ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for an alleged probation violation.

On Wednesday, police arrested 49-year-old Brenda L. Ogden-Buttron of Atchison on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She has a history of arrests for alleged crime. On Mother's Day, police arrested Ogden-Buttron in the 500 Block of&nbsp; North 9th Street in Atchison&nbsp;on requested charges&nbsp;for criminal trespass and interference with law enforcement.

On April 26, police arrested her for alleged disorderly conduct and using fighting words, according to Wilson. In 2019 she was jailed for alleged domestic battery, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651103997889.png" alt="Ogden-Buttron-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Ogden-Buttron-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for an alleged probation violation.On Wednesday, police arrested 49-year-old Brenda L. Ogden-Buttron of Atchison on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.She has a history of arrests for alleged crime. On Mother's Day, police arrested Ogden-Buttron in the 500 Block of&nbsp; North 9th Street in Atchison&nbsp;on requested charges&nbsp;for criminal trespass and interference with law enforcement.On April 26, police arrested her for alleged disorderly conduct and using fighting words, according to Wilson. In 2019 she was jailed for alleged domestic battery, according to online jail records.

Kan. woman back in jail for alleged probation violation

DEKALB COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy passenger vehicle driven by Sydnee C. Reese, 23, Maysville, was westbound on MO 6 in Maysville.&nbsp;

The Chevy pulled into the path of an an eastbound 1995 Dodge pickup driven by Michael G. Bell, 65, Spickard.&nbsp;

A private vehicle transported Reese to Cameron Regional Medical Center. DeKalb-County ambulance transported Bell to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy passenger vehicle driven by Sydnee C. Reese, 23, Maysville, was westbound on MO 6 in Maysville.&nbsp;The Chevy pulled into the path of an an eastbound 1995 Dodge pickup driven by Michael G. Bell, 65, Spickard.&nbsp;A private vehicle transported Reese to Cameron Regional Medical Center. DeKalb-County ambulance transported Bell to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after 2-vehicle DeKalb County crash

The St. Joseph Police Department is 39 officers short, as they've struggled to recruit and retain officers with some leaving for other cities. The Fraternal Order of Police, NWMO Lodge #3, says the staffing shortage creates an unsafe community.

FOP members were outside City Hall Wednesday, protesting while off-duty, asking for more pay to better recruit officers and to make the city a safer place.

A fully staffed shift at the St. Joseph Police Department includes 15 officers. Right now, the department is averaging nine officers per shift.

For the last two years, the FOP has negotiated with the city for pay increases. The city has offered to increase starting wages to $49,000 to properly compensate recently hired officers and attract new ones.

The previous council approved a pay plan with a 3% cost-of-living-adjustment increase and incremental decompression increases from 3.5% to 2.5% to 1.5% over three years.

To get a better sense of employee salaries, the city conducted a pay study. That study shows that starting police officer salary should be increased from $42,695 to $48,348.

The FOP members are asking for what the pay study said they deserve, which is $48,348 for starting officers and a maximum salary of $72,000.

The city has also offered to increase current officer and detective compensation, based on length of service. On average, this offer would increase the annual salary of officers, detectives and sergeants by more than $5,100.

The city sent out a statement Wednesday in response to public concerns regarding St. Joseph Police Department compensation.

According to the statement, less than two years ago, the city&nbsp; and the FOP entered into an agreement under which officers, detectives and sergeants would receive annual wage increases of 3% per year and those employed before October 2017 would receive an additional 7% increase over three years.

The statement also said the city remains committed to compensating its commissioned law enforcement officers fairly, but that the plan must be sustainable.

Although the city agreed to pay $49,000 for starting officers, $700 more than the pay study recommends, the FOP is concerned with compensation based on length of service.

The FOP says a statement from the city did not mention that 4.5% of the $5,100 annual increase was already approved by the council and took effect in July.&nbsp;The FOP also says "the city's offer for current experienced law enforcement was a minimal amount above currently schedule pay increases."

FOP also says the city plan is spread over 29 years with an average increase of $811 per year to reach the top of the pay scale, while their current pay structure is based on a 17-year plan.

The city’s pay study never specifies a duration of time to reach the maximum salary of $72,000.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Police Department is 39 officers short, as they've struggled to recruit and retain officers with some leaving for other cities. The Fraternal Order of Police, NWMO Lodge #3, says the staffing shortage creates an unsafe community.FOP members were outside City Hall Wednesday, protesting while off-duty, asking for more pay to better recruit officers and to make the city a safer place.A fully staffed shift at the St. Joseph Police Department includes 15 officers. Right now, the department is averaging nine officers per shift.For the last two years, the FOP has negotiated with the city for pay increases. The city has offered to increase starting wages to $49,000 to properly compensate recently hired officers and attract new ones.The previous council approved a pay plan with a 3% cost-of-living-adjustment increase and incremental decompression increases from 3.5% to 2.5% to 1.5% over three years.To get a better sense of employee salaries, the city conducted a pay study. That study shows that starting police officer salary should be increased from $42,695 to $48,348.The FOP members are asking for what the pay study said they deserve, which is $48,348 for starting officers and a maximum salary of $72,000.The city has also offered to increase current officer and detective compensation, based on length of service. On average, this offer would increase the annual salary of officers, detectives and sergeants by more than $5,100.The city sent out a statement Wednesday in response to public concerns regarding St. Joseph Police Department compensation.According to the statement, less than two years ago, the city&nbsp; and the FOP entered into an agreement under which officers, detectives and sergeants would receive annual wage increases of 3% per year and those employed before October 2017 would receive an additional 7% increase over three years.The statement also said the city remains committed to compensating its commissioned law enforcement officers fairly, but that the plan must be sustainable.Although the city agreed to pay $49,000 for starting officers, $700 more than the pay study recommends, the FOP is concerned with compensation based on length of service.The FOP says a statement from the city did not mention that 4.5% of the $5,100 annual increase was already approved by the council and took effect in July.&nbsp;The FOP also says "the city's offer for current experienced law enforcement was a minimal amount above currently schedule pay increases."FOP also says the city plan is spread over 29 years with an average increase of $811 per year to reach the top of the pay scale, while their current pay structure is based on a 17-year plan.The city’s pay study never specifies a duration of time to reach the maximum salary of $72,000.

Fraternity of Police protest outside St. Joseph city hall over pay concerns

St. Joseph city officials have helped to make some changes to the city's transit system.&nbsp;

City Manager Bryan Carter says the buses that travel around the city have gone through a major revision.&nbsp;

"Might have noticed over the last week you're seeing some new branding on the busses, you know we've seen the Ride for a long time, but after a lot of work that's been retired and replace with Go St. Joe," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, it's just going to be a new look."&nbsp;

And along with that new look comes some new routes following a route study city officials did over two years Carter says.&nbsp;

"They take our overall number of routes from 12 to 8 with some demand service added as well," Carter explains. "So, where you reach out and say hey, we're here we need picked up."&nbsp;

Carter says reducing the number of bus routes from 12 to 8 helped make the routes more centralized.&nbsp;

"It made a focus on the areas where we have the most riders, so in the same way you see traffic increase on certain throw fairs during busy times, kind of your rush hour traffic, of course St. Joe we're pretty fortunate our rush hour is not too bad," Carter points out. "But, in rush hour traffic you see something similar on the bus system, so we'll have some more resources dedicated to those times."&nbsp;

Carter says city officials and transit officials have also begun to see the number of bus riders steadily increasing back to pre-pandemic numbers.&nbsp;

Carter says along with the changes to the buses and travel routes, the city also made changes to several bus stops and bus shelters around the city thanks to federal grant money.&nbsp;

Carter says it's been quite some time since the transit system in the city has seen major changes. &nbsp;

"It's been really about 25 years I think since our last major refresh of our bus routes and of course we've seen a lot of development, a lot of changes in the city over those years," Carter explains. "And over time what happens is you end up plugging in new stops here and there, and you can do that for quite a while pretty efficiently, however after a while you've kind of patchworked it together quite a bit."&nbsp;

Carter says the changes to the transit system is a refresh to get rid of all that patchwork done over the years, comparing the refresh to rebooting your computer when it gets slow.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660758586306.jpeg" alt="K.C Wolf helped show off the new rebrand from The Ride to Go St. Joe during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Transit Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>K.C Wolf helped show off the new rebrand from The Ride to Go St. Joe during Chiefs Training Camp/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Transit Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;St. Joseph city officials have helped to make some changes to the city's transit system.&nbsp;City Manager Bryan Carter says the buses that travel around the city have gone through a major revision.&nbsp;"Might have noticed over the last week you're seeing some new branding on the busses, you know we've seen the Ride for a long time, but after a lot of work that's been retired and replace with Go St. Joe," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, it's just going to be a new look."&nbsp;And along with that new look comes some new routes following a route study city officials did over two years Carter says.&nbsp;"They take our overall number of routes from 12 to 8 with some demand service added as well," Carter explains. "So, where you reach out and say hey, we're here we need picked up."&nbsp;Carter says reducing the number of bus routes from 12 to 8 helped make the routes more centralized.&nbsp;"It made a focus on the areas where we have the most riders, so in the same way you see traffic increase on certain throw fairs during busy times, kind of your rush hour traffic, of course St. Joe we're pretty fortunate our rush hour is not too bad," Carter points out. "But, in rush hour traffic you see something similar on the bus system, so we'll have some more resources dedicated to those times."&nbsp;Carter says city officials and transit officials have also begun to see the number of bus riders steadily increasing back to pre-pandemic numbers.&nbsp;Carter says along with the changes to the buses and travel routes, the city also made changes to several bus stops and bus shelters around the city thanks to federal grant money.&nbsp;Carter says it's been quite some time since the transit system in the city has seen major changes. &nbsp;"It's been really about 25 years I think since our last major refresh of our bus routes and of course we've seen a lot of development, a lot of changes in the city over those years," Carter explains. "And over time what happens is you end up plugging in new stops here and there, and you can do that for quite a while pretty efficiently, however after a while you've kind of patchworked it together quite a bit."&nbsp;Carter says the changes to the transit system is a refresh to get rid of all that patchwork done over the years, comparing the refresh to rebooting your computer when it gets slow.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F100069186130578%2Fvideos%2F1231223074378671%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

The Ride no more: City makes major changes to bus system, rebrands to Go St. Joe

Northwest Missouri State University is searching for its new president after not renewing the contract for <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/48238062-02a7-4912-91bd-32ccc71a1b71">John Jasinski</a>. &nbsp;

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f6cc572e-7c95-4ccb-a1ed-822ea9ffe2ae">Clarence Green</a> is currently serving as the interim president for the university. &nbsp;

Board of Regents Chair John Moore, who is also head of the search committee for the new president, says currently the committee does not have any specific candidates in mind for the job.&nbsp;

"The approach is truly going to be open and nationwide, one of the other things we will be asking members of the search committee and members of the community is if they have someone they feel will be qualified for the position," Moore tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;

Moore says recommendations from the community will be given to the search firm to have them contacted about interest in the position. &nbsp;

Moore says he is also not aware of anyone internally at the university that has declared interest in the job. &nbsp;

Moore says as part of the search the search firm will hold public input sessions, after many people with Northwest asked ot have input on the new president.&nbsp;

"Several people, alumni, staff, and faculty, indicated that they would like to have the opportunity to provide that input," Moore explains &nbsp;

Moore said after asking the search firm if it was something that made sense, the firm came back saying that receiving public input is a standard practice&nbsp;

"That this is a norm for how they do things, they like to get the input at the beginning of the process and give everybody a chance to participate," Moore says.&nbsp;

Moore says the search committee has hired Anthem Executive Search Firm out of Houston, Texas to assist in the search for the new president. &nbsp;

Public input sessions will be held on August 22nd and August 23rd at the Student Union on the Northwest campus. &nbsp;

Each session will be 50 minutes with Anthem Executive.&nbsp; You can find more information <a href="https://www.nwmissouri.edu/aboutus/president/search.htm">online</a>.&nbsp;

Moore says he doesn't think the controversy behind the board not renewing John Jasinkis contract will have an impact on the search. &nbsp;

"I'm sure that candidates will ask a few questions about that, but I don't expect it to have any negative effect over candidates' willingness to apply," Moore says. "I think it's going to be a very attractive job for someone who wants to be the President of a regional university."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660668274105.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State University is currently searching for a new President after John Jasinski left at the end of June/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri State University" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State University is currently searching for a new President after John Jasinski left at the end of June/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Northwest Missouri State University is searching for its new president after not renewing the contract for <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/48238062-02a7-4912-91bd-32ccc71a1b71">John Jasinski</a>. &nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f6cc572e-7c95-4ccb-a1ed-822ea9ffe2ae">Clarence Green</a> is currently serving as the interim president for the university. &nbsp;Board of Regents Chair John Moore, who is also head of the search committee for the new president, says currently the committee does not have any specific candidates in mind for the job.&nbsp;"The approach is truly going to be open and nationwide, one of the other things we will be asking members of the search committee and members of the community is if they have someone they feel will be qualified for the position," Moore tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;Moore says recommendations from the community will be given to the search firm to have them contacted about interest in the position. &nbsp;Moore says he is also not aware of anyone internally at the university that has declared interest in the job. &nbsp;Moore says as part of the search the search firm will hold public input sessions, after many people with Northwest asked ot have input on the new president.&nbsp;"Several people, alumni, staff, and faculty, indicated that they would like to have the opportunity to provide that input," Moore explains &nbsp;Moore said after asking the search firm if it was something that made sense, the firm came back saying that receiving public input is a standard practice&nbsp;"That this is a norm for how they do things, they like to get the input at the beginning of the process and give everybody a chance to participate," Moore says.&nbsp;Moore says the search committee has hired Anthem Executive Search Firm out of Houston, Texas to assist in the search for the new president. &nbsp;Public input sessions will be held on August 22nd and August 23rd at the Student Union on the Northwest campus. &nbsp;Each session will be 50 minutes with Anthem Executive.&nbsp; You can find more information <a href="https://www.nwmissouri.edu/aboutus/president/search.htm">online</a>.&nbsp;Moore says he doesn't think the controversy behind the board not renewing John Jasinkis contract will have an impact on the search. &nbsp;"I'm sure that candidates will ask a few questions about that, but I don't expect it to have any negative effect over candidates' willingness to apply," Moore says. "I think it's going to be a very attractive job for someone who wants to be the President of a regional university."&nbsp;

Board of Regents searching for new President at Northwest Missouri State University

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

On Monday, police arrested 54-year-old&nbsp; Dale W. Birch of Atchison on District Court warrants for violation of a protective order and criminal damage to property, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

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

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

Kan. man jailed for alleged protection order violation

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford F150 driven by Gary L. Asher, 79, Eudora, was westbound on MO 190 three miles east of Lock Springs.

The pickup traveled off the right side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road, traveled off the left side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.

A private vehicle transported Asher to Hedrick Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford F150 driven by Gary L. Asher, 79, Eudora, was westbound on MO 190 three miles east of Lock Springs.The pickup traveled off the right side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road, traveled off the left side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.A private vehicle transported Asher to Hedrick Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after pickup overturns

The St. Joseph School District has made some changes to the city high schools to emphasize school safety and security. &nbsp;

Director of Safety and Security Shannon Nolte says safety and security is the district's number one priority&nbsp;

"It supports the teaching and learning that has been talked about here today, it supports those in attendance, and it has to be our number one priority and it is," Nolte tells a group gathered at Coleman Elementary School.&nbsp;

Nolte says in the effort to prioritize safety many updates have been made over the last several years to the entrance of school buildings.&nbsp;

"The last three were the three high schools that have been finished this summer, if you enter one of those high schools, you'll notice a difference and the whole design around those is the safety and security of the staff and the students," Nolte explains.&nbsp;

Nolte says most of the high schools are current in safety procedures. But Nolte says himself and the district are always evaluating what other changes can be made.&nbsp;

"We are updating more camera systems in elementary schools this year, we've done that a lot in all the other middle schools, high schools, and some of the elementary schools," Nolte says. "Again, it's an investment that we take seriously because it is a number one priority."&nbsp;

Nolte says all of the district high schools are down to one entrance through the central office of the building.&nbsp; Nolte also adds all classroom doors will lock once they are closed.&nbsp;

Nolte says this year the district will also be implementing new procedures and intruder drill trainings into the schools. &nbsp;

"Working with the SRO's that we have in the district and the St. Joseph Police Department, we're designing some training for our staff in each of the buildings to make sure that when these situations come up, they are prepared and they are willing to respond appropriately and safely," Nolte elaborates.&nbsp;

Nolte says the St. Joseph Police Department is currently supplying six School Resource Officers between all the schools and one supervisor that flexes his location. &nbsp;

St. Joseph School District staff will be back in the buildings today.&nbsp; Classes begin on Monday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660648399430.jpeg" alt="New school Superintendent Gabe Edgar speaks to a crowd at the St. Joseph School Districts Back to School press conference/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>New school Superintendent Gabe Edgar speaks to a crowd at the St. Joseph School Districts Back to School press conference/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The St. Joseph School District has made some changes to the city high schools to emphasize school safety and security. &nbsp;Director of Safety and Security Shannon Nolte says safety and security is the district's number one priority&nbsp;"It supports the teaching and learning that has been talked about here today, it supports those in attendance, and it has to be our number one priority and it is," Nolte tells a group gathered at Coleman Elementary School.&nbsp;Nolte says in the effort to prioritize safety many updates have been made over the last several years to the entrance of school buildings.&nbsp;"The last three were the three high schools that have been finished this summer, if you enter one of those high schools, you'll notice a difference and the whole design around those is the safety and security of the staff and the students," Nolte explains.&nbsp;Nolte says most of the high schools are current in safety procedures. But Nolte says himself and the district are always evaluating what other changes can be made.&nbsp;"We are updating more camera systems in elementary schools this year, we've done that a lot in all the other middle schools, high schools, and some of the elementary schools," Nolte says. "Again, it's an investment that we take seriously because it is a number one priority."&nbsp;Nolte says all of the district high schools are down to one entrance through the central office of the building.&nbsp; Nolte also adds all classroom doors will lock once they are closed.&nbsp;Nolte says this year the district will also be implementing new procedures and intruder drill trainings into the schools. &nbsp;"Working with the SRO's that we have in the district and the St. Joseph Police Department, we're designing some training for our staff in each of the buildings to make sure that when these situations come up, they are prepared and they are willing to respond appropriately and safely," Nolte elaborates.&nbsp;Nolte says the St. Joseph Police Department is currently supplying six School Resource Officers between all the schools and one supervisor that flexes his location. &nbsp;St. Joseph School District staff will be back in the buildings today.&nbsp; Classes begin on Monday.&nbsp;

St. Joseph School District lays out priorities ahead of start of school year

DONIPHAN COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Monday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1965 Ford Mustang driven by Kevin J. Marika, 36, Wathena, was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of Ottumwa Road.

The car left the roadway to the north. The driver&nbsp; over-corrected. The car crossed the road, entered the south ditch, rolled and came to rest on its top.

EMS transported Marika to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

DONIPHAN COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Monday in Doniphan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1965 Ford Mustang driven by Kevin J. Marika, 36, Wathena, was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of Ottumwa Road.The car left the roadway to the north. The driver&nbsp; over-corrected. The car crossed the road, entered the south ditch, rolled and came to rest on its top.EMS transported Marika to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized in St. Joe after rollover accident

The St. Joseph Animal Shelter is currently at capacity. &nbsp;

Humane Educator Aubrey Silvey says the biggest problem causing the overflow is not enough people having their pets spayed and neutered. &nbsp;

"So, there's a large, during the summer months we see all the litters of puppies and kittens and overpopulation and people just can't keep all those animals, and that's when they come to us," Silvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, it's just really important that people remember to spay and neuter and realize that shelters across the nation are overwhelmed, there's just simply too many animals and not enough homes for those animals."&nbsp;

Silvey emphasizes again that truly the number one way to combat shelter overpopulation is to, as Bob Barker reminded folks for years, have your pets spayed and neutered. &nbsp;

Currently, the shelter is seeing an overflow of cats and dogs in need of adoption or foster care. &nbsp;

Silvey says with the shelter being at capacity it is always providing resources to help or asking people to rehome a pet themselves.&nbsp;

"The animal shelter should be a last resort because we get over capacity and we're open intake so we can't say, there's no cutoff, we can't say our last cage is full we can't take anymore pets, we just have to keep taking them no matter what," Silvey explains.&nbsp;

The animal shelter is currently running an event to encourage adoption where adoption costs are $25.&nbsp; The event runs through tomorrow.&nbsp;

Silvey says the number of adoptions usually drops during summer and drops even more as the start of school gets closer. &nbsp;

"So, we do struggle a little bit more during that time which unfortunately is also, August is when we are at max capacity notoriously every year," Silvey says. "It's an unfortunate way that it works out but usually we have pretty good luck if we have an adoption event or some specials that we can run that we can encourage people to come out and get pets anyways."&nbsp;

The shelter has run many adoption events through this summer to encourage adoption and foster care of pets.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The St. Joseph Animal Shelter is currently at capacity. &nbsp;Humane Educator Aubrey Silvey says the biggest problem causing the overflow is not enough people having their pets spayed and neutered. &nbsp;"So, there's a large, during the summer months we see all the litters of puppies and kittens and overpopulation and people just can't keep all those animals, and that's when they come to us," Silvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, it's just really important that people remember to spay and neuter and realize that shelters across the nation are overwhelmed, there's just simply too many animals and not enough homes for those animals."&nbsp;Silvey emphasizes again that truly the number one way to combat shelter overpopulation is to, as Bob Barker reminded folks for years, have your pets spayed and neutered. &nbsp;Currently, the shelter is seeing an overflow of cats and dogs in need of adoption or foster care. &nbsp;Silvey says with the shelter being at capacity it is always providing resources to help or asking people to rehome a pet themselves.&nbsp;"The animal shelter should be a last resort because we get over capacity and we're open intake so we can't say, there's no cutoff, we can't say our last cage is full we can't take anymore pets, we just have to keep taking them no matter what," Silvey explains.&nbsp;The animal shelter is currently running an event to encourage adoption where adoption costs are $25.&nbsp; The event runs through tomorrow.&nbsp;Silvey says the number of adoptions usually drops during summer and drops even more as the start of school gets closer. &nbsp;"So, we do struggle a little bit more during that time which unfortunately is also, August is when we are at max capacity notoriously every year," Silvey says. "It's an unfortunate way that it works out but usually we have pretty good luck if we have an adoption event or some specials that we can run that we can encourage people to come out and get pets anyways."&nbsp;The shelter has run many adoption events through this summer to encourage adoption and foster care of pets.&nbsp;

St. Joseph Animal Shelter overwhelmed with number of animals in its care

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson expects to announce this week when
he will call the legislature back into special session to consider a tax cut
measure and reconsider an agricultural tax credit bill.

Parson vetoed a measure to provide a $500 tax rebate to
Missourians, stating the legislature needs to consider a permanent income tax
cut instead.

Parson vetoed a bill creating new ag tax credit programs and
extending existing ones, because the extension was for only two years.

“You can’t even implement the programs in two years,” Parson
says. “So, that’s problematic to start off. And this was really a deal done by
special interests and lobbyists and people outside the normal arena; by
non-farmers.”

Parson wants the ag tax credit programs extended for six
years.

Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins says there’s a
simple reason why ag groups settled for two years.

“At the end of session, we were willing to take what we could
get, so to speak” Hawkins tells KFEQ Ag Dir. Dionne Bertling during an
interview. “To make sure that there was something in place.”

Hawkins says he agrees with the governor that the state needs
to take a long-term approach to the tax credits. The Farm Bureau is joining the
governor in lobbying legislators for the change.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville says the two-year
extension became problematic.

“We had a series of ag tax credits that got renewed this year,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It was a two-year renewal. The ag
community had wanted it to be six years. And so, the governor vetoed that two-year
renewal and is asking for the full six years that the ag community was wanting
during session.”

Luetkemeyer says he supported the $500 tax credits for
Missourians, but adds he understands the governor arguing for a more permanent
tax cut.

As for the ag tax credits, Missouri Agriculture Director Chris
Chinn says that by extending the ag tax credits for only two years, the
legislature created problems for many Missouri farmers.

“Some of our next generation cooperatives that are trying to
do their equity drives, sometimes it takes up to two years to be able to get
the fundraising in place to be able to start building,” Chinn tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “So, that two-tear timeframe may work for some of those business,
but it doesn’t work for every business.”

Parson, though, might be taking a big political risk, because
the Conservative Caucus in the Missouri Senate blocked the six-year extension
during the regular session and might hold its ground in a special session.

Chinn understands the risk, but has faith in the governor.

“You know, if you look at some of the battles that he’s
overcome in his career, he has a way of being a negotiator and trying to bring
all sides to the table for the best path forward,” Chinn says. “And having a
background in agriculture, he wants to make sure that agriculture isn’t settling
for less and so it’s really important to him that agriculture be treated fairly.”

The special session is likely to coincide with the annual veto
session, this year scheduled for Wednesday, September 14th.

The Missourinet and KFEQ Ag Dir. Dionne Bertling contributed to this article.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660331628671.jpeg" alt="Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer speaks to Missouri Farm Bureau members in Buchanan County/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer speaks to Missouri Farm Bureau members in Buchanan County/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Gov. Mike Parson expects to announce this week when
he will call the legislature back into special session to consider a tax cut
measure and reconsider an agricultural tax credit bill.Parson vetoed a measure to provide a $500 tax rebate to
Missourians, stating the legislature needs to consider a permanent income tax
cut instead.Parson vetoed a bill creating new ag tax credit programs and
extending existing ones, because the extension was for only two years.“You can’t even implement the programs in two years,” Parson
says. “So, that’s problematic to start off. And this was really a deal done by
special interests and lobbyists and people outside the normal arena; by
non-farmers.”Parson wants the ag tax credit programs extended for six
years.Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins says there’s a
simple reason why ag groups settled for two years.“At the end of session, we were willing to take what we could
get, so to speak” Hawkins tells KFEQ Ag Dir. Dionne Bertling during an
interview. “To make sure that there was something in place.”Hawkins says he agrees with the governor that the state needs
to take a long-term approach to the tax credits. The Farm Bureau is joining the
governor in lobbying legislators for the change.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville says the two-year
extension became problematic.“We had a series of ag tax credits that got renewed this year,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It was a two-year renewal. The ag
community had wanted it to be six years. And so, the governor vetoed that two-year
renewal and is asking for the full six years that the ag community was wanting
during session.”Luetkemeyer says he supported the $500 tax credits for
Missourians, but adds he understands the governor arguing for a more permanent
tax cut.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660331709022.jpeg" alt="Missouri Ag. Dir. Chris Chinn speaks with Rep. Brenda Shields during a recent stop in St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Ag. Dir. Chris Chinn speaks with Rep. Brenda Shields during a recent stop in St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>As for the ag tax credits, Missouri Agriculture Director Chris
Chinn says that by extending the ag tax credits for only two years, the
legislature created problems for many Missouri farmers.“Some of our next generation cooperatives that are trying to
do their equity drives, sometimes it takes up to two years to be able to get
the fundraising in place to be able to start building,” Chinn tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “So, that two-tear timeframe may work for some of those business,
but it doesn’t work for every business.”Parson, though, might be taking a big political risk, because
the Conservative Caucus in the Missouri Senate blocked the six-year extension
during the regular session and might hold its ground in a special session.Chinn understands the risk, but has faith in the governor.“You know, if you look at some of the battles that he’s
overcome in his career, he has a way of being a negotiator and trying to bring
all sides to the table for the best path forward,” Chinn says. “And having a
background in agriculture, he wants to make sure that agriculture isn’t settling
for less and so it’s really important to him that agriculture be treated fairly.”The special session is likely to coincide with the annual veto
session, this year scheduled for Wednesday, September 14th.The Missourinet and KFEQ Ag Dir. Dionne Bertling contributed to this article.

Taxes will be the subject when lawmakers return to Jefferson City

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on sex and drug allegations.

Just after 5:30p.m. Saturday, officers responded to the 500 block South 9th Street in Atchison.A&nbsp;39-year-old woman reported being the victim of a sexual battery, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Following an investigation, police took 46-year-old Waylon Barnett of Marshfield, Missouri into custody on a requested charge of sexual battery.&nbsp; He was was subsequently found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660486974862.png" alt="Barnett photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Barnett photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on sex and drug allegations.Just after 5:30p.m. Saturday, officers responded to the 500 block South 9th Street in Atchison.A&nbsp;39-year-old woman reported being the victim of a sexual battery, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Following an investigation, police took 46-year-old Waylon Barnett of Marshfield, Missouri into custody on a requested charge of sexual battery.&nbsp; He was was subsequently found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Police: Missouri man jailed for alleged sexual battery

BROWN COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Sunday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Fusion driven by Jose Pinto, 44, Fairview, was turning eastbound onto Natchez Street from U.S. 36 in Hiawatha.&nbsp;The driver failed to yield.&nbsp;

A westbound 2019 Chrysler&nbsp; Pacifica driven by Norma Jean Brownlee, 74, Sabetha, struck the Ford.

EMS transported Brownlee to Amberwell. Pinto and two passengers in the Ford were not injured.

BROWN COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Sunday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Fusion driven by Jose Pinto, 44, Fairview, was turning eastbound onto Natchez Street from U.S. 36 in Hiawatha.&nbsp;The driver failed to yield.&nbsp;A westbound 2019 Chrysler&nbsp; Pacifica driven by Norma Jean Brownlee, 74, Sabetha, struck the Ford.EMS transported Brownlee to Amberwell. Pinto and two passengers in the Ford were not injured.

Kansas woman hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Saturday in Atchison.

A vehicle driven by Rebecca Shanks, 32, Atchison, was traveling on a private road in the 1700 block Country Club Road, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.&nbsp; EMS transported her to&nbsp; Amberwell for treatment.&nbsp; Police reported no additional details.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Saturday in Atchison.A vehicle driven by Rebecca Shanks, 32, Atchison, was traveling on a private road in the 1700 block Country Club Road, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.&nbsp; EMS transported her to&nbsp; Amberwell for treatment.&nbsp; Police reported no additional details.

Kansas woman injured after vehicle strikes a tree

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Saturday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Dodge Caravan driven by Harold D. Fordyce, 68, Bethany, was eastbound on U.S. 136 one half mile east of Bethany.

The van traveled off the road and struck a tree.&nbsp; NTA transported Fordyce to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Saturday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Dodge Caravan driven by Harold D. Fordyce, 68, Bethany, was eastbound on U.S. 136 one half mile east of Bethany. The van traveled off the road and struck a tree.&nbsp; NTA transported Fordyce to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Man from Bethany hospitalized after van strikes a tree

It appears a phone
scam is circulating in the St. Joseph area.

The St. Joseph
Police Department reports it has been notified that St. Joseph residents have
been called about a doctor’s office or a medical appointment in which the
caller uses the name of St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally.

The department asks
residents to be on alert about any possible scam that uses the police chief’s
name.

If you receive such
a call, hang up, and notify the St. Joseph Police Department.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt appears a phone
scam is circulating in the St. Joseph area.The St. Joseph
Police Department reports it has been notified that St. Joseph residents have
been called about a doctor’s office or a medical appointment in which the
caller uses the name of St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally.The department asks
residents to be on alert about any possible scam that uses the police chief’s
name.If you receive such
a call, hang up, and notify the St. Joseph Police Department.

Phone scam uses St. Joseph Police Chief Connally's name

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a violent incident at a home in Atchison.

On Thursday, police arrested 26-year-old&nbsp;Chelsie D. Sisk, 26, Atchison, in the 1300 Block of Locust Drive in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She is being held on a $2500 bond&nbsp;on requested charges of domestic battery, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660315159804.png" alt="Sisk-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Sisk-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a violent incident at a home in Atchison.On Thursday, police arrested 26-year-old&nbsp;Chelsie D. Sisk, 26, Atchison, in the 1300 Block of Locust Drive in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.She is being held on a $2500 bond&nbsp;on requested charges of domestic battery, according to online jail records.

Kansas woman jailed for alleged domestic battery

It's raining cats and dogs-- literally-- at the St. Joseph Animal Shelter.&nbsp;

The shelter says thanks to a donation from Friends of the Animal Shelter, pets can be adopted right now for 25-dollars. &nbsp;

Humane Educator Aubrey Silvey says events like this have been held all throughout the summer, and they've worked.&nbsp; Silvey says the events bring more people into adopt, even people from outside the city. &nbsp;

"Maybe people from the Kansas City area will come out and adopt from us or even further sometimes and we do have the adoption specials and events so that's been a huge help because we have had a lot more pets that we needed to place into homes," Silvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And we realize eventually people they're at full capacity, your home fills up and you don't have space for more."&nbsp;

Silvey says because some people have that lack of space, the shelter also encourages fostering a pet. &nbsp;

All of the events held by the shelter through the summer Silvey says have been thanks to the support of Friends of the Animal Shelter.&nbsp;

"And the reason for that is because we've consistently stayed so full, I mean the shelter has just been overcrowded all summer long, and that's pretty typical but we have seen an increase this year just because there's been so many owner relinquishes, a lot of people couldn't afford to keep their pets this year," Silvey explains.&nbsp;

Silvey says around this time the shelter normally sees a lot of cats and kittens, but this year it has been seeing a larger number of dogs and puppies. &nbsp;

The adoption event will run through August 16th.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;It's raining cats and dogs-- literally-- at the St. Joseph Animal Shelter.&nbsp;The shelter says thanks to a donation from Friends of the Animal Shelter, pets can be adopted right now for 25-dollars. &nbsp;Humane Educator Aubrey Silvey says events like this have been held all throughout the summer, and they've worked.&nbsp; Silvey says the events bring more people into adopt, even people from outside the city. &nbsp;"Maybe people from the Kansas City area will come out and adopt from us or even further sometimes and we do have the adoption specials and events so that's been a huge help because we have had a lot more pets that we needed to place into homes," Silvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And we realize eventually people they're at full capacity, your home fills up and you don't have space for more."&nbsp;Silvey says because some people have that lack of space, the shelter also encourages fostering a pet. &nbsp;All of the events held by the shelter through the summer Silvey says have been thanks to the support of Friends of the Animal Shelter.&nbsp;"And the reason for that is because we've consistently stayed so full, I mean the shelter has just been overcrowded all summer long, and that's pretty typical but we have seen an increase this year just because there's been so many owner relinquishes, a lot of people couldn't afford to keep their pets this year," Silvey explains.&nbsp;Silvey says around this time the shelter normally sees a lot of cats and kittens, but this year it has been seeing a larger number of dogs and puppies. &nbsp;The adoption event will run through August 16th.&nbsp;

Now is the time to adopt a pet as St. Joseph Animal Shelter discounts adoption cost

A St. Joseph state representative who accompanied Governor
Mike Parson on a trade mission to Europe says business executives there were
very receptive.

Rep. Brenda Shields says the Missouri trade delegation met
with several business executives from companies based in Germany and the
Netherlands.

“You could tell that they were very pleased and impressed that
we had made time to visit them in their home country and visit their headquarters
and tour their facilities,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I think it
made a tremendous impression upon them that we were very interested in having them
in Missouri and for them to do business with us.”

Shields had a chance to speak with executives of companies
with investments in St. Joseph:&nbsp; Boehringer
Ingelheim, Schuetz Container Systems, and BASF.

Shields says the Missouri delegation saw a mix of companies
with about half that have investments in Missouri and half that do not. She
says those that do not have a presence in the state do have a working knowledge
of Missouri and of St. Joseph as well.

“I think St. Joseph is a prime location for a lot of the new
development that our foreign friends are ready to invest around,” Shields says.

Shields says there might be some deals in the works in wake of
the trade mission last month, but she is not permitted to discuss any pending
moves.

Personal relationships are very important to business
executives in Germany and the Netherlands, according to Shields.

“For me personally, it was very interesting to sit in these
meetings with these CEOs and owners of these multi-billion dollar companies and
to listen to what was important to them,” Shields says.

What is important to them, according to Shields, are primarily
four things:&nbsp; abundant, affordable energy,
transportation, workforce development, and tax policy. Shields says the
delegation emphasized Missouri’s low corporate tax rate during the talks.

“And every time that you’d mention that their eyes would get
very excited to hear about that as well.”

Missouri benefits simply due to its location, in the middle of
the country. It has interstates and federal highways crisscrossing the state,
with rail transportation, and even water transportation with barge traffic on
both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Gov. Parson has emphasized workforce
development during his tenure and the legislature has approved several programs
designed to enhance workforce skills.

Shields was one of only two state lawmakers to go on the trip.

The Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit, funded the trip.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660311350649.jpeg" alt="Boehringer Ingelheim St. Joseph campus/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Boehringer Ingelheim St. Joseph campus/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph state representative who accompanied Governor
Mike Parson on a trade mission to Europe says business executives there were
very receptive.Rep. Brenda Shields says the Missouri trade delegation met
with several business executives from companies based in Germany and the
Netherlands.“You could tell that they were very pleased and impressed that
we had made time to visit them in their home country and visit their headquarters
and tour their facilities,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I think it
made a tremendous impression upon them that we were very interested in having them
in Missouri and for them to do business with us.”Shields had a chance to speak with executives of companies
with investments in St. Joseph:&nbsp; Boehringer
Ingelheim, Schuetz Container Systems, and BASF.Shields says the Missouri delegation saw a mix of companies
with about half that have investments in Missouri and half that do not. She
says those that do not have a presence in the state do have a working knowledge
of Missouri and of St. Joseph as well.“I think St. Joseph is a prime location for a lot of the new
development that our foreign friends are ready to invest around,” Shields says.Shields says there might be some deals in the works in wake of
the trade mission last month, but she is not permitted to discuss any pending
moves.Personal relationships are very important to business
executives in Germany and the Netherlands, according to Shields.“For me personally, it was very interesting to sit in these
meetings with these CEOs and owners of these multi-billion dollar companies and
to listen to what was important to them,” Shields says.What is important to them, according to Shields, are primarily
four things:&nbsp; abundant, affordable energy,
transportation, workforce development, and tax policy. Shields says the
delegation emphasized Missouri’s low corporate tax rate during the talks.“And every time that you’d mention that their eyes would get
very excited to hear about that as well.”Missouri benefits simply due to its location, in the middle of
the country. It has interstates and federal highways crisscrossing the state,
with rail transportation, and even water transportation with barge traffic on
both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Gov. Parson has emphasized workforce
development during his tenure and the legislature has approved several programs
designed to enhance workforce skills.Shields was one of only two state lawmakers to go on the trip.The Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit, funded the trip.

St. Joseph could be prime location for investment in wake of trade mission

It took some time but things are beginning to turn around for the Buchanan County Sheriff Department’s officer shortage&nbsp;

A quarter cent tax increase improved last August is helping the department fund new positions as well as increase pay. &nbsp;

Sheriff Bill Puett says that his office is still seeing a shortage, but thanks to the passage of the tax increase things are starting to turn around.&nbsp;

"We're still short, we're still hiring but I will tell you also with that you also have to understand that there are standards that have to be met and we are going to adhere to those standards," Puett tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "But we have seen the resignations slow down dramatically and so they were able to take a raise and they can see there's some other incentives there."&nbsp;

A worker shortage that at its worst was 25 employees, is down to 10. and now pay is able to be increased, something the office hasn't seen in almost 25 years. &nbsp;

Puett says while things are beginning to look up now, he's aware that across the board being in law enforcement is a struggle.&nbsp;

"Because law enforcement has been so underpaid for such a long time that everybody is trying to make that move to get them to where they need to be and the pay, and benefits, and some of those things are such huge issues."&nbsp;

Puett says the biggest factor for why the tax increase has worked is the ability to give those pay raises.&nbsp;

"So, this was a significant raise to get them up to market value, mean market value, I mean they're not the top of the scale we were able to put in some step pay in and some other incentives and some of those things," Puett explains. "But I think that the behind-the-scenes issues showed that the community is behind them and that they do see value in what they do."&nbsp;

The tax increase, which had 78% voter approval, was to help the Sheriff's office with pay raises, 17 new positions, as well as introducing step pay.&nbsp;

Puett says currently his office is searching for three or four people to work in the jail and six new deputies, but at its worst he was down 25 employees.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;It took some time but things are beginning to turn around for the Buchanan County Sheriff Department’s officer shortage&nbsp;A quarter cent tax increase improved last August is helping the department fund new positions as well as increase pay. &nbsp;Sheriff Bill Puett says that his office is still seeing a shortage, but thanks to the passage of the tax increase things are starting to turn around.&nbsp;"We're still short, we're still hiring but I will tell you also with that you also have to understand that there are standards that have to be met and we are going to adhere to those standards," Puett tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "But we have seen the resignations slow down dramatically and so they were able to take a raise and they can see there's some other incentives there."&nbsp;A worker shortage that at its worst was 25 employees, is down to 10. and now pay is able to be increased, something the office hasn't seen in almost 25 years. &nbsp;Puett says while things are beginning to look up now, he's aware that across the board being in law enforcement is a struggle.&nbsp;"Because law enforcement has been so underpaid for such a long time that everybody is trying to make that move to get them to where they need to be and the pay, and benefits, and some of those things are such huge issues."&nbsp;Puett says the biggest factor for why the tax increase has worked is the ability to give those pay raises.&nbsp;"So, this was a significant raise to get them up to market value, mean market value, I mean they're not the top of the scale we were able to put in some step pay in and some other incentives and some of those things," Puett explains. "But I think that the behind-the-scenes issues showed that the community is behind them and that they do see value in what they do."&nbsp;The tax increase, which had 78% voter approval, was to help the Sheriff's office with pay raises, 17 new positions, as well as introducing step pay.&nbsp;Puett says currently his office is searching for three or four people to work in the jail and six new deputies, but at its worst he was down 25 employees.&nbsp;

Signs beginning to point up for the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department

GENTRY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Thursday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Dodge Dakota driven by Jerry R. Mercer, 52, Bethany, was westbound on Isaac Miller Trail three miles southwest of Albany.&nbsp; The Dakota was following an other vehicle on the gravel road and visibility was reduced.

The front driver's side of the Dakota struck the front driver's side of an eastbound 1994 Dodge 2500 driven by Skylar J. Hamilton, 25, Albany.

Lifenet transported a passenger in the Dakota Jill L. Daily, 45, Fredricktown, to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The drivers were not injured. Daily was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Thursday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Dodge Dakota driven by Jerry R. Mercer, 52, Bethany, was westbound on Isaac Miller Trail three miles southwest of Albany.&nbsp; The Dakota was following an other vehicle on the gravel road and visibility was reduced.The front driver's side of the Dakota struck the front driver's side of an eastbound 1994 Dodge 2500 driven by Skylar J. Hamilton, 25, Albany.Lifenet transported a passenger in the Dakota Jill L. Daily, 45, Fredricktown, to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The drivers were not injured. Daily was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

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