Veteran author, Milt Toratti, has begun a
series of book signings to raise money for the Cameron Veterans Home.

Toratti helped Vietnam War veteran pilot,
Captain Guy Gruters, tell his story of capture and torture at the infamous
Hanoi Hilton; and ultimately his triumph.

Toratti reads Gruters' own words from "Faith
Conquers Through Courage Tested" in which the veteran says his story is not
a story about war, but about the indomitable spirit of man.

“It is about how men, American fighting
men, trapped in the most hellish of circumstances endured. It is about how,
left only with their faith in God, their country and their fellow pilots, they
managed to keep fighting in every way they could without physical weapons,”
Toratti reads during his appearance on KFEQmmunity.

Toratti signed copies of the book at
Panera Bread Tuesday. He will sign copies at the East Hills Library June 7th
and at the Cameron Golf Course on Saturday, June 14th.

Gruters tells Toratti not only his story
of his stay at the Hanoi Hilton, but the stories of Bud Day, Bob Craner, P.K.
Robinson, and even the late John McCain, former U.S. Senator and presidential
candidate; the fellowship of the Misty pilot POWs. All suffered excruciating torture,
some died.

Toratti says Gruters, as well as others,
tell him they gained power to make it through torture when bitterness melted
away.

“And as soon as these prisoners would
actually forgive their interrogators and the guards that beat them is when they
got their greatest strength: the power of forgiveness,” Toratti says.

"Faith Conquers Through Courage Tested" incorporates their stories.

Toratti says Gruters took his devotion to
the limit during his time in at the Hanoi Hilton.

“He actually evangelized while he was in
the prison,” Toratti says. “And when you decide evangelizing with the Christian
religion in a communist situation what do you think happened to him? He got
beat more, right? But he was able to tolerate it, because he knew where is
strength was coming from it.”

Other book signings for Faith Conquers
Through Courage Tested include at the St. Joseph Country Club Thursday,
July 17th; Harley Davidson, 4020 South 169 Highway, St. Joseph July
19th; and the Mozingo Country Club in Maryville August 1st.
Other signing events will be announced later.

Proceeds from the book sales go to the
Cameron Veterans Home.

Gruters will be in St. Joseph September
11th for a special Patriot’s Day celebration at Wyatt Park Baptist Church.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747253421214.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostVeteran author, Milt Toratti, has begun a
series of book signings to raise money for the Cameron Veterans Home.Toratti helped Vietnam War veteran pilot,
Captain Guy Gruters, tell his story of capture and torture at the infamous
Hanoi Hilton; and ultimately his triumph.Toratti reads Gruters' own words from "Faith
Conquers Through Courage Tested" in which the veteran says his story is not
a story about war, but about the indomitable spirit of man.“It is about how men, American fighting
men, trapped in the most hellish of circumstances endured. It is about how,
left only with their faith in God, their country and their fellow pilots, they
managed to keep fighting in every way they could without physical weapons,”
Toratti reads during his appearance on KFEQmmunity.Toratti signed copies of the book at
Panera Bread Tuesday. He will sign copies at the East Hills Library June 7th
and at the Cameron Golf Course on Saturday, June 14th.Gruters tells Toratti not only his story
of his stay at the Hanoi Hilton, but the stories of Bud Day, Bob Craner, P.K.
Robinson, and even the late John McCain, former U.S. Senator and presidential
candidate; the fellowship of the Misty pilot POWs. All suffered excruciating torture,
some died.Toratti says Gruters, as well as others,
tell him they gained power to make it through torture when bitterness melted
away.“And as soon as these prisoners would
actually forgive their interrogators and the guards that beat them is when they
got their greatest strength: the power of forgiveness,” Toratti says."Faith Conquers Through Courage Tested" incorporates their stories.Toratti says Gruters took his devotion to
the limit during his time in at the Hanoi Hilton.“He actually evangelized while he was in
the prison,” Toratti says. “And when you decide evangelizing with the Christian
religion in a communist situation what do you think happened to him? He got
beat more, right? But he was able to tolerate it, because he knew where is
strength was coming from it.”Other book signings for Faith Conquers
Through Courage Tested include at the St. Joseph Country Club Thursday,
July 17th; Harley Davidson, 4020 South 169 Highway, St. Joseph July
19th; and the Mozingo Country Club in Maryville August 1st.
Other signing events will be announced later.Proceeds from the book sales go to the
Cameron Veterans Home.Gruters will be in St. Joseph September
11th for a special Patriot’s Day celebration at Wyatt Park Baptist Church.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Veteran author writes of the indomitable spirit of American military men

St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale addressed the state of the city during an event hosted by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.  

Josendale says as he enters the final year of his term, he's seeing progress around the city, and sees it through connecting the community and getting people involved 

"The Children's Discovery Center, it brings people in but it also lets locals encourage their kid and bring them down, the number of people that bring their kids down here and play," Josendale tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "Or we're looking at a new city market, I mean there are just so many ideas and concepts, but how do you do that but then yet keep fiscal responsibilities." 

Josendale says the focus is on continuing the vision of the city and helping create a better place to live through collaboration and partnerships.  

Josendale addressed the state of the city during the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce's Public Affairs Coffee at the InspireU Children's Discovery Center. 

Josendale says a recently released community survey will be a major asset as well, which will help give input from the community, but also give the city a sort of roadmap 

"Like when we put a project out there and we say we're doing Krug Park, well the people talk about what they want in Krug Park or they talk about how they can be involved, and out of that grew Friends of Krug Park," Josendale explains.  "What we get is different organizations that are willing to work and be involved and you get people that are willing to say I'll put in the extra effort, and so it's a win-win." 

Josendale says by actually getting that input from the community and getting this roadmap, it gives the city council the ability to know what community members want in the city.  

Josendale also says he's blown away by groups like Beautify St. Joseph and the Missouri Western Center for Service and their cleanup efforts around the city.  

Josendale says when it comes to getting the University involved, he thinks that's important in finding ways to get a younger generation to want to come here 

"How do we give them the opportunities? Whether it be through the parks, whether it be through activities, or functions that we have, but how do you get businesses wanting to come?" Josendale asks.  "If you listen to the presentation, or you think about just the announcements we've made in the last month, we've got 200 new jobs, 250 new jobs, that are coming here." 

Josendale says with those new jobs coming and new businesses coming we need to be prepared for that in the coming years with the people.  

Josendale spoke during the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Coffee hosted at the InspireU Children's Discovery Center.

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/2025/5/1747240050942.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale delilvers the state of the city address during the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce's Public Affairs Coffee at the InspireU Children's Discovery Center/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale delilvers the state of the city address during the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce's Public Affairs Coffee at the InspireU Children's Discovery Center/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale addressed the state of the city during an event hosted by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Josendale says as he enters the final year of his term, he's seeing progress around the city, and sees it through connecting the community and getting people involved "The Children's Discovery Center, it brings people in but it also lets locals encourage their kid and bring them down, the number of people that bring their kids down here and play," Josendale tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Or we're looking at a new city market, I mean there are just so many ideas and concepts, but how do you do that but then yet keep fiscal responsibilities." Josendale says the focus is on continuing the vision of the city and helping create a better place to live through collaboration and partnerships. Josendale addressed the state of the city during the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce's Public Affairs Coffee at the InspireU Children's Discovery Center. Josendale says a recently released community survey will be a major asset as well, which will help give input from the community, but also give the city a sort of roadmap "Like when we put a project out there and we say we're doing Krug Park, well the people talk about what they want in Krug Park or they talk about how they can be involved, and out of that grew Friends of Krug Park," Josendale explains. "What we get is different organizations that are willing to work and be involved and you get people that are willing to say I'll put in the extra effort, and so it's a win-win." Josendale says by actually getting that input from the community and getting this roadmap, it gives the city council the ability to know what community members want in the city. Josendale also says he's blown away by groups like Beautify St. Joseph and the Missouri Western Center for Service and their cleanup efforts around the city. Josendale says when it comes to getting the University involved, he thinks that's important in finding ways to get a younger generation to want to come here "How do we give them the opportunities? Whether it be through the parks, whether it be through activities, or functions that we have, but how do you get businesses wanting to come?" Josendale asks. "If you listen to the presentation, or you think about just the announcements we've made in the last month, we've got 200 new jobs, 250 new jobs, that are coming here." Josendale says with those new jobs coming and new businesses coming we need to be prepared for that in the coming years with the people. Josendale spoke during the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Coffee hosted at the InspireU Children's Discovery Center.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Josendale sees community input as key to progress 

During Mental Health Awareness month, Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph is hoping to encourage people to be more open about mental health struggles. 

Behavioral Health nurse Debbie White says the goal of the month is to let people know they are not alone, and to reduce the stigma that exists with metal health.  

White says within the past couple years she has seen more people being more open when it comes to talking about mental health at Mosaic.  

"Especially going to their primary care, even if they go because they have a fracture or a sore throat or something, one of the questions they ask are about their mental health and is about depression and anxiety," White tells reporters.  "And so, I think the awareness is present." 

Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph is helping provide resources during Mental Health Awareness month to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.  

White says mental health services becoming more accessible has also helped shift people away from the stigma of mental health.  

White credits social media for being a good tool at times, but says there are also many good counselors within the area that help when Mosaic can not 

"Oh my gosh I don't know what we would do without them, because it does take a team, and the more resources a person has, the better the outcome," White explains.  "And not only does that outcome help them, but it also helps their friends, it helps their families, mental health isn't just about the person it's about whom they live with, who they work with, who they go to school with." 

White says one very important thing is you don't want people to feel alone or isolated, because they already do, so getting them connected with someone that can help is much easier these days than it used to be. 

White says they encourage people to talk about their problems, to move past the stigma and negative stereotypes that surround mental health.  

White says there are resources available to help those struggling with mental health and says one incredible one has been the 988 hotline.  

"One of the first questions we ask is do you have any thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation," White says. "There's the 988 number, and that's not just in our organization, that's everywhere, I went to a gas station along the highway and 988 was present, and so I think that shows a lot of growth and improvement." 

Overall, though, White says she feels as a society we've become more open to talking about mental health and people's struggles, which has also been a tremendous resource.

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post During Mental Health Awareness month, Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph is hoping to encourage people to be more open about mental health struggles. Behavioral Health nurse Debbie White says the goal of the month is to let people know they are not alone, and to reduce the stigma that exists with metal health. White says within the past couple years she has seen more people being more open when it comes to talking about mental health at Mosaic. "Especially going to their primary care, even if they go because they have a fracture or a sore throat or something, one of the questions they ask are about their mental health and is about depression and anxiety," White tells reporters. "And so, I think the awareness is present." Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph is helping provide resources during Mental Health Awareness month to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. White says mental health services becoming more accessible has also helped shift people away from the stigma of mental health. White credits social media for being a good tool at times, but says there are also many good counselors within the area that help when Mosaic can not "Oh my gosh I don't know what we would do without them, because it does take a team, and the more resources a person has, the better the outcome," White explains. "And not only does that outcome help them, but it also helps their friends, it helps their families, mental health isn't just about the person it's about whom they live with, who they work with, who they go to school with." White says one very important thing is you don't want people to feel alone or isolated, because they already do, so getting them connected with someone that can help is much easier these days than it used to be. White says they encourage people to talk about their problems, to move past the stigma and negative stereotypes that surround mental health. White says there are resources available to help those struggling with mental health and says one incredible one has been the 988 hotline. "One of the first questions we ask is do you have any thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation," White says. "There's the 988 number, and that's not just in our organization, that's everywhere, I went to a gas station along the highway and 988 was present, and so I think that shows a lot of growth and improvement." Overall, though, White says she feels as a society we've become more open to talking about mental health and people's struggles, which has also been a tremendous resource.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mosaic seeks to take the stigma out of mental health treatment

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3i9bPhO7zPKMOKlKaN6K91?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 style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5bUbLp9kThJ7ga2fUPJOBA?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

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

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=422" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;passed by the state legislature Tuesday and on its way to the governor will require school districts to create a policy banning cell phone usage throughout the school day, including during breaks between classes and at lunch.

A majority of U.S. adults support cell phone bans during class time, or 68%&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/10/14/most-americans-back-cellphone-bans-during-class-but-fewer-support-all-day-restrictions/" target="_blank">as recorded in a Pew Research Center poll</a>. But restricting mobile phone use for the entire school day is less popular, with 36% in support.

State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, filed the cell-phone-ban legislation with restrictions only during instructional time. She&nbsp;wanted to give school boards and charter schools the ability to decide whether or not to place further limitations on cell phones, she told The Independent.

Lawmakers decided to pursue the more restrictive policy, and Steinhoff believes students will see benefits academically and socially.

“The statistics really do hold that if we do the (full day), bell to bell, that’s going to have the biggest turnaround,” she said.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/2_19_2025.asp" target="_blank">the National Center for Education Statistics</a>, roughly 53% of school leaders believe that cell-phone usage has hurt students’ learning abilities. And 72% say it has negatively impacted mental health.

Many school districts have chosen to enact bans, and states around the country have been increasingly writing bans into law with restrictions passed in at least nine states and 10 states testing the policy in a pilot program since 2023.

Missouri’s full-day ban would be one of the more restrictive laws, but there are exceptions.

Students who need a mobile device to accommodate a disability are exempted, and cell phones would be allowed if there is a safety emergency at school.

The legislation also gives school districts and charter schools the ability to decide if teachers may allow students to use cell phones during class.

The bill does not require phones to be locked up. School boards will have to decide whether devices will be stowed in designated areas or allowed in students’ backpacks.

Districts will have to enact a policy during the 2025-2026 school year.

The legislation is part of a sweeping education package negotiated in the final weeks of the legislative session.

It began as a three-page bill prescribing reporting requirements for school safety incidents. Now, at 138 pages, it contains bipartisan legislation, with multiple provisions aimed at school safety.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747217604807.png" alt=" State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, speaks March 5 in the Missouri House (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, speaks March 5 in the Missouri House (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=422" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;passed by the state legislature Tuesday and on its way to the governor will require school districts to create a policy banning cell phone usage throughout the school day, including during breaks between classes and at lunch.A majority of U.S. adults support cell phone bans during class time, or 68%&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/10/14/most-americans-back-cellphone-bans-during-class-but-fewer-support-all-day-restrictions/" target="_blank">as recorded in a Pew Research Center poll</a>. But restricting mobile phone use for the entire school day is less popular, with 36% in support.State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, filed the cell-phone-ban legislation with restrictions only during instructional time. She&nbsp;wanted to give school boards and charter schools the ability to decide whether or not to place further limitations on cell phones, she told The Independent.Lawmakers decided to pursue the more restrictive policy, and Steinhoff believes students will see benefits academically and socially.“The statistics really do hold that if we do the (full day), bell to bell, that’s going to have the biggest turnaround,” she said.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/2_19_2025.asp" target="_blank">the National Center for Education Statistics</a>, roughly 53% of school leaders believe that cell-phone usage has hurt students’ learning abilities. And 72% say it has negatively impacted mental health.Many school districts have chosen to enact bans, and states around the country have been increasingly writing bans into law with restrictions passed in at least nine states and 10 states testing the policy in a pilot program since 2023.Missouri’s full-day ban would be one of the more restrictive laws, but there are exceptions.Students who need a mobile device to accommodate a disability are exempted, and cell phones would be allowed if there is a safety emergency at school.The legislation also gives school districts and charter schools the ability to decide if teachers may allow students to use cell phones during class.The bill does not require phones to be locked up. School boards will have to decide whether devices will be stowed in designated areas or allowed in students’ backpacks.Districts will have to enact a policy during the 2025-2026 school year.The legislation is part of a sweeping education package negotiated in the final weeks of the legislative session.It began as a three-page bill prescribing reporting requirements for school safety incidents. Now, at 138 pages, it contains bipartisan legislation, with multiple provisions aimed at school safety.

Missouri lawmakers pass ban on cell phones in public school classrooms

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Arctic Cat ATV driven by a 14-year-old Hopkins boy was backing up on E Barnard Street at 3rd Street in Hopkins.&nbsp; The vehicle turned too sharply and overturned on the driver.&nbsp;

Nodaway County EMS transported the boy to Mosaic in Maryville.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m.Monday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Arctic Cat ATV driven by a 14-year-old Hopkins boy was backing up on E Barnard Street at 3rd Street in Hopkins.&nbsp; The vehicle turned too sharply and overturned on the driver.&nbsp;Nodaway County EMS transported the boy to Mosaic in Maryville.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

14-year-old Missouri boy injured in ATV accident

The state would help cover up to half of the cost of a new stadium for the Royals and a refurbished Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/"></a>Gov. Mike Kehoe’s last-minute plan to convince the Chiefs and Royals to stay in Missouri cleared the state House Tuesday, though its fate in the Senate remains murky with only days left before the legislature adjourns for the year..

If lawmakers fail to send the bill to his desk this week, Kehoe said he’s ready to call them back to the Capitol for a special session later this year.

The bill passed on a 108-40 vote in the House, despite never having been introduced as a formal bill or ever having a public hearing. Instead, it was added as an amendment Tuesday afternoon to a Senate bill pertaining to student athletes.

Under the plan, the state would help pay up to half the cost of a new stadium for the Royals and a refurbished Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs, though the overall cost of the plan was not clear as the House was debating the proposal Tuesday.

The money would cover annual bond payments for the stadium projects up to the amount a team generated in state tax revenue the year prior to applying for the incentives.

“This is the exact same funding Missouri would lose out on if the teams moved to Kansas,” said state Rep. Chris Brown, a Kansas City Republican.

The teams would also be eligible for up to $50 million in tax credits for investing in their stadiums. A clawback provision would be triggered if either team relocates stadium, headquarters or a training facility to another state. Missouri will keep all of the new state revenue generated by the team for the duration of the program.

While a plan floated last week would have been<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/09/missouri-lawmakers-eye-late-push-to-move-kansas-city-royals-to-clay-county/">&nbsp;targeted at helping the Royals move to Clay County</a>, Kehoe’s proposal would allow the team to decide where it wants to build its new stadium.

“As long as it’s in Missouri,” Kehoe said of the new stadium. “The plan works as long as they stay in Missouri.”

Both the Chiefs and Royals have publicly expressed interest in moving from Missouri to Kansas after Jackson County voters rejected a proposal last year to extend a 3/8-cent sales tax to help finance a downtown Kansas City baseball stadium and upgrades to Arrowhead.

Kansas lawmakers responded by expanding a tax incentive program in the hopes of convincing one or both teams to relocate. The leases for both teams’ Jackson County stadiums run through the end of the 2030 season.

“We live in a world of competition,” Brown said. “Business to business. State to state. Country to country… We need to compete with Kansas, and we need to compete now.”

The Royals and Chiefs are major economic engines for Missouri, said state Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat.

“We would be crazy to let this team get away from us,” he said. “I can’t believe we even have to debate this.”

State Rep. Jim Murphy, a St. Louis County Republican, estimated losing both teams would cost the state $50 million in tax revenue. Instead, the plan presented by the governor would allow Missouri to take that $50 million and invest in the teams.

“We lose that money either way,” he said.

Several legislators expressed concerns about the rushed nature of the debate, arguing that the proposal hasn’t been properly vetted.

“This is a tough one,” said state Rep. Emily Weber, a Kansas City Democrat, later adding the governor and GOP leadership should have brought everyone to the table sooner.

“I’m extremely disgusted and disappointed with this process,” Webber said.

State Rep. Del Taylor, a St. Louis Democrat, said lawmakers shouldn’t pass something if they don’t know what it will cost.

And state Rep. Richard West, a Wentzville Republican, accused the legislature of “playing Russian roulette with the people’s money.”

“This is not a good economic decision,” West said.

State Rep. Jeff Coleman, a Grain Valley Republican, said the last-minute nature and the lack of details on the price are concerns he can’t ignore.

“I’m a no on this bill,” he said. “And I’m sad to be, because no one loves the Chiefs more than I do.”

Others noted that just last week, House leaders stunned their colleagues and the Senate by refusing to allow a vote on a $500 million spending bill that would have funded projects for health care, education and law enforcement across the state.

But state Rep. Keri Ingle, a Lee’s Summit Democrat, said that while she shares in the frustration with the House’s decision last week, she hoped it wouldn’t cost her community its professional sports teams.

“I can talk for hours about what these teams do for the economy of this state and of the Kansas City region,” she said, later adding: “Please don’t punish the Kansas City region and the state of Missouri for generations.”

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, shared in the frustration with how the stadium funding debate has played out.

“We are being asked to provide a vote on something that we have only been able to vet for the last 12 hours, for some of us. Three for others of us. And that’s hard. That’s hard to do,” she said. “It’s a big ask for the legislature, but I think that when we get 10 years down the line, I don’t think any of us wants to be part of a General Assembly that lost the Chiefs or the Royals.”

In the end, 40 Democrats joined with 68 Republicans in support, while four Democrats and 36 Republicans voted against.

Resentment over the House’s decision, however, colored reaction to the stadium proposal in the Senate.

“Seems a little hypocritical to me,” said state Sen. Lincoln Hough, a Springfield Republican and chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

State Sen. Brian Williams, a University City Democrat, said he can’t support stadium funding after the House’s decision last week killed so many needed projects across the state.

“If we take care of the most vulnerable Missourians,” he said, “then we can start talking about helping billionaires keep a stadium in Missouri.”

A two-page handout circulated among lawmakers in preparation for Kehoe’s Tuesday morning presentation made the case for the incentive package. It claimed the Chiefs generate $28.8 million in annual tax revenue for Missouri and $572.3 million of economic activity within Jackson County alone.

The stakes are high, Kehoe said, and Missouri must act — either now, or later this year in a special session.

“It’s an economic development proposal… any time the state has seen a major economic development proposal, whether that’s been Boeing or GM or Ford, governors of both parties have called special sessions to do that,” Kehoe said. “I think an economic development proposal on the west side of the state is that significant.”

State Sen. Ben Brown, a Washington Republican, said with so little time before adjournment, getting a stadium deal done will be “a heavy lift.”

“It’s going to be tough,” he said. “But you know, the governor, he’s been excellent at forming relationships with people within the legislature, and I know that his opinion carries a lot of weight. So we’ll just have to see if it can make it across the finish line before time runs out.”

The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709142006045.jpeg" alt="Aerial view of Arrowhead Stadium. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Aerial view of Arrowhead Stadium. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The state would help cover up to half of the cost of a new stadium for the Royals and a refurbished Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/"></a>Gov. Mike Kehoe’s last-minute plan to convince the Chiefs and Royals to stay in Missouri cleared the state House Tuesday, though its fate in the Senate remains murky with only days left before the legislature adjourns for the year..If lawmakers fail to send the bill to his desk this week, Kehoe said he’s ready to call them back to the Capitol for a special session later this year.The bill passed on a 108-40 vote in the House, despite never having been introduced as a formal bill or ever having a public hearing. Instead, it was added as an amendment Tuesday afternoon to a Senate bill pertaining to student athletes.Under the plan, the state would help pay up to half the cost of a new stadium for the Royals and a refurbished Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs, though the overall cost of the plan was not clear as the House was debating the proposal Tuesday.The money would cover annual bond payments for the stadium projects up to the amount a team generated in state tax revenue the year prior to applying for the incentives.“This is the exact same funding Missouri would lose out on if the teams moved to Kansas,” said state Rep. Chris Brown, a Kansas City Republican.The teams would also be eligible for up to $50 million in tax credits for investing in their stadiums. A clawback provision would be triggered if either team relocates stadium, headquarters or a training facility to another state. Missouri will keep all of the new state revenue generated by the team for the duration of the program.While a plan floated last week would have been<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/09/missouri-lawmakers-eye-late-push-to-move-kansas-city-royals-to-clay-county/">&nbsp;targeted at helping the Royals move to Clay County</a>, Kehoe’s proposal would allow the team to decide where it wants to build its new stadium.“As long as it’s in Missouri,” Kehoe said of the new stadium. “The plan works as long as they stay in Missouri.”Both the Chiefs and Royals have publicly expressed interest in moving from Missouri to Kansas after Jackson County voters rejected a proposal last year to extend a 3/8-cent sales tax to help finance a downtown Kansas City baseball stadium and upgrades to Arrowhead.Kansas lawmakers responded by expanding a tax incentive program in the hopes of convincing one or both teams to relocate. The leases for both teams’ Jackson County stadiums run through the end of the 2030 season.“We live in a world of competition,” Brown said. “Business to business. State to state. Country to country… We need to compete with Kansas, and we need to compete now.”The Royals and Chiefs are major economic engines for Missouri, said state Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat.“We would be crazy to let this team get away from us,” he said. “I can’t believe we even have to debate this.”State Rep. Jim Murphy, a St. Louis County Republican, estimated losing both teams would cost the state $50 million in tax revenue. Instead, the plan presented by the governor would allow Missouri to take that $50 million and invest in the teams.“We lose that money either way,” he said.<h2>Rushed process inspires resistance</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747170708089.png" alt=" Emily Weber, a Democrat from Kansas City, speaks in the House in February (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Emily Weber, a Democrat from Kansas City, speaks in the House in February (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>Several legislators expressed concerns about the rushed nature of the debate, arguing that the proposal hasn’t been properly vetted.“This is a tough one,” said state Rep. Emily Weber, a Kansas City Democrat, later adding the governor and GOP leadership should have brought everyone to the table sooner.“I’m extremely disgusted and disappointed with this process,” Webber said.State Rep. Del Taylor, a St. Louis Democrat, said lawmakers shouldn’t pass something if they don’t know what it will cost.And state Rep. Richard West, a Wentzville Republican, accused the legislature of “playing Russian roulette with the people’s money.”“This is not a good economic decision,” West said.State Rep. Jeff Coleman, a Grain Valley Republican, said the last-minute nature and the lack of details on the price are concerns he can’t ignore.“I’m a no on this bill,” he said. “And I’m sad to be, because no one loves the Chiefs more than I do.”Others noted that just last week, House leaders stunned their colleagues and the Senate by refusing to allow a vote on a $500 million spending bill that would have funded projects for health care, education and law enforcement across the state.But state Rep. Keri Ingle, a Lee’s Summit Democrat, said that while she shares in the frustration with the House’s decision last week, she hoped it wouldn’t cost her community its professional sports teams.“I can talk for hours about what these teams do for the economy of this state and of the Kansas City region,” she said, later adding: “Please don’t punish the Kansas City region and the state of Missouri for generations.”House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, shared in the frustration with how the stadium funding debate has played out.“We are being asked to provide a vote on something that we have only been able to vet for the last 12 hours, for some of us. Three for others of us. And that’s hard. That’s hard to do,” she said. “It’s a big ask for the legislature, but I think that when we get 10 years down the line, I don’t think any of us wants to be part of a General Assembly that lost the Chiefs or the Royals.”In the end, 40 Democrats joined with 68 Republicans in support, while four Democrats and 36 Republicans voted against.<h2>Doomed in Senate?&nbsp;</h2>Resentment over the House’s decision, however, colored reaction to the stadium proposal in the Senate.“Seems a little hypocritical to me,” said state Sen. Lincoln Hough, a Springfield Republican and chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.State Sen. Brian Williams, a University City Democrat, said he can’t support stadium funding after the House’s decision last week killed so many needed projects across the state.“If we take care of the most vulnerable Missourians,” he said, “then we can start talking about helping billionaires keep a stadium in Missouri.”A two-page handout circulated among lawmakers in preparation for Kehoe’s Tuesday morning presentation made the case for the incentive package. It claimed the Chiefs generate $28.8 million in annual tax revenue for Missouri and $572.3 million of economic activity within Jackson County alone.The stakes are high, Kehoe said, and Missouri must act — either now, or later this year in a special session.“It’s an economic development proposal… any time the state has seen a major economic development proposal, whether that’s been Boeing or GM or Ford, governors of both parties have called special sessions to do that,” Kehoe said. “I think an economic development proposal on the west side of the state is that significant.”State Sen. Ben Brown, a Washington Republican, said with so little time before adjournment, getting a stadium deal done will be “a heavy lift.”“It’s going to be tough,” he said. “But you know, the governor, he’s been excellent at forming relationships with people within the legislature, and I know that his opinion carries a lot of weight. So we’ll just have to see if it can make it across the finish line before time runs out.”The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story.&nbsp;

New stadium funding plan for Chiefs, Royals clears Missouri House

As the legislative session wraps up this week, a late push is being considered that would keep the Kansas City Royals in Missouri.   

Missouri lawmakers are considering a $300 million incentive package aimed to build a new Royals stadium in Clay County, a plan which seems to have Governor Mike Kehoe's support.  

Kehoe has been vocal about keeping the Royals in Missouri and says it needs to be looked at like any economic development opportunity 

"We're going to use the economic development tools we have in our toolbox, probably have to modify a few of those a little bit, to where it's a good return on investment for the taxpayers and it keeps the teams in Missouri to where we continue to where we continue to have that economic result that we get from those teams being here," Kehoe tells reporters. 

Kehoe says there have been multiple leadership meetings happening to figure things out ahead of Friday's deadline 

"Meetings with county commissioners from both counties, or legislators I should say from Jackson County, elected officials, it takes more than just one person to figure something out," Kehoe says.  "So, you want to try to get as many people on the team to figure out what the best ideas are and what it actually takes again to keep them here but also be responsible to the taxpayers that sent us to that building." 

All signs seem to point to Clay County as the preferred location for a new stadium.   

While Kehoe has been vocal about keeping the Royals in Missouri, will he push lawmakers to get something done before Friday's deadline? 

"Yeah, they'll have some options, I'm pretty confident they'll get something done," Kehoe says. 

The legislative session wraps up Friday at 6pm. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post As the legislative session wraps up this week, a late push is being considered that would keep the Kansas City Royals in Missouri. Missouri lawmakers are considering a $300 million incentive package aimed to build a new Royals stadium in Clay County, a plan which seems to have Governor Mike Kehoe's support. Kehoe has been vocal about keeping the Royals in Missouri and says it needs to be looked at like any economic development opportunity "We're going to use the economic development tools we have in our toolbox, probably have to modify a few of those a little bit, to where it's a good return on investment for the taxpayers and it keeps the teams in Missouri to where we continue to where we continue to have that economic result that we get from those teams being here," Kehoe tells reporters. Kehoe says there have been multiple leadership meetings happening to figure things out ahead of Friday's deadline "Meetings with county commissioners from both counties, or legislators I should say from Jackson County, elected officials, it takes more than just one person to figure something out," Kehoe says. "So, you want to try to get as many people on the team to figure out what the best ideas are and what it actually takes again to keep them here but also be responsible to the taxpayers that sent us to that building." All signs seem to point to Clay County as the preferred location for a new stadium. While Kehoe has been vocal about keeping the Royals in Missouri, will he push lawmakers to get something done before Friday's deadline? "Yeah, they'll have some options, I'm pretty confident they'll get something done," Kehoe says. The legislative session wraps up Friday at 6pm. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kehoe hopes to keep Royals from crossing over to Kansas

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6ZXUlSK0ADegHBd3OXRAva?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 MARTIN&nbsp;St. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6goSQuDUxXtqRn1gRWLBFz?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

LYON COUNTY—A St. Joseph man died in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Monday in Lyon County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Mazda CX3 driven by&nbsp; Josue Javier Chapa, 26, Rio Grande, Texas, was northbound at in the left lane of Interstate 35 in Lyon County due to a right lane closure.

The SUV rear-ended a 2004 Honda CL1800 driven by Richard Schroeder, 60, St. Joseph, Missouri.&nbsp; The impact caused Schroeder to fall off the motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Charter Funeral Home. Chapa was not injured.&nbsp; Schroeder was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

LYON COUNTY—A St. Joseph man died in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Monday in Lyon County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Mazda CX3 driven by&nbsp; Josue Javier Chapa, 26, Rio Grande, Texas, was northbound at in the left lane of Interstate 35 in Lyon County due to a right lane closure.The SUV rear-ended a 2004 Honda CL1800 driven by Richard Schroeder, 60, St. Joseph, Missouri.&nbsp; The impact caused Schroeder to fall off the motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Charter Funeral Home. Chapa was not injured.&nbsp; Schroeder was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

St. Joe man killed after SUV rear-ends motorcycle on Kansas Turnpike

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend arrest.

Just before 5p.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;responded to a disturbance call at a residence in the 1000 block South 7th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Officers made contact with 34-year-old Michael Bethea who was wanted on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.

Bethea resisted the arrest and there was a struggle with officers. During that arrest an officer was bitten by a dog in the residence. The officer was treated and released from Amberwell Hospital for the treatment of several dog bites. 

Police took Bethea was taken on requested charges of failure to appear in court, for inference with law enforcement and assault and battery on a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747070779427.png" alt="Bethea photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Bethea photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend arrest.Just before 5p.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;responded to a disturbance call at a residence in the 1000 block South 7th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Officers made contact with 34-year-old Michael Bethea who was wanted on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.Bethea resisted the arrest and there was a struggle with officers. During that arrest an officer was bitten by a dog in the residence. The officer was treated and released from Amberwell Hospital for the treatment of several dog bites. Police took Bethea was taken on requested charges of failure to appear in court, for inference with law enforcement and assault and battery on a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

Suspect's dog attacked Kansas police officer during arrest

Daily Premium Meats in St. Joseph will build a sizeable expansion, that will double its bacon production and bring more jobs to the city.  

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe applauds the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce for understanding the mission of creating opportunities for Missourians 

"Whenever you have a Chamber that's that involved, that's that integrated into the community, you see good success like we have here with Daily's," Kehoe tells reporters following the groundbreaking.  "And we couldn't be happier with their $100 million expansion and the over 100 jobs they're adding to the area." 

Kehoe says a key to expansions like this, not just in St. Joseph, but around the state is continuing to develop the workforce to go towards it 

"Making sure that Daily's and Triumph and other people in the St. Joe area have access to great quality trained workforce." Kehoe explains.  "You have a great University here with us today in Missouri Western, so there's things they're working on as you know with the innovation center to make that happen." 

Daily's will construct another production bay on the east side of its manufacturing facility. Currently 2.5% of the nation’s bacon is manufactured in St. Joseph, Missouri. With the expansion, 5% of the nation’s bacon will be manufactured in St. Joseph.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747076932258.jpeg" alt="Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe spoke during a groundbreaking event for an expansion project at Daily's Premium Meats in St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe spoke during a groundbreaking event for an expansion project at Daily's Premium Meats in St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Daily Premium Meats in St. Joseph will build a sizeable expansion, that will double its bacon production and bring more jobs to the city. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe applauds the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce for understanding the mission of creating opportunities for Missourians "Whenever you have a Chamber that's that involved, that's that integrated into the community, you see good success like we have here with Daily's," Kehoe tells reporters following the groundbreaking. "And we couldn't be happier with their $100 million expansion and the over 100 jobs they're adding to the area." Kehoe says a key to expansions like this, not just in St. Joseph, but around the state is continuing to develop the workforce to go towards it "Making sure that Daily's and Triumph and other people in the St. Joe area have access to great quality trained workforce." Kehoe explains. "You have a great University here with us today in Missouri Western, so there's things they're working on as you know with the innovation center to make that happen." Daily's will construct another production bay on the east side of its manufacturing facility. Currently 2.5% of the nation’s bacon is manufactured in St. Joseph, Missouri. With the expansion, 5% of the nation’s bacon will be manufactured in St. Joseph.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Daily's Premium Meats breaks ground on significant expansion project

The Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents has approved some new programs for students heading into a new school year.  

Starting in the fall semester, Northwest will offer a Bachelor of Science in Technology Systems Management degree in agricultural mechanics and manufacturing.  

Provost Jamie Hooyman says Northwest has always had a strong ag mechanics program, but this is about changing with demands of the workforce 

"Mechanics aren't the same now as they were 50 years ago, so this also gives the students abilities to get some course work in robotics, technologies, safety, AC/DC," Hooyman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Hooyman says it's advancing what was a staple in ag mechanics 

"They're also bringing in what's a lot of the requirements, what's nowadays to be able to continue in those fields," Hooyman says.  

The new program will be solely offered on campus.  Also starting in the fall, Northwest will offer a new Master of Science degree in management science, which will be available online or on campus 

Hooyman says this course is about data collection and teaching students how to use AI responsibly in this world where it's part of everyday life 

"How do you use it and how do you use critical thinking tools to make sure that the information that you're getting is good?" Hooyman asks.  "So, what this degree will do is focus a lot on the analytical tools and deciphering information to make sure that the corporation is able to move forward using good data." 

Hooyman says the new program is huge because when you're basing decisions to determine people's future on data, you need to make sure the data you find is correct.  

In the spring semester, a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration will be offered to students.  Hooyman says this degree is incredibly important to help keep young leaders in the area 

"And help build the communities to make them stronger so we don't lose all of our youth to the cities," Hooyman explains.  "But they can also go work in large cities and things like that, public administration has been a high request area for many years, and we're excited to finally be able to launch it." 

The program will be available both online and on campus and is designed to increase readiness in areas such as accounting, economics, or media. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents has approved some new programs for students heading into a new school year. Starting in the fall semester, Northwest will offer a Bachelor of Science in Technology Systems Management degree in agricultural mechanics and manufacturing. Provost Jamie Hooyman says Northwest has always had a strong ag mechanics program, but this is about changing with demands of the workforce "Mechanics aren't the same now as they were 50 years ago, so this also gives the students abilities to get some course work in robotics, technologies, safety, AC/DC," Hooyman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Hooyman says it's advancing what was a staple in ag mechanics "They're also bringing in what's a lot of the requirements, what's nowadays to be able to continue in those fields," Hooyman says. The new program will be solely offered on campus. Also starting in the fall, Northwest will offer a new Master of Science degree in management science, which will be available online or on campus Hooyman says this course is about data collection and teaching students how to use AI responsibly in this world where it's part of everyday life "How do you use it and how do you use critical thinking tools to make sure that the information that you're getting is good?" Hooyman asks. "So, what this degree will do is focus a lot on the analytical tools and deciphering information to make sure that the corporation is able to move forward using good data." Hooyman says the new program is huge because when you're basing decisions to determine people's future on data, you need to make sure the data you find is correct. In the spring semester, a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration will be offered to students. Hooyman says this degree is incredibly important to help keep young leaders in the area "And help build the communities to make them stronger so we don't lose all of our youth to the cities," Hooyman explains. "But they can also go work in large cities and things like that, public administration has been a high request area for many years, and we're excited to finally be able to launch it." The program will be available both online and on campus and is designed to increase readiness in areas such as accounting, economics, or media. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

NWMSU Board of Regents approves new programs to launch in new school year

While 2024 was a good year for tourism in Buchanan County, there was still one major problem area, the number of available hotels in St. Joseph.  

In fact, due to the low supply, hotel rates were almost $11 higher than in 2023.  Which in turn made occupancy drop nearly a full percentage point from year to year, and the total rooms booked dropped over 3,000. 

Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesman Christian Mengel says often businesses bring up the lack of hotels when bringing in businesspeople, who might end up having to stay in Kansas City 

"If they stay down there, what are they going to do? They're going to get Starbucks in the morning down there, they're going to come in do their work here, they're going to leave early because they're like oh I've got a little bit of a drive back to my hotel, they drive down there, and they eat dinner down there," Mengle says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "And so now we are losing dollars to a community down south of us that didn't earn it, that's our businesses that earned that business being here." 

Mengel says more hotels could be added on top of some recently developed hotels but doesn't feel like too many more are needed.  Mengel says ultimately the goal with this is just to bring more people into St. Joseph 

"So, there's that balance of if you have a lower occupancy but a lot of hotels, you can still have a lot of people, but if you have really high occupancy and not a lot of hotels. that can still be the same number of people," Mengle explains.  "So, it's that balance of what's the absolute most people we can get into town? What's that balance of hey we are an affordable price." 

Two hotels are being developed near Frederick Avenue, one at the site of the old Ramada Inn, with another on land next to Stoney Creek Inn.  One hotel was recently completed in the North Village Shoppes, while another is being developed.  Could there be room for more? 

Mengle says one obvious answer is a hotel downtown 

"So you're not getting that foot traffic of actual people walking to the restaurant, walking to the bar, walking to take their kids to the candy store, walking to the Civic Arena to see a sporting event, walking to the Missouri Theatre to see a show, walking to the Trail Theatre to see a show," Mengle says.  "We have so many cool things that people can't walk to, they've got to drive all the way across town, we've got to convince them to come all the way across town." 

Mengle says when people spend most of their trip driving, the last thing they want to do is spend more time in the car finding something to do, so a downtown hotel would help allow people to walk from place to place. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post While 2024 was a good year for tourism in Buchanan County, there was still one major problem area, the number of available hotels in St. Joseph. In fact, due to the low supply, hotel rates were almost $11 higher than in 2023. Which in turn made occupancy drop nearly a full percentage point from year to year, and the total rooms booked dropped over 3,000. Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesman Christian Mengel says often businesses bring up the lack of hotels when bringing in businesspeople, who might end up having to stay in Kansas City "If they stay down there, what are they going to do? They're going to get Starbucks in the morning down there, they're going to come in do their work here, they're going to leave early because they're like oh I've got a little bit of a drive back to my hotel, they drive down there, and they eat dinner down there," Mengle says on the KFEQmunnity show. "And so now we are losing dollars to a community down south of us that didn't earn it, that's our businesses that earned that business being here." Mengel says more hotels could be added on top of some recently developed hotels but doesn't feel like too many more are needed. Mengel says ultimately the goal with this is just to bring more people into St. Joseph "So, there's that balance of if you have a lower occupancy but a lot of hotels, you can still have a lot of people, but if you have really high occupancy and not a lot of hotels. that can still be the same number of people," Mengle explains. "So, it's that balance of what's the absolute most people we can get into town? What's that balance of hey we are an affordable price." Two hotels are being developed near Frederick Avenue, one at the site of the old Ramada Inn, with another on land next to Stoney Creek Inn. One hotel was recently completed in the North Village Shoppes, while another is being developed. Could there be room for more? Mengle says one obvious answer is a hotel downtown "So you're not getting that foot traffic of actual people walking to the restaurant, walking to the bar, walking to take their kids to the candy store, walking to the Civic Arena to see a sporting event, walking to the Missouri Theatre to see a show, walking to the Trail Theatre to see a show," Mengle says. "We have so many cool things that people can't walk to, they've got to drive all the way across town, we've got to convince them to come all the way across town." Mengle says when people spend most of their trip driving, the last thing they want to do is spend more time in the car finding something to do, so a downtown hotel would help allow people to walk from place to place. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Buchanan County sees good tourism numbers in 2024, but still lacks hotel space

NODAWAY COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford Ranger driven by a 66-year-old Lenox, Iowa man was eastbound on Jade Road one half mile north of Maryville and stopped at the posted stop sign at U.S. 71. The driver failed to yield to a northbound 2018 Dodge Durango driven by a 40-year-old Maryville woman.

The Dodge struck the front passenger side of the Ford. After impact, both vehicles struck the front drivers side of a 2007 Kia Spectra driven by a 70-year-old Hopkins man who was westbound on MO 148 and stopped at the posted stop sign at U.S. 71.

Nodaway County EMS transported the Missouri drivers to Mosaic in Maryville. A private vehicle transported the Iowa driver to Mosaic in Maryville. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford Ranger driven by a 66-year-old Lenox, Iowa man was eastbound on Jade Road one half mile north of Maryville and stopped at the posted stop sign at U.S. 71. The driver failed to yield to a northbound 2018 Dodge Durango driven by a 40-year-old Maryville woman.The Dodge struck the front passenger side of the Ford. After impact, both vehicles struck the front drivers side of a 2007 Kia Spectra driven by a 70-year-old Hopkins man who was westbound on MO 148 and stopped at the posted stop sign at U.S. 71.Nodaway County EMS transported the Missouri drivers to Mosaic in Maryville. A private vehicle transported the Iowa driver to Mosaic in Maryville. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 hospitalized after 3-vehicle Nodaway County crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford F150 driven by an 18-year-old Albany man was southbound on Route DD. The driver failed to. yield at the stop sign at MO 6. The pickup struck an eastbound 2015 Chrysler 300 driven by a 37-year-old Gallatin man.&nbsp;

EMS transported both drivers to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford F150 driven by an 18-year-old Albany man was southbound on Route DD. The driver failed to. yield at the stop sign at MO 6. The pickup struck an eastbound 2015 Chrysler 300 driven by a 37-year-old Gallatin man.&nbsp;EMS transported both drivers to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Missouri men injured after pickup, car crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run incident and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle.

Just before 5p.m Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at 16th and Santa Fe in the City of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. 

An eight year old boy was ridding his bicycle east on Santa Fe when a southbound vehicle on 16th Street failed to stop at the stop sign at 16th and Santa Fe and struck the bicycle in the intersection.

 The vehicle then fled the area without stopping. A private vehicle transported the eight-year old bicyclist to Amberwell Hospital where he was treated for injuries and released. Police continue to search for the driver of the vehicle which has been described as a smaller gray SUV, according to Wilson.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run incident and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle.Just before 5p.m Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at 16th and Santa Fe in the City of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. An eight year old boy was ridding his bicycle east on Santa Fe when a southbound vehicle on 16th Street failed to stop at the stop sign at 16th and Santa Fe and struck the bicycle in the intersection. The vehicle then fled the area without stopping. A private vehicle transported the eight-year old bicyclist to Amberwell Hospital where he was treated for injuries and released. Police continue to search for the driver of the vehicle which has been described as a smaller gray SUV, according to Wilson.

8-year-old bicyclist injured after hit-and-run incident

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Friday in Atchison.

A 1997 Chevrolet pick up driven by Jeremiah Mullins, 20, Atchison, was southbound in the 1000 Block of Price Boulevard, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole.

EMS transported Mullins to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries. He was cited for no driver’s license, illegal tag and no proof of insurance.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746992588512.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Friday in Atchison.A 1997 Chevrolet pick up driven by Jeremiah Mullins, 20, Atchison, was southbound in the 1000 Block of Price Boulevard, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole.EMS transported Mullins to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries. He was cited for no driver’s license, illegal tag and no proof of insurance.

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