A new initiative launched by the Noyes Home for Children is celebrating the kindness of people in the St. Joseph community.  

Kindness St. Joseph encouraged students' kindergarten through 12th grade to write essays about the kindest person they know.  Almost 800 were submitted.  

Executive Director Chelsea Howlett says the goal of the program is to recognize people in the community for the acts of kindness that they show 

"We want to be able to recognize that one small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, and we have no idea how far reaching those kind acts can go," Howlett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "We have no idea what impact we may have on others, but we do want to take a moment to honor those in that we know in our community are doing great things and hopefully inspire more kindness across all generations that live here in St. Joseph. 

Howlett says this brand-new initiative was designed to help recognize and celebrate kindness in St. Joseph 

"Last fall we challenged kindergarten through 12th graders to write a one-page essay about the kindest people they know, and from those essays we were able to get down to the top essay winner for every grade level," Howlett explains.  "We did have 774 submissions, which was great for the first year, participation from private schools as well as public schools, and we even have a home schooler that's going to be honored at the event." 

Howlett says people in the community were also asked to write essays about Kindness Keepers.   

Howlett says there were many essays about moms, teachers, grandmas, but says what stood out were essays about people that students don't really have a relationship with 

"One thing really stood out in the 774 essays, there were eight essays that all came in for the same gentleman," Howlett says.  "And that is Larry Miller, who is known affectionally as 'The Walking Waver', he walks on Faraon and Frederick and out on Riverside by the hospital and the cancer center, and his whole purpose is to bring joy to people." 

Winners will be honored during the event on Saturday at the East Hills Mall Courtyard, starting at 6pm. The Noyes Home announced on Facebook Thursday afternoon tickets had sold out

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A new initiative launched by the Noyes Home for Children is celebrating the kindness of people in the St. Joseph community. Kindness St. Joseph encouraged students' kindergarten through 12th grade to write essays about the kindest person they know. Almost 800 were submitted. Executive Director Chelsea Howlett says the goal of the program is to recognize people in the community for the acts of kindness that they show "We want to be able to recognize that one small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, and we have no idea how far reaching those kind acts can go," Howlett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We have no idea what impact we may have on others, but we do want to take a moment to honor those in that we know in our community are doing great things and hopefully inspire more kindness across all generations that live here in St. Joseph. Howlett says this brand-new initiative was designed to help recognize and celebrate kindness in St. Joseph "Last fall we challenged kindergarten through 12th graders to write a one-page essay about the kindest people they know, and from those essays we were able to get down to the top essay winner for every grade level," Howlett explains. "We did have 774 submissions, which was great for the first year, participation from private schools as well as public schools, and we even have a home schooler that's going to be honored at the event." Howlett says people in the community were also asked to write essays about Kindness Keepers. Howlett says there were many essays about moms, teachers, grandmas, but says what stood out were essays about people that students don't really have a relationship with "One thing really stood out in the 774 essays, there were eight essays that all came in for the same gentleman," Howlett says. "And that is Larry Miller, who is known affectionally as 'The Walking Waver', he walks on Faraon and Frederick and out on Riverside by the hospital and the cancer center, and his whole purpose is to bring joy to people." Winners will be honored during the event on Saturday at the East Hills Mall Courtyard, starting at 6pm. The Noyes Home announced on Facebook Thursday afternoon tickets had sold out<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnoyes.home%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0CSfDZzLagzeuoTAaVd9YhFsvfZu73bWGWj8brjzZFj3JLmYd6Mv97WhrFg66F1Fcl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="698" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>JOURNAL<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Journal--Kindness-St--Joseph-e30pvfv/a-abruh0v" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Noyes Home for Children recognizing kindness in St. Joseph

The legislation could pave the way for lawsuits involving medication abortions, including in cases where the mother is injured

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>

Doctors and other<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/19/missouri-born-alive-survivors-bill-abortion-medication-lawsuits/">&nbsp;health professionals could be held criminally liable&nbsp;</a>if they don’t offer life-saving care to a baby born during an attempted abortion under&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB195&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;that cleared the Missouri House Thursday.&nbsp;

“This bill gives the infant a fighting chance,” Republican state Rep. Brian Seitz of Branson, who co-sponsored the legislation, said Thursday morning.

He accused any lawmakers planning to vote against the measure of supporting infanticide, which is already illegal. Republicans have said the bill, which is the first anti-abortion proposal to clear a legislative chamber in Missouri this year, was made necessary after&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">voters overturned the state’s abortion ban last year.&nbsp;</a>

The bill passed 109 to 32, with four Democrats joining Republicans in a yes vote, and nine Democrats voting “present.”

Dubbed the “born alive abortion survivors act” and sponsored by Seitz and state Rep. Holly Jones, a Republican from Eureka, the bill would require any health care providers present at the time of an unsuccessful abortion to “exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care provider would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.”&nbsp;

​​Medical professionals say this is already the standard of care.&nbsp;

Perhaps more notably, the bill also opens the door for civil liabilities for those involved in “self-induced abortions,” raising questions about potential implications on medication abortions.

The type of abortions targeted by the House bill are rare, in part because abortions after fetal viability remain illegal in Missouri even after voters enshrined reproductive rights in the state constitution last fall.

State Rep. LaDonna Appelbaum, a Democrat from St. Louis, called the bill a waste of taxpayers’ money.

“Murder is already against the law, so what are we doing here?” she asked on the House floor.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/2175" target="_blank">Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002</a>, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by then-President George W. Bush, grants personhood to any child born after an unsuccessful abortion. But Seitz and Jones have argued that federal law doesn’t go far enough.&nbsp;

“In federal law, they’re not provided health care,” Seitz said Monday during House debate. “In Missouri law we will give that infant a chance. I’d buy that infant a house. I think that infant should be given an award.”

Many Democrats have said the legislation is more nefarious, and have taken issue with this characterization of federal law, pointing to existing laws around&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=565.300#:~:text=A%20person%20commits%20the%20offense,is%20a%20class%20A%20felony." target="_blank">infanticide</a>&nbsp;— defined as causing the death of an infant “when the infant is partially born or born.”&nbsp;

“This bill isn’t an attack,”&nbsp;state Rep. Ben Baker, a Republican from Neosho, said Thursday.&nbsp;“It’s a shield for the innocent.”&nbsp;

State Rep. Gregg Bush, a Democrat from Columbia and a registered nurse, said he continued to worry the bill would unfairly criminalize health care providers who help families navigate complicated medical diagnoses.

The legislation would require any medical professionals with knowledge of a violation of the “born alive” law to report it to the state. Those who fail to report a violation could face up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. It goes on to say that anyone who “intentionally performs or attempts to perform an overt act that kills a child born alive” could be charged with first-degree murder.&nbsp;

The class A felony the bill would establish under Missouri law excludes anyone attempting to perform a legal abortion “if the act that causes the death is performed prior to the child being partially born, even though the death of the child occurs as a result of the abortion after the child is partially born.”

There were previously questions about whether the bill would apply to miscarriages, known in medical terms as “spontaneous abortions.” An amendment was added to the bill clarifying the law would not apply to “the natural and spontaneous loss of an unborn child before fetal viability.”&nbsp;

The amended version also revised a provision creating civil liabilities for anyone who assists in a self-induced or illegal abortion.

Missouri’s bill mirrors some of the language in a federal bill filed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/21?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Born-Alive+Abortion+Survivors%22%7D&amp;s=2&amp;r=1" target="_blank">U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner</a>, a Republican from Missouri — though the civil liability provisions in the state proposal are much more expansive.

The revised language approved Thursday applies the civil liability to someone who “recklessly, or negligently supplies or makes available any instrument, device, medicine, drug, or any other means or substance” for a self-induced or unlawful abortion.&nbsp;

Sam Lee, a longtime anti-abortion lobbyist, previously told The Independent the civil liabilities language could apply to self-induced medication abortions, whether the fetus is born alive or not. It could also open the door to litigation against those who assist another person in obtaining a “self-managed” abortion — no matter how early in the pregnancy.&nbsp;

Seitz said his intention was to&nbsp;give a tool for a civil cause of action if there’s a poor health outcome for the woman attempting the abortion, but to exclude&nbsp;from civil liabilities any physician who was to legally prescribe abortion medication.

Under the Missouri proposal, anyone related to the woman, infant or fetus can seek damages. Lee previously said the legislation would not criminalize a woman who took abortion medication unless the child was born outside a clinical setting and the mother then “knowingly, recklessly or negligently” caused the death of the child.

Michael Wolff, a former chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and dean emeritus at the St. Louis University School of Law, previously told The Independent that the bill raises many questions about how such a law would be interpreted with the constitutional right to abortion now in place.&nbsp;

The lack of definition for “self-induced abortions” in state statute also contributes to the confusion, Wolff said, and could lead to attempts to target medication abortions.&nbsp;

Concerns were also previously raised about the bill’s requirement that an infant born during an attempted abortion be immediately transported and admitted to a hospital.&nbsp;

Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri, testified before the House committee earlier this year that&nbsp;this could conflict with best practices for palliative care, especially if hospitals determined this law required any infant be resuscitated.&nbsp;

An example would be cases where a family chooses to induce an abortion following the diagnosis of a fatal fetal anomaly. That family may decide to end the pregnancy before reaching full gestational age but still want to meet their child before they pass away.&nbsp;

“Resuscitation would require CPR, which could break that tiny infant’s ribs,”&nbsp;Schwarz&nbsp;told the committee. “It would require aggressive medical care that is not in line with what the families and providers have already decided is best for that unique pregnancy, that unique circumstance.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743161770380.png" alt=" Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican, speaks during House debate on Feb. 11 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican, speaks during House debate on Feb. 11 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The legislation could pave the way for lawsuits involving medication abortions, including in cases where the mother is injured</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>Doctors and other<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/19/missouri-born-alive-survivors-bill-abortion-medication-lawsuits/">&nbsp;health professionals could be held criminally liable&nbsp;</a>if they don’t offer life-saving care to a baby born during an attempted abortion under&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB195&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;that cleared the Missouri House Thursday.&nbsp;“This bill gives the infant a fighting chance,” Republican state Rep. Brian Seitz of Branson, who co-sponsored the legislation, said Thursday morning.He accused any lawmakers planning to vote against the measure of supporting infanticide, which is already illegal. Republicans have said the bill, which is the first anti-abortion proposal to clear a legislative chamber in Missouri this year, was made necessary after&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">voters overturned the state’s abortion ban last year.&nbsp;</a>The bill passed 109 to 32, with four Democrats joining Republicans in a yes vote, and nine Democrats voting “present.”Dubbed the “born alive abortion survivors act” and sponsored by Seitz and state Rep. Holly Jones, a Republican from Eureka, the bill would require any health care providers present at the time of an unsuccessful abortion to “exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care provider would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.”&nbsp;​​Medical professionals say this is already the standard of care.&nbsp;Perhaps more notably, the bill also opens the door for civil liabilities for those involved in “self-induced abortions,” raising questions about potential implications on medication abortions.The type of abortions targeted by the House bill are rare, in part because abortions after fetal viability remain illegal in Missouri even after voters enshrined reproductive rights in the state constitution last fall.State Rep. LaDonna Appelbaum, a Democrat from St. Louis, called the bill a waste of taxpayers’ money.“Murder is already against the law, so what are we doing here?” she asked on the House floor.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/2175" target="_blank">Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002</a>, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by then-President George W. Bush, grants personhood to any child born after an unsuccessful abortion. But Seitz and Jones have argued that federal law doesn’t go far enough.&nbsp;“In federal law, they’re not provided health care,” Seitz said Monday during House debate. “In Missouri law we will give that infant a chance. I’d buy that infant a house. I think that infant should be given an award.”Many Democrats have said the legislation is more nefarious, and have taken issue with this characterization of federal law, pointing to existing laws around&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=565.300#:~:text=A%20person%20commits%20the%20offense,is%20a%20class%20A%20felony." target="_blank">infanticide</a>&nbsp;— defined as causing the death of an infant “when the infant is partially born or born.”&nbsp;Republicans disagreed.&nbsp;“This bill isn’t an attack,”&nbsp;state Rep. Ben Baker, a Republican from Neosho, said Thursday.&nbsp;“It’s a shield for the innocent.”&nbsp;State Rep. Gregg Bush, a Democrat from Columbia and a registered nurse, said he continued to worry the bill would unfairly criminalize health care providers who help families navigate complicated medical diagnoses.The legislation would require any medical professionals with knowledge of a violation of the “born alive” law to report it to the state. Those who fail to report a violation could face up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. It goes on to say that anyone who “intentionally performs or attempts to perform an overt act that kills a child born alive” could be charged with first-degree murder.&nbsp;The class A felony the bill would establish under Missouri law excludes anyone attempting to perform a legal abortion “if the act that causes the death is performed prior to the child being partially born, even though the death of the child occurs as a result of the abortion after the child is partially born.”There were previously questions about whether the bill would apply to miscarriages, known in medical terms as “spontaneous abortions.” An amendment was added to the bill clarifying the law would not apply to “the natural and spontaneous loss of an unborn child before fetal viability.”&nbsp;The amended version also revised a provision creating civil liabilities for anyone who assists in a self-induced or illegal abortion.Missouri’s bill mirrors some of the language in a federal bill filed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/21?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Born-Alive+Abortion+Survivors%22%7D&amp;s=2&amp;r=1" target="_blank">U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner</a>, a Republican from Missouri — though the civil liability provisions in the state proposal are much more expansive.The revised language approved Thursday applies the civil liability to someone who “recklessly, or negligently supplies or makes available any instrument, device, medicine, drug, or any other means or substance” for a self-induced or unlawful abortion.&nbsp;Sam Lee, a longtime anti-abortion lobbyist, previously told The Independent the civil liabilities language could apply to self-induced medication abortions, whether the fetus is born alive or not. It could also open the door to litigation against those who assist another person in obtaining a “self-managed” abortion — no matter how early in the pregnancy.&nbsp;Seitz said his intention was to&nbsp;give a tool for a civil cause of action if there’s a poor health outcome for the woman attempting the abortion, but to exclude&nbsp;from civil liabilities any physician who was to legally prescribe abortion medication.Under the Missouri proposal, anyone related to the woman, infant or fetus can seek damages. Lee previously said the legislation would not criminalize a woman who took abortion medication unless the child was born outside a clinical setting and the mother then “knowingly, recklessly or negligently” caused the death of the child.Michael Wolff, a former chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and dean emeritus at the St. Louis University School of Law, previously told The Independent that the bill raises many questions about how such a law would be interpreted with the constitutional right to abortion now in place.&nbsp;The lack of definition for “self-induced abortions” in state statute also contributes to the confusion, Wolff said, and could lead to attempts to target medication abortions.&nbsp;Concerns were also previously raised about the bill’s requirement that an infant born during an attempted abortion be immediately transported and admitted to a hospital.&nbsp;Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri, testified before the House committee earlier this year that&nbsp;this could conflict with best practices for palliative care, especially if hospitals determined this law required any infant be resuscitated.&nbsp;An example would be cases where a family chooses to induce an abortion following the diagnosis of a fatal fetal anomaly. That family may decide to end the pregnancy before reaching full gestational age but still want to meet their child before they pass away.&nbsp;“Resuscitation would require CPR, which could break that tiny infant’s ribs,”&nbsp;Schwarz&nbsp;told the committee. “It would require aggressive medical care that is not in line with what the families and providers have already decided is best for that unique pregnancy, that unique circumstance.”

Missouri ‘born alive’ bill creating legal action for medication abortions heads to Senate

One suspect is dead following an armed carjacking in St. Joseph that resulted in a pursuit by St. Joseph police officers.  

St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster says officers were dispatched to the area of 6th and Hall streets around 10:30 Thursday morning. Luster says just after 11 am, officers spotted the vehicle with two people inside and attempted to stop it.

"The vehicle failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued," Luster tells reporters during a news conference.  "During that pursuit, at least one subject in the vehicle began firing a gun at the pursuing officers, this occurred at multiple locations, multiple times, throughout the city of St. Joseph, very dangerous situation." 

St. Joseph police report several buildings were struck by gunfire during the pursuit.  

Luster says the pursuit ended when the car crashed at 28th and Mitchell and the two suspects fled the vehicle.

"One subject was immediately taken into custody, the other subject ran to the area of 2500 Penn, where an officer involved shooting occurred," Luster says.  "That subject was struck by gunfire and officers immediately rendered lifesaving aid, those subjects were ultimately transported via EMS to a local hospital, one subject was treated and released, and the other subject was pronounced dead." 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control Investigators were called to handle the use of force investigation.  Officers involved have been placed on leave during the investigation.  

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post One suspect is dead following an armed carjacking in St. Joseph that resulted in a pursuit by St. Joseph police officers. St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster says officers were dispatched to the area of 6th and Hall streets around 10:30 Thursday morning. Luster says just after 11 am, officers spotted the vehicle with two people inside and attempted to stop it."The vehicle failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued," Luster tells reporters during a news conference. "During that pursuit, at least one subject in the vehicle began firing a gun at the pursuing officers, this occurred at multiple locations, multiple times, throughout the city of St. Joseph, very dangerous situation." St. Joseph police report several buildings were struck by gunfire during the pursuit. Luster says the pursuit ended when the car crashed at 28th and Mitchell and the two suspects fled the vehicle."One subject was immediately taken into custody, the other subject ran to the area of 2500 Penn, where an officer involved shooting occurred," Luster says. "That subject was struck by gunfire and officers immediately rendered lifesaving aid, those subjects were ultimately transported via EMS to a local hospital, one subject was treated and released, and the other subject was pronounced dead." The Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control Investigators were called to handle the use of force investigation. Officers involved have been placed on leave during the investigation. The investigation continues.

One suspect dead following police pursuit after St. Joseph armed carjacking 

UPDATE: The Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office reported to the KBI that Donald Mueller, 94, of Tonganoxie, has been located and is in good condition. The statewide silver alert is now canceled.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY –&nbsp;The Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Tonganoxie man.

The whereabouts of 94-year-old Donald E. Mueller are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Mueller is likely driving a dark green 2016 Nissan Frontier pickup bearing Vermont tag&nbsp;515A791. He was believed to have left his residence in Tonganoxie, Kansas to head toward Basehor, Kansas.

Mueller is a white male who is 5-feet-8 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. He has brown eyes and gray hair. He was last seen wearing a red, blue, and green long-sleeve button down shirt, jeans and brown loafers. Mueller also walks with a limp.

Mueller has a heart condition, and several other medical conditions that may impact his ability to return home safely without assistance.

If you see Donald E. Mueller, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office at (913) 682-5724.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743127700692.png" alt="Donald Mueller photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Donald Mueller photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: The Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office reported to the KBI that Donald Mueller, 94, of Tonganoxie, has been located and is in good condition. The statewide silver alert is now canceled.--------------LEAVENWORTH COUNTY –&nbsp;The Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Tonganoxie man.The whereabouts of 94-year-old Donald E. Mueller are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.Mueller is likely driving a dark green 2016 Nissan Frontier pickup bearing Vermont tag&nbsp;515A791. He was believed to have left his residence in Tonganoxie, Kansas to head toward Basehor, Kansas.Mueller is a white male who is 5-feet-8 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. He has brown eyes and gray hair. He was last seen wearing a red, blue, and green long-sleeve button down shirt, jeans and brown loafers. Mueller also walks with a limp.Mueller has a heart condition, and several other medical conditions that may impact his ability to return home safely without assistance.If you see Donald E. Mueller, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office at (913) 682-5724.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled; missing Kansas man is safe

A major decision will be made by St.
Joseph voters April 8th.

St. Joseph voters will decide a $157 million
school bond issue on the 8th, an issue School Board President LaTonya Williams
says will set the district in motion for a big step forward.

Williams says the Board of Education is
committed to building a new high school south of 36 Highway if voters approve
the 60-cent increase in the school levy.

“If the bond is approved on April the 8th
and if everything goes according to schedule, a new school will open up their
doors in the fall of ’28,” Williams tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Williams says the board will secure the
land needed in south St. Joseph, stating she never knew acquiring land and
contract negotiations took so long.

“I don’t think that any of us really ever
imagined about the length of the process, because we’ve never built a new high school
in 80 years,” Williams says. “And so, everyone involved, is new with this.”

Williams says if voters approve the
proposal, it will benefit the city as a whole.

“If we were able to build a brand-new
school in that area of town, it will bring all new life in that area of town.
It will bring new businesses. It will bring more traffic,” Williams says. “It
will give them another reason to be even more proud.”

The St. Joseph Board of Education
long-range plan calls for moving from three high schools to two with Benton and
Lafayette becoming middle schools, joining Truman and Bode. Spring Garden and
Roubidoux will become elementary schools, with the number of elementary schools
reduced from 13 to 10.

Williams understands St. Joseph residents
are proud of their schools, but she says those schools are aging and students
deserve better.

“Everyone loves our schools. Everyone
loves our history. And then they also understand that today’s kids need more
than yesterday’s kids had.”

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA major decision will be made by St.
Joseph voters April 8th.St. Joseph voters will decide a $157 million
school bond issue on the 8th, an issue School Board President LaTonya Williams
says will set the district in motion for a big step forward.Williams says the Board of Education is
committed to building a new high school south of 36 Highway if voters approve
the 60-cent increase in the school levy.“If the bond is approved on April the 8th
and if everything goes according to schedule, a new school will open up their
doors in the fall of ’28,” Williams tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Williams says the board will secure the
land needed in south St. Joseph, stating she never knew acquiring land and
contract negotiations took so long.“I don’t think that any of us really ever
imagined about the length of the process, because we’ve never built a new high school
in 80 years,” Williams says. “And so, everyone involved, is new with this.”Williams says if voters approve the
proposal, it will benefit the city as a whole.“If we were able to build a brand-new
school in that area of town, it will bring all new life in that area of town.
It will bring new businesses. It will bring more traffic,” Williams says. “It
will give them another reason to be even more proud.”The St. Joseph Board of Education
long-range plan calls for moving from three high schools to two with Benton and
Lafayette becoming middle schools, joining Truman and Bode. Spring Garden and
Roubidoux will become elementary schools, with the number of elementary schools
reduced from 13 to 10.Williams understands St. Joseph residents
are proud of their schools, but she says those schools are aging and students
deserve better.“Everyone loves our schools. Everyone
loves our history. And then they also understand that today’s kids need more
than yesterday’s kids had.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph voters to decide future of the school district April 8th

Volunteers
are being sought to bring a big part of St. Joseph history to life.

The
Patee House Museum and the Jesse James Home are looking for volunteers.
Officials with the museums say just a few hours a week can make a difference,
not just to preserve the past, but to ensure the future.

“We rely on dedicated
volunteers to keep these historic sites open and engaging for visitors,” Patee
House Museum &amp; Jesse James Home Board President, Liby Waltemath, said in a
written statement. “It’s a rewarding way to give back and share our town’s
incredible history.”

Volunteers will greet guests, share stories, and assist with
museum operations. No prior experience is necessary. The museums say the only
qualification they require are an interest in history and community service.

The Patee House Museum is located at 202 Penn Street in St. Joseph. Click <a href="http://www.ponyexpressjessejames.com/">HERE</a> for more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743093373574.jpeg" alt="The Patee House/file photo" />
 <figcaption>The Patee House/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostVolunteers
are being sought to bring a big part of St. Joseph history to life.The
Patee House Museum and the Jesse James Home are looking for volunteers.
Officials with the museums say just a few hours a week can make a difference,
not just to preserve the past, but to ensure the future.“We rely on dedicated
volunteers to keep these historic sites open and engaging for visitors,” Patee
House Museum &amp; Jesse James Home Board President, Liby Waltemath, said in a
written statement. “It’s a rewarding way to give back and share our town’s
incredible history.”Volunteers will greet guests, share stories, and assist with
museum operations. No prior experience is necessary. The museums say the only
qualification they require are an interest in history and community service.The Patee House Museum is located at 202 Penn Street in St. Joseph. Click <a href="http://www.ponyexpressjessejames.com/">HERE</a> for more.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743093465849.jpeg" alt="Jesse James Home/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Jesse James Home/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Patee House - Jesse James museums seek volunteers

Absentee voting opened earlier this week in Missouri for voters ahead of the April 8th election. 

Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey says the no excuse absentee period opened on Tuesday 

"That's always two weeks prior to every election now, four weeks prior to that is you need to have an excuse to come in and vote," Baack-Garvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "So that's what's happening now, we have no excuse, so anyone can come in and vote before election day." 

Baack-Garvey says during this time anyone can come in and vote, such as those that maybe have trouble getting out to the polls. 

"Somebody just has a hard time standing in line, like maybe they use a walker, they can come here to the office and vote in person, which is a quicker process, especially here with an April election, because the traffic is slower here at the courthouse," Baack-Garvey explains. 

Baack-Garvey says though, even with those voting absentee, she's not expecting a very high voter turnout come April 8th 

"It kind of frustrates me, because we have local elections here and that's what April is for, and we just don't see the turnout that you would normally see for a presidential election," Baack-Garvey says.  "So, I would expect. at the highest, 20% turnout come Tuesday the 8th." 

Absentee ballots can be cast anytime through April 7th at the Buchanan County Courthouse.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Absentee voting opened earlier this week in Missouri for voters ahead of the April 8th election. Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey says the no excuse absentee period opened on Tuesday "That's always two weeks prior to every election now, four weeks prior to that is you need to have an excuse to come in and vote," Baack-Garvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So that's what's happening now, we have no excuse, so anyone can come in and vote before election day." Baack-Garvey says during this time anyone can come in and vote, such as those that maybe have trouble getting out to the polls. "Somebody just has a hard time standing in line, like maybe they use a walker, they can come here to the office and vote in person, which is a quicker process, especially here with an April election, because the traffic is slower here at the courthouse," Baack-Garvey explains. Baack-Garvey says though, even with those voting absentee, she's not expecting a very high voter turnout come April 8th "It kind of frustrates me, because we have local elections here and that's what April is for, and we just don't see the turnout that you would normally see for a presidential election," Baack-Garvey says. "So, I would expect. at the highest, 20% turnout come Tuesday the 8th." Absentee ballots can be cast anytime through April 7th at the Buchanan County Courthouse.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

No excuse absentee voting open ahead of April 8th election

A group of St. Joseph residents will celebrate an artist central to the ornamentation of City Hall and the Missouri Theatre with a future exhibit at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art.  

Waylande Gregory came to St. Joseph in 1926 and designed ornaments for city hall out of a makeshift studio on Tenth and Frederick. Out of that studio he also designed ornaments for the Missouri Theatre.  

Centennial Committee Chair Lori McAlister says after leaving St. Joseph, Gregory went on to become one of the most prolific ceramic artists in the country. 

"And we had him here, so just by way of introduction to people of his work we thought those of us who had been collecting pieces would get them together and do just kind of a little show and tell, to get people excited," McAlister tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Friends of the Missouri Theatre founder Frank Polleck says they hope that by showing these pieces they can show people that Gregory was an artist 

"And not just somebody that came in and did some plaster work 100 years ago," Polleck explains.  "And so, we want people in St. Joseph, and everywhere, to realize what they have here and realize he is an artist, and this is not just a theatre venue it's really a museum of his work."

The works from Gregory that be on display at the Albrecht are part of a celebration of the centennial celebration of St. Joseph City Hall and the Missouri Theatre.  

McAlister says there's excitement building around the centennial, and hopes this exhibit helps introduce people to how great an artist Gregory was

"And then I think that helps people understand why this building and City Hall are so special, and the fact that the city has maintained them, and we still have them is no small accomplishment" McAlister says.&nbsp; "So, we've got a lot to be proud of and excited about."&nbsp;

The locally collected pieces of Gregory will be on display at the Albrecht Kemper beginning in June.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another collection that will feature pieces on loan from the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State will come next year.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743091562634.jpeg" alt="Waylande Gregory (pictured) designed the ornamentation of St. Joseph City Hall and the Missouri Theatre.&nbsp; Works of his will be on display later this year, and also next year, as part of a celebration of the centennial of the two buildings/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Waylande Gregory (pictured) designed the ornamentation of St. Joseph City Hall and the Missouri Theatre.&nbsp; Works of his will be on display later this year, and also next year, as part of a celebration of the centennial of the two buildings/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A group of St. Joseph residents will celebrate an artist central to the ornamentation of City Hall and the Missouri Theatre with a future exhibit at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art. Waylande Gregory came to St. Joseph in 1926 and designed ornaments for city hall out of a makeshift studio on Tenth and Frederick. Out of that studio he also designed ornaments for the Missouri Theatre. Centennial Committee Chair Lori McAlister says after leaving St. Joseph, Gregory went on to become one of the most prolific ceramic artists in the country. "And we had him here, so just by way of introduction to people of his work we thought those of us who had been collecting pieces would get them together and do just kind of a little show and tell, to get people excited," McAlister tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Friends of the Missouri Theatre founder Frank Polleck says they hope that by showing these pieces they can show people that Gregory was an artist "And not just somebody that came in and did some plaster work 100 years ago," Polleck explains. "And so, we want people in St. Joseph, and everywhere, to realize what they have here and realize he is an artist, and this is not just a theatre venue it's really a museum of his work."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743092546025.jpeg" alt="Some of the works of Waylande Gregory that will be on display collected by St. Joseph residents/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Some of the works of Waylande Gregory that will be on display collected by St. Joseph residents/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>The works from Gregory that be on display at the Albrecht are part of a celebration of the centennial celebration of St. Joseph City Hall and the Missouri Theatre. McAlister says there's excitement building around the centennial, and hopes this exhibit helps introduce people to how great an artist Gregory was"And then I think that helps people understand why this building and City Hall are so special, and the fact that the city has maintained them, and we still have them is no small accomplishment" McAlister says.&nbsp; "So, we've got a lot to be proud of and excited about."&nbsp;The locally collected pieces of Gregory will be on display at the Albrecht Kemper beginning in June.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another collection that will feature pieces on loan from the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State will come next year.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743092576858.jpeg" alt="Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Works of artist who made City Hall and Missouri Theatre jewels to be on display

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3272025-e30oaf1/a-abrsd8i" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-3272025-e30oadl/a-abrsd6t" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

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

A Republican-led push to overturn the paid sick leave law adopted by Missouri voters last year was debated and approved Wednesday by a state Senate committee.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton, was passed by the House earlier this month and would gut Proposition A,&nbsp;a voter-approved law requiring most employers starting May 1 to provide paid sick time off for hundreds of thousands of qualifying workers.

Gallick called the law, which also increased the state’s minimum wage, a “one-two punch for Missouri businesses” that will increase the cost of goods and services and have an adverse impact on small businesses in rural parts of the state.&nbsp;

She&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/new-paid-sick-leave-requirement-targeted-by-missouri-republicans/">has said</a>&nbsp;workers will “abuse” the leave.

Gallick’s bill would also modify the minimum wage law by removing the requirement that it be indexed to inflation.

The bill was passed out of committee Wednesday on a 5 to 2 vote party-line immediately following a contentious public hearing, with Democrats opposing.&nbsp;

The committee chair, state Sen. Curtis Trent of Springfield, said that although usually there is at least one week between the public hearing and committee vote, it’s “extremely clear…there is not really an opportunity for further deliberation by the committee” and that pushing the bill forward immediately would allow “robust debate and consideration” by the full Senate.&nbsp;

If approved by the Senate without changes, the bill would go to Gov. Mike Kehoe, who has voiced support for the proposal. There is no emergency clause, so it wouldn’t go into effect until Aug. 28 — months after the sick leave law goes into effect.&nbsp;

Richard Von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs with Justice, the organization that helped lead the campaign for Proposition A, said it was modeled on paid sick leave policies in 18 other states. The initiative petition passed in rural, suburban and urban counties across the state and received 58% of the vote statewide.

“Opponents made their argument, we made our argument and the voters spoke,” Von Glahn said.

Gallick’s bill is “refutation of the public will,” he added. “It will make Missouri workers more likely to have to go to work while sick, jeopardizing their own health, the health of their coworkers and of Missouri workplaces.”&nbsp;

Many of the same industry groups who are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/missouri-sick-leave-law-minimum-wage-hike-face-rollback-in-legislature-supreme-court/">challenging Proposition A in the state Supreme Court&nbsp;</a>testified in support of the bill Wednesday.

Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called the law, especially paid sick leave, a “job killer.”

“We believe that this one size fits all approach to paid sick leave is unworkable,” Corches said.

Buddy Lahl, from the Missouri Restaurant Association, called the requirements on businesses “extremely cumbersome” and said the law is a “slippery slope” for what businesses will be required to provide.

“Fixing Proposition A is not even an option, fixing the sick pay. It just needs to be eliminated. It’s just too erroneous. And I only listed some of the bigger issues. Every line in there is a problem for a small business,” Lahl said.

When Lahl said the only fix is to eliminate the law, state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, responded: “That’s not happening, The only path you have is to maybe make some small changes.”

State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat, said restaurant workers without sick time who go to work because they need a paycheck for public health.

Proposition A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;with the support of numerous unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights organizations, as well as over 500 business owners. It guarantees sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers and gradually hikes the minimum wage to $15. The measure won by a margin of over 400,000 votes.&nbsp;

Under the law, beginning May 1, the law requires employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year to provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours. The law also gradually increases the minimum wage.

Under Gallick’s bill, the minimum wage would still increase to $15 per hour in 2026, as voters approved, but it would not be adjusted for inflation thereafter — a policy that has been<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/new-paid-sick-leave-requirement-targeted-by-missouri-republicans/">&nbsp;in place since 2007</a>. The sick leave provisions would be repealed entirely.

Because the measure changed state law and not the constitution, the legislature can modify or overturn it without returning for a new vote of the people.

The bill&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">passed</a>&nbsp;out of the House&nbsp;on a&nbsp;vote&nbsp;of 96 to 51 earlier this month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743071838478.png" alt=" State Rep. Sherri Gallick, a Republican from Belton, speaks in March during Missouri House debate. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)" />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Sherri Gallick, a Republican from Belton, speaks in March during Missouri House debate. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A Republican-led push to overturn the paid sick leave law adopted by Missouri voters last year was debated and approved Wednesday by a state Senate committee.The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton, was passed by the House earlier this month and would gut Proposition A,&nbsp;a voter-approved law requiring most employers starting May 1 to provide paid sick time off for hundreds of thousands of qualifying workers.Gallick called the law, which also increased the state’s minimum wage, a “one-two punch for Missouri businesses” that will increase the cost of goods and services and have an adverse impact on small businesses in rural parts of the state.&nbsp;She&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/new-paid-sick-leave-requirement-targeted-by-missouri-republicans/">has said</a>&nbsp;workers will “abuse” the leave.Gallick’s bill would also modify the minimum wage law by removing the requirement that it be indexed to inflation.The bill was passed out of committee Wednesday on a 5 to 2 vote party-line immediately following a contentious public hearing, with Democrats opposing.&nbsp;The committee chair, state Sen. Curtis Trent of Springfield, said that although usually there is at least one week between the public hearing and committee vote, it’s “extremely clear…there is not really an opportunity for further deliberation by the committee” and that pushing the bill forward immediately would allow “robust debate and consideration” by the full Senate.&nbsp;If approved by the Senate without changes, the bill would go to Gov. Mike Kehoe, who has voiced support for the proposal. There is no emergency clause, so it wouldn’t go into effect until Aug. 28 — months after the sick leave law goes into effect.&nbsp;Richard Von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs with Justice, the organization that helped lead the campaign for Proposition A, said it was modeled on paid sick leave policies in 18 other states. The initiative petition passed in rural, suburban and urban counties across the state and received 58% of the vote statewide.“Opponents made their argument, we made our argument and the voters spoke,” Von Glahn said.Gallick’s bill is “refutation of the public will,” he added. “It will make Missouri workers more likely to have to go to work while sick, jeopardizing their own health, the health of their coworkers and of Missouri workplaces.”&nbsp;Many of the same industry groups who are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/missouri-sick-leave-law-minimum-wage-hike-face-rollback-in-legislature-supreme-court/">challenging Proposition A in the state Supreme Court&nbsp;</a>testified in support of the bill Wednesday.Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called the law, especially paid sick leave, a “job killer.”“We believe that this one size fits all approach to paid sick leave is unworkable,” Corches said.Buddy Lahl, from the Missouri Restaurant Association, called the requirements on businesses “extremely cumbersome” and said the law is a “slippery slope” for what businesses will be required to provide.“Fixing Proposition A is not even an option, fixing the sick pay. It just needs to be eliminated. It’s just too erroneous. And I only listed some of the bigger issues. Every line in there is a problem for a small business,” Lahl said.When Lahl said the only fix is to eliminate the law, state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, responded: “That’s not happening, The only path you have is to maybe make some small changes.”State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat, said restaurant workers without sick time who go to work because they need a paycheck for public health.Proposition A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;with the support of numerous unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights organizations, as well as over 500 business owners. It guarantees sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers and gradually hikes the minimum wage to $15. The measure won by a margin of over 400,000 votes.&nbsp;Under the law, beginning May 1, the law requires employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year to provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours. The law also gradually increases the minimum wage.Under Gallick’s bill, the minimum wage would still increase to $15 per hour in 2026, as voters approved, but it would not be adjusted for inflation thereafter — a policy that has been<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/new-paid-sick-leave-requirement-targeted-by-missouri-republicans/">&nbsp;in place since 2007</a>. The sick leave provisions would be repealed entirely.Because the measure changed state law and not the constitution, the legislature can modify or overturn it without returning for a new vote of the people.The bill&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">passed</a>&nbsp;out of the House&nbsp;on a&nbsp;vote&nbsp;of 96 to 51 earlier this month.

Missouri bill to overturn voter-approved paid sick leave clears Senate committee

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp; — Law enforcement are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy at an apartment complex in Leavenworth.

Just before 4:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a medical call just at Woodland Village apartments 2900 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, according to Leavenworth Police Department Major Dan Nicodemus.

First responders found the child who was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are working to determine how the boy died.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not reported an arrest, the name of the child or additional details.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp; — Law enforcement are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy at an apartment complex in Leavenworth.Just before 4:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a medical call just at Woodland Village apartments 2900 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, according to Leavenworth Police Department Major Dan Nicodemus.First responders found the child who was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are working to determine how the boy died.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not reported an arrest, the name of the child or additional details.

Police investigate death of 3-year-old boy

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on violent allegations.

On Tuesday, police arrested 19-year-old Landon C. Adams and 20-year-old&nbsp;Sarah R. Beckes both of Atchison in&nbsp;&nbsp;the 300 block Santa Fe in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; Taken to County Jail.

Adams is being held on a $2,500 bond on a requested charge of domestic battery.

Beckes is being held on a $2,500 bond on a requested charges of Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/dating relationship;2nd time in 5 years, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742997265201.png" alt="Adams-phogo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Adams-phogo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on violent allegations.On Tuesday, police arrested 19-year-old Landon C. Adams and 20-year-old&nbsp;Sarah R. Beckes both of Atchison in&nbsp;&nbsp;the 300 block Santa Fe in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; Taken to County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742997235670.png" alt="Beckes-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Beckes-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Adams is being held on a $2,500 bond on a requested charge of domestic battery.Beckes is being held on a $2,500 bond on a requested charges of Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/dating relationship;2nd time in 5 years, according to online jail records.

Two jailed for alleged domestic battery at Kansas home

Kansas lawmakers
are taking a few approaches to lowering property taxes.

State Sen. Craig
Bowser, a freshman Republican from Holton, says he has a few priorities this
legislative session, but one stands out.

“Number one on the
top of that list and the number one issue that I heard while campaigning was we’ve
really got to have property tax reform here in Kansas,” Bowser tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

Bowser says he hasn’t
just heard the refrain from campaigning. He has heard complaints from others
throughout the state since joining the legislature in January.

“I talked to a gentleman
in another part of the state. His property taxes, three years in a row, they
went up 15% one year, 15% the next year, and 8% the next year. So, in a three-year
period, he had a 38% property tax increase in a three-year period,” according
to Bowser. “That’s just unacceptable, especially if you’re an elderly citizen,
an older citizen on a fixed income. That’s just not doable.”

Three main ideas
have emerged in Topeka this legislative session. One would exempt personal
all-terrain-vehicles, watercrafts, and personal trailers from the state
personal property tax. Another would remove the one-and-a-half mill property
tax used to fund college campus maintenance. A third would cap increases to the
property tax rate by tying it to the rate of inflation.

Bowser says the
issue goes beyond simply providing tax relief to Kansas citizens. He says the
legislature must do something to stimulate the Kansas economy.

“We’ve got to make
our state more competitive,” Bowser says. “Our state’s really been in sort of
an economic stagnation here for decades now. I really want to take a look at
how we can simplify our tax code.”

Yet, the main
reason to tackle property tax relief is the importance Kansas residents place
on the issue, according to Bowser.

“We heard the voters
and we’re taking action to do some property tax reform here in the state.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKansas lawmakers
are taking a few approaches to lowering property taxes.State Sen. Craig
Bowser, a freshman Republican from Holton, says he has a few priorities this
legislative session, but one stands out.“Number one on the
top of that list and the number one issue that I heard while campaigning was we’ve
really got to have property tax reform here in Kansas,” Bowser tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.Bowser says he hasn’t
just heard the refrain from campaigning. He has heard complaints from others
throughout the state since joining the legislature in January.“I talked to a gentleman
in another part of the state. His property taxes, three years in a row, they
went up 15% one year, 15% the next year, and 8% the next year. So, in a three-year
period, he had a 38% property tax increase in a three-year period,” according
to Bowser. “That’s just unacceptable, especially if you’re an elderly citizen,
an older citizen on a fixed income. That’s just not doable.”Three main ideas
have emerged in Topeka this legislative session. One would exempt personal
all-terrain-vehicles, watercrafts, and personal trailers from the state
personal property tax. Another would remove the one-and-a-half mill property
tax used to fund college campus maintenance. A third would cap increases to the
property tax rate by tying it to the rate of inflation.Bowser says the
issue goes beyond simply providing tax relief to Kansas citizens. He says the
legislature must do something to stimulate the Kansas economy.“We’ve got to make
our state more competitive,” Bowser says. “Our state’s really been in sort of
an economic stagnation here for decades now. I really want to take a look at
how we can simplify our tax code.”Yet, the main
reason to tackle property tax relief is the importance Kansas residents place
on the issue, according to Bowser.“We heard the voters
and we’re taking action to do some property tax reform here in the state.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Sen. Bowser:  property tax reform #1 issue in Kansas legislature

A recently completed study between the city of St. Joseph and the Chamber of Commerce has discovered a shortage of middle-class housing in St. Joseph.  

Chamber President Natalie Hawn says the study found a shortage of around 3-thousand homes 

"We have a pretty good supply of low-income housing, because those are given tax incentives, and we have a pretty good supply of higher end executive housing," Hawn tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "But that missing middle is, as we would have guessed based on employer's feedback, is kind of where the gap is." 

Hawn says there are some tools that can be used to work on this, such as improvements around the city 

"We could do infill housing, revitalization, and we know have over 1,000 vacant buildings, whether those are housing or commercial, so we know that there are some tools in the toolbox that we can use to try to address some of those," Hawn explains.  "The city has been great about putting together a plan that they're going to take to city council in a work session in April." 

Hawn says it's not a problem that can be solved overnight and will take some time 

"Because it's really been something that we've been working on with the business community, with community leaders' hand in hand, and it's been great because we've been able to truly come up a couple different solutions that will be good wins," Hawn says. 

Hawn says there are also some initiatives happening at the state level that could help move towards aiding the housing problem in St. Joseph. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A recently completed study between the city of St. Joseph and the Chamber of Commerce has discovered a shortage of middle-class housing in St. Joseph. Chamber President Natalie Hawn says the study found a shortage of around 3-thousand homes "We have a pretty good supply of low-income housing, because those are given tax incentives, and we have a pretty good supply of higher end executive housing," Hawn tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "But that missing middle is, as we would have guessed based on employer's feedback, is kind of where the gap is." Hawn says there are some tools that can be used to work on this, such as improvements around the city "We could do infill housing, revitalization, and we know have over 1,000 vacant buildings, whether those are housing or commercial, so we know that there are some tools in the toolbox that we can use to try to address some of those," Hawn explains. "The city has been great about putting together a plan that they're going to take to city council in a work session in April." Hawn says it's not a problem that can be solved overnight and will take some time "Because it's really been something that we've been working on with the business community, with community leaders' hand in hand, and it's been great because we've been able to truly come up a couple different solutions that will be good wins," Hawn says. Hawn says there are also some initiatives happening at the state level that could help move towards aiding the housing problem in St. Joseph. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Study says St. Joseph housing shortage hurts economic growth

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3262025-e30mpvs/a-abrqf1a" 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-3262025-e30mpuf/a-abrqevc" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

House Democrat accuses GOP leadership of trying to avoid gun-control debate

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

<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">School safety legislation</a>&nbsp;that requires school districts create a policy governing cell phone use by students won initial approval Monday afternoon in the Missouri House.

The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, called the bill a “comprehensive approach to school safety.”

It includes provisions to equip schools with bleeding-control kits, require intruder-response training and develop emergency response plans. Public schools would be required to use bullet-proof window film and anti-intruder locks in new construction by 2029.

“School safety is much more than hardening the exterior of a building but having a safe environment for learning,” Shields said during House debate. “We know that teaching and learning does not occur if a student doesn’t feel safe.”

State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, added an amendment that would encourage schools to bar cell-phone use. Schools would be able to craft the policy to their preferences. But at a minimum, those policies must ban cell phones during instructional time.

State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, was one of three representatives to file a bill on cell phones in schools. She said safety threats can come from within the walls of the school.

“This is going to help our students be able to focus on instruction and not let things get in the way that have to do with dangerous situations in our school,” she said. “When we talk about cyber bullying and sexting, all of that really has an impact on the school itself and can lead to dangerous physical alterations as well.”

Others worried that restricting cell phones would hinder security.

State Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from Wildwood, said access to cell phones can help students report school shootings quickly.

“We have had students actually contact the police and be on the phone with them during the event, providing invaluable intelligence as to where the shots are occurring, where the bad guy is,” Sparks said.

Another sponsor of a cell-phone bill, Republican state Rep. Jamie Gragg of Ozark, said schools can decide whether phones can be in students’ possession or not, so long as the devices aren’t a distraction.

“This is not the legislature making the rule. This is strictly the actual districts making those rules,” he said.

Another&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/amendpdf/1498H01.04H.pdf" target="_blank">amendment</a>&nbsp;added to the bill would require schools to create a cardiac response plan.

Three amendments were filed but not discussed. State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat, said in an inquiry with another Democrat that he wanted to offer an amendment to ban the sale of semi-automatic firearms to teenagers, but he was not called upon during Monday’s debate.

“I filed an amendment, and they will not call on me because they don’t want to have the conversation. Let’s have the conversation about this,” Smith said.

State Rep. Bill Owen, a Republican from Springfield, said to leave “the rhetoric out of it.”

“Accidents happen in shop classes. Accidents happen everywhere in that building where (bleeding-control kits) would be necessary. It doesn’t take a gun to do so,” he said. “I’m going to say that the legislation isn’t about guns. It’s about taking care of the safety of our children.”

The bill needs to be approved one more time in the House before it heads to the Senate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742985564468.png" alt=" Rep. Brenda Shields. a St. Joseph Republican, speaks during debate in the Missouri House during the 2021 legislative session. On Monday, the House gave initial approval to her school safety bill (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Rep. Brenda Shields. a St. Joseph Republican, speaks during debate in the Missouri House during the 2021 legislative session. On Monday, the House gave initial approval to her school safety bill (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>House Democrat accuses GOP leadership of trying to avoid gun-control debate</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><a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">School safety legislation</a>&nbsp;that requires school districts create a policy governing cell phone use by students won initial approval Monday afternoon in the Missouri House.The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, called the bill a “comprehensive approach to school safety.”It includes provisions to equip schools with bleeding-control kits, require intruder-response training and develop emergency response plans. Public schools would be required to use bullet-proof window film and anti-intruder locks in new construction by 2029.“School safety is much more than hardening the exterior of a building but having a safe environment for learning,” Shields said during House debate. “We know that teaching and learning does not occur if a student doesn’t feel safe.”State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, added an amendment that would encourage schools to bar cell-phone use. Schools would be able to craft the policy to their preferences. But at a minimum, those policies must ban cell phones during instructional time.State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, was one of three representatives to file a bill on cell phones in schools. She said safety threats can come from within the walls of the school.“This is going to help our students be able to focus on instruction and not let things get in the way that have to do with dangerous situations in our school,” she said. “When we talk about cyber bullying and sexting, all of that really has an impact on the school itself and can lead to dangerous physical alterations as well.”Others worried that restricting cell phones would hinder security.State Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from Wildwood, said access to cell phones can help students report school shootings quickly.“We have had students actually contact the police and be on the phone with them during the event, providing invaluable intelligence as to where the shots are occurring, where the bad guy is,” Sparks said.Another sponsor of a cell-phone bill, Republican state Rep. Jamie Gragg of Ozark, said schools can decide whether phones can be in students’ possession or not, so long as the devices aren’t a distraction.“This is not the legislature making the rule. This is strictly the actual districts making those rules,” he said.Another&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/amendpdf/1498H01.04H.pdf" target="_blank">amendment</a>&nbsp;added to the bill would require schools to create a cardiac response plan.Three amendments were filed but not discussed. State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat, said in an inquiry with another Democrat that he wanted to offer an amendment to ban the sale of semi-automatic firearms to teenagers, but he was not called upon during Monday’s debate.“I filed an amendment, and they will not call on me because they don’t want to have the conversation. Let’s have the conversation about this,” Smith said.State Rep. Bill Owen, a Republican from Springfield, said to leave “the rhetoric out of it.”“Accidents happen in shop classes. Accidents happen everywhere in that building where (bleeding-control kits) would be necessary. It doesn’t take a gun to do so,” he said. “I’m going to say that the legislation isn’t about guns. It’s about taking care of the safety of our children.”The bill needs to be approved one more time in the House before it heads to the Senate.

School safety bill advances in Missouri House with restrictions on cell phone use

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves calls talks toward a cease fire in the Ukrainian war
“very delicate negotiations.”

Graves, a
Republican, says he is cautiously optimistic discussions with Russian President
Vladimir Putin will bear fruit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742922366254.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves calls talks toward a cease fire in the Ukrainian war
“very delicate negotiations.”Graves, a
Republican, says he is cautiously optimistic discussions with Russian President
Vladimir Putin will bear fruit.“I can’t predict
how it’s going to come out,” Graves tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. “I know
the president’s pushing very hard and is making some great strides in terms of
trying to get both sides to compromise, I guess you might say. Is Zelensky going
to have to give up some territory, cede that to Russia?&nbsp; That’s a possibility. Is Russia going to back
out what they have taken?”Russia invaded
Ukraine in February of 2022. What some thought would be a short conflict has
turned into a slog; a grinding war that has cost countless lives as well as
staggering destruction in Ukraine.Negotiations, led
by the Trump administration, are ongoing in Saudia Arabia. The U.S. has been
pushing for a broad ceasefire by about the middle of next month. It appears,
though, that there is a wide gap between Russia and Ukraine.Graves says both
sides must give some if the fighting is to cease. Graves is uncertain whether
Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to concede territory Russia has
taken since attacking Ukraine three years ago, though Graves says the war
hasn’t gone the way Russia envisioned.“Putin went into
this thing thinking that it was going to be over with in a week,” Graves says. “And
he has lost a tremendous amount of resources in this process. He’s lost 23
ships in the Black Sea.”Graves insists the
United States has a vested interest in ending the war in Ukraine. The
Congressman worries the conflict will broaden and is wary of the ultimate aim
of Putin.“I would rather
fight him in Ukraine and let the Ukrainians prosecute the war, rather than the
United States having to get into it if he moves into the Balkans,” Graves says.
“If he moves into Lithuania or Estonia or Lativa or Poland, for that matter, we’re
in it.”The United States
has obligations to those countries through the alliance with NATO.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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