By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7FPnUjHUhU6dq40stwebpe?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 Week in Review

St. Joseph City
Manager, Mike Schumacher, says being a newcomer gives him a different
perspective at city hall, including what the city spends money on.

Schumacher, who
has been with the city since late January, has been leading his team as it puts
together a budget for the next fiscal year.

“I ask the
question, why, a lot. And they understand that. As I adapt to the organization
and the organization adapts to me, it’s just been a very positive experience,”
Schumacher tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Having that level of agreement inside
City Hall is rare and we’re very fortunate to have it.”

It isn’t a throw
away question. It is the question, according to Schumacher.

“The answers to
the question of why results in, yeah, that is how we want to do it, which is
the best answer, right? So, we’re implementing a path to get there,” Schumacher
says. “When (the) budget is rolled out, there will be some significant changes,
not necessarily in funding, but in financial planning.”

As an example,
Schumacher says the city should never be surprised that it needs a new
firetruck. He says annual budgets need to fund the city for the upcoming year
as well as look down the road to future expenditures.

Schumacher came to
St. Joseph after serving as Lebanon City Administrator. He says he found a very
good budget team in place, which is in agreement on the direction of the city.

“Everyone knows
where they want to go. It’s the same place. Now we have to come up with a
strategy and implement getting there,” according to Schumacher. “We look very
forward to that.”

The City of St.
Joseph fiscal year begins July 1st. The city budget totals
approximately $200 million. The city council hopes to have the first reading of
the budget during the May 27th meeting with a final vote scheduled
for June 9th.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph City
Manager, Mike Schumacher, says being a newcomer gives him a different
perspective at city hall, including what the city spends money on.Schumacher, who
has been with the city since late January, has been leading his team as it puts
together a budget for the next fiscal year.“I ask the
question, why, a lot. And they understand that. As I adapt to the organization
and the organization adapts to me, it’s just been a very positive experience,”
Schumacher tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Having that level of agreement inside
City Hall is rare and we’re very fortunate to have it.”It isn’t a throw
away question. It is the question, according to Schumacher.“The answers to
the question of why results in, yeah, that is how we want to do it, which is
the best answer, right? So, we’re implementing a path to get there,” Schumacher
says. “When (the) budget is rolled out, there will be some significant changes,
not necessarily in funding, but in financial planning.”As an example,
Schumacher says the city should never be surprised that it needs a new
firetruck. He says annual budgets need to fund the city for the upcoming year
as well as look down the road to future expenditures.Schumacher came to
St. Joseph after serving as Lebanon City Administrator. He says he found a very
good budget team in place, which is in agreement on the direction of the city.“Everyone knows
where they want to go. It’s the same place. Now we have to come up with a
strategy and implement getting there,” according to Schumacher. “We look very
forward to that.”The City of St.
Joseph fiscal year begins July 1st. The city budget totals
approximately $200 million. The city council hopes to have the first reading of
the budget during the May 27th meeting with a final vote scheduled
for June 9th.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph City Manager Schumacher has one primary question during budget talks

BROWN COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by David A. Koch, 63, Sabetha, was traveling on U.S. 36 one half mile east of Goldfinch Road. The motorcycle crossed the center line and struck a 2011 GMC Sierra driven by Timothy J.&nbsp;Rottinghaus, 61, Baileyville.

Koch and a passenger Odetta L. Koch, 62, Sabetha, were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Popkess Funeral Home.

&nbsp;Rottinghaus and a passenger in the pickup were properly restrained not injured. The KHP released no additional details.

BROWN COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by David A. Koch, 63, Sabetha, was traveling on U.S. 36 one half mile east of Goldfinch Road. The motorcycle crossed the center line and struck a 2011 GMC Sierra driven by Timothy J.&nbsp;Rottinghaus, 61, Baileyville.Koch and a passenger Odetta L. Koch, 62, Sabetha, were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Popkess Funeral Home.&nbsp;Rottinghaus and a passenger in the pickup were properly restrained not injured. The KHP released no additional details.

Kansas couple dead after motorcycle, pickup crash

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy 1500 driven by a 31-year-old Gallatin man was southbound on MO Route M one mile north of Breckenridge.

The pickup traveled off the right side of the road, returned to the road, traveled off the left side of the road and struck a tree. Caldwell County EMS transported the driver to Hedrick Medical Center.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy 1500 driven by a 31-year-old Gallatin man was southbound on MO Route M one mile north of Breckenridge.The pickup traveled off the right side of the road, returned to the road, traveled off the left side of the road and struck a tree. Caldwell County EMS transported the driver to Hedrick Medical Center.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man hospitalized after pickup strikes a tree

KANSAS CITY —Kansas City, Missouri police&nbsp; investigating a deadly officer involved shooting near Kansas City International Airport have identified the man who died as 36-year-old Dustin J. Johnson, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Early Thursday,&nbsp; Riverside, Missouri Police Officers were dispatched on a reported Domestic Violence Aggravated Assault that occurred in the parking lot of the Argosy Casino.

 An adult male victim was located and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on scene at that location. Riverside dispatch quickly broadcasted the description of the suspect vehicle and person of interest to responding officers. 

A Riverside police officer located the described suspect, later identified as Johnson and vehicle as he was fleeing the scene. Due to the nature of the call, a vehicle pursuit was initiated, to stop an armed and dangerous individual. 

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department became notified of an outside agency vehicle pursuit traveling through the city and assisted by deploying stop sticks, a tire deflation device, in the area of I-29 and Cookingham around 6:40a.m.

The suspect vehicle’s tires struck the tire deflation device disabling the vehicle. The driver subsequently pulled over and stopped the vehicle at I-29 and I-435. 

Multiple agencies, to include the Riverside Police Department and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, began giving verbal commands for the suspect to exit the vehicle and peacefully surrender. 

After approximately thirty minutes of negotiations, Johnson exited the driver’s seat of the vehicle armed with a handgun. He pointed the firearm in the direction of the officers, at which time two Riverside Police Officers and one Platte County Deputy discharged their duty weapons, striking Johnson.

Officers on scene provided emergency medical care to Johnson until EMS responded and transported him to an area hospital for treatment. Johnson was declared deceased a short time later at the hospital. 

A handgun was recovered from the scene where Johnson had been shot. No officers were injured during this incident.&nbsp; Police have not released the name

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Police Department is investigating an Officer Involved Shooting involving multiple outside agencies that occurred early Thursday near Interstate 29 and Interstate 435, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez .&nbsp; Few details are available. Northbound Interstate 29 was closed at Cookingham during the investigation.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746109656574.png" alt="--Image KC Scout camer" />
 <figcaption>--Image KC Scout camer</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Kansas City, Missouri police&nbsp; investigating a deadly officer involved shooting near Kansas City International Airport have identified the man who died as 36-year-old Dustin J. Johnson, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Early Thursday,&nbsp; Riverside, Missouri Police Officers were dispatched on a reported Domestic Violence Aggravated Assault that occurred in the parking lot of the Argosy Casino. An adult male victim was located and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on scene at that location. Riverside dispatch quickly broadcasted the description of the suspect vehicle and person of interest to responding officers. A Riverside police officer located the described suspect, later identified as Johnson and vehicle as he was fleeing the scene. Due to the nature of the call, a vehicle pursuit was initiated, to stop an armed and dangerous individual. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department became notified of an outside agency vehicle pursuit traveling through the city and assisted by deploying stop sticks, a tire deflation device, in the area of I-29 and Cookingham around 6:40a.m.The suspect vehicle’s tires struck the tire deflation device disabling the vehicle. The driver subsequently pulled over and stopped the vehicle at I-29 and I-435. Multiple agencies, to include the Riverside Police Department and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, began giving verbal commands for the suspect to exit the vehicle and peacefully surrender. After approximately thirty minutes of negotiations, Johnson exited the driver’s seat of the vehicle armed with a handgun. He pointed the firearm in the direction of the officers, at which time two Riverside Police Officers and one Platte County Deputy discharged their duty weapons, striking Johnson.Officers on scene provided emergency medical care to Johnson until EMS responded and transported him to an area hospital for treatment. Johnson was declared deceased a short time later at the hospital. A handgun was recovered from the scene where Johnson had been shot. No officers were injured during this incident.&nbsp; Police have not released the name----------------KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Police Department is investigating an Officer Involved Shooting involving multiple outside agencies that occurred early Thursday near Interstate 29 and Interstate 435, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez .&nbsp; Few details are available. Northbound Interstate 29 was closed at Cookingham during the investigation.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Police ID KC area casino shooting suspect killed by officers

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Harley Davidson driven by a 28-year-old Oregon, Mo. man was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of the U.S. 59 north exit.

The driver failed to observe traffic. The motorcycle's brakes locked up and overturned. Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic.&nbsp; The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Harley Davidson driven by a 28-year-old Oregon, Mo. man was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of the U.S. 59 north exit.The driver failed to observe traffic. The motorcycle's brakes locked up and overturned. Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic.&nbsp; The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man injured in Andrew County motorcycle accident

A rehabilitation home for horses just
outside St. Joseph is taking a different tack to raise money.

The Albee Farm began as a horse hospice
10 years ago, but now works with abused and neglected horses.

Managing Director, Sharon Bryant, says a
horse in recovery remains useful.

“Just because a horse is disabled doesn’t
mean it’s no longer useful,” Bryant tells KFEQmmunity during her appearance on
the show. “So people can learn a lot from a disabled horse, like how to lead a
horse, how to lunge a horse, how to saddle a horse, how to put tack on a horse,
how to take tack off of a horse, the parts of a horse, how to feed a horse, everything
about horse care you can learn from our patients. They don’t have to be Kentucky
Derby winners to do that.”

Bryant says the equine rehab and recovery
center has seen great success with its patients.

“Usually, with the right amount of
medication over the right amount of time, just like with people, and the right
amount of physical therapy, they generally will come around.”

Bryant, who is also a writer, has written
a children’s book. The book, entitled Ezra and the Talking Cupcake, has
been a successful fundraiser for the farm. She promotes it as an easy way to
get involved with the farm.

“It can be a Mother’s Day present. It can
be a baby shower present. It can be a children’s birthday present. It can be a mom’s
birthday present,” Bryant says. “It works for everybody and everybody should
have it and you can get it on Amazon and you don’t have to swat any flies or
smell any poop. You just put it in your cart, boom, the money goes straight to
the horses.”

Braynt will sign copies of her book at
the Story Collective in downtown St. Joseph Saturday afternoon, beginning at
two o’clock.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746198476924.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA rehabilitation home for horses just
outside St. Joseph is taking a different tack to raise money.The Albee Farm began as a horse hospice
10 years ago, but now works with abused and neglected horses.Managing Director, Sharon Bryant, says a
horse in recovery remains useful.“Just because a horse is disabled doesn’t
mean it’s no longer useful,” Bryant tells KFEQmmunity during her appearance on
the show. “So people can learn a lot from a disabled horse, like how to lead a
horse, how to lunge a horse, how to saddle a horse, how to put tack on a horse,
how to take tack off of a horse, the parts of a horse, how to feed a horse, everything
about horse care you can learn from our patients. They don’t have to be Kentucky
Derby winners to do that.”Bryant says the equine rehab and recovery
center has seen great success with its patients.“Usually, with the right amount of
medication over the right amount of time, just like with people, and the right
amount of physical therapy, they generally will come around.”Bryant, who is also a writer, has written
a children’s book. The book, entitled Ezra and the Talking Cupcake, has
been a successful fundraiser for the farm. She promotes it as an easy way to
get involved with the farm.“It can be a Mother’s Day present. It can
be a baby shower present. It can be a children’s birthday present. It can be a mom’s
birthday present,” Bryant says. “It works for everybody and everybody should
have it and you can get it on Amazon and you don’t have to swat any flies or
smell any poop. You just put it in your cart, boom, the money goes straight to
the horses.”Braynt will sign copies of her book at
the Story Collective in downtown St. Joseph Saturday afternoon, beginning at
two o’clock.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

A children's book becomes a fundraiser for a St. Joe horse rehab farm

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7FpQZMFEwjeM8g9BbcHnCp?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/7lfRC66EGFiKVlnZvudiWb?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

Defeat at the polls has the St. Joseph
Board of Education reflecting on what went wrong.

Part of that is taking a good, long look
at its reflection in the mirror.

St. Joseph School Board member, Mike
Moore, says board members have heard a lot since the April 8th
defeat of the $157 million bond issue.

“I heard, well, we couldn’t vote for it
because we didn’t have an exact piece of ground identified,” Moore tells KFEQmmunity.
“We heard, quite frankly, we heard voters just don’t like the school board.”

Moore says he doesn’t take that
personally, but has heard the message.

St. Joseph voters soundly rejected the
proposal April 8th. Only 5,262 voted in favor of it, according to
unofficial results released by the Buchanan County Clerk’s office, with 6,081
voting against; a split of 53.61% against to 46.39%. The issue, which would have increased the St. Joseph school
levy by 60 cents, needed a 57% majority to pass.

Moore says some have told him the board
was too involved in the campaign. But Moore says the board felt it needed to
take a bigger role, because a past campaign used the district email, a minor
violation, but still a violation of state campaign laws.

“The board felt strongly that we needed
to be deeply involved so that we could help control those sort of mistakes,”
Moore says. “Looking back, I think there’s enough dislike of the board in
general that that probably hurt Prop 2.”

Moore says the complaints he has heard
generally target only a couple of the school board members, focusing on the
social media posts they make. Still, Moore says the board acts as a whole and all
of its members must work together to move the St. Joseph School District
forward.

Moore says there is only one way to
address the perception.

“It’s really us trying to find a way that
everybody – I say everybody – most people feel like they win. Right? Right?”
Moore says. “So, it seems like everything that we can come up with, every path
that we take people perceive there’s a big loss. And so we have to find a way
that the community, staff feels like their winning.”

The St. Joseph School District has a
formal survey on its website, asking for public input. Click <a href="https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8286197/a233e2fbe7b3">HERE</a> to access the
survey.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostDefeat at the polls has the St. Joseph
Board of Education reflecting on what went wrong.Part of that is taking a good, long look
at its reflection in the mirror.St. Joseph School Board member, Mike
Moore, says board members have heard a lot since the April 8th
defeat of the $157 million bond issue.“I heard, well, we couldn’t vote for it
because we didn’t have an exact piece of ground identified,” Moore tells KFEQmmunity.
“We heard, quite frankly, we heard voters just don’t like the school board.”Moore says he doesn’t take that
personally, but has heard the message.St. Joseph voters soundly rejected the
proposal April 8th. Only 5,262 voted in favor of it, according to
unofficial results released by the Buchanan County Clerk’s office, with 6,081
voting against; a split of 53.61% against to 46.39%. The issue, which would have increased the St. Joseph school
levy by 60 cents, needed a 57% majority to pass.Moore says some have told him the board
was too involved in the campaign. But Moore says the board felt it needed to
take a bigger role, because a past campaign used the district email, a minor
violation, but still a violation of state campaign laws.“The board felt strongly that we needed
to be deeply involved so that we could help control those sort of mistakes,”
Moore says. “Looking back, I think there’s enough dislike of the board in
general that that probably hurt Prop 2.”Moore says the complaints he has heard
generally target only a couple of the school board members, focusing on the
social media posts they make. Still, Moore says the board acts as a whole and all
of its members must work together to move the St. Joseph School District
forward.Moore says there is only one way to
address the perception.“It’s really us trying to find a way that
everybody – I say everybody – most people feel like they win. Right? Right?”
Moore says. “So, it seems like everything that we can come up with, every path
that we take people perceive there’s a big loss. And so we have to find a way
that the community, staff feels like their winning.”The St. Joseph School District has a
formal survey on its website, asking for public input. Click <a href="https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8286197/a233e2fbe7b3">HERE</a> to access the
survey.JOURNAL<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/26FHR793OjcXNBrVpTEMWC?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph school board looking inward in wake of bond issue defeat

The ballot language that would appear before voters does not explicitly mention that the proposed constitutional amendment would ban abortion

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

A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HJR73&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;that would again ban abortion in Missouri passed out of a state Senate committee on Wednesday, meaning it is one step away from heading to a statewide ballot.

The legislation approved on a 4-2 party line vote would repeal the reproductive rights amendment known as&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3</a>&nbsp;but allow exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;

If approved in the Senate, the proposal would be on a statewide ballot in November 2026. It could also be placed before voters earlier by Gov. Mike Kehoe.

With time growing short in this year’s session — lawmakers will have two weeks to complete their work after they adjourn Thursday — the&nbsp;Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee held a public hearing and voted on the bill on the same day.

About 150 people packed the committee room to show support and opposition to the proposal sponsored by state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican.&nbsp;

For the most ardent abortion opponents, the measure is a test of Republican fidelity to their cause.

“There is confidence, with a supermajority of Republicans at the helm, that those people who are pro-life at home know the representatives and senators in this building are going to do the right thing and bring this back to the vote of the people,” said Susan Klein, executive director of Missouri Right to Life.

Opponents again said the proposal seeks to overturn the will of Missouri voters.

“Stripping away people’s rights to their own god-given conscience in the face of some of the most intimate and tender decisions of their lives is an affront to our humanity and to god,” the Rev. Molly Housh Gordon of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia said.

House Republicans spent the first three months of the session groping for a proposal that represented a consensus in their ranks. The proposal heard Wednesday passed out of the House earlier this month with only one Republican —&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/17/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-jon-patterson-senate/">House Speaker Jon Patterson of Lee’s Summit —&nbsp;in opposition.&nbsp;</a>

The measure would reinstate the almost total ban on abortions that was in place in Missouri from June 2022 until the passage of Amendment 3.

Patterson at a press conference following the mid-April vote said he had concerns with the limited exceptions allowed in the proposal..

“A debate that we should have — and I hope happens in the Senate — is 12 weeks long enough,” Patterson, a physician, said during the press conference. “ … If you’re going to say it’s OK to (have an abortion) after you’ve been raped, now we’re talking time limits.”&nbsp;

But no changes were made to the proposal on Wednesday.&nbsp;

State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Democrat from Kansas City, asked Seitz why he picked 12 weeks, noting that sexual violence is among the most under-reported crimes.&nbsp;

Seitz said 12 weeks was chosen because it marks the end of the first trimester.&nbsp;

In 2020, more than 93% of all abortions in the United States were performed prior to 13 weeks gestation, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/ss/ss7110a1.htm#T10_down" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.&nbsp;</a>

Crime data shows that&nbsp; two out of every three sexual assaults are not reported to police, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://rainn.org/statistics/criminal-justice-system" target="_blank">Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network&nbsp;</a>and the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In a research letter published in&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2814274?guestAccessKey=e429b9a8-72ac-42ed-8dbc-599b0f509890&amp;utm_source=For_The_Media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_content=tfl&amp;utm_term=012424" target="_blank">JAMA Internal Medicine</a>, one group of researchers estimated that since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, more than 65,500 women and girls in the 14 states with abortion bans in place became pregnant after being raped.

Seitz has not made clear if or how survivors would have to prove the crime occurred in order to obtain an abortion.&nbsp;

On Wednesday he said a reporting requirement was not necessary because state law already requires sexual crimes to be reported by physicians, for example. Under&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=210.115" target="_blank">Missouri statute,</a>&nbsp;some professions including health care workers are required to report suspicion of rape or incest to police, but only if the victim is under 18 years old. Physicians are not required to report sexual violence against adults.

“It’s also giving an incentive for those who know that a woman or girl has been sexually assaulted to get her to a rape crisis center, to get her to a counselor, to get her to a physician or nurse early enough in pregnancy so that she can make the decision that she needs to make,” longtime anti-abortion advocate and lobbyist Sam Lee said, testifying in support of the legislation.

The ballot language that would appear before voters does not explicitly say the amendment would ban abortions.

Instead, Missourians would be asked if they want to amend the Missouri constitution to:&nbsp;

Much of Wednesday’s opposition testimony Wednesday delved into details of health issues that women face during a difficult pregnancy.

Dr. Christine Jackson, an OBGYN in St. Louis, testified in opposition to the legislation, detailing the experience of one of her patients who learned she was pregnant after she was admitted to the ICU with diabetes complications.&nbsp;

“When I met her, she was grappling not only with her acute illness, but hundreds of questions,” Jackson said.&nbsp;

The issues the woman faced ranged from child care to her son at home to managing her diabetes while pregnant and the potential for serious complications.&nbsp;

Jackson said the patient was too sick to go to an outpatient procedure facility for the abortion, and that she also didn’t meet the criteria for a medical emergency under Missouri’s abortion ban at the time.&nbsp;

The woman ultimately traveled to a Chicago hospital to obtain an abortion.&nbsp;

“She traveled five hours away from her child, away from her partner, away from her home to receive care that we could have safely provided down the hall but was illegal at the time,” Jackson said.

Anti-abortion lawmakers and advocates have for several months argued Amendment 3 eliminated women’s ability to sue providers if something went wrong during an abortion. Attorneys behind the abortion-rights amendment have said this is false.&nbsp;

Asked about this, Jackson said under Amendment 3, providers must still meet&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/01/missouri-planned-parenthood-abortion-access-jackson-county/">professional licensing requirements</a>&nbsp;through the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/01/missouri-planned-parenthood-abortion-access-jackson-county/">Missouri Board of Healing Arts.</a>&nbsp;She is also still required to carry medical malpractice insurance.

After Amendment 3 passed, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri sued the state, challenging several of Missouri’s laws focused on abortion facilities and providers. The proposed ban, if passed, would reinstate several of these targeted regulations on abortion providers, or TRAP laws, that were recently&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">struck down as unconstitutional</a>&nbsp;by a Missouri judge.

Amy DeClue, a surgical nurse from Franklin County, testified in support of the legislation, recounting stories of a few women she cared for in the hospital after they underwent abortions.&nbsp;

“One in particular I’ll never forget because when she showed up, you could tell she was just mentally drained. She was alone, she was afraid, and she was just very sad,” DeClue said. “She couldn’t quit bleeding and they had left products of conception in her.”&nbsp;

Among those testifying against the legislation were women who sought out abortions decades ago in Missouri, when the procedure remained much more accessible, and pastors who said they speak often with congregants about the intersection of faith and health care.&nbsp;

The Rev. Teresa Danieley, a priest in the Episcopal Church, said she disagreed with Seitz’s assertions that Missouri has a culture of life, noting the lack of mandatory paid parental leave, the state’s ongoing child care crisis and the current attempt by lawmakers to overturn the state’s voter-approved paid sick leave law.&nbsp;

Danieley, who wore a button that read “Jesus never shamed a woman,” said she has helped counsel many religious women about their abortions.&nbsp;

“Over and over again I hear these deeply religious women ask, ‘can God forgive me? Am I going to hell?’” she said. “I try to ground them in that they made the best decision they could given that there is no culture of life in this state or in this country.”&nbsp;

The committee adjourned less than two hours into testimony. Of the people crowded into the hearing room and hallway, only six were there to speak in support of the legislation. State Sen. Patty Lewis, a Kansas City Democrat, noted that after her GOP colleagues again said that Missourians only approved Amendment 3 because they didn’t understand what they were voting on.&nbsp;

“Missouri Right to Life represents hundreds of thousands of people across Missouri,” Klein said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746190042115.png" alt="An abortion procedure room pictured on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Planned Parenthood in Columbia, Missouri (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>An abortion procedure room pictured on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Planned Parenthood in Columbia, Missouri (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The ballot language that would appear before voters does not explicitly mention that the proposed constitutional amendment would ban abortion</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HJR73&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;that would again ban abortion in Missouri passed out of a state Senate committee on Wednesday, meaning it is one step away from heading to a statewide ballot.The legislation approved on a 4-2 party line vote would repeal the reproductive rights amendment known as&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3</a>&nbsp;but allow exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;If approved in the Senate, the proposal would be on a statewide ballot in November 2026. It could also be placed before voters earlier by Gov. Mike Kehoe.With time growing short in this year’s session — lawmakers will have two weeks to complete their work after they adjourn Thursday — the&nbsp;Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee held a public hearing and voted on the bill on the same day.About 150 people packed the committee room to show support and opposition to the proposal sponsored by state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican.&nbsp;For the most ardent abortion opponents, the measure is a test of Republican fidelity to their cause.“There is confidence, with a supermajority of Republicans at the helm, that those people who are pro-life at home know the representatives and senators in this building are going to do the right thing and bring this back to the vote of the people,” said Susan Klein, executive director of Missouri Right to Life.Opponents again said the proposal seeks to overturn the will of Missouri voters.“Stripping away people’s rights to their own god-given conscience in the face of some of the most intimate and tender decisions of their lives is an affront to our humanity and to god,” the Rev. Molly Housh Gordon of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia said.House Republicans spent the first three months of the session groping for a proposal that represented a consensus in their ranks. The proposal heard Wednesday passed out of the House earlier this month with only one Republican —&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/17/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-jon-patterson-senate/">House Speaker Jon Patterson of Lee’s Summit —&nbsp;in opposition.&nbsp;</a>The measure would reinstate the almost total ban on abortions that was in place in Missouri from June 2022 until the passage of Amendment 3.Patterson at a press conference following the mid-April vote said he had concerns with the limited exceptions allowed in the proposal..“A debate that we should have — and I hope happens in the Senate — is 12 weeks long enough,” Patterson, a physician, said during the press conference. “ … If you’re going to say it’s OK to (have an abortion) after you’ve been raped, now we’re talking time limits.”&nbsp;But no changes were made to the proposal on Wednesday.&nbsp;State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Democrat from Kansas City, asked Seitz why he picked 12 weeks, noting that sexual violence is among the most under-reported crimes.&nbsp;Seitz said 12 weeks was chosen because it marks the end of the first trimester.&nbsp;In 2020, more than 93% of all abortions in the United States were performed prior to 13 weeks gestation, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/ss/ss7110a1.htm#T10_down" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.&nbsp;</a>Crime data shows that&nbsp; two out of every three sexual assaults are not reported to police, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://rainn.org/statistics/criminal-justice-system" target="_blank">Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network&nbsp;</a>and the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In a research letter published in&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2814274?guestAccessKey=e429b9a8-72ac-42ed-8dbc-599b0f509890&amp;utm_source=For_The_Media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_content=tfl&amp;utm_term=012424" target="_blank">JAMA Internal Medicine</a>, one group of researchers estimated that since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, more than 65,500 women and girls in the 14 states with abortion bans in place became pregnant after being raped.Seitz has not made clear if or how survivors would have to prove the crime occurred in order to obtain an abortion.&nbsp;On Wednesday he said a reporting requirement was not necessary because state law already requires sexual crimes to be reported by physicians, for example. Under&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=210.115" target="_blank">Missouri statute,</a>&nbsp;some professions including health care workers are required to report suspicion of rape or incest to police, but only if the victim is under 18 years old. Physicians are not required to report sexual violence against adults.“It’s also giving an incentive for those who know that a woman or girl has been sexually assaulted to get her to a rape crisis center, to get her to a counselor, to get her to a physician or nurse early enough in pregnancy so that she can make the decision that she needs to make,” longtime anti-abortion advocate and lobbyist Sam Lee said, testifying in support of the legislation.The ballot language that would appear before voters does not explicitly say the amendment would ban abortions.Instead, Missourians would be asked if they want to amend the Missouri constitution to:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>“Guarantee access to care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages;&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure women’s safety during abortions;&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure parental consent for minors;&nbsp;</li><li>Allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, and incest;&nbsp;</li><li>Require physicians to provide medically accurate information; and&nbsp;</li><li>Protect children from gender transition?”</li>
 </ul><h2>Health care workers weigh in</h2>Much of Wednesday’s opposition testimony Wednesday delved into details of health issues that women face during a difficult pregnancy.Dr. Christine Jackson, an OBGYN in St. Louis, testified in opposition to the legislation, detailing the experience of one of her patients who learned she was pregnant after she was admitted to the ICU with diabetes complications.&nbsp;“When I met her, she was grappling not only with her acute illness, but hundreds of questions,” Jackson said.&nbsp;The issues the woman faced ranged from child care to her son at home to managing her diabetes while pregnant and the potential for serious complications.&nbsp;Jackson said the patient was too sick to go to an outpatient procedure facility for the abortion, and that she also didn’t meet the criteria for a medical emergency under Missouri’s abortion ban at the time.&nbsp;The woman ultimately traveled to a Chicago hospital to obtain an abortion.&nbsp;“She traveled five hours away from her child, away from her partner, away from her home to receive care that we could have safely provided down the hall but was illegal at the time,” Jackson said.Anti-abortion lawmakers and advocates have for several months argued Amendment 3 eliminated women’s ability to sue providers if something went wrong during an abortion. Attorneys behind the abortion-rights amendment have said this is false.&nbsp;Asked about this, Jackson said under Amendment 3, providers must still meet&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/01/missouri-planned-parenthood-abortion-access-jackson-county/">professional licensing requirements</a>&nbsp;through the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/01/missouri-planned-parenthood-abortion-access-jackson-county/">Missouri Board of Healing Arts.</a>&nbsp;She is also still required to carry medical malpractice insurance.After Amendment 3 passed, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri sued the state, challenging several of Missouri’s laws focused on abortion facilities and providers. The proposed ban, if passed, would reinstate several of these targeted regulations on abortion providers, or TRAP laws, that were recently&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">struck down as unconstitutional</a>&nbsp;by a Missouri judge.Amy DeClue, a surgical nurse from Franklin County, testified in support of the legislation, recounting stories of a few women she cared for in the hospital after they underwent abortions.&nbsp;“One in particular I’ll never forget because when she showed up, you could tell she was just mentally drained. She was alone, she was afraid, and she was just very sad,” DeClue said. “She couldn’t quit bleeding and they had left products of conception in her.”&nbsp;<h2>‘A culture of life’</h2>Among those testifying against the legislation were women who sought out abortions decades ago in Missouri, when the procedure remained much more accessible, and pastors who said they speak often with congregants about the intersection of faith and health care.&nbsp;The Rev. Teresa Danieley, a priest in the Episcopal Church, said she disagreed with Seitz’s assertions that Missouri has a culture of life, noting the lack of mandatory paid parental leave, the state’s ongoing child care crisis and the current attempt by lawmakers to overturn the state’s voter-approved paid sick leave law.&nbsp;Danieley, who wore a button that read “Jesus never shamed a woman,” said she has helped counsel many religious women about their abortions.&nbsp;“Over and over again I hear these deeply religious women ask, ‘can God forgive me? Am I going to hell?’” she said. “I try to ground them in that they made the best decision they could given that there is no culture of life in this state or in this country.”&nbsp;The committee adjourned less than two hours into testimony. Of the people crowded into the hearing room and hallway, only six were there to speak in support of the legislation. State Sen. Patty Lewis, a Kansas City Democrat, noted that after her GOP colleagues again said that Missourians only approved Amendment 3 because they didn’t understand what they were voting on.&nbsp;“Missouri Right to Life represents hundreds of thousands of people across Missouri,” Klein said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Where are they?” Lewis asked.

Proposed abortion ban one vote away from Missouri ballot

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Thursday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda Pilot driven by a 21-year-old Savannah man was northbound on Business 71 one and one half miles south of Savannah.

The Honda rear-ended 2021 Ram 1500 driven by a 19-year-old Gallatin man who was slowing to make a turn onto County Road 339. After impact the Honda began to skid, traveled off the east side of the road and rolled onto its top.

A private vehicle transported the Honda driver to Mosaic Life Care. The pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Thursday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda Pilot driven by a 21-year-old Savannah man was northbound on Business 71 one and one half miles south of Savannah.The Honda rear-ended 2021 Ram 1500 driven by a 19-year-old Gallatin man who was slowing to make a turn onto County Road 339. After impact the Honda began to skid, traveled off the east side of the road and rolled onto its top.A private vehicle transported the Honda driver to Mosaic Life Care. The pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man hospitalized after rear-end crash on Business 71

KANSAS CITY —Kansas City, Missouri police are investigating a deadly officer involved shooting near Kansas City International Airport.

Early Thursday,&nbsp; Riverside, Missouri Police Officers were dispatched on a reported Domestic Violence Aggravated Assault that occurred in the parking lot of the Argosy Casino, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez .

A Riverside police officer located the described suspect and vehicle as he was fleeing the scene. Due to the nature of the call, a vehicle pursuit was initiated, to stop an armed and dangerous individual. 

After approximately thirty minutes of negotiations, the suspect exited the driver’s seat of the vehicle armed with a handgun. He pointed the firearm in the direction of the officers, at which time two Riverside Police Officers and one Platte County Deputy discharged their duty weapons, striking the adult male subject. 

Officers on scene provided emergency medical care to the man until EMS responded and transported him to an area hospital for treatment. The male suspect was declared deceased a short time later at the hospital. 

A handgun was recovered from the scene where the suspect had been shot. No officers were injured during this incident.&nbsp; Police have not released the suspect's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746109656574.png" alt="-Image KC Scout camera" />
 <figcaption>-Image KC Scout camera</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Kansas City, Missouri police are investigating a deadly officer involved shooting near Kansas City International Airport.Early Thursday,&nbsp; Riverside, Missouri Police Officers were dispatched on a reported Domestic Violence Aggravated Assault that occurred in the parking lot of the Argosy Casino, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez . An adult male victim was located and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on scene at that location. Riverside dispatch quickly broadcasted the description of the suspect vehicle and person of interest to responding officers. A Riverside police officer located the described suspect and vehicle as he was fleeing the scene. Due to the nature of the call, a vehicle pursuit was initiated, to stop an armed and dangerous individual. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department became notified of an outside agency vehicle pursuit traveling through the city and assisted by deploying stop sticks, a tire deflation device, in the area of I-29 and Cookingham around 6:40a.m.The suspect vehicle’s tires struck the tire deflation device disabling the vehicle. The driver subsequently pulled over and stopped the vehicle at I-29 and I-435. Multiple agencies, to include the Riverside Police Department and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, began giving verbal commands for the suspect to exit the vehicle and peacefully surrender. After approximately thirty minutes of negotiations, the suspect exited the driver’s seat of the vehicle armed with a handgun. He pointed the firearm in the direction of the officers, at which time two Riverside Police Officers and one Platte County Deputy discharged their duty weapons, striking the adult male subject. Officers on scene provided emergency medical care to the man until EMS responded and transported him to an area hospital for treatment. The male suspect was declared deceased a short time later at the hospital. A handgun was recovered from the scene where the suspect had been shot. No officers were injured during this incident.&nbsp; Police have not released the suspect's name.----------------KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Police Department is investigating an Officer Involved Shooting involving multiple outside agencies that occurred early Thursday near Interstate 29 and Interstate 435, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez .&nbsp; Few details are available. Northbound Interstate 29 was closed at Cookingham during the investigation.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KCPD updates details on fatal officer-involved shooting near KCI

A three-time Olympic gold medalist softball player, Leah Amico visited St. Joseph and spoke to residents at the Civic Arena during the National Day of Prayer.  

Amico says she hopes what people took away from her message that their impact in the community matters 

"That their voice matters, that they all have different positions to go out and to be used for God's glory that he has placed them here," Amico tells reporters.  "And I want them to be the leaders that they're capable of." 

Amico says she speaks in many different communities and to many different cultures and was humbled to speak to the St. Joseph audience 

"I know that every place that I get to go that I'm going to take something away as well, so it's been fun just seeing this town," Amico says.  "And I know it's short, I'll be here until Saturday, but it's awesome, I'm very thankful to be here." 

Amico told stories to a crowd gathered at the Civic arena about her faith, perseverance, leadership, and purpose.  

Amico says in her life some lessons she learned about leadership she spreads to others are that as you work to be your best, you want others to be their best as well.  

"To many times people think they have to step on others in order to become great, but I really believe in the team mentality, win-win mentality," Amico explains.  "I think the best leaders are servant leaders, they work alongside those that they're leading, and they actually show them how to do it better, they live it out themselves first, so to me that's leadership is really the influence but mostly a positive influence." 

Amico won three gold medals with Team USA softball and two national championships at Arizona.  She is a member of the Arizona Hall of Fame as well as the USA Softball Hall of Fame.  

Amico says she believes the best leaders are the ones that not only persevere, but are also resilient 

"I think that's such a huge aspect of anyone that's going to be successful, not just once but time and time again, and to me it's not about getting knocked down it's how fast can you get back up, not even just getting back up but how fast can you get back up, learning the lessons you need to learn in order to advance and move forward," Amico says.  "So, for me I talk about advancing through adversity, failing forward fast, and ultimately using the struggle to make you stronger." 

Amico was the keynote speaker during the 14th annual Mayor's prayer breakfast which is held in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746130949250.jpeg" alt="Olympic gold medalist Leah Amico spoke during the 14th annual Mayor's prayer breakfast in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Olympic gold medalist Leah Amico spoke during the 14th annual Mayor's prayer breakfast in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A three-time Olympic gold medalist softball player, Leah Amico visited St. Joseph and spoke to residents at the Civic Arena during the National Day of Prayer. Amico says she hopes what people took away from her message that their impact in the community matters "That their voice matters, that they all have different positions to go out and to be used for God's glory that he has placed them here," Amico tells reporters. "And I want them to be the leaders that they're capable of." Amico says she speaks in many different communities and to many different cultures and was humbled to speak to the St. Joseph audience "I know that every place that I get to go that I'm going to take something away as well, so it's been fun just seeing this town," Amico says. "And I know it's short, I'll be here until Saturday, but it's awesome, I'm very thankful to be here." Amico told stories to a crowd gathered at the Civic arena about her faith, perseverance, leadership, and purpose. Amico says in her life some lessons she learned about leadership she spreads to others are that as you work to be your best, you want others to be their best as well. "To many times people think they have to step on others in order to become great, but I really believe in the team mentality, win-win mentality," Amico explains. "I think the best leaders are servant leaders, they work alongside those that they're leading, and they actually show them how to do it better, they live it out themselves first, so to me that's leadership is really the influence but mostly a positive influence." Amico won three gold medals with Team USA softball and two national championships at Arizona. She is a member of the Arizona Hall of Fame as well as the USA Softball Hall of Fame. Amico says she believes the best leaders are the ones that not only persevere, but are also resilient "I think that's such a huge aspect of anyone that's going to be successful, not just once but time and time again, and to me it's not about getting knocked down it's how fast can you get back up, not even just getting back up but how fast can you get back up, learning the lessons you need to learn in order to advance and move forward," Amico says. "So, for me I talk about advancing through adversity, failing forward fast, and ultimately using the struggle to make you stronger." Amico was the keynote speaker during the 14th annual Mayor's prayer breakfast which is held in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Olympic medalist encourages St. Joseph residents to become leaders

If you dig this
spring, call 8-1-1 first.

Spire Damage
Prevention Manager, Alan Meyer, says if you have a home project that involves
putting a shovel in the ground, call 8-1-1 first so all the utilities lines on
your property can be marked.

“Once those
markings are placed, then we encourage people to dig safely around those lines,”
Meyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “In the state of Missouri there is a
tolerance zone on the utility of 24 inches. So, we ask anybody to respect that
tolerance zone, dig away from the marks, and back into the mark. That protects
both them and the community.”

Meyer reminds
homeowners the call is free and the service is free.

The law requires
homeowners and contractors to call 8-1-1 and have the utilities marked before
beginning a project. 

Meyer Spire says
not to get hung up on the size of the project, but to just give 8-1-1 a call.

“The locate is
free in itself, right? Why not just be safe, no matter how shallow, how deep
you are going, whether you think you know where the utilities are or not?” Spire
asks. “Just make that free call. Let the professionals come out. Get those
lines marked and, again, it keeps you and the community you’re working around safe.”

Meyer says it has
been a long winter and homeowners are eager to get out and get to those
projects.

“You do see more
of those homeowners’ projects out there where somebody’s getting to that fence
they wanted to put up, maybe install that irrigation system, a pet fence, a basketball
goal, a deck, a pool; any of those things,” Meyer says. “This is the perfect
time.”

It takes about two
to three days for the utilities lines to be marked on your property after you
make the call to 8-1-1.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIf you dig this
spring, call 8-1-1 first.It is the law.Spire Damage
Prevention Manager, Alan Meyer, says if you have a home project that involves
putting a shovel in the ground, call 8-1-1 first so all the utilities lines on
your property can be marked.“Once those
markings are placed, then we encourage people to dig safely around those lines,”
Meyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “In the state of Missouri there is a
tolerance zone on the utility of 24 inches. So, we ask anybody to respect that
tolerance zone, dig away from the marks, and back into the mark. That protects
both them and the community.”Meyer reminds
homeowners the call is free and the service is free.The law requires
homeowners and contractors to call 8-1-1 and have the utilities marked before
beginning a project. Meyer Spire says
not to get hung up on the size of the project, but to just give 8-1-1 a call.“The locate is
free in itself, right? Why not just be safe, no matter how shallow, how deep
you are going, whether you think you know where the utilities are or not?” Spire
asks. “Just make that free call. Let the professionals come out. Get those
lines marked and, again, it keeps you and the community you’re working around safe.”Meyer says it has
been a long winter and homeowners are eager to get out and get to those
projects.“You do see more
of those homeowners’ projects out there where somebody’s getting to that fence
they wanted to put up, maybe install that irrigation system, a pet fence, a basketball
goal, a deck, a pool; any of those things,” Meyer says. “This is the perfect
time.”It takes about two
to three days for the utilities lines to be marked on your property after you
make the call to 8-1-1.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Getting out for a home project this spring? Call 811 first

As the St. Joseph Performing Arts Association announces a new season of entertainment acts coming to town, they are also announcing a new stage name.  

The name of the association will not change, but when it comes to performances it will be known as 816 Live!  

Executive Director Paul Storiale says the stage name is designed to reflect the associations vision for the future and a renewed commitment to make live performances more accessible and recognizable 

"You know we're not getting rid of our history, we're going to remain the Performing Arts Association as the organization, but the 816 Live is about embracing the future, kind of bringing more people into our world," Storiale tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

Storiale says a hope with the new name is to be recognizable and for people to group the name and what they do in the same moment 

"We want them immediately when they see our name, they know exactly what we do," Storiale explains.  "We have known for a long time that people don't know the difference between us and other arts organizations, and this kind of differentiates us from others, and immediately they know what we're going to be doing when they see our name, they know what they're going to be seeing." 

Storiale says the goal of changing the name is to attract people outside of St. Joseph, from areas such as Kansas City 

"And so why not show them hey we're the same, come on up here and see a show, you don't only have to go to Kansas City," Storiale says.  "You can drive a little while, take a quick road trip and see some top tier entertainment." 

The new season for 816 Live kicks off in September with Randy Travis at the Missouri Theatre.  The Performing Arts Association will be announcing several other acts coming today. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post As the St. Joseph Performing Arts Association announces a new season of entertainment acts coming to town, they are also announcing a new stage name. The name of the association will not change, but when it comes to performances it will be known as 816 Live! Executive Director Paul Storiale says the stage name is designed to reflect the associations vision for the future and a renewed commitment to make live performances more accessible and recognizable "You know we're not getting rid of our history, we're going to remain the Performing Arts Association as the organization, but the 816 Live is about embracing the future, kind of bringing more people into our world," Storiale tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Storiale says a hope with the new name is to be recognizable and for people to group the name and what they do in the same moment "We want them immediately when they see our name, they know exactly what we do," Storiale explains. "We have known for a long time that people don't know the difference between us and other arts organizations, and this kind of differentiates us from others, and immediately they know what we're going to be doing when they see our name, they know what they're going to be seeing." Storiale says the goal of changing the name is to attract people outside of St. Joseph, from areas such as Kansas City "And so why not show them hey we're the same, come on up here and see a show, you don't only have to go to Kansas City," Storiale says. "You can drive a little while, take a quick road trip and see some top tier entertainment." The new season for 816 Live kicks off in September with Randy Travis at the Missouri Theatre. The Performing Arts Association will be announcing several other acts coming today. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph Performing Arts Association now going by 816 Live on stage

Get out on the golf course next week and help support the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art.  

Museum Director Eric Fusuon says Monday will be the first ever Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art Golf Tournament 

"We'll have a $10,000 hole in one available, it's $90 per player, $360 per team," Fuson tells KFEQmmunity host Brent Martin.  "We're really looking forward to getting out there and getting outdoors a bit, we're all museum people we don't get outdoors very often." 

Fuson says the idea came from a board member who had played in several golf tournaments and wanted to help put one on for the museum. 

"That's something else I don't think people realize is the volunteers, the network that we have of people that step up and say you know what I'm not really into art that much maybe but I know how to do this or that, or can I help you with this because i like what you're doing," Fuson explains.  "One of our board members just said Hey I'd like to help with that and sure enough he's done a lot of the work." 

There are limited spaces available to golf.  There are also still several sponsorship opportunities available.  

You can visit the museum's website for more information.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Get out on the golf course next week and help support the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art. Museum Director Eric Fusuon says Monday will be the first ever Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art Golf Tournament "We'll have a $10,000 hole in one available, it's $90 per player, $360 per team," Fuson tells KFEQmmunity host Brent Martin. "We're really looking forward to getting out there and getting outdoors a bit, we're all museum people we don't get outdoors very often." Fuson says the idea came from a board member who had played in several golf tournaments and wanted to help put one on for the museum. "That's something else I don't think people realize is the volunteers, the network that we have of people that step up and say you know what I'm not really into art that much maybe but I know how to do this or that, or can I help you with this because i like what you're doing," Fuson explains. "One of our board members just said Hey I'd like to help with that and sure enough he's done a lot of the work." There are limited spaces available to golf. There are also still several sponsorship opportunities available. You can visit the museum's website for more information.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Albrecht Kemper holds first ever golf tournament to benefit museum

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3Bx46WKu3I4r5rko80kz83?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5bEmfYuVSmJrkSiqFsXB91?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

A proposal to open school district boundaries garnered five hours of discussion Wednesday without resolution

&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>

The split among Senate Republicans over a bill allowing Missouri students to&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB711&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">enroll in neighboring school districts</a>&nbsp;widened to a chasm they could not bridge Wednesday after the legislation was tied to an obligation to fully fund public education.

The state Senate debated the legislation, dubbed “open enrollment,” for five hours, finally setting it aside when no agreement could be reached.

When the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/open-enrollment-bill-clears-missouri-house-for-fifth-year-in-a-row/">passed the Missouri House</a>&nbsp;in March for the fifth consecutive year, 22 of the chamber’s 110 Republicans voted against it. A similar split in the Senate, combined with Democratic opposition, led to Wednesday’s impasse.

The debate marked the first time it reached full Senate.

The bill’s House sponsor, state Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Republican from Sedalia, has fine-tuned the bill over the years to settle concerns and win over GOP skeptics.

At its core, the legislation would allow school districts to enroll students outside of its boundaries to fill open seats and collect the state funding for those students. Provisions like the maximum number of students that could leave their home district each year have changed over time, with the House passing a 3% cap on departing students and a Senate committee giving the cap room to expand to 5% in some situations.

Any changes made in the Senate will need to win approval in the House, where the margin is very slim. And the bill brought to up for debate Wednesday by state Sen. Curtis Trent, a Springfield Republican, is loaded with changes reaching into other K-12 education matters.

Pollitt told The Independent that he was part of discussions in both the Senate committee substitute and the floor substitute, confident the changes wouldn’t kill the legislation if it returns to the House.

Behind closed doors, the 22-page bill approved by the House ballooned into a 107-page education package negotiated without input from Senate Democrats.

Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, said he received a copy of the bill shortly before the Senate convened.

“This large piece of policy is coming before the body, and we haven’t even had a chance to have input on it, which we’ve done in the past on numerous big bills around here that you know about,” Beck said. “We are basically shut out of this process.”

Trent said school districts and other stakeholders were consulted, adding that Beck could offer amendments on the floor.

Beck challenged Trent’s confidence in the negotiations.

“I don’t think there’s consensus in your own caucus on this bill,” he said, saying Senate Republicans had asked him if he was going to “kill this thing.”

The division emerged when state Sen. Lincoln Hough, the chamber’s other Springfield Republican, added provisions that would pause open enrollment in years that the state does not fully fund the formula that determines state aid for public schools. The pause, under Hough’s additions, would also occur if teacher salary grants or district transportation costs were not fully funded.

“This body has a tendency to pass laws and then not necessarily… financially support the legislation that we adopt,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746095460161.png" alt="&nbsp;Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, introduces a bill on the Senate floor during the 2024 legislative session. This year, he is carrying a bill from the House that would allow students to enroll in neighboring districts (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, introduces a bill on the Senate floor during the 2024 legislative session. This year, he is carrying a bill from the House that would allow students to enroll in neighboring districts (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A proposal to open school district boundaries garnered five hours of discussion Wednesday without resolution</h2>&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>The split among Senate Republicans over a bill allowing Missouri students to&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB711&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">enroll in neighboring school districts</a>&nbsp;widened to a chasm they could not bridge Wednesday after the legislation was tied to an obligation to fully fund public education.The state Senate debated the legislation, dubbed “open enrollment,” for five hours, finally setting it aside when no agreement could be reached.When the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/open-enrollment-bill-clears-missouri-house-for-fifth-year-in-a-row/">passed the Missouri House</a>&nbsp;in March for the fifth consecutive year, 22 of the chamber’s 110 Republicans voted against it. A similar split in the Senate, combined with Democratic opposition, led to Wednesday’s impasse.The debate marked the first time it reached full Senate.The bill’s House sponsor, state Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Republican from Sedalia, has fine-tuned the bill over the years to settle concerns and win over GOP skeptics.At its core, the legislation would allow school districts to enroll students outside of its boundaries to fill open seats and collect the state funding for those students. Provisions like the maximum number of students that could leave their home district each year have changed over time, with the House passing a 3% cap on departing students and a Senate committee giving the cap room to expand to 5% in some situations.Any changes made in the Senate will need to win approval in the House, where the margin is very slim. And the bill brought to up for debate Wednesday by state Sen. Curtis Trent, a Springfield Republican, is loaded with changes reaching into other K-12 education matters.Pollitt told The Independent that he was part of discussions in both the Senate committee substitute and the floor substitute, confident the changes wouldn’t kill the legislation if it returns to the House.Behind closed doors, the 22-page bill approved by the House ballooned into a 107-page education package negotiated without input from Senate Democrats.Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, said he received a copy of the bill shortly before the Senate convened.“This large piece of policy is coming before the body, and we haven’t even had a chance to have input on it, which we’ve done in the past on numerous big bills around here that you know about,” Beck said. “We are basically shut out of this process.”Trent said school districts and other stakeholders were consulted, adding that Beck could offer amendments on the floor.Beck challenged Trent’s confidence in the negotiations.“I don’t think there’s consensus in your own caucus on this bill,” he said, saying Senate Republicans had asked him if he was going to “kill this thing.”The division emerged when state Sen. Lincoln Hough, the chamber’s other Springfield Republican, added provisions that would pause open enrollment in years that the state does not fully fund the formula that determines state aid for public schools. The pause, under Hough’s additions, would also occur if teacher salary grants or district transportation costs were not fully funded.“This body has a tendency to pass laws and then not necessarily… financially support the legislation that we adopt,” he said.Hough, the appropriations committee chairman, is the Senate’s top voice on spending. His amendment, he said, would ensure that future state lawmakers adequately support funding that is key to public education and the operation of an open-enrollment system.Trent called the amendment a “special carve out” that could hinder future senators.“I don’t think that we should second guess the judgment of future general assemblies, nor should we hold a good idea hostage to arbitrary standards such as this,” he said.The narrow votes on Hough’s proposals showed the depth of the split. The transportation funding requirement was added on a 15-13 vote, then it and the other two requirements were approved 14-13.The standing division vote did not record individual members’ positions, but objections were raised when state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold, refused to take sides. Coleman raised a “point of order,” and Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina ruled that Coleman was within the rules.Pollitt did not comment on Hough’s amendments, saying only that he feels confident in the financial considerations because districts have to opt in to participate.“If they take kids one year and finance has changed drastically, then come around November 1 the next year, they can say, ‘You know what, we’re not going to opt in again,’” Pollitt said. “But those kids (already enrolled) get to stay.”Before the bill was laid over, Democratic Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern of Kansas City offered an amendment that would exclude charter schools from open enrollment. The inclusion of charters was not part of the version approved by the House and was added in the Senate Education Committee.Pollitt said he wasn’t opposed to including charter schools in the legislation, since lawmakers added provisions that would protect local tax dollars from going to students outside the district who enroll in a charter school.Nurrenbern’s amendment did not come to a vote.

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