By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7mbpqzNoDZmoYEI2xTLQjm?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

Missouri lawmakers identify retired educators as a measure to address the state’s teacher shortage

&nbsp;BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri lawmakers have extended a rule allowing retired teachers to serve as substitutes without losing their retirement allowance. This measure is part of efforts to fill classrooms during a statewide teacher shortage.

The state legislature first took notice of the issue in 2022, when the COVID-19 pandemic chiseled away at the teacher workforce. They&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/19/bill-text/truly-agreed-to-and-finally-passed-sb681.pdf?c=24553" target="_blank">passed a law</a>&nbsp;that, among other provisions, encouraged retirees to become substitutes and set an expiration date of June 2025.

In May, lawmakers voted to extend the sunset to 2030 as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/bill-text/truly-agreed-to-and-finally-passed-sb68.pdf?c=19218" target="_blank">bipartisan education package</a>&nbsp;currently awaiting the governor’s signature.

State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly and chair of the House Education Committee, was part of the effort to pass the legislation in 2022.

“It is definitely something that needed to happen,” he told The Independent. “And really needed, this year, to be revisited.”

Lewis credits state Rep. Stephanie Boykin, a Democrat from Hazelwood, for bringing the issue to his attention. Boykin was one of a handful of lawmakers who filed a bill to extend the law’s sunset, and she got the legislation added onto a large Senate bill during committee work.

“It is a win for that retired teacher that doesn’t have to be concerned about being penalized or having to come out of retirement,” she told The Independent. “And, of course, it is a big win for our students to have a teacher with knowledge and with an educational background.”

This provision is different from a&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=169.331&amp;bid=54133&amp;hl=" target="_blank">statute allowing retirees to work full-time</a>. Since 2003, retired teachers have been able to return full-time for two years, which lawmakers increased to four years in 2023.

Missouri has been loosening requirements for substitute teachers while it struggles to find educators,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-lowers-certification-requirements-for-substitute-teachers/article_ee7c9f00-32bf-11ed-9ea6-37eb7d6891e8.html" target="_blank">reducing the amount of college credit required</a>&nbsp;to be certified as a substitute and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/education/2021-10-28/substitute-teachers-are-in-short-supply-missouri-hopes-its-found-a-solution" target="_blank">providing an alternative certification course online</a>.

Many of these efforts emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, but the shortage remains today. At the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, there were over 12,000 vacant teacher spots of which 9% went unfilled and 12% were filled by teachers without the proper certification,&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/educator-vacancy-report-january-2025" target="_blank">according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education</a>.

But veteran teachers are stepping up. In the 2023-24 school year, 4,500 retired educators served as substitutes, according to data from the Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri.

The average monthly benefit for retirees in the Public School Retirement System is around $3,800 a month. With most substitute gigs&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/substitute-teacher-survey-2024" target="_blank">paying $101-$125 a day</a>, retirees would lose money to come out of retirement to substitute.

Without the law securing retirement allowances, Lewis says there would be widespread vacancies.

“There would be open positions that would not get filled around the state,” he said. “Many of them we would have completely unqualified people in those positions, when you have perfectly qualified people who might be a little bit older but have tons of experience.”

Over two-thirds of Missouri substitute roles were filled by those ages 50 and older in 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/substitute-teacher-survey-2024" target="_blank">according to a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education survey</a>.

“It makes a difference when you have that experience there, versus someone that might like children but they are just looking for a job and they don’t mind being there,” Boykin said. “But nothing can take the place of an experienced teacher.”

Boykin understood the benefits of having retirees back in the classroom, she said, as a former educator of nine years.

“We want to remove any barriers from experienced teachers filling that gap,” she said. “And that is what this bill does.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749466495130.png" alt="State Rep. Stephanie Boykin, D-Hazelwood, speaks on the Missouri House floor during the final week of the 2025 legislative session (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Stephanie Boykin, D-Hazelwood, speaks on the Missouri House floor during the final week of the 2025 legislative session (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri lawmakers identify retired educators as a measure to address the state’s teacher shortage</h2>&nbsp;BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri lawmakers have extended a rule allowing retired teachers to serve as substitutes without losing their retirement allowance. This measure is part of efforts to fill classrooms during a statewide teacher shortage.The state legislature first took notice of the issue in 2022, when the COVID-19 pandemic chiseled away at the teacher workforce. They&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/19/bill-text/truly-agreed-to-and-finally-passed-sb681.pdf?c=24553" target="_blank">passed a law</a>&nbsp;that, among other provisions, encouraged retirees to become substitutes and set an expiration date of June 2025.In May, lawmakers voted to extend the sunset to 2030 as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/bill-text/truly-agreed-to-and-finally-passed-sb68.pdf?c=19218" target="_blank">bipartisan education package</a>&nbsp;currently awaiting the governor’s signature.State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly and chair of the House Education Committee, was part of the effort to pass the legislation in 2022.“It is definitely something that needed to happen,” he told The Independent. “And really needed, this year, to be revisited.”Lewis credits state Rep. Stephanie Boykin, a Democrat from Hazelwood, for bringing the issue to his attention. Boykin was one of a handful of lawmakers who filed a bill to extend the law’s sunset, and she got the legislation added onto a large Senate bill during committee work.“It is a win for that retired teacher that doesn’t have to be concerned about being penalized or having to come out of retirement,” she told The Independent. “And, of course, it is a big win for our students to have a teacher with knowledge and with an educational background.”This provision is different from a&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=169.331&amp;bid=54133&amp;hl=" target="_blank">statute allowing retirees to work full-time</a>. Since 2003, retired teachers have been able to return full-time for two years, which lawmakers increased to four years in 2023.Missouri has been loosening requirements for substitute teachers while it struggles to find educators,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-lowers-certification-requirements-for-substitute-teachers/article_ee7c9f00-32bf-11ed-9ea6-37eb7d6891e8.html" target="_blank">reducing the amount of college credit required</a>&nbsp;to be certified as a substitute and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/education/2021-10-28/substitute-teachers-are-in-short-supply-missouri-hopes-its-found-a-solution" target="_blank">providing an alternative certification course online</a>.Many of these efforts emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, but the shortage remains today. At the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, there were over 12,000 vacant teacher spots of which 9% went unfilled and 12% were filled by teachers without the proper certification,&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/educator-vacancy-report-january-2025" target="_blank">according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education</a>.But veteran teachers are stepping up. In the 2023-24 school year, 4,500 retired educators served as substitutes, according to data from the Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri.The average monthly benefit for retirees in the Public School Retirement System is around $3,800 a month. With most substitute gigs&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/substitute-teacher-survey-2024" target="_blank">paying $101-$125 a day</a>, retirees would lose money to come out of retirement to substitute.Without the law securing retirement allowances, Lewis says there would be widespread vacancies.“There would be open positions that would not get filled around the state,” he said. “Many of them we would have completely unqualified people in those positions, when you have perfectly qualified people who might be a little bit older but have tons of experience.”Over two-thirds of Missouri substitute roles were filled by those ages 50 and older in 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/substitute-teacher-survey-2024" target="_blank">according to a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education survey</a>.“It makes a difference when you have that experience there, versus someone that might like children but they are just looking for a job and they don’t mind being there,” Boykin said. “But nothing can take the place of an experienced teacher.”Boykin understood the benefits of having retirees back in the classroom, she said, as a former educator of nine years.“We want to remove any barriers from experienced teachers filling that gap,” she said. “And that is what this bill does.”

Retired educators to continue substitute teaching in Missouri without losing benefits

St. Joseph police have released the identity of the man who jumped from the Riverside Road bridge onto Highway 36 last Sunday night.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports 51-year-old Jerry Ritter was pronounced death at the scene.

In an earlier report, St. Joseph police stated the man jumped from the bridge at approximately 9:45pm Sunday, June 1st. Police report Missouri Department of Transportation employees were working on the bridge at the time.

According to police, the Medical Examiners' Office is awaiting autopsy results on this case.&nbsp;

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police have released the identity of the man who jumped from the Riverside Road bridge onto Highway 36 last Sunday night.The St. Joseph Police Department reports 51-year-old Jerry Ritter was pronounced death at the scene.In an earlier report, St. Joseph police stated the man jumped from the bridge at approximately 9:45pm Sunday, June 1st. Police report Missouri Department of Transportation employees were working on the bridge at the time.According to police, the Medical Examiners' Office is awaiting autopsy results on this case.&nbsp;You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph police identify victim in fatal fall

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Subaru Forrester driven by a 61-year-old St. Louis Park, Minnesota woman was southbound on Interstate 35 at mile marker 55.&nbsp; The Subaru rear-ended a 2006 Toyota Avalon driven by an 81-year-old Kearney, Misssouri, man. After impact the Subaru rolled into the median.

A private vehicle transported the Toyota driver and his 78-year-old female passenger. The Subaru driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Subaru Forrester driven by a 61-year-old St. Louis Park, Minnesota woman was southbound on Interstate 35 at mile marker 55.&nbsp; The Subaru rear-ended a 2006 Toyota Avalon driven by an 81-year-old Kearney, Misssouri, man. After impact the Subaru rolled into the median.A private vehicle transported the Toyota driver and his 78-year-old female passenger. The Subaru driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. couple injured after rear-end crash

CLINTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Saturday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Jeep Gladiator driven by a 17-year-old Hamilton boy was northbound on U.S. 69 seven miles south of Cameron. The jeep struck an animal in the road.&nbsp; After impact, the Jeep crossed&nbsp; the center line and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and rolled.

Cameron EMS transported the driver and a 19-year-old male passenger to Liberty Hospital. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Saturday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Jeep Gladiator driven by a 17-year-old Hamilton boy was northbound on U.S. 69 seven miles south of Cameron. The jeep struck an animal in the road.&nbsp; After impact, the Jeep crossed&nbsp; the center line and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and rolled.Cameron EMS transported the driver and a 19-year-old male passenger to Liberty Hospital. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Mo. teens hospitalized after Jeep strikes animal, rolls

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

Just before 8p.m. June 5, the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force&nbsp; initiated a search warrant at 714 Iowa Street in Hiawatha, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Upon conclusion of the warrant,&nbsp; Peter Carter, 45, Hiawatha was arrested on an outstanding $10,000 Brown County Felony Warrant for Contempt of Court, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Patricia McKinney, 35, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Felony Obstruction.&nbsp;

 Thomas Doyle, 65, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth an Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; Hiawatha Police assisted with the arrests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749228407077.png" alt="Carter photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Carter photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust.Just before 8p.m. June 5, the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force&nbsp; initiated a search warrant at 714 Iowa Street in Hiawatha, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Upon conclusion of the warrant,&nbsp; Peter Carter, 45, Hiawatha was arrested on an outstanding $10,000 Brown County Felony Warrant for Contempt of Court, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749228376073.png" alt="McKinney Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>McKinney Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Patricia McKinney, 35, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Felony Obstruction.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749228441083.png" alt="Doyle photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Doyle photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Thomas Doyle, 65, Hiawatha was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Meth an Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; Hiawatha Police assisted with the arrests.

Sheriff found meth, marijuana and small children at Kansas home

Just over one week after the Missouri Western State University announced it would discontinue the men's and women's track and field programs, it was announced today the program would be reinstated effective immediately.

The University announced that due to "overwhelming" community support the program would be reinstated.&nbsp; Following the discontinuation of the program, there was much outcry to the University from both the public and students.&nbsp;

"Given the dedication of our student athletes and their success in competition and in the classroom, it was a difficult decision to make," said President Elizabeth Kennedy said in a news release from the University. "I appreciate the supporters who have stepped up to help us create a plan to support the team in the future." 

"This is a great day!" said Athletic Director Andy Carter. "I am grateful that people want to ensure we can provide an outstanding student-athlete experience for Griffon Track and Field."

"The Missouri Western Board of Governors is eager to work with Griffon Track &amp; Field supporters to build the future of this program," said Chair of the Missouri Western Board of Governors Lee Tieman. "It's always a good day when you can do something to directly help our students."

More details will be announced at a later date.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostJust over one week after the Missouri Western State University announced it would discontinue the men's and women's track and field programs, it was announced today the program would be reinstated effective immediately.The University announced that due to "overwhelming" community support the program would be reinstated.&nbsp; Following the discontinuation of the program, there was much outcry to the University from both the public and students.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Reinstated! 🖤💛 Due to “overwhelming” support, MWSU will restore Track &amp; Field, effective immediately. 📰 - <a href="https://t.co/cUS5oQvkm9">https://t.co/cUS5oQvkm9</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OurCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OurCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/8LNNpyKCmu">pic.twitter.com/8LNNpyKCmu</a>&mdash; Missouri Western Athletics (@MWSUGriffons) <a href="https://twitter.com/MWSUGriffons/status/1931437151473791258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Given the dedication of our student athletes and their success in competition and in the classroom, it was a difficult decision to make," said President Elizabeth Kennedy said in a news release from the University. "I appreciate the supporters who have stepped up to help us create a plan to support the team in the future." "This is a great day!" said Athletic Director Andy Carter. "I am grateful that people want to ensure we can provide an outstanding student-athlete experience for Griffon Track and Field.""The Missouri Western Board of Governors is eager to work with Griffon Track &amp; Field supporters to build the future of this program," said Chair of the Missouri Western Board of Governors Lee Tieman. "It's always a good day when you can do something to directly help our students."More details will be announced at a later date.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MWSU reinstating track and field program after community support

A major step
toward reviving Lake Contrary will be taken next week.

The Buchanan
County Commission has authorized the use of a specialized aquatic herbicide to
get rid of the weeds which have overtaken the lake located just outside St.
Joseph.

Western District
Commissioner, Ron Hook, says the vegetation must be removed before the silt
that has settled on the lake can be removed.

“Spray it – the
whole 320 acres of lake – kill it all off and hopefully have a clear lake
bottom to where we can go ahead and do our test plots with the Corps of
Engineers and begin dredging,” Hook says.

Spraying will take
place Monday and Tuesday. A helicopter will be used in the spaying. Area
residents have been notified.

Hook says the
county still needs a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before it can
dredge the lake. Hook says the Corps wants the county to test a plot before it authorizes
dredging.

Dredging will take
three years at an estimated cost of $6-to-8 million.

Hook says the
county commission isn’t interested in restoring Lake Contrary to its glory
days.

“We’re not trying
to put it back to that,” according to Hook. “We just want it back to where
people can go down locally fish, run a jet ski, do some skiing with a boat,
pontoon around, swim at the beach; just normal, recreational fun.”

Hook says
restoring Lake Contrary will bring back a recreational lake, but also benefit
efforts to reduce Missouri River flooding.

“It’s not only
just for recreation,” Hook says. “It’s for water management and river
management and the protection for the levees.”

DNR has installed
34 relief wells at Lake Contrary to ease pressure on the Missouri River levees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749227664877.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA major step
toward reviving Lake Contrary will be taken next week.The Buchanan
County Commission has authorized the use of a specialized aquatic herbicide to
get rid of the weeds which have overtaken the lake located just outside St.
Joseph.Western District
Commissioner, Ron Hook, says the vegetation must be removed before the silt
that has settled on the lake can be removed.“Spray it – the
whole 320 acres of lake – kill it all off and hopefully have a clear lake
bottom to where we can go ahead and do our test plots with the Corps of
Engineers and begin dredging,” Hook says.Spraying will take
place Monday and Tuesday. A helicopter will be used in the spaying. Area
residents have been notified.Hook says the
county still needs a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before it can
dredge the lake. Hook says the Corps wants the county to test a plot before it authorizes
dredging.Dredging will take
three years at an estimated cost of $6-to-8 million.Hook says the
county commission isn’t interested in restoring Lake Contrary to its glory
days.“We’re not trying
to put it back to that,” according to Hook. “We just want it back to where
people can go down locally fish, run a jet ski, do some skiing with a boat,
pontoon around, swim at the beach; just normal, recreational fun.”Hook says
restoring Lake Contrary will bring back a recreational lake, but also benefit
efforts to reduce Missouri River flooding.“It’s not only
just for recreation,” Hook says. “It’s for water management and river
management and the protection for the levees.”DNR has installed
34 relief wells at Lake Contrary to ease pressure on the Missouri River levees.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

1st step toward reviving Lake Contrary begins next week

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/78TtvrWyW8BN5Un8IJy3GI?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Week in Review

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri has begun issuing federal food benefits that could reach 475,000 kids this summer.&nbsp;

The first batch of Missouri’s summer food benefits for children was issued on Thursday night, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Services told The Independent Friday. Each eligible child will receive a one-time benefit of $120, loaded onto a card that can be used like a debit card to buy groceries.

The program is designed to help low-income families pay for food during summer months. States pay 50% of the administrative costs and the federal government pays 100% of the benefits.&nbsp;

It’s part of a permanent federal program in its&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-pledges-to-disperse-summer-food-aid-by-end-of-year/#:~:text=By%3A%20Clara%20Bates%20%2D%20September%2026,told%20The%20Independent%20this%20week.">second year of existence</a>&nbsp;called Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer, or SUN Bucks. The program aims to help kids who receive subsidized school meals avoid a summer drop-off in nutrition.

The state in years past has struggled to get the benefits out to cover the summer months.&nbsp;Last year&nbsp;they didn’t begin going out&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-pledges-to-disperse-summer-food-aid-by-end-of-year/#:~:text=By%3A%20Clara%20Bates%20%2D%20September%2026,told%20The%20Independent%20this%20week.">until September,</a>&nbsp;due to technical issues, the state said at the time.&nbsp;

Food security advocates in the state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/02/missouri-opts-into-summer-ebt-federal-food-benefits-program/">were relieved when Missouri opted into the program</a>&nbsp;after weighing factors like technology issues and staffing.

There were&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/06/04/summer-ebt-will-help-feed-estimated-165000-west-virginia-children-this-year/" target="_blank">11 Republican-led states that opted not to offer the program this year,</a>&nbsp;and a 12th, Oklahoma, will offer it only to tribal nations.&nbsp;

Most eligible families in Missouri will receive the benefits automatically.&nbsp;

The following groups of kids are&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/missouri-sun-bucks-faqs" target="_blank">automatically eligible, and their families will not need to apply for benefits:&nbsp;</a>

Those benefits will be issued on an existing card if the family is enrolled in SNAP benefits or temporary assistance, or on a new mailed card if they are not. Families who need a new EBT card can request one<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/missouri-sun-bucks-faqs" target="_blank">&nbsp;by phone or the ebtEDGE mobile app.</a>

Families who are not automatically eligible must&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks-eligibility" target="_blank">submit an application online by Aug. 31.</a>&nbsp;The state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks-eligibility" target="_blank">eligibility navigator</a>&nbsp;will tell families whether they must apply.

Benefits&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/missouri-sun-bucks-faqs" target="_blank">will expire</a>&nbsp;122 days after they are issued, regardless of usage, so families must act quickly once the benefits are distributed. They should also keep the cards for next summer’s program, the state’s website advises.

An estimated&nbsp;<a href="https://legacy.www.documentcloud.org/documents/25965661-missouri-fy-2025-mo-s-ebt-pom-approval-letter-signed-41625/" target="_blank">475,000 Missouri kids could receive the benefits,</a>&nbsp;according to a letter to the state from the federal Food and Nutrition Service earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749255074364.png" alt=" Most eligible kids will receive the benefits automatically and won’t need to apply, but those who do need to apply must do so by Aug. 31 (USDA photo)." />
 <figcaption> Most eligible kids will receive the benefits automatically and won’t need to apply, but those who do need to apply must do so by Aug. 31 (USDA photo).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri has begun issuing federal food benefits that could reach 475,000 kids this summer.&nbsp;The first batch of Missouri’s summer food benefits for children was issued on Thursday night, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Services told The Independent Friday. Each eligible child will receive a one-time benefit of $120, loaded onto a card that can be used like a debit card to buy groceries.The program is designed to help low-income families pay for food during summer months. States pay 50% of the administrative costs and the federal government pays 100% of the benefits.&nbsp;It’s part of a permanent federal program in its&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-pledges-to-disperse-summer-food-aid-by-end-of-year/#:~:text=By%3A%20Clara%20Bates%20%2D%20September%2026,told%20The%20Independent%20this%20week.">second year of existence</a>&nbsp;called Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer, or SUN Bucks. The program aims to help kids who receive subsidized school meals avoid a summer drop-off in nutrition.The state in years past has struggled to get the benefits out to cover the summer months.&nbsp;Last year&nbsp;they didn’t begin going out&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-pledges-to-disperse-summer-food-aid-by-end-of-year/#:~:text=By%3A%20Clara%20Bates%20%2D%20September%2026,told%20The%20Independent%20this%20week.">until September,</a>&nbsp;due to technical issues, the state said at the time.&nbsp;Food security advocates in the state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/02/missouri-opts-into-summer-ebt-federal-food-benefits-program/">were relieved when Missouri opted into the program</a>&nbsp;after weighing factors like technology issues and staffing.There were&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/06/04/summer-ebt-will-help-feed-estimated-165000-west-virginia-children-this-year/" target="_blank">11 Republican-led states that opted not to offer the program this year,</a>&nbsp;and a 12th, Oklahoma, will offer it only to tribal nations.&nbsp;Most eligible families in Missouri will receive the benefits automatically.&nbsp;The following groups of kids are&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/missouri-sun-bucks-faqs" target="_blank">automatically eligible, and their families will not need to apply for benefits:&nbsp;</a><ul>
 <li>Students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch during the school year,</li><li>Households already enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or temporary assistance,</li><li>And children between ages 7 and 17 in foster care, who are experiencing homelessness or are migrants.</li>
 </ul>Those benefits will be issued on an existing card if the family is enrolled in SNAP benefits or temporary assistance, or on a new mailed card if they are not. Families who need a new EBT card can request one<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/missouri-sun-bucks-faqs" target="_blank">&nbsp;by phone or the ebtEDGE mobile app.</a>Families who are not automatically eligible must&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks-eligibility" target="_blank">submit an application online by Aug. 31.</a>&nbsp;The state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/sunbucks-eligibility" target="_blank">eligibility navigator</a>&nbsp;will tell families whether they must apply.Benefits&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/missouri-sun-bucks-faqs" target="_blank">will expire</a>&nbsp;122 days after they are issued, regardless of usage, so families must act quickly once the benefits are distributed. They should also keep the cards for next summer’s program, the state’s website advises.An estimated&nbsp;<a href="https://legacy.www.documentcloud.org/documents/25965661-missouri-fy-2025-mo-s-ebt-pom-approval-letter-signed-41625/" target="_blank">475,000 Missouri kids could receive the benefits,</a>&nbsp;according to a letter to the state from the federal Food and Nutrition Service earlier this year.

Missouri begins issuing summer food aid for kids

The St. Joseph Mustangs scored another big win in MINK league play to stay undefeated in league play, beating the Chillicothe Mudcats 11-4 at Phil Welch Stadium on Friday evening.&nbsp;

The Mustangs started off in dominant fashion too, shutting out the Mudcats through the first five innings.&nbsp; St. Joseph got on the board in the first inning thanks to Benton alum Chris Coy singling into left field, driving in Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart and Dom Felix for a quick 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

Things broke open in the fourth inning as the Mustangs put up four runs, the biggest coming on the first home run of the season in St. Joseph, courtesy of Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith, a solo shot to left field.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly by Darius Freeman later in the inning extended the lead more, driving in&nbsp;Tyler Gundelfinger, before Felix singled to left to bring home Logan Miller and Lafayette alum Jayden Little, pushing the lead to 6-0.&nbsp;

Three more runs scored in the fifth inning, first with Little driving in Griffith on an RBI single.&nbsp; Little later scored on a single from Freeman, which also drove in Miller and gave St. Joseph a 9-0 lead at the end of five innings.&nbsp;

Chillicothe found their way onto the scoreboard in the sixth inning with a three run frame, hitting the second home run of the game as&nbsp;Luke DeWitt, who also pitched two innings of relief for the Mudcats, hit a two run home run, scoring&nbsp;John Spoto.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jordi Ventura came across home later in the inning on a groundout by&nbsp;Ethan Murakoshi, cutting the Mustangs lead to 9-3.&nbsp;

But St. Joseph never wavered, adding the final two runs in the seventh inning.&nbsp; Freeman's sacrifice fly scored Miller, for Freeman's fourth RBI of the game.&nbsp; Later in the inning Felix doubled to drive in Luikart for the final Mustangs run.&nbsp; Over the last two games, Freeman has now driven in nine runs, after driving in five on Thursday against Jefferson City.

Murakoshi singled to left field in the eighth inning for the Mudcats, driving in&nbsp;Aiden Baerenklau for the final run of the game.

Aron Harrington got the win for the Mustangs, pitching five shutout innings, striking out six and giving up two hits while walking three.&nbsp; At the plate, Felix was 3-for-4 with three RBI's and a walk.&nbsp; Griffith was 1-for-2 with the home run and two walks, he also stole two bases in the win.&nbsp; Freeman was 1-for-4 with the four RBI's.&nbsp;

The Mustangs have one more home game tomorrow, before they hit the road for the first time on Tuesday.&nbsp; It will be the annual matchup between the St. Joseph Mustangs and the Mustangs alumni on Saturday at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm, gates open at 5:30.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749274391176.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith hit the first Mustangs home run of the year in an 11-4 win over the Chillicothe Mudcats. Griffith was 1-for-2 at the plate with two walks in the win/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Mustangs." />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith hit the first Mustangs home run of the year in an 11-4 win over the Chillicothe Mudcats. Griffith was 1-for-2 at the plate with two walks in the win/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Mustangs.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe St. Joseph Mustangs scored another big win in MINK league play to stay undefeated in league play, beating the Chillicothe Mudcats 11-4 at Phil Welch Stadium on Friday evening.&nbsp;The Mustangs started off in dominant fashion too, shutting out the Mudcats through the first five innings.&nbsp; St. Joseph got on the board in the first inning thanks to Benton alum Chris Coy singling into left field, driving in Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart and Dom Felix for a quick 2-0 lead.&nbsp;Things broke open in the fourth inning as the Mustangs put up four runs, the biggest coming on the first home run of the season in St. Joseph, courtesy of Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith, a solo shot to left field.&nbsp; A sacrifice fly by Darius Freeman later in the inning extended the lead more, driving in&nbsp;Tyler Gundelfinger, before Felix singled to left to bring home Logan Miller and Lafayette alum Jayden Little, pushing the lead to 6-0.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Going, going, gone! Parker Griffith hits the Mustangs first home run of the year in the bottom of the fourth! <a href="https://t.co/btwTY9ejYB">pic.twitter.com/btwTY9ejYB</a>&mdash; StJoeMustangs (@theSJmustangs) <a href="https://twitter.com/theSJmustangs/status/1931163015149461571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Three more runs scored in the fifth inning, first with Little driving in Griffith on an RBI single.&nbsp; Little later scored on a single from Freeman, which also drove in Miller and gave St. Joseph a 9-0 lead at the end of five innings.&nbsp;Chillicothe found their way onto the scoreboard in the sixth inning with a three run frame, hitting the second home run of the game as&nbsp;Luke DeWitt, who also pitched two innings of relief for the Mudcats, hit a two run home run, scoring&nbsp;John Spoto.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jordi Ventura came across home later in the inning on a groundout by&nbsp;Ethan Murakoshi, cutting the Mustangs lead to 9-3.&nbsp;But St. Joseph never wavered, adding the final two runs in the seventh inning.&nbsp; Freeman's sacrifice fly scored Miller, for Freeman's fourth RBI of the game.&nbsp; Later in the inning Felix doubled to drive in Luikart for the final Mustangs run.&nbsp; Over the last two games, Freeman has now driven in nine runs, after driving in five on Thursday against Jefferson City.Murakoshi singled to left field in the eighth inning for the Mudcats, driving in&nbsp;Aiden Baerenklau for the final run of the game.Aron Harrington got the win for the Mustangs, pitching five shutout innings, striking out six and giving up two hits while walking three.&nbsp; At the plate, Felix was 3-for-4 with three RBI's and a walk.&nbsp; Griffith was 1-for-2 with the home run and two walks, he also stole two bases in the win.&nbsp; Freeman was 1-for-4 with the four RBI's.&nbsp;The Mustangs have one more home game tomorrow, before they hit the road for the first time on Tuesday.&nbsp; It will be the annual matchup between the St. Joseph Mustangs and the Mustangs alumni on Saturday at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7pm, gates open at 5:30.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Another big win as Mustangs top Chillicothe 11-4

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Ford Machs Van driven by a 32-year-old Maryville man was northbound on MO 148 three miles north of Maryville.

The Van rear-ended a 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by a 49-year-old Pickering man who was stopped in traffic attempting to turn west onto County Road 220.

Nodaway County EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic in Maryville. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Friday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Ford Machs Van driven by a 32-year-old Maryville man was northbound on MO 148 three miles north of Maryville.The Van rear-ended a 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by a 49-year-old Pickering man who was stopped in traffic attempting to turn west onto County Road 220.Nodaway County EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic in Maryville. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Mo. men hospitalized after rear-end crash

Northwest Missouri State University’s summer enrollment has topped 5,500 students for the second consecutive year, according to the institution’s summer census.

Northwest's enrollment total for the summer shows 1,910 undergraduate students and 3,592 graduate students, a total of 5,502 students on campus. That number is a 5% decline from a year ago, but the university does report it does still remain consistent with totals over the past five years.

Graduate student enrollment declined by just under 8% (7.6%) this summer. The total of graduate students spiked a year ago to 3,886, which marked the first time in Northwest history that the graduate student total exceeded 3,000 students. Northwest attributes the decline to fewer international students.

Northwest also reports that 83% of undergraduates are enrolled in online only courses, which is common with students being employed or being away from campus on internships, while 70% of graduate students are enrolled in online only courses. 68% that are enrolled are Missouri residents while the international student population this summer declined to 78%.

The number of credit hours that undergraduate students are enrolled in however though has increased, jumping 4.5% to 13,073 credit hours. Overall, Northwest students are enrolled in 32,571 hours this summer.

“It is great to see so many Northwest students engaged in coursework again this summer," Dr. Allison Hoffmann, the University’s associate provost for enrollment management and student success, said in a news release from the University. “Northwest’s summer academic offerings allow students the opportunity to continue progressing toward their degree or credential in a timely manner.”

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostNorthwest Missouri State University’s summer enrollment has topped 5,500 students for the second consecutive year, according to the institution’s summer census.Northwest's enrollment total for the summer shows 1,910 undergraduate students and 3,592 graduate students, a total of 5,502 students on campus. That number is a 5% decline from a year ago, but the university does report it does still remain consistent with totals over the past five years.Graduate student enrollment declined by just under 8% (7.6%) this summer. The total of graduate students spiked a year ago to 3,886, which marked the first time in Northwest history that the graduate student total exceeded 3,000 students. Northwest attributes the decline to fewer international students.Northwest also reports that 83% of undergraduates are enrolled in online only courses, which is common with students being employed or being away from campus on internships, while 70% of graduate students are enrolled in online only courses. 68% that are enrolled are Missouri residents while the international student population this summer declined to 78%.The number of credit hours that undergraduate students are enrolled in however though has increased, jumping 4.5% to 13,073 credit hours. Overall, Northwest students are enrolled in 32,571 hours this summer.“It is great to see so many Northwest students engaged in coursework again this summer," Dr. Allison Hoffmann, the University’s associate provost for enrollment management and student success, said in a news release from the University. “Northwest’s summer academic offerings allow students the opportunity to continue progressing toward their degree or credential in a timely manner.”You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

NWMSU summer enrollment tops 5,500 for second consecutive year

The city of St. Joseph will see its sewer rates rise next year by three percent and rise another three percent next year.  

The rise in sewer rates comes after a study was presented to the St. Joseph City Council on sewer rates conducted by Burns &amp; McDonnell.   

District 3 Councilmember Andrew Trout says the rise in rates has to do with safety and federal regulations, such as phosphorus regulations coming in 

"Things that are pollutants and carcinogens and bad things that shouldn't be dumped into the Missouri River, because we're on the river, we have to make a ot of changes over the course of time," Trout says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "And there's a lot of things coming up and there's a lot of things that have recently been put into place to get the water even cleaner, to make sure that it's clean for the river to keep the health of the Missouri River going." 

Trout says it also has to do with the cost-of-living increase, with costing more to buy the chemicals and equipment needed, that made the increase necessary as well.  

Trout calls the proposal a "necessary evil" 

"Nobody wants to raise rates of anything, but it has to happen," Trout explains.  "And most of those dollars going into that increase are for federal requirements that are either new or equipment that has to be replaced to keep up with the standards we currently have." 

Trout says some equipment that needs to be replaced or repaired is already being worked on, but says that nothing starts with thousands anymore, it starts with millions to purchase 

Trout says the study from Burns &amp; McDonnell showed many factors that showed the need for the increase, including equipment that's worn out 

"Equipment that we're having to patch together that's not staying patched as long as it used to stay," Trout says.  "So, a big portion of that is equipment that's failing that needs to be replaced, and some of it's in the process of being replaced now, a piece of it is new federal regulations like the phosphate regulations." 

The city states the rise would help the city keep up with the rising cost of state and federal regulations. 

The Burns &amp; McDonnell study reports the average St. Joseph sewer bill is $65.70 a month while the average bill in Omaha is $60.12 and the average bill in Kansas City is $79.01.

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The city of St. Joseph will see its sewer rates rise next year by three percent and rise another three percent next year. The rise in sewer rates comes after a study was presented to the St. Joseph City Council on sewer rates conducted by Burns &amp; McDonnell. District 3 Councilmember Andrew Trout says the rise in rates has to do with safety and federal regulations, such as phosphorus regulations coming in "Things that are pollutants and carcinogens and bad things that shouldn't be dumped into the Missouri River, because we're on the river, we have to make a ot of changes over the course of time," Trout says on the KFEQmunnity show. "And there's a lot of things coming up and there's a lot of things that have recently been put into place to get the water even cleaner, to make sure that it's clean for the river to keep the health of the Missouri River going." Trout says it also has to do with the cost-of-living increase, with costing more to buy the chemicals and equipment needed, that made the increase necessary as well. Trout calls the proposal a "necessary evil" "Nobody wants to raise rates of anything, but it has to happen," Trout explains. "And most of those dollars going into that increase are for federal requirements that are either new or equipment that has to be replaced to keep up with the standards we currently have." Trout says some equipment that needs to be replaced or repaired is already being worked on, but says that nothing starts with thousands anymore, it starts with millions to purchase Trout says the study from Burns &amp; McDonnell showed many factors that showed the need for the increase, including equipment that's worn out "Equipment that we're having to patch together that's not staying patched as long as it used to stay," Trout says. "So, a big portion of that is equipment that's failing that needs to be replaced, and some of it's in the process of being replaced now, a piece of it is new federal regulations like the phosphate regulations." The city states the rise would help the city keep up with the rising cost of state and federal regulations. The Burns &amp; McDonnell study reports the average St. Joseph sewer bill is $65.70 a month while the average bill in Omaha is $60.12 and the average bill in Kansas City is $79.01.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph Councilmember says sewer rate increase is "necessary evil"

The annual art fair at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph is coming up tomorrow. 

Executive Director Eric Fuson says the event will be out on the lawn of the museum throughout the day tomorrow 

"We've got about 17 artists that are going to be out with all their wears and their creations," Fuson says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "And then we have bands all day, about every hour we've got another band coming on, so we've got a lot of great local talent and a band from Kansas City as well."  

Fuson says the types of music people will hear is a wide variety 

"We kind of do a little bit of everything so, we're going to start off with the Renaissance Brass guys, there's a group from right here in town, some of them are Missouri Western professors and former professors, and they just get together and play," Fuson explains.  "So, they're going to start off with some Renaissance music and then move into some Beatles, all on brass instruments, which is actually amazing and sounds fantastic out there on the patio." 

The first act will take the stage at 10am with performances running until 7pm. Food trucks, like Kona Ice, will also be on hand 

Fuson says artist vendors will also be on hand, with many of them being from around the St. Joseph and Kansas City area.  

"They really are kind of the heart and soul of the art community around (the area), they all create their own work," Fuson says.  "It's a jury thing so we really kind of look and see whose making good stuff, so there's really good things to choose from." 

The event runs from 10am until 8pm tomorrow.  It is free to attend. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE The annual art fair at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph is coming up tomorrow. Executive Director Eric Fuson says the event will be out on the lawn of the museum throughout the day tomorrow "We've got about 17 artists that are going to be out with all their wears and their creations," Fuson says on the KFEQmunnity show. "And then we have bands all day, about every hour we've got another band coming on, so we've got a lot of great local talent and a band from Kansas City as well." Fuson says the types of music people will hear is a wide variety "We kind of do a little bit of everything so, we're going to start off with the Renaissance Brass guys, there's a group from right here in town, some of them are Missouri Western professors and former professors, and they just get together and play," Fuson explains. "So, they're going to start off with some Renaissance music and then move into some Beatles, all on brass instruments, which is actually amazing and sounds fantastic out there on the patio." The first act will take the stage at 10am with performances running until 7pm. Food trucks, like Kona Ice, will also be on hand Fuson says artist vendors will also be on hand, with many of them being from around the St. Joseph and Kansas City area. "They really are kind of the heart and soul of the art community around (the area), they all create their own work," Fuson says. "It's a jury thing so we really kind of look and see whose making good stuff, so there's really good things to choose from." The event runs from 10am until 8pm tomorrow. It is free to attend. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Albrecht Kemper hosting Art Fair this weekend in St. Joseph

Dozens of home brewers, a few
microbreweries, and others will be on hand Saturday at the Ales West Beer
Festival in downtown St. Joseph.

The festival gets underway at noon at
Coleman Hawkins Park.

Organizer Billy Campbell says as many as
50 vendors will be on hand. He says what sets this beer festival apart is the
number of home brewers who participate.

“What those home brewers can do on that
scale with the ingredients that go into that beer (is) just amazing,” Campbell
tells KFEQmmunity. “There are home brewed beers that you can have at this
festival that hands down will be on par or better than anything commercial, anything
at a microbrewery.”

The festival features more than beer.
There also will be distilleries and wineries there.

Designated driver tickets will be sold as
well. There will be live music featuring Casey Brett thanks to a partnership
with the St. Joseph Downtown Association.

Campbell says the festival features a
vast variety of drinks.

“There are so many different options that
it’s definitely something that you can enter into,” Campbell says. “For a small
fee for a ticket you can go try one ounce, two ounce, three ounce samples of
something. If you don’t like, you just pour it out. You’re not wasting (anything),
it’s just a little bit. Not all beer is for everybody, but at Ales West,
everybody can find something.”

The money generated by the festival is
donated to various charities in the St. Joseph area.

Click <a href="https://aleswest.com/">HERE</a> for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749230403023.jpeg" alt="Ales West Beer Festival in Saint Joseph/Photo courtesy of Ales Wet" />
 <figcaption>Ales West Beer Festival in Saint Joseph/Photo courtesy of Ales Wet</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostDozens of home brewers, a few
microbreweries, and others will be on hand Saturday at the Ales West Beer
Festival in downtown St. Joseph.The festival gets underway at noon at
Coleman Hawkins Park.Organizer Billy Campbell says as many as
50 vendors will be on hand. He says what sets this beer festival apart is the
number of home brewers who participate.“What those home brewers can do on that
scale with the ingredients that go into that beer (is) just amazing,” Campbell
tells KFEQmmunity. “There are home brewed beers that you can have at this
festival that hands down will be on par or better than anything commercial, anything
at a microbrewery.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749232621898.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Ales West" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Ales West</figcaption>
 </figure>The festival features more than beer.
There also will be distilleries and wineries there.Designated driver tickets will be sold as
well. There will be live music featuring Casey Brett thanks to a partnership
with the St. Joseph Downtown Association.Campbell says the festival features a
vast variety of drinks.“There are so many different options that
it’s definitely something that you can enter into,” Campbell says. “For a small
fee for a ticket you can go try one ounce, two ounce, three ounce samples of
something. If you don’t like, you just pour it out. You’re not wasting (anything),
it’s just a little bit. Not all beer is for everybody, but at Ales West,
everybody can find something.”The money generated by the festival is
donated to various charities in the St. Joseph area.Click <a href="https://aleswest.com/">HERE</a> for more information.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749232675463.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Ales West" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Ales West</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Ales West gets underway Saturday at Coleman Hawkins Park

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0Wix9vqouZqlxkGkY9vObm?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4Vrd927T8dpiajSiAAV5c8?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

A St. Joseph woman has been charged with
driving drunk, causing a fatal crash last week in Country Club Village.

The Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney’s
office has filed four felony charges against 37-year-old Chelsea Ingino,
including driving while intoxicated resulting in the death of another. Ingino
has also been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, involuntary manslaughter,
and driving while intoxicated resulting in serious in serious physical injury.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported
Ingino was driving south in the northbound passing lane of Business 29 May 27th
and crashed with the vehicle driven by a 35-year-old man, forcing both off the
roadway. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has yet to be
released.

Ingino’s six-year-old daughter was in the vehicle.
Both suffered injuries requiring hospitalization.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph woman has been charged with
driving drunk, causing a fatal crash last week in Country Club Village.The Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney’s
office has filed four felony charges against 37-year-old Chelsea Ingino,
including driving while intoxicated resulting in the death of another. Ingino
has also been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, involuntary manslaughter,
and driving while intoxicated resulting in serious in serious physical injury.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported
Ingino was driving south in the northbound passing lane of Business 29 May 27th
and crashed with the vehicle driven by a 35-year-old man, forcing both off the
roadway. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has yet to be
released.Ingino’s six-year-old daughter was in the vehicle.
Both suffered injuries requiring hospitalization.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph woman charged with drunk driving in fatal crash

Starting July 1, state employees will arrive unannounced at dispensaries and collect about 50 products a month off the shelves for further testing.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

State cannabis regulators will begin their first attempt next month to double check the work of licensed testing labs tasked with ensuring the safety of Missouri marijuana products.

Starting July 1, staff with the Division of Cannabis Regulation will arrive unannounced at dispensaries and collect about 50 products a month off the shelves. They’ll take them to the Missouri State Public Health Reference Laboratory to be tested for things like mold, pesticides and a whole range of other things.&nbsp;

Ryan Bernard, the division’s testing and research unit manager, said the unannounced sampling has been in the works for a while as a way to add an extra level of compliance. The division, Bernard said, isn’t expecting to find problems.

“We won’t know until we see the data,” Bernard said. “I have full faith and confidence in our testing licensees that they’re testing according to rule as it’s been outlined.”

However, national testing lab experts told The Independent that&nbsp;Missouri’s regulators might be shocked at the results.

“Shelf testing has not gone well in any state that I know of, especially if it’s just starting,” said Josh Swider,&nbsp;vice chair of the cannabis working group for<a href="https://www.acil.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;American Council of Independent Laboratories</a>. “It will be very telling very fast.”

Swider pointed to a&nbsp;<a href="https://mjbizdaily.com/arizona-marijuana-regulators-flag-major-testing-lab-for-multiple-violations/" target="_blank">citation in Arizona</a>&nbsp;in April of a cannabis lab, where the state found&nbsp;<a href="https://azcarecheck.azdhs.gov/s/inspection-details?inspectionId=a1Ics00000KAgthEAD&amp;facilityId=0018y000004X7ULAA0" target="_blank">more than a dozen alleged “deficiencies”</a>&nbsp;including problems with the lab’s potency testing and pesticide and microbial detection methods.

Swider called the levels of pesticides on the Arizona products “sickening.”

“But this is what you’re seeing around the country,” said Swider,&nbsp;co-founder and CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://infinitecal.com/" target="_blank">Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs</a>&nbsp;in San Diego. “Regulators are starting to enforce. They’re realizing an issue that’s been systemic for a long time.”

Other common issue Missouri regulars might also find, he said, are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/21/missouri-cannabis-regulators-target-lab-shopping-in-new-rules/">inflated levels of THC on products</a>.&nbsp;

Regulators previously talked about conducting a “round robin” testing, where the state’s certified testing labs would double check each other’s work under the state’s instruction. Amy Moore, director of the Division of Cannabis Regulation, told lawmakers in 2023 that this additional testing rule was “critical.”&nbsp;

“The challenges in regulating and relying on for-profit cannabis testing labs,” Moore told lawmakers at a 2023 committee hearing, “is one of the most discussed challenges in the national cannabis regulatory community.”

However, the state never ended up getting the process going for a variety of factors, Bernard said, so the unannounced samples will be the regulators first attempt at a testing backstop.

Lawmakers began allocating money for this kind of sampling to be tested at the state laboratory in the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2024 with $3.8 million. Most of it went unspent because the cannabis testing methods were “still in the process of being implemented,” according to state budget documents. Another $2.4 million was allocated for this fiscal year ending on June 30, and it’s unclear how much of it has been spent.

Bernard couldn’t speak on the budget for testing, he said, because the division and state lab budgets are “totally separate.”

“Our operating budget is DCR only,” he said. “State public health labs is theirs.”

The lab will receive another $2.4 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1.&nbsp;

Swider said a standard test at a Missouri cannabis lab costs about $400. With the $2.4 million the lab is allocated to conduct 600 tests a year, it would put that rate at $4,000 a test.&nbsp;

It would take one employee in Swider’s lab to leisurely do 50 tests in a week, he said, but 50 in a day is doable.&nbsp;

Bernard said sampling 50 products out of more than 500,000 product tags is “not even close” to being representative of the market, but he called this a “very much preliminary” start.

Bernard has been working closely with the state public health lab, he said, to build the infrastructure for cannabis testing and they’ve had some “hold ups.”&nbsp;

“[The state lab has] experienced grant-funding delays and and then back orders related to potential tariffs,” he said. “They’ve had equipment failures…so this starting point number will get us to a point where we can start stabilizing the amount they need to purchase compared to the amount that I can sample.”

The goal is to get to a representative sample size as soon as possible, he said.&nbsp;

At an MJ Unpacked cannabis conference in November, concerns were raised among testing experts about the fact that 82% of Missouri’s cannabis testing is conducted at one licensed lab,&nbsp;<a href="https://mogreenway.com/2024/11/21/data-presentation-begets-speculation-regarding-lab-testing/" target="_blank">Greenway Magazine&nbsp;</a>reported. And that lab catches fewer problems with mold compared to other Missouri labs and those across the country.

At the November panel, information obtained through a Sunshine request revealed that the lab referred to as “Lab D” reported a failure rate for Aspergillus—a mold that poses significant health risks— roughly 8 times lower than the national average.

The state’s other labs had a failure rate of 3.3%, which is aligned closely with the national average of 3.8%.&nbsp;

Lab D’s failure rate was just under 0.5%.&nbsp;

The information raised questions about whether the mold was adequately being checked.&nbsp;However, Bernard said those results didn’t raise any alarm for him.&nbsp;

“Everybody’s being held to the same standards as far as testing is concerned and their ISO accreditation,” Bernard said. “Without doing further investigation, I have confidence that the industry is testing appropriately.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696682550411.png" alt="(Rebecca Rivas/The Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>(Rebecca Rivas/The Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Starting July 1, state employees will arrive unannounced at dispensaries and collect about 50 products a month off the shelves for further testing.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>State cannabis regulators will begin their first attempt next month to double check the work of licensed testing labs tasked with ensuring the safety of Missouri marijuana products.Starting July 1, staff with the Division of Cannabis Regulation will arrive unannounced at dispensaries and collect about 50 products a month off the shelves. They’ll take them to the Missouri State Public Health Reference Laboratory to be tested for things like mold, pesticides and a whole range of other things.&nbsp;Ryan Bernard, the division’s testing and research unit manager, said the unannounced sampling has been in the works for a while as a way to add an extra level of compliance. The division, Bernard said, isn’t expecting to find problems.“We won’t know until we see the data,” Bernard said. “I have full faith and confidence in our testing licensees that they’re testing according to rule as it’s been outlined.”However, national testing lab experts told The Independent that&nbsp;Missouri’s regulators might be shocked at the results.“Shelf testing has not gone well in any state that I know of, especially if it’s just starting,” said Josh Swider,&nbsp;vice chair of the cannabis working group for<a href="https://www.acil.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;American Council of Independent Laboratories</a>. “It will be very telling very fast.”Swider pointed to a&nbsp;<a href="https://mjbizdaily.com/arizona-marijuana-regulators-flag-major-testing-lab-for-multiple-violations/" target="_blank">citation in Arizona</a>&nbsp;in April of a cannabis lab, where the state found&nbsp;<a href="https://azcarecheck.azdhs.gov/s/inspection-details?inspectionId=a1Ics00000KAgthEAD&amp;facilityId=0018y000004X7ULAA0" target="_blank">more than a dozen alleged “deficiencies”</a>&nbsp;including problems with the lab’s potency testing and pesticide and microbial detection methods.Swider called the levels of pesticides on the Arizona products “sickening.”“But this is what you’re seeing around the country,” said Swider,&nbsp;co-founder and CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://infinitecal.com/" target="_blank">Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs</a>&nbsp;in San Diego. “Regulators are starting to enforce. They’re realizing an issue that’s been systemic for a long time.”Other common issue Missouri regulars might also find, he said, are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/21/missouri-cannabis-regulators-target-lab-shopping-in-new-rules/">inflated levels of THC on products</a>.&nbsp;Regulators previously talked about conducting a “round robin” testing, where the state’s certified testing labs would double check each other’s work under the state’s instruction. Amy Moore, director of the Division of Cannabis Regulation, told lawmakers in 2023 that this additional testing rule was “critical.”&nbsp;“The challenges in regulating and relying on for-profit cannabis testing labs,” Moore told lawmakers at a 2023 committee hearing, “is one of the most discussed challenges in the national cannabis regulatory community.”However, the state never ended up getting the process going for a variety of factors, Bernard said, so the unannounced samples will be the regulators first attempt at a testing backstop.Lawmakers began allocating money for this kind of sampling to be tested at the state laboratory in the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2024 with $3.8 million. Most of it went unspent because the cannabis testing methods were “still in the process of being implemented,” according to state budget documents. Another $2.4 million was allocated for this fiscal year ending on June 30, and it’s unclear how much of it has been spent.Bernard couldn’t speak on the budget for testing, he said, because the division and state lab budgets are “totally separate.”“Our operating budget is DCR only,” he said. “State public health labs is theirs.”The lab will receive another $2.4 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1.&nbsp;Swider said a standard test at a Missouri cannabis lab costs about $400. With the $2.4 million the lab is allocated to conduct 600 tests a year, it would put that rate at $4,000 a test.&nbsp;“That’s not good,” he said.&nbsp;It would take one employee in Swider’s lab to leisurely do 50 tests in a week, he said, but 50 in a day is doable.&nbsp;Bernard said sampling 50 products out of more than 500,000 product tags is “not even close” to being representative of the market, but he called this a “very much preliminary” start.Bernard has been working closely with the state public health lab, he said, to build the infrastructure for cannabis testing and they’ve had some “hold ups.”&nbsp;“[The state lab has] experienced grant-funding delays and and then back orders related to potential tariffs,” he said. “They’ve had equipment failures…so this starting point number will get us to a point where we can start stabilizing the amount they need to purchase compared to the amount that I can sample.”The goal is to get to a representative sample size as soon as possible, he said.&nbsp;At an MJ Unpacked cannabis conference in November, concerns were raised among testing experts about the fact that 82% of Missouri’s cannabis testing is conducted at one licensed lab,&nbsp;<a href="https://mogreenway.com/2024/11/21/data-presentation-begets-speculation-regarding-lab-testing/" target="_blank">Greenway Magazine&nbsp;</a>reported. And that lab catches fewer problems with mold compared to other Missouri labs and those across the country.At the November panel, information obtained through a Sunshine request revealed that the lab referred to as “Lab D” reported a failure rate for Aspergillus—a mold that poses significant health risks— roughly 8 times lower than the national average.The state’s other labs had a failure rate of 3.3%, which is aligned closely with the national average of 3.8%.&nbsp;Lab D’s failure rate was just under 0.5%.&nbsp;The information raised questions about whether the mold was adequately being checked.&nbsp;However, Bernard said those results didn’t raise any alarm for him.&nbsp;“Everybody’s being held to the same standards as far as testing is concerned and their ISO accreditation,” Bernard said. “Without doing further investigation, I have confidence that the industry is testing appropriately.”

Missouri regulators set to expand marijuana testing protocols

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement investigating the abuse of a dog have made an arrest.

In May of&nbsp;2024 police in the city of Atchison conducted an investigation relating to the abuse of a dog following a report made by the Atchison Humane Society, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The puppy had sustained injuries that resulted in its death.

On Wednesday, police arrested 28-year-old&nbsp;Taylor R. Bonar, 28, Atchison,&nbsp; on a District Court warrant for cruelty to animals.&nbsp; She is being held on a bond of $2,500, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749129001729.png" alt="Bonar photo Atchison Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Bonar photo Atchison Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement investigating the abuse of a dog have made an arrest.In May of&nbsp;2024 police in the city of Atchison conducted an investigation relating to the abuse of a dog following a report made by the Atchison Humane Society, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The puppy had sustained injuries that resulted in its death.On Wednesday, police arrested 28-year-old&nbsp;Taylor R. Bonar, 28, Atchison,&nbsp; on a District Court warrant for cruelty to animals.&nbsp; She is being held on a bond of $2,500, according to Wilson.

Local