As the United Way of Greater St. Joseph gears up for its annual capital campaign, volunteers are being sought to be part of the allocations process.  

Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says around 150 volunteers will work to advise United Way how to distribute campaign funds among its 17 partner agencies 

"You know it's the community's money that they've entrusted to United Way, so we need the community to be involved in informing our decisions on how we invest those donor dollars into our partner agencies," Flurry tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.  "And so that's what we're here to do, is to invite the community to participate in the United Way allocations process and have a say in how those donor dollars are invested back into our community." 

United Way Board Member Donna Zion says what these volunteers do is very important to the campaign.  

"We like to have all different types of people, all different backgrounds, different career backgrounds, volunteers from the community, just retired volunteers, because they provide such a different perspective and they can weigh in on so many issues," Zion explains.  "To have us converse about and kind of break this down in what works best for the donor dollars and the different partner agencies." 

Flurry says volunteers for the committee will get to hear in a group from two to three of the agencies 

"What they're doing, their many different programs, how they're impacting the community and talking about that," Flurry says.  "And then the volunteers hear the presentation, they have the opportunity to ask questions about programs, like maybe program changes, or challenges their experiencing, and they also have the opportunity to ask questions about the financial side of things because we do review the financials as well." 

Flurry says volunteers learn from those agencies and go through a process of providing feedback to how United Way should invest in the agencies.  

Those interested in volunteering can contact Flurry at the United Way offices or can visit the United Way's website. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post As the United Way of Greater St. Joseph gears up for its annual capital campaign, volunteers are being sought to be part of the allocations process. Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says around 150 volunteers will work to advise United Way how to distribute campaign funds among its 17 partner agencies "You know it's the community's money that they've entrusted to United Way, so we need the community to be involved in informing our decisions on how we invest those donor dollars into our partner agencies," Flurry tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "And so that's what we're here to do, is to invite the community to participate in the United Way allocations process and have a say in how those donor dollars are invested back into our community." United Way Board Member Donna Zion says what these volunteers do is very important to the campaign. "We like to have all different types of people, all different backgrounds, different career backgrounds, volunteers from the community, just retired volunteers, because they provide such a different perspective and they can weigh in on so many issues," Zion explains. "To have us converse about and kind of break this down in what works best for the donor dollars and the different partner agencies." Flurry says volunteers for the committee will get to hear in a group from two to three of the agencies "What they're doing, their many different programs, how they're impacting the community and talking about that," Flurry says. "And then the volunteers hear the presentation, they have the opportunity to ask questions about programs, like maybe program changes, or challenges their experiencing, and they also have the opportunity to ask questions about the financial side of things because we do review the financials as well." Flurry says volunteers learn from those agencies and go through a process of providing feedback to how United Way should invest in the agencies. Those interested in volunteering can contact Flurry at the United Way offices or can visit the United Way's website. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

United Way seeking volunteers for allocations process

After some reorganization, the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office has formed a new division to help combat crime.  

Captain Shawn Collie now heads the Special Operations Division, which combines three units within the Sheriff's Office into one. 

"We've taken Drug Strike Force and made it more of a unit and created a Special Operations type division that I oversee now," Collie tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "And it includes not only Drug Strike Force, but we now have people assigned to a career criminal unit that works hand in hand with the drug unit, and then we have an interdiction unit, so all that falls under me under a Special Operations Division now." 

Collie says this new division helps to add to the team at the Sheriff's Office.  

"And now to add in the career criminal group to help go after those career criminals who are repeat offenders and to take the time and kind of slow down and prosecute them the way they should be prosecuted is going to be a whole new tool for us to add and to help protect our community," Collie explains. 

Collie who heads the new division says the way this unit operates will take some stress off the Sheriff's Offices resources 

"You know instead of trying to run from the drug side to the fugitive side to the shootings, to be able to have people that specifically can concentrate on helping in those areas," Collie says.  "There's only so many hours in the day and only so many people, so it allows us to divide and conquer on certain assignments." 

Collie says this structure will help people in these specific assignments stay focused on the assignments they are interested in and were hired for. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post After some reorganization, the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office has formed a new division to help combat crime. Captain Shawn Collie now heads the Special Operations Division, which combines three units within the Sheriff's Office into one. "We've taken Drug Strike Force and made it more of a unit and created a Special Operations type division that I oversee now," Collie tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And it includes not only Drug Strike Force, but we now have people assigned to a career criminal unit that works hand in hand with the drug unit, and then we have an interdiction unit, so all that falls under me under a Special Operations Division now." Collie says this new division helps to add to the team at the Sheriff's Office. "And now to add in the career criminal group to help go after those career criminals who are repeat offenders and to take the time and kind of slow down and prosecute them the way they should be prosecuted is going to be a whole new tool for us to add and to help protect our community," Collie explains. Collie who heads the new division says the way this unit operates will take some stress off the Sheriff's Offices resources "You know instead of trying to run from the drug side to the fugitive side to the shootings, to be able to have people that specifically can concentrate on helping in those areas," Collie says. "There's only so many hours in the day and only so many people, so it allows us to divide and conquer on certain assignments." Collie says this structure will help people in these specific assignments stay focused on the assignments they are interested in and were hired for. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Reorganization forms new unit in the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office

KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr announced his retirement this
morning.

Birr, a staple of KFEQ programming for decades, made the
announcement during the opening of his show.

“It’s kind of a long time coming,” Birr told his audience. “I
did semi-retirement at the end of 2015 and continued on a part-time basis until
now. And my last day here at 680 KFEQ is going to be on Friday, the 28th
of March.”

Birr came to KFEQ in 1984 to serve as news director. Though he
retired as news director in 2015, Birr continued to host the KFEQ Hotline
between 8am and 10am each morning.

“It’s been a huge, huge part of my life. You’ve been a huge
part of my life and a part of my life that has (been) among the very highlights
of my life,” Birr told listeners. “And so, I deeply appreciate all the help that
you’ve given me doing this program; the help being listening and calling in.”

Birr thanked his callers for their participation over the years.

“We’ve just been blessed with magnificent callers over the
years, the 33-some-odd years that I’ve been doing this program,” Birr said. “And
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.”

With that, Birr began the open-line portion of the Hotline,
discussing the day’s current events, just as he has since 1992.

Birr created the KFEQ Hotline shortly after KFEQ became a Rush
Limbaugh affiliate. Birr discussed his motivation during the celebration of
KFEQ’s 100th anniversary in 2023.

“That’s a national program.,” Birr said during an interview on
the radio stations’ centennial. “What if we had a local program that addressed
issues in the news and took calls?”

The Hotline proved its worth a year after it began, expanding
programming nearly non-stop to cover the 1993 Missouri River flood. It became a
vital communication link with a city and a region coping with devastating
flooding that also wiped out the St. Joseph water plant, leaving the community without
drinkable water for a nearly a week.

The KFEQ Hotline again served as a vital community link during
another natural disaster in 2007. An ice storm that winter knocked out other
radio stations and the city’s only television station. KFEQ kept on the air
with a generator and listeners could tune in with a battery-powered radio.

“For quite a while we were the only broadcast facility that
was operating,” Birr said during an anniversary celebration interview.

Soon after the storm created widespread power outages, it
became apparent to Birr and others KFEQ needed to expand the Hotline and serve
the community more directly.

“This became a kind of place where ideas were exchanged,” Birr
said. “People would share information about, well you can get water here;
different things at different places. And here’s what it’s like in my
neighborhood.”

Other special celebrations are planned before Birr retires at
the end of the month.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742308174703.jpeg" alt="KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr/file photo" />
 <figcaption>KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr announced his retirement this
morning.Birr, a staple of KFEQ programming for decades, made the
announcement during the opening of his show.“It’s kind of a long time coming,” Birr told his audience. “I
did semi-retirement at the end of 2015 and continued on a part-time basis until
now. And my last day here at 680 KFEQ is going to be on Friday, the 28th
of March.”Birr came to KFEQ in 1984 to serve as news director. Though he
retired as news director in 2015, Birr continued to host the KFEQ Hotline
between 8am and 10am each morning.“It’s been a huge, huge part of my life. You’ve been a huge
part of my life and a part of my life that has (been) among the very highlights
of my life,” Birr told listeners. “And so, I deeply appreciate all the help that
you’ve given me doing this program; the help being listening and calling in.”Birr thanked his callers for their participation over the years.“We’ve just been blessed with magnificent callers over the
years, the 33-some-odd years that I’ve been doing this program,” Birr said. “And
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742308246492.jpeg" alt="Birr was honored in 2023 as the Conservation Communicator of the Year by the Conservation Federation of Missouri/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Birr was honored in 2023 as the Conservation Communicator of the Year by the Conservation Federation of Missouri/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>With that, Birr began the open-line portion of the Hotline,
discussing the day’s current events, just as he has since 1992.Birr created the KFEQ Hotline shortly after KFEQ became a Rush
Limbaugh affiliate. Birr discussed his motivation during the celebration of
KFEQ’s 100th anniversary in 2023.“That’s a national program.,” Birr said during an interview on
the radio stations’ centennial. “What if we had a local program that addressed
issues in the news and took calls?”The Hotline proved its worth a year after it began, expanding
programming nearly non-stop to cover the 1993 Missouri River flood. It became a
vital communication link with a city and a region coping with devastating
flooding that also wiped out the St. Joseph water plant, leaving the community without
drinkable water for a nearly a week.The KFEQ Hotline again served as a vital community link during
another natural disaster in 2007. An ice storm that winter knocked out other
radio stations and the city’s only television station. KFEQ kept on the air
with a generator and listeners could tune in with a battery-powered radio.“For quite a while we were the only broadcast facility that
was operating,” Birr said during an anniversary celebration interview.Soon after the storm created widespread power outages, it
became apparent to Birr and others KFEQ needed to expand the Hotline and serve
the community more directly.“This became a kind of place where ideas were exchanged,” Birr
said. “People would share information about, well you can get water here;
different things at different places. And here’s what it’s like in my
neighborhood.”Other special celebrations are planned before Birr retires at
the end of the month.<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Barry-Birr-announces-retirement-e30bb4e/a-abrbs83" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr announces retirement

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-3182025-e30bb7f/a-abrbsbv" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3182025-e30bb9a/a-abrbse2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

A preliminary
report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board recommends a partial
ban on military helicopters into Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
in wake of the deadly crash with a commercial airline jet in January.

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves, the chair of the House Transportation Committee, says a
total ban of military helicopters into the Washington airport is out of the
question.

“We can’t shut
down those corridors. We need those corridors for the military to use,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Actually, what they’re training for is evacuation
of government buildings in case there is a problem or something like that.”

The recommendation
is from a <a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20250311.aspx">NTSB preliminary report</a> into the deadly crash of an Army Black Hawk
helicopter with an American Airlines jet in January. The NTSB recommends
helicopter traffic be restricted when two specific runways are being used at
the D.C. airport.

Graves, a
Republican, says military helicopters need to be able to fly in an out of Reagan
National.

“But obviously
they need to stay within their lanes and they also need to stay at the assigned
altitude,” Graves says. “This was a colossal culmination of many mistakes that
just happened and culminated at exactly the wrong time and it resulted in an extraordinary
tragedy for a lot of families.” 

The NTSB says the
helicopter pilots were undergoing an annual test and might have been wearing
night-vision goggles when the crash occurred.

Graves says an
outright ban on military helicopter traffic in Washington, D.C. wouldn’t be
possible, because the military trains for times when it might have to respond
to emergencies at the nation’s capital.

“I’m not in favor
of shutting down those corridors, but they have to stay at their assigned altitude
and that was obviously one of the problems in this case,” according to Graves.

The crash January
29th killed everyone onboard the helicopter and the plane. The crash
left 67 dead, including 28 members of the figure skating community who had left
a competition in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742293942839.jpeg" alt="Workers begin to clear the wreckage from the Potomac River in Washington, DC after a military helicopter and a commercial jet collided in late January/National Transportation Safety Board photo" />
 <figcaption>Workers begin to clear the wreckage from the Potomac River in Washington, DC after a military helicopter and a commercial jet collided in late January/National Transportation Safety Board photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA preliminary
report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board recommends a partial
ban on military helicopters into Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
in wake of the deadly crash with a commercial airline jet in January.Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves, the chair of the House Transportation Committee, says a
total ban of military helicopters into the Washington airport is out of the
question.“We can’t shut
down those corridors. We need those corridors for the military to use,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Actually, what they’re training for is evacuation
of government buildings in case there is a problem or something like that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742294115011.jpeg" alt="Wreckage being cleared from the Potomac River/NTSB photo" />
 <figcaption>Wreckage being cleared from the Potomac River/NTSB photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The recommendation
is from a <a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20250311.aspx">NTSB preliminary report</a> into the deadly crash of an Army Black Hawk
helicopter with an American Airlines jet in January. The NTSB recommends
helicopter traffic be restricted when two specific runways are being used at
the D.C. airport.Graves, a
Republican, says military helicopters need to be able to fly in an out of Reagan
National.“But obviously
they need to stay within their lanes and they also need to stay at the assigned
altitude,” Graves says. “This was a colossal culmination of many mistakes that
just happened and culminated at exactly the wrong time and it resulted in an extraordinary
tragedy for a lot of families.” The NTSB says the
helicopter pilots were undergoing an annual test and might have been wearing
night-vision goggles when the crash occurred.Graves says an
outright ban on military helicopter traffic in Washington, D.C. wouldn’t be
possible, because the military trains for times when it might have to respond
to emergencies at the nation’s capital.“I’m not in favor
of shutting down those corridors, but they have to stay at their assigned altitude
and that was obviously one of the problems in this case,” according to Graves.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742294157544.jpeg" alt="NTSB photo" />
 <figcaption>NTSB photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The crash January
29th killed everyone onboard the helicopter and the plane. The crash
left 67 dead, including 28 members of the figure skating community who had left
a competition in Wichita.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves says military helicopters must be able to fly in & out of DC

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man for alleged sex crimes.

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742227712683.png" alt="Metz phot Atchison County." />
 <figcaption>Metz phot Atchison County.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man for alleged sex crimes.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.

Kan. man accused of sex assault of shopper at big box store

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan —Law enforcement are investigating a 2-vehicle crash that occurred just after noon Monday in Atchison.

A 2018 Ford Focus driven by Phillip DiMaggio, 61, Ocoee Florida, was northbound on 4th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. 

The car was turning east onto Main Street and and was involved in a crash with a 2012 Freightliner semi driven by Miles Ruch, 73, Craig, Missouri who northbound on 4th Street and was turning east onto Main Street. EMS responded to the scene and fortunately nobody was seriously injured or required hospitalization.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742242858090.png" alt="Photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan —Law enforcement are investigating a 2-vehicle crash that occurred just after noon Monday in Atchison.A 2018 Ford Focus driven by Phillip DiMaggio, 61, Ocoee Florida, was northbound on 4th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The car was turning east onto Main Street and and was involved in a crash with a 2012 Freightliner semi driven by Miles Ruch, 73, Craig, Missouri who northbound on 4th Street and was turning east onto Main Street. EMS responded to the scene and fortunately nobody was seriously injured or required hospitalization.

Driver avoids serious injury after 2-vehicle Kansas crash

A northeast Kansas
legislator says lawmakers in Topeka need to tackle a handful of issues this
legislative session.

State Rep. Allen
Reavis, a Republican from Atchison, says Kansans need property tax relief.

“Whether that
means recalculating how the appraisals are done; basically, make it more fair,
more consistent, and try to lower the tax burden as far as property tax,”
Reavis tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “That’s the number one issue everybody’s
been hearing.”

Reavis says the
best way to tackle the problem hasn’t been resolved, yet. It could be how
property is assessed or the legislature could look to cap property tax rates.

Reavis says Kansas
legislators likely will place some issues before the voters next year,
including a constitutional amendment to require someone has to be a U.S.
citizen to vote in Kansas.

Reavis says the
legislature also wants to place a check on state governmental agencies. Reavis
claims current state law gives the bureaucracy too much power to shape Kansas
policy.

“We’re one of only
11 states that don’t have legislative oversight on rules and regs,” according
to Reavis. “So, we have a lot of problems with legislation by regulation, where
the bureaucrats or these agencies are changing the rules or not quite following
the intent of the legislature. That’s another one of the amendments that we’re
going to have the voters vote on, where we have the authority to have
legislative oversight to make sure they’re doing it the right way.”

Reavis expects the
legislature to place the issue on the ballot next year.

Another issue the
legislature might put to a public vote is how Supreme Court nominees are
selected. At present, a panel of attorneys chooses the nominee. Reavis says
that doesn’t work.

“We’re the only
state in the country that has a panel of attorneys pick who the attorney that’ s
going to become the state Supreme Court nominee is,” Reavis says, adding that
the legislature likely will put before voters a choice:&nbsp; either keep the current system to have
Supreme Court nominees elected by the public.

Reavis says the
Kansas legislative session is off to a much faster start this legislative
session. He credits a bipartisan team of legislative leaders which drafted a
state budget so lawmakers could begin budget work as soon as they arrived in
Topeka.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA northeast Kansas
legislator says lawmakers in Topeka need to tackle a handful of issues this
legislative session.State Rep. Allen
Reavis, a Republican from Atchison, says Kansans need property tax relief.“Whether that
means recalculating how the appraisals are done; basically, make it more fair,
more consistent, and try to lower the tax burden as far as property tax,”
Reavis tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “That’s the number one issue everybody’s
been hearing.”Reavis says the
best way to tackle the problem hasn’t been resolved, yet. It could be how
property is assessed or the legislature could look to cap property tax rates.Reavis says Kansas
legislators likely will place some issues before the voters next year,
including a constitutional amendment to require someone has to be a U.S.
citizen to vote in Kansas.Reavis says the
legislature also wants to place a check on state governmental agencies. Reavis
claims current state law gives the bureaucracy too much power to shape Kansas
policy.“We’re one of only
11 states that don’t have legislative oversight on rules and regs,” according
to Reavis. “So, we have a lot of problems with legislation by regulation, where
the bureaucrats or these agencies are changing the rules or not quite following
the intent of the legislature. That’s another one of the amendments that we’re
going to have the voters vote on, where we have the authority to have
legislative oversight to make sure they’re doing it the right way.”Reavis expects the
legislature to place the issue on the ballot next year.Another issue the
legislature might put to a public vote is how Supreme Court nominees are
selected. At present, a panel of attorneys chooses the nominee. Reavis says
that doesn’t work.“We’re the only
state in the country that has a panel of attorneys pick who the attorney that’ s
going to become the state Supreme Court nominee is,” Reavis says, adding that
the legislature likely will put before voters a choice:&nbsp; either keep the current system to have
Supreme Court nominees elected by the public.Reavis says the
Kansas legislative session is off to a much faster start this legislative
session. He credits a bipartisan team of legislative leaders which drafted a
state budget so lawmakers could begin budget work as soon as they arrived in
Topeka.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

NE Kansas lawmaker says property tax relief tops legislative priorities

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-317-e309msr/a-abr9p6j" 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-3172025-e309mqg/a-abr9p4a" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News 

A 42-year-old St.
Joseph man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to
child molestation.

Ronald Heffley reached
the plea agreement in the case in which a 14-year-old girl gave birth to a
child in July of last year.

The St. Joseph
Police Department got a call from Children’s Mercy Hospital in September of
last year. The teenager gave birth in July. Genetic testing implicated Heffley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742223122037.jpeg" alt="Ronald Heffley/Buchanan County jail photo" />
 <figcaption>Ronald Heffley/Buchanan County jail photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 42-year-old St.
Joseph man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to
child molestation.Ronald Heffley reached
the plea agreement in the case in which a 14-year-old girl gave birth to a
child in July of last year.The St. Joseph
Police Department got a call from Children’s Mercy Hospital in September of
last year. The teenager gave birth in July. Genetic testing implicated Heffley.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph man pleads guilty to child molestations, gets 15 years

A 48-year-old St.
Joseph woman has been found guilty of second-degree involuntary manslaughter in
the fatal crash on an I-229 exit off downtown St. Joseph last May.

Katherine Deweese drove
the wrong way onto I-229, leaving downtown St. Joseph, crashing into a
motorcycle ridden by 33-year-old Ryan Coffman.

The crash occurred
in the early morning hours of May 17th last year when Deweese, distracted
during an argument with her boyfriend, drove the wrong way on the Interstate 229
exit ramp, crashing into the motorcycle. Coffman, ejected from the motorcycle,
flew into the windshield of the SUV, suffering fatal injuries. He died hours
later at the hospital.

Buchanan County
Judge Dan Kellogg found Deweese guilty of involuntary manslaughter after an
eight-hour trial.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 48-year-old St.
Joseph woman has been found guilty of second-degree involuntary manslaughter in
the fatal crash on an I-229 exit off downtown St. Joseph last May.Katherine Deweese drove
the wrong way onto I-229, leaving downtown St. Joseph, crashing into a
motorcycle ridden by 33-year-old Ryan Coffman.The crash occurred
in the early morning hours of May 17th last year when Deweese, distracted
during an argument with her boyfriend, drove the wrong way on the Interstate 229
exit ramp, crashing into the motorcycle. Coffman, ejected from the motorcycle,
flew into the windshield of the SUV, suffering fatal injuries. He died hours
later at the hospital.Buchanan County
Judge Dan Kellogg found Deweese guilty of involuntary manslaughter after an
eight-hour trial.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph woman found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in fatal I-229 crash

DEKALB COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Mercury Sable driven by a 61-year-old Weatherby woman was southbound on MO 31 at U.S. 36 three miles west of Stewartsville.

The driver failed to yield at the stop sign, entered the intersection and struck an eastbound 2022 Kia Forte driven by a 37-year-old Gallatin man. After impact the Mercury skidded off the road and overturned onto its top.&nbsp;

DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported both drivers to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Buchanan County ambulance transported a 42-year-old passenger in the Kia to Mosaic in St. Joseph. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Mercury Sable driven by a 61-year-old Weatherby woman was southbound on MO 31 at U.S. 36 three miles west of Stewartsville.The driver failed to yield at the stop sign, entered the intersection and struck an eastbound 2022 Kia Forte driven by a 37-year-old Gallatin man. After impact the Mercury skidded off the road and overturned onto its top.&nbsp;DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported both drivers to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Buchanan County ambulance transported a 42-year-old passenger in the Kia to Mosaic in St. Joseph. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 hospitalized in St. Joe after 2-vehicle crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Buick passenger vehicle driven by a 26-year-old Bethany woman was northbound on Interstate 35 three miles north of Cameron.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It slid off the east side of the road and overturned. A private vehicle transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Buick passenger vehicle driven by a 26-year-old Bethany woman was northbound on Interstate 35 three miles north of Cameron.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It slid off the east side of the road and overturned. A private vehicle transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after vehicle overturns

A young motorcycle rider has been killed after a collision with a car at a busy
intersection in St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph
Police Department identifies the victim as 19-year-old Josue Ezequiel Turcio Ramirez.

Police say Ramirez
was riding south on the Belt Highway Thursday afternoon. A northbound
vehicle attempted to make a left turn onto Beck Road and the two collided. The
impact ejected Ramirez from the motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The motorcycle
crashed into five other vehicles, four at the car dealership on the corner. The
driver of the car involved in the crash was not injured. St. Joseph police are
not releasing the driver’s identification at this time. The driver in the car
hit after the wreck was not injured, either.

The article has been updated to provide the correct identification of the victim. We regret the error.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA young motorcycle rider has been killed after a collision with a car at a busy
intersection in St. Joseph.The St. Joseph
Police Department identifies the victim as 19-year-old Josue Ezequiel Turcio Ramirez.Police say Ramirez
was riding south on the Belt Highway Thursday afternoon. A northbound
vehicle attempted to make a left turn onto Beck Road and the two collided. The
impact ejected Ramirez from the motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.The motorcycle
crashed into five other vehicles, four at the car dealership on the corner. The
driver of the car involved in the crash was not injured. St. Joseph police are
not releasing the driver’s identification at this time. The driver in the car
hit after the wreck was not injured, either.The investigation
continues.The article has been updated to provide the correct identification of the victim. We regret the error.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Motorcycle rider killed in St. Joseph crash

A pedestrian was
struck and killed by a car late Thursday night in St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph
Police Department reports 25-year-old Richard Henry of St. Joseph was pronounced dead at the
scene, the North Belt Highway near Green Hills Super Market.

The department says
Henry was walking westbound across the Belt shortly before 10:30 when a southbound
vehicle struck him. The department reports the driver is cooperating with the
investigation.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA pedestrian was
struck and killed by a car late Thursday night in St. Joseph.The St. Joseph
Police Department reports 25-year-old Richard Henry of St. Joseph was pronounced dead at the
scene, the North Belt Highway near Green Hills Super Market.The department says
Henry was walking westbound across the Belt shortly before 10:30 when a southbound
vehicle struck him. The department reports the driver is cooperating with the
investigation.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Pedestrian killed when struck while crossing the Belt Highway

The measure overturning a 1976 initiative banning charges for construction work in progress on new power plants is the third bill approved by lawmakers this year

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Missouri House on Thursday voted to repeal a utility&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/07/massive-utility-legislation-expected-to-boost-missouri-power-generation-and-energy-bills/">consumer protection law</a>&nbsp;passed by voters almost 50 years ago.

The bill that originated in the state Senate drew bipartisan support and opposition on the 96-44 vote, with 20 Democrats joining 76 Republicans to support it and 23 Republicans lining up with 21 Democrats to oppose it. Three Democratic members voted “present.”

With the vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=66" target="_blank">the bill</a>&nbsp;became the third measure to clear both chambers this session.

While the bill makes a variety of changes to utility law, the most controversial piece would give the Missouri Public Service Commission authority to allow customers to be charged for building new electric generating plants.

Known as a charge for Construction Work in Progress, or CWIP, it has been banned since 1976, when consumers were worried about the cost of nuclear power.

For backers of the bill, the question to be answered is whether Missouri will become the home to new electric generation plants. For opponents, the question is whether it will force power rates up faster than they would increase otherwise.

If Missouri utilities aren’t given the CWIP allowance, they will be forced to buy power in the interstate competitive market when demand peaks, state Rep. Josh Hurlbert, the bill’s handler, said during debate.

“If you truly care about the utility bills of your constituents, voting for this bill actually helps them, because it protects them from those massive prices at the other market,” Hurlbert said.

Opponents of the measure have argued it will add as much as $1,100 a year to residential utility bills. Arguments that the power will be cheaper with the bill than without it are hard to accept, said state Rep. Ray Reed, a Democrat from St. Louis County.

“Folks don’t care how bad it could have been,” Reed said. “They just see that eggs are $9 and that we voted for utility bills to go higher.”

The CWIP charge would be allowed for power plants that use natural gas to generate electricity. In another section, it would be allowed for new generating plants, including nuclear, that are part of an approved plan for meeting power demands.

Supporters have said it is unlikely it will be used for nuclear power because the plant would have to be completed by 2035, when the allowance for CWIP charges expires.

Passage of the CWIP repeal is the culmination of decades of work by utility companies. The last major effort came in 2009, as Ameren was seeking a license to build a new reactor at the Callaway nuclear plant.

Some of the Republican opponents to the measure objected to the heavy lobbying pressure for the bill. State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, said there were “squadrons” of lobbyists “roaming our halls” but he hadn’t heard from any utility customers asking for the bill to be passed.&nbsp;

Instead, he noted, even his voters, who get their power from rural electric cooperatives, are worried about higher prices. Electric cooperatives are not regulated by the PSC.

“I’ve had no less than 25 emails from constituents who are concerned about this, and I’ve reassured them that they’re in coop, this doesn’t affect them,” Mayhew said. “But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t care about my friends and the Kansas City and the St Louis areas.”

State Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Sedalia Republican, said power from generating plants built in Missouri is more reliable than power from plants built elsewhere. Pollitt sponsored one of the House bills to repeal CWIP.

“It’s important that when we flip the switch, our lights come on,” Pollitt said. “In agriculture, it’s important that when we have hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of grain and grain bins, that those dryers are going to work.”

Passage of the bill drew praise from business interests and scorn from environmentalists.

“Reliable, resilient and affordable energy is essential to retaining and attracting business to the state,” said Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This legislation will help Missouri meet the growing demand for energy.”

The bill upsets the balanced utility ratemaking process that weighs consumer protection against utility profits, the Sierra Club said in a statement.

“This bill will financially harm families and businesses,” said Jenn DeRose, Missouri senior organizer with the Sierra Club, “because increasing electric bills several years before a power plant begins producing power will drive up the price of everything, from eggs to electronics and beyond.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671461254643.png" alt="Photo by (Aaron Sanderford)" />
 <figcaption>Photo by (Aaron Sanderford)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The measure overturning a 1976 initiative banning charges for construction work in progress on new power plants is the third bill approved by lawmakers this year</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri House on Thursday voted to repeal a utility&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/07/massive-utility-legislation-expected-to-boost-missouri-power-generation-and-energy-bills/">consumer protection law</a>&nbsp;passed by voters almost 50 years ago.The bill that originated in the state Senate drew bipartisan support and opposition on the 96-44 vote, with 20 Democrats joining 76 Republicans to support it and 23 Republicans lining up with 21 Democrats to oppose it. Three Democratic members voted “present.”With the vote,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=66" target="_blank">the bill</a>&nbsp;became the third measure to clear both chambers this session.While the bill makes a variety of changes to utility law, the most controversial piece would give the Missouri Public Service Commission authority to allow customers to be charged for building new electric generating plants.Known as a charge for Construction Work in Progress, or CWIP, it has been banned since 1976, when consumers were worried about the cost of nuclear power.For backers of the bill, the question to be answered is whether Missouri will become the home to new electric generation plants. For opponents, the question is whether it will force power rates up faster than they would increase otherwise.If Missouri utilities aren’t given the CWIP allowance, they will be forced to buy power in the interstate competitive market when demand peaks, state Rep. Josh Hurlbert, the bill’s handler, said during debate.“If you truly care about the utility bills of your constituents, voting for this bill actually helps them, because it protects them from those massive prices at the other market,” Hurlbert said.Opponents of the measure have argued it will add as much as $1,100 a year to residential utility bills. Arguments that the power will be cheaper with the bill than without it are hard to accept, said state Rep. Ray Reed, a Democrat from St. Louis County.“Folks don’t care how bad it could have been,” Reed said. “They just see that eggs are $9 and that we voted for utility bills to go higher.”The CWIP charge would be allowed for power plants that use natural gas to generate electricity. In another section, it would be allowed for new generating plants, including nuclear, that are part of an approved plan for meeting power demands.Supporters have said it is unlikely it will be used for nuclear power because the plant would have to be completed by 2035, when the allowance for CWIP charges expires.Other provisions in the bill would:<ul>
 <li>Allow “future test year” rates. Currently, rates are set after the PSC examines the actual costs incurred to deliver service and determines if each expense was prudent and necessary. In a future test year scenario, the utility would outline what it expects to spend and the costs would be pre-approved by the PSC.</li><li>Require electric utilities to submit plans projecting demand for at least 16 years into the future and plans for meeting those demands. This is the section that allows CWIP for any form of generation approved in the resource plan.</li><li>Increase the assessment on utility revenue to fund the PSC and, for the first time, add an assessment to support the Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumer interests before the commission.</li><li>Change the shut-off rule for hot and cold weather. Instead of using 24-hour forecasts, the rule would use 72-hour forecasts, prohibiting shutoffs for non-payment in summer if the temperature is expected to exceed 95 and winter if it is forecast to go below 32 within that period.</li>
 </ul>Passage of the CWIP repeal is the culmination of decades of work by utility companies. The last major effort came in 2009, as Ameren was seeking a license to build a new reactor at the Callaway nuclear plant.Some of the Republican opponents to the measure objected to the heavy lobbying pressure for the bill. State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, said there were “squadrons” of lobbyists “roaming our halls” but he hadn’t heard from any utility customers asking for the bill to be passed.&nbsp;Instead, he noted, even his voters, who get their power from rural electric cooperatives, are worried about higher prices. Electric cooperatives are not regulated by the PSC.“I’ve had no less than 25 emails from constituents who are concerned about this, and I’ve reassured them that they’re in coop, this doesn’t affect them,” Mayhew said. “But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t care about my friends and the Kansas City and the St Louis areas.”State Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Sedalia Republican, said power from generating plants built in Missouri is more reliable than power from plants built elsewhere. Pollitt sponsored one of the House bills to repeal CWIP.“It’s important that when we flip the switch, our lights come on,” Pollitt said. “In agriculture, it’s important that when we have hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of grain and grain bins, that those dryers are going to work.”Passage of the bill drew praise from business interests and scorn from environmentalists.“Reliable, resilient and affordable energy is essential to retaining and attracting business to the state,” said Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This legislation will help Missouri meet the growing demand for energy.”The bill upsets the balanced utility ratemaking process that weighs consumer protection against utility profits, the Sierra Club said in a statement.“This bill will financially harm families and businesses,” said Jenn DeRose, Missouri senior organizer with the Sierra Club, “because increasing electric bills several years before a power plant begins producing power will drive up the price of everything, from eggs to electronics and beyond.”

Bill repealing Missouri law limiting utility charges heads to Gov. Mike Kehoe

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford F150 driven by a 47-year-old Gallatin woman was northbound on 239th Street crossing MO 6 just west of Gallatin. The driver failed to yield. A westbound 2019 GMC Sierra driven by a 67-year-old Trenton woman struck the Ford on the driver side.

Community Ambulance District transported the Ford driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. There were no other injuries reported. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 12:30p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford F150 driven by a 47-year-old Gallatin woman was northbound on 239th Street crossing MO 6 just west of Gallatin. The driver failed to yield. A westbound 2019 GMC Sierra driven by a 67-year-old Trenton woman struck the Ford on the driver side.Community Ambulance District transported the Ford driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. There were no other injuries reported. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after pickups collide

Missouri Western State University will work with UMKC to bring a new dental clinic to St. Joseph.  

Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says the opportunity for the university to partner with the University of Missouri Kansas City is exciting, particularly after the work UMKC has accomplished with Mosaic Life Care on its medical school in St. Joseph 

"We started conversations maybe a year and a half ago, just hey what do you think about this idea? How could we do it? Where might we put it?" Kennedy tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "And of course funding, it's a $12 million, so funding is going to be key, but I think the opportunity for Missouri Western to expand our footprint if you will into the healthcare area."  

Kennedy says the university works closely with Mosaic to expand in that area, and this provides another educational opportunity. 

Kennedy says the prospect of this program is exciting. And she's most excited about having a functioning dental clinic on campus. 

"That will be able to serve the community members as well as our employees, our students, and that's also so important because having those services available to the community at a clinic rate as such as what they're planning is going to be huge," Kennedy explains. 

Kennedy says it's been wonderful working with UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal and is eager to get the program moving forward.  

Kennedy says a goal of the program, much like with the UMKC School of Medicine in St. Joseph, is to keep students in rural Missouri 

"To expand the dental services in both programs for the graduates so that htey stay in rural communities, so they stay and live in areas like St. Joseph," Kennedy says.  "For our students that are interested in going into a field, it certainly provides another opportunity for them to participate with UMKC and that program and then graduate as a dentist from that dental school." 

Work must be done before it becomes a reality. UMKC proposes a $12 million renovation of space at Missouri Western. It needs approval for the program and needs to raise the money.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Missouri Western State University will work with UMKC to bring a new dental clinic to St. Joseph. Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says the opportunity for the university to partner with the University of Missouri Kansas City is exciting, particularly after the work UMKC has accomplished with Mosaic Life Care on its medical school in St. Joseph "We started conversations maybe a year and a half ago, just hey what do you think about this idea? How could we do it? Where might we put it?" Kennedy tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And of course funding, it's a $12 million, so funding is going to be key, but I think the opportunity for Missouri Western to expand our footprint if you will into the healthcare area." Kennedy says the university works closely with Mosaic to expand in that area, and this provides another educational opportunity. Kennedy says the prospect of this program is exciting. And she's most excited about having a functioning dental clinic on campus. "That will be able to serve the community members as well as our employees, our students, and that's also so important because having those services available to the community at a clinic rate as such as what they're planning is going to be huge," Kennedy explains. Kennedy says it's been wonderful working with UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal and is eager to get the program moving forward. Kennedy says a goal of the program, much like with the UMKC School of Medicine in St. Joseph, is to keep students in rural Missouri "To expand the dental services in both programs for the graduates so that htey stay in rural communities, so they stay and live in areas like St. Joseph," Kennedy says. "For our students that are interested in going into a field, it certainly provides another opportunity for them to participate with UMKC and that program and then graduate as a dentist from that dental school." Work must be done before it becomes a reality. UMKC proposes a $12 million renovation of space at Missouri Western. It needs approval for the program and needs to raise the money.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MWSU President Kennedy excited about UMKC dental clinic

A new scam call using the name of the St. Joseph Police Department and its officers is going around the city.  

Sergeant Richard McGregory says the department has received reports of people receiving voicemails from con artists claiming to be with the department, and one resident who actually spoke with the person 

"Saying that they're from the police department and giving officers names, not really asking for anything specifically," McGregory tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And then the only one I've heard of that actually spoke with someone, they said the officer was asking who all lives in the home." 

McGregory says the St. Joseph Police department will never call you 

"Personally, over the phone or demanding any money or paying in or threatening you with jail time, things of that nature, letting you know you have warrants, that's just not how we operate," McGregory explains. 

McGregory says if you receive one of these calls, it's best to just hang up 

"After you hang up if you want to give us a call at our non-emergency number just to let us know, and then that way we can kind of keep a tally on how many calls are coming in, we probably won't necessarily take a report on it or anything," McGregory says.  "Just kind of get a tally and say hey this is kind of still going on, do we need to take more steps, do we need to try to do something different." 

If you believe you have been a victim of this scam you can contact (816)271-4777.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A new scam call using the name of the St. Joseph Police Department and its officers is going around the city. Sergeant Richard McGregory says the department has received reports of people receiving voicemails from con artists claiming to be with the department, and one resident who actually spoke with the person "Saying that they're from the police department and giving officers names, not really asking for anything specifically," McGregory tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And then the only one I've heard of that actually spoke with someone, they said the officer was asking who all lives in the home." McGregory says the St. Joseph Police department will never call you "Personally, over the phone or demanding any money or paying in or threatening you with jail time, things of that nature, letting you know you have warrants, that's just not how we operate," McGregory explains. McGregory says if you receive one of these calls, it's best to just hang up "After you hang up if you want to give us a call at our non-emergency number just to let us know, and then that way we can kind of keep a tally on how many calls are coming in, we probably won't necessarily take a report on it or anything," McGregory says. "Just kind of get a tally and say hey this is kind of still going on, do we need to take more steps, do we need to try to do something different." If you believe you have been a victim of this scam you can contact (816)271-4777.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph Police warn of new caller scam

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3132025-e304e5r/a-abr36ui" 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-3132025-e304dvu/a-abr36nq" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The Leadership
Northwest Music Jam, a major fundraiser for the group, has been scheduled for
late August.

Leadership Northwest
Missouri has announced it will hold the concert at Black Silo Winery in Trenton
August 30th, coinciding with Trenton's Alumni weekend celebration.
This is the fifth consecutive year the music jam will be held at Black Silo. It
is presented by Wright Memorial Hospital and Hedrick Medical Center.

Proceeds from the
concern will not just benefit Leadership Northwest Missouri, but also will
provide scholarships. Leadership Northwest Missouri will offer two $1,000 scholarships
to high school seniors, one to the hosting county, Grundy County, and one to a
student from any of the 19 counties within the Northwest Missouri region.

The Leadership
Northwest Music Jam has raised more than $45,000 over the past four years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741883271848.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe Leadership
Northwest Music Jam, a major fundraiser for the group, has been scheduled for
late August.Leadership Northwest
Missouri has announced it will hold the concert at Black Silo Winery in Trenton
August 30th, coinciding with Trenton's Alumni weekend celebration.
This is the fifth consecutive year the music jam will be held at Black Silo. It
is presented by Wright Memorial Hospital and Hedrick Medical Center.Proceeds from the
concern will not just benefit Leadership Northwest Missouri, but also will
provide scholarships. Leadership Northwest Missouri will offer two $1,000 scholarships
to high school seniors, one to the hosting county, Grundy County, and one to a
student from any of the 19 counties within the Northwest Missouri region.The Leadership
Northwest Music Jam has raised more than $45,000 over the past four years.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Leadership Northwest Music Jam set for August in Trenton

An agri-business company
plans to build a 160,000 square foot facility in south St. Joseph, investing
$22 million in the community.

The St. Joseph
Chamber of Commerce has announced Nortian Foodtech will acquire a 24-acre tract
of heavy industrial land owned by the City of St. Joseph. The new production
facility will be located at 2202 Alabama St. in the Stockyards Industrial Park.

Nortian converts
by-products from the meat industry—materials that are often discarded—into
high-quality food-grade protein, according to the Chamber. The company expects
to hire nearly 140 workers by the end of five years of operations.

“We are proud
Nortian Foodtech chose Missouri and St. Joseph for its first U.S. location,” Gov.
Mike Kehoe said in a written statement released by the St. Joseph Chamber. “The
company’s decision to invest and grow in Missouri is testament to our strong
manufacturing industry and skilled workforce.”

The company is
taking advantage of the incentives offered by the Chapter 100 program, Missouri
Works, the Buchanan County Economic Development Forgivable Loan program. It
also will receive breaks on its utility bills from Evergy, Spire Gas, and
Missouri American Water Company.

Talks began with
the company last summer.

“We are very
pleased to have Nortian Foodtech select St. Joseph for its first U.S.
location,” St. Joseph President Natalie Hawn said in a written statement. “Nortian
Foodtech will provide an innovative and quality product for the food industry.
We appreciate the confidence of the company’s leadership team to select and
invest in St. Joseph and in Missouri.”

Andre Albuquerque,
Founder and CEO of Nortian, also issued a written statement: “St. Joseph is the
ideal location for Nortian Foodtech’s first U.S. facility. This investment
strengthens our mission to transform by-products into high-value food ingredients
through cutting-edge technology. We appreciate the support from local and state
partners and look forward to creating jobs and driving innovation in the
region."

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn agri-business company
plans to build a 160,000 square foot facility in south St. Joseph, investing
$22 million in the community.The St. Joseph
Chamber of Commerce has announced Nortian Foodtech will acquire a 24-acre tract
of heavy industrial land owned by the City of St. Joseph. The new production
facility will be located at 2202 Alabama St. in the Stockyards Industrial Park.Nortian converts
by-products from the meat industry—materials that are often discarded—into
high-quality food-grade protein, according to the Chamber. The company expects
to hire nearly 140 workers by the end of five years of operations.“We are proud
Nortian Foodtech chose Missouri and St. Joseph for its first U.S. location,” Gov.
Mike Kehoe said in a written statement released by the St. Joseph Chamber. “The
company’s decision to invest and grow in Missouri is testament to our strong
manufacturing industry and skilled workforce.”The company is
taking advantage of the incentives offered by the Chapter 100 program, Missouri
Works, the Buchanan County Economic Development Forgivable Loan program. It
also will receive breaks on its utility bills from Evergy, Spire Gas, and
Missouri American Water Company.Talks began with
the company last summer.“We are very
pleased to have Nortian Foodtech select St. Joseph for its first U.S.
location,” St. Joseph President Natalie Hawn said in a written statement. “Nortian
Foodtech will provide an innovative and quality product for the food industry.
We appreciate the confidence of the company’s leadership team to select and
invest in St. Joseph and in Missouri.”Andre Albuquerque,
Founder and CEO of Nortian, also issued a written statement: “St. Joseph is the
ideal location for Nortian Foodtech’s first U.S. facility. This investment
strengthens our mission to transform by-products into high-value food ingredients
through cutting-edge technology. We appreciate the support from local and state
partners and look forward to creating jobs and driving innovation in the
region."You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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