A brand-new rehab hospital in Elwood, Kansas is helping bring rehabilitation services to the region that have never been provided before. &nbsp;

Clearsky of Elwood and St. Joseph opened its doors last week to patients in need of intensive rehab care, such as after surgery.&nbsp;

CEO of the clinic Deanna Lamb says the need for this care is largely needed because this service has never been available here&nbsp;

"Patients who are needing inpatient rehabilitation are leaving the local area and going north to the Omaha Lincoln or south into Kansas City to try to obtain these same services," Lamb tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, we're able to keep patients closer to home."&nbsp;

Clearsky provides occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy to up to 30 patients to help get them back to where they were before their accident. &nbsp;

Lamb says the rehab provided is intensive rehabilitation care&nbsp;

"So, we have speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy that we provide to the patients, patients will have a minimum of three hours of therapy per day or 900 minutes per week," Lamb explains. "And that's what gives that intensive specialized therapy."&nbsp;

Lamb says a typical stay for a patient would be 12 to 14 days with the goal being to get that patient home quicker than they would with at home care.&nbsp;

Lamb says the goal is to get patients the care they need so they can go home, but eventually for those that do need more help the clinic will have outpatient therapy.&nbsp;

"So, some of those patients that receive that intensive therapy while they were in house will be able to come back and do outpatient therapy with us, if it's needed," Lamb says. "The goal is to get patients home, hopefully, without the need for outpatient but there will be some that will need outpatient therapy and we'll be able to provide that."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679673258508.jpeg" alt="Clearsky Rehabilitation Hospital of Elwood-St. Joseph/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Clearsky Rehabilitation Hospital of Elwood-St. Joseph/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A brand-new rehab hospital in Elwood, Kansas is helping bring rehabilitation services to the region that have never been provided before. &nbsp;Clearsky of Elwood and St. Joseph opened its doors last week to patients in need of intensive rehab care, such as after surgery.&nbsp;CEO of the clinic Deanna Lamb says the need for this care is largely needed because this service has never been available here&nbsp;"Patients who are needing inpatient rehabilitation are leaving the local area and going north to the Omaha Lincoln or south into Kansas City to try to obtain these same services," Lamb tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, we're able to keep patients closer to home."&nbsp;Clearsky provides occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy to up to 30 patients to help get them back to where they were before their accident. &nbsp;Lamb says the rehab provided is intensive rehabilitation care&nbsp;"So, we have speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy that we provide to the patients, patients will have a minimum of three hours of therapy per day or 900 minutes per week," Lamb explains. "And that's what gives that intensive specialized therapy."&nbsp;Lamb says a typical stay for a patient would be 12 to 14 days with the goal being to get that patient home quicker than they would with at home care.&nbsp;Lamb says the goal is to get patients the care they need so they can go home, but eventually for those that do need more help the clinic will have outpatient therapy.&nbsp;"So, some of those patients that receive that intensive therapy while they were in house will be able to come back and do outpatient therapy with us, if it's needed," Lamb says. "The goal is to get patients home, hopefully, without the need for outpatient but there will be some that will need outpatient therapy and we'll be able to provide that."&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/3242023-Journal--New-Medical-Rehab-Clinic-opens-in-Elwood-e210tmp" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

New hospital in Elwood offers several rehab services

The Next Generation Fuels Act was reintroduced in the Senate, a move that drew praise from the National Corn Growers Association. 

The legislation, one of NCGA’s top agricultural advocacy priorities, would lower fuel prices, reduce carbon emissions, and help keep America’s energy secure. 

The Act would clean up the nation’s fuel supply and transition new vehicles to use cleaner, more efficient fuels that also lower costs for drivers. 

It would establish a clean, high-octane standard for fuel and require that sources of additional octane result in at least 40 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. That would allow automakers to significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency through advanced engines. 

The legislation builds on the nation’s clean energy progress by advancing higher ethanol blends and new vehicles that work together to deliver greater emissions reductions, cost savings, and consumer choice. The Act would also permanently remove barriers that prohibit access to year-round ethanol.

The Next Generation Fuels Act was reintroduced in the Senate, a move that drew praise from the National Corn Growers Association. The legislation, one of NCGA’s top agricultural advocacy priorities, would lower fuel prices, reduce carbon emissions, and help keep America’s energy secure. The Act would clean up the nation’s fuel supply and transition new vehicles to use cleaner, more efficient fuels that also lower costs for drivers. It would establish a clean, high-octane standard for fuel and require that sources of additional octane result in at least 40 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. That would allow automakers to significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency through advanced engines. The legislation builds on the nation’s clean energy progress by advancing higher ethanol blends and new vehicles that work together to deliver greater emissions reductions, cost savings, and consumer choice. The Act would also permanently remove barriers that prohibit access to year-round ethanol.

Next Generation Fuels Act reintroduced in the Senate

Farmers Business Network released its 2023 Ag Chemical Price Transparency Report which highlights the extreme price variation facing farmers. 

The report collected information from 37 states and accounts for over 800 insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. 

“The last two years have seen extreme fluctuations in chemical pricing for farmers,” says Kevin McNew, chief economist and VP of FBN Research. 

“Providing more transparency enables producers to make more informed buying decisions to drive ROI from every input dollar.” Across 236 different chemical products, there was a 15 percent variance, on average, between the average list price of a product and the price farmers actually paid for it. 

For example, the average list price for Roundup PowerMAX 3 in June 2022 was $60 per gallon, but farmers paid between $45-$73 during that time. FBN says extreme farmer-to-farmer variability suggests that chemical markets make it challenging for farmers to get uniform costs for ag chemicals. &nbsp;

Farmers Business Network released its 2023 Ag Chemical Price Transparency Report which highlights the extreme price variation facing farmers. The report collected information from 37 states and accounts for over 800 insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. “The last two years have seen extreme fluctuations in chemical pricing for farmers,” says Kevin McNew, chief economist and VP of FBN Research. “Providing more transparency enables producers to make more informed buying decisions to drive ROI from every input dollar.” Across 236 different chemical products, there was a 15 percent variance, on average, between the average list price of a product and the price farmers actually paid for it. For example, the average list price for Roundup PowerMAX 3 in June 2022 was $60 per gallon, but farmers paid between $45-$73 during that time. FBN says extreme farmer-to-farmer variability suggests that chemical markets make it challenging for farmers to get uniform costs for ag chemicals. &nbsp;

Farmers face extreme variation in the price of inputs

HOLT COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a train vs. truck accident that occurred just after 4p.m. Thursday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Train struck a northbound 2000 Kenworth semi driven by Jason D. Smith, 47, Savannah, who was reversing on Unity Road to turn onto Holt 340 and traveled onto the tracks&nbsp;three miles south of Oregon.&nbsp;

The railroad crossbar and warning sign were present at the time of the accident.

Smith refused medical treatment at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. There were no other injuries reported.

HOLT COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a train vs. truck accident that occurred just after 4p.m. Thursday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Train struck a northbound 2000 Kenworth semi driven by Jason D. Smith, 47, Savannah, who was reversing on Unity Road to turn onto Holt 340 and traveled onto the tracks&nbsp;three miles south of Oregon.&nbsp;The railroad crossbar and warning sign were present at the time of the accident.Smith refused medical treatment at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. There were no other injuries reported.

Savannah man avoids serious injury after train, truck crash

Standout basketball player Jackie Stiles highlighted St.
Joseph’s week of hosting the NCAA Division II women’s Elite Eight basketball
tournament by hosting a basketball clinic.

Stiles shared her basketball tips and philosophy to 150 young
people who gathered at the Missouri Western State University Fieldhouse, though
a little hoarse during her visit.

Stiles earned All-American honors and set the women’s scoring
record while playing at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, now
Missouri State. Stiles left college coaching after the NCAA made changes she
believes hurt the game, such as allowing players to transfer and play
immediately at another school.

“Everything’s going to be hard. Everything worth accomplishing
is going to be hard and you’re going to go through hard times, especially your
freshman year,” Stiles tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “But what’s going to make
you stick through those hard times if you can just transfer? And then, you have
other colleges recruiting your players and how do you police that? So, I really
think that decision kind of hurt the game.”

Stiles is also critical of the NCAA rule change that allows
college players to profit off of their name, image, or likeness. She says both
changes tilt the game toward more individualized and less team-oriented play.

Stiles, who grew up in the little Kansas town of Claflin, led Southwest Missouri State to the Final Four in 2001
and set the individual scoring record with 3,393 points in four years. Stiles
now ranks third. Stiles earned All-American honors before going to the WNBA
where she won Rookie of the Year honors with the Portland Fire in 2001.

&nbsp;She says her message to
youth is fairly simple.

“Incredible things happen if, one, you’ll work hard and
believe in yourself. But secondly, you can’t accomplish anything great alone,”
Stiles says. “You have to have a team of incredible people surrounding you. I tell
everybody, if you want to be good, focus on making yourself better, but if you
want to be great, focus on also making those around you better. And then the
last thing is just have fun.”

Stiles has accomplished much in her life and now faces a much
more difficult foe that any she ever met on a basketball court, giving her an
even more important message. Stiles was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the eye
in 2017, ocular melanoma, and has to have frequent checkups. Her prognosis is
iffy.

“This cancer has a high rate of metastasis,” Stiles says. “Fifty
percent of the time it goes to the liver and there’s no treatment. So, it’s
made me much more present. And I always tell people if you want to do
something, why wait? None of us are promised tomorrow.”

Stiles uses that philosophy while conducting her basketball
clinics and as a personal trainer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679595049382.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Sports Commission Dir. Brett Esley introduces Jackie Stiles before her clinic at the MWSU Fieldhouse/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Sports Commission Dir. Brett Esley introduces Jackie Stiles before her clinic at the MWSU Fieldhouse/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostStandout basketball player Jackie Stiles highlighted St.
Joseph’s week of hosting the NCAA Division II women’s Elite Eight basketball
tournament by hosting a basketball clinic.Stiles shared her basketball tips and philosophy to 150 young
people who gathered at the Missouri Western State University Fieldhouse, though
a little hoarse during her visit.Stiles earned All-American honors and set the women’s scoring
record while playing at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, now
Missouri State. Stiles left college coaching after the NCAA made changes she
believes hurt the game, such as allowing players to transfer and play
immediately at another school.“Everything’s going to be hard. Everything worth accomplishing
is going to be hard and you’re going to go through hard times, especially your
freshman year,” Stiles tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “But what’s going to make
you stick through those hard times if you can just transfer? And then, you have
other colleges recruiting your players and how do you police that? So, I really
think that decision kind of hurt the game.”Stiles is also critical of the NCAA rule change that allows
college players to profit off of their name, image, or likeness. She says both
changes tilt the game toward more individualized and less team-oriented play.Stiles, who grew up in the little Kansas town of Claflin, led Southwest Missouri State to the Final Four in 2001
and set the individual scoring record with 3,393 points in four years. Stiles
now ranks third. Stiles earned All-American honors before going to the WNBA
where she won Rookie of the Year honors with the Portland Fire in 2001.&nbsp;She says her message to
youth is fairly simple.“Incredible things happen if, one, you’ll work hard and
believe in yourself. But secondly, you can’t accomplish anything great alone,”
Stiles says. “You have to have a team of incredible people surrounding you. I tell
everybody, if you want to be good, focus on making yourself better, but if you
want to be great, focus on also making those around you better. And then the
last thing is just have fun.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679595026478.jpeg" alt="Jackie Stiles talks to youth attending her clinic at the MWSU Fieldhouse/photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Stiles talks to youth attending her clinic at the MWSU Fieldhouse/photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Stiles has accomplished much in her life and now faces a much
more difficult foe that any she ever met on a basketball court, giving her an
even more important message. Stiles was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the eye
in 2017, ocular melanoma, and has to have frequent checkups. Her prognosis is
iffy.“This cancer has a high rate of metastasis,” Stiles says. “Fifty
percent of the time it goes to the liver and there’s no treatment. So, it’s
made me much more present. And I always tell people if you want to do
something, why wait? None of us are promised tomorrow.”Stiles uses that philosophy while conducting her basketball
clinics and as a personal trainer.

Basketball great teaches skills, philosophy to St. Joseph area youth

26-year-old Charlie Phillips of Savannah is heading to Berlin, Germany in June to represent the United States in the Special Olympics World Games. &nbsp;

Phillips says he is very excited for the opportunity to not only represent Missouri, but represent his country. &nbsp;

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that I dreamed ever since I started Special Olympics 15 years ago, and I can't believe I'm going to be representing our country in 11 weeks in powerlifting in a different country," Phillips tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "That is mind blowing."&nbsp;

Phillips earned his spot in the games in November at the Team USA trials in San Antonio, Texas, posting the top deadlift and top squat. &nbsp;

Phillips says that he was nervous going into the trials, after competing earlier that week in Kansas City, and didn't even know that he had the top lifts.&nbsp;

"I was surprised when they announced that I got nominated, and then went down there, lift, and then came back up here and then went on the news station," Phillips says. "They told me that I got picked and I was so happy that time."&nbsp;

Phillips says he's never been out of the country before, so he's excited to experience the new cultures and new foods. &nbsp;

His goal going into the competition is to get some new numbers and to make the podium. &nbsp;

"Get some world records or whatever is happening I just want to be on the podium, get some world records, and pull some new numbers," Phillips happily says. "So, I can tell everyone hey look I pulled new numbers and I can show everyone how much I did over there, I just can't wait."&nbsp;

Phillips has also been blown away by the community support he's received. Team Charlie T Shirts, yard signs, and window decals have been sold by B's Tees to help raise funds for Phillips and his family to make it to Berlin. You can order a shirt, sign, or window decal <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYNysAuwa8wbj5ZGLfQoYL-MEMz1hZAD2UZS8hjQsZFmbtCg/viewform">HERE</a>.

The Savannah Fire Department is also holding a Chili cookoff this weekend on Sunday from 12 to 2pm with a free will donation in which all proceeds will go towards helping Phillips get to Berlin.  Entry into the cookoff is $25.

The Special Olympics World Games are being held June 17th through June 25th.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675885609495.jpeg" alt="Charlie Phillips will compete in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin June 17-25. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Charlie Phillips will compete in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin June 17-25. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post26-year-old Charlie Phillips of Savannah is heading to Berlin, Germany in June to represent the United States in the Special Olympics World Games. &nbsp;Phillips says he is very excited for the opportunity to not only represent Missouri, but represent his country. &nbsp;"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that I dreamed ever since I started Special Olympics 15 years ago, and I can't believe I'm going to be representing our country in 11 weeks in powerlifting in a different country," Phillips tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "That is mind blowing."&nbsp;Phillips earned his spot in the games in November at the Team USA trials in San Antonio, Texas, posting the top deadlift and top squat. &nbsp;Phillips says that he was nervous going into the trials, after competing earlier that week in Kansas City, and didn't even know that he had the top lifts.&nbsp;"I was surprised when they announced that I got nominated, and then went down there, lift, and then came back up here and then went on the news station," Phillips says. "They told me that I got picked and I was so happy that time."&nbsp;Phillips says he's never been out of the country before, so he's excited to experience the new cultures and new foods. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674152767106.jpeg" alt="Charlie Phillips powerlifting at USA Games in 2018/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Phillips powerlifting at USA Games in 2018/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>His goal going into the competition is to get some new numbers and to make the podium. &nbsp;"Get some world records or whatever is happening I just want to be on the podium, get some world records, and pull some new numbers," Phillips happily says. "So, I can tell everyone hey look I pulled new numbers and I can show everyone how much I did over there, I just can't wait."&nbsp;Phillips has also been blown away by the community support he's received. Team Charlie T Shirts, yard signs, and window decals have been sold by B's Tees to help raise funds for Phillips and his family to make it to Berlin. You can order a shirt, sign, or window decal <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYNysAuwa8wbj5ZGLfQoYL-MEMz1hZAD2UZS8hjQsZFmbtCg/viewform">HERE</a>.The Savannah Fire Department is also holding a Chili cookoff this weekend on Sunday from 12 to 2pm with a free will donation in which all proceeds will go towards helping Phillips get to Berlin. Entry into the cookoff is $25.The Special Olympics World Games are being held June 17th through June 25th.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679588992004.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of the Savannah Missouri Fire Department Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of the Savannah Missouri Fire Department Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>

Charlie Phillips excited to represent Missouri and the US in Special Olympics World Games

Representative Josh Gotthemier this week urged electric vehicle manufacturers to include AM radio in their cars and trucks. 

The New Jersey Democrat says, "I would think that if Elon Musk has enough money to buy Twitter and send rockets to space, he can afford to include AM radio in his Teslas." 

The lawmaker says that despite the public safety uses of AM radio, many EV manufacturers have stopped including AM radio in their vehicles. 

AM radio is the backbone behind America's National Public Warning System, which provides emergency-alert and warning information to the public during major natural disasters and domestic threats. 

Gottheimer is writing to major EV auto manufacturers urging them to reconsider their decision to discontinue AM radio in their cars. 

Gottheimer also called on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to add AM radio to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to require that all automakers include AM radio as a stock feature in their vehicles.

Representative Josh Gotthemier this week urged electric vehicle manufacturers to include AM radio in their cars and trucks. The New Jersey Democrat says, "I would think that if Elon Musk has enough money to buy Twitter and send rockets to space, he can afford to include AM radio in his Teslas." The lawmaker says that despite the public safety uses of AM radio, many EV manufacturers have stopped including AM radio in their vehicles. AM radio is the backbone behind America's National Public Warning System, which provides emergency-alert and warning information to the public during major natural disasters and domestic threats. Gottheimer is writing to major EV auto manufacturers urging them to reconsider their decision to discontinue AM radio in their cars. Gottheimer also called on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to add AM radio to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to require that all automakers include AM radio as a stock feature in their vehicles.

Lawmaker seeks to ensure AM radio in all vehicles

The National Corn Growers Association urged EPA officials to implement a petition from Midwest governors that would remove barriers to higher blends of ethanol and avoid further delay. 

EPA’s public hearing reviewed the agency’s recent proposal to implement a plan from eight Midwest governors to require lower-volatility gasoline so drivers in those states continue to have year-round access to fuel with 15 percent ethanol, often marketed as Unleaded 88. 

EPA has proposed delaying implementation of the governors’ plan until 2024. 

NCGA President Tom Haag took issue with the delays to date and urged EPA to avoid further delays in implementation. He also highlighted the emissions reduction benefits of E15 and the current cost savings of up to 20 cents or more per gallon when drivers choose E15. 

Haag says, “we now strongly urge EPA to implement this rule with an effective date of April 28, 2024 -- as proposed --without further delay.”

The National Corn Growers Association urged EPA officials to implement a petition from Midwest governors that would remove barriers to higher blends of ethanol and avoid further delay. EPA’s public hearing reviewed the agency’s recent proposal to implement a plan from eight Midwest governors to require lower-volatility gasoline so drivers in those states continue to have year-round access to fuel with 15 percent ethanol, often marketed as Unleaded 88. EPA has proposed delaying implementation of the governors’ plan until 2024. NCGA President Tom Haag took issue with the delays to date and urged EPA to avoid further delays in implementation. He also highlighted the emissions reduction benefits of E15 and the current cost savings of up to 20 cents or more per gallon when drivers choose E15. Haag says, “we now strongly urge EPA to implement this rule with an effective date of April 28, 2024 -- as proposed --without further delay.”

NCGA to EPA: Ensure consumer access to higher ethanol blends

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A bill to legalize sports gambling in Missouri passed the state House speedily on Tuesday, but the measure's prospects in the Senate are far less certain.

The Republican-led House voted 118-35 in favor of the legislation, which would tax sports betting at 10%. Tax revenues would go to fund public education.

Bills to allow sports betting have failed for years to make it to the governor's desk, despite interest from residents and the Kansas City Chiefs' two Super Bowl wins in the past four years.

Attempts to authorize sports betting have gotten bogged down in the Senate this year over efforts to pair them with regulations on slot-machine-style games that have been popping up in convenience stores.

“This is a bill that we've been trying to get past the Legislature for far too long,” Kansas City Democratic Rep. Ashley Aune said during House debate. “Our constituents want this; we need to get it done.”

A total of 33 states and the District of Columbia now offer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-betting-march-madness-c8b6d663a992ca4e7c616d8c3af8d585">at least some form of sports wagering</a>&nbsp;— each scrambling for shares of a multibillion-dollar enterprise that has rapidly expanded after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed it nearly five years ago.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A bill to legalize sports gambling in Missouri passed the state House speedily on Tuesday, but the measure's prospects in the Senate are far less certain.The Republican-led House voted 118-35 in favor of the legislation, which would tax sports betting at 10%. Tax revenues would go to fund public education.Bills to allow sports betting have failed for years to make it to the governor's desk, despite interest from residents and the Kansas City Chiefs' two Super Bowl wins in the past four years.Attempts to authorize sports betting have gotten bogged down in the Senate this year over efforts to pair them with regulations on slot-machine-style games that have been popping up in convenience stores.“This is a bill that we've been trying to get past the Legislature for far too long,” Kansas City Democratic Rep. Ashley Aune said during House debate. “Our constituents want this; we need to get it done.”A total of 33 states and the District of Columbia now offer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-betting-march-madness-c8b6d663a992ca4e7c616d8c3af8d585">at least some form of sports wagering</a>&nbsp;— each scrambling for shares of a multibillion-dollar enterprise that has rapidly expanded after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed it nearly five years ago.

Missouri a step closer to allowing sports gambling

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple alleged crimes.

Shortly before 2a.m. on March 11, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of 4th and L Street in Atchison after the officer had been called to the area for a disturbance involving the vehicle, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The vehicle fled but a short time later the vehicle stopped near 8th and Riley where the driver and a passenger both jumped out of the vehicle and fled into the darkness.

 An investigation determined that the 17-year-old boy was the driver of the vehicle. 

Just after 8p.m. Tuesday, police located the teen in the 700 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison and arrested him on requested charges of fleeing and attempting to elude and other traffic charges and interference with law enforcement. He is being held in the juvenile detention facility.

On March 17, police also took an 18-year-old woman into custody&nbsp; on a District Court warrant charging her with criminal deprivation of a motor vehicle involving the same vehicle.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple alleged crimes.Shortly before 2a.m. on March 11, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of 4th and L Street in Atchison after the officer had been called to the area for a disturbance involving the vehicle, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The vehicle fled but a short time later the vehicle stopped near 8th and Riley where the driver and a passenger both jumped out of the vehicle and fled into the darkness. An investigation determined that the 17-year-old boy was the driver of the vehicle. Just after 8p.m. Tuesday, police located the teen in the 700 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison and arrested him on requested charges of fleeing and attempting to elude and other traffic charges and interference with law enforcement. He is being held in the juvenile detention facility.On March 17, police also took an 18-year-old woman into custody&nbsp; on a District Court warrant charging her with criminal deprivation of a motor vehicle involving the same vehicle.

Police locate teen who fled from alleged disturbance

The NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight presented the perfect opportunity to show off the new and improved amenities at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph. &nbsp;

A refurbished and redesigned basketball court, new LED lights donning the arena, new basketball hoops, new seats, and a center court suspended video scoreboard were shown off during the opening games on Monday. &nbsp;

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Scott Nelson attended the games and says the improvements are a sight to see. &nbsp;

"You put the floor down, you look at the new scoreboard, you look at the seats that they're all there, good color, crowd was 900 to 1000 people," Nelson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And that's pretty good for that cause those teams had to travel, there was really no local flavor."&nbsp;

Nelson says the only thing missing from the new setup was a brand-new scorer’s table, which has not arrived yet.&nbsp;

Nelson says he knows there were doubts about whether Civic Arena should be renovated or just replaced. &nbsp;

"For the money that you had to spend, I think they've done a good job," Nelson says. "And the outside, the sidewalks look great and it's wrapped, it looks good down there."&nbsp;

Nelson says despite having no local teams playing, the event drew several fans to the arena from all around the nation. &nbsp;

The remaining four teams will play for a chance at the championship game in Dallas, Texas this evening.&nbsp; Games will be played at 6 and 8:30pm.&nbsp;

Nelson hopes though that these renovations will help draw more events to the arena. &nbsp;

Nelson says that in the past year the Civic Arena was holding events or had people working 180 days out of the year&nbsp;

"Now a lot of that's prep, breakdown, get ready for the next event, so there's a lot going in there," Nelson explains. "Can there be a lot more in there? Sure, but staffing is an issue."&nbsp;

Nelson says to fill those jobs it takes the right person with the right desire to work what could be considered an odd job with an odd work schedule.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679502589475.jpeg" alt="A refurbished and renovated court was designed by Hillyard Inc in preperation for the tournament/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>A refurbished and renovated court was designed by Hillyard Inc in preperation for the tournament/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight presented the perfect opportunity to show off the new and improved amenities at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph. &nbsp;A refurbished and redesigned basketball court, new LED lights donning the arena, new basketball hoops, new seats, and a center court suspended video scoreboard were shown off during the opening games on Monday. &nbsp;Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Scott Nelson attended the games and says the improvements are a sight to see. &nbsp;"You put the floor down, you look at the new scoreboard, you look at the seats that they're all there, good color, crowd was 900 to 1000 people," Nelson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And that's pretty good for that cause those teams had to travel, there was really no local flavor."&nbsp;Nelson says the only thing missing from the new setup was a brand-new scorer’s table, which has not arrived yet.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679502658051.jpeg" alt="A new video scoreboard hangs at center court in the Civic Arena/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>A new video scoreboard hangs at center court in the Civic Arena/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Nelson says he knows there were doubts about whether Civic Arena should be renovated or just replaced. &nbsp;"For the money that you had to spend, I think they've done a good job," Nelson says. "And the outside, the sidewalks look great and it's wrapped, it looks good down there."&nbsp;Nelson says despite having no local teams playing, the event drew several fans to the arena from all around the nation. &nbsp;The remaining four teams will play for a chance at the championship game in Dallas, Texas this evening.&nbsp; Games will be played at 6 and 8:30pm.&nbsp;Nelson hopes though that these renovations will help draw more events to the arena. &nbsp;Nelson says that in the past year the Civic Arena was holding events or had people working 180 days out of the year&nbsp;"Now a lot of that's prep, breakdown, get ready for the next event, so there's a lot going in there," Nelson explains. "Can there be a lot more in there? Sure, but staffing is an issue."&nbsp;Nelson says to fill those jobs it takes the right person with the right desire to work what could be considered an odd job with an odd work schedule.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679502565267.jpeg" alt="Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>

Elite Eight tournament showcases upgraded Civic Arena

Northwest Missouri State University has chosen a long-time
administrator and academic from a university in Alabama to become its next
president.

Lance Tatum comes to Northwest from Troy University, where he
is senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief academic officer.

Tatum says the reputation of Northwest among its peers
attracted him to the school.

“Providing access to students who won’t have the opportunity perhaps
to go out of state or to go a larger, research one university. And so, really
the mission and what they stand for was what drew me to them at the end,” Tatum
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.

Tatum began at Troy University in 1998 as an assistant
professor. Tatum has served in his current role at Troy since 2019 while also a
professor in its Sorrell College of Business-School of Hospitality, Sport, and
Tourism Management.

Tatum begins his duties on the Maryville campus June 1st.

Tatum says he is incredibly excited to get started.

“The opportunity to impact the lives of students is just
something that I’m drawn to,” Tatum says. “I have a real passion for students
and student success.”

Tatum says he was attracted to the mission of Northwest to provide
access to college for the region’s youth and provide the higher education so
vital to the region’s workforce.

“It’s regionals who provide the nurses and provide the
teachers and provide the accountants and provide the business professionals
that go back into those communities and really build the foundation of success
for the communities where they live,” according to Tatum.

A lot is going on in the Tatum household as the family gets
ready to make the move from their longtime home in southern Alabama to a new
environment in the northwest Missouri community of Maryville.

Tatum says he’s incredibly excited to get started.

“We’re making preparations now so that we can get ourselves
moved from Alabama and be in Missouri in enough time so that when we get there
June 1st we’re ready to hit the ground and be ready to learn and
understand so by the time we get to the fall, I’ll feel like I’m in a good
position to start the fall semester,” Tatum says.

Tatum was in Maryville last week to be formally introduced to
the Northwest Missouri State community.

NWMSU Vice President for Culture, Clarence Green, who also
serves as the Chief of University Police has served as interim president since
the Board of Regents declined to renew the contract of John Jasinski.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679500937284.jpeg" alt="In coming NWMSU President Lance Tatum speaks with interim President Clarence Green/Photo by Todd Weddle, NWMSU" />
 <figcaption>In coming NWMSU President Lance Tatum speaks with interim President Clarence Green/Photo by Todd Weddle, NWMSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthwest Missouri State University has chosen a long-time
administrator and academic from a university in Alabama to become its next
president.Lance Tatum comes to Northwest from Troy University, where he
is senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief academic officer.Tatum says the reputation of Northwest among its peers
attracted him to the school.“Providing access to students who won’t have the opportunity perhaps
to go out of state or to go a larger, research one university. And so, really
the mission and what they stand for was what drew me to them at the end,” Tatum
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.Tatum began at Troy University in 1998 as an assistant
professor. Tatum has served in his current role at Troy since 2019 while also a
professor in its Sorrell College of Business-School of Hospitality, Sport, and
Tourism Management.Tatum begins his duties on the Maryville campus June 1st.Tatum says he is incredibly excited to get started.“The opportunity to impact the lives of students is just
something that I’m drawn to,” Tatum says. “I have a real passion for students
and student success.”Tatum says he was attracted to the mission of Northwest to provide
access to college for the region’s youth and provide the higher education so
vital to the region’s workforce.“It’s regionals who provide the nurses and provide the
teachers and provide the accountants and provide the business professionals
that go back into those communities and really build the foundation of success
for the communities where they live,” according to Tatum.A lot is going on in the Tatum household as the family gets
ready to make the move from their longtime home in southern Alabama to a new
environment in the northwest Missouri community of Maryville.Tatum says he’s incredibly excited to get started.“We’re making preparations now so that we can get ourselves
moved from Alabama and be in Missouri in enough time so that when we get there
June 1st we’re ready to hit the ground and be ready to learn and
understand so by the time we get to the fall, I’ll feel like I’m in a good
position to start the fall semester,” Tatum says.Tatum was in Maryville last week to be formally introduced to
the Northwest Missouri State community.NWMSU Vice President for Culture, Clarence Green, who also
serves as the Chief of University Police has served as interim president since
the Board of Regents declined to renew the contract of John Jasinski.

Tatum excited to begin as NWMSU president

President Biden Tuesday announced two new actions to conserve and restore lands and waters across the nation. 

The effort includes establishing the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada and Castner Range National Monument in Texas. 

The Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada will honor Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples while conserving public lands and growing America’s outdoor recreation economy, according to the White House. 

The Castner Range National Monument will expand access to the outdoors for the El Paso community while honoring veterans and servicemembers. Together, these new national monuments protect nearly 514,000 acres of public lands. 

The President also directed the Secretary of Commerce to consider initiating a new National Marine Sanctuary designation within 30 days to protect all U.S. waters around the Pacific Remote Islands. If completed, the new sanctuary would ensure the U.S. will reach the President's goal of conserving at least 30% of ocean waters under American jurisdiction by 2030.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679499076139.jpeg" alt="Castner Range National Monument in Texas- White House Photo" />
 <figcaption>Castner Range National Monument in Texas- White House Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>President Biden Tuesday announced two new actions to conserve and restore lands and waters across the nation. The effort includes establishing the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada and Castner Range National Monument in Texas. The Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada will honor Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples while conserving public lands and growing America’s outdoor recreation economy, according to the White House. The Castner Range National Monument will expand access to the outdoors for the El Paso community while honoring veterans and servicemembers. Together, these new national monuments protect nearly 514,000 acres of public lands. The President also directed the Secretary of Commerce to consider initiating a new National Marine Sanctuary designation within 30 days to protect all U.S. waters around the Pacific Remote Islands. If completed, the new sanctuary would ensure the U.S. will reach the President's goal of conserving at least 30% of ocean waters under American jurisdiction by 2030.

Biden creates new National Monuments to conserve land and waters

Feeding America this week announced the launch of Farmers Feed America. 

The organization says the broad coalition shows that farmers and food banks are united in calling for a strong 2023 Farm Bill that meets the needs of America's farmers and protects federal nutrition programs. 

The new nonpartisan coalition comprises farmers, food companies, food retailers, and hunger-relief organizations, including Feeding America and the American Farm Bureau Association. 

This year's farm bill reauthorization process is an opportunity to reflect on the innovations that worked during the pandemic and apply those learnings to future food and nutrition policy, according to the organization. 

The Farmers Feed America coalition has come together to establish shared principles for the next farm bill that help meet the continued needs of communities facing hunger, bolster the nation's food resilience, and enhance markets for farmers and ranchers. The coalition urges members of Congress to adopt these principles as they write the 2023 Farm Bill.

Feeding America this week announced the launch of Farmers Feed America. The organization says the broad coalition shows that farmers and food banks are united in calling for a strong 2023 Farm Bill that meets the needs of America's farmers and protects federal nutrition programs. The new nonpartisan coalition comprises farmers, food companies, food retailers, and hunger-relief organizations, including Feeding America and the American Farm Bureau Association. This year's farm bill reauthorization process is an opportunity to reflect on the innovations that worked during the pandemic and apply those learnings to future food and nutrition policy, according to the organization. The Farmers Feed America coalition has come together to establish shared principles for the next farm bill that help meet the continued needs of communities facing hunger, bolster the nation's food resilience, and enhance markets for farmers and ranchers. The coalition urges members of Congress to adopt these principles as they write the 2023 Farm Bill.

New coalition calls for robust Farm Bill agriculture and nutrition funding

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas man jailed for drug possession in January is back in jail on new charges.

On Monday, police arrested 24-year-old Justin L. Lurquin of Atchison on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In January, police arrested&nbsp; him on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court and a requested charge of possession of fentanyl after officers found it on his person.&nbsp;

In January of 2022, police arrested him for alleged drug possession, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673273013220.png" alt="Lurquin-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Lurquin-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas man jailed for drug possession in January is back in jail on new charges.On Monday, police arrested 24-year-old Justin L. Lurquin of Atchison on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In January, police arrested&nbsp; him on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court and a requested charge of possession of fentanyl after officers found it on his person.&nbsp;In January of 2022, police arrested him for alleged drug possession, according to online jail records.

Kan. man caught with fentanyl during arrest is back in jail

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was inured in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Hyundai Sonata driven by Tammy L. Bowen, 45, Jamesport, was northbound on U.S. 69 one mile east of Winston.

The car traveled off the road, struck a tree and overturned

Community ambulance transported Bowen to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was inured in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Hyundai Sonata driven by Tammy L. Bowen, 45, Jamesport, was northbound on U.S. 69 one mile east of Winston.The car traveled off the road, struck a tree and overturnedCommunity ambulance transported Bowen to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after car strikes a tree

The Biden administration's version of the Waters of the U.S. rule went into effect Monday. 

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association expressed displeasure in a District Court decision to deny a preliminary injunction of the rule. 

NCBA President Todd Wilkinson says, "This latest WOTUS rule will place more burdens on family farms and ranches, drive up costs, and prevent cattle producers like me from making investments in our land." 

The Environmental Protection Agency finalized the latest WOTUS rule at the end of 2022. NCBA and its litigation partners filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the rule on January 18, 2023. 

NCBA sought a nationwide preliminary injunction, which would have prevented the federal government from implementing the WOTUS rule until the entire case is decided. 

Instead, the court granted a limited injunction in only two states—Texas and Idaho. NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart adds, “The court’s decision to keep the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule in place is concerning and irresponsible.”

The Biden administration's version of the Waters of the U.S. rule went into effect Monday. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association expressed displeasure in a District Court decision to deny a preliminary injunction of the rule. NCBA President Todd Wilkinson says, "This latest WOTUS rule will place more burdens on family farms and ranches, drive up costs, and prevent cattle producers like me from making investments in our land." The Environmental Protection Agency finalized the latest WOTUS rule at the end of 2022. NCBA and its litigation partners filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the rule on January 18, 2023. NCBA sought a nationwide preliminary injunction, which would have prevented the federal government from implementing the WOTUS rule until the entire case is decided. Instead, the court granted a limited injunction in only two states—Texas and Idaho. NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart adds, “The court’s decision to keep the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule in place is concerning and irresponsible.”

NCBA concerned with District Court decision to let WOTUS rule stand

The United Nations Secretary-General over the weekend announced an extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. 

The announcement came at the last minute as the agreement was set to expire. 

The Initiative facilitates the safe navigation for the exports of grain and related foodstuffs and fertilizers, including ammonia, from designated Ukrainian seaports. 

During the first two terms, some 25 million metric tons of grain and foodstuffs have been moved to 45 countries, helping to bring down global food prices and stabilizing the markets. 

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, alongside the Memorandum of Understanding on promoting Russian food products and fertilizers to the world markets, are critical for global food security, especially for developing countries. 

The original agreement was signed in July of 2022 to address the need for Ukraine to export agricultural products during the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian officials indicate the agreement was extended for another 120 days.

The United Nations Secretary-General over the weekend announced an extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The announcement came at the last minute as the agreement was set to expire. The Initiative facilitates the safe navigation for the exports of grain and related foodstuffs and fertilizers, including ammonia, from designated Ukrainian seaports. During the first two terms, some 25 million metric tons of grain and foodstuffs have been moved to 45 countries, helping to bring down global food prices and stabilizing the markets. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, alongside the Memorandum of Understanding on promoting Russian food products and fertilizers to the world markets, are critical for global food security, especially for developing countries. The original agreement was signed in July of 2022 to address the need for Ukraine to export agricultural products during the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian officials indicate the agreement was extended for another 120 days.

UN reaches Black Sea Grain Initiative extension

There's less than a month left until your tax returns are due and officials with the IRS want you to be aware of possible scams.&nbsp;

Spokesman Michael Devine says criminals are very savvy.&nbsp;

"They watch the news, whatever is in the news they're going to capitalize on," Devine tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Whether it's a disaster and they create a fake website to try to get you to donate or filing season when they pretend to be the IRS."&nbsp;

Devine says you may get a call out of the blue from someone claiming to be the IRS saying you owe money right now&nbsp;

"Well, the IRS doesn't call you out of the blue, we send you a letter through the mail," Devine says. "And we know that 90% of all data thefts begin with an email for phishing."&nbsp;

Devine says if you get an email claiming to be from the IRS, don't open it, because they also will not contact you that way. The IRS will only contact you through the United States mail and no other way.&nbsp;

Devine says that criminals want to get your attention and want to scare you&nbsp;

"They want to convince you that you have to give them your information or your money," Devine explains. "And think about it just for a minute, you can't pay your utility bills with anything other than a check or a credit card or a debit card, you can't go buy gift cards and give them the number, that's what criminals do."&nbsp;

Devine says to be very cautious this tax season as you work to file your returns.&nbsp;

Devine says if you have been a victim of identity theft because of a scam call or email, the IRS has a tool to help&nbsp;

"The IRS urges you to join a program that we created a few years ago, and now it's open to everyone, it's called an identity protection pin number, this is a voluntary program," Devine says. "And what it does is after you proven you are who you say you are, every year you will get a letter in the mail with a six-digit number that's a unique number between you and the IRS."&nbsp;

Devine says without that six-digit number your tax return will not be processed.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;There's less than a month left until your tax returns are due and officials with the IRS want you to be aware of possible scams.&nbsp;Spokesman Michael Devine says criminals are very savvy.&nbsp;"They watch the news, whatever is in the news they're going to capitalize on," Devine tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Whether it's a disaster and they create a fake website to try to get you to donate or filing season when they pretend to be the IRS."&nbsp;Devine says you may get a call out of the blue from someone claiming to be the IRS saying you owe money right now&nbsp;"Well, the IRS doesn't call you out of the blue, we send you a letter through the mail," Devine says. "And we know that 90% of all data thefts begin with an email for phishing."&nbsp;Devine says if you get an email claiming to be from the IRS, don't open it, because they also will not contact you that way. The IRS will only contact you through the United States mail and no other way.&nbsp;Devine says that criminals want to get your attention and want to scare you&nbsp;"They want to convince you that you have to give them your information or your money," Devine explains. "And think about it just for a minute, you can't pay your utility bills with anything other than a check or a credit card or a debit card, you can't go buy gift cards and give them the number, that's what criminals do."&nbsp;Devine says to be very cautious this tax season as you work to file your returns.&nbsp;Devine says if you have been a victim of identity theft because of a scam call or email, the IRS has a tool to help&nbsp;"The IRS urges you to join a program that we created a few years ago, and now it's open to everyone, it's called an identity protection pin number, this is a voluntary program," Devine says. "And what it does is after you proven you are who you say you are, every year you will get a letter in the mail with a six-digit number that's a unique number between you and the IRS."&nbsp;Devine says without that six-digit number your tax return will not be processed.&nbsp;Tax returns are due April 18th.&nbsp;

Beware: Tax season is also scam season

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

Just after 10:30a.m. March 17, the Brown County Sheriffs Office Drug Task Force initiated search warrants at 605 Virginia Street and 610 Roxanna Street in Morrill, Kansas, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies Arrested 39-year-old Forrest Gaston II of Morill on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Distribution of Meth,&nbsp; Possession of Marijuana and Possesion of Drug. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679341190812.png" alt="Gaston-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Gaston-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.Just after 10:30a.m. March 17, the Brown County Sheriffs Office Drug Task Force initiated search warrants at 605 Virginia Street and 610 Roxanna Street in Morrill, Kansas, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Deputies Arrested 39-year-old Forrest Gaston II of Morill on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Distribution of Meth,&nbsp; Possession of Marijuana and Possesion of Drug. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of selling meth

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s Republican attorney general on Monday said he will limit access to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-mental-ce8f5a9ee53768af03c3c65d5331045b">gender-affirming care</a>&nbsp;for minors, sidestepping the GOP-led Senate as it struggles to pass a law banning the practice for children completely.

As hundreds of activists rallied at the Capitol to pressure lawmakers to act on the bill, Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced plans to file an emergency rule.

The rule will require an 18-month waiting period, 15 hour-long therapy sessions and treatment of any mental illnesses before Missouri doctors can provide that kind of care to transgender children, according to Bailey's office.

“I am dedicated to using every legal tool at my disposal to stand in the gap and protect children from being subject to inhumane science experiments,” Bailey said.

The emergency rule also requires disclosure of information about puberty blocker drugs, including that they are experimental, not approved by the FDA and that the FDA has warned they can lead to brain swelling and blindness, Bailey said.

While puberty blockers and hormones often prescribed in transgender treatment are not FDA approved for transgender care, they are used in those cases “off-label,″ which is an accepted and permitted practice.

This is not the first time Bailey has weighed in on transgender health care since taking office in January.

In February, Bailey&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-hawley-jamie-reed-st-louis-missouri-health-83953afb898dff7caa2b542c91480069">announced an investigation</a>&nbsp;of a transgender youth clinic in St. Louis run by Washington University, following allegations of abuse by a former employee. He asked the university to shut down the clinic, but it refused.

Bailey's spokeswoman did not say when the new health care rule will be filed and did not provide a copy.

Maysa Akbar, chief diversity officer for the American Psychological Association, called the rule “a disturbing development for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth in Missouri.”

“This emergency order flies in the face of the scientific consensus, which is that, with appropriate psychological screening, treatment approaches should affirm an adolescent’s gender identity, not deny it," Akbar said. "Research shows that discrimination has adverse effects on the health and well-being of transgender people.”

The rule appears to be aimed at helping children who might regret transitioning, said Dr. Jack Drescher, section editor of the gender dysphoria chapter of the DSM-5, the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s mental illness manual.

“However it does so at the expense of those children who would indeed benefit from transition services,” Drescher said. “Sacrificing the well being of the latter for the presumed benefit to the former is an ethically troubling intervention by the state into clinical practice.”

Missouri LGBTQ-rights group PROMO called Bailey's rule an abuse of power and said his office “does not respect the professional guidelines of every major medical association in our country, who agrees gender-affirming healthcare is the standard of care for transgender Missourians.”

The rule comes amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-health-texas-state-government-tennessee-minnesota-878a9217fa434f3ecd83738a71e40572">national push</a>&nbsp;to restrict transgender health care, drag shows, bathroom access and how LGBTQ topics are discussed in schools.

Erin Reed, a researcher who tracks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-health-texas-state-government-tennessee-minnesota-878a9217fa434f3ecd83738a71e40572">transgender legislation</a>, said Bailey is among Republican elected officials in state executive offices across the nation who are finding ways to limit gender-affirming care when legislatures fail to act.

“An action like this taken to sidestep the legislature and sidestep the democratic process is in and of itself undemocratic and is going to harm trans youth in Missouri,” Reed said.

Florida state medical officials last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-health-business-florida-government-and-politics-78e417a184718de8b9e71ff32efbc77f">banned transgender children</a>&nbsp;from receiving hormones or undergoing surgeries to treat gender dysphoria at the urging of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is widely considered to be weighing a run for the Republican presidential nomination.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679362016015.png" alt="“I am dedicated to using every legal tool at my disposal to stand in the gap and protect children from being subject to inhumane science experiments,”&nbsp; Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said." />
 <figcaption>“I am dedicated to using every legal tool at my disposal to stand in the gap and protect children from being subject to inhumane science experiments,”&nbsp; Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said.</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s Republican attorney general on Monday said he will limit access to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-mental-ce8f5a9ee53768af03c3c65d5331045b">gender-affirming care</a>&nbsp;for minors, sidestepping the GOP-led Senate as it struggles to pass a law banning the practice for children completely.As hundreds of activists rallied at the Capitol to pressure lawmakers to act on the bill, Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced plans to file an emergency rule.The rule will require an 18-month waiting period, 15 hour-long therapy sessions and treatment of any mental illnesses before Missouri doctors can provide that kind of care to transgender children, according to Bailey's office.“I am dedicated to using every legal tool at my disposal to stand in the gap and protect children from being subject to inhumane science experiments,” Bailey said.The emergency rule also requires disclosure of information about puberty blocker drugs, including that they are experimental, not approved by the FDA and that the FDA has warned they can lead to brain swelling and blindness, Bailey said.While puberty blockers and hormones often prescribed in transgender treatment are not FDA approved for transgender care, they are used in those cases “off-label,″ which is an accepted and permitted practice.This is not the first time Bailey has weighed in on transgender health care since taking office in January.In February, Bailey&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-hawley-jamie-reed-st-louis-missouri-health-83953afb898dff7caa2b542c91480069">announced an investigation</a>&nbsp;of a transgender youth clinic in St. Louis run by Washington University, following allegations of abuse by a former employee. He asked the university to shut down the clinic, but it refused.Bailey's spokeswoman did not say when the new health care rule will be filed and did not provide a copy.Maysa Akbar, chief diversity officer for the American Psychological Association, called the rule “a disturbing development for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth in Missouri.”“This emergency order flies in the face of the scientific consensus, which is that, with appropriate psychological screening, treatment approaches should affirm an adolescent’s gender identity, not deny it," Akbar said. "Research shows that discrimination has adverse effects on the health and well-being of transgender people.”The rule appears to be aimed at helping children who might regret transitioning, said Dr. Jack Drescher, section editor of the gender dysphoria chapter of the DSM-5, the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s mental illness manual.“However it does so at the expense of those children who would indeed benefit from transition services,” Drescher said. “Sacrificing the well being of the latter for the presumed benefit to the former is an ethically troubling intervention by the state into clinical practice.”Missouri LGBTQ-rights group PROMO called Bailey's rule an abuse of power and said his office “does not respect the professional guidelines of every major medical association in our country, who agrees gender-affirming healthcare is the standard of care for transgender Missourians.”The rule comes amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-health-texas-state-government-tennessee-minnesota-878a9217fa434f3ecd83738a71e40572">national push</a>&nbsp;to restrict transgender health care, drag shows, bathroom access and how LGBTQ topics are discussed in schools.Erin Reed, a researcher who tracks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-health-texas-state-government-tennessee-minnesota-878a9217fa434f3ecd83738a71e40572">transgender legislation</a>, said Bailey is among Republican elected officials in state executive offices across the nation who are finding ways to limit gender-affirming care when legislatures fail to act.“An action like this taken to sidestep the legislature and sidestep the democratic process is in and of itself undemocratic and is going to harm trans youth in Missouri,” Reed said.Florida state medical officials last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-health-business-florida-government-and-politics-78e417a184718de8b9e71ff32efbc77f">banned transgender children</a>&nbsp;from receiving hormones or undergoing surgeries to treat gender dysphoria at the urging of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is widely considered to be weighing a run for the Republican presidential nomination.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-child-abuse-child-welfare-greg-abbott-ken-paxton-65c054b6ccd9040e81ad1a4be11403b9">Texas went farther than any state</a>&nbsp;last year when Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued a first-of-its-kind order that instructed child welfare officials to investigate reports of gender-confirming care for kids as abuse.A couple hundred people rallied Monday at the Capitol in hopes of pushing lawmakers to pass a law to ban all gender-affirming treatment for children, while several came in opposition. The rally featured a diverse collection of speakers, including Republican state officials such as Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Christian leaders and several gay and transgender activists who said that only adults should be able to access gender-affirming care.Catherine Dreher, vice chair of the Missouri Libertarian Party, said her 18-year-old son has dealt with mental health issues, recently left home and wants to transition to a woman, which distresses her. She opposes allowing that for minors, calling it “child abuse.”Debate on the Missouri bill stalled when the conservative sponsor, Republican Sen. Mike Moon, struggled to negotiate with Democrats on the legislation. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-sports-health-youth-missouri-14aaffe8553e5b4567cb179f7a96176b">GOP-led Senate</a>&nbsp;ultimately failed to pass any legislation dealing with the topic before lawmakers left for their annual spring break.“Protecting Missouri's children is not up for negotiation,” Moon wrote in a public letter signed by seven other Republican senators, who vowed to take any action necessary to bring Moon's bill to a vote this week.The issue threatens to derail the Senate. Several Republican senators on Monday spoke against another Republican lawmaker's attempt to combine Moon's bill with a ban on transgender girls competing on school girls' sports teams, fearing that merging the issues might make the legislation unconstitutional.Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have indicated that they may filibuster to encourage compromise, a stall tactic that involves senators talking nonstop.

Local