Hawaiian Bros Island Grill has announced it will locate in
St. Joseph this summer.

A marketing consultant announced Hawaiian Bros will locate
at the vacant lot at Belt Highway and Beck Road. A sign has been erected on the
chain link fence at the site. The consultant promised updates, but stated the
restaurant will join the St. Joseph community this summer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672940704384.jpeg" alt="Photos courtesy of Hawaiian Bros" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy of Hawaiian Bros</figcaption>
 </figure>Hawaiian Bros Island Grill has announced it will locate in
St. Joseph this summer.A marketing consultant announced Hawaiian Bros will locate
at the vacant lot at Belt Highway and Beck Road. A sign has been erected on the
chain link fence at the site. The consultant promised updates, but stated the
restaurant will join the St. Joseph community this summer.

Hawaiian Bros coming to St. Joseph

Last year felt different from the years during the coronavirus pandemic for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. &nbsp;

President Kylee Strough says things felt back to normal as services bounced back to how they were prior to 2020.&nbsp;

"We saw a lot of our programming return to things we recognized," Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "For instance, through our profit and education initiative we were able to get career speakers back into classrooms and school settings to share with students about career paths they might want to consider in their educational journey."&nbsp;

Strough says volunteers were also able to get back into schools for reading programs and the United Way was able to relaunch Leadership St. Joseph in person, after being virtual during the pandemic. &nbsp;

After a bounce back of services last year, the United Way of Greater St. Joseph has its eyes on this year, setting some new goals. &nbsp;

This year, Strough says one big goal is helping the homeless population in St. Joseph.&nbsp; Strough says that involves working with several other agencies and the city to formulate a good system. &nbsp;

"So, we're working on making sure that that system is solid and strong, but also that it's evident to those in the community and they know where to turn when they're experiencing homelessness or when they run across somebody who they are concerned about," Strough says. "So, they know where to turn and connect them for assistance."&nbsp;

Strough says another focus this year for United Way will be putting an emphasis on the early care and education realm, focusing on getting kids ready for kindergarten. &nbsp;

Strough says to accomplish these goals it's going to take communication, coordination, and collaboration with other agencies to accomplish these goals.&nbsp;

"We have a limited amount of resources within our community, whether that be money, people, expertise, et cetera," Strough explains. "The better we can be at working together, at sharing our resources, and making sure that we're acting in a coordinated and collaborated method, the stronger our community will be at the end of the day."&nbsp;

Strough says no matter what the topic is that's how things will be approached to achieve the goals of helping the community.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Last year felt different from the years during the coronavirus pandemic for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. &nbsp;President Kylee Strough says things felt back to normal as services bounced back to how they were prior to 2020.&nbsp;"We saw a lot of our programming return to things we recognized," Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "For instance, through our profit and education initiative we were able to get career speakers back into classrooms and school settings to share with students about career paths they might want to consider in their educational journey."&nbsp;Strough says volunteers were also able to get back into schools for reading programs and the United Way was able to relaunch Leadership St. Joseph in person, after being virtual during the pandemic. &nbsp;After a bounce back of services last year, the United Way of Greater St. Joseph has its eyes on this year, setting some new goals. &nbsp;This year, Strough says one big goal is helping the homeless population in St. Joseph.&nbsp; Strough says that involves working with several other agencies and the city to formulate a good system. &nbsp;"So, we're working on making sure that that system is solid and strong, but also that it's evident to those in the community and they know where to turn when they're experiencing homelessness or when they run across somebody who they are concerned about," Strough says. "So, they know where to turn and connect them for assistance."&nbsp;Strough says another focus this year for United Way will be putting an emphasis on the early care and education realm, focusing on getting kids ready for kindergarten. &nbsp;Strough says to accomplish these goals it's going to take communication, coordination, and collaboration with other agencies to accomplish these goals.&nbsp;"We have a limited amount of resources within our community, whether that be money, people, expertise, et cetera," Strough explains. "The better we can be at working together, at sharing our resources, and making sure that we're acting in a coordinated and collaborated method, the stronger our community will be at the end of the day."&nbsp;Strough says no matter what the topic is that's how things will be approached to achieve the goals of helping the community.&nbsp;

With pandemic in the rearview United Way of Greater St. Joseph looks forward to 2023

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting have charged on suspect and have another in custody.

Just after 4p.m. Monday, the Brown County law enforcement dispatch received a call of a possible shooting and battery in the vicinity of U.S. 36 Highway near Timber, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; 

Deputies responded and located a woman who suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the lower leg.&nbsp; Town and Country Ambulance transported her&nbsp; to Amberwell Hospital in Hiawatha.

Investigators learned that the suspect had fled the scene before deputies arrived and an Attempt To Locate was immediately issued by Brown County Dispatch to surrounding areas.

A short time later deputies learned the suspect had been located in St Joseph, Missouri and was arrested. His name has not been released.

During the investigation, deputies arrested 55-year-old Shane Meggison&nbsp; on charges of Child Endangerment,&nbsp; Felony Obstruction, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana and&nbsp; No Drug Tax Stamp. His bond issued Wednesday is $25,000, according to Merchant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672861101652.png" alt="Meggison -photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Meggison -photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting have charged on suspect and have another in custody.Just after 4p.m. Monday, the Brown County law enforcement dispatch received a call of a possible shooting and battery in the vicinity of U.S. 36 Highway near Timber, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; Deputies responded and located a woman who suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the lower leg.&nbsp; Town and Country Ambulance transported her&nbsp; to Amberwell Hospital in Hiawatha.Investigators learned that the suspect had fled the scene before deputies arrived and an Attempt To Locate was immediately issued by Brown County Dispatch to surrounding areas. A short time later deputies learned the suspect had been located in St Joseph, Missouri and was arrested. His name has not been released.During the investigation, deputies arrested 55-year-old Shane Meggison&nbsp; on charges of Child Endangerment,&nbsp; Felony Obstruction, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana and&nbsp; No Drug Tax Stamp. His bond issued Wednesday is $25,000, according to Merchant.

Kansas man charged after woman found with a gunshot wound

BROWN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford F150 driven by Efrain  Perez-Ordonez, 58, Hood, Texas, was stopped at the stop sign on Eastbound 260th Road at U.S. 75 one half mile east of Sabetha.

The driver failed to yield right of way and entered the intersection. A southbound 2011 Nissan Rogue driven by&nbsp; Rodney G. Sanner, 61, Sabetha, struck the drivers side of the pickup. Both vehicles came to rest in a ditch at the southeast corner of the intersection.

Sanner and a passenger in the Nissan Robin G. Sanner, 53, Sabetha, were pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Perez-Ordonez was not injured. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

BROWN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford F150 driven by Efrain Perez-Ordonez, 58, Hood, Texas, was stopped at the stop sign on Eastbound 260th Road at U.S. 75 one half mile east of Sabetha.The driver failed to yield right of way and entered the intersection. A southbound 2011 Nissan Rogue driven by&nbsp; Rodney G. Sanner, 61, Sabetha, struck the drivers side of the pickup. Both vehicles came to rest in a ditch at the southeast corner of the intersection.Sanner and a passenger in the Nissan Robin G. Sanner, 53, Sabetha, were pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Perez-Ordonez was not injured. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

Kansas couple killed after SUV, pickup crash

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Matthew R. Housekneckt, 24, Maysville, was southbound on MO 33 one mile south of Maysville.

The car traveled off the road and struck an embankment. DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported Housekneckt to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Matthew R. Housekneckt, 24, Maysville, was southbound on MO 33 one mile south of Maysville.The car traveled off the road and struck an embankment. DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported Housekneckt to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after car strikes embankment

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal&nbsp; crash have made an arrest.

Just after 2a.m Monday, an&nbsp;officer on patrol observed a 2002 Mini Cooper driven recklessly by 22-year-old Brandon Mann of Atchison at 6th and U.S.59 Highway, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The officer attempted to stop the vehicle and it fled north on 4th Street. The officer lost sight of the vehicle but subsequently located the vehicle which had left the road and landed on its top in a residential yard in 900 block North 4th Street.

One passenger identified as&nbsp; Jacey Paris, 20, Atchison, died in the accident, according to Wilson.&nbsp; EMS transported Mann and and two passengers, age 15 and 16, to an area hospital for treatment.

Just before 12:30p.m. Wednesday, Mann&nbsp;turned himself in at the Atchison Police Department to investigators with Kansas Highway Patrol and police.

He was booked on a&nbsp;District Court warrant charging him with murder in the first degree, aggravated battery, aggravated endangerment of a child (2 counts), fleeing and attempting to elude, and reckless driving. He is being held on a bond of $750,000, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672860183672.png" alt="Mann-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Mann-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal&nbsp; crash have made an arrest.Just after 2a.m Monday, an&nbsp;officer on patrol observed a 2002 Mini Cooper driven recklessly by 22-year-old Brandon Mann of Atchison at 6th and U.S.59 Highway, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle and it fled north on 4th Street. The officer lost sight of the vehicle but subsequently located the vehicle which had left the road and landed on its top in a residential yard in 900 block North 4th Street.One passenger identified as&nbsp; Jacey Paris, 20, Atchison, died in the accident, according to Wilson.&nbsp; EMS transported Mann and and two passengers, age 15 and 16, to an area hospital for treatment.Just before 12:30p.m. Wednesday, Mann&nbsp;turned himself in at the Atchison Police Department to investigators with Kansas Highway Patrol and police.He was booked on a&nbsp;District Court warrant charging him with murder in the first degree, aggravated battery, aggravated endangerment of a child (2 counts), fleeing and attempting to elude, and reckless driving. He is being held on a bond of $750,000, according to Wilson.

Driver in fatal crash turns himself in to KHP investigators

By JASON HANCOCK and RUDI KELLER <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/04/new-missouri-house-speaker-says-massive-budget-surplus-should-mean-more-tax-cuts/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri’s top lawmaker opened the 
2023 legislative session Wednesday by proclaiming that the state’s 
massive budget surplus should translate into more tax cuts.&nbsp;

House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, noted that Missouri lawmakers approved a <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-764-million-income-tax-cut-rural-incentives-package/">nearly $800 million tax cut in September</a>.
 But with a projected state budget surplus of $6 billion, Plocher 
believes “there is more room to return money to Missouri taxpayers.”

While his speech Wednesday to the 
Missouri House didn’t delve into details of any tax cut plan, its 
inclusion in his opening day address signals the issue’s importance to 
the new speaker. And speaking to reporters later in the day, Plocher 
said he’s open to multiple ideas to reduce the tax burden on 
Missourians, from income tax cuts to trimming the stales tax to changes 
in personal property tax.&nbsp;

“Reducing our tax burden will make 
Missouri even more competitive to recruit a talented workforce, to build
 prosperous communities, grow small businesses and create more 
opportunities for all,” he said.

In addition to tax cuts, Plocher also vowed to take steps to increase teacher pay.&nbsp;

Since 2010, the minimum starting pay 
for a teacher in Missouri has been $25,000. Lawmakers added $21.8 
million to this year’s budget to fund a grant program to raise base pay 
to $38,000. About 12% of the state’s 70,400 teachers make less than that
 amount, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education estimates.

School districts had to provide 30% 
of the cost to be eligible. If the state mandates a minimum pay, it must
 fund it. Paterson said he’s ready for that commitment.

In October, the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Blue Ribbon Commission made <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/18/commission-recommends-salary-increases-to-address-missouri-teacher-shortage/">raising the minimum salary to $38,000</a> its top recommendation among nine proposals to alleviate the teacher shortage being felt by rural and urban districts alike.

Shortages are particularly acute for 
elementary, early childhood and special education, as well as in 
specific subjects and high-need schools.

“For too long our teachers have been compensated by an out-of-date pay scale. It’s
 a flawed system that rewards time served instead of output and 
innovation,” Plocher said Wednesday. “Teaching is difficult and our 
state needs to reward teachers for success so our children have access, 
both to great teachers and choices for education.”

Beyond increasing teacher pay, 
Plocher hinted at a legislative push to regulate school curriculum, 
saying parents should have a stronger voice as it relates to the 
substance of what is taught to their kids each day.”

Among the bills filed pertaining to 
school curriculum include bans on what is known as “critical race 
theory” and a “Parents Bill of Rights” that would allow parents to 
object to and opt out of&nbsp; “any instructional materials” they find 
objectionable.

In a portion of the speech addressing
 violent crime, Plocher took a shot at local leaders in Kansas City and 
St. Louis — though not by name — in saying that many have “lost trust in
 dysfunctional local governments where some officials refuse to 
prosecute violent offenders.”

“We cannot be bystanders as unchecked
 crime causes the systematic destruction of our proud state,” Plocher 
said. “There is no excuse for inaction.”

House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, spoke on the 
session’s opening day against a GOP-backed plan to change the initiative
 petition process to make it harder to amend the constitution.

“Any attempt to strip people of their power to propose and enact laws is antithetical to democracy,” Quade said.

She also noted that while major disagreements exist between her party
 and the Republicans —notably over abortion rights and gun safety — 
there are also major areas where they are on the same page, echoing 
Plocher’s call that a priority of the 2023 session should be raising 
teacher pay and improving access to childcare.

“We can agree that boosting&nbsp;teacher pay has to happen,” she said, “and that finding quality and affordable childcare has to be a priority to address our workforce issues and to ensure that our kids start off with the support that they need.”

Both the House and the state Senate kicked off the 2023 legislative session at noon. The session ends at 6 p.m. on May 12.&nbsp;

In a 10-minute speech in the Senate, 
new President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, asked members to 
consider their place in history and to reject <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/05/14/battle-lines-remain-fixed-in-missouri-senate-republican-factional-fights-as-session-ends/">the factional splits</a> that undermined the chamber’s work in 2022.

“We must care more about the policy 
than we do the personality,” Rowden said. “We must work toward retiring 
revenge, and not recycling it. And we must break the cycle of governing 
by fear and half truths.”

The policies he wants the Senate to 
address, Rowden said, would provide more health care coverage to new 
mothers, continue benefit programs as family income increases to provide
 a smooth transition off public assistance, make it harder to amend the 
constitution and overhaul education.

In an interview last month with The 
Independent, Rowden said the ideas he would include in his opening-day 
address reflect “broad consensus” in the Republican caucus.

He asked senators to pass Sen. Elaine Gannon’s bill extending Medicaid services to mothers <a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=44414">for a year after delivery</a>. The coverage currently ends 60 days after a woman gives birth. The bill fell victim to factional fighting last year.

And Rowden said he wants to pass Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman’s bill to <a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=44573">continue benefits when a family’s income rises</a>.

“Being pro-life means standing for Missouri’s vulnerable populations,” Rowden said.

Rowden made changing education a 
two-year project for the Senate. Public schools are struggling with a 
teacher shortage, and a state commission recommended nine steps, 
including <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/18/commission-recommends-salary-increases-to-address-missouri-teacher-shortage/">much higher minimum salaries</a>. Other lawmakers are worried more districts will move to a <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/19/4-day-school-week-teacher-shortage/">four-day week</a>, which will aggravate the issues surrounding child care availability.

The education changes must “redefine” student and school success, Rowden said.

“In Missouri, world-class schools 
should be treated and funded like world-class schools,” he said. 
“World-class teachers should be paid like world-class teachers.”

Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, D-Independence, said in a press 
release that Missourians want “commonsense solutions to the problems 
facing our state. People are tired of the extremist rhetoric and chaotic
 partisanship that puts special interests ahead of working families.”

Democrats in the Senate will prioritize teacher pay increases, 
solutions to a childcare shortage and expanding access to reproductive 
healthcare.

The party is also focused on gun safety, Rizzo said.

“Missouri is in the middle of a gun violence epidemic,” he said, “we 
can fix that by giving police the tools they need to stop killers when 
there are clear red flags. Missouri has real problems, and Democrats are
 here to offer real solutions.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672868531548.png" alt="Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON HANCOCK and RUDI KELLER <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/04/new-missouri-house-speaker-says-massive-budget-surplus-should-mean-more-tax-cuts/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri’s top lawmaker opened the 
2023 legislative session Wednesday by proclaiming that the state’s 
massive budget surplus should translate into more tax cuts.&nbsp;House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, noted that Missouri lawmakers approved a <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-764-million-income-tax-cut-rural-incentives-package/">nearly $800 million tax cut in September</a>.
 But with a projected state budget surplus of $6 billion, Plocher 
believes “there is more room to return money to Missouri taxpayers.”While his speech Wednesday to the 
Missouri House didn’t delve into details of any tax cut plan, its 
inclusion in his opening day address signals the issue’s importance to 
the new speaker. And speaking to reporters later in the day, Plocher 
said he’s open to multiple ideas to reduce the tax burden on 
Missourians, from income tax cuts to trimming the stales tax to changes 
in personal property tax.&nbsp;“Reducing our tax burden will make 
Missouri even more competitive to recruit a talented workforce, to build
 prosperous communities, grow small businesses and create more 
opportunities for all,” he said.In addition to tax cuts, Plocher also vowed to take steps to increase teacher pay.&nbsp;Since 2010, the minimum starting pay 
for a teacher in Missouri has been $25,000. Lawmakers added $21.8 
million to this year’s budget to fund a grant program to raise base pay 
to $38,000. About 12% of the state’s 70,400 teachers make less than that
 amount, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education estimates.School districts had to provide 30% 
of the cost to be eligible. If the state mandates a minimum pay, it must
 fund it. Paterson said he’s ready for that commitment.In October, the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Blue Ribbon Commission made <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/18/commission-recommends-salary-increases-to-address-missouri-teacher-shortage/">raising the minimum salary to $38,000</a> its top recommendation among nine proposals to alleviate the teacher shortage being felt by rural and urban districts alike.Shortages are particularly acute for 
elementary, early childhood and special education, as well as in 
specific subjects and high-need schools.“For too long our teachers have been compensated by an out-of-date pay scale. It’s
 a flawed system that rewards time served instead of output and 
innovation,” Plocher said Wednesday. “Teaching is difficult and our 
state needs to reward teachers for success so our children have access, 
both to great teachers and choices for education.”Beyond increasing teacher pay, 
Plocher hinted at a legislative push to regulate school curriculum, 
saying parents should have a stronger voice as it relates to the 
substance of what is taught to their kids each day.”Among the bills filed pertaining to 
school curriculum include bans on what is known as “critical race 
theory” and a “Parents Bill of Rights” that would allow parents to 
object to and opt out of&nbsp; “any instructional materials” they find 
objectionable.In a portion of the speech addressing
 violent crime, Plocher took a shot at local leaders in Kansas City and 
St. Louis — though not by name — in saying that many have “lost trust in
 dysfunctional local governments where some officials refuse to 
prosecute violent offenders.”“We cannot be bystanders as unchecked
 crime causes the systematic destruction of our proud state,” Plocher 
said. “There is no excuse for inaction.”House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, spoke on the 
session’s opening day against a GOP-backed plan to change the initiative
 petition process to make it harder to amend the constitution.“Any attempt to strip people of their power to propose and enact laws is antithetical to democracy,” Quade said.She also noted that while major disagreements exist between her party
 and the Republicans —notably over abortion rights and gun safety — 
there are also major areas where they are on the same page, echoing 
Plocher’s call that a priority of the 2023 session should be raising 
teacher pay and improving access to childcare.“We can agree that boosting&nbsp;teacher pay has to happen,” she said, “and that finding quality and affordable childcare has to be a priority to address our workforce issues and to ensure that our kids start off with the support that they need.”Both the House and the state Senate kicked off the 2023 legislative session at noon. The session ends at 6 p.m. on May 12.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672868620228.png" alt="Sen. Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, gives a speech after his colleagues unanimously approved his appointment as president pro tem on Jan. 4, 2023 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, gives a speech after his colleagues unanimously approved his appointment as president pro tem on Jan. 4, 2023 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri Senate</h2>In a 10-minute speech in the Senate, 
new President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, asked members to 
consider their place in history and to reject <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/05/14/battle-lines-remain-fixed-in-missouri-senate-republican-factional-fights-as-session-ends/">the factional splits</a> that undermined the chamber’s work in 2022.“We must care more about the policy 
than we do the personality,” Rowden said. “We must work toward retiring 
revenge, and not recycling it. And we must break the cycle of governing 
by fear and half truths.”The policies he wants the Senate to 
address, Rowden said, would provide more health care coverage to new 
mothers, continue benefit programs as family income increases to provide
 a smooth transition off public assistance, make it harder to amend the 
constitution and overhaul education.In an interview last month with The 
Independent, Rowden said the ideas he would include in his opening-day 
address reflect “broad consensus” in the Republican caucus.He asked senators to pass Sen. Elaine Gannon’s bill extending Medicaid services to mothers <a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=44414">for a year after delivery</a>. The coverage currently ends 60 days after a woman gives birth. The bill fell victim to factional fighting last year.And Rowden said he wants to pass Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman’s bill to <a target="_blank" href="https://senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=44573">continue benefits when a family’s income rises</a>.“Being pro-life means standing for Missouri’s vulnerable populations,” Rowden said.Rowden made changing education a 
two-year project for the Senate. Public schools are struggling with a 
teacher shortage, and a state commission recommended nine steps, 
including <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/10/18/commission-recommends-salary-increases-to-address-missouri-teacher-shortage/">much higher minimum salaries</a>. Other lawmakers are worried more districts will move to a <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/19/4-day-school-week-teacher-shortage/">four-day week</a>, which will aggravate the issues surrounding child care availability.The education changes must “redefine” student and school success, Rowden said.“In Missouri, world-class schools 
should be treated and funded like world-class schools,” he said. 
“World-class teachers should be paid like world-class teachers.”Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, D-Independence, said in a press 
release that Missourians want “commonsense solutions to the problems 
facing our state. People are tired of the extremist rhetoric and chaotic
 partisanship that puts special interests ahead of working families.”Democrats in the Senate will prioritize teacher pay increases, 
solutions to a childcare shortage and expanding access to reproductive 
healthcare.The party is also focused on gun safety, Rizzo said.“Missouri is in the middle of a gun violence epidemic,” he said, “we 
can fix that by giving police the tools they need to stop killers when 
there are clear red flags. Missouri has real problems, and Democrats are
 here to offer real solutions.”

Mo. House speaker: Budget surplus should mean more tax cuts

St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter sees new opportunities for access to downtown in the proposed changes to the I-229 double decker bridge. &nbsp;

Carter says good access and the same accesses to downtown today are totally different things, but bringing entirely different ways into downtown presents good opportunities&nbsp;

"One of the pieces that's been talked about is an extension of St. Joseph Avenue to the, instead of it kind of merging into 229, extending it to the west in a way that would attach to McArthur," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. &nbsp;

Carter says it would also create an opportunity to get off the roadway and being able to go left on St. Joseph Avenue and onto McArthur Drive and coming in under the bridges into downtown&nbsp;

"That's not a way we even think about, or even dream about, getting into downtown now," Carter says. "But once you look at it on a map, it can create a really cool kind of corridor."&nbsp;

Carter says the plan could also bring some new life to the corridor that currently enters onto McArthur Drive.&nbsp;

Carter says lowering the current double decker bridge to ground level could provide new access points into downtown St. Joseph, livening up several city corridors into downtown. &nbsp;

Another one of those corridors, Carter says, is on sixth street, connecting the current 229 corridor onto sixth street farther south than it currently is. &nbsp;

"Which creates a lot of opportunity because sixth street is something of a blank canvas, there's a lot of opportunity right through there," Carter explains.&nbsp;

Carter says that area provides a lot of potential for new and exciting access into downtown St. Joseph&nbsp;

"So, it's not the same jump off the highway and be on Edmond Street, but there's a lot of potential for new and exciting things," Carter says.&nbsp;

The most popular plan for renovations on 229 would involve getting rid of the current double decker bridge, bringing the road to ground level.&nbsp; The new plan would also get rid of the interstate designation&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter sees new opportunities for access to downtown in the proposed changes to the I-229 double decker bridge. &nbsp;Carter says good access and the same accesses to downtown today are totally different things, but bringing entirely different ways into downtown presents good opportunities&nbsp;"One of the pieces that's been talked about is an extension of St. Joseph Avenue to the, instead of it kind of merging into 229, extending it to the west in a way that would attach to McArthur," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. &nbsp;Carter says it would also create an opportunity to get off the roadway and being able to go left on St. Joseph Avenue and onto McArthur Drive and coming in under the bridges into downtown&nbsp;"That's not a way we even think about, or even dream about, getting into downtown now," Carter says. "But once you look at it on a map, it can create a really cool kind of corridor."&nbsp;Carter says the plan could also bring some new life to the corridor that currently enters onto McArthur Drive.&nbsp;Carter says lowering the current double decker bridge to ground level could provide new access points into downtown St. Joseph, livening up several city corridors into downtown. &nbsp;Another one of those corridors, Carter says, is on sixth street, connecting the current 229 corridor onto sixth street farther south than it currently is. &nbsp;"Which creates a lot of opportunity because sixth street is something of a blank canvas, there's a lot of opportunity right through there," Carter explains.&nbsp;Carter says that area provides a lot of potential for new and exciting access into downtown St. Joseph&nbsp;"So, it's not the same jump off the highway and be on Edmond Street, but there's a lot of potential for new and exciting things," Carter says.&nbsp;The most popular plan for renovations on 229 would involve getting rid of the current double decker bridge, bringing the road to ground level.&nbsp; The new plan would also get rid of the interstate designation&nbsp;

St. Joseph city manager sees much potential for downtown corridors with I-229 renovations

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Hyundai Elantra driven by Wesley E. Jones, 30, Agency, was southbound on Route FF in Agency.

The driver swerved to miss an animal. The car traveled off the road, struck an embankment, a tree and overturned.

Buchanan County EMS transported Jones to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Hyundai Elantra driven by Wesley E. Jones, 30, Agency, was southbound on Route FF in Agency.The driver swerved to miss an animal. The car traveled off the road, struck an embankment, a tree and overturned.Buchanan County EMS transported Jones to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Agency man injured after car overturn when he swerves to avoid animal

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports a minimal number of fatalities during the New Year's holiday counting period. &nbsp;

Statewide the Highway Patrol reports two fatalities and 75 injuries in 243 traffic crashes.&nbsp;&nbsp; There were zero boating accidents or drownings. Both fatalities occurred in the Troop E region in the southeastern part of the state near the Poplar Bluff area. &nbsp;

104 drivers were arrested for drunk driving.&nbsp;

The two fatalities mark an increase of one from last year, with one fatality and 331 injuries in 1,045 traffic crashes.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Highway Patrol reports a minimal number of fatalities during the New Year's holiday counting period. &nbsp;Statewide the Highway Patrol reports two fatalities and 75 injuries in 243 traffic crashes.&nbsp;&nbsp; There were zero boating accidents or drownings. Both fatalities occurred in the Troop E region in the southeastern part of the state near the Poplar Bluff area. &nbsp;104 drivers were arrested for drunk driving.&nbsp;The two fatalities mark an increase of one from last year, with one fatality and 331 injuries in 1,045 traffic crashes.&nbsp;

New Years holiday sees less traffic crashes than last year, one more fatality 

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a vehicle theft and continue searching for a suspect.

Just after&nbsp;6:30p.m. on Sunday police recovered a stolen vehicle in the 900 block George Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The 1994 Ford Thunderbird had been reported stolen in Platte County Missouri on December 26th. 

Officers had responded to a vehicle on fire in the 900 block George and found there was a fire under the hood and the driver had fled from the area.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a vehicle theft and continue searching for a suspect.Just after&nbsp;6:30p.m. on Sunday police recovered a stolen vehicle in the 900 block George Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The 1994 Ford Thunderbird had been reported stolen in Platte County Missouri on December 26th. Officers had responded to a vehicle on fire in the 900 block George and found there was a fire under the hood and the driver had fled from the area.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Police found reported stolen car on fire, suspect fled the area

After serving four years as Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner, Lee Sawyer is stepping away from the office. &nbsp;

Sawyer says as he reflects on everything that's been done over his four years it feels good in some ways and nostalgic in others. Overall, though, he's grateful for the support he's received over his terms.&nbsp;

"I can say I've been very fortunate that the taxpayers have had confidence in me and what I've tried to do, and I've had a lot of really good support," Sawyer tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And I would be remiss to not thank my wife Toni who has been such a great supporter of mine, and when you get ready to run for something like this you do need that support at home because they're going to be involved."&nbsp;

Sawyer, who decided to not run for re-election to the office, says he feels that in four years the county accomplished a lot&nbsp;

"I feel like we've got a lot of good things done and some of the real kinds of basic blocking and tackling things we got done," Sawyer says. "And then we had some big curveballs thrown at us with COVID and all kinds of things, so I'm really proud of our track record and what we've gotten done."&nbsp;

Sawyer says he feels great about how the county managed through a pandemic, the 2019 flood, and also through key issues like increasing law enforcement pay. &nbsp;

Sawyer says he's proud of the voters that helped increase a financial commitment to the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;

"We really needed it, we did a study on kind of where we needed to be financially and we'd fallen behind, and we were having trouble keeping officers and there's multiple reasons for that and that's kind of a thing that's going on around the country," Sawyer explains. "But we knew that we had to be competitive regionally if we were going to attract and keep our top folks."&nbsp;

Also, through the commitment has been the increase in pay to St. Joseph police officers, as well as more scholarship opportunities at the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy. &nbsp;

Former St. Joseph Dentist Scott Nelson has been shadowing Sawyer since he was elected to succeed him in the November Election.&nbsp; He will take over as the Presiding Commissioner.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672748795546.jpeg" alt="Lee Sawyer speaks during the groundbreaking of the Children's Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph.&nbsp; Sawyer served four years as the Buchanan County Presiding Commisioner" />
 <figcaption>Lee Sawyer speaks during the groundbreaking of the Children's Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph.&nbsp; Sawyer served four years as the Buchanan County Presiding Commisioner</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;After serving four years as Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner, Lee Sawyer is stepping away from the office. &nbsp;Sawyer says as he reflects on everything that's been done over his four years it feels good in some ways and nostalgic in others. Overall, though, he's grateful for the support he's received over his terms.&nbsp;"I can say I've been very fortunate that the taxpayers have had confidence in me and what I've tried to do, and I've had a lot of really good support," Sawyer tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And I would be remiss to not thank my wife Toni who has been such a great supporter of mine, and when you get ready to run for something like this you do need that support at home because they're going to be involved."&nbsp;Sawyer, who decided to not run for re-election to the office, says he feels that in four years the county accomplished a lot&nbsp;"I feel like we've got a lot of good things done and some of the real kinds of basic blocking and tackling things we got done," Sawyer says. "And then we had some big curveballs thrown at us with COVID and all kinds of things, so I'm really proud of our track record and what we've gotten done."&nbsp;Sawyer says he feels great about how the county managed through a pandemic, the 2019 flood, and also through key issues like increasing law enforcement pay. &nbsp;Sawyer says he's proud of the voters that helped increase a financial commitment to the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;"We really needed it, we did a study on kind of where we needed to be financially and we'd fallen behind, and we were having trouble keeping officers and there's multiple reasons for that and that's kind of a thing that's going on around the country," Sawyer explains. "But we knew that we had to be competitive regionally if we were going to attract and keep our top folks."&nbsp;Also, through the commitment has been the increase in pay to St. Joseph police officers, as well as more scholarship opportunities at the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy. &nbsp;Former St. Joseph Dentist Scott Nelson has been shadowing Sawyer since he was elected to succeed him in the November Election.&nbsp; He will take over as the Presiding Commissioner.&nbsp;

Lee Sawyer thankful for the support as he leaves office

St. Joseph welcomed in its first baby of the new year on Sunday afternoon Mosaic Life Care officials announced. 

Baby Oliver Shane made his debut to the world around 4:21pm on Sunday, weighing in at eight pounds and six ounces and measuring 21 inches long according to officials. 

His parents are Alyssa Deming and Michael Admire Jr.&nbsp; Hospital officials say mother and baby are doing fine

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672747715473.jpeg" alt="Baby Oliver Shane made his debut Sunday afternoon becoming the first baby born in 2023 in St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of Mosaic Life Care" />
 <figcaption>Baby Oliver Shane made his debut Sunday afternoon becoming the first baby born in 2023 in St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of Mosaic Life Care</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph welcomed in its first baby of the new year on Sunday afternoon Mosaic Life Care officials announced. Baby Oliver Shane made his debut to the world around 4:21pm on Sunday, weighing in at eight pounds and six ounces and measuring 21 inches long according to officials. His parents are Alyssa Deming and Michael Admire Jr.&nbsp; Hospital officials say mother and baby are doing fine

It's a boy! St. Joseph welcomes first baby born in 2023

ATCHISON COUNTY— One person died and three  were injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Monday in Atchison County.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, an&nbsp;officer on patrol observed a 2002 Mini Cooper driving recklessly at 6th and U.S.59 Highway. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle and the vehicle fled north on 4th Street. 

The officer lost sight of the vehicle but subsequently located the vehicle which had left and road and landed on its top in a residential in 900 block North 4th Street.

One passenger identified as&nbsp; Jacey Paris, 20, Atchison, died in the accident, according to Wilson.

&nbsp;EMS transported the driver of the vehicle, Brandon Mann, 22, Atchison, and two passengers, age 15 and 16, to area hospitals.  Mann and Paris were not wearing seat belts, according to the Kansas Kansas Highway.

ATCHISON COUNTY— One person died and three were injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Monday in Atchison County.According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, an&nbsp;officer on patrol observed a 2002 Mini Cooper driving recklessly at 6th and U.S.59 Highway. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle and the vehicle fled north on 4th Street. The officer lost sight of the vehicle but subsequently located the vehicle which had left and road and landed on its top in a residential in 900 block North 4th Street.One passenger identified as&nbsp; Jacey Paris, 20, Atchison, died in the accident, according to Wilson.&nbsp;EMS transported the driver of the vehicle, Brandon Mann, 22, Atchison, and two passengers, age 15 and 16, to area hospitals. Mann and Paris were not wearing seat belts, according to the Kansas Kansas Highway.

1 dead, 3 injured after crash while fleeing Kansas officer

ANDREW COUNTY—Five St. Joseph teenagers were injured, four seriously, in a one-car crash just west of Savannah late Friday night.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports a 17-year-old St. Joseph boy lost control of his car while driving west at the intersection of U.S. 59 and U.S. 71 two miles west of Savannah around 11 o'clock Friday night.

The car crossed the center of the road, traveled off the south side of U.S. 59, down an embankment, and struck a traffic sign. The car returned to the road, began to slide, went of the south side of the highway again, and down an embankment, turning over on the driver's side.

Buchanan County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. Andrew County EMS transported three 17-year-old St. Joseph boys and a 15-year-old St. Joseph girl to Mosaic. 

Three of the boys and the girl suffered serious injuries, according to the patrol with the driver, the only one wearing a seat belt, suffering moderate injuries.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol does not release the identity of juveniles.

This article has been updated since first published.

ANDREW COUNTY—Five St. Joseph teenagers were injured, four seriously, in a one-car crash just west of Savannah late Friday night.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports a 17-year-old St. Joseph boy lost control of his car while driving west at the intersection of U.S. 59 and U.S. 71 two miles west of Savannah around 11 o'clock Friday night.The car crossed the center of the road, traveled off the south side of U.S. 59, down an embankment, and struck a traffic sign. The car returned to the road, began to slide, went of the south side of the highway again, and down an embankment, turning over on the driver's side.Buchanan County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. Andrew County EMS transported three 17-year-old St. Joseph boys and a 15-year-old St. Joseph girl to Mosaic. Three of the boys and the girl suffered serious injuries, according to the patrol with the driver, the only one wearing a seat belt, suffering moderate injuries.The Missouri State Highway Patrol does not release the identity of juveniles.This article has been updated since first published.

Five St. Joseph teens hospitalized after violent crash

Some people may celebrate the new year a little harder than others and should get home safely this holiday weekend. &nbsp;

Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H of the Missouri Highway Patrol in St. Joseph says if you are at a party with alcohol this new year's, practice precaution getting home.&nbsp;

"By all means reach out and make sure you have a sober designated driver, there's a lot of services provided for you even around the St. Joe area there's Ubers, Lyfts, things like that taxi service," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, just make sure you always have a plan in place before you do start your celebration."&nbsp;

Hux says if you find yourself driving behind someone who seems impaired to dial star 55 on your phone to call your local highway patrol office.&nbsp;

"That doesn't necessarily mean that person is impaired, they could be sleepy, there's a lot of factors that go into play there," Hux says. "But if they see something like that draws their attention, and they think they're a hazard to the roadway safety, yeah call *55 on your cell phone, get to the nearest troop headquarters, and we'll get a trooper out there to make sure everything's ok."&nbsp;

Hux says if your plans do involve alcohol to make sure to have a plan ahead of your celebrations and find a designated driver or use one of the many ride sharing services available.&nbsp;

Hux says the top priority of the patrol is traffic safety and encourages everyone to follow the traffic laws.&nbsp;

"So, as you're traveling to and from your destination or location you're going to, always obey the traffic laws, make sure the driver and all passengers are properly restrained in that vehicle," Hux says. "And get to your destination safely and bring in the new year, that's the ultimate goal."&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Some people may celebrate the new year a little harder than others and should get home safely this holiday weekend. &nbsp;Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H of the Missouri Highway Patrol in St. Joseph says if you are at a party with alcohol this new year's, practice precaution getting home.&nbsp;"By all means reach out and make sure you have a sober designated driver, there's a lot of services provided for you even around the St. Joe area there's Ubers, Lyfts, things like that taxi service," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, just make sure you always have a plan in place before you do start your celebration."&nbsp;Hux says if you find yourself driving behind someone who seems impaired to dial star 55 on your phone to call your local highway patrol office.&nbsp;"That doesn't necessarily mean that person is impaired, they could be sleepy, there's a lot of factors that go into play there," Hux says. "But if they see something like that draws their attention, and they think they're a hazard to the roadway safety, yeah call *55 on your cell phone, get to the nearest troop headquarters, and we'll get a trooper out there to make sure everything's ok."&nbsp;Hux says if your plans do involve alcohol to make sure to have a plan ahead of your celebrations and find a designated driver or use one of the many ride sharing services available.&nbsp;Hux says the top priority of the patrol is traffic safety and encourages everyone to follow the traffic laws.&nbsp;"So, as you're traveling to and from your destination or location you're going to, always obey the traffic laws, make sure the driver and all passengers are properly restrained in that vehicle," Hux says. "And get to your destination safely and bring in the new year, that's the ultimate goal."&nbsp;

Don't drink and drive this New Year's Eve

WORTH COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Thursday in Worth County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1991 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Billie F. Wake, 99, Grant City, was westbound on MO 246 three miles east of Sheridan.

The car struck a pedestrian identified as Brit L. Fisher, 28, Sheridan, who was walking with traffic in the westbound lane.

Fisher was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Andrews Hann Funeral Home. Wake was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

WORTH COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Thursday in Worth County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1991 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Billie F. Wake, 99, Grant City, was westbound on MO 246 three miles east of Sheridan.The car struck a pedestrian identified as Brit L. Fisher, 28, Sheridan, who was walking with traffic in the westbound lane.Fisher was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Andrews Hann Funeral Home. Wake was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Car driven by 99-year-old strikes, kills Missouri woman

DAVIESS COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Dodge Nitro driven by&nbsp; Morgan R. Lewallen, 33, Kidder, was northbound on 210th at Unity Avenue twelve miles southwest of Gallatin.

The car traveled off the road, overturned, slid down the embankment and struck several boulders.

Daviess County ambulance transported Lewallen to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Dodge Nitro driven by&nbsp; Morgan R. Lewallen, 33, Kidder, was northbound on 210th at Unity Avenue twelve miles southwest of Gallatin.The car traveled off the road, overturned, slid down the embankment and struck several boulders.Daviess County ambulance transported Lewallen to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after car slides down embankment

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a home burglary have made an arrest.

On November 3 police officers investigated an unlawful entry that had been made into a vacant residence in the 600 block South 4th Street in Atchison and an identification card was taken, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Just after 4:30a.m. Thursday, police arrested 49-year-old Jesse D. Cox of Atchison&nbsp;in the 500 block U.S.73 on a warrant for burglary and theft.

He remains jailed on a $30,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672328006534.png" alt="Cox-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Cox-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a home burglary have made an arrest.On November 3 police officers investigated an unlawful entry that had been made into a vacant residence in the 600 block South 4th Street in Atchison and an identification card was taken, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Just after 4:30a.m. Thursday, police arrested 49-year-old Jesse D. Cox of Atchison&nbsp;in the 500 block U.S.73 on a warrant for burglary and theft.He remains jailed on a $30,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of taking ID card during home burglary

Local law enforcement was shaken by the sudden death of one of their own.  

Director of the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy Joseph King died at age 51 on Christmas Eve.  

King served 30 years in law enforcement between the St. Joseph Police Department and Buchanan and Platte County Sheriff offices.  

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says King was a very meticulous and hardworking man at everything he did.  

"Whenever Joe was given a new assignment, he would immerse himself in that and become an expert in that," Puett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, he never wanted too not be fully knowledgeable 

 or not be able to deliver the utmost services to the citizens or whoever he was serving at the time." 

King took over as the director of the academy in June of last year, and oversaw one of the largest classes in the academy's history.  

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says while many are shaken by King's death, he's also seen a massive amount of respect for all he did for newer officers.  

"How much his dedication and training gave to helping them start their career and those types of things," Puett says. "So, they're very appreciative for all the work that he gave to get them started." 

Puett says King will be someone who is greatly missed in the community.  

"He had a passion for law enforcement and a passion for his family so he will be greatly missed by a lot of people, he was a good man dedicated to serving our citizens and making our officers better," Puett says. 

King's career in law enforcement began as a dispatcher for the St. Joseph Police Department before he worked his way up to the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office.  

He became captain at the Platte County Sheriff's Office.  King retired at the rank of captain before becoming director of the academy in June of 2021. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672338123406.jpeg" alt="Joseph King/ Photo courtesy of Casey King via GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Joseph King/ Photo courtesy of Casey King via GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Local law enforcement was shaken by the sudden death of one of their own. Director of the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy Joseph King died at age 51 on Christmas Eve. King served 30 years in law enforcement between the St. Joseph Police Department and Buchanan and Platte County Sheriff offices. Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says King was a very meticulous and hardworking man at everything he did. "Whenever Joe was given a new assignment, he would immerse himself in that and become an expert in that," Puett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, he never wanted too not be fully knowledgeable or not be able to deliver the utmost services to the citizens or whoever he was serving at the time." King took over as the director of the academy in June of last year, and oversaw one of the largest classes in the academy's history. Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says while many are shaken by King's death, he's also seen a massive amount of respect for all he did for newer officers. "How much his dedication and training gave to helping them start their career and those types of things," Puett says. "So, they're very appreciative for all the work that he gave to get them started." Puett says King will be someone who is greatly missed in the community. "He had a passion for law enforcement and a passion for his family so he will be greatly missed by a lot of people, he was a good man dedicated to serving our citizens and making our officers better," Puett says. King's career in law enforcement began as a dispatcher for the St. Joseph Police Department before he worked his way up to the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office. He became captain at the Platte County Sheriff's Office. King retired at the rank of captain before becoming director of the academy in June of 2021.

Buchanan County Sheriff remembers hardworking Officer Joseph King

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Thursday in Atchison County.

A 2021 Kia passenger car driven by Pamela Williamson, 72, Atchison, was northbound in the 500 block U.S.73, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The vehicle left the roadway, struck a drainage culvert, went airborne, and landed on the roadway in the 900 block Spring Street. 

EMS transported Williamson, the only occupant in the vehicle, to Amberwell Hospital for treatment.&nbsp; Wilson released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672344870606.png" alt="Photo Police Chief Mike Wilson" />
 <figcaption>Photo Police Chief Mike Wilson</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Thursday in Atchison County.A 2021 Kia passenger car driven by Pamela Williamson, 72, Atchison, was northbound in the 500 block U.S.73, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.The vehicle left the roadway, struck a drainage culvert, went airborne, and landed on the roadway in the 900 block Spring Street. EMS transported Williamson, the only occupant in the vehicle, to Amberwell Hospital for treatment.&nbsp; Wilson released no additional details.

Kansas woman hospitalized after violent crash

The St. Joseph Board of Education is looking forward to the future of the school district after being presented the plan from the Vision Forward committee. &nbsp;

The board approved the plan brought forward from the committee during last week's monthly school board meeting. &nbsp;

Superintendent Gabe Edgar says the plan brought forward from the committee aligned right along with his goals for the school district. &nbsp;

"It did a very good job of focusing on what my goals are on the academic side, it talked a lot about improving academics pre-K through 12, it talked a lot about expansion of early learning, it talked a lot about discipline, which are three of my goals," Edgar tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And so, it has easy to tie into that."&nbsp;

Edgar says the committee did a very good job of navigating topics with the community and gearing the plan towards St. Joseph.&nbsp;

The School Board is composed of many different committees aimed at school improvement.&nbsp; Edgar says the Vision Forward plan added a need for two new committees&nbsp;

"There were two things that came out of Vision Forward that were not part of the committee structure and so right after we approved the plan, then we approved an implementation plan to put in two more committees, one of those wrapping around school culture and the other one wrapping around recruiting and retaining quality staff," Edgar says.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The St. Joseph Board of Education is looking forward to the future of the school district after being presented the plan from the Vision Forward committee. &nbsp;The board approved the plan brought forward from the committee during last week's monthly school board meeting. &nbsp;Superintendent Gabe Edgar says the plan brought forward from the committee aligned right along with his goals for the school district. &nbsp;"It did a very good job of focusing on what my goals are on the academic side, it talked a lot about improving academics pre-K through 12, it talked a lot about expansion of early learning, it talked a lot about discipline, which are three of my goals," Edgar tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And so, it has easy to tie into that."&nbsp;Edgar says the committee did a very good job of navigating topics with the community and gearing the plan towards St. Joseph.&nbsp;The School Board is composed of many different committees aimed at school improvement.&nbsp; Edgar says the Vision Forward plan added a need for two new committees&nbsp;"There were two things that came out of Vision Forward that were not part of the committee structure and so right after we approved the plan, then we approved an implementation plan to put in two more committees, one of those wrapping around school culture and the other one wrapping around recruiting and retaining quality staff," Edgar says.&nbsp;Edgar says normally committees will meet every month; however, he says the committee focused on teacher recruitment will meet at designated periods when needed. &nbsp;Along with the passage of Vision Forward, was the passage of the Pathway to Teaching program.&nbsp; Edgar says this is similar to the build your own program&nbsp;"Right now, we have a grow your own program for high school kids but this will be for internal people, and actually maybe even external people it probably needs to grow to that," Edgar explains. "We have to do more of that type of stuff thinking outside the box in order to recruit quality staff."&nbsp;The program aims to recruit people in St. Joseph with a teaching degree to come teach at St. Joseph schools. Edgar says the goal currently is to hire 10 new teachers.&nbsp;"So, we're going to start out with 10 and I think that will probably grow, we identified 16 or 17 staff members that we have now, and they don't all want to become teachers, but some of them do," Edgar says.&nbsp;Edgar says currently the program is only aimed internally, but in thinking outside the box it could eventually go external to recruit teachers from other jobs.&nbsp;