People living with disabilities want to live as independently as everyone else, and that's where MERIL tries to help. 

Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living, or MERIL, has been in northwest Missouri since 1994 providing these services to help people live independently. 

Executive Director and CEO Rob Honan says while MERIL does not house people with disabilities, they provide the resources to help them do so.

"We do that basically through three different programs," Honan tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "One is our independent living program, that is a program that we have a state grant through vocational rehabilitation to provide five core services to people with disabilities."

Honan says MERIL does that through three different programs, including its state funded independent living program, which provides five core services.

"So, those core services are advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support, information referral, and transition services which includes youth as well as transition out of nursing homes and back into the community," Honan explains.

Honan says the other two programs provided are consumer directed services as well as in home PCA services.  MERIL has offices in St. Joseph and Maryville for more information.

Honan says his staff helps a variety of people living with disabilities live in their homes and communities independently.

"I mean, we have individuals who maybe have a spinal cord injury as a result of an accident perhaps, or we have individuals who are getting older and their health situations are changing and they need assistance," Honan says. "We also have individuals who are born with certain conditions, maybe like cerebral palsy or fibromyalgia, whatever there's all kinds of mixture in there."

Honan says the number of people that MERIL serves can vary from month to month, with people leaving the program or coming to the program, but estimates they serve around 30 to 50 people in the independent living program alone.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostPeople living with disabilities want to live as independently as everyone else, and that's where MERIL tries to help. Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living, or MERIL, has been in northwest Missouri since 1994 providing these services to help people live independently. Executive Director and CEO Rob Honan says while MERIL does not house people with disabilities, they provide the resources to help them do so."We do that basically through three different programs," Honan tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "One is our independent living program, that is a program that we have a state grant through vocational rehabilitation to provide five core services to people with disabilities."Honan says MERIL does that through three different programs, including its state funded independent living program, which provides five core services."So, those core services are advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support, information referral, and transition services which includes youth as well as transition out of nursing homes and back into the community," Honan explains.Honan says the other two programs provided are consumer directed services as well as in home PCA services. MERIL has offices in St. Joseph and Maryville for more information.Honan says his staff helps a variety of people living with disabilities live in their homes and communities independently."I mean, we have individuals who maybe have a spinal cord injury as a result of an accident perhaps, or we have individuals who are getting older and their health situations are changing and they need assistance," Honan says. "We also have individuals who are born with certain conditions, maybe like cerebral palsy or fibromyalgia, whatever there's all kinds of mixture in there."Honan says the number of people that MERIL serves can vary from month to month, with people leaving the program or coming to the program, but estimates they serve around 30 to 50 people in the independent living program alone.

MERIL continues to help disabled live independently

PLATTE COUNTY— The inmate who escaped from custody Wednesday has been taken back into custody, according to the Platte County Sheriff's office. Just after 2:30p.m, 38-year-old Jacob Meineker escaped from custody&nbsp; from Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road.

An extensive search by members of the Platte County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas City Police Department took place over the next several hours. 

Just after&nbsp; 9:30p.m., officers took Meineker was taken into custody near Green Hills Road and North Shore Drive further incident. Meineker is currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center on the original charge of possession of a controlled substance and a new requested charge for his escape from custody, according to online jail records.

PLATTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking for help to locate 38-year-old Jacob Meineker.

Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, Meineker escaped from custody from Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road, according to the Platte County Sheriff.

Meineker was last seen wearing blue hospital pants with no shirt and no shoes. The sheriff released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666829286821.png" alt="Meineker-photo Platte Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Meineker-photo Platte Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY— The inmate who escaped from custody Wednesday has been taken back into custody, according to the Platte County Sheriff's office. Just after 2:30p.m, 38-year-old Jacob Meineker escaped from custody&nbsp; from Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road. An extensive search by members of the Platte County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas City Police Department took place over the next several hours. Just after&nbsp; 9:30p.m., officers took Meineker was taken into custody near Green Hills Road and North Shore Drive further incident. Meineker is currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center on the original charge of possession of a controlled substance and a new requested charge for his escape from custody, according to online jail records.-----------------PLATTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking for help to locate 38-year-old Jacob Meineker.Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, Meineker escaped from custody from Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road, according to the Platte County Sheriff.Meineker was last seen wearing blue hospital pants with no shirt and no shoes. The sheriff released no additional details.

Sheriff: Man who escaped from custody at KC hospital captured

While shopping for the holidays, a local promotion encourages shoppers to not go online but to shop local instead.&nbsp;

The Shop St. Joseph holiday promotion, held by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, will return soon, giving people a chance to win money, by shopping locally. &nbsp;

Chamber President and CEO Natalie Redmond says local businesses or restaurants are encouraged to sign up for the program.&nbsp;

"We'll be really kicking that off the first part of November and it will run through December really just right up to Christmas time," Redmond tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And for every dollar you spend in that participating merchants store or restaurant you receive a ticket, that ticket has a number on it, and if you win the drawing, you will win $10,000 from the shop St. Joe program."&nbsp;

Redmond admits it might be time to up the grand prize money, but says research shows that $10,000 is enough to skew a person's shopping decisions and make them want to shop locally.&nbsp;

"We really at first, when we started this program, were doing it to keep you from going to Kansas City during the holidays and to pull maybe that person in Cameron to come to St. Joe versus North Kansas City for their holiday shopping," Redmond explains. "And now it's become a fight against internet, you know, I'm sorry but Amazon doesn't need your Christmas money, but the residents that have the local store in downtown St. Joe do."&nbsp;

Redmond says this year, more than ever, local small businesses need shoppers to remember to shop local.&nbsp;

"With the cost of inflation, with the cost of their prices, with the workforce shortages, you know the small businesses are really concerned about this holiday season," Redmond says. "And it's now our time, St. Joe does a great job of rallying around support local, and I would just encourage you they need you now more than ever."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666730873919.jpeg" alt="Shoppers that shop local this holiday season could win $10,000 during the Shop St. Joe program/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Shoppers that shop local this holiday season could win $10,000 during the Shop St. Joe program/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;While shopping for the holidays, a local promotion encourages shoppers to not go online but to shop local instead.&nbsp;The Shop St. Joseph holiday promotion, held by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, will return soon, giving people a chance to win money, by shopping locally. &nbsp;Chamber President and CEO Natalie Redmond says local businesses or restaurants are encouraged to sign up for the program.&nbsp;"We'll be really kicking that off the first part of November and it will run through December really just right up to Christmas time," Redmond tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And for every dollar you spend in that participating merchants store or restaurant you receive a ticket, that ticket has a number on it, and if you win the drawing, you will win $10,000 from the shop St. Joe program."&nbsp;Redmond admits it might be time to up the grand prize money, but says research shows that $10,000 is enough to skew a person's shopping decisions and make them want to shop locally.&nbsp;"We really at first, when we started this program, were doing it to keep you from going to Kansas City during the holidays and to pull maybe that person in Cameron to come to St. Joe versus North Kansas City for their holiday shopping," Redmond explains. "And now it's become a fight against internet, you know, I'm sorry but Amazon doesn't need your Christmas money, but the residents that have the local store in downtown St. Joe do."&nbsp;Redmond says this year, more than ever, local small businesses need shoppers to remember to shop local.&nbsp;"With the cost of inflation, with the cost of their prices, with the workforce shortages, you know the small businesses are really concerned about this holiday season," Redmond says. "And it's now our time, St. Joe does a great job of rallying around support local, and I would just encourage you they need you now more than ever."&nbsp;

Shop local, earn a chance at prizes during Shop St. Joseph

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

On Monday, police arrested 37-year-old Douglas J. Followill of Atchison on a District Court warrant for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He is being held on a $20,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666703917694.png" alt="Followill-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Followill-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.On Monday, police arrested 37-year-old Douglas J. Followill of Atchison on a District Court warrant for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He is being held on a $20,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of meth possession 

An armed graduate of a St. Louis high school killed one
student and a teacher Monday morning before police shot and killed him.

Seven other students were shot and wounded at Central Visual
and Performing Arts High School.

A deadly shooting so close to home worries any school
administrator. And St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar says that worry
deepens because of the difficulty of preventing such random violence.

“I don’t know that there’s any way that you can completely
stop anybody from doing something like this,” Edgar tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline.

Edgar says the St. Joseph School District has upgraded school
building entrances at all levels:&nbsp;
elementary, middle, and high schools.

“A lot of our buildings were older and a lot of them did not
have very secure entrances and a lot of them were challenging to make them
secure,” Edgar says.

St. Joseph School District voters in 2019 approved a 61-cent
levy increase with a portion of the $6.5 million raised annually to be spent on
school security. In addition to securing school building entrances, communication
methods have been upgraded and security officers added.

Edgar says school building security once wasn’t a concern for
school administrators.

“When I started my education career in 1997, we didn’t talk
about things like this,” Edgar says. “It’s very unfortunate, but I do think its
twofold. There is a school safety, school security issue, but there’s also a
mental health issue that needs to be addressed, not only in the state of Missouri,
but in the United States of America and probably across the world.”

St. Louis police say Central Visual was secured, the doors
locked. Still, the armed graduate of the St. Louis high school walked in with a
rifle fully visible. He also carried plenty of ammunition in firearm magazines.
The death toll could have been much worse.

Edgar says such incidents shock everyone in the education
community.

“We just pray for the people that were in the situation in St.
Louis,” Edgar says. “You never want to take for granted that it’s never going
to happen to you or here, those types of things. It’s a constant communication.
We’re continuing to talk about it every single day.”

The school shooting in St.
Louis shortly after nine o’clock Monday morning sent students in the school scrambling to
barricade doors and huddle in classroom corners. Some jumped from windows.
Others ran out of the building. One terrorized girl said she was eye-to-eye
with the shooter before his gun apparently jammed and she was able to escape.

The shooter, identified as 19-year-old
Orlando Harris, was shot and killed in a gunfire exchange with police.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666723611625.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn armed graduate of a St. Louis high school killed one
student and a teacher Monday morning before police shot and killed him.Seven other students were shot and wounded at Central Visual
and Performing Arts High School.A deadly shooting so close to home worries any school
administrator. And St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar says that worry
deepens because of the difficulty of preventing such random violence.“I don’t know that there’s any way that you can completely
stop anybody from doing something like this,” Edgar tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline.Edgar says the St. Joseph School District has upgraded school
building entrances at all levels:&nbsp;
elementary, middle, and high schools.“A lot of our buildings were older and a lot of them did not
have very secure entrances and a lot of them were challenging to make them
secure,” Edgar says.St. Joseph School District voters in 2019 approved a 61-cent
levy increase with a portion of the $6.5 million raised annually to be spent on
school security. In addition to securing school building entrances, communication
methods have been upgraded and security officers added.Edgar says school building security once wasn’t a concern for
school administrators.“When I started my education career in 1997, we didn’t talk
about things like this,” Edgar says. “It’s very unfortunate, but I do think its
twofold. There is a school safety, school security issue, but there’s also a
mental health issue that needs to be addressed, not only in the state of Missouri,
but in the United States of America and probably across the world.”St. Louis police say Central Visual was secured, the doors
locked. Still, the armed graduate of the St. Louis high school walked in with a
rifle fully visible. He also carried plenty of ammunition in firearm magazines.
The death toll could have been much worse.Edgar says such incidents shock everyone in the education
community.“We just pray for the people that were in the situation in St.
Louis,” Edgar says. “You never want to take for granted that it’s never going
to happen to you or here, those types of things. It’s a constant communication.
We’re continuing to talk about it every single day.”The school shooting in St.
Louis shortly after nine o’clock Monday morning sent students in the school scrambling to
barricade doors and huddle in classroom corners. Some jumped from windows.
Others ran out of the building. One terrorized girl said she was eye-to-eye
with the shooter before his gun apparently jammed and she was able to escape.The shooter, identified as 19-year-old
Orlando Harris, was shot and killed in a gunfire exchange with police.The Associated Press contributed to this article.

St. Joseph school officials check security measures in wake of deadly St. Louis shooting

Fall is here and with the colder weather also comes the beauty of the leaves on trees changing colors. &nbsp;

Forester Lonnie Messbarger with the Missouri Department of Conservation in St. Joseph says if you are looking to see the fall colors in trees right now is the peak time.&nbsp;

"We've had fall color for several weeks now, starting with the dogwoods and the sumac and the Virginia creeper vines, and then we move where cottonwoods and hackberries they'll turn yellow and other trees (like) walnuts," Messbarger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And then right now we're into mostly oaks and hickory that's kind of the last batch of trees that turn in the fall."&nbsp;

Messbarger says people's best bet to see some of the best fall colors is along the Missouri River floodplain in the Loess Bluffs between North Kansas City to just past the Iowa state line. &nbsp;

Messbarger says the types of color you will see in the trees depends on not just the type of tree, but also the weather. &nbsp;

"But most of the time everybody really enjoys the oranges and the reds sometimes of sugar maple in the Loess hills again, and then the majority of the oaks will turn a deep red, almost purplish, brownish color, it kind of varies again" Messbarger says. "But right now, that's what you're seeing is the oaks and the brown and the orange."&nbsp;

Messbarger explains that normally sugar maples can produce some of the most vibrant colors, but this year due to the weather they won't be as bright.&nbsp;

Messbarger says it's always a big thing for people to get out and see the fall colors.&nbsp;

"Whether they get out and actually drive around, there's a lot of those folks, and then some of them just want to know," Messbarger says. "And of course, you can't be anywhere around this part of the country without seeing fall color, either in town when you're doing your thing or going out for a drive."&nbsp;

And Messbarger says the department even has a website that shows people a report on the fall colors in their region&nbsp;

"So, we're in the northwest region, we go all the way from St. Joe to Chillicothe and mostly down to Kansas City and up the Iowa Line so we try to report the current fall color and then do a little predicting on that website we have," Messbarger explains.&nbsp;

You can find a link to the fall color maps <a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/fall-color">HERE</a>&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Fall is here and with the colder weather also comes the beauty of the leaves on trees changing colors. &nbsp;Forester Lonnie Messbarger with the Missouri Department of Conservation in St. Joseph says if you are looking to see the fall colors in trees right now is the peak time.&nbsp;"We've had fall color for several weeks now, starting with the dogwoods and the sumac and the Virginia creeper vines, and then we move where cottonwoods and hackberries they'll turn yellow and other trees (like) walnuts," Messbarger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And then right now we're into mostly oaks and hickory that's kind of the last batch of trees that turn in the fall."&nbsp;Messbarger says people's best bet to see some of the best fall colors is along the Missouri River floodplain in the Loess Bluffs between North Kansas City to just past the Iowa state line. &nbsp;Messbarger says the types of color you will see in the trees depends on not just the type of tree, but also the weather. &nbsp;"But most of the time everybody really enjoys the oranges and the reds sometimes of sugar maple in the Loess hills again, and then the majority of the oaks will turn a deep red, almost purplish, brownish color, it kind of varies again" Messbarger says. "But right now, that's what you're seeing is the oaks and the brown and the orange."&nbsp;Messbarger explains that normally sugar maples can produce some of the most vibrant colors, but this year due to the weather they won't be as bright.&nbsp;Messbarger says it's always a big thing for people to get out and see the fall colors.&nbsp;"Whether they get out and actually drive around, there's a lot of those folks, and then some of them just want to know," Messbarger says. "And of course, you can't be anywhere around this part of the country without seeing fall color, either in town when you're doing your thing or going out for a drive."&nbsp;And Messbarger says the department even has a website that shows people a report on the fall colors in their region&nbsp;"So, we're in the northwest region, we go all the way from St. Joe to Chillicothe and mostly down to Kansas City and up the Iowa Line so we try to report the current fall color and then do a little predicting on that website we have," Messbarger explains.&nbsp;You can find a link to the fall color maps <a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/fall-color">HERE</a>&nbsp;

Region offers great opportunity to see fall colors

DAVIESS COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Monday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy 2500 driven by Chad R. Withrow, 24, Windham, ME, was eastbound on MO 6 one mile east of Gallatin.

The pickup rear-ended a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Jay D. Blackburn, 51, Galt, who was slowing for traffic.

Davis County EMS transported Blackburn to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Withrow was not injured. Blackburn was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Monday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy 2500 driven by Chad R. Withrow, 24, Windham, ME, was eastbound on MO 6 one mile east of Gallatin.The pickup rear-ended a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Jay D. Blackburn, 51, Galt, who was slowing for traffic.Davis County EMS transported Blackburn to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Withrow was not injured. Blackburn was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Daviess County man injured after rear-end crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities arrested 48-year-old April A. Thomas of Atchison, on Friday on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She had been accused of domestic battery in connection with incidents on August 24 and Sept. 13, according to online jail records.

On Sept. 23,&nbsp; police arrested her on a separate Community Corrections detain order, according to Wilson.

She posted bond and is no longer in custody. Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664197452424.png" alt="Thomas-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomas-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities arrested 48-year-old April A. Thomas of Atchison, on Friday on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.She had been accused of domestic battery in connection with incidents on August 24 and Sept. 13, according to online jail records.On Sept. 23,&nbsp; police arrested her on a separate Community Corrections detain order, according to Wilson.She posted bond and is no longer in custody. Police released no additional details.

Kan. woman accused of domestic battery returned to jail

Missouri 34th Senatorial District
incumbent, Republican Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville, is being challenged in his
re-election bid by political newcomer, Democrat Sarah Shorter of Kansas City.

Luetkemeyer, in a St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce
candidate forum, touts his record on fighting crime and bringing state money to
the district in his bid to win a second four-year term.

“But even with all these successes, I know that my
work in Jefferson City is far from over,” Luetkemeyer tells the audience at
Stoney Creek Hotel and those listening on KFEQ, “and if you give me the chance on
November 8th to continue serving as your state senator, I promise to
keep fighting for you every single day as I’ve done for the last four years.”

Countering that is Shorter, with a different
perspective. Shorter states that experience with struggles drives the campaign.

“I have depression. I have anxiety. I have
physical health issues. I have been homeless at one point in my life, although it
was a very soft form of homelessness. I will admit that,” Shorter says. “So,
when I talk about policies, these are not hypotheticals to me. They are things
that are part of my lived experience.”

The two do not agree on what is the most pressing
issue facing the state.

Luetkemeyer sites the economy as the most
pressing issue.

“It’s gas prices being out of control. It’s
housing prices skyrocketing. It’s interest rates going up,” according to
Luetkemeyer. “It’s the economy and the Stock Market tanking, which is impacted
everyone’s 401(k)s and their retirement plans.”

But Shorter says the biggest issue is gun
violence, advocating responsible ways to own and store firearms.

“If I could explain to you what it’s like to see
kids who are shot accidently or kids who have shot themselves, I feel like I
would be able to express this much better,” Shorter tells the audience. “But I can
assure you, it is as horrifying as you imagine.”

Shorter says common sense gun control is the best
way to address violent crime.

“The other thing that is really important is that
we start investing in our mental health services for adults and for teens,”
Shorter says. “When we hear of another mass shooting, it’s always that there is
some sort of mental health issue; then we need to start looking at mental
health issues.”

Luetkemeyer says he has already been addressing
the issue, sponsoring legislation to make sure violent offenders serve time in
prison.

“Because what we have seen in Kansas City and
elsewhere around the state, any time you pick up a newspaper, is somebody who
commits a murder oftentimes has a long rap sheet where they’ve committed multiple
violent offenses, yet they get a slap on the wrist and they’re back out on the
streets and then they eventually kill someone,” Luetkemeyer says. “That is not
okay.”

The 34th State Senatorial District is
comprised of Platte and Buchanan Counties.

You can hear the full candidate forum on 680KFEQ
– dot - com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666631685051.jpeg" alt="State Senate candidates speak at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce candidate forum broadcast on KFEQ/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>State Senate candidates speak at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce candidate forum broadcast on KFEQ/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri 34th Senatorial District
incumbent, Republican Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville, is being challenged in his
re-election bid by political newcomer, Democrat Sarah Shorter of Kansas City.Luetkemeyer, in a St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce
candidate forum, touts his record on fighting crime and bringing state money to
the district in his bid to win a second four-year term.“But even with all these successes, I know that my
work in Jefferson City is far from over,” Luetkemeyer tells the audience at
Stoney Creek Hotel and those listening on KFEQ, “and if you give me the chance on
November 8th to continue serving as your state senator, I promise to
keep fighting for you every single day as I’ve done for the last four years.”Countering that is Shorter, with a different
perspective. Shorter states that experience with struggles drives the campaign.“I have depression. I have anxiety. I have
physical health issues. I have been homeless at one point in my life, although it
was a very soft form of homelessness. I will admit that,” Shorter says. “So,
when I talk about policies, these are not hypotheticals to me. They are things
that are part of my lived experience.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666631753646.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville) and challenger Sarah Shorter (D-Kansas City)/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville) and challenger Sarah Shorter (D-Kansas City)/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>The two do not agree on what is the most pressing
issue facing the state.Luetkemeyer sites the economy as the most
pressing issue.“It’s gas prices being out of control. It’s
housing prices skyrocketing. It’s interest rates going up,” according to
Luetkemeyer. “It’s the economy and the Stock Market tanking, which is impacted
everyone’s 401(k)s and their retirement plans.”But Shorter says the biggest issue is gun
violence, advocating responsible ways to own and store firearms.“If I could explain to you what it’s like to see
kids who are shot accidently or kids who have shot themselves, I feel like I
would be able to express this much better,” Shorter tells the audience. “But I can
assure you, it is as horrifying as you imagine.”Shorter says common sense gun control is the best
way to address violent crime.“The other thing that is really important is that
we start investing in our mental health services for adults and for teens,”
Shorter says. “When we hear of another mass shooting, it’s always that there is
some sort of mental health issue; then we need to start looking at mental
health issues.”Luetkemeyer says he has already been addressing
the issue, sponsoring legislation to make sure violent offenders serve time in
prison.“Because what we have seen in Kansas City and
elsewhere around the state, any time you pick up a newspaper, is somebody who
commits a murder oftentimes has a long rap sheet where they’ve committed multiple
violent offenses, yet they get a slap on the wrist and they’re back out on the
streets and then they eventually kill someone,” Luetkemeyer says. “That is not
okay.”The 34th State Senatorial District is
comprised of Platte and Buchanan Counties.You can hear the full candidate forum on 680KFEQ
– dot - com.

Candidates for 34th Senatorial District air differing visions

An elderly man died in a two-vehicle crash in St. Joseph
Friday afternoon.

St. Joseph police report a pick-up traveling west on Lovers
Lane collided with another pick-up pulling out of Mount Olivet Cemetery, crashing
into the driver’s side. The driver of the pick-up pulling out of the cemetery, 87-year-old
Donald Wilde, was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Wilde died
later at the hospital.

The extent of injuries to the other driver has not been
disclosed. He was also taken to the hospital.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn elderly man died in a two-vehicle crash in St. Joseph
Friday afternoon.St. Joseph police report a pick-up traveling west on Lovers
Lane collided with another pick-up pulling out of Mount Olivet Cemetery, crashing
into the driver’s side. The driver of the pick-up pulling out of the cemetery, 87-year-old
Donald Wilde, was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Wilde died
later at the hospital.The extent of injuries to the other driver has not been
disclosed. He was also taken to the hospital.

Two car crash in St. Joseph kills 87-year-old

Levee repairs along the Missouri River are ongoing and the Army Corps of Engineers has granted its largest contract ever for the Kansas City District to repair and raise the levee protecting St. Joseph as well as Elwood, Wathena, and Rosecrans Memorial Airport.&nbsp;

The contract totals 14-Million dollars. It is the fifth in a series of six contracts to improve flood control in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. &nbsp;

Project manager Craig Weltig with the Army Corps of Engineers says the work will raise the levees.&nbsp;

"We have a raise of an average of like one foot on the left bank and a raise up to three and a half feet on the right bank," Weltig tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, the improvements consist of like I said levee raises, under seepage berms including stability berms on the backside, directly on the backside of the levee."&nbsp;

The cost of improvements to the levees will be shared by the federal government and local jurisdictions with the federal government picking up 65-percent of the cost. The rest will be paid by Buchanan County, St. Joseph, and the state of Missouri.&nbsp;

Weltig says the biggest reason for the large contract is the number of materials needed.&nbsp;

"Overall, though, the levee raises on the right bank there adjacent to Elwood, Wathena, and Rosecrans it's roughly one and a half million cubic yards of material that's being moved," Weltig says. "And that's the equivalent to roughly 900 miles of dump trucks back-to-back, if you parked them bumper to bumper."&nbsp;

Weltig says the overall project is aimed at flood prevention and protection for northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas.&nbsp;

"Providing actually increased flood risk reduction, we're $2.3 billion worth of investment that includes residential, commercial, industrial, and of course military with Rosecrans and the support of the Missouri Air National Guard the 139th Airlift Wing," Weltig explains.&nbsp;

The project is set to begin this winter and is designed to be an 18-month long process.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Levee repairs along the Missouri River are ongoing and the Army Corps of Engineers has granted its largest contract ever for the Kansas City District to repair and raise the levee protecting St. Joseph as well as Elwood, Wathena, and Rosecrans Memorial Airport.&nbsp;The contract totals 14-Million dollars. It is the fifth in a series of six contracts to improve flood control in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. &nbsp;Project manager Craig Weltig with the Army Corps of Engineers says the work will raise the levees.&nbsp;"We have a raise of an average of like one foot on the left bank and a raise up to three and a half feet on the right bank," Weltig tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, the improvements consist of like I said levee raises, under seepage berms including stability berms on the backside, directly on the backside of the levee."&nbsp;The cost of improvements to the levees will be shared by the federal government and local jurisdictions with the federal government picking up 65-percent of the cost. The rest will be paid by Buchanan County, St. Joseph, and the state of Missouri.&nbsp;Weltig says the biggest reason for the large contract is the number of materials needed.&nbsp;"Overall, though, the levee raises on the right bank there adjacent to Elwood, Wathena, and Rosecrans it's roughly one and a half million cubic yards of material that's being moved," Weltig says. "And that's the equivalent to roughly 900 miles of dump trucks back-to-back, if you parked them bumper to bumper."&nbsp;Weltig says the overall project is aimed at flood prevention and protection for northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas.&nbsp;"Providing actually increased flood risk reduction, we're $2.3 billion worth of investment that includes residential, commercial, industrial, and of course military with Rosecrans and the support of the Missouri Air National Guard the 139th Airlift Wing," Weltig explains.&nbsp;The project is set to begin this winter and is designed to be an 18-month long process.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/10242022-Journal--Army-Corps-of-Engineers-raising-leveels-on-Missouri-River-locally-e1pmj05" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Corps awards contract to upgrade Missouri River levee at St. Joseph

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Friday in Atchison.

On Sunday, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson reported a 2011 Chevrolet Aveo driven by Deborah McArdie, 73, Atchison, was westbound on Country Club Road just west of 17th Street.

McArdie lost control of the car. It slid off the roadway on the north side of the road into a ditch, overturned and landed on its top. 

EMS transported her to Amberwell Hospital by EMS for examination of what is believed to be minor injuries, according to Wilson.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Friday in Atchison.On Sunday, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson reported a 2011 Chevrolet Aveo driven by Deborah McArdie, 73, Atchison, was westbound on Country Club Road just west of 17th Street.McArdie lost control of the car. It slid off the roadway on the north side of the road into a ditch, overturned and landed on its top. EMS transported her to Amberwell Hospital by EMS for examination of what is believed to be minor injuries, according to Wilson.

Kansas woman hospitalized after car overturns 

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a top Republican prospect for governor, wants to block public funding for library books that might appeal to the “prurient” — meaning sexual — interests of minors.

Ashcroft proposed the new rule on libraries this week. It does not include a more-detailed definition or include examples of which specific books would be restricted as appealing sexually to children or teenagers.

In a statement, the Missouri Library Association called Ashcroft’s rule “an infringement on the professional judgment of librarians, and an effort to further stoke division in the communities that libraries serve.”

The group warned that small and urban libraries, which rely most on state funding, would face the greatest impact from the policy.

Ashcroft on Friday said he didn't propose the rule in response to any particular book but hoped it would prevent potential issues.

“I know that a lot of Missouri libraries are doing a good job on this and reflecting the values of the taxpayers that paid for the materials," Ashcroft said. "But I just think it's good to have some guidelines to make sure that we're reinforcing that parents are in control.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/AdRules/main/images/15_CSR_30_200_015.pdf">proposal</a>&nbsp;would require state-funded libraries to adopt policies on the age-appropriateness of literature, which is already common at both school and public libraries in the state. And under the rule, anyone could challenge access to books. The proposal is what’s known as an administrative rule, which would have the same effect as a law if enacted.

Libraries that violate the rules would risk losing state funding, which is doled out by the Secretary of State's Office through the state librarian.

Missouri Association of School Librarians President Melissa Corey said K-12 school libraries don’t receive many state grants, so the rules likely would impact local public libraries the most. Data provided by the Secretary of State's Office show about 10 of 210 grants awarded in 2021 went to school libraries compared to public libraries.

Joe Kohlburn, who leads the Missouri Library Association’s committee on intellectual freedom, said books by queer and Black authors and books about women’s rights and reproductive health are frequent targets of book challenges in Missouri.

“It’s a culture-wars thing,” he said, adding that Ashcroft is attempting to “leverage the funding the State Library offers to undermine libraries in general and undermine their ability to serve historically marginalized populations.”

Ashcroft has not yet announced a 2024 gubernatorial bid, but he listed his intentions for “statewide office” — not secretary of state, as he’s done in the past — on recent campaign documents.

He’s considered a strong potential gubernatorial candidate in large part because of name recognition. His father, John Ashcroft, previously served as Missouri governor, U.S. senator and as U.S. attorney general under former President George W. Bush.

The proposed rule comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/libraries-american-library-association-book-banning-af7c9f312266b572c3dc189b1d109de4">book challenges rise across the nation</a>. Book challenges reached a decades-long high last year, according to the American Library Association, and challenges are set to break records again this year.

The ALA documented 681 challenges to books through August, involving 1,651 different titles. In all of 2021, the ALA listed 729 challenges, directed at 1,579 books. Because the ALA relies on media accounts and reports from libraries, the actual number of challenges is likely far higher, the library association believes.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-entertainment-education-biology-missouri-0fdae848f82c26b67751662801dfe7c9">new law</a>&nbsp;passed by Missouri's Republican-led Legislature this year made it a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail for educators to give K-12 students books with photos, drawings or other visual depictions that are sexually explicit.

There are exceptions for anatomy, biology, art or other images that are educational, and the law does not ban written descriptions that might be considered sexually explicit.

Ashcroft on Friday stressed that he doesn't believe his proposed rule would ban any books.

In Missouri, the state Constitution and state laws give statewide elected officials and state agencies the power to create additional guidelines beyond laws to help run government.

Ashcroft's administrative rule proposal will be open for public comment Nov. 15 through Dec. 15. After that, his office has three months to rewrite the rule based on feedback, submit it as is or rescind it.

“Depending on the comments, we could potentially make a change,” Ashcroft said. “I really hope that the people of the state help us to make the rule as good as possible.”

The Missouri Association of School Librarians in a statement also asked residents to “support libraries – public, academic, and school – across Missouri and provide feedback on this restrictive and harmful rule change.”

A special legislative committee also reviews proposed rules to make sure they don't go beyond agencies' authority, but the committee can't veto a rule because of a policy disagreement.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a top Republican prospect for governor, wants to block public funding for library books that might appeal to the “prurient” — meaning sexual — interests of minors.Ashcroft proposed the new rule on libraries this week. It does not include a more-detailed definition or include examples of which specific books would be restricted as appealing sexually to children or teenagers.In a statement, the Missouri Library Association called Ashcroft’s rule “an infringement on the professional judgment of librarians, and an effort to further stoke division in the communities that libraries serve.”The group warned that small and urban libraries, which rely most on state funding, would face the greatest impact from the policy.Ashcroft on Friday said he didn't propose the rule in response to any particular book but hoped it would prevent potential issues.“I know that a lot of Missouri libraries are doing a good job on this and reflecting the values of the taxpayers that paid for the materials," Ashcroft said. "But I just think it's good to have some guidelines to make sure that we're reinforcing that parents are in control.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/AdRules/main/images/15_CSR_30_200_015.pdf">proposal</a>&nbsp;would require state-funded libraries to adopt policies on the age-appropriateness of literature, which is already common at both school and public libraries in the state. And under the rule, anyone could challenge access to books. The proposal is what’s known as an administrative rule, which would have the same effect as a law if enacted.Libraries that violate the rules would risk losing state funding, which is doled out by the Secretary of State's Office through the state librarian.Missouri Association of School Librarians President Melissa Corey said K-12 school libraries don’t receive many state grants, so the rules likely would impact local public libraries the most. Data provided by the Secretary of State's Office show about 10 of 210 grants awarded in 2021 went to school libraries compared to public libraries.Joe Kohlburn, who leads the Missouri Library Association’s committee on intellectual freedom, said books by queer and Black authors and books about women’s rights and reproductive health are frequent targets of book challenges in Missouri.“It’s a culture-wars thing,” he said, adding that Ashcroft is attempting to “leverage the funding the State Library offers to undermine libraries in general and undermine their ability to serve historically marginalized populations.”Ashcroft has not yet announced a 2024 gubernatorial bid, but he listed his intentions for “statewide office” — not secretary of state, as he’s done in the past — on recent campaign documents.He’s considered a strong potential gubernatorial candidate in large part because of name recognition. His father, John Ashcroft, previously served as Missouri governor, U.S. senator and as U.S. attorney general under former President George W. Bush.The proposed rule comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/libraries-american-library-association-book-banning-af7c9f312266b572c3dc189b1d109de4">book challenges rise across the nation</a>. Book challenges reached a decades-long high last year, according to the American Library Association, and challenges are set to break records again this year.The ALA documented 681 challenges to books through August, involving 1,651 different titles. In all of 2021, the ALA listed 729 challenges, directed at 1,579 books. Because the ALA relies on media accounts and reports from libraries, the actual number of challenges is likely far higher, the library association believes.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-entertainment-education-biology-missouri-0fdae848f82c26b67751662801dfe7c9">new law</a>&nbsp;passed by Missouri's Republican-led Legislature this year made it a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail for educators to give K-12 students books with photos, drawings or other visual depictions that are sexually explicit.There are exceptions for anatomy, biology, art or other images that are educational, and the law does not ban written descriptions that might be considered sexually explicit.Ashcroft on Friday stressed that he doesn't believe his proposed rule would ban any books.In Missouri, the state Constitution and state laws give statewide elected officials and state agencies the power to create additional guidelines beyond laws to help run government.Ashcroft's administrative rule proposal will be open for public comment Nov. 15 through Dec. 15. After that, his office has three months to rewrite the rule based on feedback, submit it as is or rescind it.“Depending on the comments, we could potentially make a change,” Ashcroft said. “I really hope that the people of the state help us to make the rule as good as possible.”The Missouri Association of School Librarians in a statement also asked residents to “support libraries – public, academic, and school – across Missouri and provide feedback on this restrictive and harmful rule change.”A special legislative committee also reviews proposed rules to make sure they don't go beyond agencies' authority, but the committee can't veto a rule because of a policy disagreement.

Mo. Sec. of State wants tighter rules on racy public library books

NODAWAY COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Silverado driven by David A. Morriss, 36, Guilford, was westbound on U.S. 36 just west of Maple Drive.

The pickup was traveling too fast for conditions and rear-ended a 2010 Toyota Highlander driven by Grace N. Schroeder, 20, Liberty.

After impact the SUV traveled off the road and struck a fence. The pickup became airborne and struck a tree. Clarinda Air Ambulance transported Morriss to Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Schroeder was not injured. Morriss was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Silverado driven by David A. Morriss, 36, Guilford, was westbound on U.S. 36 just west of Maple Drive.The pickup was traveling too fast for conditions and rear-ended a 2010 Toyota Highlander driven by Grace N. Schroeder, 20, Liberty.After impact the SUV traveled off the road and struck a fence. The pickup became airborne and struck a tree. Clarinda Air Ambulance transported Morriss to Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Schroeder was not injured. Morriss was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man air-lifted to hospital after rear-end crash

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are conducting an arson investigation and have made an arrest.

On September 6, two suspects were involved with an arson incident involving a Brown County Patrol car, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

On Friday, the sheriff's office reported the arrest of a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old.&nbsp;The teens are being held in the Douglas Co. Juvenile Detention Center.

The Sheriff’s Office says the&nbsp;Hiawatha Police Department,&nbsp;Kansas Fire Marshal’s office, the&nbsp;Brown County Attorney, and the&nbsp;Kansas Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;assisted in the investigation.

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are conducting an arson investigation and have made an arrest.On September 6, two suspects were involved with an arson incident involving a Brown County Patrol car, according to Sheriff John Merchant.On Friday, the sheriff's office reported the arrest of a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old.&nbsp;The teens are being held in the Douglas Co. Juvenile Detention Center.The Sheriff’s Office says the&nbsp;Hiawatha Police Department,&nbsp;Kansas Fire Marshal’s office, the&nbsp;Brown County Attorney, and the&nbsp;Kansas Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;assisted in the investigation.

14, 16-year-old accused of arson involving Kan. sheriff's car

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.

On Thursday, police arrested 20-year-old Dreyona K. Seymore of Atchison in the 800 block South 5th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She is being held on requested charges of possession of marijuana and speeding. Online jail records did not report a bond amount for her.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666361800874.png" alt="Seymore-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Seymore-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.On Thursday, police arrested 20-year-old Dreyona K. Seymore of Atchison in the 800 block South 5th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.She is being held on requested charges of possession of marijuana and speeding. Online jail records did not report a bond amount for her.&nbsp;

Kan. woman jailed for alleged pot possession, traffic violation

The candidates for the 12th Missouri State Senate District fielded a range of questions during a candidate forum sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

Republican State Representative Rusty Black of Chillicothe defended the tax cuts enacted by the legislature in the recently concluded special legislative session, saying that it will have a positive impact on the state.&nbsp;

"I keep track of general revenue that comes into our state, each and every day there's a report that comes out, and we're over $500 million above where we were at as of two days ago, a year before," Black tells a crowd gathered at the forum.&nbsp;

Democrat Michael Baumli however, opposed the tax cuts and compared the move by the Missouri legislature with the failed tax cut policies of former Kansas Governor Sam Brownback.&nbsp;

" They found out it didn't work and they raised taxes," Baumli tells the crowd. "Unfortunately, Missouri has the Hancock amendment, I think that was passed in 1980, so there is no way to back out of this we're committed to any tax cuts we might make."&nbsp;

The candidates also discussed economic policy, education, and abortion during the forum.&nbsp;

On the question of how to best reignite the population Baumli suggested that, among other ideas, investing in schools would help.&nbsp;

"We could turn our rural schools, this small class sizes, and make that attractive to people to remote work and come to our small communities to help grow our small communities," Baumli says. "We can invest in broadband so that more people can work from home if need be."&nbsp;

Republican State Representative Rusty Black said emphasizing rural broadband has already been paying off.&nbsp;

"Internet and trying to get that fiber there, my children moved home, one of them in the medical field super important to them where she lives at that's available etcetera," Black says. "So, I do believe that's going to stop it."&nbsp;

Baumli and Black appeared together during the forum held at the Stony Creek Hotel and broadcast live on KFEQ.&nbsp;

Candidates also discussed how best to help agriculture in the sprawling rural northwest Missouri district.&nbsp;

Black said improving infrastructure would be the best way to help agriculture.&nbsp;

"That's roads, we also see the Missouri River and I think more and more importance is being put on ports," Black says.&nbsp;

Baumli, on the other hand, promoted more restrictions put on large agricultural operations.&nbsp;

"I think that we should regulate and if they do dump manure in the streams then we probably should increase the fine level and not allow that to happen," Baumli says. "I think by doing that we could probably help bring some people back into this area."&nbsp;

You can hear the full candidate forum <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/2022/10/20/kfeq-fall-2022-candidate-forum/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666373690692.jpeg" alt="Candidates for Senate representing the 12th and 34th districts. (From L to R) Democrat Michael Baumli, Republican State Representative Rusty Black, Moderator Brent Martin, Republican Tony Luetkemeyer, Democrat Sarah Shorter/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Candidates for Senate representing the 12th and 34th districts. (From L to R) Democrat Michael Baumli, Republican State Representative Rusty Black, Moderator Brent Martin, Republican Tony Luetkemeyer, Democrat Sarah Shorter/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The candidates for the 12th Missouri State Senate District fielded a range of questions during a candidate forum sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;Republican State Representative Rusty Black of Chillicothe defended the tax cuts enacted by the legislature in the recently concluded special legislative session, saying that it will have a positive impact on the state.&nbsp;"I keep track of general revenue that comes into our state, each and every day there's a report that comes out, and we're over $500 million above where we were at as of two days ago, a year before," Black tells a crowd gathered at the forum.&nbsp;Democrat Michael Baumli however, opposed the tax cuts and compared the move by the Missouri legislature with the failed tax cut policies of former Kansas Governor Sam Brownback.&nbsp;" They found out it didn't work and they raised taxes," Baumli tells the crowd. "Unfortunately, Missouri has the Hancock amendment, I think that was passed in 1980, so there is no way to back out of this we're committed to any tax cuts we might make."&nbsp;The candidates also discussed economic policy, education, and abortion during the forum.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666373808953.jpeg" alt="A crowd gathered for breakfast and the candidate forum at the Stoney Creek Hotel/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>A crowd gathered for breakfast and the candidate forum at the Stoney Creek Hotel/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>On the question of how to best reignite the population Baumli suggested that, among other ideas, investing in schools would help.&nbsp;"We could turn our rural schools, this small class sizes, and make that attractive to people to remote work and come to our small communities to help grow our small communities," Baumli says. "We can invest in broadband so that more people can work from home if need be."&nbsp;Republican State Representative Rusty Black said emphasizing rural broadband has already been paying off.&nbsp;"Internet and trying to get that fiber there, my children moved home, one of them in the medical field super important to them where she lives at that's available etcetera," Black says. "So, I do believe that's going to stop it."&nbsp;Baumli and Black appeared together during the forum held at the Stony Creek Hotel and broadcast live on KFEQ.&nbsp;Candidates also discussed how best to help agriculture in the sprawling rural northwest Missouri district.&nbsp;Black said improving infrastructure would be the best way to help agriculture.&nbsp;"That's roads, we also see the Missouri River and I think more and more importance is being put on ports," Black says.&nbsp;Baumli, on the other hand, promoted more restrictions put on large agricultural operations.&nbsp;"I think that we should regulate and if they do dump manure in the streams then we probably should increase the fine level and not allow that to happen," Baumli says. "I think by doing that we could probably help bring some people back into this area."&nbsp;You can hear the full candidate forum <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/2022/10/20/kfeq-fall-2022-candidate-forum/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

Candidates in huge 12th Missouri Senatorial District spar over issues

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with American Cancer Society chief patient officer Arif Kamal.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with American Cancer Society chief patient officer Arif Kamal. <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IeNjfIjMO0M" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎤 Forward Ever: American Cancer Society chief patient officer Arif Kamal

St. Joseph voters will decide in November if they're in favor of a half-cent sales tax increase designed to increase St. Joseph police officer pay. This  would also go toward new equipment within the department.

J.L. Robertson, co-chair of the Citizens for Our Police, Our City committee, says increasing officer salaries is vital in addressing some of the law enforcement shortages locally.

"In 2021, we had 135 officers," Robertson said. "In 2022, we had 118. Most of that result is coming from not having a competitive starting salary. Our goal is to recruit, retain and compensate these officers for the hard work they do."

The tax is estimated to generate $5.5 million annually, and would have a 20-year sunset clause.

The City Council voted to place the issue on the ballot to pay for the agreement it reached with the Fraternal Order of Police to increase officer pay earlier this year.

The agreement increases the starting salary for a police officer to $49,000. The city also agreed to a three percent annual increase in salaries.

Robertson says St. Joseph needs a strong police department in order to thrive.

"Our community deserves a great police department and a great school district," he said. "We have to have a safe community to have a good school district. It all plays together. If you have a good community, a safe community, a good school district, you have a better business community and a better place to live."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592845080777.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph voters will decide in November if they're in favor of a half-cent sales tax increase designed to increase St. Joseph police officer pay. This would also go toward new equipment within the department.J.L. Robertson, co-chair of the Citizens for Our Police, Our City committee, says increasing officer salaries is vital in addressing some of the law enforcement shortages locally."In 2021, we had 135 officers," Robertson said. "In 2022, we had 118. Most of that result is coming from not having a competitive starting salary. Our goal is to recruit, retain and compensate these officers for the hard work they do."The tax is estimated to generate $5.5 million annually, and would have a 20-year sunset clause.The City Council voted to place the issue on the ballot to pay for the agreement it reached with the Fraternal Order of Police to increase officer pay earlier this year.The agreement increases the starting salary for a police officer to $49,000. The city also agreed to a three percent annual increase in salaries.Robertson says St. Joseph needs a strong police department in order to thrive."Our community deserves a great police department and a great school district," he said. "We have to have a safe community to have a good school district. It all plays together. If you have a good community, a safe community, a good school district, you have a better business community and a better place to live."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Our Police, Our City committee confident that sales tax to boost police salaries will pass

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Cadillac CTS driven by Jamil A. Hopper, 28, Bethany, was southbound on Interstate 35 just north of the Ridgeway exit.

The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The Cadillac returned to the road and struck the left side of a 2011 Peterbilt semi driven by Gary D. Knight, 57, Seymore.&nbsp;

North Harrison Ambulance transported Hopper to Harrison County Community Hospital. Knight was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Cadillac CTS driven by Jamil A. Hopper, 28, Bethany, was southbound on Interstate 35 just north of the Ridgeway exit.The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The Cadillac returned to the road and struck the left side of a 2011 Peterbilt semi driven by Gary D. Knight, 57, Seymore.&nbsp;North Harrison Ambulance transported Hopper to Harrison County Community Hospital. Knight was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after Cadillac strikes a semi

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on new charges after an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666276186342.png" alt="Berning-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Berning-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on new charges after an arrest.On Wednesday, police arrested Jamie J. Berning, 29, Atchison,&nbsp; on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He was jailed in August for an alleged bond violation, according to online jail records. He was accused of failure to appear and&nbsp; in 2021 and domestic battery in 2015.He remains in custody with no bond.

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