The United Way of Greater St. Joseph celebrated the end of the public&nbsp;portion&nbsp;of&nbsp;its&nbsp;annual fundraising campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

President Kylee Strough says the campaign has raised a good amount thus far&nbsp;

“To date, $2,335,985 has been pledged to the 2025 United Way campaign,” Strough tells the&nbsp;KFEQmunnity&nbsp;show. &nbsp;“And&nbsp;these are the dollars that will fund allocations to our partner agencies and the programs and services that they do in calendar year 2026.”&nbsp;

Strough says the goal of the campaign is to always do better than the previous year, and so&nbsp;far,&nbsp;it's&nbsp;pacing ahead of where they were this time last year&nbsp;

"So, that is a good sign that we’re pacing ahead, but I will also say that sometimes pacing ahead is simply some accounts turned in their results a little bit earlier than last year,” Strough explains. &nbsp;“So, it&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;always mean&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;going to end up raising more in total, it could just be an&nbsp;effect of timing of when things are received.”&nbsp;

Strough says there are still some businesses and past donors that have not gotten donations before they fully know where&nbsp;their&nbsp;campaign ended.&nbsp;

The money raised comes after the pacesetter campaign started off by raising&nbsp;nearly $1 million,&nbsp;raising $970,506.40&nbsp;

Strough says the pacesetter campaign usually give them an idea of what to expect for donations, but says there has been some pleasant surprises this year&nbsp;

"We have seen some growth at places, and I think the most exciting piece of all of this, we love when the dollars grow because the dollars are what fuel the work, but more than that we love when the number of donors grow because that means there are more of us giving what we can and we’re broadening that United Way circle and that United Way family,” Strough says. &nbsp;“And we have seen some donor growth this year.”&nbsp;

Strough says once the total is&nbsp;known,&nbsp;people from the allocations committee will meet to reaffirm where&nbsp;the&nbsp;money is going.&nbsp;

Money raised will be&nbsp;allocated&nbsp;to United Way's 16 partner agencies in St. Joseph.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762537760528.jpeg" alt="The United Way of Greater St. Joseph celebrated the end of the public portion of its fundraising campaign, raising $2,335,985 to date, with still more possible donations to come/ Photo courtesy of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>The United Way of Greater St. Joseph celebrated the end of the public portion of its fundraising campaign, raising $2,335,985 to date, with still more possible donations to come/ Photo courtesy of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe United Way of Greater St. Joseph celebrated the end of the public&nbsp;portion&nbsp;of&nbsp;its&nbsp;annual fundraising campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;President Kylee Strough says the campaign has raised a good amount thus far&nbsp;“To date, $2,335,985 has been pledged to the 2025 United Way campaign,” Strough tells the&nbsp;KFEQmunnity&nbsp;show. &nbsp;“And&nbsp;these are the dollars that will fund allocations to our partner agencies and the programs and services that they do in calendar year 2026.”&nbsp;Strough says the goal of the campaign is to always do better than the previous year, and so&nbsp;far,&nbsp;it's&nbsp;pacing ahead of where they were this time last year&nbsp;"So, that is a good sign that we’re pacing ahead, but I will also say that sometimes pacing ahead is simply some accounts turned in their results a little bit earlier than last year,” Strough explains. &nbsp;“So, it&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;always mean&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;going to end up raising more in total, it could just be an&nbsp;effect of timing of when things are received.”&nbsp;Strough says there are still some businesses and past donors that have not gotten donations before they fully know where&nbsp;their&nbsp;campaign ended.&nbsp;The money raised comes after the pacesetter campaign started off by raising&nbsp;nearly $1 million,&nbsp;raising $970,506.40&nbsp;Strough says the pacesetter campaign usually give them an idea of what to expect for donations, but says there has been some pleasant surprises this year&nbsp;"We have seen some growth at places, and I think the most exciting piece of all of this, we love when the dollars grow because the dollars are what fuel the work, but more than that we love when the number of donors grow because that means there are more of us giving what we can and we’re broadening that United Way circle and that United Way family,” Strough says. &nbsp;“And we have seen some donor growth this year.”&nbsp;Strough says once the total is&nbsp;known,&nbsp;people from the allocations committee will meet to reaffirm where&nbsp;the&nbsp;money is going.&nbsp;Money raised will be&nbsp;allocated&nbsp;to United Way's 16 partner agencies in St. Joseph.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

United Way of Greater St. Joseph celebrates successful campaign 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal judge sentenced a former Kansas credit union manager to 63 months in prison for stealing more than $750,000 from her long-time employer and substantially jeopardizing the safety and soundness of the financial institution, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Rita Hartman, 71, of Atchison pleaded guilty to one count of false entries in federal credit union records.

For 30 years, Hartman was the manager of Muddy River Credit Union (formerly Atchison Casting Credit Union and Bradken Federal Credit Union), which served the employees of a foundry located in Atchison, Kansas. 

Hartman’s position gave her control over all aspects of Muddy River’s finances. Between 2007 and 2021, she abused the trust that Muddy River granted her to steal approximately $346,000 in customer cash deposits. 

Hartman also fraudulently credited approximately $430,000 in deposits and loan payments to her or her relatives’ accounts when no payments or deposits had been made. Hartman concealed her conduct by altering ledgers and records and by falsifying information submitted to Muddy River’s regulators. &nbsp;She obstructed efforts to uncover her fraud by submitting fraudulent documents to regulators and delaying a mandated audit. &nbsp;

The defendant’s embezzlement wiped out Muddy River’s capital and rendered it insolvent, ultimately forcing a merger into another credit union to continue operations.&nbsp;

In 2013, the then-Governor of the State of Kansas appointed Hartman to the Kansas Credit Union Council, which advises the Kansas Department of Credit Unions on issues and needs of credit unions. Hartman is also a former mayor and city commissioner in Atchison. A federal judge ordered that during her imprisonment, all of Hartman’s state pension payments be directed towards the $778,361 in restitution she was ordered to pay as part of her sentence.

“For decades, Rita Hartman was a prominent, well-respected figure in Atchison, Kansas,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Instead of living up to the high regard that people in the community had for her, she exploited their trust and used it to perpetuate her embezzlement scheme and line her pockets with stolen funds.”&nbsp;

“The defendant was entrusted with the fiscal responsibility of the credit union’s members. In using the money for her personal benefit, the defendant’s actions were a betrayal of that trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s longstanding commitment to working financial fraud investigations and to hold individuals accountable for their actions.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762534128654.png" alt="Muddy River served the employees of the Bradken foundry located in Atchison, Kansas.-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Muddy River served the employees of the Bradken foundry located in Atchison, Kansas.-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal judge sentenced a former Kansas credit union manager to 63 months in prison for stealing more than $750,000 from her long-time employer and substantially jeopardizing the safety and soundness of the financial institution, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Rita Hartman, 71, of Atchison pleaded guilty to one count of false entries in federal credit union records.For 30 years, Hartman was the manager of Muddy River Credit Union (formerly Atchison Casting Credit Union and Bradken Federal Credit Union), which served the employees of a foundry located in Atchison, Kansas. Hartman’s position gave her control over all aspects of Muddy River’s finances. Between 2007 and 2021, she abused the trust that Muddy River granted her to steal approximately $346,000 in customer cash deposits. Hartman also fraudulently credited approximately $430,000 in deposits and loan payments to her or her relatives’ accounts when no payments or deposits had been made. Hartman concealed her conduct by altering ledgers and records and by falsifying information submitted to Muddy River’s regulators. &nbsp;She obstructed efforts to uncover her fraud by submitting fraudulent documents to regulators and delaying a mandated audit. &nbsp;The defendant’s embezzlement wiped out Muddy River’s capital and rendered it insolvent, ultimately forcing a merger into another credit union to continue operations.&nbsp;In 2013, the then-Governor of the State of Kansas appointed Hartman to the Kansas Credit Union Council, which advises the Kansas Department of Credit Unions on issues and needs of credit unions. Hartman is also a former mayor and city commissioner in Atchison. A federal judge ordered that during her imprisonment, all of Hartman’s state pension payments be directed towards the $778,361 in restitution she was ordered to pay as part of her sentence.“For decades, Rita Hartman was a prominent, well-respected figure in Atchison, Kansas,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Instead of living up to the high regard that people in the community had for her, she exploited their trust and used it to perpetuate her embezzlement scheme and line her pockets with stolen funds.”&nbsp;“The defendant was entrusted with the fiscal responsibility of the credit union’s members. In using the money for her personal benefit, the defendant’s actions were a betrayal of that trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s longstanding commitment to working financial fraud investigations and to hold individuals accountable for their actions.”

Prison for NE Kan. credit union manager's $700K embezzlement scheme

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6HA67i0elFlKWjMMXLb8Bk?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6DkmnMNRRDzHXCqHKl1K3u?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News 

KANSAS CITY—A former Catholic Diocese executive is accused of stealing more than $150,000 by using church-issued credit cards to buy hundreds of gift cards for personal use, according to the United State's Attorney.

Jeremy Lillig, 44, fraudulently obtained and activated 436 Visa gift cards worth $155,050 while serving as executive director of the Bright Futures Fund and director of stewardship for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph.

The indictment alleges Lillig bought the gift cards between 2017 and 2021 under the pretense of legitimate expenses funded through a Kauffman Foundation grant, then falsified monthly expense reports to conceal the scheme.

Lillig pleaded not guilty Tuesday in federal court to one count of wire fraud.

A trial is scheduled for March 16, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes.

If convicted, Lillig faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This article has been updated to correct that Lillig worked for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, not for Catholic Charities. We regret the error as previously reported.

KANSAS CITY—A former Catholic Diocese executive is accused of stealing more than $150,000 by using church-issued credit cards to buy hundreds of gift cards for personal use, according to the United State's Attorney.Jeremy Lillig, 44, fraudulently obtained and activated 436 Visa gift cards worth $155,050 while serving as executive director of the Bright Futures Fund and director of stewardship for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph.The indictment alleges Lillig bought the gift cards between 2017 and 2021 under the pretense of legitimate expenses funded through a Kauffman Foundation grant, then falsified monthly expense reports to conceal the scheme.Lillig pleaded not guilty Tuesday in federal court to one count of wire fraud.A trial is scheduled for March 16, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes.If convicted, Lillig faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.This article has been updated to correct that Lillig worked for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, not for Catholic Charities. We regret the error as previously reported.

Former KC Catholic Diocese executive accused in gift card fraud

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A newly formed political action committee created to defend the gerrymandered congressional map drawn by Missouri lawmakers received $100,000 this week from national Republicans.

On Wednesday, Put Missouri First reported two $50,000 contributions — one from the National Republican Congressional Committee and the other from the Republican National Committee. It marks the first contributions to the PAC, which was created last week to counter the referendum campaign seeking to put the state’s congressional map on the 2026 ballot.

The Democratic National Committee announced in September that it would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2025-09-29/democratic-national-committee-will-contribute-to-blocking-missouri-congressional-map" target="_blank">contributing staff and financial resources</a>&nbsp;to bolster a referendum effort.

Matt Belz, a St. Louis attorney serving as treasurer of Put Missouri First, could not be immediately reached for comment.

Missouri’s new congressional districts are part of President Donald Trump’s push for Republican states to revise maps to increase the GOP majority in the U.S. House before next year’s midterm elections.

State lawmakers returned to the Missouri Capitol in September to redraw the map to ensure Republicans have an advantage in seven of the state’s eight districts. The new map carves up the 5th District, based in Kansas City and represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver since 2005, to make it easier to flip the seat for Republicans.

Immediately after the map was approved, a PAC called People Not Politicians filed a referendum to place it on the ballot. The group has until Dec. 11 to turn in at least 106,000 signatures in order to force a vote on the plan. On Wednesday, it said it had already exceeded 200,000 signatures.

The referendum campaign faces a lawsuit filed by Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway claiming it is unconstitutional and numerous procedural hurdles enacted by the secretary of state’s office.

But People Not Politicians has raised more than $3 million in just two months, mostly from out-of-state groups. And it is getting help from the Missouri AFL-CIO, which led the referendum campaign in 2018 that collected 300,000 signatures and repealed the state’s a right-to-work law.

“We’re continuing to gather signatures because Missourians want their voices to be heard. We will not stop collecting or be deterred,” said Richard von Glahn, executive director of People Not Politicians. “Every attack from politicians trying to silence us brings us more volunteers and more support.”

Of the 27 times a referendum has been placed on the Missouri ballot, voters have rejected actions by the General Assembly all but twice — including 1922, when voters overturned a congressional map passed by the legislature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757444658128.png" alt="Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors / Map by Anna Sago " />
 <figcaption>Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors / Map by Anna Sago </figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A newly formed political action committee created to defend the gerrymandered congressional map drawn by Missouri lawmakers received $100,000 this week from national Republicans.On Wednesday, Put Missouri First reported two $50,000 contributions — one from the National Republican Congressional Committee and the other from the Republican National Committee. It marks the first contributions to the PAC, which was created last week to counter the referendum campaign seeking to put the state’s congressional map on the 2026 ballot.The Democratic National Committee announced in September that it would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2025-09-29/democratic-national-committee-will-contribute-to-blocking-missouri-congressional-map" target="_blank">contributing staff and financial resources</a>&nbsp;to bolster a referendum effort.Matt Belz, a St. Louis attorney serving as treasurer of Put Missouri First, could not be immediately reached for comment.Missouri’s new congressional districts are part of President Donald Trump’s push for Republican states to revise maps to increase the GOP majority in the U.S. House before next year’s midterm elections.State lawmakers returned to the Missouri Capitol in September to redraw the map to ensure Republicans have an advantage in seven of the state’s eight districts. The new map carves up the 5th District, based in Kansas City and represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver since 2005, to make it easier to flip the seat for Republicans.Immediately after the map was approved, a PAC called People Not Politicians filed a referendum to place it on the ballot. The group has until Dec. 11 to turn in at least 106,000 signatures in order to force a vote on the plan. On Wednesday, it said it had already exceeded 200,000 signatures.The referendum campaign faces a lawsuit filed by Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway claiming it is unconstitutional and numerous procedural hurdles enacted by the secretary of state’s office.But People Not Politicians has raised more than $3 million in just two months, mostly from out-of-state groups. And it is getting help from the Missouri AFL-CIO, which led the referendum campaign in 2018 that collected 300,000 signatures and repealed the state’s a right-to-work law.“We’re continuing to gather signatures because Missourians want their voices to be heard. We will not stop collecting or be deterred,” said Richard von Glahn, executive director of People Not Politicians. “Every attack from politicians trying to silence us brings us more volunteers and more support.”Of the 27 times a referendum has been placed on the Missouri ballot, voters have rejected actions by the General Assembly all but twice — including 1922, when voters overturned a congressional map passed by the legislature.

National Republicans gear up to fight referendum on Missouri congressional map

PHELPS COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces criminal charges against Melvin J. Fincher, 39, of Rolla, MO. Fincher has pending charges in other counties which include Phelps, Dent, Polk, and Nodaway Counties.

On October 24, Fincher was arrested after an investigation conducted by the Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control Rural Crimes Investigation Unit with the assistance of area law enforcement.

In July of 2024, the Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control was made aware of suspicious activity involving the sale of livestock and farm equipment in Phelps County, Missouri.

Texas authorities informed investigators in Missouri of a cattle theft investigation, involving 42 head of cattle from a livestock market in Texas. 

The theft occurred between August 10 and 11, 2024, and the total value of the cattle was $71,078.00.&nbsp; After further investigation, it was determined the cattle were received by Melvin Fincher, a resident of Phelps County, Missouri.

During the investigation, and while searching property associated with Fincher, USDA livestock tags were located in the livestock pens on the premises. Identification numbers indicated the tags were issued to the livestock market in Texas where the cattle were originally stolen. 

Additional evidence was collected connecting Fincher to the theft of cattle in Texas.

On December 2, 2024, Fincher was formally charged by the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney with one count of Stealing Livestock/Wildlife - Prior Offense. Fincher later pled guilty to this charge.

On October 27, 2025, Fincher was sentenced to 10 years incarceration with the Missouri Department of Corrections. The sentence was suspended in execution of sentence, and Fincher is currently serving five years of supervised probation.

Fincher is also facing numerous charges in Dent, Polk, and Nodaway Counties for other related criminal offenses including identify theft, livestock theft, and farm equipment theft

&nbsp;The total value of damages involving these cases exceeds $219,000.00.

If you have any further information regarding these cases, please contact DDCC at 573-526-6122.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762393817899.png" alt="Fincher photo. Polk Co." />
 <figcaption>Fincher photo. Polk Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PHELPS COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces criminal charges against Melvin J. Fincher, 39, of Rolla, MO. Fincher has pending charges in other counties which include Phelps, Dent, Polk, and Nodaway Counties.On October 24, Fincher was arrested after an investigation conducted by the Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control Rural Crimes Investigation Unit with the assistance of area law enforcement.In July of 2024, the Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control was made aware of suspicious activity involving the sale of livestock and farm equipment in Phelps County, Missouri.Texas authorities informed investigators in Missouri of a cattle theft investigation, involving 42 head of cattle from a livestock market in Texas. The theft occurred between August 10 and 11, 2024, and the total value of the cattle was $71,078.00.&nbsp; After further investigation, it was determined the cattle were received by Melvin Fincher, a resident of Phelps County, Missouri.During the investigation, and while searching property associated with Fincher, USDA livestock tags were located in the livestock pens on the premises. Identification numbers indicated the tags were issued to the livestock market in Texas where the cattle were originally stolen. Additional evidence was collected connecting Fincher to the theft of cattle in Texas.On December 2, 2024, Fincher was formally charged by the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney with one count of Stealing Livestock/Wildlife - Prior Offense. Fincher later pled guilty to this charge.On October 27, 2025, Fincher was sentenced to 10 years incarceration with the Missouri Department of Corrections. The sentence was suspended in execution of sentence, and Fincher is currently serving five years of supervised probation.Fincher is also facing numerous charges in Dent, Polk, and Nodaway Counties for other related criminal offenses including identify theft, livestock theft, and farm equipment theft&nbsp;The total value of damages involving these cases exceeds $219,000.00.If you have any further information regarding these cases, please contact DDCC at 573-526-6122.

Man admits to livestock theft, other rural crimes in Missouri

St. Joseph school officials are
celebrating improvements in the state report card even as they vow to keep
pressing to improve scores.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education (DESE) has released its 2025 Annual Performance Report.
Overall, the St. Joseph School District scored 74.7% on the state assessment,
up from 63.2% two years ago.

Assistant Superintendent of Academics and
Education Services, Stacia Studer, says St. Joseph students scored better in
English, but the district wants to see improvements in literacy.

“And so, we did grow in our state assessment
scores. Not the growth that we’d had hope to see. The state has really rallied
around a state initiative called LETRS and that’s professional learning for our
teachers on how students learn to read. And so, we have provided that professional
learning support for our teachers,” Studer tells reporters during a news
conference. “What we realized is that we wanted to ensure that all students are
being taught on grade level.”

St. Joseph did best on Social Studies
with improvement in Math and Science. The school district graduation rate
improved. School officials say that though attendance continues to rebound from
the COVID pandemic years, it needs has room for improvement.

Studer says an emphasis this year is
being placed on reading.

“We want students to be exposed to the
questions that they will face on those state achievement tests,” Studer says. “Really
rally around what those questions look like for our teachers and working on
rigor and depth of knowledge, ensuring that we are teaching at high levels if
questioning, pushing our questioning to get kids to think more critically.”

The St. Joseph School District Missouri
School Improvement Program (MSIP) 6 performance score improved again in the
latest reports, moving from 52.5% in 2023 to 65.3% in 2025. DESE reports St.
Joseph students are approaching state standards in English Language Arts,
Mathematics, and Science. Students are listed as on track with Social Studies.
The test scores of St. Joseph students rose in all subject areas. The
graduation rate rose 2.9% from 2024 to 2025 to 91.9%.

Every high school and middle school
showed improvement. Several elementary schools demonstrated impressive growth,
including a perfect 100% score at Eugene Field Elementary School.

Attendance remains difficult for the St.
Joseph School District with Superintendent, Ashly McGinnis, stating attendance has
not fully recovered from the COVID pandemic, though it has shown improvement.

While acknowledging she wants greater
improvement, McGinnis does say that the overall score is something to
celebrate.

“We haven’t been above 70% since COVD,”
McGinnis notes. “And so, 70% is kind of that mark for accreditation. We’ve gone
through this MSIP 6 cycle, it’s a little complex, but we’ve heard this rumor in
our community we’re going to be at jeopardy of accreditation, we could be losing
accreditation, and that’s just simply not true.”

School officials say they want
instruction in the core subjects to be consistent in all classrooms within the
district.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762450835079.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph School Supt. Ashly McGinnis (right) answers a question as Asst. Supt. Stacia Studer looks on/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph School Supt. Ashly McGinnis (right) answers a question as Asst. Supt. Stacia Studer looks on/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph school officials are
celebrating improvements in the state report card even as they vow to keep
pressing to improve scores.The Missouri Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education (DESE) has released its 2025 Annual Performance Report.
Overall, the St. Joseph School District scored 74.7% on the state assessment,
up from 63.2% two years ago.Assistant Superintendent of Academics and
Education Services, Stacia Studer, says St. Joseph students scored better in
English, but the district wants to see improvements in literacy.“And so, we did grow in our state assessment
scores. Not the growth that we’d had hope to see. The state has really rallied
around a state initiative called LETRS and that’s professional learning for our
teachers on how students learn to read. And so, we have provided that professional
learning support for our teachers,” Studer tells reporters during a news
conference. “What we realized is that we wanted to ensure that all students are
being taught on grade level.”St. Joseph did best on Social Studies
with improvement in Math and Science. The school district graduation rate
improved. School officials say that though attendance continues to rebound from
the COVID pandemic years, it needs has room for improvement.Studer says an emphasis this year is
being placed on reading.“We want students to be exposed to the
questions that they will face on those state achievement tests,” Studer says. “Really
rally around what those questions look like for our teachers and working on
rigor and depth of knowledge, ensuring that we are teaching at high levels if
questioning, pushing our questioning to get kids to think more critically.”The St. Joseph School District Missouri
School Improvement Program (MSIP) 6 performance score improved again in the
latest reports, moving from 52.5% in 2023 to 65.3% in 2025. DESE reports St.
Joseph students are approaching state standards in English Language Arts,
Mathematics, and Science. Students are listed as on track with Social Studies.
The test scores of St. Joseph students rose in all subject areas. The
graduation rate rose 2.9% from 2024 to 2025 to 91.9%.Every high school and middle school
showed improvement. Several elementary schools demonstrated impressive growth,
including a perfect 100% score at Eugene Field Elementary School.Attendance remains difficult for the St.
Joseph School District with Superintendent, Ashly McGinnis, stating attendance has
not fully recovered from the COVID pandemic, though it has shown improvement.While acknowledging she wants greater
improvement, McGinnis does say that the overall score is something to
celebrate.“We haven’t been above 70% since COVD,”
McGinnis notes. “And so, 70% is kind of that mark for accreditation. We’ve gone
through this MSIP 6 cycle, it’s a little complex, but we’ve heard this rumor in
our community we’re going to be at jeopardy of accreditation, we could be losing
accreditation, and that’s just simply not true.”School officials say they want
instruction in the core subjects to be consistent in all classrooms within the
district.JOURNAL<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2oNqLdOuwY7weoPhKbC7zs?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph school officials celebrate state test score improvements

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7AED6thoaVduYHsLMGvfIY?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/04QxGA1SNbkL1R999NLEuX?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect wanted in Buchanan County on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before midnight on Tuesday night an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 1500 block South 7th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver of the vehicle, 43-year-old&nbsp; Thomas Nance, was taken into custody on a Buchanan County Missouri warrant for failure to appear in court. 

During the arrest he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. He was taken to the County Jail and is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;failure to appear in court, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762394126250.png" alt="Nance photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Nance photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect wanted in Buchanan County on drug allegations after a traffic stop.Just before midnight on Tuesday night an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 1500 block South 7th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The driver of the vehicle, 43-year-old&nbsp; Thomas Nance, was taken into custody on a Buchanan County Missouri warrant for failure to appear in court. During the arrest he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. He was taken to the County Jail and is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;failure to appear in court, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Suspect wanted in Buchanan Co. accused of meth possession

United Way of Greater St. Joseph wraps up
its public fundraising campaign Thursday night.

United Way President, Kylee Stough, calls
it a celebration.

“That celebration will be a celebration of
generosity in our community,” Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We hope to
announce somewhere between $1 ½ and $2 ½ million pledged. We won’t be quite
finished that night. We know that there’s still some campaigns to happen, some
asks out, and some donors who are going to think I want to give and I’m going
to mail something in.”

The United Way conducted the 2025 campaign
under the theme of Give Hope. Campaign co-chairs, Michael and Jennifer Holden,
will share campaign highlights and offer special thanks to those instrumental
in the campaign.

Strough emphasizes is it because of
contributions to the campaign the United Way was able to put together food kits
for those who might lose benefits due to the federal government shutdown.

“United Way has money to purchase these
food kits, to create these volunteer opportunities, to respond to needs in the
community because donors give through the annual campaign and they trust us,”
Stough says. “They trust us to share those dollars with our partner agencies,
but to also hold just a little bit back in a fund to meet emerging and
emergency needs.”

“I never lose sight of trust is the
currency we operate in,” Strough says. “If we don’t have the trust of people in
our community we can’t do anything and be effective at it as United Way. You
need to know that when you give a dollar, we’re doing what we say we’re going
to do with it. We’re staying in touch with community needs and we’re spending
it as frugally, efficiently, and effectively as possible to make it stretch as
far as possible.”

The public is invited to the Hall of Fame
Room at Spratt Stadium on the Missouri Western State University campus,
beginning at five o’clock. A short program begins at 5:45pm.

Tickets for the event costs $20 a person
or $150 for a table of eight.

The United Way campaign supports 17
agencies.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostUnited Way of Greater St. Joseph wraps up
its public fundraising campaign Thursday night.United Way President, Kylee Stough, calls
it a celebration.“That celebration will be a celebration of
generosity in our community,” Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We hope to
announce somewhere between $1 ½ and $2 ½ million pledged. We won’t be quite
finished that night. We know that there’s still some campaigns to happen, some
asks out, and some donors who are going to think I want to give and I’m going
to mail something in.”The United Way conducted the 2025 campaign
under the theme of Give Hope. Campaign co-chairs, Michael and Jennifer Holden,
will share campaign highlights and offer special thanks to those instrumental
in the campaign.Strough emphasizes is it because of
contributions to the campaign the United Way was able to put together food kits
for those who might lose benefits due to the federal government shutdown.“United Way has money to purchase these
food kits, to create these volunteer opportunities, to respond to needs in the
community because donors give through the annual campaign and they trust us,”
Stough says. “They trust us to share those dollars with our partner agencies,
but to also hold just a little bit back in a fund to meet emerging and
emergency needs.”Trust is the key, according to Strough.“I never lose sight of trust is the
currency we operate in,” Strough says. “If we don’t have the trust of people in
our community we can’t do anything and be effective at it as United Way. You
need to know that when you give a dollar, we’re doing what we say we’re going
to do with it. We’re staying in touch with community needs and we’re spending
it as frugally, efficiently, and effectively as possible to make it stretch as
far as possible.”The public is invited to the Hall of Fame
Room at Spratt Stadium on the Missouri Western State University campus,
beginning at five o’clock. A short program begins at 5:45pm.Tickets for the event costs $20 a person
or $150 for a table of eight.The United Way campaign supports 17
agencies.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

United Way to celebrate St. Joseph campaign

Independence and Hallsville school districts to continue four-day weeks with 62% and 75% voter approval

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

When the Independence School District announced it was switching to a four-day week during the 2023-24 school year, it drew questions from local families and statewide officials.

Parents wondered what kind of child care they would have on days without classroom instruction. And&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/08/four-day-school-week-faces-scrutiny-from-missouri-legislature-state-education-board/">lawmakers debated</a>&nbsp;whether the state needed to intervene.

Ultimately, Missouri’s General Assembly passed a law requiring a vote for non–rural school districts to authorize a four-day week.

On Tuesday, the Independence and Hallsville school districts became the first large districts to receive the approval of voters to continue with four-day weeks.

“I knew that the majority of our community supported it,” Hallsville Superintendent Tyler Walker told The Independent. “I was a little bit surprised to see how much support it was.”

In Hallsville, residents had two questions on the ballot related to the school district. One asked about the four-day week and the other was a bond measure previously passed in April&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/27/numerous-voter-approved-bonds-in-missouri-in-jeopardy-for-violating-public-notice-law/">but not confirmed by the State Auditor</a>.

The election drew 25% of registered voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.showmeboone.com/clerk/elections/results/unofficial.asp" target="_blank">according to the Boone County Clerk</a>, and 75% of those voted in favor of the four-day school week. The vote authorizes the schedule for the next 10 years, when then the district will have to hold another special election.

Walker didn’t think the margin would be that wide. Earlier surveys from the district’s 2022 adoption of the schedule put approval at around 60%.

He believes that the district’s growing success on standardized tests and other publicly available metrics have given families confidence that the four-day week isn’t such a bad thing.

“Our community has grown to appreciate the four day week more after experiencing it for a few years,” he said.

Todd Fuller, director of communications for the Missouri State Teachers Association, told The Independent that voters in districts who have already been operating in a four-day week like Independence and Hallsville have an idea of how it works for their students. The state law, passed in 2024, will require a vote prior to the schedule’s adoption for those who do not already adopt the abbreviated week.

“Anyone who’s a constituent of the district has had time to digest this process, and they’ve been able to decide over a two-year period whether it’s been beneficial or not beneficial for their kids,” Fuller said. “So if they are expressing that feeling with their vote, then we’re going to have a pretty good understanding of what they really want.”

The association doesn’t have an official stance on the four-day week. But Fuller said the teachers it represents have been pleased with the schedule.

Jorjana Pohlman, president of Independence’s branch of the Missouri National Education Association, told The Independent that the overall sentiment is positive from the district’s educators.

Mondays out of the classroom have become a good time for teachers to have doctor’s appointments, spend time with their families and plan for the week ahead, she said.

“In the beginning, it was fear of the unknown for families as well as teachers,” she said. “A lot of teachers had the attitude of, ‘Let’s try it.’ They, I think overall, felt it was a positive thing.”

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.primecenter.org/education-reports-database/4dsw-case-study" target="_blank">study by Missouri State University researchers</a>&nbsp;looked at recent applicants to teaching positions in Independence, finding that the four-day week was a key part of the district’s recruitment.

In particular, 63% of applicants rated the four-day schedule as a top-three reason for applying, and 27% said it was their top priority.

The study also looked at the value of the four-day week for applicants, asking how much they would sacrifice in salary to work at a district with the schedule. On average, applicants were willing to sacrifice $2267 annually for the four-day week.

Walker said the schedule has also improved recruitment in Hallsville, with a dramatic uptick in veteran teachers applying to positions.

With teachers coming to Independence schools particularly for their schedule, some worried that returning to a five-day week would have large consequences for staffing. But Pohlman said a survey showed that the loss of educators is less than many would think.

“The educators, they care deeply about their students, and they want what’s best for students and for the community, whether it’s four day week or five day week,” she said. “They are still going to be committed.”

Almost&nbsp;<a href="https://www.primecenter.org/prime-blog/4dsw-summary" target="_blank">a third of Missouri districts have adopted a four-day week</a>, with around 91% of those districts in rural settings. Only districts in cities with at least 30,000 residents, or those located in Jackson, Clay, St. Louis, Jefferson and St. Charles counties, must call for a vote before moving to a four-day week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762369520602.png" alt=" On Tuesday, voters in two Missouri towns approved a four-day school week. Both districts had already been operating on the schedule but required voter approval to continue (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> On Tuesday, voters in two Missouri towns approved a four-day school week. Both districts had already been operating on the schedule but required voter approval to continue (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Independence and Hallsville school districts to continue four-day weeks with 62% and 75% voter approval</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>When the Independence School District announced it was switching to a four-day week during the 2023-24 school year, it drew questions from local families and statewide officials.Parents wondered what kind of child care they would have on days without classroom instruction. And&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/08/four-day-school-week-faces-scrutiny-from-missouri-legislature-state-education-board/">lawmakers debated</a>&nbsp;whether the state needed to intervene.Ultimately, Missouri’s General Assembly passed a law requiring a vote for non–rural school districts to authorize a four-day week.On Tuesday, the Independence and Hallsville school districts became the first large districts to receive the approval of voters to continue with four-day weeks.“I knew that the majority of our community supported it,” Hallsville Superintendent Tyler Walker told The Independent. “I was a little bit surprised to see how much support it was.”In Hallsville, residents had two questions on the ballot related to the school district. One asked about the four-day week and the other was a bond measure previously passed in April&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/27/numerous-voter-approved-bonds-in-missouri-in-jeopardy-for-violating-public-notice-law/">but not confirmed by the State Auditor</a>.The election drew 25% of registered voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.showmeboone.com/clerk/elections/results/unofficial.asp" target="_blank">according to the Boone County Clerk</a>, and 75% of those voted in favor of the four-day school week. The vote authorizes the schedule for the next 10 years, when then the district will have to hold another special election.Walker didn’t think the margin would be that wide. Earlier surveys from the district’s 2022 adoption of the schedule put approval at around 60%.He believes that the district’s growing success on standardized tests and other publicly available metrics have given families confidence that the four-day week isn’t such a bad thing.“Our community has grown to appreciate the four day week more after experiencing it for a few years,” he said.Todd Fuller, director of communications for the Missouri State Teachers Association, told The Independent that voters in districts who have already been operating in a four-day week like Independence and Hallsville have an idea of how it works for their students. The state law, passed in 2024, will require a vote prior to the schedule’s adoption for those who do not already adopt the abbreviated week.“Anyone who’s a constituent of the district has had time to digest this process, and they’ve been able to decide over a two-year period whether it’s been beneficial or not beneficial for their kids,” Fuller said. “So if they are expressing that feeling with their vote, then we’re going to have a pretty good understanding of what they really want.”The association doesn’t have an official stance on the four-day week. But Fuller said the teachers it represents have been pleased with the schedule.Jorjana Pohlman, president of Independence’s branch of the Missouri National Education Association, told The Independent that the overall sentiment is positive from the district’s educators.Mondays out of the classroom have become a good time for teachers to have doctor’s appointments, spend time with their families and plan for the week ahead, she said.“In the beginning, it was fear of the unknown for families as well as teachers,” she said. “A lot of teachers had the attitude of, ‘Let’s try it.’ They, I think overall, felt it was a positive thing.”A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.primecenter.org/education-reports-database/4dsw-case-study" target="_blank">study by Missouri State University researchers</a>&nbsp;looked at recent applicants to teaching positions in Independence, finding that the four-day week was a key part of the district’s recruitment.In particular, 63% of applicants rated the four-day schedule as a top-three reason for applying, and 27% said it was their top priority.The study also looked at the value of the four-day week for applicants, asking how much they would sacrifice in salary to work at a district with the schedule. On average, applicants were willing to sacrifice $2267 annually for the four-day week.Walker said the schedule has also improved recruitment in Hallsville, with a dramatic uptick in veteran teachers applying to positions.With teachers coming to Independence schools particularly for their schedule, some worried that returning to a five-day week would have large consequences for staffing. But Pohlman said a survey showed that the loss of educators is less than many would think.“The educators, they care deeply about their students, and they want what’s best for students and for the community, whether it’s four day week or five day week,” she said. “They are still going to be committed.”Almost&nbsp;<a href="https://www.primecenter.org/prime-blog/4dsw-summary" target="_blank">a third of Missouri districts have adopted a four-day week</a>, with around 91% of those districts in rural settings. Only districts in cities with at least 30,000 residents, or those located in Jackson, Clay, St. Louis, Jefferson and St. Charles counties, must call for a vote before moving to a four-day week.

Missouri voters approve 4-day school week in two districts, showing rising support

Over the next four days, high school girls' volleyball teams from across Missouri that earned their way here will compete for a state title at the Civic Arena.  

The St. Joseph Sports Commission found out three years ago the event would be coming and are now excited to welcome 20 teams from all five classes to St. Joseph to compete.  

Executive Director Brett Esely says when they first started the Sports Commission back up in 2022, they began looking at events that could fit here 

"Right about then we received several bid packages from the state high school activities association, one of which was volleyball, and looking at the specs, looking at what they needed, looking at who was playing well around the area, we quickly went to work on that bid,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “We had an opportunity to entertain some folks from the MSHSAA office that summer and walk them through the facility, walk them through some plans on how we though the championship would be great here.”  

Esely says in September of that year they were lucky enough to get the call that Civic Arena had been selected to host the championship for three years, beginning today. 

Esely says those that come to the Civic Arena are in for watching a high level of competition 

"We’ve got six teams in this field that won more than 30 games this year, it used to be a pinnacle of your season to win 20, let alone win 30, and five teams have done that,” Esely explains.  “And I always say this to, I’ve had people ask me who are the favorites, you know I’ll be honest other than record and noting teams on paper I don’t know a lot about these teams, but I do know this if you get to this level of competition you can win it.” 

All tickets to the event must be bought ahead of time through the Missouri State High School Activities Association's website.  No tickets will be available at the arena. 

Esely credits the city of St. Joseph for its commitment to upgrading the arena and making it more modernized.  Esely says while it's a misconception things were not happening at the arena prior to improvements, he points out now event owners want modernized facilities 

"Does Division One women’s college basketball come to this venue without these improvements? Absolutely not.  Does state volleyball come to this venue without these improvements? Absolutely not.” Esely says.  “Does this venue continue to be sought after for major college events, MIAA volleyball that we’ve been fortunate now to host, this will be year four, absolutely not, do we have an opportunity to bring a new tournament to town in the Great Lakes Valley basketball championship that will begin March 27th? Absolutely not.” 

Esely says the renovations and improvements were vital, but now it's about keeping up with it, because things events are looking for will continue to evolve. 

The tournament gets started at noon today and runs through Saturday.  Locally, at 2pm today East Buchanan will face Hermann for a trip to the championship.  

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762362115111.jpeg" alt="The MSHSAA Girls Volleyball championships begin in St. Joseph today at the Civic Arena bringing teams from across the state representing all five classes/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The MSHSAA Girls Volleyball championships begin in St. Joseph today at the Civic Arena bringing teams from across the state representing all five classes/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostOver the next four days, high school girls' volleyball teams from across Missouri that earned their way here will compete for a state title at the Civic Arena. The St. Joseph Sports Commission found out three years ago the event would be coming and are now excited to welcome 20 teams from all five classes to St. Joseph to compete. Executive Director Brett Esely says when they first started the Sports Commission back up in 2022, they began looking at events that could fit here "Right about then we received several bid packages from the state high school activities association, one of which was volleyball, and looking at the specs, looking at what they needed, looking at who was playing well around the area, we quickly went to work on that bid,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show. “We had an opportunity to entertain some folks from the MSHSAA office that summer and walk them through the facility, walk them through some plans on how we though the championship would be great here.” Esely says in September of that year they were lucky enough to get the call that Civic Arena had been selected to host the championship for three years, beginning today. Esely says those that come to the Civic Arena are in for watching a high level of competition "We’ve got six teams in this field that won more than 30 games this year, it used to be a pinnacle of your season to win 20, let alone win 30, and five teams have done that,” Esely explains. “And I always say this to, I’ve had people ask me who are the favorites, you know I’ll be honest other than record and noting teams on paper I don’t know a lot about these teams, but I do know this if you get to this level of competition you can win it.” All tickets to the event must be bought ahead of time through the Missouri State High School Activities Association's website. No tickets will be available at the arena. Esely credits the city of St. Joseph for its commitment to upgrading the arena and making it more modernized. Esely says while it's a misconception things were not happening at the arena prior to improvements, he points out now event owners want modernized facilities "Does Division One women’s college basketball come to this venue without these improvements? Absolutely not. Does state volleyball come to this venue without these improvements? Absolutely not.” Esely says. “Does this venue continue to be sought after for major college events, MIAA volleyball that we’ve been fortunate now to host, this will be year four, absolutely not, do we have an opportunity to bring a new tournament to town in the Great Lakes Valley basketball championship that will begin March 27th? Absolutely not.” Esely says the renovations and improvements were vital, but now it's about keeping up with it, because things events are looking for will continue to evolve. The tournament gets started at noon today and runs through Saturday. Locally, at 2pm today East Buchanan will face Hermann for a trip to the championship. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Missouri volleyball high school state championships happening at Civic Arena

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2iQPu6TkiFUSrsXyAeLxph?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3Q9M58OhQCUTMiqW2SvObv?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Chevy Equinox driven by a 32-year-old Leavenworth woman was northbound on Interstate 29 near the U.S. 36 exit in St. Joseph. The SUV traveled off the west side of the road, struck an exit sign and returned to the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and came to rest in a ditch.

Buchanan County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Chevy Equinox driven by a 32-year-old Leavenworth woman was northbound on Interstate 29 near the U.S. 36 exit in St. Joseph. The SUV traveled off the west side of the road, struck an exit sign and returned to the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and came to rest in a ditch.Buchanan County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Kansas woman injured after SUV strikes exit sign

CLINTON COUNTY —Two peopole were injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Tuesday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 GMC Sierra driven by a 33-year-old DeKalb, Illinois man was northbound on Interstate 35 four miles south of Cameron. The driver changed lanes to avoid workers on the shoulder. The rear of the pickup struck the front of a northbound 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by a 59-year-old Cameron woman.&nbsp;

Cameron ambulance transported the van driver and a 20-year-old passenger to Cameron Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; The pickup driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —Two peopole were injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Tuesday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 GMC Sierra driven by a 33-year-old DeKalb, Illinois man was northbound on Interstate 35 four miles south of Cameron. The driver changed lanes to avoid workers on the shoulder. The rear of the pickup struck the front of a northbound 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by a 59-year-old Cameron woman.&nbsp;Cameron ambulance transported the van driver and a 20-year-old passenger to Cameron Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; The pickup driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 Missouri women injured and pickup, van accident

New state laws
cracking down on stunt driving could help the St. Joseph Police Department.

Police Chief Paul
Luster says the legislature’s move to strengthen the careless and imprudent
driving statutes to include stunt driving and street takeovers gives more teeth
to the law.

“The legislature’s
taken it very seriously, which is good,” Luster tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp; “We’ve had some issues here in St. Joe pop up
and we really try to stay ahead of those, because of the danger that those
activities create to just the general public.”

The Missouri
legislature approved the enhancements during this year’s legislative session.
It applies to the whole state, but the major metropolitan areas have
experienced an increase in stunt driving and street racing.

“Kansas City and
St. Louis, I think even Springfield, has had a lot of trouble with it where
they’ll take over a whole street; emergency responders can’t get through,
firetrucks, ambulances, police can’t get through. And then, I know, Kansas
City’s even had some problems with some violence at those events. Someone gets
mad and a gun comes out and there’s a lot of people around and so, it’s
behavior you definitely don’t want,” according to Luster. “So, I think it was really
actually a good piece of legislation.”

Luster says the
biggest problem in St. Joseph normally consists of motorcyclists attempting
stunts up and down the Belt Highway. He says one group planned some stunt
riding in the former K-Mart parking lot near the intersection of Belt Highway
and Gene Field Road.

“Big parking lot.
Business isn’t there. They thought that might be a good parking lot to really
do some stunt driving in,” Luster says. “We just kind of met them at the
beginning of it and said we’re not going to have that. We got ahold of the
property owner. He didn’t want it, obviously, on his property. And so, we were
able to end it before it starts.”

Luster says there
is a place for street racing, it’s just not on city streets.

“There are
legitimate motor sports events that are sanctioned at venues that are properly
set up for those and that’s where stuff like that needs to occur not out on the
public roadways.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNew state laws
cracking down on stunt driving could help the St. Joseph Police Department.Police Chief Paul
Luster says the legislature’s move to strengthen the careless and imprudent
driving statutes to include stunt driving and street takeovers gives more teeth
to the law.“The legislature’s
taken it very seriously, which is good,” Luster tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp; “We’ve had some issues here in St. Joe pop up
and we really try to stay ahead of those, because of the danger that those
activities create to just the general public.”The Missouri
legislature approved the enhancements during this year’s legislative session.
It applies to the whole state, but the major metropolitan areas have
experienced an increase in stunt driving and street racing.“Kansas City and
St. Louis, I think even Springfield, has had a lot of trouble with it where
they’ll take over a whole street; emergency responders can’t get through,
firetrucks, ambulances, police can’t get through. And then, I know, Kansas
City’s even had some problems with some violence at those events. Someone gets
mad and a gun comes out and there’s a lot of people around and so, it’s
behavior you definitely don’t want,” according to Luster. “So, I think it was really
actually a good piece of legislation.”Luster says the
biggest problem in St. Joseph normally consists of motorcyclists attempting
stunts up and down the Belt Highway. He says one group planned some stunt
riding in the former K-Mart parking lot near the intersection of Belt Highway
and Gene Field Road.“Big parking lot.
Business isn’t there. They thought that might be a good parking lot to really
do some stunt driving in,” Luster says. “We just kind of met them at the
beginning of it and said we’re not going to have that. We got ahold of the
property owner. He didn’t want it, obviously, on his property. And so, we were
able to end it before it starts.”Luster says there
is a place for street racing, it’s just not on city streets.“There are
legitimate motor sports events that are sanctioned at venues that are properly
set up for those and that’s where stuff like that needs to occur not out on the
public roadways.”You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

New state law helps St. Joe police crack down on stunt driving

AFL-CIO Community
Services in St. Joseph reports St. Joseph’s two major grocery stores are
stepping up during the lingering federal government shutdown that threatens
supplemental food programs.

Cosentino’s Price Chopper
is provided free hot meals to children under 12 from 4pm to 7pm through
November 7th. The meals will be served from the deli hot bar.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tuesday, Nov. 4: Beef Noodles &amp;
Roll

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wednesday, Nov. 5: Chicken Pot Pie w/
Biscuit

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thursday, Nov. 6: BBQ Pulled Pork w/
Mac n Cheese

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Friday, Nov. 7: Pasta and Meatball w/
Breadstick

"Healthy
communities are built on healthy families, and that’s the foundation for
everything we do. From our family to yours, we’re honored to serve you during
this time," Cosentino’s Price Chopper said in a written statement.

Cosentino's Price
Chopper is located at 2219 N Belt Hwy in St. Joseph.

Hy-Vee is also
offering free hot meals to children 12 and under through the 7th,
also from 4pm to 7pm. The same meal will be made available to everyone else for
$3.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tuesday, Nov. 4: Spaghetti with Meat
Sauce, Salad and Garlic Bread

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wednesday, Nov. 5: Chicken and
Noodles with Mashed Potatoes

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thursday, Nov. 6: Chili and a
Cinnamon Roll

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Friday, Nov. 7: Sesame or Orange
Chicken Rice Bowl (In locations without HyChi, the meal with be Two Chicken
Tenders, Mashed Potatoes and Corn)

During the coming
weeks, Hy-Vee will also be sharing on its social media channels recipes that
families can make for $3 or less a serving. These meals will include products
featured in Hy-Vee’s weekly ads. Hy-Vee is located at 201 N. Belt Highway in St. Joseph.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAFL-CIO Community
Services in St. Joseph reports St. Joseph’s two major grocery stores are
stepping up during the lingering federal government shutdown that threatens
supplemental food programs.Cosentino’s Price Chopper
is provided free hot meals to children under 12 from 4pm to 7pm through
November 7th. The meals will be served from the deli hot bar.The daily menu is
as follows:•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tuesday, Nov. 4: Beef Noodles &amp;
Roll•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wednesday, Nov. 5: Chicken Pot Pie w/
Biscuit•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thursday, Nov. 6: BBQ Pulled Pork w/
Mac n Cheese•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Friday, Nov. 7: Pasta and Meatball w/
Breadstick"Healthy
communities are built on healthy families, and that’s the foundation for
everything we do. From our family to yours, we’re honored to serve you during
this time," Cosentino’s Price Chopper said in a written statement.Cosentino's Price
Chopper is located at 2219 N Belt Hwy in St. Joseph.Hy-Vee is also
offering free hot meals to children 12 and under through the 7th,
also from 4pm to 7pm. The same meal will be made available to everyone else for
$3.The daily menu is
as follows:•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tuesday, Nov. 4: Spaghetti with Meat
Sauce, Salad and Garlic Bread•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wednesday, Nov. 5: Chicken and
Noodles with Mashed Potatoes•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thursday, Nov. 6: Chili and a
Cinnamon Roll•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Friday, Nov. 7: Sesame or Orange
Chicken Rice Bowl (In locations without HyChi, the meal with be Two Chicken
Tenders, Mashed Potatoes and Corn)During the coming
weeks, Hy-Vee will also be sharing on its social media channels recipes that
families can make for $3 or less a serving. These meals will include products
featured in Hy-Vee’s weekly ads. Hy-Vee is located at 201 N. Belt Highway in St. Joseph.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph grocery stores providing free kids meals during shutdown

The Missouri Western State University Center for Workforce Development is holding a series of seminars for people to learn more about professional etiquette. 

Director of Workforce Development Rebecca Lobina says professional etiquette helps to build trust, reputation and advancement opportunities in the workplace 

"Some of the questions that come up is like well how does it do that?  How do you build trust through if I wore a suit to work today?” Lobina says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “So really just a lot of it goes back to understanding what professional etiquette really is and what it means, and it means that you are showing respect for your company, for your colleagues, and for the culture that is actually there within the workplace.” 

Registration is closed for these seminars.  However, the center for workforce development does have several other seminars coming up this month.  

Lobina says these seminars aren't just for those in high powered jobs, it's for everyone 

"This is to show respect and to show proper communication in a professional setting,” Lobina explains. 

Lobina says when you have this etiquette it helps to build trust and credibility in the workplace 

"So think about it like this as an example, if you have a manager who listens to you and responds thoughtfully, that helps to earn your loyalty,” Lobina says.  “Because you see that they’re listening, they’re interested in what you’re saying, and then they’re not immediately poo pooing your idea and immediately saying I don’t have time for this, that means something to you as an employee.” 

The three-part series began yesterday morning, and will have two more sessions this week, touching on dining etiquette and meeting etiquette as well as dressing for success.   

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western State University Center for Workforce Development is holding a series of seminars for people to learn more about professional etiquette. Director of Workforce Development Rebecca Lobina says professional etiquette helps to build trust, reputation and advancement opportunities in the workplace "Some of the questions that come up is like well how does it do that? How do you build trust through if I wore a suit to work today?” Lobina says on the KFEQmunnity show. “So really just a lot of it goes back to understanding what professional etiquette really is and what it means, and it means that you are showing respect for your company, for your colleagues, and for the culture that is actually there within the workplace.” Registration is closed for these seminars. However, the center for workforce development does have several other seminars coming up this month. Lobina says these seminars aren't just for those in high powered jobs, it's for everyone "This is to show respect and to show proper communication in a professional setting,” Lobina explains. Lobina says when you have this etiquette it helps to build trust and credibility in the workplace "So think about it like this as an example, if you have a manager who listens to you and responds thoughtfully, that helps to earn your loyalty,” Lobina says. “Because you see that they’re listening, they’re interested in what you’re saying, and then they’re not immediately poo pooing your idea and immediately saying I don’t have time for this, that means something to you as an employee.” The three-part series began yesterday morning, and will have two more sessions this week, touching on dining etiquette and meeting etiquette as well as dressing for success. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

MoWest Workforce Development helping teach professional etiquette

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1HJd9VIQEAuzgR0MpkbaWD?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1I8ueupfauG3B6ChQs3Qwm?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Monday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Hyundai Sonata driven by a 43-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man was northbound on MO 85 two miles south of Albany. The driver swerved to miss a deer. The car traveled off the east side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The car returned to the road, traveled off the west side of the road and struck a tree.

Grand River ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic in Albany. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Monday in Gentry County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Hyundai Sonata driven by a 43-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man was northbound on MO 85 two miles south of Albany. The driver swerved to miss a deer. The car traveled off the east side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The car returned to the road, traveled off the west side of the road and struck a tree.Grand River ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic in Albany. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.