A Savannah student is hoping
to bring back a championship as she heads to Washington, D.C.

13-year-old Makayla McGuire
from Savannah Middle School will participate in the Scripps National Spelling
Bee that begins today. 

McGuire, much like any
athlete going into a major competition, says she is very excited to get the
chance to head to the nation’s capital to compete

"It's very exciting
because not many people get this opportunity, it's kind of a once in a lifetime
thing," McGuire tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post

McGuire, who’s a seventh
grader in Savannah, says she was drawn to spelling bees for the challenge.

"It was just, like, a
good way to challenge myself and I know that my parents were proud of me for
participating in them," McGuire says.

And while she does have a
desire to win it all, she says she's keeping her expectations for nationals in
check

"I'm hoping to at least
make it to the quarterfinals or semifinals, but it would be great if I won
too," McGuire proudly says.

McGuire won the regional
spelling bee back in March, spelling the word corral correctly, and is now
headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee

McGuire says she has been
practicing hard for nationals with all the tools that she has been given

"They give us a word
list we can study and I study that, usually with my family, we do it and we'll
like circle the words that I get wrong so we can go over those harder than the
words that I don't get wrong," McGuire explains.

McGuire says her preparation
for the contest, as well as all other students’ keys to success, is all about
studying

"When you're studying
it makes it a lot easier to make it farther as long as you're practicing for
it," McGuire says. "Like if you don't practice, then you're going to
get nowhere."

The 2022 Scripps National
Spelling Bee begins Tuesday and runs through Thursday streaming on Ion Plus,
with the semifinals and championship on the Ion Network.

You can find out more
details about the schedule and view all the spellers in the competition <a href="https://spellingbee.com/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653768247824.jpeg" alt="Makayla McGuire (far right) following her win at the Regional Spelling Bee in March/Photo by Kristin McGuire" />
 <figcaption>Makayla McGuire (far right) following her win at the Regional Spelling Bee in March/Photo by Kristin McGuire</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A Savannah student is hoping
to bring back a championship as she heads to Washington, D.C.13-year-old Makayla McGuire
from Savannah Middle School will participate in the Scripps National Spelling
Bee that begins today. McGuire, much like any
athlete going into a major competition, says she is very excited to get the
chance to head to the nation’s capital to compete"It's very exciting
because not many people get this opportunity, it's kind of a once in a lifetime
thing," McGuire tells KFEQ/St. Joseph PostMcGuire, who’s a seventh
grader in Savannah, says she was drawn to spelling bees for the challenge."It was just, like, a
good way to challenge myself and I know that my parents were proud of me for
participating in them," McGuire says.And while she does have a
desire to win it all, she says she's keeping her expectations for nationals in
check"I'm hoping to at least
make it to the quarterfinals or semifinals, but it would be great if I won
too," McGuire proudly says.McGuire won the regional
spelling bee back in March, spelling the word corral correctly, and is now
headed to the Scripps National Spelling BeeMcGuire says she has been
practicing hard for nationals with all the tools that she has been given"They give us a word
list we can study and I study that, usually with my family, we do it and we'll
like circle the words that I get wrong so we can go over those harder than the
words that I don't get wrong," McGuire explains.McGuire says her preparation
for the contest, as well as all other students’ keys to success, is all about
studying"When you're studying
it makes it a lot easier to make it farther as long as you're practicing for
it," McGuire says. "Like if you don't practice, then you're going to
get nowhere."The 2022 Scripps National
Spelling Bee begins Tuesday and runs through Thursday streaming on Ion Plus,
with the semifinals and championship on the Ion Network.You can find out more
details about the schedule and view all the spellers in the competition <a href="https://spellingbee.com/">HERE</a>.

Andrew County speller set to begin the Scripps National Spelling Bee tomorrow

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Sunday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006mNissan Murano driven by Destany M. Mass, 25, Rock Port, was northbound on U.S. 59 one mile south of Fairfax.

The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, returned to the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road and overturned.

Atchison-Holt Ambulance transported Mass to Fairfax Hospital. She was properly restrained according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Sunday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006mNissan Murano driven by Destany M. Mass, 25, Rock Port, was northbound on U.S. 59 one mile south of Fairfax.The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, returned to the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road and overturned.Atchison-Holt Ambulance transported Mass to Fairfax Hospital. She was properly restrained according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after SUV overturns

NODAWAY COUNTY —A Nebraska man was injured in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Polaris ATV driven by Michael T. Gaa, 44, Omaha, was westbound on 280th west of Fortune five miles east of Skidmore.

The driver lost control of the ATV on a gravel road. The ATV traveled off the north side of the road, overturned and the driver was ejected.

Life Net transported GAA to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY —A Nebraska man was injured in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Polaris ATV driven by Michael T. Gaa, 44, Omaha, was westbound on 280th west of Fortune five miles east of Skidmore.The driver lost control of the ATV on a gravel road. The ATV traveled off the north side of the road, overturned and the driver was ejected.Life Net transported GAA to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Man hospitalized in St. Joe after ATV accident

CALDWELL COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Polaris Ranger UTV driven by Isaac T. Evans, 20, Hamilton, was southbound on NE Nettleton Road just north of Ridgeway Drive three miles southeast of Hamilton.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road and the passenger grabbed the steering wheel. The UTV traveled off the road and overturned. The driver and passenger were ejected.

Life Flight transported Evans to Truman Medical Center. A private vehicle transported the passenger identified as Chastin R. Bowen, 18, Hamilton, to Hedrick Medical Center. They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Friday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Polaris Ranger UTV driven by Isaac T. Evans, 20, Hamilton, was southbound on NE Nettleton Road just north of Ridgeway Drive three miles southeast of Hamilton.The driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road and the passenger grabbed the steering wheel. The UTV traveled off the road and overturned. The driver and passenger were ejected.Life Flight transported Evans to Truman Medical Center. A private vehicle transported the passenger identified as Chastin R. Bowen, 18, Hamilton, to Hedrick Medical Center. They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man airlifted to hospital after UTV accident

CALDWELL COUNTY —A Kansas City man was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1996 Freightliner semi driven by Richard D. Taylor, 69, Kansas City, was eastbound on U.S. 36 two miles east of Cameron.

The vehicle traveled off the south side of the road, struck a guard rail, bridge rail and the vehicle's fuel tank was torn. The vehicle became engulfed in flames and jackknifed in the road.

Cameron ambulance transported Taylor to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY —A Kansas City man was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Friday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1996 Freightliner semi driven by Richard D. Taylor, 69, Kansas City, was eastbound on U.S. 36 two miles east of Cameron.The vehicle traveled off the south side of the road, struck a guard rail, bridge rail and the vehicle's fuel tank was torn. The vehicle became engulfed in flames and jackknifed in the road.Cameron ambulance transported Taylor to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man injured after semi crash and fire

A new trail system in the River Bluffs of St. Joseph will provide new opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers alike. &nbsp;

The City of St. Joseph held a ribbon cutting for the new River Bluff Trails Park on Friday with a crowd of bikers and hikers looking on. &nbsp;

St. Joseph Director of Parks and Recreation Chuck Kempf says the new trails is a huge project for St. Joseph. &nbsp;

"Not just in the physical aspect of it, but also in the impact that it's going to have on tourism, but also the impact that it's going to have for the local residents, this is big," Kempf tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post&nbsp;

Kempf says the River Bluff Trails Park will be a big tourism draw for a different demographic of people to draw to St. Joseph, particularly mountain bikers and hikers.&nbsp;

"A lot of these folks are traveling to go find these trail systems in other parts of the country, you know Arkansas is a big draw, Colorado is a big draw," Kempf explains. "But I think this now provides them with a really high-quality trail system that they can get a lot of their riding fix locally instead of having to travel all the time."&nbsp;

Kempf noted during the ribbon cutting ceremony the collaboration the city had with bikers to figure out how best to put the trails together. &nbsp;

Kempf says when designing a project like this, how it can attract tourism is always top of mind. &nbsp;

"You do some things that are designed to just benefit the local citizens, there's a lot of things that you do that do that, and then there's some things that you do that benefit both locally but also tourism," Kempf points out. "This is a huge tourism draw and it's a great motivator, and it's using funds that were generated by tourism to create another opportunity for more tourism."&nbsp;

Kempf says the hope of the park is to draw in a different demographic of tourists than is normally seen in St. Joseph.&nbsp;

The trail is designed with five different trails of varying difficulty, designed for hiking and mountain biking.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653692831079.jpeg" alt="Bikers began their journey on the new trails in the River Bluff Trails Park following the ribbon cutting Friday/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Bikers began their journey on the new trails in the River Bluff Trails Park following the ribbon cutting Friday/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A new trail system in the River Bluffs of St. Joseph will provide new opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers alike. &nbsp;The City of St. Joseph held a ribbon cutting for the new River Bluff Trails Park on Friday with a crowd of bikers and hikers looking on. &nbsp;St. Joseph Director of Parks and Recreation Chuck Kempf says the new trails is a huge project for St. Joseph. &nbsp;"Not just in the physical aspect of it, but also in the impact that it's going to have on tourism, but also the impact that it's going to have for the local residents, this is big," Kempf tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Kempf says the River Bluff Trails Park will be a big tourism draw for a different demographic of people to draw to St. Joseph, particularly mountain bikers and hikers.&nbsp;"A lot of these folks are traveling to go find these trail systems in other parts of the country, you know Arkansas is a big draw, Colorado is a big draw," Kempf explains. "But I think this now provides them with a really high-quality trail system that they can get a lot of their riding fix locally instead of having to travel all the time."&nbsp;Kempf noted during the ribbon cutting ceremony the collaboration the city had with bikers to figure out how best to put the trails together. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653692797864.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Director of Parks and Recreation Chuck Kempf (left) and Mayor John Josendale (right) speak to a crowd at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the River Bluff Trails Park opening/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Director of Parks and Recreation Chuck Kempf (left) and Mayor John Josendale (right) speak to a crowd at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the River Bluff Trails Park opening/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Kempf says when designing a project like this, how it can attract tourism is always top of mind. &nbsp;"You do some things that are designed to just benefit the local citizens, there's a lot of things that you do that do that, and then there's some things that you do that benefit both locally but also tourism," Kempf points out. "This is a huge tourism draw and it's a great motivator, and it's using funds that were generated by tourism to create another opportunity for more tourism."&nbsp;Kempf says the hope of the park is to draw in a different demographic of tourists than is normally seen in St. Joseph.&nbsp;The trail is designed with five different trails of varying difficulty, designed for hiking and mountain biking.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653692814367.jpeg" alt="A map showing off the various trails and challenges at the River Bluff Trails Park/photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>A map showing off the various trails and challenges at the River Bluff Trails Park/photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>

Bring out your bikes or walk the trails at the new River Bluff Trails Park in St. Joseph

As drivers hit the road for the holiday weekend, the Missouri Highway Patrol is urging them to give 100-percent attention to their driving. &nbsp;

Sergeant Shane Hux with Troop H in St. Joseph says distracted driving is a growing problem, especially with cell phones.&nbsp;

"People have more information at their fingertips, they always want to know what's going on at all times, so they're always keeping that mobile device with them whether they be checking the news, checking the weather, communicating with family members in other locations via text, snapchat, Instagram, things like that, checking their emails," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post&nbsp;

He adds the highway patrol urges drivers to follow three simple rules this weekend, give 100-percent attention to the road, follow traffic laws, and buckle up.&nbsp;

Hux says the Memorial Day holiday is a big travel time, because it’s the first major holiday of the year. &nbsp;

"So, people tend to travel a lot, so they get in their whether it be RVs, pulling boats with trailers, things like that, so traffic increases no matter what distance they're going whether it be 30 miles or 130 miles just traffic increases tremendously during the four major holidays of the year, Memorial Day being the first one," Hux explains.&nbsp;

Hux says the patrol expects a larger amount of traffic this year as we come out of the COVID pandemic. &nbsp;

"Compared to even last year, a lot more vehicles on the road, so a lot more people do travel," he says.&nbsp;

Even with the higher gas prices seen lately, Hux expects people to be out this weekend.&nbsp;

"People have been cooped up with COVID the last couple of years so they do want to get out and celebrate and get some time to themselves," Hux says.&nbsp;

The patrol expects an influx of drivers on the road today as people begin to travel and on Monday as they begin to return home.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;As drivers hit the road for the holiday weekend, the Missouri Highway Patrol is urging them to give 100-percent attention to their driving. &nbsp;Sergeant Shane Hux with Troop H in St. Joseph says distracted driving is a growing problem, especially with cell phones.&nbsp;"People have more information at their fingertips, they always want to know what's going on at all times, so they're always keeping that mobile device with them whether they be checking the news, checking the weather, communicating with family members in other locations via text, snapchat, Instagram, things like that, checking their emails," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post&nbsp;He adds the highway patrol urges drivers to follow three simple rules this weekend, give 100-percent attention to the road, follow traffic laws, and buckle up.&nbsp;Hux says the Memorial Day holiday is a big travel time, because it’s the first major holiday of the year. &nbsp;"So, people tend to travel a lot, so they get in their whether it be RVs, pulling boats with trailers, things like that, so traffic increases no matter what distance they're going whether it be 30 miles or 130 miles just traffic increases tremendously during the four major holidays of the year, Memorial Day being the first one," Hux explains.&nbsp;Hux says the patrol expects a larger amount of traffic this year as we come out of the COVID pandemic. &nbsp;"Compared to even last year, a lot more vehicles on the road, so a lot more people do travel," he says.&nbsp;Even with the higher gas prices seen lately, Hux expects people to be out this weekend.&nbsp;"People have been cooped up with COVID the last couple of years so they do want to get out and celebrate and get some time to themselves," Hux says.&nbsp;The patrol expects an influx of drivers on the road today as people begin to travel and on Monday as they begin to return home.&nbsp;

Roads will be crowded this Memorial Day weekend, practice safe driving

The St. Joseph Central bowling team is in Springfield this weekend competing for a state championship.

The Indians have won two state titles - the most recent coming in 2018. First-year head coach and Central bowling alum Tyson Cook says the Indians have had a long tradition of making the state tournament.

"Central has been to state the last 6-7 years we've had a bowling team," Cook told St. Joseph Post. "I bowled for the team for four years when I was in high school. We went to state all four years, and they started the program 2-3 years before that. Central has won twice and has had top five finishes pretty much every other year."

Central is taking five bowlers to state this year and will compete against 23 other teams. The 2022 Missouri Bowling Properties Association Pepsi High School State Championship begins on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Andy B's in Springfield, where the the Indians will compete against 23 other teams.

Senior Trey Myers is headed to Baker University in Kansas this coming school year on a $20,000 bowling scholarship. He says it's taken a lot of hard work for Central to have gotten to this point.

"It takes a lot of cooperation," he said. "It also takes a lot of practice. If you put enough work into something, you'll definitely get good at it. We have been bowling for multiple years. We just work really well as a team. We have some team chemistry going on."

The Indians qualified for state by finishing third out of 20 teams at a tournament in Lee's Summit in mid-April. Freshman and leadoff bowler Jayden Myers says he's confident in his team's ability, as they've faced a lot of tough competition to reach this point.

"It's good to make it to state," he said, "knowing we have talent and...I feel cool and confident about the whole thing and I'm ready to go."

As the leadoff bowler, Myers says he feels that he has an important role in setting the tone for a good round.

"Whenever you throw a good ball, it gets the whole team going," he explained. "If you throw something good, it'll get your team revved up too."

Whatever happens this weekend, Cook is proud to lead his alma mater back to the state championships in his first year as the head man.

"I'm really proud of these boys," Cook said. "They put in a lot of hard work over the year. They've really grown as bowlers and I'm excited to see what they do."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653676857782.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Central bowling team is in Springfield this weekend competing for a state championship.The Indians have won two state titles - the most recent coming in 2018. First-year head coach and Central bowling alum Tyson Cook says the Indians have had a long tradition of making the state tournament."Central has been to state the last 6-7 years we've had a bowling team," Cook told St. Joseph Post. "I bowled for the team for four years when I was in high school. We went to state all four years, and they started the program 2-3 years before that. Central has won twice and has had top five finishes pretty much every other year."Central is taking five bowlers to state this year and will compete against 23 other teams. The 2022 Missouri Bowling Properties Association Pepsi High School State Championship begins on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Andy B's in Springfield, where the the Indians will compete against 23 other teams.Senior Trey Myers is headed to Baker University in Kansas this coming school year on a $20,000 bowling scholarship. He says it's taken a lot of hard work for Central to have gotten to this point."It takes a lot of cooperation," he said. "It also takes a lot of practice. If you put enough work into something, you'll definitely get good at it. We have been bowling for multiple years. We just work really well as a team. We have some team chemistry going on."The Indians qualified for state by finishing third out of 20 teams at a tournament in Lee's Summit in mid-April. Freshman and leadoff bowler Jayden Myers says he's confident in his team's ability, as they've faced a lot of tough competition to reach this point."It's good to make it to state," he said, "knowing we have talent and...I feel cool and confident about the whole thing and I'm ready to go."As the leadoff bowler, Myers says he feels that he has an important role in setting the tone for a good round."Whenever you throw a good ball, it gets the whole team going," he explained. "If you throw something good, it'll get your team revved up too."Whatever happens this weekend, Cook is proud to lead his alma mater back to the state championships in his first year as the head man."I'm really proud of these boys," Cook said. "They put in a lot of hard work over the year. They've really grown as bowlers and I'm excited to see what they do."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653678658226.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653678679072.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp;

St. Joseph Central bowling heads back to state in Springfield this weekend

A local state representative who chairs the Missouri House
Higher Education Committee says state colleges and universities came out well
during the legislative session.

Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph says a strong budget year,
helped with federal coronavirus stimulus money, allowed lawmakers to pump much
more money into college campuses.

“We were able to do projects on each one of the campuses with
the federal stimulus money that we received, the ARPA funds,” Shields tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “So, I mean I think our higher education campuses came out as a
win.”

Shields is pleased the legislature was able to provide a
substantial piece of the funding for the Convergence Technology Alliance Center
Missouri Western State University is building in partnership with North Central
Missouri College. That was one of the projects dubbed transformational by Gov.
Mike Parson financed for each of the state’s public colleges or universities.

Shields says a healthy state budget allowed legislators to
devote more money to higher education.

“I am also excited about the $1 ½ half million that I was able
to bring home for design and planning of the new medical school that we’ll have
on Mosaic’s campus for UMKC,” Shields says. “So, I think that all of our
universities did well.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA local state representative who chairs the Missouri House
Higher Education Committee says state colleges and universities came out well
during the legislative session.Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph says a strong budget year,
helped with federal coronavirus stimulus money, allowed lawmakers to pump much
more money into college campuses.“We were able to do projects on each one of the campuses with
the federal stimulus money that we received, the ARPA funds,” Shields tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “So, I mean I think our higher education campuses came out as a
win.”Shields is pleased the legislature was able to provide a
substantial piece of the funding for the Convergence Technology Alliance Center
Missouri Western State University is building in partnership with North Central
Missouri College. That was one of the projects dubbed transformational by Gov.
Mike Parson financed for each of the state’s public colleges or universities.Shields says a healthy state budget allowed legislators to
devote more money to higher education.“I am also excited about the $1 ½ half million that I was able
to bring home for design and planning of the new medical school that we’ll have
on Mosaic’s campus for UMKC,” Shields says. “So, I think that all of our
universities did well.”

Missouri colleges get big boost in strong budget year

City officials' welcome bikers, hikers and nature lovers as the much-anticipated River Bluff Trails Park is officially opening this weekend. &nbsp;

To celebrate the opening of the new park a ribbon cutting will be held to celebrate the official opening of the park today at 4pm. &nbsp;

The opening of the park will take place at the old WPA stone structure, which is a short walk into the park from the trailhead parking lot on Huntoon Road. &nbsp;

There is some road construction currently going on at Huntoon Road.&nbsp; You can get to the parking lot by going down Highland Avenue to North 2nd Street, north on North 2nd Street to Chellew Road, west on Chellew Road to Huntoon Road, north on Huntoon Road to the parking lot near the water tower. &nbsp;

People coming to the ribbon cutting should watch for signage along the trail to the event and wear comfortable walking shoes.&nbsp;

There are also many events planned to celebrate the opening through the remainder of today and also tomorrow.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653603126124.jpeg" alt="Hike or bike at the new River Bluff Trails Park which holds its ribbon cutting today at 4pm/Photo courtesy of River Bluff Trails Park Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Hike or bike at the new River Bluff Trails Park which holds its ribbon cutting today at 4pm/Photo courtesy of River Bluff Trails Park Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostCity officials' welcome bikers, hikers and nature lovers as the much-anticipated River Bluff Trails Park is officially opening this weekend. &nbsp;To celebrate the opening of the new park a ribbon cutting will be held to celebrate the official opening of the park today at 4pm. &nbsp;The opening of the park will take place at the old WPA stone structure, which is a short walk into the park from the trailhead parking lot on Huntoon Road. &nbsp;There is some road construction currently going on at Huntoon Road.&nbsp; You can get to the parking lot by going down Highland Avenue to North 2nd Street, north on North 2nd Street to Chellew Road, west on Chellew Road to Huntoon Road, north on Huntoon Road to the parking lot near the water tower. &nbsp;People coming to the ribbon cutting should watch for signage along the trail to the event and wear comfortable walking shoes.&nbsp;There are also many events planned to celebrate the opening through the remainder of today and also tomorrow.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653602946517.png" alt="Schedule of events going on to celebrate the opening of the River Bluff Trails Park/ Courtesy of the River Bluff Trails Park Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Schedule of events going on to celebrate the opening of the River Bluff Trails Park/ Courtesy of the River Bluff Trails Park Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>

Enjoy nature as the new River Bluff Trails Park opens today

St. Joseph Health officials say the ongoing opioid problem is continuing to get worse.&nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph Health Department Health Educator Nancy King says the introduction of fentanyl into the drug supply has been a problem&nbsp;

"That has greatly increased the number of overdose and overdose fatalities in the fentanyl poisonings that we've seen in our community," King tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;

King says locally the problem is becoming bigger than last year&nbsp;

"We are looking at, if our current numbers continue, we are looking at doubling the number of overdose deaths that we had last year, and last year was already a record high at 29," King says. &nbsp;

And she says if the problem continues the way it's going.&nbsp;

"If our current rate continues, we are looking at having, if we have five every month, then we're looking at about 60 overdose deaths this year which is kind of a crisis level," King explains. "So, we need to really be working on educating the community and trying to reach out to people that maybe have substance abuse disorders."&nbsp;

King says the department will host the Missouri Credentialing Board for training of Missouri Recovery Support Specialists.&nbsp;

King says people that want to participate in this training need only the desire to help.&nbsp;

"They want to help people that may be struggling with a behavioral health issue or with a substance abuse issue," she says. &nbsp;

King says this is something you can do with your existing job or even if you're just looking for something to do in your free time&nbsp;

"Really if you have the passion, and the desire, and the willingness in that you will be able to use these skills to help people, then those are the types of people we're looking at to sign up for this class," King says.&nbsp;

The training will be held June 14th through the 16th at the Remington Nature Center.&nbsp; You can contact the Health Department for more information at 816 236 1491&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;St. Joseph Health officials say the ongoing opioid problem is continuing to get worse.&nbsp; &nbsp;St. Joseph Health Department Health Educator Nancy King says the introduction of fentanyl into the drug supply has been a problem&nbsp;"That has greatly increased the number of overdose and overdose fatalities in the fentanyl poisonings that we've seen in our community," King tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;King says locally the problem is becoming bigger than last year&nbsp;"We are looking at, if our current numbers continue, we are looking at doubling the number of overdose deaths that we had last year, and last year was already a record high at 29," King says. &nbsp;And she says if the problem continues the way it's going.&nbsp;"If our current rate continues, we are looking at having, if we have five every month, then we're looking at about 60 overdose deaths this year which is kind of a crisis level," King explains. "So, we need to really be working on educating the community and trying to reach out to people that maybe have substance abuse disorders."&nbsp;King says the department will host the Missouri Credentialing Board for training of Missouri Recovery Support Specialists.&nbsp;King says people that want to participate in this training need only the desire to help.&nbsp;"They want to help people that may be struggling with a behavioral health issue or with a substance abuse issue," she says. &nbsp;King says this is something you can do with your existing job or even if you're just looking for something to do in your free time&nbsp;"Really if you have the passion, and the desire, and the willingness in that you will be able to use these skills to help people, then those are the types of people we're looking at to sign up for this class," King says.&nbsp;The training will be held June 14th through the 16th at the Remington Nature Center.&nbsp; You can contact the Health Department for more information at 816 236 1491&nbsp;

Overdose deaths up; health officials blame fentanyl

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by John Mbera, 36, Aurora, Colorado, was eastbound on the ramp from Interstate 70 eastbound to Interstate 635 northbound. 

The driver failed to negotiate the curve on the ramp. The semi traveled off the road to the right and struck a northbound 1996 Chevy Silverado driven by Dwyane F. Stout, 51, Gallatin, Missouri.

 Both vehicles came to a rest in the right side ditch. Stout was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Foresnics.&nbsp;

EMS transported Mbera, a passenger in the semi Lazaro Garcia Torres, 51, Gulfport, Mississippi, and a passenger in the pickup Billy J, Eads, 42, Cameron, Missouri, to KU Medical Center. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653645418297.png" alt="First responders directing traffic near the fatal crash-photo courtesy KC Scout" />
 <figcaption>First responders directing traffic near the fatal crash-photo courtesy KC Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by John Mbera, 36, Aurora, Colorado, was eastbound on the ramp from Interstate 70 eastbound to Interstate 635 northbound. The driver failed to negotiate the curve on the ramp. The semi traveled off the road to the right and struck a northbound 1996 Chevy Silverado driven by Dwyane F. Stout, 51, Gallatin, Missouri. Both vehicles came to a rest in the right side ditch. Stout was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Foresnics.&nbsp;EMS transported Mbera, a passenger in the semi Lazaro Garcia Torres, 51, Gulfport, Mississippi, and a passenger in the pickup Billy J, Eads, 42, Cameron, Missouri, to KU Medical Center. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

Daviess Co. man dead, 3 injured after semi, pickup crash

One of the cruelest aspects of the coronavirus pandemic is
being addressed in Missouri.

Visitation of hospitalized COVID-19 patients was highly restricted,
especially at the beginning of the pandemic when most hospitals wouldn’t allow
any visitors.

State Representative Dean Van Schoiack of Savannah says loved
ones couldn’t accompany the patient seeking treatment.

“We had situations where people brought their loved ones up to
the emergency room and they said, okay, put them in this wheelchair, bye, see
you later. We’ll tell you when you can come back,” Van Schoiack tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

The legislature approved the No Patient Left Alone Act, which
requires hospitals and nursing homes to allow the patient to designate a
compassionate care visitor so that the patient has contact with a loved one.
The act also applies to hospice care and any long-term care facility.

Van Schoiack says the designated visitor can provide emotional
support as well as practical help.

“There are a lot of things that go on in that ER, things
getting stuck on you for monitors and stuff. You don’t know what’s going on,”
Van Schoiack says. “It takes somebody who can separate themselves from the situation
just a little bit to help provide factual information for the people in the
hospital so they can make proper diagnosis and get things straightened out.”

Under the bill, the patient can choose a family member or a
close friend as their in-person visitor.

The measure has been sent to Gov. Mike Parson for his
consideration.

Click <a href="https://www.house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2116&amp;year=2022&amp;code=R">here</a> for more on HB 2116.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostOne of the cruelest aspects of the coronavirus pandemic is
being addressed in Missouri.Visitation of hospitalized COVID-19 patients was highly restricted,
especially at the beginning of the pandemic when most hospitals wouldn’t allow
any visitors.State Representative Dean Van Schoiack of Savannah says loved
ones couldn’t accompany the patient seeking treatment.“We had situations where people brought their loved ones up to
the emergency room and they said, okay, put them in this wheelchair, bye, see
you later. We’ll tell you when you can come back,” Van Schoiack tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.The legislature approved the No Patient Left Alone Act, which
requires hospitals and nursing homes to allow the patient to designate a
compassionate care visitor so that the patient has contact with a loved one.
The act also applies to hospice care and any long-term care facility.Van Schoiack says the designated visitor can provide emotional
support as well as practical help.“There are a lot of things that go on in that ER, things
getting stuck on you for monitors and stuff. You don’t know what’s going on,”
Van Schoiack says. “It takes somebody who can separate themselves from the situation
just a little bit to help provide factual information for the people in the
hospital so they can make proper diagnosis and get things straightened out.”Under the bill, the patient can choose a family member or a
close friend as their in-person visitor.The measure has been sent to Gov. Mike Parson for his
consideration.Click <a href="https://www.house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2116&amp;year=2022&amp;code=R">here</a> for more on HB 2116.

No longer alone; COVID patients would have visitor under bill

A special and solemn Memorial Day weekend as Mound City
welcomes home the remains of Wilbur Francis Newton, who died during the September
7th, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor that forced the United States into
World War II.

The remains of Newton, a Seaman 1st Class, arrived
in Kansas City on Tuesday.

His remains were identified as
part of a project started in 2015 by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
Investigators contacted Newton's oldest living maternal relative in 2012 to
obtain DNA used to identify him.

Newton served on the USS
Oklahoma, which capsized after taking three torpedoes from Japanese bombers,
later receiving six more torpedoes. The Oklahoma sank 20 minutes into the
surprise attack that Sunday morning.

<a href="https://www.pettijohncrawford.com/obituary/wilbert-newton">The Pettijohn and Crawford Funeral Home</a> in Mound City will be open today and tomorrow for area residents to come and pay their respects.

Newton will be buried Saturday
in a plot his parents bought for him before their deaths in the 1940s.

The ceremony to finally inter his remains will be at 10:00am Saturday at the United Methodist Church, 312 E. 7th St, Mound City, followed by a military service at Mount Hope Cemetery, Mound City.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653586356519.jpeg" alt="Wilbur Newton/Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Pettijohn and Crawford Funeral Home" />
 <figcaption>Wilbur Newton/Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Pettijohn and Crawford Funeral Home</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN and MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA special and solemn Memorial Day weekend as Mound City
welcomes home the remains of Wilbur Francis Newton, who died during the September
7th, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor that forced the United States into
World War II.The remains of Newton, a Seaman 1st Class, arrived
in Kansas City on Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653590139304.jpeg" alt="Newton's remains arrived in Kansas City/Photo courtesy of Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Newton's remains arrived in Kansas City/Photo courtesy of Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>His remains were identified as
part of a project started in 2015 by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
Investigators contacted Newton's oldest living maternal relative in 2012 to
obtain DNA used to identify him.Newton served on the USS
Oklahoma, which capsized after taking three torpedoes from Japanese bombers,
later receiving six more torpedoes. The Oklahoma sank 20 minutes into the
surprise attack that Sunday morning.<a href="https://www.pettijohncrawford.com/obituary/wilbert-newton">The Pettijohn and Crawford Funeral Home</a> in Mound City will be open today and tomorrow for area residents to come and pay their respects. Newton will be buried Saturday
in a plot his parents bought for him before their deaths in the 1940s.The ceremony to finally inter his remains will be at 10:00am Saturday at the United Methodist Church, 312 E. 7th St, Mound City, followed by a military service at Mount Hope Cemetery, Mound City.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653586432080.jpeg" alt="USS Oklahoma sinks after 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor/Photo courtesy of US Navy" />
 <figcaption>USS Oklahoma sinks after 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor/Photo courtesy of US Navy</figcaption>
 </figure>

Sailor who died at Pearl Harbor returns to NW Missouri for burial

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A
19-year-old man who shot and killed a Lincoln, Nebraska police officer has been sentenced
to 70 years to life in prison.

Felipe Vazquez has been
sentenced for the August 2020 shooting of Officer Luis "Mario" Herrera, who grew up in
Faucett.

Vazquez was sentenced to
another 59 to 86 years for attempted assault on a second officer.

Vazquez, 17 at the time, shot Herrera as
officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant at Vazquez’ Lincoln home on an
earlier stabbing death.

Herrera, a 23-year-old police
veteran, was the first Lincoln police officer killed in the line of duty in
more than 50 years. Herrera graduated from Mid-Buchanan High School. He
graduated from the University of Missouri in 1993.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653575142228.jpeg" alt="Luis 'Mario' Herrera/Photo courtesy of Lincoln, NE Police Dept." />
 <figcaption>Luis 'Mario' Herrera/Photo courtesy of Lincoln, NE Police Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A
19-year-old man who shot and killed a Lincoln, Nebraska police officer has been sentenced
to 70 years to life in prison.Felipe Vazquez has been
sentenced for the August 2020 shooting of Officer Luis "Mario" Herrera, who grew up in
Faucett.Vazquez was sentenced to
another 59 to 86 years for attempted assault on a second officer.Vazquez, 17 at the time, shot Herrera as
officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant at Vazquez’ Lincoln home on an
earlier stabbing death.Herrera died 12 days later.Herrera, a 23-year-old police
veteran, was the first Lincoln police officer killed in the line of duty in
more than 50 years. Herrera graduated from Mid-Buchanan High School. He
graduated from the University of Missouri in 1993.

Teenager who shot and killed Officer Herrera sentenced

A recent expansion of Hillyard facilities has St. Joseph Chamber official's hopeful that will attract more business expansion to the city. &nbsp;

Chamber President and CEO Natalie Redmond says its big to see the fifth-generation company continue to expand in St. Joseph. &nbsp;

"A lot of the family and employees support local organizations, volunteer, live in our community, and it's just great to have a company that's that vested in St. Joseph," Redmond tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.&nbsp;

Redmond says many different places, even in Kansas, reached out to Hillyard's offering them room to expand, and she says it's a great story for St. Joseph and the legacy of Hillyard's that it chose to continue to expand here.&nbsp;

Redmond says it's important to try to lure in new businesses to St. Joseph, but local expansion is just as important.&nbsp;

"Because, you can't forget to take care of the companies that you have, and it's a little bit of a differing game today than it used to be in the 90's where we have different challenges, we now have challenges with workforce, we now have challenges with space," Redmond explains.&nbsp;

Redmond continues to say having space is one of the biggest issues the city faces right now with the limited space limiting how businesses can expand.&nbsp;

The market is competitive though for expansion, as most companies want ground ready to break in the city, Redmond points out.&nbsp;

Redmond says as the Chamber evaluates for the future, it will be important to evaluate what land the city has available to repurpose.&nbsp;

"So that when we're talking to that business, it's ready for them to go with, because you know you have a Hillyard that's willing to do that reinvestment, but not every community has that tight as St. Joe and businesses that are willing to do that," she says.&nbsp;

Redmond says it will be important to look at all the property available in St. Joseph and evaluate how useful it can be.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653508974767.jpeg" alt="The construction site of Hillyard's new distribution center going up near 3rd and Robidoux Streets./ Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>The construction site of Hillyard's new distribution center going up near 3rd and Robidoux Streets./ Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A recent expansion of Hillyard facilities has St. Joseph Chamber official's hopeful that will attract more business expansion to the city. &nbsp;Chamber President and CEO Natalie Redmond says its big to see the fifth-generation company continue to expand in St. Joseph. &nbsp;"A lot of the family and employees support local organizations, volunteer, live in our community, and it's just great to have a company that's that vested in St. Joseph," Redmond tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.&nbsp;Redmond says many different places, even in Kansas, reached out to Hillyard's offering them room to expand, and she says it's a great story for St. Joseph and the legacy of Hillyard's that it chose to continue to expand here.&nbsp;Redmond says it's important to try to lure in new businesses to St. Joseph, but local expansion is just as important.&nbsp;"Because, you can't forget to take care of the companies that you have, and it's a little bit of a differing game today than it used to be in the 90's where we have different challenges, we now have challenges with workforce, we now have challenges with space," Redmond explains.&nbsp;Redmond continues to say having space is one of the biggest issues the city faces right now with the limited space limiting how businesses can expand.&nbsp;The market is competitive though for expansion, as most companies want ground ready to break in the city, Redmond points out.&nbsp;Redmond says as the Chamber evaluates for the future, it will be important to evaluate what land the city has available to repurpose.&nbsp;"So that when we're talking to that business, it's ready for them to go with, because you know you have a Hillyard that's willing to do that reinvestment, but not every community has that tight as St. Joe and businesses that are willing to do that," she says.&nbsp;Redmond says it will be important to look at all the property available in St. Joseph and evaluate how useful it can be.&nbsp;

Chamber officials hope Hillyard expansion attracts more businesses to St. Joseph

Missouri Department of Transportation officials have released roadwork projects they hope to complete over the next five years. &nbsp;

The latest Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, or STIP, has projects for 2023 through 2027. &nbsp;

Northwest District Engineer Marty Liles says the plan highlights all the work MoDOT sends out to contract with its contracting agencies. &nbsp;

"We let these projects, the money that would go out on projects to do roadway improvements, which may be anything from resurfacing type improvements on our highways to actually doing improvements on our bridges," Liles tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;

Liles says in this region most of the projects have to do with road resurfacing&nbsp;

"Asphalt type of things, getting roadway surface improvements, and taking care of a lot of our poor condition bridges," Liles explains. "Whether that's with improvements with a re-deck or actually rehabilitating that bridge, removing it, and building a brand new one."&nbsp;

A chance for the public to voice their opinions on how state money should be spent on the state's roads and bridges is currently ongoing. &nbsp;

Liles says the comments from the public help make an impact on how the department spends the money&nbsp;

"We'll take those comments based on what they are and we'll make decisions based off the information that we got," he says. &nbsp;

But Liles also assures the public that all these plans have been well thought out. &nbsp;

"This draft STIP that we came up with, we did that in cooperation with our regional planning partners across the state, in this place we have five of them within our region," Liles says. "And each one of those planning partners have transportation advisory committee councils on there, they are a lot of the public voice that comes in and provides us with that input.&nbsp;

The public comment period runs through June 17th. You can view all the STIP projects <a href="https://www.modot.org/DRAFTSTIP">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653421559258.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Transportation" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Transportation</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Missouri Department of Transportation officials have released roadwork projects they hope to complete over the next five years. &nbsp;The latest Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, or STIP, has projects for 2023 through 2027. &nbsp;Northwest District Engineer Marty Liles says the plan highlights all the work MoDOT sends out to contract with its contracting agencies. &nbsp;"We let these projects, the money that would go out on projects to do roadway improvements, which may be anything from resurfacing type improvements on our highways to actually doing improvements on our bridges," Liles tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;Liles says in this region most of the projects have to do with road resurfacing&nbsp;"Asphalt type of things, getting roadway surface improvements, and taking care of a lot of our poor condition bridges," Liles explains. "Whether that's with improvements with a re-deck or actually rehabilitating that bridge, removing it, and building a brand new one."&nbsp;A chance for the public to voice their opinions on how state money should be spent on the state's roads and bridges is currently ongoing. &nbsp;Liles says the comments from the public help make an impact on how the department spends the money&nbsp;"We'll take those comments based on what they are and we'll make decisions based off the information that we got," he says. &nbsp;But Liles also assures the public that all these plans have been well thought out. &nbsp;"This draft STIP that we came up with, we did that in cooperation with our regional planning partners across the state, in this place we have five of them within our region," Liles says. "And each one of those planning partners have transportation advisory committee councils on there, they are a lot of the public voice that comes in and provides us with that input.&nbsp;The public comment period runs through June 17th. You can view all the STIP projects <a href="https://www.modot.org/DRAFTSTIP">HERE</a>.

Let your voice be heard on highway improvements

GRUNDY COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Dodge Ram driven by a 17-year-old boy from Chillicothe was northbound on NW 22nd Avenue one mile north of Trenton.

The pickup began to slide, traveled off the east side of the road, struck a ditch and rolled.

Grundy County EMS transported the teen to Wright Memorial Hospital and later he was transferred to St. Luke's on the Plaza. The teen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Dodge Ram driven by a 17-year-old boy from Chillicothe was northbound on NW 22nd Avenue one mile north of Trenton.The pickup began to slide, traveled off the east side of the road, struck a ditch and rolled.Grundy County EMS transported the teen to Wright Memorial Hospital and later he was transferred to St. Luke's on the Plaza. The teen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen hospitalized after pickup rolls

St. Joseph school officials have their work cut out for them
this summer.

They must fill 56 teacher vacancies with an emphasis placed on
recruiting special education teachers.

St. Joseph School Board President David Foster says the
teacher shortage is real and is a nation-wide problem.

“Our district I think is about average, but we’re looking at
solutions to try to stay ahead of the game,” Foster tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline. “And special education is probably one of the areas that we
can improve on just from a standpoint of that job in itself is much more
challenging.”

Foster says the board is relying on specialists in the various
areas to help recruit and keep good teachers.

The St. Joseph School District hopes to fill its 56 teacher
vacancies as well as recruit six special education teachers and 18 paraprofessionals
by start of the new school year August 22nd.

Lafayette High School Principal Ashly McGinnis says some
teaching positions are more difficult to fill than others. 

“I’d say science is a very challenging area, math, Spanish,
anymore woodworking is a tough one to fill as well,” McGinnis tells Birr. “Really,
special education is tough, just because there’s a lot of paperwork involved,
there’s a lot of testing involved, observations.” 

McGinnis, who becomes Associate Superintendent of Academics
July 1st, says special ed teachers also have to attend more meetings
than others. She says the school district is experimenting with various ideas
to ease the bureaucratic burden on special ed teachers.

Foster says recruiting the right people for the classroom is
about more than just about money, though he concedes money makes a difference.

“We have to look for incentives to incentivize teachers in
these particular areas, like special education.”

Foster says it will cooperation from everybody to find good
teachers and keep them.

“We all want the same thing,” Foster asserts. “We’re
definitely in support of our teachers, our staff, our students, even parents. I
think coming up with a solution is just about probably ironing out the details
and I’m pretty sure we’ll come up with a solution that we can all agree on.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653507259064.jpeg" alt="Davis Foster and Ashly McGinnis on the KFEQ Hotline/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Davis Foster and Ashly McGinnis on the KFEQ Hotline/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph school officials have their work cut out for them
this summer.They must fill 56 teacher vacancies with an emphasis placed on
recruiting special education teachers.St. Joseph School Board President David Foster says the
teacher shortage is real and is a nation-wide problem.“Our district I think is about average, but we’re looking at
solutions to try to stay ahead of the game,” Foster tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline. “And special education is probably one of the areas that we
can improve on just from a standpoint of that job in itself is much more
challenging.”Foster says the board is relying on specialists in the various
areas to help recruit and keep good teachers.The St. Joseph School District hopes to fill its 56 teacher
vacancies as well as recruit six special education teachers and 18 paraprofessionals
by start of the new school year August 22nd.Lafayette High School Principal Ashly McGinnis says some
teaching positions are more difficult to fill than others. “I’d say science is a very challenging area, math, Spanish,
anymore woodworking is a tough one to fill as well,” McGinnis tells Birr. “Really,
special education is tough, just because there’s a lot of paperwork involved,
there’s a lot of testing involved, observations.” McGinnis, who becomes Associate Superintendent of Academics
July 1st, says special ed teachers also have to attend more meetings
than others. She says the school district is experimenting with various ideas
to ease the bureaucratic burden on special ed teachers.Foster says recruiting the right people for the classroom is
about more than just about money, though he concedes money makes a difference.“We have to look for incentives to incentivize teachers in
these particular areas, like special education.”Foster says it will cooperation from everybody to find good
teachers and keep them.“We all want the same thing,” Foster asserts. “We’re
definitely in support of our teachers, our staff, our students, even parents. I
think coming up with a solution is just about probably ironing out the details
and I’m pretty sure we’ll come up with a solution that we can all agree on.”

St. Joseph school officials working to fill teacher vacancies

A St. Joseph state representative has a gloomy assessment of
the recently concluded Missouri legislative session.

Rep. Bill Falkner, a Republican, says Republican in-fighting
delayed work and stalled legislation in Jefferson City.

“Well, it was a very difficult session to be honest with you,”
Falkner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “With the drawings of the maps and you had
individuals that were trying to position themselves to benefit themselves in
future races, which I don’t think they should have been part of the process at
all.”

Falkner says the House continued to work, even as filibusters
tied up the Senate and prevented it from debating much legislation.

Though some work got done, overall, the session left a bitter
taste. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653489627183.jpeg" alt="Rep. Bill Falkner/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Bill Falkner/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph state representative has a gloomy assessment of
the recently concluded Missouri legislative session.Rep. Bill Falkner, a Republican, says Republican in-fighting
delayed work and stalled legislation in Jefferson City.“Well, it was a very difficult session to be honest with you,”
Falkner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “With the drawings of the maps and you had
individuals that were trying to position themselves to benefit themselves in
future races, which I don’t think they should have been part of the process at
all.”Falkner says the House continued to work, even as filibusters
tied up the Senate and prevented it from debating much legislation.Though some work got done, overall, the session left a bitter
taste. “It was just a very difficult one,” according to Falkner. “I
can’t state it any better than that.”A dispute over redrawing the Missouri Congressional map in accordance
with the 2020 Census festered in the Missouri Senate, then broke out into a
clash disrupting the Senate’s work. Members of the Conservative Caucus held the
chamber hostage through drawn-out filibusters, pushing for a new map that might
be more favorable to Republicans. The tactic limited the number of bills the
chamber could consider and reduced the output of the legislature as a whole.Falkner says as the legislative session drew to a close,
legislators scrambled to move their measures by any means possible. Many
amended whole bills onto the bills that did reach the floor for debate, whether
the bills touched on the same subjects or not.“It just makes it difficult when there toward the end and
everybody wants their stuff to go through and they’re piling all these
amendments on bills, some of them had no rhyme or reason to be on there,”
Falkner says. “I mean they were stretching what the bill actually does onto a
bill that in my opinion didn’t fit.”As the days dwindled and tensions rose, the friction sparked
hard feelings in the Senate. Senate leaders chose to adjourn early, leaving on
the Thursday before the last day on Friday, reasoning ill will would prevent
anything from being accomplished.“I was betting that they would leave on Wednesday the way things
were going,” Falkner says. “So, I wasn’t surprised at all.”Falkner says he anticipated the Senate would leave early,
because the Senate left early last year. “And the bickering was a little bit more so this year than it
was last year,” according to Falkner.Despite it all, the legislature agreed to some needed
improvements, according to Falkner, especially in the area of education. Falkner
says the highlight was devoting more money to education as well as providing
some legislation to help children, including those in foster homes.

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