Missouri Western State University President Elizabeth Kennedy
says the university had a good legislative session, especially with the funding
allocated the St. Joseph campus.

Not only did Missouri Western receive a 3.7% increase to its
core funding, it received $2.5 million to catch up on long delayed maintenance.

“From our perspective, it was a good year and we’re very
grateful for all of the support we’ve been getting,” Kennedy tells St. Joseph
Post.

The increase in the core budget for the St. Joseph campus adds
$820,000 to the Missouri Western $81 million annual budget.

“A little bit less than we were looking for, but nonetheless
we’re very grateful for that,” Kennedy says. “And that’s always a piece that we’ll
be looking to increase. We’re headed into the fall. We need to see what our
enrollment is, because we’re mostly tuition enrolment driven. But, overall, I
think we’re starting to turn that corner and really headed in a good direction.”

The legislature also appropriated $644,000 to complete funding
of the $1.8 million renovation of Scanlon Hall, a coed dorm used by the Kansas
City Chiefs during training camp.

Kennedy says though the improvements Scanlon Hall were
requested by the Chiefs, they will benefit the campus long after training camp
wraps up.

“We have that project well underway and I’m looking forward to
that,” Kennedy says. “It will be a good benefit for our students. They use it
nine months of the year. So, it will be wonderful to have that upgrade.”

Kennedy says the university is on a good fiscal path, due to
cost-saving measures implemented by the St. Joseph campus and extra allocations
given the university by the legislature. She acknowledges it has taken a lot of
work to right the university’s financial ship.

“We’re headed in the right direction,” according to Kennedy. “We
ended up having a balanced budget this past fiscal year. We have a balanced
budget going into the current fiscal year. Those are two things that have not
been done for quite some time. So, based on where we are with our numbers, we’ve
been conservative, we’ve been frugal, we’ve been very careful with our money.
We’re looking to be in good shape.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University President Elizabeth Kennedy
says the university had a good legislative session, especially with the funding
allocated the St. Joseph campus.Not only did Missouri Western receive a 3.7% increase to its
core funding, it received $2.5 million to catch up on long delayed maintenance.“From our perspective, it was a good year and we’re very
grateful for all of the support we’ve been getting,” Kennedy tells St. Joseph
Post.The increase in the core budget for the St. Joseph campus adds
$820,000 to the Missouri Western $81 million annual budget.“A little bit less than we were looking for, but nonetheless
we’re very grateful for that,” Kennedy says. “And that’s always a piece that we’ll
be looking to increase. We’re headed into the fall. We need to see what our
enrollment is, because we’re mostly tuition enrolment driven. But, overall, I
think we’re starting to turn that corner and really headed in a good direction.”The legislature also appropriated $644,000 to complete funding
of the $1.8 million renovation of Scanlon Hall, a coed dorm used by the Kansas
City Chiefs during training camp.Kennedy says though the improvements Scanlon Hall were
requested by the Chiefs, they will benefit the campus long after training camp
wraps up.“We have that project well underway and I’m looking forward to
that,” Kennedy says. “It will be a good benefit for our students. They use it
nine months of the year. So, it will be wonderful to have that upgrade.”Kennedy says the university is on a good fiscal path, due to
cost-saving measures implemented by the St. Joseph campus and extra allocations
given the university by the legislature. She acknowledges it has taken a lot of
work to right the university’s financial ship.“We’re headed in the right direction,” according to Kennedy. “We
ended up having a balanced budget this past fiscal year. We have a balanced
budget going into the current fiscal year. Those are two things that have not
been done for quite some time. So, based on where we are with our numbers, we’ve
been conservative, we’ve been frugal, we’ve been very careful with our money.
We’re looking to be in good shape.”

MWSU gets big financial boost from legislative session

CALDWELL COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy passenger vehicle driven by Kiah A. Price, 18, Altamont, was&nbsp; eastbound on NE Meadows Lane two miles west of Breckenridge.

The driver lost control on a gravel road and overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the north side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.&nbsp;

A private vehicle transported Price to Wright Memorial Hospital. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy passenger vehicle driven by Kiah A. Price, 18, Altamont, was&nbsp; eastbound on NE Meadows Lane two miles west of Breckenridge.The driver lost control on a gravel road and overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the north side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.&nbsp;A private vehicle transported Price to Wright Memorial Hospital. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen injured after car overturns on gravel road

NODAWAY COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Thursday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ford Ecosport driven by Carla J. Taylor, 70, Skidmore, was westbound on 250th Street one mile south of Quitman.

The driver attempted to make a left turn onto MO 113. The vehicle turned into the path of a southbound 1980 MAC RD6 driven by Joshua J. Cronk, 38, Burlington Junction. The truck struck the rear drivers side of the Ford.

Nodaway County EMS transported Cronk to Mosaic in Maryville. Taylor was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Thursday in Nodaway County.The Missouri Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ford Ecosport driven by Carla J. Taylor, 70, Skidmore, was westbound on 250th Street one mile south of Quitman.The driver attempted to make a left turn onto MO 113. The vehicle turned into the path of a southbound 1980 MAC RD6 driven by Joshua J. Cronk, 38, Burlington Junction. The truck struck the rear drivers side of the Ford.Nodaway County EMS transported Cronk to Mosaic in Maryville. Taylor was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Missouri truck driver hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

A new program called Parks Passport is here for the summer in St. Joseph.&nbsp;

The program goal is to get people out in the community and exploring what St. Joseph has to offer with its park system.&nbsp;

Parks spokesperson Jessica Oshel says&nbsp;this year is the first year for the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This year is kind of a trial run so we’ll see what works, what doesn’t work and we'll try to improve on it&nbsp;in the next couple of years, but we would really like it to be an annual thing,” Oshel tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oshel says there are QR codes to scan at the playground participating in the passport program.&nbsp;

“For the park challenges, when you’re visiting the park, you will take a photo of your little adventurer completing the&nbsp;challenge or after they’ve completed the&nbsp;challenge,” says Oshel. “You will either send&nbsp;that&nbsp;to us via Facebook, Instagram or my email.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oshel says there is no particular order that you have to complete the parks and challenges.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“If you want to do five in one weekend, you can do all five parks and challenges in one weekend, or you can do just the designated feature ones each week, or if you want to knock all of them out in one week you can do that,” says Oshel.&nbsp;“It’s all based on your&nbsp;own time line, your own availability. We really want&nbsp;to&nbsp;make this as&nbsp;flexible&nbsp;as you can so as many kids can participate.”&nbsp;

Oshel says she hopes families that can’t travel this summer due to the pandemic, can find an escape within St. Joseph and all&nbsp;its&nbsp;park system has to offer.&nbsp;To learn more information, visit the St. Joseph’s Parks department Facebook page or website.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622748744233.jpeg" alt="Parks Passport / Photo Provided by Parks Department" />
 <figcaption>Parks Passport / Photo Provided by Parks Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A new program called Parks Passport is here for the summer in St. Joseph.&nbsp;The program goal is to get people out in the community and exploring what St. Joseph has to offer with its park system.&nbsp;Parks spokesperson Jessica Oshel says&nbsp;this year is the first year for the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This year is kind of a trial run so we’ll see what works, what doesn’t work and we'll try to improve on it&nbsp;in the next couple of years, but we would really like it to be an annual thing,” Oshel tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oshel says there are QR codes to scan at the playground participating in the passport program.&nbsp;“For the park challenges, when you’re visiting the park, you will take a photo of your little adventurer completing the&nbsp;challenge or after they’ve completed the&nbsp;challenge,” says Oshel. “You will either send&nbsp;that&nbsp;to us via Facebook, Instagram or my email.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oshel says there is no particular order that you have to complete the parks and challenges.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If you want to do five in one weekend, you can do all five parks and challenges in one weekend, or you can do just the designated feature ones each week, or if you want to knock all of them out in one week you can do that,” says Oshel.&nbsp;“It’s all based on your&nbsp;own time line, your own availability. We really want&nbsp;to&nbsp;make this as&nbsp;flexible&nbsp;as you can so as many kids can participate.”&nbsp;Oshel says she hopes families that can’t travel this summer due to the pandemic, can find an escape within St. Joseph and all&nbsp;its&nbsp;park system has to offer.&nbsp;To learn more information, visit the St. Joseph’s Parks department Facebook page or website.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622748802404.png" alt="Park Challenges / Photo Provided by Parks Department" />
 <figcaption>Park Challenges / Photo Provided by Parks Department</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622748860476.png" alt="Participating Playgrounds / Photo Provided by Parks Department" />
 <figcaption>Participating Playgrounds / Photo Provided by Parks Department</figcaption>
 </figure>

St. Joseph Parks encourages residents to get out and explore this summer

OZARK - Lafayette has had a mantra they've run with since the middle of the season - win the last game. Whatever that meant. Whatever it took.

The Irish (20-8) did that on Thursday with gusto, taking down Hollister 12-2 in five innings to win the Class 4 third place game at US Baseball Park in Ozark.

Lafayette grabbed an 8-0 lead by the end of the second inning and never looked back.

"When we scored those seven runs in that second inning, I was like, 'This game is ours,'" said senior Zach Langley, who got the win a complete game effort on the mound, striking out two and allowing only four hits.

After watching Kennett hit a three-run homer off of him the day before in the semifinal, Langley says Thursday's game was a refreshing end to an all around memorable season.

"Adrenaline, happiness, excitement all in my body is so surreal," he said. "Coming out in this game, there's a lot we were anticipated to do. We said after last night, 'We have to wipe it. We have to come ready to play today.' So, coming out with a W shows how hard we had to fight this year."

Langley is one of six seniors who played their final game in an Irish uniform Thursday. It's a class that has left its mark on this season, and on their high school's history, helping to bring Lafayette baseball its first Final Four berth and now its first win in a Final Four game.

"We've stuck to this motto 'win the last game' since the middle of the season," said senior Jayden Little, who went 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. "We've really been playing like that. We came out yesterday, thought we had it and it slipped away from us toward the end. We went back last night, put our heads on straight and said, 'That is not how we want to go out. We can't go out like that.'"

The Irish gave themselves an early cushion, scoring seven runs on eight hits in the second inning, highlighted by senior Dayne Koch's base-clearing, three-run RBI double to left. Koch went 3-for-3 with two runs scored.

In all, eight Irish got a hit and eight Irish scored, as Lafayette outhit the Tigers 14-4.

"It really helped," Little said of the fast start. "One through nine today, we were really solid. No one was missing. Everyone was spraying the field all over, and it put all of the pressure on them. We felt as if we had no pressure today. Just come in, have fun, play the best to your ability and we know if we do that, we can hang with anybody in the state."

Leading 8-2 entering the bottom of the fifth, Langley, Koch and senior Chance Herie all doubled to get the scoring started in that frame. With bases loaded and one out, junior Xavion Page hit a pop fly to left deep enough for Koch to score from third and end the game via mercy rule.

Head coach Matt Jansen and the staff say goodbye to six seniors - all of whom were starters. But, three junior starters - Page, Cade King and Kobe Jones - all return next year, along with three freshmen and two sophomores.

The 2021 team has set the bar high for the future of Lafayette baseball, and Jansen, who just wrapped up his first season as head coach, is excited to see how it transpires.

"The seniors set the foundation for the next class," said Jansen. "Not only are they talented, but they showed them how to work and how to do things and kind of set them up for the future. I'm proud of them, and am excited for the future and beyond for sure."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622771810026.jpeg" alt="The Lafayette senior class, from left to right - Preston Bowers, Jayden Little, Brayden Luikart, Chance Herie, Zach Langley and Dayne Koch hold the third place trophy after beating Hollister 12-2. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>The Lafayette senior class, from left to right - Preston Bowers, Jayden Little, Brayden Luikart, Chance Herie, Zach Langley and Dayne Koch hold the third place trophy after beating Hollister 12-2. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostOZARK - Lafayette has had a mantra they've run with since the middle of the season - win the last game. Whatever that meant. Whatever it took.The Irish (20-8) did that on Thursday with gusto, taking down Hollister 12-2 in five innings to win the Class 4 third place game at US Baseball Park in Ozark.Lafayette grabbed an 8-0 lead by the end of the second inning and never looked back."When we scored those seven runs in that second inning, I was like, 'This game is ours,'" said senior Zach Langley, who got the win a complete game effort on the mound, striking out two and allowing only four hits.After watching Kennett hit a three-run homer off of him the day before in the semifinal, Langley says Thursday's game was a refreshing end to an all around memorable season."Adrenaline, happiness, excitement all in my body is so surreal," he said. "Coming out in this game, there's a lot we were anticipated to do. We said after last night, 'We have to wipe it. We have to come ready to play today.' So, coming out with a W shows how hard we had to fight this year."Langley is one of six seniors who played their final game in an Irish uniform Thursday. It's a class that has left its mark on this season, and on their high school's history, helping to bring Lafayette baseball its first Final Four berth and now its first win in a Final Four game."We've stuck to this motto 'win the last game' since the middle of the season," said senior Jayden Little, who went 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. "We've really been playing like that. We came out yesterday, thought we had it and it slipped away from us toward the end. We went back last night, put our heads on straight and said, 'That is not how we want to go out. We can't go out like that.'"The Irish gave themselves an early cushion, scoring seven runs on eight hits in the second inning, highlighted by senior Dayne Koch's base-clearing, three-run RBI double to left. Koch went 3-for-3 with two runs scored.In all, eight Irish got a hit and eight Irish scored, as Lafayette outhit the Tigers 14-4."It really helped," Little said of the fast start. "One through nine today, we were really solid. No one was missing. Everyone was spraying the field all over, and it put all of the pressure on them. We felt as if we had no pressure today. Just come in, have fun, play the best to your ability and we know if we do that, we can hang with anybody in the state."Leading 8-2 entering the bottom of the fifth, Langley, Koch and senior Chance Herie all doubled to get the scoring started in that frame. With bases loaded and one out, junior Xavion Page hit a pop fly to left deep enough for Koch to score from third and end the game via mercy rule.Head coach Matt Jansen and the staff say goodbye to six seniors - all of whom were starters. But, three junior starters - Page, Cade King and Kobe Jones - all return next year, along with three freshmen and two sophomores.The 2021 team has set the bar high for the future of Lafayette baseball, and Jansen, who just wrapped up his first season as head coach, is excited to see how it transpires."The seniors set the foundation for the next class," said Jansen. "Not only are they talented, but they showed them how to work and how to do things and kind of set them up for the future. I'm proud of them, and am excited for the future and beyond for sure."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622771842196.jpeg" alt="Zach Langley." />
 <figcaption>Zach Langley.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622771895855.jpeg" alt="Kobe Jones connects in the third inning. The junior went 2-for-3 with a run scored Thursday." />
 <figcaption>Kobe Jones connects in the third inning. The junior went 2-for-3 with a run scored Thursday.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLHSIrish%2Fposts%2F3012832209042950&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="722" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Lafayette wins big in Class 4 third place game in Ozark Thursday

Missouri lawmakers generally look back fondly on
the recently concluded legislative session, with one glaring exception.

Legislators failed to extend the Federal
Reimbursement Allowance, known as the FRA, crucial to the funding of the state
Medicaid program.

Gov. Mike Parson has been asked to call a special
legislative session to address the issue, but tells Missourinet in an interview
he’s hesitant to call lawmakers back unless assured an agreement has been
reached.

“I think it’s going to really be up to the House
leadership and the Senate leadership and Cody (Rep. Cody Smith, House Budget
Committee chair) and Dan (Sen. Dan Hegeman, Senate Appropriations Committee
chair), the people really involved in this, to come to me and tell me they have
a plan in place and they’re going to get it passed,” Parson tells Missourinet.
“Short of that, we’re not going to call a special session.”

Sen. Dan Hegeman of Cosby tells St. Joseph Post negotiations
are progressing to give the governor the assurance he wants.

“See if we can find some resolution to some of the
concerns that are out there, including concerns the governor has expressed, as
well as others,” Hegeman says. “I think the urgency to get this done and to
fill the $3 billion hole that could be created in our budget is necessary for
us to be able to work out these differences and move forward.”

Missouri could be heading toward a financial
crisis if state lawmakers cannot reach agreement.

The Missouri Hospital Association reports the
provider tax was first created in Missouri in 1991, due to state budgetary
problems. It was expanded and enacted into laws as a provider tax in 1992. The
tax on hospitals provides the state match to draw down federal funds. Together,
the funds total approximately $3 billion.

Hegeman points out the FRA sunsets at the end of
September. If not renewed, the state would be forced to cut its budget
drastically and, perhaps, reduce services.

“I don’t know that either one of those is
acceptable if we can find a resolution to this and move forward,” Hegeman says.

The House approved extension, but the issue got
hung up in the Senate over an abortion dispute.

As for reaching an agreement that would give the
governor enough confidence to call legislators back to Jefferson City, Hegeman
hesitates.

“We’re working on it right now,” Hegeman says. “It’s
a work in progress and we’ll continue to work for it and hopefully we’ll have
something put together by the end of the month.”

Hegeman says he has been in touch with the
governor.

“We’ll continue to talk with the governor and the
senators involved and see if we can find a path forward.”

“Not there yet, but we will get there.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri lawmakers generally look back fondly on
the recently concluded legislative session, with one glaring exception.Legislators failed to extend the Federal
Reimbursement Allowance, known as the FRA, crucial to the funding of the state
Medicaid program.Gov. Mike Parson has been asked to call a special
legislative session to address the issue, but tells Missourinet in an interview
he’s hesitant to call lawmakers back unless assured an agreement has been
reached.“I think it’s going to really be up to the House
leadership and the Senate leadership and Cody (Rep. Cody Smith, House Budget
Committee chair) and Dan (Sen. Dan Hegeman, Senate Appropriations Committee
chair), the people really involved in this, to come to me and tell me they have
a plan in place and they’re going to get it passed,” Parson tells Missourinet.
“Short of that, we’re not going to call a special session.”Sen. Dan Hegeman of Cosby tells St. Joseph Post negotiations
are progressing to give the governor the assurance he wants.“See if we can find some resolution to some of the
concerns that are out there, including concerns the governor has expressed, as
well as others,” Hegeman says. “I think the urgency to get this done and to
fill the $3 billion hole that could be created in our budget is necessary for
us to be able to work out these differences and move forward.”Missouri could be heading toward a financial
crisis if state lawmakers cannot reach agreement.The Missouri Hospital Association reports the
provider tax was first created in Missouri in 1991, due to state budgetary
problems. It was expanded and enacted into laws as a provider tax in 1992. The
tax on hospitals provides the state match to draw down federal funds. Together,
the funds total approximately $3 billion.Hegeman points out the FRA sunsets at the end of
September. If not renewed, the state would be forced to cut its budget
drastically and, perhaps, reduce services.“I don’t know that either one of those is
acceptable if we can find a resolution to this and move forward,” Hegeman says.The House approved extension, but the issue got
hung up in the Senate over an abortion dispute.As for reaching an agreement that would give the
governor enough confidence to call legislators back to Jefferson City, Hegeman
hesitates.“We’re working on it right now,” Hegeman says. “It’s
a work in progress and we’ll continue to work for it and hopefully we’ll have
something put together by the end of the month.” 
 
Hegeman says he has been in touch with the
governor.“We’ll continue to talk with the governor and the
senators involved and see if we can find a path forward.”Not there yet, though.“Not there yet, but we will get there.”

Legislators scramble to avoid $3B Medicaid budget hole

National Dairy Month kicked off Tuesday with World Milk Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dairy Farmer Amy Bunse of Savannah says this month provides an opportunity for her to thank everyone in the industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It takes a community to run a dairy farm,” Bunse tells St. Joseph Post. “There’re&nbsp;so many people that help make a dairy farm well run.”&nbsp;

Bunse says a day in a life of a dairy farmer varies day to day with a few things staying the same.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Every day we have the morning milking, the evening milking, and then getting everybody fed,” says Bunse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bunse says her brother farms and produces the feed&nbsp;for their animals.&nbsp;

“Their meal is produced on farm and then we just purchase whatever we need to complete their meal,” says Bunse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bunse says&nbsp;this month is an opportunity to share why dairy is important to her.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“My favorite part are the baby calves. I just love getting a calf on her feet for the first time, helping her figure out how to drink her bottle,” says Bunse. “That’s just something I love to do.”&nbsp;

Bunse encourages everyone to participate in recognizing June Diary Month. She says if you are interested in visiting a dairy farm, contact Midwest Dairy to get connected to your local farms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;National Dairy Month kicked off Tuesday with World Milk Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dairy Farmer Amy Bunse of Savannah says this month provides an opportunity for her to thank everyone in the industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It takes a community to run a dairy farm,” Bunse tells St. Joseph Post. “There’re&nbsp;so many people that help make a dairy farm well run.”&nbsp;Bunse says a day in a life of a dairy farmer varies day to day with a few things staying the same.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Every day we have the morning milking, the evening milking, and then getting everybody fed,” says Bunse.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bunse says her brother farms and produces the feed&nbsp;for their animals.&nbsp;“Their meal is produced on farm and then we just purchase whatever we need to complete their meal,” says Bunse.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bunse says&nbsp;this month is an opportunity to share why dairy is important to her.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“My favorite part are the baby calves. I just love getting a calf on her feet for the first time, helping her figure out how to drink her bottle,” says Bunse. “That’s just something I love to do.”&nbsp;Bunse encourages everyone to participate in recognizing June Diary Month. She says if you are interested in visiting a dairy farm, contact Midwest Dairy to get connected to your local farms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It's National Dairy Month

Chaplains at Mosaic Life Care have been recognized for their work in supporting organ donors and their families.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Midwest Transplant Network recognizes Mosaic Life Care with the Excellence in donations Award.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mosaic Chaplain Dan Mefford says first and foremost the organ donor is a person.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This is not just a donor. This is a person,” Mefford tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mefford says he hopes people talk to their families about their decision to donate organs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“If a person is a first person consented donor, we’re going to do it, but we’re not going to treat the family any differently,” says Mefford. “We are going to support them in any which way we can.”&nbsp;

Mefford&nbsp;says something they have for the donor families is the donor tree.&nbsp;

“We’ve got another 45 or 50 that&nbsp;are going&nbsp;up this year, because it’s any donor&nbsp;not just organ donors but tissue, eyes, those kinds of things,” says Mefford. “If&nbsp;families give the&nbsp;consent&nbsp;to put their loved&nbsp;one's&nbsp;name on the wall it goes on the wall on a leaf.”&nbsp;

Midwest Transplant network presents the Excellence in Donation Awards to individuals who go above and beyond in their support and work for organ, eye, and tissue donations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622662823470.jpeg" alt="Photo by Whitnee Ice" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Whitnee Ice</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Chaplains at Mosaic Life Care have been recognized for their work in supporting organ donors and their families.&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;Midwest Transplant Network recognizes Mosaic Life Care with the Excellence in donations Award.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mosaic Chaplain Dan Mefford says first and foremost the organ donor is a person.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is not just a donor. This is a person,” Mefford tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mefford says he hopes people talk to their families about their decision to donate organs.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If a person is a first person consented donor, we’re going to do it, but we’re not going to treat the family any differently,” says Mefford. “We are going to support them in any which way we can.”&nbsp;Mefford&nbsp;says something they have for the donor families is the donor tree.&nbsp;“We’ve got another 45 or 50 that&nbsp;are going&nbsp;up this year, because it’s any donor&nbsp;not just organ donors but tissue, eyes, those kinds of things,” says Mefford. “If&nbsp;families give the&nbsp;consent&nbsp;to put their loved&nbsp;one's&nbsp;name on the wall it goes on the wall on a leaf.”&nbsp;Midwest Transplant network presents the Excellence in Donation Awards to individuals who go above and beyond in their support and work for organ, eye, and tissue donations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mosaic Life Care Chaplains recognized for their work in organ donations

DEKALB COUNTY—A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just before 4a.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 BMW 750 driven by John W. Rothwell, 52, St. Joseph, was westbound on U.S. 36 at Sharp Road at the city limits of Stewartsville.&nbsp;

The vehicle left the road, struck an embankment.&nbsp; DeKalb County EMS transported Rothwell to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just before 4a.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 BMW 750 driven by John W. Rothwell, 52, St. Joseph, was westbound on U.S. 36 at Sharp Road at the city limits of Stewartsville.&nbsp;The vehicle left the road, struck an embankment.&nbsp; DeKalb County EMS transported Rothwell to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph man hospitalized after early morning crash 

Local legislators give the recently concluded session in
Jefferson City high marks, though tempering that assessment by noting a few
hiccups.

The 2021 session stood in contrast to the coronavirus
pandemic-disrupted 2020 session.

State Sen. Dan Hegeman of Cosby counts as success passage
of the Internet sales tax collection bill, the gas tax increase, and a
prescription drug monitoring program to combat opioid abuse.

“Having a more full session, having greater debate on the
floor and hearing the discussions fully and completely I think helped moved
some pieces of legislation along and others, we still struggled to get some
things passed,” Hegeman tells St. Joseph Post.

Disappointments, according to Hegeman, include failure to
extend the Federal Reimbursement Allowance and passing on a bill to act on
unregulated lottery terminals.

The allowance, known as FRA, is a tax on hospitals critical to
funding the state Medicaid program. Failure to extend the FRA could leave a $3
billion hole in the state budget.

“It got tangled up into some right-to-life issues which then a
certain portion of the Senate had concerns about that,” Hegeman, the Senate Appropriations
Committee chair, says. “These were amendments that were added to the bill that,
like I say, some of the senators had difficulties with.”

As for the unofficial lottery terminals, which Hegeman calls
“gray market machines,” they continue to pop up at convenience stores
throughout the state.

“And so, I certainly think that that’s taking money away from
the lottery system and therefore taking money away from our education system
and our kids and certainly supportive of trying to rein those machines in and
regulate them,” Hegeman says.

As for State Rep. Bill Falkner of St. Joseph, he
characterizes the past session as a “different session,” primarily due to the
shortened session last year.

“We were trying to actually get a year and a half in into one
year, I believe,” Falkner tells St. Joseph Post. “I think there were 1,300 –
1,400 bills filed, but a lot of them were from the carryover.”

That gave the session a different feel than normal.

“There were some strange twists and turns, some things that we
thought were going to go through, without much of a problem became problems,”
Falkner says. “At the end, a couple of major ones went through.”

Falkner was especially pleased the legislature acted to
require Internet retailers to collect the state sales tax, the so-called Wayfair
decision, named after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling which allowed states to
force online retailers to collect the state sales tax. He says that puts online
retailers on a level playing field with traditional, local retailers.

An aspect of the legislative session lawmakers feared when first
traveling to Jefferson City in January never materialized. The state budget
didn’t take the hit anticipated from the coronavirus pandemic. Restrictions imposed
on businesses dampened the state economy, but didn’t send it into a freefall.

State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, a member of the House
Budget Committee, says the budget turned out much better than initially
anticipated.

“When we ended last year, we budgeted for doom and gloom,” Shields
tells St. Joseph Post. “And the governor then withheld a lot of funds, because
we had no idea what was really going to happen when we started the pandemic.
But Missouri stayed steady and strong.”

Shields says Missouri Western State University benefitted, not
only with an increase to its core budget, but also through allocations to fund
capital projects on the St. Joseph campus.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostLocal legislators give the recently concluded session in
Jefferson City high marks, though tempering that assessment by noting a few
hiccups.The 2021 session stood in contrast to the coronavirus
pandemic-disrupted 2020 session.State Sen. Dan Hegeman of Cosby counts as success passage
of the Internet sales tax collection bill, the gas tax increase, and a
prescription drug monitoring program to combat opioid abuse.“Having a more full session, having greater debate on the
floor and hearing the discussions fully and completely I think helped moved
some pieces of legislation along and others, we still struggled to get some
things passed,” Hegeman tells St. Joseph Post.Disappointments, according to Hegeman, include failure to
extend the Federal Reimbursement Allowance and passing on a bill to act on
unregulated lottery terminals.The allowance, known as FRA, is a tax on hospitals critical to
funding the state Medicaid program. Failure to extend the FRA could leave a $3
billion hole in the state budget.“It got tangled up into some right-to-life issues which then a
certain portion of the Senate had concerns about that,” Hegeman, the Senate Appropriations
Committee chair, says. “These were amendments that were added to the bill that,
like I say, some of the senators had difficulties with.”As for the unofficial lottery terminals, which Hegeman calls
“gray market machines,” they continue to pop up at convenience stores
throughout the state.“And so, I certainly think that that’s taking money away from
the lottery system and therefore taking money away from our education system
and our kids and certainly supportive of trying to rein those machines in and
regulate them,” Hegeman says.As for State Rep. Bill Falkner of St. Joseph, he
characterizes the past session as a “different session,” primarily due to the
shortened session last year.“We were trying to actually get a year and a half in into one
year, I believe,” Falkner tells St. Joseph Post. “I think there were 1,300 –
1,400 bills filed, but a lot of them were from the carryover.”That gave the session a different feel than normal.“There were some strange twists and turns, some things that we
thought were going to go through, without much of a problem became problems,”
Falkner says. “At the end, a couple of major ones went through.”Falkner was especially pleased the legislature acted to
require Internet retailers to collect the state sales tax, the so-called Wayfair
decision, named after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling which allowed states to
force online retailers to collect the state sales tax. He says that puts online
retailers on a level playing field with traditional, local retailers.An aspect of the legislative session lawmakers feared when first
traveling to Jefferson City in January never materialized. The state budget
didn’t take the hit anticipated from the coronavirus pandemic. Restrictions imposed
on businesses dampened the state economy, but didn’t send it into a freefall.State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, a member of the House
Budget Committee, says the budget turned out much better than initially
anticipated.“When we ended last year, we budgeted for doom and gloom,” Shields
tells St. Joseph Post. “And the governor then withheld a lot of funds, because
we had no idea what was really going to happen when we started the pandemic.
But Missouri stayed steady and strong.”Shields says Missouri Western State University benefitted, not
only with an increase to its core budget, but also through allocations to fund
capital projects on the St. Joseph campus.

Local legislators give high marks to MO legislative session with some reservations

For the first time in nearly two years, there will be St. Joseph Mustangs baseball inside Phil Welch Stadium today.

The Mustangs' open its 44-game regular season schedule with a home game against the newest member of the MINK League - the Des Moines Peak Prospects. First pitch is set for 7 p.m., kicking off the 12th season of Mustangs' baseball.

Wednesday's contest will be the first of 24 home games this summer in St. Joseph. Mustangs owner Dan Gerson admits that the cancelled 2020 season was difficult for many different reasons.

"It was tough," he said. "I always get excited about a summer at Phil Welch, and I know how excited St. Joe gets, and it's really hard. I own some restaurants and it was just tough on everybody."

With 673 days since the last game, Mustangs staff and ownership have had ample time to get ready for 2021 and make it the best season yet.

"It allowed us to reflect and kind of improve some things and switch some things around," said general manager Ky Turner. "We're excited. It certainly helped build that momentum and it certainly helped change our perspective. If we hadn't gone through what we did, I don't know if we could get to where we are right now."

Any tickets that were sold for the 2020 season could either be refunded or held over for 2021. Turner says ticket and ad sales have helped soften the blow of the financial hardship brought on by the pandemic.

After such a long wait, Turner is hopeful that he and his staff of interns will give fans a terrific experience.

"We prepare for this as soon as that last out is recorded," Turner said. "And really, before that. But, now you can really see it come to life. So, you have to make sure everything is how you envision it and that it feels right and that it's great for the guest that comes in here."

Gerson has owned the Mustangs since their inaugural season in 2009. He says getting fans back in the stands is the top priority this summer. He also thanks them for their years of continued support.

"It's going to be a great summer," he said. "We're going to have so many things going on. But, the main thing is getting people back out to Phil Welch to see a Mustangs game.

"I have always been just amazed and so grateful for the fans' support and how much in the fabric of St. Joe we are considered to be every summer."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622565534641.jpeg" alt="The Mustang flags are back up at Phil Welch Stadium ,as another season of Mustangs baseball gets underway at Phil Welch Stadium tonight. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>The Mustang flags are back up at Phil Welch Stadium ,as another season of Mustangs baseball gets underway at Phil Welch Stadium tonight. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostFor the first time in nearly two years, there will be St. Joseph Mustangs baseball inside Phil Welch Stadium today.The Mustangs' open its 44-game regular season schedule with a home game against the newest member of the MINK League - the Des Moines Peak Prospects. First pitch is set for 7 p.m., kicking off the 12th season of Mustangs' baseball.Wednesday's contest will be the first of 24 home games this summer in St. Joseph. Mustangs owner Dan Gerson admits that the cancelled 2020 season was difficult for many different reasons."It was tough," he said. "I always get excited about a summer at Phil Welch, and I know how excited St. Joe gets, and it's really hard. I own some restaurants and it was just tough on everybody."With 673 days since the last game, Mustangs staff and ownership have had ample time to get ready for 2021 and make it the best season yet."It allowed us to reflect and kind of improve some things and switch some things around," said general manager Ky Turner. "We're excited. It certainly helped build that momentum and it certainly helped change our perspective. If we hadn't gone through what we did, I don't know if we could get to where we are right now."Any tickets that were sold for the 2020 season could either be refunded or held over for 2021. Turner says ticket and ad sales have helped soften the blow of the financial hardship brought on by the pandemic.After such a long wait, Turner is hopeful that he and his staff of interns will give fans a terrific experience."We prepare for this as soon as that last out is recorded," Turner said. "And really, before that. But, now you can really see it come to life. So, you have to make sure everything is how you envision it and that it feels right and that it's great for the guest that comes in here."Gerson has owned the Mustangs since their inaugural season in 2009. He says getting fans back in the stands is the top priority this summer. He also thanks them for their years of continued support."It's going to be a great summer," he said. "We're going to have so many things going on. But, the main thing is getting people back out to Phil Welch to see a Mustangs game."I have always been just amazed and so grateful for the fans' support and how much in the fabric of St. Joe we are considered to be every summer."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622565615995.jpeg" alt="This large Mustangs banner hangs in the main entryway at Phil Welch Stadium. Fans will see it as they make their way in from the concourse. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>This large Mustangs banner hangs in the main entryway at Phil Welch Stadium. Fans will see it as they make their way in from the concourse. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mustangs to open 2021 season against Des Moines Peak Prospects Wednesday

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Charles R. Radcliff, 93, Chillicothe, was eastbound on County Road 224. A 2006 Lincoln&nbsp; LS driven by a 16-year-old boy from Chillicothe was northbound on County Road 239.

The vehicles met at an uncontrolled intersection. The front of the Lincoln struck the passenger side of the Chrysler.

A private vehicle transported Radcliff to Hendrick Medical Center. The teen was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the crash, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Charles R. Radcliff, 93, Chillicothe, was eastbound on County Road 224. A 2006 Lincoln&nbsp; LS driven by a 16-year-old boy from Chillicothe was northbound on County Road 239.The vehicles met at an uncontrolled intersection. The front of the Lincoln struck the passenger side of the Chrysler.A private vehicle transported Radcliff to Hendrick Medical Center. The teen was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the crash, according to the MSHP.

93-year-old Mo. man hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Camaro driven by Jennifer R. Birdsong, 44, Plattsburg, was eastbound on MO 6 two miles northeast of Jamesport.

The Camaro attempted to pass an eastbound 2015 Ford F350 driven by Ronald G.&nbsp; Pollard, 65, Breckenridge, Mo., as the pickup began to turn left on 32nd Street. The Camaro struck the drivers side of the Ford.

Kaw EMS transported Birdsong to Wright Memorial Hospital. Pollard was not injured.&nbsp; Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Camaro driven by Jennifer R. Birdsong, 44, Plattsburg, was eastbound on MO 6 two miles northeast of Jamesport.The Camaro attempted to pass an eastbound 2015 Ford F350 driven by Ronald G.&nbsp; Pollard, 65, Breckenridge, Mo., as the pickup began to turn left on 32nd Street. The Camaro struck the drivers side of the Ford.Kaw EMS transported Birdsong to Wright Memorial Hospital. Pollard was not injured.&nbsp; Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Plattsburg woman injured after Daviess Co. crash

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Tuesday in Atchison.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Acura RDX driven by David Phelan, 73, Atchison, was exiting a private drive on U.S. 73 just west of Atchison.

The driver failed to yield. A westbound 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Cierra&nbsp;Cummings, 30, Atchison, struck the Acura on the drivers side.

EMS transported Cummings to Amberwell Health for treatment of a minor injury. Phelan, a passenger in the Acura and a child in the Ford were not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Tuesday in Atchison.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Acura RDX driven by David Phelan, 73, Atchison, was exiting a private drive on U.S. 73 just west of Atchison.The driver failed to yield. A westbound 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Cierra&nbsp;Cummings, 30, Atchison, struck the Acura on the drivers side.EMS transported Cummings to Amberwell Health for treatment of a minor injury. Phelan, a passenger in the Acura and a child in the Ford were not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Atchison woman hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

ANDREW COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy Cobalt driven by Ronald L. Mccart, 52, Kansas City, Mo., was northbound on Interstate 29 three miles north of St. Joseph.

The driver swerved to avoid another vehicle that had slowed due to a crash ahead. The Cobalt struck a 2019 Mazda 3 driven by Drake L. Summers, 24, Maryville, that was parked on the shoulder of the highway.

Andrew County EMS transported Mccart to Mosaic Life Care. Summers was not injured.&nbsp; He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy Cobalt driven by Ronald L. Mccart, 52, Kansas City, Mo., was northbound on Interstate 29 three miles north of St. Joseph.The driver swerved to avoid another vehicle that had slowed due to a crash ahead. The Cobalt struck a 2019 Mazda 3 driven by Drake L. Summers, 24, Maryville, that was parked on the shoulder of the highway.Andrew County EMS transported Mccart to Mosaic Life Care. Summers was not injured.&nbsp; He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Man injured after vehicle strikes car parked on I-29 shoulder

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly sees a
bright future for St. Joseph as he prepares to retire; a bright future as long
as the city unites to move forward.

Lilly says St. Joseph can be its own worst enemy.

“I think at times St. Joseph can’t get out of its own way as
odd as that may be,” Lilly tells St. Joseph Post. “I think that we still have a
ways to go in terms of our ability to collaborate as a community. I think we
have a lot of well-meaning people and a lot of well-meaning leaders in the community,
but we still have work to do to make sure we’re all moving down the same path.”

Lilly considers creating Imagine St. Joseph 2040 as one of the
highlights during his tenure as Chamber president, saying it has focused the
community on its potential over the next 20 years.

“We have challenges in the community with the school district.
I think the people who work for the school district are very dedicated and do a
very good job, but it’s one of many things that we just have to focus on and
get better at,” according to Lilly. “We’ve got to redevelop our older
neighborhoods. I guess the underlying theme of Imagine St. Joseph 2040 is we’ve
just got to get better.”

Lilly says the Chamber saw some great economic growth during
his tenure, attracting many businesses to the community, including Triumph
Foods, the meat-packing plant located in south St. Joseph. St. Joseph also had
to absorb the losses of Quarter Oats and Mead.

Lilly says St. Joseph leaders need to unite behind a common
vision.

“St. Joseph has a lot going for it. I think there’s a lot of
potential here and, frankly, that’s why I’m staying,” Lilly says. “I don’t plan
to move or go back to Texas. This is our home. And so, this is where we’ll stay
and I look forward to being involved perhaps in the future, however that might
look.”

Lilly first became Chamber president in 1996 after serving as
St. Joseph City Manager, from 1990 to 1996. He left the Chamber to work for
Triumph Foods, returning to lead the Chamber in 2013. Lilly recently announced
he plans to retire at the end of the year.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly sees a
bright future for St. Joseph as he prepares to retire; a bright future as long
as the city unites to move forward.Lilly says St. Joseph can be its own worst enemy.“I think at times St. Joseph can’t get out of its own way as
odd as that may be,” Lilly tells St. Joseph Post. “I think that we still have a
ways to go in terms of our ability to collaborate as a community. I think we
have a lot of well-meaning people and a lot of well-meaning leaders in the community,
but we still have work to do to make sure we’re all moving down the same path.”Lilly considers creating Imagine St. Joseph 2040 as one of the
highlights during his tenure as Chamber president, saying it has focused the
community on its potential over the next 20 years.“We have challenges in the community with the school district.
I think the people who work for the school district are very dedicated and do a
very good job, but it’s one of many things that we just have to focus on and
get better at,” according to Lilly. “We’ve got to redevelop our older
neighborhoods. I guess the underlying theme of Imagine St. Joseph 2040 is we’ve
just got to get better.”Lilly says the Chamber saw some great economic growth during
his tenure, attracting many businesses to the community, including Triumph
Foods, the meat-packing plant located in south St. Joseph. St. Joseph also had
to absorb the losses of Quarter Oats and Mead.Lilly says St. Joseph leaders need to unite behind a common
vision.“St. Joseph has a lot going for it. I think there’s a lot of
potential here and, frankly, that’s why I’m staying,” Lilly says. “I don’t plan
to move or go back to Texas. This is our home. And so, this is where we’ll stay
and I look forward to being involved perhaps in the future, however that might
look.”Lilly first became Chamber president in 1996 after serving as
St. Joseph City Manager, from 1990 to 1996. He left the Chamber to work for
Triumph Foods, returning to lead the Chamber in 2013. Lilly recently announced
he plans to retire at the end of the year.

Lilly sees bright future for St. Joseph as long as leaders unite

Missouri lawmakers passed a gas tax&nbsp;this Spring that should&nbsp;bringing more jobs and revenue for local laborers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is the first gas tax increase in a quarter-century.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local 579 Business Manager Jason Estes&nbsp;says&nbsp;this tax increase will provide more jobs for laborers.&nbsp;

“There’s all kinds of decaying roads and bridges all over the state of&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;and this&nbsp;should&nbsp;create thousands of&nbsp;good family wage jobs for men and women in construction all over the state not just in my area but all over the state of Missouri,” Estes tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Estes says this will&nbsp;be the first increase to Missouri’s gas tax since 1996.&nbsp;

“This gas tax is going to be a 2.5 cent increase every year until it reaches 29.5 cents a gallon&nbsp;in 2025,” says Estes. “It is&nbsp;currently&nbsp;at 17.5 cents a gallon and it’s the second lowest in the nation.”&nbsp;

Estes says this bill won’t only create jobs but it will also generate significant revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The bill is expected to raise more than $400&nbsp;million in revenue every year and up to a half a billion dollars by&nbsp;2027,” says Estes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local 579 represents more than 300 laborers in 15 counties in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas.&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Missouri lawmakers passed a gas tax&nbsp;this Spring that should&nbsp;bringing more jobs and revenue for local laborers.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the first gas tax increase in a quarter-century.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local 579 Business Manager Jason Estes&nbsp;says&nbsp;this tax increase will provide more jobs for laborers.&nbsp;“There’s all kinds of decaying roads and bridges all over the state of&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;and this&nbsp;should&nbsp;create thousands of&nbsp;good family wage jobs for men and women in construction all over the state not just in my area but all over the state of Missouri,” Estes tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;Estes says this will&nbsp;be the first increase to Missouri’s gas tax since 1996.&nbsp;“This gas tax is going to be a 2.5 cent increase every year until it reaches 29.5 cents a gallon&nbsp;in 2025,” says Estes. “It is&nbsp;currently&nbsp;at 17.5 cents a gallon and it’s the second lowest in the nation.”&nbsp;Estes says this bill won’t only create jobs but it will also generate significant revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The bill is expected to raise more than $400&nbsp;million in revenue every year and up to a half a billion dollars by&nbsp;2027,” says Estes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local 579 represents more than 300 laborers in 15 counties in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas.&nbsp;

Local labor leader applauds Missouri lawmakers for passing a gas tax increase

It has been 672 days since the St. Joseph Mustangs ended the 2019 season with their seventh MINK League Championship.

After a cancelled season in 2020, the Mustangs organization is thrilled to pack Phil Welch Stadium for a 12th season this summer.

The festivities get started with Fan Fest on June 1, which gets underway at 6 p.m.&nbsp; on the eve of the season opener.

Mustangs general manager Ky Turner is thrilled to welcome fans back after a long year off.

"Last time we sold a ticket to a fan walking up to a game was late July 2019," he said. "We're just now getting ready to get a chance, almost two years later. That's tough, but some people have really helped out and sponsorship sales and season ticket sales have gone well."

Food specials, national anthem tryouts, batting practice and autographs will highlight the Fan Fest event, and admission is free.

Fans will have the chance to meet players and get autographs from the entire 2021 roster following the completion of batting practice.

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f2749d52-d3d0-44be-8859-2be000dd46bb">The Mustangs' roster</a> features 13 players who are products of local high schools, including five from Savannah alone.

So while there's always a few new wrinkles for fans each summer, Turner says the experience will still be a familiar one.

"You'll see the heightened presence of the local players here," Turner said. "You're going to see that also on the field. There's a lot of stuff in the stands, in the concession stands but also a big part of it on the field."

Mustangs players, who started arriving last week, had their first practice Monday and open the season Wednesday against the MINK League's newest team - the Des Moines Peak Prospects. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.

All school and medical staff will receive two free tickets to Wednesday's game as a way of saying thank you for all of their efforts in the last 16 or so months.

"That's a big deal to us," Turner said. "Because we know those people specifically have dealt with a lot of stuff that you normally wouldn't on top of the stuff they already do for us."

There will also be a postgame fireworks spectacular after Wednesday's game, as well as June 5, July 3, July 4, July 17 and July 24. Dollar beer nights will be back on Fridays, along with other specials.

Preparing for the season takes many months, and many different people, and preparations last right up until the first pitch.

But, after a year off, Turner and his staff want to give fans that sense of normalcy back, and give them the same fun experience they remember.

"We always walk in our guests' shoes and always try and look at it from their eyes and see how we can make it better," Turner said. "That's the other thing, too. We have a whole new intern staff that comes in here and I'm sure they're just as nervous as heck, as our players are too, getting ready to play in front of that opening crowd."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622229883248.jpeg" alt="Phil Welch Stadium will soon be packed with fans again, as the St. Joseph Mustangs start their 12th season on Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>Phil Welch Stadium will soon be packed with fans again, as the St. Joseph Mustangs start their 12th season on Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt has been 672 days since the St. Joseph Mustangs ended the 2019 season with their seventh MINK League Championship.After a cancelled season in 2020, the Mustangs organization is thrilled to pack Phil Welch Stadium for a 12th season this summer.The festivities get started with Fan Fest on June 1, which gets underway at 6 p.m.&nbsp; on the eve of the season opener.Mustangs general manager Ky Turner is thrilled to welcome fans back after a long year off."Last time we sold a ticket to a fan walking up to a game was late July 2019," he said. "We're just now getting ready to get a chance, almost two years later. That's tough, but some people have really helped out and sponsorship sales and season ticket sales have gone well."Food specials, national anthem tryouts, batting practice and autographs will highlight the Fan Fest event, and admission is free.Fans will have the chance to meet players and get autographs from the entire 2021 roster following the completion of batting practice.<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f2749d52-d3d0-44be-8859-2be000dd46bb">The Mustangs' roster</a> features 13 players who are products of local high schools, including five from Savannah alone.So while there's always a few new wrinkles for fans each summer, Turner says the experience will still be a familiar one."You'll see the heightened presence of the local players here," Turner said. "You're going to see that also on the field. There's a lot of stuff in the stands, in the concession stands but also a big part of it on the field."Mustangs players, who started arriving last week, had their first practice Monday and open the season Wednesday against the MINK League's newest team - the Des Moines Peak Prospects. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.All school and medical staff will receive two free tickets to Wednesday's game as a way of saying thank you for all of their efforts in the last 16 or so months."That's a big deal to us," Turner said. "Because we know those people specifically have dealt with a lot of stuff that you normally wouldn't on top of the stuff they already do for us."There will also be a postgame fireworks spectacular after Wednesday's game, as well as June 5, July 3, July 4, July 17 and July 24. Dollar beer nights will be back on Fridays, along with other specials.Preparing for the season takes many months, and many different people, and preparations last right up until the first pitch.But, after a year off, Turner and his staff want to give fans that sense of normalcy back, and give them the same fun experience they remember."We always walk in our guests' shoes and always try and look at it from their eyes and see how we can make it better," Turner said. "That's the other thing, too. We have a whole new intern staff that comes in here and I'm sure they're just as nervous as heck, as our players are too, getting ready to play in front of that opening crowd."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mustangs set to welcome fans back with Fan Fest, season opener this week

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Five people were injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Kia Sephia driven by San Juanita C. Pesina, 27, St. Joseph, was eastbound on MO 752 just east of St. Joseph.

The vehicle began to slide, crossed the center of the road and struck a westbound 2018 Dodge Caravan driven by Jennifer L. Towell, 44, St. Joseph.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Five people were injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Kia Sephia driven by San Juanita C. Pesina, 27, St. Joseph, was eastbound on MO 752 just east of St. Joseph.The vehicle began to slide, crossed the center of the road and struck a westbound 2018 Dodge Caravan driven by Jennifer L. Towell, 44, St. Joseph.Buchanan County EMS transported Pesina, Towell, a passenger in the Dodge Lori A. Boller, 58, St. Joseph, and two boys, ages 4 and 5 in the Kia to Mosaic Life Care. The occupants of the Kia were not properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.