St. Joseph voters Tuesday
rejected a $157 million bond issue proposed by the St. Joseph School District
to finance a new high school.

Unofficial results
released by the Buchanan County Clerk’s office disclose that 6,081 voters cast
ballots against the proposal with only 5,262 voting in favor; a split of
53-46%. The issue would have raised the school tax levy by 60 cents. It needed
a 57% majority to pass.

St. Joseph Board
of Education Vice President, Mike Moore, says the community missed an
opportunity.

“As we think about
as a community competing with other regional schools for talent - teachers,
staff, coaches; and as we even think about competing with families to move to
the community of St. Joseph we’re falling behind, clearly,” Moore tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Moore says the
results are disappointing, but not discouraging, though he says it will have an
impact on morale.

“Probably more importantly
is the message it sends to our kids and our staff,” Moore says. “Talked to a
lot of staff tonight (Tue.). They’re very disappointed.”

Moore says the
defeat leaves the district with problems that have not been addressed.

“We have serious problems
that include completely inequitable academic and activity offerings among the
three high schools today,” Moore says. “We have a feeder system that is
confusing and makes no sense from elementary to middle to high schools. We have
a middle school model that’s inconsistent across the community.”

The proposal to
build a new high school in south St. Joseph would have fit with the St. Joseph
School District long-range plan to reduce the number of high schools from three
to two.

Moore says the
school board still intends to carrying out the plan.

“I believe that
the votes are there and the commitment is there to move ahead and make those
improvements that I talked about even in light of this defeat.”

The school bond
issue passed in only four of the 15 precincts with the St. Joseph School
District. A bit more than 24% of the registered voters in Buchanan County cast
ballots in Tuesday’s elections.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph voters Tuesday
rejected a $157 million bond issue proposed by the St. Joseph School District
to finance a new high school.Unofficial results
released by the Buchanan County Clerk’s office disclose that 6,081 voters cast
ballots against the proposal with only 5,262 voting in favor; a split of
53-46%. The issue would have raised the school tax levy by 60 cents. It needed
a 57% majority to pass.St. Joseph Board
of Education Vice President, Mike Moore, says the community missed an
opportunity.“As we think about
as a community competing with other regional schools for talent - teachers,
staff, coaches; and as we even think about competing with families to move to
the community of St. Joseph we’re falling behind, clearly,” Moore tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Moore says the
results are disappointing, but not discouraging, though he says it will have an
impact on morale.“Probably more importantly
is the message it sends to our kids and our staff,” Moore says. “Talked to a
lot of staff tonight (Tue.). They’re very disappointed.”Moore says the
defeat leaves the district with problems that have not been addressed.“We have serious problems
that include completely inequitable academic and activity offerings among the
three high schools today,” Moore says. “We have a feeder system that is
confusing and makes no sense from elementary to middle to high schools. We have
a middle school model that’s inconsistent across the community.”The proposal to
build a new high school in south St. Joseph would have fit with the St. Joseph
School District long-range plan to reduce the number of high schools from three
to two.Moore says the
school board still intends to carrying out the plan.“I believe that
the votes are there and the commitment is there to move ahead and make those
improvements that I talked about even in light of this defeat.”The school bond
issue passed in only four of the 15 precincts with the St. Joseph School
District. A bit more than 24% of the registered voters in Buchanan County cast
ballots in Tuesday’s elections.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph school board VP contends city missed an opportunity in bond issue defeat

BROWN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6a.m. Wednesday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy Silverado driven by Charles Hopp, 98, Highland was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of Hiawatha.

The pickup traveled left of center and sideswiped an eastbound 2011 Nissan Altima driven by DeAndre&nbsp;Harris, 31, Sabetha. After impact the pickup traveled into the south ditch and struck a KDOT fence. The Nissan rotated counter clockwise off the roadway to the south and came to rest in the ditch.

Harris was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. EMS transported Hopp to KU Medical Center.&nbsp; Harris was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6a.m. Wednesday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy Silverado driven by Charles Hopp, 98, Highland was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of Hiawatha.The pickup traveled left of center and sideswiped an eastbound 2011 Nissan Altima driven by DeAndre&nbsp;Harris, 31, Sabetha. After impact the pickup traveled into the south ditch and struck a KDOT fence. The Nissan rotated counter clockwise off the roadway to the south and came to rest in the ditch.Harris was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. EMS transported Hopp to KU Medical Center.&nbsp; Harris was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after pickup sideswipes a car

Legendary UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field motivated a roomful of St. Joseph residents on ways to be better leaders with stories of her journey.  

Kondos Field says she hopes people take from her message that whatever they do, they enjoy it, it's challenging and fulfilling, and that they win the day, but says while that's what you do, that's not who you are 

"And when we can focus on who we are and sharing that with every single person we come in contact with throughout the day, I mean imagine if everybody in the world literally just shared their inner light with everyone, every moment of the day," Kondos Field tells reporters.  "I mean this world would literally just be palpable and pulsating with light, that is my goal." 

Kondos Field coached at UCLA for 28 years, winning seven national championships, and four Pac-12 coach of the year awards.  She retired in 2019.  

Kondos Field says when she retired, she knew she wanted to be able to share everything she had learned and have an impact 

"It's not about the money, it's not about more celebrity, it's not about any of that, I just want to be able to share what I have learned through my experience in the coaching world," Kondos Field explains.  "Especially having the blessing to be around people such as the great John Wooden, I mean what a blessing that was to have him in my life as like my grandfather."

Kondos Field had a pretty legendary mentor in another coaching legend, John Wooden.  

Kondos Field says she learned from Wooden the value of being yourself, and remembers a moment after winning her fourth national championship, when a reporter called her "the next John Wooden" during an interview alongside Coach Wooden 

"Before I could just say no, no, no that's blasphemy, Coach Wooden chimed in and he said, why would she want to be another Coach Wooden when she could be a great Valorie Kondos Field," Kondos Field recalls. 

Kondos Field says Wooden saying that helped release her from even trying to be like him 

"And just really realize who I was created to be, what God created me to be and all my blessings, and let's just fortify those and bring those to my work every day," Kondos Field says. 

Kondos Field spoke at Word of Life Church as part of a series put on by the Joseph Company.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744200888846.jpeg" alt="Legendary UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field spoke to St. Joseph residents at Word of Life Church about things she learned during her coaching career that helped shape her life and the way she lives and leads/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Legendary UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field spoke to St. Joseph residents at Word of Life Church about things she learned during her coaching career that helped shape her life and the way she lives and leads/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Legendary UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field motivated a roomful of St. Joseph residents on ways to be better leaders with stories of her journey. Kondos Field says she hopes people take from her message that whatever they do, they enjoy it, it's challenging and fulfilling, and that they win the day, but says while that's what you do, that's not who you are "And when we can focus on who we are and sharing that with every single person we come in contact with throughout the day, I mean imagine if everybody in the world literally just shared their inner light with everyone, every moment of the day," Kondos Field tells reporters. "I mean this world would literally just be palpable and pulsating with light, that is my goal." Kondos Field coached at UCLA for 28 years, winning seven national championships, and four Pac-12 coach of the year awards. She retired in 2019. Kondos Field says when she retired, she knew she wanted to be able to share everything she had learned and have an impact "It's not about the money, it's not about more celebrity, it's not about any of that, I just want to be able to share what I have learned through my experience in the coaching world," Kondos Field explains. "Especially having the blessing to be around people such as the great John Wooden, I mean what a blessing that was to have him in my life as like my grandfather."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744200931406.jpeg" alt="Valorie Kondos Field/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Valorie Kondos Field/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Kondos Field had a pretty legendary mentor in another coaching legend, John Wooden. Kondos Field says she learned from Wooden the value of being yourself, and remembers a moment after winning her fourth national championship, when a reporter called her "the next John Wooden" during an interview alongside Coach Wooden "Before I could just say no, no, no that's blasphemy, Coach Wooden chimed in and he said, why would she want to be another Coach Wooden when she could be a great Valorie Kondos Field," Kondos Field recalls. Kondos Field says Wooden saying that helped release her from even trying to be like him "And just really realize who I was created to be, what God created me to be and all my blessings, and let's just fortify those and bring those to my work every day," Kondos Field says. Kondos Field spoke at Word of Life Church as part of a series put on by the Joseph Company.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744201022702.jpeg" alt="Wes Simmons (left) of the Joseph Company spoke with Valorie Kondos Field (middle). also known as Miss Val, and her husband Bobby Field (far right) during a presentation at Word of Life Church/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Wes Simmons (left) of the Joseph Company spoke with Valorie Kondos Field (middle). also known as Miss Val, and her husband Bobby Field (far right) during a presentation at Word of Life Church/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Legendary UCLA gymnastics coach 'Miss Val' shares life lessons with St. Joseph

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-492025-e31aeo6/a-absjet9" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-492025-e31aemj/a-absjer8" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

NEMAHA COUNTY —The community of Seneca, Kansas will honor a beloved priest who was shot and killed last week .

Father Arul Carasala&nbsp;will lie in state at Saints Peter &amp; Paul Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Rosary prayers will be offered at 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM, according to Lauer Funeral Home.

He will lie in state with an overnight vigil until 9:00 AM on Thursday.&nbsp; A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 10, 2025. 

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/nTkaBA4zrAY">Click here to view </a>the Mass streamed on YouTube.&nbsp;

 Following the service, Father Arul will return to India, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at his home parish, Sacred Heart Church, Kilachery Parish in Kilacheri, Tamil Nadu. His Funeral Mass will be live streamed on YouTube. He will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Church Cemetery with his parents.

Memorials may be made to Fr. Arul Carasala Memorial 411 Pioneer Seneca, Kansas 66538.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.lauerfuneralhome.com/obituary/father-arul-raj-balaswamy-carasala/">Click here to read the full obituary.</a>

Gary Hermesch, 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. was charged Friday with Carasal's murder. He is being held in the Nemaha County Jail in lieu of $1 million bond, according to the Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert.

The charging complaint says that Hermesch “intentionally and with premeditation” killed Carasala, Lippert said. Authorities have not released a possible motive for the shooting or said whether the suspect and the priest knew each other.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744196756788.png" alt="Father Arul Carasala" />
 <figcaption>Father Arul Carasala</figcaption>
 </figure>NEMAHA COUNTY —The community of Seneca, Kansas will honor a beloved priest who was shot and killed last week .Father Arul Carasala&nbsp;will lie in state at Saints Peter &amp; Paul Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Rosary prayers will be offered at 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM, according to Lauer Funeral Home.He will lie in state with an overnight vigil until 9:00 AM on Thursday.&nbsp; A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 10, 2025. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/nTkaBA4zrAY">Click here to view </a>the Mass streamed on YouTube.&nbsp; Following the service, Father Arul will return to India, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at his home parish, Sacred Heart Church, Kilachery Parish in Kilacheri, Tamil Nadu. His Funeral Mass will be live streamed on YouTube. He will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Church Cemetery with his parents.Memorials may be made to Fr. Arul Carasala Memorial 411 Pioneer Seneca, Kansas 66538.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.lauerfuneralhome.com/obituary/father-arul-raj-balaswamy-carasala/">Click here to read the full obituary.</a>Gary Hermesch, 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. was charged Friday with Carasal's murder. He is being held in the Nemaha County Jail in lieu of $1 million bond, according to the Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert.The charging complaint says that Hermesch “intentionally and with premeditation” killed Carasala, Lippert said. Authorities have not released a possible motive for the shooting or said whether the suspect and the priest knew each other.

Memorial services for slain Kansas priest

The bill’s sponsor has sought to give schools more ‘room for innovation’ for over a decade

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 Missouri Senate set aside legislation Tuesday afternoon proposing alternative methods of school certification after senators discussed the impact of standardized testing and accountability for nearly two hours.

State Sen. Jill Carter, a Granby Republican, has filed the bill during each of her three years in office, but it has never passed the Senate. On Monday, she unsuccessfully attempted to add the legislation as an amendment to another education bill.

The bill debated Tuesday, she explained, is the brainchild of her time as a public-school parent.

She sought change in her local school district, talking first to parents, then to teachers and the school board. The hangup came from state officials, she said, who mandate that public schools administer a standardized test and score districts on the results.

She came to the State Capitol asking lawmakers to give school boards more autonomy. Now in the position of legislator, she has annually proposed her idea to decentralize standardized tests.

“It is putting public schools on the same playing field, giving them the same opportunities as private schools or parochial schools,” she said in the Senate Tuesday afternoon. “What we’re trying to do is get an even playing field so that they have the opportunity to be innovative.”

But her bill, which received praise from public-school groups at the committee level, has its critics in the state’s legislature.

State Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, told Carter that he has concerns about accountability.

“There (should be) accountability when we are writing a taxpayer check and sending it to a government school,” he said.

Carter’s bill would allow schools to seek accreditation from national organizations, like those used by private schools, instead of being beholden to standards set by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The statewide standardized test, the Missouri Assessment Program, would only be used to meet federal requirements.

Carter added a five-year sunset to the bill, hoping to win over skeptics in the Senate, but it wasn’t enough to convince Trent. Districts would have no incentive to perform well without a performance report from the state, he told her.

Carter pointed to legislation that would allow public-school students to transfer to schools outside their address, dubbed open enrollment. Trent is sponsoring the Senate’s version of the proposal, which has sat on the body’s calendar for weeks without discussion. The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/open-enrollment-bill-clears-missouri-house-for-fifth-year-in-a-row/">House’s open enrollment legislation</a>&nbsp;is due for Senate debate in coming days, with a Senate committee hearing scheduled for later this week.

“This is a both-and conversation and not an either-or,” Carter said.

Trent feared lawmakers would lose their grip on public schools if national accreditation agencies became responsible for assessing school performance.

“If we decouple the assessments from the accreditation process, we have to put something else in place that this body still has control of,” he said. “We don’t have any control over these nationwide accrediting agencies, so we will have ceded all of our authority as the General Assembly of Missouri from any control over these government schools.”

Despite opposition from Trent, the bill has supporters on both sides of the aisle.

State Sen. Mike Henderson, a Desloge Republican, said he has concerns about the state’s standardized test and wonders whether performance scores are accurate after speaking with his 12-year-old grandson about the assessment.

“He has already figured out (the test) didn’t really mean anything to him. It didn’t affect his grade,” Henderson said. “And he’s not the only one. Many of them have figured that out, so sometimes I wonder how true of a snapshot it is.”

State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat and former educator, applauded the bill for the “flexibility” teachers would get in the classroom.

“If we were to pass this, we would see drastic improvement and education,” she said, saying that educators are currently “handcuffed by state tests.”

After just under two hours of discussion, Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer, a Parkville Republican, whispered to Carter, and she laid the bill aside, saying time had run out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744194859967.png" alt="State Sen. Jill Carter, a Republican from Granby, presents a bill in a Senate committee earlier this year. She first started coming to the Missouri State Capitol as a public-school parent advocating for change for her son's school (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Jill Carter, a Republican from Granby, presents a bill in a Senate committee earlier this year. She first started coming to the Missouri State Capitol as a public-school parent advocating for change for her son's school (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The bill’s sponsor has sought to give schools more ‘room for innovation’ for over a decade</h2>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 Missouri Senate set aside legislation Tuesday afternoon proposing alternative methods of school certification after senators discussed the impact of standardized testing and accountability for nearly two hours.State Sen. Jill Carter, a Granby Republican, has filed the bill during each of her three years in office, but it has never passed the Senate. On Monday, she unsuccessfully attempted to add the legislation as an amendment to another education bill.The bill debated Tuesday, she explained, is the brainchild of her time as a public-school parent.She sought change in her local school district, talking first to parents, then to teachers and the school board. The hangup came from state officials, she said, who mandate that public schools administer a standardized test and score districts on the results.She came to the State Capitol asking lawmakers to give school boards more autonomy. Now in the position of legislator, she has annually proposed her idea to decentralize standardized tests.“It is putting public schools on the same playing field, giving them the same opportunities as private schools or parochial schools,” she said in the Senate Tuesday afternoon. “What we’re trying to do is get an even playing field so that they have the opportunity to be innovative.”But her bill, which received praise from public-school groups at the committee level, has its critics in the state’s legislature.State Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, told Carter that he has concerns about accountability.“There (should be) accountability when we are writing a taxpayer check and sending it to a government school,” he said.Carter’s bill would allow schools to seek accreditation from national organizations, like those used by private schools, instead of being beholden to standards set by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.The statewide standardized test, the Missouri Assessment Program, would only be used to meet federal requirements.Carter added a five-year sunset to the bill, hoping to win over skeptics in the Senate, but it wasn’t enough to convince Trent. Districts would have no incentive to perform well without a performance report from the state, he told her.Carter pointed to legislation that would allow public-school students to transfer to schools outside their address, dubbed open enrollment. Trent is sponsoring the Senate’s version of the proposal, which has sat on the body’s calendar for weeks without discussion. The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/open-enrollment-bill-clears-missouri-house-for-fifth-year-in-a-row/">House’s open enrollment legislation</a>&nbsp;is due for Senate debate in coming days, with a Senate committee hearing scheduled for later this week.“This is a both-and conversation and not an either-or,” Carter said.Trent feared lawmakers would lose their grip on public schools if national accreditation agencies became responsible for assessing school performance.“If we decouple the assessments from the accreditation process, we have to put something else in place that this body still has control of,” he said. “We don’t have any control over these nationwide accrediting agencies, so we will have ceded all of our authority as the General Assembly of Missouri from any control over these government schools.”Despite opposition from Trent, the bill has supporters on both sides of the aisle.State Sen. Mike Henderson, a Desloge Republican, said he has concerns about the state’s standardized test and wonders whether performance scores are accurate after speaking with his 12-year-old grandson about the assessment.“He has already figured out (the test) didn’t really mean anything to him. It didn’t affect his grade,” Henderson said. “And he’s not the only one. Many of them have figured that out, so sometimes I wonder how true of a snapshot it is.”State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat and former educator, applauded the bill for the “flexibility” teachers would get in the classroom.“If we were to pass this, we would see drastic improvement and education,” she said, saying that educators are currently “handcuffed by state tests.”After just under two hours of discussion, Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer, a Parkville Republican, whispered to Carter, and she laid the bill aside, saying time had run out.

School accreditation bill stalls in Missouri Senate after discussion of standardized tests

St. Joseph voters
soundly defeated a $157 million school bond issue on the ballot Tuesday.

Unofficial results
from the Buchanan County Clerk’s office disclose 6,081 voters cast ballots
against the measure with only 5,262 voting in favor; a split of 53.6% against to
46.3% in favor. The issue, which would have increased the St. Joseph school
levy by 60 cents, needed a 57% majority to pass.

The St. Joseph
School District had proposed the bond issue to pay for a new high school to be
built in south St. Joseph as the district moves to reduce high schools in the
city from three to two.

Six candidates appeared
on the ballot for two seats on the St. Joseph Board of Education.

Jennifer Kerns led
all candidates, receiving 4,836 votes, or 23% of the vote. Incumbent Kim Miller
finished second, retaining her seat, with 4,391 voters, or 21% of the vote.
Brian Kirk came in third, garnering 3,859 votes, or 18.45%. Cassandra Veale, former
school board member Kenneth Reeder, and James Mrkvicka rounded out the field.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph voters
soundly defeated a $157 million school bond issue on the ballot Tuesday.Unofficial results
from the Buchanan County Clerk’s office disclose 6,081 voters cast ballots
against the measure with only 5,262 voting in favor; a split of 53.6% against to
46.3% in favor. The issue, which would have increased the St. Joseph school
levy by 60 cents, needed a 57% majority to pass.The St. Joseph
School District had proposed the bond issue to pay for a new high school to be
built in south St. Joseph as the district moves to reduce high schools in the
city from three to two.Six candidates appeared
on the ballot for two seats on the St. Joseph Board of Education.Jennifer Kerns led
all candidates, receiving 4,836 votes, or 23% of the vote. Incumbent Kim Miller
finished second, retaining her seat, with 4,391 voters, or 21% of the vote.
Brian Kirk came in third, garnering 3,859 votes, or 18.45%. Cassandra Veale, former
school board member Kenneth Reeder, and James Mrkvicka rounded out the field.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph voters defeat $157M bond issue; Kerns, Miller elected to school board

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Kenworth semi driven by a 50-year-old Belle Plaine, Iowa man was northbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Lathrop. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It traveled off the east side of the road, struck a group of trees and a fence.

Cameron ambulance transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Kenworth semi driven by a 50-year-old Belle Plaine, Iowa man was northbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Lathrop. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It traveled off the east side of the road, struck a group of trees and a fence.Cameron ambulance transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver injured after semi strikes trees and a fence

Voters are heading to the polls for today's municipal election.  

But in looking at the history of April elections, Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey says she's not expecting a very high turnout today 

"I did a little research on the past five April elections, and they average out to be a 20% turnout," Baack-Garvey tells KFEQ News.  "So, I'm going to stick with that number, I hope I'm wrong and it's higher, maybe we'll hit 25%, but that's what I'm just kind of sticking through looking at the history of these April elections." 

Baack-Garvey&nbsp; says she's unsure why the April numbers are usually lower than during a presidential election year 

"I feel like a broken record, but I think April elections are just as important as a presidential," Baack-Garvey explains.  "It affects you immediately right here at home, your school board district members, the tax issues that could be going on, those affect you right away, so I have always wondered why people don't really show up to vote in April." 

Most major issues on the ballot focus on the St. Joseph School District. The district has placed a $157 Million bond issue on the ballot, one that proposes building a new high school in St. Joseph as the district moves from a three high school model to two. 

St. Joseph voters also will choose two candidates for the Board of Education from six on the ballot.  Polls close today at 7pm.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Voters are heading to the polls for today's municipal election. But in looking at the history of April elections, Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey says she's not expecting a very high turnout today "I did a little research on the past five April elections, and they average out to be a 20% turnout," Baack-Garvey tells KFEQ News. "So, I'm going to stick with that number, I hope I'm wrong and it's higher, maybe we'll hit 25%, but that's what I'm just kind of sticking through looking at the history of these April elections." Baack-Garvey&nbsp; says she's unsure why the April numbers are usually lower than during a presidential election year "I feel like a broken record, but I think April elections are just as important as a presidential," Baack-Garvey explains. "It affects you immediately right here at home, your school board district members, the tax issues that could be going on, those affect you right away, so I have always wondered why people don't really show up to vote in April." Most major issues on the ballot focus on the St. Joseph School District. The district has placed a $157 Million bond issue on the ballot, one that proposes building a new high school in St. Joseph as the district moves from a three high school model to two. St. Joseph voters also will choose two candidates for the Board of Education from six on the ballot. Polls close today at 7pm.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Low voter turnout expected during April election in Buchanan County

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-482025-e31903b/a-abshir8" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-482025-e318vpf/a-abshief" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

An Independence
woman has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for her part in a 2024 St.
Joseph murder.

Twenty-four-year-old
Melanie Myers has pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery in the November 10th
death of Dustin Allen Graham last year. Myers initially faced a second-degree
murder charge.

Buchanan County Circuit
Judge Daniel Kellogg sentenced Myers to 15 years in prison.

Prosecutors say Myers
lured Graham to a meeting in the 19-Hundred block of Jules Street in an
attempted robbery. Co-defendant, Brian Helm, blocked Graham’s vehicle with his
pickup, according to prosecutors, who accuse Helm of shooting Graham. Graham
attempted to escape, but could only drive a block. Graham was pronounced dead
later at the hospital.

Helm faces
numerous charges, including second-degree murder.

He is scheduled
for a trial later this month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744120606446.jpeg" alt="Melanie Myers/Buchanan County Jail photo" />
 <figcaption>Melanie Myers/Buchanan County Jail photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn Independence
woman has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for her part in a 2024 St.
Joseph murder.Twenty-four-year-old
Melanie Myers has pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery in the November 10th
death of Dustin Allen Graham last year. Myers initially faced a second-degree
murder charge.Buchanan County Circuit
Judge Daniel Kellogg sentenced Myers to 15 years in prison.Prosecutors say Myers
lured Graham to a meeting in the 19-Hundred block of Jules Street in an
attempted robbery. Co-defendant, Brian Helm, blocked Graham’s vehicle with his
pickup, according to prosecutors, who accuse Helm of shooting Graham. Graham
attempted to escape, but could only drive a block. Graham was pronounced dead
later at the hospital.Helm faces
numerous charges, including second-degree murder.He is scheduled
for a trial later this month.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Independence woman sentenced in St. Joseph murder

It’s election day
and much is at stake for the St. Joseph School District.

The district has
placed a $157 million bond issue on the ballot, one that proposes
building a new high school in St. Joseph as the district moves from a three
high school model to two.

St. Joseph voters
also will choose two candidates for the Board of Education from six on the
ballot.

Proposition 2 asks
voters to approve a 60 cent increase in the school tax levy. If approved, the
current levy would increase from 53 cents to $1.13 per $100 assessed valuation.
Approval would also validate long-range planning by the St. Joseph Board of
Education. The board says it wants to “right size” the district, not only
reducing the number of high schools, but reducing the elementary schools from
13 to 10. Benton and Lafayette High Schools will become middle schools under the plan.

The money raised from the measure would finance
construction of a new high school south of U.S. 36 Highway as well as land
acquisition. Money will also be put towards improvements and repairs of current
facilities.

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f1cf9ce5-8d7b-4485-a4e2-4bedf33fbe42">Six candidates vie
for two seats on the St. Joseph school board</a>. Incumbent Kim Miller is joined by
former school board member Kenneth Reeder, Brian Kirk, Cassandra Veale, James
Mrkvicka, and Jennifer Kerns.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744052611573.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Board of Education candidate forum/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Board of Education candidate forum/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt’s election day
and much is at stake for the St. Joseph School District.The district has
placed a $157 million bond issue on the ballot, one that proposes
building a new high school in St. Joseph as the district moves from a three
high school model to two.St. Joseph voters
also will choose two candidates for the Board of Education from six on the
ballot.Proposition 2 asks
voters to approve a 60 cent increase in the school tax levy. If approved, the
current levy would increase from 53 cents to $1.13 per $100 assessed valuation.
Approval would also validate long-range planning by the St. Joseph Board of
Education. The board says it wants to “right size” the district, not only
reducing the number of high schools, but reducing the elementary schools from
13 to 10. Benton and Lafayette High Schools will become middle schools under the plan.The money raised from the measure would finance
construction of a new high school south of U.S. 36 Highway as well as land
acquisition. Money will also be put towards improvements and repairs of current
facilities.<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f1cf9ce5-8d7b-4485-a4e2-4bedf33fbe42">Six candidates vie
for two seats on the St. Joseph school board</a>. Incumbent Kim Miller is joined by
former school board member Kenneth Reeder, Brian Kirk, Cassandra Veale, James
Mrkvicka, and Jennifer Kerns.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph voters decide direction of school district today

WORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Monday in Worth County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Cadillac driven by a 45-year-old Grant City man was northbound on U.S. 169 five miles north of Gentry. The driver fell asleep. The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, became airborne and overturned.

Worth County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic in Albany. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

WORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Monday in Worth County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Cadillac driven by a 45-year-old Grant City man was northbound on U.S. 169 five miles north of Gentry. The driver fell asleep. The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, became airborne and overturned.Worth County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic in Albany. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri driver fell asleep and car overturned

CLINTON COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda Civic driven by a 34-year-old Edgerton woman was eastbound on Route Z west of SW Reed Lane one mile northwest of Trimble. The car traveled off the right side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The car returned to the road, traveled off the north side of the road and rolled onto its top.

Tri-County ambulance transported the driver and two 14-year-old passengers to North Kansas City hospital. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda Civic driven by a 34-year-old Edgerton woman was eastbound on Route Z west of SW Reed Lane one mile northwest of Trimble. The car traveled off the right side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The car returned to the road, traveled off the north side of the road and rolled onto its top.Tri-County ambulance transported the driver and two 14-year-old passengers to North Kansas City hospital. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman, 2 teens injured in rollover crash

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Honda Odyssey driven by a 34-year-old Ravenwood Woman was southbound on MO 46 at Route W one mile south of Parnell. The Honda and a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder driven by a 16-year-old Parnell girl collided in the intersection.

Family transported a 4-year-old passenger in the Honda to Mosaic Maryville. Both drivers and the child were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Honda Odyssey driven by a 34-year-old Ravenwood Woman was southbound on MO 46 at Route W one mile south of Parnell. The Honda and a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder driven by a 16-year-old Parnell girl collided in the intersection.Family transported a 4-year-old passenger in the Honda to Mosaic Maryville. Both drivers and the child were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

4-year-old hospitalized after Nodaway Co. crash

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on new allegations after an arrest in March.

On April 3, Justin D. Metz, 42, Leavenworth, was charged with aggravated internet trading in child pornography according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He remains in the Atchison County Jail. This charge is the result of an on-going investigation by Atchison Police following the March 16th arrest of Metz for rape, kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery, and theft. 

On March 9th police began an investigation that focused on crimes committed against a 32-year-old woman that occurred at the Walmart store at 1920 U.S.73.in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The victim had reported that on the late afternoon of March 9th as she was leaving the store she was approached by a man who identified himself as being an asset protection officer with Walmart.

The man escorted her to a restroom at the back of of the store where he sexually assaulted her. It was quickly determined that the suspect was not working for Walmart. The investigation continued and on at around 4p.m. Sunday, police were notified that the suspect was back at Walmart, walking around the store.

Officers located&nbsp; 42-year-old Justin Metz inside the store and took him into custody on requested charges of kidnapping, rape, and sexual battery.

Bond on the latest charge was set at $2,000,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742227712683.png" alt="Metz photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Metz photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on new allegations after an arrest in March.On April 3, Justin D. Metz, 42, Leavenworth, was charged with aggravated internet trading in child pornography according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.He remains in the Atchison County Jail. This charge is the result of an on-going investigation by Atchison Police following the March 16th arrest of Metz for rape, kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery, and theft. On March 9th police began an investigation that focused on crimes committed against a 32-year-old woman that occurred at the Walmart store at 1920 U.S.73.in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The victim had reported that on the late afternoon of March 9th as she was leaving the store she was approached by a man who identified himself as being an asset protection officer with Walmart.The man escorted her to a restroom at the back of of the store where he sexually assaulted her. It was quickly determined that the suspect was not working for Walmart. The investigation continued and on at around 4p.m. Sunday, police were notified that the suspect was back at Walmart, walking around the store.Officers located&nbsp; 42-year-old Justin Metz inside the store and took him into custody on requested charges of kidnapping, rape, and sexual battery.Bond on the latest charge was set at $2,000,000.

Kan. man jailed for alleged rape of shopper faces new charge

Kansas Republican state lawmakers have
flexed their muscles this legislative session during clashes with Gov. Laura
Kelly, a Democrat.

State Sen. Craig Bowser of Holton, a
freshman Republican in the Kansas Senate, says that never came more into focus
than the battle over banning gender transition surgeries and medication for
minors.

“Basically, that protected children from
transgender mutilation,” Bowser tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Basically, anyone
under the age of 18 could not receive those surgeries or those drugs.”

The effort by the Kansas legislature had
been blocked by Kelly’s vetoes in the past.

“This year we have the votes necessary,”
Bowser says. “We did override her veto and so we are now able to protect our
children from these transgender reassignment surgeries here in the state.”

Kansas Republicans couldn’t muster the
votes necessary the past two years to enact the law over the objections of
Kelly. Her vetoes stood. Bowser says this year Republicans have benefitted from
larger majorities in both chambers in Topeka.

State Rep. Allen Reavis, a Republican
from Holton, acknowledges Republicans had been frustrated by vetoes from the
Democratic governor over legislation.

Reavis says a big test for Republicans
came early in this legislative session, when they tested their new majorities
by passing the same legislation banning gender transition medication.

“And both houses passed it and she vetoed
it and both houses overrode it,” Reavis points out. “That’s a good example. There
are some tight issues that before could be teeter tottered by one or two voters
and now we have that power to get things done.”

Reavis says Republicans’ super majority
status overcame two years of struggle against the governor’s objections.

“But with that comes a lot of
responsibility not to overplay the cards and give everybody a chance to be
heard,” according to Reavis.

In the Kansas House, Republican outnumber
Democrats 88-to-37.

In the Senate, Republicans hold a 31-to-9
majority.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKansas Republican state lawmakers have
flexed their muscles this legislative session during clashes with Gov. Laura
Kelly, a Democrat.State Sen. Craig Bowser of Holton, a
freshman Republican in the Kansas Senate, says that never came more into focus
than the battle over banning gender transition surgeries and medication for
minors.“Basically, that protected children from
transgender mutilation,” Bowser tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Basically, anyone
under the age of 18 could not receive those surgeries or those drugs.”The effort by the Kansas legislature had
been blocked by Kelly’s vetoes in the past.“This year we have the votes necessary,”
Bowser says. “We did override her veto and so we are now able to protect our
children from these transgender reassignment surgeries here in the state.”Kansas Republicans couldn’t muster the
votes necessary the past two years to enact the law over the objections of
Kelly. Her vetoes stood. Bowser says this year Republicans have benefitted from
larger majorities in both chambers in Topeka.State Rep. Allen Reavis, a Republican
from Holton, acknowledges Republicans had been frustrated by vetoes from the
Democratic governor over legislation.Reavis says a big test for Republicans
came early in this legislative session, when they tested their new majorities
by passing the same legislation banning gender transition medication.“And both houses passed it and she vetoed
it and both houses overrode it,” Reavis points out. “That’s a good example. There
are some tight issues that before could be teeter tottered by one or two voters
and now we have that power to get things done.”Reavis says Republicans’ super majority
status overcame two years of struggle against the governor’s objections.“But with that comes a lot of
responsibility not to overplay the cards and give everybody a chance to be
heard,” according to Reavis.In the Kansas House, Republican outnumber
Democrats 88-to-37.In the Senate, Republicans hold a 31-to-9
majority.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Kansas GOP flexing muscles in confrontation with Democratic governor

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-472025-e317t91/a-absg6ee" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-472025-e317svt/a-absg613" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

A St. Joseph woman
has been found guilty on drug and gun charges.

A Buchanan County
jury has found 46-year-old Athena Rae Dawe guilty of possessing methamphetamine
and unlawfully possessing a gun.

The Buchanan
County Prosecutor’s office reports the jury found Dawe had meth in her
possession when arrested while leaving the scene of a drug house during the
serving of a search warrant. Dawe also had a .380 Ruger handgun on her.

Dawe is scheduled
to be sentenced in May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744048145162.jpeg" alt="Athena Rae Dawe/Buchanan County Jail photo" />
 <figcaption>Athena Rae Dawe/Buchanan County Jail photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph woman
has been found guilty on drug and gun charges.A Buchanan County
jury has found 46-year-old Athena Rae Dawe guilty of possessing methamphetamine
and unlawfully possessing a gun.The Buchanan
County Prosecutor’s office reports the jury found Dawe had meth in her
possession when arrested while leaving the scene of a drug house during the
serving of a search warrant. Dawe also had a .380 Ruger handgun on her.Dawe is scheduled
to be sentenced in May.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph woman convicted of drug, gun charges

A Jamesport
roofer has been fined nearly $300,000 for violating federal law that led to the
death of a teenage worker.

The
federal Department of Labor has reached agreement with contractor John Troyer
after a federal investigation found he violated federal laws, which resulted in
a fatal fall that took the life of an 18-year-old worker in March of 2023.

The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration found Troyer Roofing and Coatings
failed to provide workers with required fall protection. A separate federal
investigation found the company violated federal law by employing minors
illegally from May of 2022 to June of 2023.

Under
an agreement reached with the Department of Labor, Troyer must pay $290,000 to
the U.S. Department of Justice. That includes $156,259 in OSHA
penalties, $15,000 in child labor penalties, and $118,741 in criminal fines to
the Justice Department. The company must also enroll in Missouri’s On-Site
Safety and Health Consultation Program.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Jamesport
roofer has been fined nearly $300,000 for violating federal law that led to the
death of a teenage worker.The
federal Department of Labor has reached agreement with contractor John Troyer
after a federal investigation found he violated federal laws, which resulted in
a fatal fall that took the life of an 18-year-old worker in March of 2023.The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration found Troyer Roofing and Coatings
failed to provide workers with required fall protection. A separate federal
investigation found the company violated federal law by employing minors
illegally from May of 2022 to June of 2023.Under
an agreement reached with the Department of Labor, Troyer must pay $290,000 to
the U.S. Department of Justice. That includes $156,259 in OSHA
penalties, $15,000 in child labor penalties, and $118,741 in criminal fines to
the Justice Department. The company must also enroll in Missouri’s On-Site
Safety and Health Consultation Program.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Jamesport roofer fined in death of teenage worker

A 60-year-old
Forest City man has been sentenced to 23 years in prison after a jury found him
guilty of trafficking methamphetamine.

The Buchanan
County Prosecutor’s office reports Buchanan County District Judge Daniel
Kellogg sentenced Paul David Chaney to prison following the jury verdict.

The Buchanan
County jury found Chaney guilty of Trafficking 2nd degree on
February 28th. The jury found Chaney had more than 450 grams of meth
in his possession when arrested in March of 2023.

The Buchanan
County Drug Strike Force and St. Joseph Police Department Street Crimes Unit
served a search warrant on Chaney’s residence on N. 3rd Street.
Investigators found 641 grams of methamphetamine, packaged in different weights
to sell. Prosecutors say a man arrived at the house to purchase meth while they
served the search warrant.

A Buchanan County
Drug Strike Force officer testified at the sentencing hearing Chaney’s supplier
confessed that he was supplying Chaney with at least one-half pound of methamphetamine
every day for distribution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744045436768.jpeg" alt="Paul David Chaney/Buchanan County Jail photo" />
 <figcaption>Paul David Chaney/Buchanan County Jail photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 60-year-old
Forest City man has been sentenced to 23 years in prison after a jury found him
guilty of trafficking methamphetamine.The Buchanan
County Prosecutor’s office reports Buchanan County District Judge Daniel
Kellogg sentenced Paul David Chaney to prison following the jury verdict.The Buchanan
County jury found Chaney guilty of Trafficking 2nd degree on
February 28th. The jury found Chaney had more than 450 grams of meth
in his possession when arrested in March of 2023.The Buchanan
County Drug Strike Force and St. Joseph Police Department Street Crimes Unit
served a search warrant on Chaney’s residence on N. 3rd Street.
Investigators found 641 grams of methamphetamine, packaged in different weights
to sell. Prosecutors say a man arrived at the house to purchase meth while they
served the search warrant.A Buchanan County
Drug Strike Force officer testified at the sentencing hearing Chaney’s supplier
confessed that he was supplying Chaney with at least one-half pound of methamphetamine
every day for distribution.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Forest City man sentenced to 23 years for trafficking meth

The Voices of Courage Advocacy Center wants to ensure children who disclose abuse are not further victimized by the very system designed to protect them. 

Executive Director Melissa Birdsell says the services provided by Voices of Courage are critical, because often victims of crime cannot afford the services they need 

"We provide free mental health treatment for children who have been through abuse, and to me that's the big one, because it is the healing process that we can help them with," Birdsell tells KFEQ News.  "We can't stop the abuse from happening, abuse has been happening since the beginning of time, we can try to deter it and we can try to prevent it, but we know it's there, so our services are follow up but they need that follow up service in order to move forward and become productive members of society." 

Birdsell says children are referred the center, and get to meet the families whether or not charges are filed, or an investigation is opened 

"We get to meet the family, offer our services and try to get them in and functioning with us right from the very beginning after the allegation is made," Birdsell explains.  "So, it's really helpful for them to be able to know that there's somebody there who's going to kind of support the child, because parents have their own issues regarding what's happened with their child, so it's nice to know that there's somebody there." 

Birdsell says the center provides several resources for victims who they assist 

"So, we provide forensic interviews, we do mental health treatment, we provide full child and family advocacy, so follow up, helping them connect to services, all of those things," Birdsell says.  "We do prevention education as well, so we have someone on staff who goes out to the schools, churches, organizations. and provides those services again for free." 

Birdsell says another thing Voices of Courage does is a multi-team approach, working with law enforcement, medical services, prosecutors’ offices, and children’s division to provide a full wrap around service for families. 

Voices of Courage provides services to families in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Clinton, DeKalb, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway and Worth counties. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Voices of Courage Advocacy Center wants to ensure children who disclose abuse are not further victimized by the very system designed to protect them. Executive Director Melissa Birdsell says the services provided by Voices of Courage are critical, because often victims of crime cannot afford the services they need "We provide free mental health treatment for children who have been through abuse, and to me that's the big one, because it is the healing process that we can help them with," Birdsell tells KFEQ News. "We can't stop the abuse from happening, abuse has been happening since the beginning of time, we can try to deter it and we can try to prevent it, but we know it's there, so our services are follow up but they need that follow up service in order to move forward and become productive members of society." Birdsell says children are referred the center, and get to meet the families whether or not charges are filed, or an investigation is opened "We get to meet the family, offer our services and try to get them in and functioning with us right from the very beginning after the allegation is made," Birdsell explains. "So, it's really helpful for them to be able to know that there's somebody there who's going to kind of support the child, because parents have their own issues regarding what's happened with their child, so it's nice to know that there's somebody there." Birdsell says the center provides several resources for victims who they assist "So, we provide forensic interviews, we do mental health treatment, we provide full child and family advocacy, so follow up, helping them connect to services, all of those things," Birdsell says. "We do prevention education as well, so we have someone on staff who goes out to the schools, churches, organizations. and provides those services again for free." Birdsell says another thing Voices of Courage does is a multi-team approach, working with law enforcement, medical services, prosecutors’ offices, and children’s division to provide a full wrap around service for families. Voices of Courage provides services to families in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Clinton, DeKalb, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway and Worth counties. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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