NODAWAY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Taurus driven by Hannah M. Sturgeon, 20, Maitland, was eastbound on 275th Street at Ivory Road just southeast of Maryville.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve to travel north on Ivory Road.&nbsp; She lost control of the vehicle. It skidded off the road and overturned.

Nodaway County EMS transported Sturgeon and a passenger Alexiana E. Chambers, 22, Maitland to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Chambers was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Taurus driven by Hannah M. Sturgeon, 20, Maitland, was eastbound on 275th Street at Ivory Road just southeast of Maryville.The driver failed to negotiate a curve to travel north on Ivory Road.&nbsp; She lost control of the vehicle. It skidded off the road and overturned.Nodaway County EMS transported Sturgeon and a passenger Alexiana E. Chambers, 22, Maitland to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Chambers was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Two hospitalized after car overturns in Nodaway County

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released its 2022 District Report Card this week. Essentially, statewide and district-by-district data tracking attendance, graduation rate, ACT scores and the like.

The St. Joseph School District received disappointing results in this report, though they’re not alone. In St. Joseph, attendance in the school district declined from 84.3 percent in 2020 to 70.5 percent in 2022.

Ashly McGinnis, assistant superintendent of academic services, points to the pandemic and remote learning as reasons for the attendance drop.

"In 2020, you're looking at that pre-COVID data, because everything shut down," McGinnis said. "In 2021, we didn't have any state assessments and were primarily hybrid and going through COVID protocol at that time. So, 2022, we're really trying to get back to a sense of normal where we are all back in person."

The drop in attendance, McGinnis says, has led to a decline in other figures. For instance, the St. Joseph School District’s four-year graduation rate dropped from 79.6 percent in 2021 to 77.6 percent in 2022.

ACT scores dropped for the first time in four years, going from an average score of 21.6 to 20.5. McGinnis believes all of this turns around as soon as attendance goes back up.

"Attendance is the primary focus, because we cannot educate kids if we do not have them in seats," McGinnis said. "In my opinion, that's where we have to start. We do have plans in place. We've hired eight attendance interventionists so far to assist and engage our families in getting kids to school."

McGinnis says the district already has these protocols in place to help get attendance back up. The attendance rate for November 2022 is 78.2 percent. That's nearly an eight-point climb since the end of last school year, but there's still work to be done.

"We are showing progress," McGinnis noted. "Every building has attendance action plans right now that they are working. So, they're doing home visits, phone calls, letters home. Really, just trying to engage kids and parents to stress to them the importance of coming to school."

St. Joseph’s numbers follow a statewide trend. Attendance in Missouri from 2020 - 2022 dropped from 85.3 percent to 76.2 percent. Statewide ACT scores also dropped from 20.8 to 20.3 since 2021.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629748960438.jpeg" alt="Parents escort children to Lindbergh Elementary School in St. Joseph in August 2021. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Parents escort children to Lindbergh Elementary School in St. Joseph in August 2021. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released its 2022 District Report Card this week. Essentially, statewide and district-by-district data tracking attendance, graduation rate, ACT scores and the like.The St. Joseph School District received disappointing results in this report, though they’re not alone. In St. Joseph, attendance in the school district declined from 84.3 percent in 2020 to 70.5 percent in 2022.Ashly McGinnis, assistant superintendent of academic services, points to the pandemic and remote learning as reasons for the attendance drop."In 2020, you're looking at that pre-COVID data, because everything shut down," McGinnis said. "In 2021, we didn't have any state assessments and were primarily hybrid and going through COVID protocol at that time. So, 2022, we're really trying to get back to a sense of normal where we are all back in person."The drop in attendance, McGinnis says, has led to a decline in other figures. For instance, the St. Joseph School District’s four-year graduation rate dropped from 79.6 percent in 2021 to 77.6 percent in 2022.ACT scores dropped for the first time in four years, going from an average score of 21.6 to 20.5. McGinnis believes all of this turns around as soon as attendance goes back up."Attendance is the primary focus, because we cannot educate kids if we do not have them in seats," McGinnis said. "In my opinion, that's where we have to start. We do have plans in place. We've hired eight attendance interventionists so far to assist and engage our families in getting kids to school."McGinnis says the district already has these protocols in place to help get attendance back up. The attendance rate for November 2022 is 78.2 percent. That's nearly an eight-point climb since the end of last school year, but there's still work to be done."We are showing progress," McGinnis noted. "Every building has attendance action plans right now that they are working. So, they're doing home visits, phone calls, letters home. Really, just trying to engage kids and parents to stress to them the importance of coming to school."St. Joseph’s numbers follow a statewide trend. Attendance in Missouri from 2020 - 2022 dropped from 85.3 percent to 76.2 percent. Statewide ACT scores also dropped from 20.8 to 20.3 since 2021.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph School District hopes to bolster attendance, test scores after recent drop

Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner says he plans to
concentrate on issues important to his district during his second term in
Congress.

LaTurner, a Republican, says he wants to secure a seat on the
Appropriations Committee to rein in spending in an effort to fight inflation.
LaTurner also wants to secure the southern border.

Still, there are local issues that he plans to push.

“We’re a big agriculture state. That’s not something that all
states share,” LaTurner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And the rural versus urban
fight is something that happens on Capitol Hill and sometimes it breaks party
lines.”

LaTurner says agriculture needs a voice in Congress.

“Agriculture has really been up against it over the last
couple of years. Input costs have gone through the roof. The regulation
involved with the ag sector has been overwhelming. Those are things we need to
focus on,” LaTurner says. “Then, of course, there are specific infrastructure
needs that my district cares about that we’re going to be mindful of.”

LaTurner won his second term to the Second Congressional
District of Congress November 8th. LaTurner represents northeast
Kansas as well as all of eastern Kansas outside the Kansas City, Kansas metro
area.

He served as Kansas state Treasurer prior to running for
Congress two years ago.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner says he plans to
concentrate on issues important to his district during his second term in
Congress.LaTurner, a Republican, says he wants to secure a seat on the
Appropriations Committee to rein in spending in an effort to fight inflation.
LaTurner also wants to secure the southern border.Still, there are local issues that he plans to push.“We’re a big agriculture state. That’s not something that all
states share,” LaTurner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And the rural versus urban
fight is something that happens on Capitol Hill and sometimes it breaks party
lines.”LaTurner says agriculture needs a voice in Congress.“Agriculture has really been up against it over the last
couple of years. Input costs have gone through the roof. The regulation
involved with the ag sector has been overwhelming. Those are things we need to
focus on,” LaTurner says. “Then, of course, there are specific infrastructure
needs that my district cares about that we’re going to be mindful of.”LaTurner won his second term to the Second Congressional
District of Congress November 8th. LaTurner represents northeast
Kansas as well as all of eastern Kansas outside the Kansas City, Kansas metro
area.He served as Kansas state Treasurer prior to running for
Congress two years ago.

Congressman LaTurner wants to concentrate on local issues in 2nd term

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the
county financial status is strong going into a new budget year.

The County Commission is working through the budget process,
set to be concluded by the end of January.

Sawyer says strong tax revenue and conservative spending have
led to a strong bottom line.

“Quite honestly, the county’s in really good position. We’ve
got a good amount of money that we’ve been able to keep our powder dry in case
we had some needs that we weren’t expecting and those kinds of thing,” Sawyer
tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. &nbsp;“We’re really in a very strong financial position,
which I’m super proud of that.”

Sawyer says a little bit a luck and a lot of planning have
helped the county end the year strong.

“We’ve been fortunate in some cases and we’ve made some really
good decisions in other cases,” Sawyer says. “And so, I think it’s a combination
of probably, like I said, a little bit of luck and, I think, a series of good
decisions that we’ve made that have really put us in a good financial position
going into 2023.”

Sawyer says the county budget has been affected by inflation. The county has had to cope with higher prices, but also has benefited from increased sales tax revenue.

Sawyer is wrapping up his tenure as Presiding Commissioner
with Scott Nelson set to take over.

Buchanan County has about $49 million annually in
discretionary income.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the
county financial status is strong going into a new budget year.The County Commission is working through the budget process,
set to be concluded by the end of January.Sawyer says strong tax revenue and conservative spending have
led to a strong bottom line.“Quite honestly, the county’s in really good position. We’ve
got a good amount of money that we’ve been able to keep our powder dry in case
we had some needs that we weren’t expecting and those kinds of thing,” Sawyer
tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. &nbsp;“We’re really in a very strong financial position,
which I’m super proud of that.”Sawyer says a little bit a luck and a lot of planning have
helped the county end the year strong.“We’ve been fortunate in some cases and we’ve made some really
good decisions in other cases,” Sawyer says. “And so, I think it’s a combination
of probably, like I said, a little bit of luck and, I think, a series of good
decisions that we’ve made that have really put us in a good financial position
going into 2023.”Sawyer says the county budget has been affected by inflation. The county has had to cope with higher prices, but also has benefited from increased sales tax revenue.Sawyer is wrapping up his tenure as Presiding Commissioner
with Scott Nelson set to take over.Buchanan County has about $49 million annually in
discretionary income.

Buchanan County wrapping up year in good financial shape

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Jeep Wrangler driven by Sage C. Scanlan, 20, Bolckow, was westbound on CR 27 five miles west of Bolckow in the middle of the road.

An eastbound 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Jay A. Hewitt, 59, Rosendale, attempted to avoid a collision with the Jeep by traveling of the south side of the road. The Jeep struck the left rear trailer axel of the semi's towed unit. After impact, the Jeep began to overturn and traveled off the north side of the road.

A private vehicle transported Scanlan to Mosaic Life Care. Hewitt was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Jeep Wrangler driven by Sage C. Scanlan, 20, Bolckow, was westbound on CR 27 five miles west of Bolckow in the middle of the road.An eastbound 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Jay A. Hewitt, 59, Rosendale, attempted to avoid a collision with the Jeep by traveling of the south side of the road. The Jeep struck the left rear trailer axel of the semi's towed unit. After impact, the Jeep began to overturn and traveled off the north side of the road.A private vehicle transported Scanlan to Mosaic Life Care. Hewitt was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after Andrew Co. crash with a semi

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges.

On Monday, police arrested 54-year-old Dale Birch of Atchison on a Community Corrections detain order. Police arrested him in August District Court warrants for violation of a protective order and criminal damage to property, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In 2019, Birch served time for battery of a law enforcement officer, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement and drug possession, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660662148256.png" alt="Birch-photo Atchison" />
 <figcaption>Birch-photo Atchison</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges.On Monday, police arrested 54-year-old Dale Birch of Atchison on a Community Corrections detain order. Police arrested him in August District Court warrants for violation of a protective order and criminal damage to property, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In 2019, Birch served time for battery of a law enforcement officer, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement and drug possession, according to online jail records.

Police accuse Kansas felon of parol violation

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of three laptop computers and an iPad from an office on the Benedictine campus, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The theft occurred&nbsp; between December 2 and December 5.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of three laptop computers and an iPad from an office on the Benedictine campus, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.The theft occurred&nbsp; between December 2 and December 5.

Police: Laptops, iPad stolen from office on Benedictine campus

St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter says the new half-cent
police sales tax will take a while to take effect.

St. Joseph voters November 8th gave 70% approval to
the tax expected to raise $5.5 million a year to pay for officer salary
increases.

Carter says the money will begin coming into the city in
April, just in time to fund an agreement the city reached with the Fraternal
Order of Police. 

“We implemented some pay increases that went into effect on October
1st. This ensures that those pay increases can remain stable and
that we can keep our officers on the pay plan that was agreed to back in
September,” Carter tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “That pay plan is
going to ensure that they get consistent increases over time.”

The City of St. Joseph has given notice to the Missouri
Department of Revenue about the voter-approved increase in the city sales tax. It
is expected to take the department about one calendar quarter to implement the
new tax. Collection by St. Joseph retailers should begin in April with the city
seeing the first proceeds in June.

Carter says voter approval of the tax helps correct a glaring
weakness.

“We’ve gone through a period with our pay where we’ve lost
officers to other departments and we’re now in a situation where we can go get
those folks back,” according to Carter. “We’re in a strong position to go
recruit folks from other departments.”

The St. Joseph City Council and the Fraternal Order of Police
reached agreement on the pay plan that raises starting salaries to $49,000 a
year. It also provides enough money for three percent annual pay hikes.

St. Joseph will recruit graduates from the Law Enforcement
Academy at Missouri Western State University as well as promising criminal
justice graduates from area colleges. The city will also target the recruitment
of experienced officers.

“It gives us that ability to go out and recruit from other
departments or be competitive against other departments, but it’s also going to
open the door for us to possibly reach out and try to get some of our folks
back who maybe have gone into different career fields just because of financial
implications,” Carter says.

The St. Joseph Police Department has more than 20 vacancies.
The city is authorized to have 138 commissioned officers.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter says the new half-cent
police sales tax will take a while to take effect.St. Joseph voters November 8th gave 70% approval to
the tax expected to raise $5.5 million a year to pay for officer salary
increases.Carter says the money will begin coming into the city in
April, just in time to fund an agreement the city reached with the Fraternal
Order of Police. “We implemented some pay increases that went into effect on October
1st. This ensures that those pay increases can remain stable and
that we can keep our officers on the pay plan that was agreed to back in
September,” Carter tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “That pay plan is
going to ensure that they get consistent increases over time.”The City of St. Joseph has given notice to the Missouri
Department of Revenue about the voter-approved increase in the city sales tax. It
is expected to take the department about one calendar quarter to implement the
new tax. Collection by St. Joseph retailers should begin in April with the city
seeing the first proceeds in June.Carter says voter approval of the tax helps correct a glaring
weakness.“We’ve gone through a period with our pay where we’ve lost
officers to other departments and we’re now in a situation where we can go get
those folks back,” according to Carter. “We’re in a strong position to go
recruit folks from other departments.”The St. Joseph City Council and the Fraternal Order of Police
reached agreement on the pay plan that raises starting salaries to $49,000 a
year. It also provides enough money for three percent annual pay hikes.St. Joseph will recruit graduates from the Law Enforcement
Academy at Missouri Western State University as well as promising criminal
justice graduates from area colleges. The city will also target the recruitment
of experienced officers.“It gives us that ability to go out and recruit from other
departments or be competitive against other departments, but it’s also going to
open the door for us to possibly reach out and try to get some of our folks
back who maybe have gone into different career fields just because of financial
implications,” Carter says.The St. Joseph Police Department has more than 20 vacancies.
The city is authorized to have 138 commissioned officers.

It will be a while before St. Joseph sees money from police tax increase

Extreme northwest Missouri will be represented by freshman in
the upcoming Missouri House legislative session.

Stanberry farmer and business owner Jeff Farnan won the
Missouri First State Representative District while newcomer Mazzie Boyd of
Hamilton, who has worked in the federal government in Washington, D.C., won the
Missouri Second State Representative District.

Farnan emerged from a crowded Republican primary to run for
the open seat that represents Atchison, Holt, and Nodaway Counties in the
Missouri House.

Farnan overcame the well-fund campaign of Democrat Jess Piper,
who pulled in more than $200,000 in her long-shot bid to break through the
Republican stranglehold on northwest Missouri. Farnan won more than 75% of the
vote.

“It just goes to show that what my beliefs are and what I stand
for is that I represent the people of northwest Missouri, that we kind of have
the same ideology about the issues,” Farnan tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Farnan farms and operates the Spec Shoppe in both Stanberry
and Maryville. Farnan says roads will be a priority of his in the coming
legislative session.

“Definitely, our roads,” Farnan replies when asked about his
legislative priorities. “Our roads are deteriorating right in front of our eyes.
So, I’d like to make sure we get funding for those.”

Farnan also will concentrate on agricultural issues.

“Anything farming, agriculture would be of great interest,”
according to Farnan. “Kind of thinking right now, the fencing laws, I think they
need some work. So, that would be one of my main concerns.”

Boyd also emerged from a Republican primary to breeze to a
victory in the General Election. Only, for Boyd, she took on and defeated a
Republican incumbent, Rep. Randy Railsback of Hamilton. Initially running for
an open seat, Boyd continued her campaign even after redistricting moved her
into a race against a sitting representative. The newly configured Second
District includes Worth, Harrison, Grundy, Daviess, and Caldwell Counties.

Boyd won the primary and then went on to win the General
Election by easily defeating the late Lois Pontius of Ridgeway 82.6% to 17.3%.

“I couldn’t believe it. That was not what we had expected at
all,” Boyd tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It felt really humbling, honestly. I
felt, I think, more humbled during this entire process than anything else.”

Boyd, who at 24 just makes the minimum age for a Missouri
House member, worked for former President Donald Trump’s unsuccessful re-election
campaign. In Washington, Boyd served on the staff of Republican Congresswoman
Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Boyd plans to file legislation that would ban using federal
money to enact Red Flag laws.

“So, right now, I know (President) Biden is trying to figure
out how he can bribe red states like Missouri that have really good 2A (2nd
Amendment) laws and figuring out how he can get red flag laws in the state of
Missouri,” according to Boyd.

Red flag laws, also known as extreme risk protection laws,
allow parents or others to file a petition in court to prohibit someone considered
a threat to themselves or others from purchasing a firearm.

Boyd also plans to push for legislation that would ban the use
of puberty blockers and sex transition surgery on minors.

“Right now, children are the most affected in this day and age
and we see such a huge increase of mental health (cases), especially in younger
children,” Boyd says. “These are life-long decisions that are very difficult to
reverse.”

Both Boyd and Farnan are involved in legislative orientation
before the legislative session begins in Jefferson City next month.

Tommy Rezac contributed to this article.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostExtreme northwest Missouri will be represented by freshman in
the upcoming Missouri House legislative session.Stanberry farmer and business owner Jeff Farnan won the
Missouri First State Representative District while newcomer Mazzie Boyd of
Hamilton, who has worked in the federal government in Washington, D.C., won the
Missouri Second State Representative District.Farnan emerged from a crowded Republican primary to run for
the open seat that represents Atchison, Holt, and Nodaway Counties in the
Missouri House.Farnan overcame the well-fund campaign of Democrat Jess Piper,
who pulled in more than $200,000 in her long-shot bid to break through the
Republican stranglehold on northwest Missouri. Farnan won more than 75% of the
vote.“It just goes to show that what my beliefs are and what I stand
for is that I represent the people of northwest Missouri, that we kind of have
the same ideology about the issues,” Farnan tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670263696540.jpeg" alt="Jeff Farnan/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Farnan/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Farnan farms and operates the Spec Shoppe in both Stanberry
and Maryville. Farnan says roads will be a priority of his in the coming
legislative session.“Definitely, our roads,” Farnan replies when asked about his
legislative priorities. “Our roads are deteriorating right in front of our eyes.
So, I’d like to make sure we get funding for those.”Farnan also will concentrate on agricultural issues.“Anything farming, agriculture would be of great interest,”
according to Farnan. “Kind of thinking right now, the fencing laws, I think they
need some work. So, that would be one of my main concerns.”Boyd also emerged from a Republican primary to breeze to a
victory in the General Election. Only, for Boyd, she took on and defeated a
Republican incumbent, Rep. Randy Railsback of Hamilton. Initially running for
an open seat, Boyd continued her campaign even after redistricting moved her
into a race against a sitting representative. The newly configured Second
District includes Worth, Harrison, Grundy, Daviess, and Caldwell Counties.Boyd won the primary and then went on to win the General
Election by easily defeating the late Lois Pontius of Ridgeway 82.6% to 17.3%.“I couldn’t believe it. That was not what we had expected at
all,” Boyd tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It felt really humbling, honestly. I
felt, I think, more humbled during this entire process than anything else.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670263748387.jpeg" alt="Mazzie Boyd/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Mazzie Boyd/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Boyd, who at 24 just makes the minimum age for a Missouri
House member, worked for former President Donald Trump’s unsuccessful re-election
campaign. In Washington, Boyd served on the staff of Republican Congresswoman
Marjorie Taylor Greene.Boyd plans to file legislation that would ban using federal
money to enact Red Flag laws.“So, right now, I know (President) Biden is trying to figure
out how he can bribe red states like Missouri that have really good 2A (2nd
Amendment) laws and figuring out how he can get red flag laws in the state of
Missouri,” according to Boyd.Red flag laws, also known as extreme risk protection laws,
allow parents or others to file a petition in court to prohibit someone considered
a threat to themselves or others from purchasing a firearm.Boyd also plans to push for legislation that would ban the use
of puberty blockers and sex transition surgery on minors.“Right now, children are the most affected in this day and age
and we see such a huge increase of mental health (cases), especially in younger
children,” Boyd says. “These are life-long decisions that are very difficult to
reverse.”Both Boyd and Farnan are involved in legislative orientation
before the legislative session begins in Jefferson City next month.Tommy Rezac contributed to this article.

New NW Missouri representatives prepare to take office next month

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass driven by Lisa D. Fast, 62, Rushville, was southbound on Interstate 29 in the city of St. Joseph.

The Oldsmobile rear-ended a 2012 Ford Fusion driven by Letun L. Johnson, 44, Kansas City, who was stopped in the southbound passing lane following an earlier crash.

Buchanan County EMS transported Fast to Mosaic Life Care. A private vehicle transported a 17-year-old Kansas City girl who was standing outside the Ford to Mosaic Life Care. Johnson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass driven by Lisa D. Fast, 62, Rushville, was southbound on Interstate 29 in the city of St. Joseph.The Oldsmobile rear-ended a 2012 Ford Fusion driven by Letun L. Johnson, 44, Kansas City, who was stopped in the southbound passing lane following an earlier crash.Buchanan County EMS transported Fast to Mosaic Life Care. A private vehicle transported a 17-year-old Kansas City girl who was standing outside the Ford to Mosaic Life Care. Johnson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Driver, pedestrian hospitalized after Buchanan Co. crash

DEKALB COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 3a.m. Friday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Aveo driven by Tyler S. Muessig, 19, Winston, was eastbound on MO 6 two miles east of Weatherby.

The car traveled off the south side of the road, struck an embankment, returned to the road, overturned and traveled off the north side of the road.

A private vehicle transported Muessig to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 3a.m. Friday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Aveo driven by Tyler S. Muessig, 19, Winston, was eastbound on MO 6 two miles east of Weatherby.The car traveled off the south side of the road, struck an embankment, returned to the road, overturned and traveled off the north side of the road.A private vehicle transported Muessig to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after rollover crash

An annual event in at the Loess Bluffs Wildlife Refuge gives everyone a chance to observe the majesty of the nation's bird, the bald eagle. &nbsp;

Eagle Days returns this weekend, an event that has run for the past 43 years, running tomorrow and Sunday. &nbsp;

Park Ranger Nikki Horne says the event is a outstanding family event that draws large crowds to the refuge every year.&nbsp;

"There's crafts, food for sale, there's videos, all kinds of exhibits related to eagles and other wildlife on the refuge, just a lot of fun packed into one weekend," Horne tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "We have seen up to 5,000 people visit the refuge on this weekend."&nbsp;

The event will run from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday at the refuge just outside of Mound City.&nbsp; &nbsp;

During the event guided bus tours of the refuge will also be offered. Horne says one other event during Eagle Days will be the return of the eagle show, this year hosted by the World Bird Sanctuary.&nbsp;

"They'll have the eagles out with them, they're handlers, and so they will just go through their script basically, they'll talk about the history, the changes in populations, how we got to be where we are right now, and bring back that bald eagle population," Horne explains. &nbsp;

Eagle shows will be given every hour on the hour starting at 9am tomorrow and at 11am on Sunday. &nbsp;

Horn says this time of year is a popular time to begin seeing eagles migrate and land at the refuge as they move south.&nbsp;

"Our record is, late December (and) early January, we've had over 833 eagles surveyed on the refuge, which is strictly on about 7500 acres," Horne says. "So, it's a great weekend to not only attend the live eagle show, and read the exhibits, and watch the videos and learn about them, but you can get out on the refuge and see them up close and personal as well."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670010827440.jpeg" alt="View the nation's bird up close and personal during Eagle Days this weekend/ Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation" />
 <figcaption>View the nation's bird up close and personal during Eagle Days this weekend/ Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;An annual event in at the Loess Bluffs Wildlife Refuge gives everyone a chance to observe the majesty of the nation's bird, the bald eagle. &nbsp;Eagle Days returns this weekend, an event that has run for the past 43 years, running tomorrow and Sunday. &nbsp;Park Ranger Nikki Horne says the event is a outstanding family event that draws large crowds to the refuge every year.&nbsp;"There's crafts, food for sale, there's videos, all kinds of exhibits related to eagles and other wildlife on the refuge, just a lot of fun packed into one weekend," Horne tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "We have seen up to 5,000 people visit the refuge on this weekend."&nbsp;The event will run from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday at the refuge just outside of Mound City.&nbsp; &nbsp;During the event guided bus tours of the refuge will also be offered. Horne says one other event during Eagle Days will be the return of the eagle show, this year hosted by the World Bird Sanctuary.&nbsp;"They'll have the eagles out with them, they're handlers, and so they will just go through their script basically, they'll talk about the history, the changes in populations, how we got to be where we are right now, and bring back that bald eagle population," Horne explains. &nbsp;Eagle shows will be given every hour on the hour starting at 9am tomorrow and at 11am on Sunday. &nbsp;Horn says this time of year is a popular time to begin seeing eagles migrate and land at the refuge as they move south.&nbsp;"Our record is, late December (and) early January, we've had over 833 eagles surveyed on the refuge, which is strictly on about 7500 acres," Horne says. "So, it's a great weekend to not only attend the live eagle show, and read the exhibits, and watch the videos and learn about them, but you can get out on the refuge and see them up close and personal as well."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670010907448.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation</figcaption>
 </figure>

Get up close and personal with eagles during the 43rd annual Eagle Days

A Democrat who ran unsuccessfully for state representative in
northwest Missouri has died.

The family of Lois Pontius announced that she died Wednesday of
a head injury suffered in a fall.

Pontius, who was from Ridgeway, lost the Missouri Second State
Representative District race to Republican Mazzie Boyd of Hamilton November 8th.

“What a life. And she got to kind of go out on a high note
(running a campaign),” Boyd tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “She sent me a really
nice email after the election and I thought that was super classy of her, because
she was always so kind during the campaign.” 

Boyd remembers an opponent who always treated her with
respect.

“And I think that has a lot to say in this day and age when
mostly Republicans and Democrats really can’t even be in the same room,” Boyd
says. “Lois was always very nice. She said very nice things about me. She never
said anything negative.”

Boyd says she had heard Pontius suffered a fall, but had hoped
she would recover.

“I’m sad for her family. I am praying for them. I hope that they
will find peace in this time.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670009442701.jpeg" alt="Lois J. Pontius/Photo courtesy of Bethany Memorial Chapel" />
 <figcaption>Lois J. Pontius/Photo courtesy of Bethany Memorial Chapel</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Democrat who ran unsuccessfully for state representative in
northwest Missouri has died.The family of Lois Pontius announced that she died Wednesday of
a head injury suffered in a fall.Pontius, who was from Ridgeway, lost the Missouri Second State
Representative District race to Republican Mazzie Boyd of Hamilton November 8th.Boyd remembers Pontius fondly.“What a life. And she got to kind of go out on a high note
(running a campaign),” Boyd tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “She sent me a really
nice email after the election and I thought that was super classy of her, because
she was always so kind during the campaign.” Boyd remembers an opponent who always treated her with
respect.“And I think that has a lot to say in this day and age when
mostly Republicans and Democrats really can’t even be in the same room,” Boyd
says. “Lois was always very nice. She said very nice things about me. She never
said anything negative.”Boyd says she had heard Pontius suffered a fall, but had hoped
she would recover.“I’m sad for her family. I am praying for them. I hope that they
will find peace in this time.”Lois Pontius was 81.

Unsuccessful northwest Missouri state rep. candidate dies after fall

CALDWELL COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Suburban driven by a 17-year-old Gallatin boy was northbound on Winchester Road just south of Kerr Drive five miles southeast of Cameron.

The driver lost control of the SUV as it began to slide on the gravel roadway. The Suburban traveled off the road and overturned.&nbsp;

Caldwell County EMS transported the driver to Wright Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Suburban driven by a 17-year-old Gallatin boy was northbound on Winchester Road just south of Kerr Drive five miles southeast of Cameron.The driver lost control of the SUV as it began to slide on the gravel roadway. The Suburban traveled off the road and overturned.&nbsp;Caldwell County EMS transported the driver to Wright Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen hospitalized after SUV overturns

A vice president with the United States Chamber of Commerce
gives a less-than-optimistic look at Congress during a St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce event.

Ron Eidshaug, who lobbies Congress on behalf of
the Chamber, says he’s not totally pessimistic about Capitol Hill and the
coming divided government.

“The good news is that Republicans and Democrats are going to
have to work together to get something done,” Eidshaug tells reporters afterward.
“So that’s at least a cause for optimism.”

Eidshaug says divided government has some benefits.

“So, the big benefit to divided government is we’re not going
to see anything like the Build Back Better, Inflation Reduction (Act), massive
tax increases on the business community coming through,” according to Eidshaug.
“Divided government is going to force Republicans and Democrats to come up with
bipartisan solutions to solve problems for Americans, for American businesses,
for American families.”

Republicans have retaken the House, while Democrats remain in
control of the Senate and the White House.

Eidshaug says the slim majority in the House will present
likely Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California with some problems keeping his
caucus together to ensure passage of legislation.

Eidshaug says it’s a little too early to envision what the
next session of Congress might be like.

“Certainly, I think the Republicans have indicated they want
to be very aggressive in terms of their oversight approach, but in terms of
legislation, I think we’re going to have to wait and see on some of that stuff.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670007119494.jpeg" alt="U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ron Eidshaug speaks to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce breakfast/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ron Eidshaug speaks to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce breakfast/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA vice president with the United States Chamber of Commerce
gives a less-than-optimistic look at Congress during a St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce event.Ron Eidshaug, who lobbies Congress on behalf of
the Chamber, says he’s not totally pessimistic about Capitol Hill and the
coming divided government.“The good news is that Republicans and Democrats are going to
have to work together to get something done,” Eidshaug tells reporters afterward.
“So that’s at least a cause for optimism.”Eidshaug says divided government has some benefits.“So, the big benefit to divided government is we’re not going
to see anything like the Build Back Better, Inflation Reduction (Act), massive
tax increases on the business community coming through,” according to Eidshaug.
“Divided government is going to force Republicans and Democrats to come up with
bipartisan solutions to solve problems for Americans, for American businesses,
for American families.”Republicans have retaken the House, while Democrats remain in
control of the Senate and the White House.Eidshaug says the slim majority in the House will present
likely Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California with some problems keeping his
caucus together to ensure passage of legislation.Eidshaug says it’s a little too early to envision what the
next session of Congress might be like.“Certainly, I think the Republicans have indicated they want
to be very aggressive in terms of their oversight approach, but in terms of
legislation, I think we’re going to have to wait and see on some of that stuff.”

Chamber executive sees benefits in divided government

Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner easily won
re-election this year, his first re-election bid. LaTurner, a Republican who
left the Kansas state Treasurer’s Office to run for Congress two years ago,
says this year’s campaign differed from his first.

“The biggest difference is just knowing the district better
than you did to start with,” LaTurner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Obviously
you campaign hard the first time and get to know folks and get to know the
district, but when you’ve represented the area for a couple of years you really
have a good sense of where people are on the issues. You understand what unique
challenges different parts of the district face.”

Redistricting changed the district a bit, but LaTurner
continues to represent northeast Kansas, as well as all of eastern Kansas
outside the Kansas City, Kansas metro area.

LaTurner hopes to land a spot on the House Appropriations
Committee. He points out a member of the Kansas Congressional delegation served
on the Appropriations Committee for more than 20 years, until 2018.

LaTurner won 55% of the vote two years ago in a hotly
contested contest that drew a lot of national money. LaTurner, though, found
himself in a difficult position when he took office.

“I was a freshman in the minority. And a freshman in the
minority, you’re not able to get a ton of legislative wins, because the
majority controls the schedule, they control the calendar, they control what
bills come to the floor,” according to LaTurner. “And so we were able to pass
legislation, being in the minority, but it’s very difficult to do.”

LaTurner says finding himself in the minority party in the
United States House forced a shift in priorities in which his office
concentrated on providing constituent services.

“Making sure that if you’re a veteran out there, if you have
an issue with Social Security, if you have an issue with your passport,
whatever the case may be when the federal government’s not treating you quite
right, we have been able to really work with our staff making sure that we are doing
that part really well and I think that’s important,” LaTurner says.

LaTurner says constituent services will remain a priority in
his second term. But, now in the majority, LaTurner hopes to have more say on
spending issues as well as agricultural policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670001782814.jpeg" alt="Jake LaTurner Election Night 2020/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Jake LaTurner Election Night 2020/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWhat a difference two years makes.Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner easily won
re-election this year, his first re-election bid. LaTurner, a Republican who
left the Kansas state Treasurer’s Office to run for Congress two years ago,
says this year’s campaign differed from his first.“The biggest difference is just knowing the district better
than you did to start with,” LaTurner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Obviously
you campaign hard the first time and get to know folks and get to know the
district, but when you’ve represented the area for a couple of years you really
have a good sense of where people are on the issues. You understand what unique
challenges different parts of the district face.”Redistricting changed the district a bit, but LaTurner
continues to represent northeast Kansas, as well as all of eastern Kansas
outside the Kansas City, Kansas metro area.LaTurner hopes to land a spot on the House Appropriations
Committee. He points out a member of the Kansas Congressional delegation served
on the Appropriations Committee for more than 20 years, until 2018.LaTurner won 55% of the vote two years ago in a hotly
contested contest that drew a lot of national money. LaTurner, though, found
himself in a difficult position when he took office.“I was a freshman in the minority. And a freshman in the
minority, you’re not able to get a ton of legislative wins, because the
majority controls the schedule, they control the calendar, they control what
bills come to the floor,” according to LaTurner. “And so we were able to pass
legislation, being in the minority, but it’s very difficult to do.”LaTurner says finding himself in the minority party in the
United States House forced a shift in priorities in which his office
concentrated on providing constituent services.“Making sure that if you’re a veteran out there, if you have
an issue with Social Security, if you have an issue with your passport,
whatever the case may be when the federal government’s not treating you quite
right, we have been able to really work with our staff making sure that we are doing
that part really well and I think that’s important,” LaTurner says.LaTurner says constituent services will remain a priority in
his second term. But, now in the majority, LaTurner hopes to have more say on
spending issues as well as agricultural policy.

Congressman LaTurner finds himself in a different position after re-election

MERCER COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Thursday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Jeep Wrangler driven by Hannah S. Bruse, 19, Princeton, was east bound on Elliot Road five miles northwest of Princeton.

The driver swerved to avoid a deer. The Jeep traveled off the road, struck an embankment and overturned. A private vehicle transported Bruse to Decatur Co. Hospital in Leon, Iowa. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

MERCER COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Thursday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Jeep Wrangler driven by Hannah S. Bruse, 19, Princeton, was east bound on Elliot Road five miles northwest of Princeton. The driver swerved to avoid a deer. The Jeep traveled off the road, struck an embankment and overturned. A private vehicle transported Bruse to Decatur Co. Hospital in Leon, Iowa. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after she swerves to avoid a deer

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;

The pilot has come in for a landing. In this case, the pilot is the famous aviator Amelia Earhart (or her replica in the form of a bronze statue), and her landing place isn’t an airport — it’s the nation’s capitol.&nbsp;

Amelia Earhart was recently honored by the State of Kansas by having her statue placed in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol building.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Statuary Hall is that area of the capitol that displays statues depicting people representing all 50 states. Each state is authorized to send two statues to this collection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas recently replaced one of its statues with one of Amelia Earhart, who captured the world’s attention as a pioneer in aviation.&nbsp;

With support from the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation, her statue was unveiled in the National Statuary Collection in July, 2022.&nbsp;

Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison on July 24, 1897. She must have been quite the adventurous child.&nbsp;&nbsp;One time she and friends built a homemade roller coaster by greasing boards with lard and suspending them from the top of a toolshed. Amelia made the trial run on this roller coaster in a wooden crate and crashed part way down.&nbsp;

She came up with a torn dress and split lip but a big smile, proclaiming, "Oh! It's just like flying!"&nbsp;

During World War I, she worked as a nurse’s aid at a military hospital and heard the military pilots talk about their flights. Amelia’s interest grew when she attended an airshow in Canada.&nbsp;

In 1921, Amelia Earhart took her first flying lessons. Six months later, she bought her first plane.&nbsp;

Amelia went on to make history: She was the first president of the Ninety-Nines, a women's aviation organization; the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic; first woman to fly solo coast-to-coast; and the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the mainland.&nbsp;

Through her husband, a publisher, she published several books and articles. She designed fashion clothing and had her own luggage line. She received many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, before disappearing on an ill-fated attempt to fly around the globe.&nbsp;

So what is Statuary Hall and how did Amelia Earhart come to land there? Statuary Hall goes back to the 1860s when a south wing was added to the U.S. Capitol building. The House of Representatives moved into its new chamber where it still meets today.&nbsp;

The House was debating what should be done with the former chamber that it had vacated. A suggestion came from Rep. Justin Morrill of Vermont. (This was the same congressman who authored the Morrill Act that authorized land grants for public higher education and under which Kansas State University became the nation’s first operational land grant university.)&nbsp;

Morrill suggested that the former House chamber become a place to display statues from each state. His suggestion was adopted. Every state was allowed to have two statues.&nbsp;

One might ask, who were the two statues from Kansas? Would you guess, George Glick and John J. Ingalls? When I led capitol tours years ago, our visitors would ask,&nbsp;&nbsp;“Who are those guys?&nbsp;&nbsp;Never heard of them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

I learned that George Glick was a one-term governor of Kansas and John J. Ingalls was a long-time Senator during the late 1800s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2003, Kansas became the first state to change its two representative statues. The Kansas Legislature voted to replace Glick and Ingalls with statues depicting Dwight D. Eisenhower and Amelia Earhart, provided the statues were funded with private money.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ike was placed there in 2003 and Amelia followed in 2022.&nbsp;

The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation paid for the statue of Amelia. The foundation is also working toward opening an aviation museum in her honor. That would be a wonderful addition to the rural community of Atchison, population 10,885 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/foundation">www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/foundation</a>.&nbsp;

This pilot has come in for a landing – that is, landing a spot in the Statuary Hall collection in Washington DC.&nbsp;

We commend the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation for making a difference by honoring her legacy. I hope Amelia’s ideals keep flying high.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669815891320.png" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;The pilot has come in for a landing. In this case, the pilot is the famous aviator Amelia Earhart (or her replica in the form of a bronze statue), and her landing place isn’t an airport — it’s the nation’s capitol.&nbsp;Amelia Earhart was recently honored by the State of Kansas by having her statue placed in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol building.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statuary Hall is that area of the capitol that displays statues depicting people representing all 50 states. Each state is authorized to send two statues to this collection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas recently replaced one of its statues with one of Amelia Earhart, who captured the world’s attention as a pioneer in aviation.&nbsp;With support from the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation, her statue was unveiled in the National Statuary Collection in July, 2022.&nbsp;Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison on July 24, 1897. She must have been quite the adventurous child.&nbsp;&nbsp;One time she and friends built a homemade roller coaster by greasing boards with lard and suspending them from the top of a toolshed. Amelia made the trial run on this roller coaster in a wooden crate and crashed part way down.&nbsp;She came up with a torn dress and split lip but a big smile, proclaiming, "Oh! It's just like flying!"&nbsp;During World War I, she worked as a nurse’s aid at a military hospital and heard the military pilots talk about their flights. Amelia’s interest grew when she attended an airshow in Canada.&nbsp;In 1921, Amelia Earhart took her first flying lessons. Six months later, she bought her first plane.&nbsp;Amelia went on to make history: She was the first president of the Ninety-Nines, a women's aviation organization; the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic; first woman to fly solo coast-to-coast; and the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the mainland.&nbsp;Through her husband, a publisher, she published several books and articles. She designed fashion clothing and had her own luggage line. She received many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, before disappearing on an ill-fated attempt to fly around the globe.&nbsp;So what is Statuary Hall and how did Amelia Earhart come to land there? Statuary Hall goes back to the 1860s when a south wing was added to the U.S. Capitol building. The House of Representatives moved into its new chamber where it still meets today.&nbsp;The House was debating what should be done with the former chamber that it had vacated. A suggestion came from Rep. Justin Morrill of Vermont. (This was the same congressman who authored the Morrill Act that authorized land grants for public higher education and under which Kansas State University became the nation’s first operational land grant university.)&nbsp;Morrill suggested that the former House chamber become a place to display statues from each state. His suggestion was adopted. Every state was allowed to have two statues.&nbsp;One might ask, who were the two statues from Kansas? Would you guess, George Glick and John J. Ingalls? When I led capitol tours years ago, our visitors would ask,&nbsp;&nbsp;“Who are those guys?&nbsp;&nbsp;Never heard of them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;I learned that George Glick was a one-term governor of Kansas and John J. Ingalls was a long-time Senator during the late 1800s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2003, Kansas became the first state to change its two representative statues. The Kansas Legislature voted to replace Glick and Ingalls with statues depicting Dwight D. Eisenhower and Amelia Earhart, provided the statues were funded with private money.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ike was placed there in 2003 and Amelia followed in 2022.&nbsp;The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation paid for the statue of Amelia. The foundation is also working toward opening an aviation museum in her honor. That would be a wonderful addition to the rural community of Atchison, population 10,885 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/foundation">www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/foundation</a>.&nbsp;This pilot has come in for a landing – that is, landing a spot in the Statuary Hall collection in Washington DC.&nbsp;We commend the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation for making a difference by honoring her legacy. I hope Amelia’s ideals keep flying high.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Amelia Earhart 

A Maysville business owner is calling for a state audit of the
Maysville School District.

Paul Hamby claims a number of questions have been circulating
in the community and says answers have been hard to find.

“It could be that it’s just (the) appearance of things not
being right or maybe there are things that shouldn’t be happening, but the only
way to know is to have an audit from an independent third party,” Hamby tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Hamby further claims district officials have not been
cooperative when he has asked for information.

“And really this kind of came to a head a few months ago when
I tried to find minutes of the school board meetings and in September I tried
to find when the next school board meeting was. None of that information was
readily available,” Hamby says. “I left a message at the superintendent’s
office and the call was never returned.”

Maysville School Superintendent Chris Heslinga says there isn’t
any evidence that Hamby reached out to his office.

“As far as the allegation Paul saying that he called the
school, we have no record (of it),” Heslinga says in an interview with KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “We don’t screen our calls. We do not have caller ID. And so, we
don’t have any record that Paul has called here or anything like that. So,
again, those are allegations.”

Heslinga adds all school board minutes are posted on the district
website as well as posted in the high school cafeteria. Heslinga does say if
the district has to undergo a state audit, he will embrace the process.

“Every community member has the right to call for one,”
Heslinga replies when asked about Hamby’s push for a state audit. “It is
unusual since our school district and all other school districts in the state
of Missouri (have) an outside firm that does their audit.” 

Heslinga says Clevenger and Associates of Chillicothe conducts
the audits of the school district.

Hamby questions the decision to build a new concession stand
at a cost of approximately $300,000, stating it could have been completed for
half that cost. Hamby says he has been told the Maysville School District is
saving a substantial amount of money, likely to finance a new building to
replace the aging Junior High-High School Building.

“One of the questions is:&nbsp;
is it better to build a new building or is it better to repair the old
building? But if the old building is being neglected and not taken care of properly
then that gives a perception that the only choice is to build a new building,”
according to Hamby

Maysville school officials have been conducting tours of the
school buildings and Superintendent Chris Heslinga says the community will
decide whether to upgrade or build new.

“But when you have a building that’s 90-years-old, we need to
decide what is best 20, 30, 40 years down the road,” Heslinga says “So that’s
kind of where we’re at.”

A citizen can request a state audit if they gather the
required number of signatures. Hamby estimates he will need a bit more than 300
signatures from registered voters in the district to make the request to the
Missouri State Auditor.

If the state conducts an audit, the district would be required
to pay its cost, estimated to be between $40,000 and $60,000.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Maysville business owner is calling for a state audit of the
Maysville School District.Paul Hamby claims a number of questions have been circulating
in the community and says answers have been hard to find.“It could be that it’s just (the) appearance of things not
being right or maybe there are things that shouldn’t be happening, but the only
way to know is to have an audit from an independent third party,” Hamby tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Hamby further claims district officials have not been
cooperative when he has asked for information.“And really this kind of came to a head a few months ago when
I tried to find minutes of the school board meetings and in September I tried
to find when the next school board meeting was. None of that information was
readily available,” Hamby says. “I left a message at the superintendent’s
office and the call was never returned.”Maysville School Superintendent Chris Heslinga says there isn’t
any evidence that Hamby reached out to his office.“As far as the allegation Paul saying that he called the
school, we have no record (of it),” Heslinga says in an interview with KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “We don’t screen our calls. We do not have caller ID. And so, we
don’t have any record that Paul has called here or anything like that. So,
again, those are allegations.”Heslinga adds all school board minutes are posted on the district
website as well as posted in the high school cafeteria. Heslinga does say if
the district has to undergo a state audit, he will embrace the process.“Every community member has the right to call for one,”
Heslinga replies when asked about Hamby’s push for a state audit. “It is
unusual since our school district and all other school districts in the state
of Missouri (have) an outside firm that does their audit.” Heslinga says Clevenger and Associates of Chillicothe conducts
the audits of the school district.Hamby questions the decision to build a new concession stand
at a cost of approximately $300,000, stating it could have been completed for
half that cost. Hamby says he has been told the Maysville School District is
saving a substantial amount of money, likely to finance a new building to
replace the aging Junior High-High School Building.“One of the questions is:&nbsp;
is it better to build a new building or is it better to repair the old
building? But if the old building is being neglected and not taken care of properly
then that gives a perception that the only choice is to build a new building,”
according to HambyMaysville school officials have been conducting tours of the
school buildings and Superintendent Chris Heslinga says the community will
decide whether to upgrade or build new.“But when you have a building that’s 90-years-old, we need to
decide what is best 20, 30, 40 years down the road,” Heslinga says “So that’s
kind of where we’re at.”A citizen can request a state audit if they gather the
required number of signatures. Hamby estimates he will need a bit more than 300
signatures from registered voters in the district to make the request to the
Missouri State Auditor.If the state conducts an audit, the district would be required
to pay its cost, estimated to be between $40,000 and $60,000.

Maysville business owner pushing for state audit of school district

With Republicans capturing the majority in the United States
House, northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves is in line to become the chair
of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Graves, now the ranking Republican on the committee, says the
top task of the committee in the upcoming Congress is overseeing how the Biden
administration handles the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Congress approved.

“We will be responsible for doling out a lot of the money in
the infrastructure bill,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We’ll be
responsible for oversight to make sure that the administration is following the
letter of the law and making sure that the administration is not trying to
change the law through rule-making authority.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669820767471.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWith Republicans capturing the majority in the United States
House, northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves is in line to become the chair
of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.Graves, now the ranking Republican on the committee, says the
top task of the committee in the upcoming Congress is overseeing how the Biden
administration handles the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Congress approved.“We will be responsible for doling out a lot of the money in
the infrastructure bill,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We’ll be
responsible for oversight to make sure that the administration is following the
letter of the law and making sure that the administration is not trying to
change the law through rule-making authority.”Graves says the Transportation Committee is mostly bipartisan,
with the exception of how the two parties split on the massive infrastructure
bill. Republicans had pushed for a smaller, more targeted infrastructure measure.Graves says Republicans will keep an eye on how the Biden
administration spends the money.“Because we know that many of the bureaucrats in the
administration are trying to change the letter of the law when it comes to
pushing that money out,” according to Graves. “There’s also the potential for a
lot of waste and fraud. When you’re putting $1.2 trillion out and you’re
pushing it out as fast as you possibly can, there’s a tremendous amount of opportunity
for waste. We want to make sure that doesn’t happen.”Graves says he wants to grant states more flexibility in how
to spend the funds.“The administration is trying to push people into mass transit,”
Graves says. “Well, that just doesn’t work in places like rural Missouri and
places like rural America. It simply doesn’t work. You need more capacity on
the roads in more traditional ways. And so, the administration is trying to
change that through rule making and so we’re going to be pushing back on that
to make sure that that doesn’t happen.”Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives
during the midterm elections. It appears their majority will be slim, similar
to the small majority Democrats enjoy in the current session of Congress.Graves says that while his top priority as chair will be
oversight, the committee will also be handling FAA reauthorization, renewal of
the Pipeline Safety Bill as well as the Water Resources Bill.

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