitment for police executives.&nbsp;Carter says the city hopes to have a new police chief announced by the end of May.

"Once we get one of these candidates selected, assuming we select one of these candidates and I anticipate we will, we'll start working with that candidate to negotiate terms of employment and they'll have to go through a police background check."

Carter says the community will have a chance to meet these police chief candidates here soon and see for themselves how much work went into this process.

"This will be the part we all see," he said. "There's been a lot going on behind the scenes to get to this point."

Chris Connally retired as St. Joseph's police chief last September after serving 17 years. Dave Hart has served as interim chief in the meantime.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe city of St. Joseph opened its search for a new police chief back on February 24. Soon, the public will have its chance to meet the top candidates for the job.Philip Lukens (Alliance, Nebraska police chief), Paul Luster (Kansas City, MO Police major) Stephenie Price (deputy police chief at Beauford, South Carolina) and Rance Quinn (acting deputy chief at Kansas City, KS) are the four finalists. No current employees of the St.&nbsp;Joseph Police Department applied for the position.The finalists have been selected from a pool of 23 applicants.St. Joseph city manager Bryan Carter says these candidates will come to the city on May 10 and 11."They'll come to town on the 10th and we'll do a community tour," Carter said on the KFEQ Hotline. "We'll take them around St. Joseph and introduce them to some of the areas in town. They'll have an opportunity, as a group, to meet with police department staff."During that time, the candidates will have final interviews and have meet-and-greet opportunities for the public."We'll have a series of three-panel interviews," Carter explained. "We'll have a panel of community members, city leadership staff and police department employees."There's a community meet-and greet -event set for May 11 from 6:30 to 8:00pm in Spratt Hall, Rooms 214 and 216, on the Missouri Western campus. The public is invited to attend.The city hired Public Sector Search &amp; Consulting, a firm specializing in national level recruitment for police executives.&nbsp;Carter says the city hopes to have a new police chief announced by the end of May."Once we get one of these candidates selected, assuming we select one of these candidates and I anticipate we will, we'll start working with that candidate to negotiate terms of employment and they'll have to go through a police background check."Carter says the community will have a chance to meet these police chief candidates here soon and see for themselves how much work went into this process."This will be the part we all see," he said. "There's been a lot going on behind the scenes to get to this point."Chris Connally retired as St. Joseph's police chief last September after serving 17 years. Dave Hart has served as interim chief in the meantime.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

City of St. Joseph announces finalists for police chief, candidates coming in May

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan.—Two people were injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a 2013 Ford pickup&nbsp; driven by Robert Myers, 75, Muscotah, was westbound on Raven Hill Road at U.S. 73.&nbsp;

The driver stopped at the stop sign and then entered U.S. 73 to turn southbound. 

A northbound 2009 Freightliner semi driven by Jerry Reed, 75, Cassville Missouri and the pickup collided.

EMS&nbsp; transported Myers and a passenger in the pickup Warren Wilson, 75, Muscotah, to the hospital&nbsp; &nbsp;Reed was not injured.

Authorities released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682543960673.png" alt="Photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan.—Two people were injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a 2013 Ford pickup&nbsp; driven by Robert Myers, 75, Muscotah, was westbound on Raven Hill Road at U.S. 73.&nbsp;The driver stopped at the stop sign and then entered U.S. 73 to turn southbound. A northbound 2009 Freightliner semi driven by Jerry Reed, 75, Cassville Missouri and the pickup collided.EMS&nbsp; transported Myers and a passenger in the pickup Warren Wilson, 75, Muscotah, to the hospital&nbsp; &nbsp;Reed was not injured.Authorities released no additional details.

2 Kansas men hospitalized after pickup, semi crash

Money given to the City of St. Joseph for COVID relief and economic stimulus funds will be put towards helping to revitalize homes around the city.&nbsp;

The Urban Homestead Rehabilitation Grant Program will help provide minor home repairs up to $25,000 for those with low to moderate incomes. &nbsp;

St. Joseph Historic Preservation Planner Kim Schutte, who is heading up the program, says many people have applied for the program since it was announced a month ago. &nbsp;

"It's an opportunity to help people, low to moderate income people, and people in certain neighborhoods to get a new roof if they need it, get new windows," Schutte tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "I've got several who don't have furnaces, and so we're getting that."&nbsp;

Schutte says this program is a chance for city dollars to provide a tangible difference to residents.&nbsp;

Schutte says the city helps homeowners determine the scope of work to be done.&nbsp;

"We put it out to bid for the contractors, we enter into the contract with the contractors, we see that the work is done.&nbsp; When the contractor tells us the work is done, we send an inspector out there to make sure that it's done and it's done right, and then the city pays the contractor," Schutte explains. "So, the homeowner doesn't have to deal with the bids, doesn't have to deal with any of that, the city takes care of that."&nbsp;

Schutte says homeowners will have a say in the look of the work so that it is designed still how they would like.&nbsp;

And Schutte says the work that needs to be done can be anywhere in the home. &nbsp;

"We tend to focus on the exterior, and often that's because that's the first thing that you need (done), if your roof isn't good there's no point in really doing anything else," Schutte says. "But also, I tell people that for the interior we're not taking that off the table, I'm not gonna refinish your hardwood floors for you, but if you have issues that rise to the level of health and safety."&nbsp;

Schutte says some home repairs that are being provided through the grant include window and roof repairs as well as even adding furnaces to some homes.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Money given to the City of St. Joseph for COVID relief and economic stimulus funds will be put towards helping to revitalize homes around the city.&nbsp;The Urban Homestead Rehabilitation Grant Program will help provide minor home repairs up to $25,000 for those with low to moderate incomes. &nbsp;St. Joseph Historic Preservation Planner Kim Schutte, who is heading up the program, says many people have applied for the program since it was announced a month ago. &nbsp;"It's an opportunity to help people, low to moderate income people, and people in certain neighborhoods to get a new roof if they need it, get new windows," Schutte tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "I've got several who don't have furnaces, and so we're getting that."&nbsp;Schutte says this program is a chance for city dollars to provide a tangible difference to residents.&nbsp;Schutte says the city helps homeowners determine the scope of work to be done.&nbsp;"We put it out to bid for the contractors, we enter into the contract with the contractors, we see that the work is done.&nbsp; When the contractor tells us the work is done, we send an inspector out there to make sure that it's done and it's done right, and then the city pays the contractor," Schutte explains. "So, the homeowner doesn't have to deal with the bids, doesn't have to deal with any of that, the city takes care of that."&nbsp;Schutte says homeowners will have a say in the look of the work so that it is designed still how they would like.&nbsp;And Schutte says the work that needs to be done can be anywhere in the home. &nbsp;"We tend to focus on the exterior, and often that's because that's the first thing that you need (done), if your roof isn't good there's no point in really doing anything else," Schutte says. "But also, I tell people that for the interior we're not taking that off the table, I'm not gonna refinish your hardwood floors for you, but if you have issues that rise to the level of health and safety."&nbsp;Schutte says some home repairs that are being provided through the grant include window and roof repairs as well as even adding furnaces to some homes.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/New-grant-will-help-with-home-repairs-in-St--Joseph-e232i2n" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

St. Joseph homeowners could get some help thanks to new grant

New data released Tuesday by USDA’s Economic Research Service shows the number of U.S. farms continues to decline. 

After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms and ranches fell sharply through the early 1970s. 

Researchers say the rapidly falling farm numbers in the mid-20th century reflect the growing productivity of agriculture, increased mechanization, and increased nonfarm employment opportunities. 

Since 1982, the number of U.S. farms has continued to decline, but much more slowly. In 2022, there were 2.0 million U.S. farms, down from 2.2 million in 2007. Similarly, the acres of land in farms continue a downward trend with 893 million acres in 2022, down from 915 million acres ten years earlier. 

The average farm size in 2022 was 446 acres, only slightly greater than the 440 acres recorded in the early 1970s. The data comes as USDA this year predicts net farm income at $136.9 billion in calendar year 2023, a decrease of $25.9 billion relative to 2022.

New data released Tuesday by USDA’s Economic Research Service shows the number of U.S. farms continues to decline. After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms and ranches fell sharply through the early 1970s. Researchers say the rapidly falling farm numbers in the mid-20th century reflect the growing productivity of agriculture, increased mechanization, and increased nonfarm employment opportunities. Since 1982, the number of U.S. farms has continued to decline, but much more slowly. In 2022, there were 2.0 million U.S. farms, down from 2.2 million in 2007. Similarly, the acres of land in farms continue a downward trend with 893 million acres in 2022, down from 915 million acres ten years earlier. The average farm size in 2022 was 446 acres, only slightly greater than the 440 acres recorded in the early 1970s. The data comes as USDA this year predicts net farm income at $136.9 billion in calendar year 2023, a decrease of $25.9 billion relative to 2022.

Number of U.S. farms continues to decline

Sports betting, once a promising issue in Jefferson City, now
seems dead this legislative session.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville, who carried the legislation
in the Senate only to run up against a filibuster, is frustrated.

“I think it’s kind of silly that we’re at the point where we
are right now where people in Kansas City, in St. Joe, people over in St. Louis
are literally driving on Sunday before a Chiefs’ game across state lines to Kansas
or Illinois and placing their sports bets and then driving back home,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Luetkemeyer ran into a filibuster mounted by a fellow
Republican who insists on adding Video Lottery Terminal legislation to the
measure. Senator Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg wants to expand V-L-Ts as they
are called beyond current law that restricts them to the state’s 13 casinos.

Luetkemeyer says there is only a narrow path to approve sports
wagering in Missouri, an effort backed by all the professional sports teams in
the state.

Luetkemeyer originally proposed a 10% tax on sports bets. That
was raised to 15% during Senate debate. Budget projections estimate the state
would reap $30 million in tax revenue its first year with cities that have casinos
cashing in with an extra $3.2 million.

Luetkemeyer says Missouri is falling behind, because of
political infighting at the state Capitol.

“Now every single border state around Missouri has some form
of sports wagering, whether it’s a physical sports book in a casino or online
sports, mobile wagering, every single state that is a border state to Missouri now
has sports wagering, except Missouri.”

Time is running out. Luetkemeyer says a lot of decisions must
be made in a short amount of time.

“We’ve got a fair amount to do and not a whole heck of a lot
of time to do it, but this is what most sessions look like,” Luetkemeyer says “Ninety
percent of the legislation that ends up passing will pass during the last couple
of weeks of session.”

<a href="https://www.house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB556&amp;year=2023&amp;code=R">HB 556</a> passed the Missouri House on a 118-35 vote.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSports betting, once a promising issue in Jefferson City, now
seems dead this legislative session.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville, who carried the legislation
in the Senate only to run up against a filibuster, is frustrated.“I think it’s kind of silly that we’re at the point where we
are right now where people in Kansas City, in St. Joe, people over in St. Louis
are literally driving on Sunday before a Chiefs’ game across state lines to Kansas
or Illinois and placing their sports bets and then driving back home,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Luetkemeyer ran into a filibuster mounted by a fellow
Republican who insists on adding Video Lottery Terminal legislation to the
measure. Senator Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg wants to expand V-L-Ts as they
are called beyond current law that restricts them to the state’s 13 casinos.Luetkemeyer says there is only a narrow path to approve sports
wagering in Missouri, an effort backed by all the professional sports teams in
the state.Luetkemeyer originally proposed a 10% tax on sports bets. That
was raised to 15% during Senate debate. Budget projections estimate the state
would reap $30 million in tax revenue its first year with cities that have casinos
cashing in with an extra $3.2 million.Luetkemeyer says Missouri is falling behind, because of
political infighting at the state Capitol.“Now every single border state around Missouri has some form
of sports wagering, whether it’s a physical sports book in a casino or online
sports, mobile wagering, every single state that is a border state to Missouri now
has sports wagering, except Missouri.”Time is running out. Luetkemeyer says a lot of decisions must
be made in a short amount of time.“We’ve got a fair amount to do and not a whole heck of a lot
of time to do it, but this is what most sessions look like,” Luetkemeyer says “Ninety
percent of the legislation that ends up passing will pass during the last couple
of weeks of session.”<a href="https://www.house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB556&amp;year=2023&amp;code=R">HB 556</a> passed the Missouri House on a 118-35 vote.The Missouri legislative session ends May 12th with
the budget due the week before adjournment.This article has been updated since first published.

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