On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dr. Will Parker about prostate cancer.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tAd08G_LhAQ?si=ITpgQzlSamNnX43N" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dr. Will Parker about prostate cancer.

🎤 Foward Ever: Dr. Will Parker on prostate cancer

Missouri U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt questions
Air Force brass about why the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Wing
in St. Joseph has not received modernized cargo planes.

During a hearing in Washington, Schmitt
tells the Air Force Chief of Staff, David Allvin, Jr., he cannot understand how
the 139th can train foreign pilots on the new aircraft, yet still
has a fleet of outdated planes.

“They do the training for the C130Js, but
do not have the C130Js,” Schmitt tells Air Force officers during the hearing. “I’m
not going to put you on the spot right now on this, but we thought it was going
to happen this go around. Will you commit to working with me to make sure that
we land that plane?”

The 139th is home to the
Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, which trains U.S. and NATO pilots on
the latest technology. The Air Force awarded the new planes – the C130J model –
to a Wyoming Air Guard base, again passing over the St. Joseph Air Guard based
at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

While Schmitt tells Allvin he thought the
139th was in line for the next allocation of C130J planes, Allvin
tells Schmitt he can only promise to detail where the base competes well and
where it doesn’t in getting new planes.

“That’s what we try to do with all of
these when we go from the enterprise definition to the candidate location to
the preferred location, to be able to understand where some of those discriminators
were and give you a sense of, hey, if there’s something that might make this particular
location more competitive next time around, this is where it might be. I think
we owe you that and we’ll certainly be happy to do that,” Allvin replies during
the hearing.

“Well, I look forward to doing that,
again,” Schmitt tells Alvin, “Because we took those comments to heart and I
think addressed those issues, but we’ll continue to work with you.”

St. Joseph officials have stated that
getting the upgraded C130J model would insure the longevity of the 139th
Airlift Wing at Rosecrans. The 139th flies the C130H model.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748014648294.jpeg" alt="Fleet of C130H cargo planes at the 139th Airlift Wing based at Rosecrans Memorial Airport/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Fleet of C130H cargo planes at the 139th Airlift Wing based at Rosecrans Memorial Airport/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt questions
Air Force brass about why the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Wing
in St. Joseph has not received modernized cargo planes.During a hearing in Washington, Schmitt
tells the Air Force Chief of Staff, David Allvin, Jr., he cannot understand how
the 139th can train foreign pilots on the new aircraft, yet still
has a fleet of outdated planes.“They do the training for the C130Js, but
do not have the C130Js,” Schmitt tells Air Force officers during the hearing. “I’m
not going to put you on the spot right now on this, but we thought it was going
to happen this go around. Will you commit to working with me to make sure that
we land that plane?”The 139th is home to the
Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, which trains U.S. and NATO pilots on
the latest technology. The Air Force awarded the new planes – the C130J model –
to a Wyoming Air Guard base, again passing over the St. Joseph Air Guard based
at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.While Schmitt tells Allvin he thought the
139th was in line for the next allocation of C130J planes, Allvin
tells Schmitt he can only promise to detail where the base competes well and
where it doesn’t in getting new planes.“That’s what we try to do with all of
these when we go from the enterprise definition to the candidate location to
the preferred location, to be able to understand where some of those discriminators
were and give you a sense of, hey, if there’s something that might make this particular
location more competitive next time around, this is where it might be. I think
we owe you that and we’ll certainly be happy to do that,” Allvin replies during
the hearing.“Well, I look forward to doing that,
again,” Schmitt tells Alvin, “Because we took those comments to heart and I
think addressed those issues, but we’ll continue to work with you.”St. Joseph officials have stated that
getting the upgraded C130J model would insure the longevity of the 139th
Airlift Wing at Rosecrans. The 139th flies the C130H model.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Sen Schmitt questions Air Force about why 139th hasn't received new planes

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4G3ruqO7Ib9hYemYqUKvOV?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2zolVTXMBnplWF7Neua3EM?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

A 56-year-old St.
Joseph man has been hospitalized after being stabbed during an argument in the
13-Hundred block of Frederick Avenue Thursday night.

St. Joseph police
say the victim and a 67-year-old St. Joseph man began to argue outside around
eight o’clock. The suspect allegedly drew out a straight blade knife and
stabbed the victim. Police describe the wound as serious, but not life-threatening.
The suspect is in custody.

The incident
remains under investigation.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 56-year-old St.
Joseph man has been hospitalized after being stabbed during an argument in the
13-Hundred block of Frederick Avenue Thursday night.St. Joseph police
say the victim and a 67-year-old St. Joseph man began to argue outside around
eight o’clock. The suspect allegedly drew out a straight blade knife and
stabbed the victim. Police describe the wound as serious, but not life-threatening.
The suspect is in custody.The incident
remains under investigation.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph man seriously wounded in stabbing

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest for a violent robbery in Atchison.

Just after 10p.m. May 18,, an employee in the customer service area at Walmart, 1920 U.S. 73 in Atchison, was entering an office door when she was approached by a man who grabbed a cash bag she was holding, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Michael J. Whitfield of Topeka, struggled briefly with the employee and pushed her as he ran from the area, he did not display any type of weapon.

Whitfield fled the store with a bag of cash in a white Chrysler Pacifica.

On Wednesday, U.S. Marshals and Topeka Police took Whitfield into custody around 11:30p.m. at a residence in Topeka, according to Wilson. He was arrested on an Atchison District Court warrant charging him with robbery, theft, and battery. He was taken to the Shawnee County Jail. Bond has been set at $100,000.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747917119656.png" alt="Whitfield photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Whitfield photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest for a violent robbery in Atchison.Just after 10p.m. May 18,, an employee in the customer service area at Walmart, 1920 U.S. 73 in Atchison, was entering an office door when she was approached by a man who grabbed a cash bag she was holding, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.The suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Michael J. Whitfield of Topeka, struggled briefly with the employee and pushed her as he ran from the area, he did not display any type of weapon.Whitfield fled the store with a bag of cash in a white Chrysler Pacifica.On Wednesday, U.S. Marshals and Topeka Police took Whitfield into custody around 11:30p.m. at a residence in Topeka, according to Wilson. He was arrested on an Atchison District Court warrant charging him with robbery, theft, and battery. He was taken to the Shawnee County Jail. Bond has been set at $100,000.&nbsp;

Police capture Kan. suspect who took bag of cash from business

Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer as kids are out of school, vacations begin, and the weather starts to warm up.  

Sergeant Shane Hux with Troop H of the Missouri Highway Patrol in St. Joseph says safety should always be people's top priority as they travel this holiday 

"There's going to be more traffic out there, so traffic patterns are going to change," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "Motorcycle traffic, people pulling boats, campers, RVs, and it's just going to be clustered out there so keep in mind, planning is very important when it comes to your holiday travel plans." 

Hux says with many construction projects happening around the state, travelers should be aware of work zones as they drive.  

"As busy as it's going to be, there's going to be a huge influx of traffic, so those construction zones are going to slow down," Hux points out.  "Expect some lane closures, reduced speed limits, and some traffic delays on your route." 

Hux advises travelers to buckle up and avoid driving distracted, reminding people of the new hands-free law in Missouri.  

Water traffic might be down over the weekend, with a chance of rain, but sunny skies are expected on Monday, which could bring boat hauling traffic to the highways.  

Hux says to make sure you properly secure your boat onto the trailer 

"Use all the safety latches and then also secure the motor if it's an outboard motor, make sure that's secured," Hux explains.  "And then when you're hooking that up to the vehicle, you're going to be towing it with, make sure you utilize the safety chains, sway bars if you have those available, and also it's very important to make sure the lights are working on the trailer." 

Hux says to remember your life jackets if you get out on the water, and to obey all speed limits on Missouri rivers.

A record number of travelers could be out on Missouri roadways this Memorial day holiday.&nbsp; Triple-A Missouri spokesman Nick Chabarria says the numbers are up again this year.

“950,000 Missourians will travel for the Memorial Day holiday period, similar to the national trends. That's a 3% increase from where we were last year and 4% from where we were in 2019.”

He says the average price for a gallon of gas in Missouri is $2.81. He says that’s down about 40-cents from last year. He reminds drivers to get an early start to avoid traffic, especially in larger cities.

The Missouri Highway Patrol will be out in full force beginning at 6 o’clock tomorrow evening through midnight Monday.

-Missourinet contributed traveler numbers to this story

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer as kids are out of school, vacations begin, and the weather starts to warm up. Sergeant Shane Hux with Troop H of the Missouri Highway Patrol in St. Joseph says safety should always be people's top priority as they travel this holiday "There's going to be more traffic out there, so traffic patterns are going to change," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Motorcycle traffic, people pulling boats, campers, RVs, and it's just going to be clustered out there so keep in mind, planning is very important when it comes to your holiday travel plans." Hux says with many construction projects happening around the state, travelers should be aware of work zones as they drive. "As busy as it's going to be, there's going to be a huge influx of traffic, so those construction zones are going to slow down," Hux points out. "Expect some lane closures, reduced speed limits, and some traffic delays on your route." Hux advises travelers to buckle up and avoid driving distracted, reminding people of the new hands-free law in Missouri. Water traffic might be down over the weekend, with a chance of rain, but sunny skies are expected on Monday, which could bring boat hauling traffic to the highways. Hux says to make sure you properly secure your boat onto the trailer "Use all the safety latches and then also secure the motor if it's an outboard motor, make sure that's secured," Hux explains. "And then when you're hooking that up to the vehicle, you're going to be towing it with, make sure you utilize the safety chains, sway bars if you have those available, and also it's very important to make sure the lights are working on the trailer." Hux says to remember your life jackets if you get out on the water, and to obey all speed limits on Missouri rivers.A record number of travelers could be out on Missouri roadways this Memorial day holiday.&nbsp; Triple-A Missouri spokesman Nick Chabarria says the numbers are up again this year.“950,000 Missourians will travel for the Memorial Day holiday period, similar to the national trends. That's a 3% increase from where we were last year and 4% from where we were in 2019.”He says the average price for a gallon of gas in Missouri is $2.81. He says that’s down about 40-cents from last year. He reminds drivers to get an early start to avoid traffic, especially in larger cities.The Missouri Highway Patrol will be out in full force beginning at 6 o’clock tomorrow evening through midnight Monday.-Missourinet contributed traveler numbers to this storyYou can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MSHP advises safe travel during long Memorial Day holiday

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7Jb21HJPRSv5G4iaQST1p7?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3jC1dPpapo03WvE1le1PVm?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph Post

It appears we
indeed did have a tornado Monday evening.

The National
Weather Service is now reporting a tornado moved through Buchanan County Monday,
between St. Joseph and Agency.

The Weather Service
describes the twister as an EF-0 tornado that moved through the county shortly
after 8:30 Monday night, staying on the ground until about 8:40 that evening.

Winds are
estimated to have peaked at 85 miles an hour, with a path of a bit more than
four miles in length and 20 yards wide.

Some damage, no
injuries reported in wake of the storms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747924488576.png" alt="Photos National Weather Service Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Photos National Weather Service Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph PostIt appears we
indeed did have a tornado Monday evening.The National
Weather Service is now reporting a tornado moved through Buchanan County Monday,
between St. Joseph and Agency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747924523258.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Weather Service
describes the twister as an EF-0 tornado that moved through the county shortly
after 8:30 Monday night, staying on the ground until about 8:40 that evening.Winds are
estimated to have peaked at 85 miles an hour, with a path of a bit more than
four miles in length and 20 yards wide.Some damage, no
injuries reported in wake of the storms.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

NWS now confirms tornado in Buchanan County Monday night

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ram 1500 driven by a 23-year-old Maryville man was southbound on MO 148 three miles south of Pickering.&nbsp;

The driver fell asleep. The pickup traveled off the east side of the road, struck a mailbox, returned to the road, traveled off the west side of the road, struck and embankment, became airborne and came to rest facing eastbound.

A private vehicle transported the driver to Mosaic in Maryville. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ram 1500 driven by a 23-year-old Maryville man was southbound on MO 148 three miles south of Pickering.&nbsp;The driver fell asleep. The pickup traveled off the east side of the road, struck a mailbox, returned to the road, traveled off the west side of the road, struck and embankment, became airborne and came to rest facing eastbound.A private vehicle transported the driver to Mosaic in Maryville. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. driver fell asleep before violent pickup accident

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Taurus driven by a 25-year-old Bolckow woman was eastbound on MO 48 one mile west of REA.&nbsp;

The car was straddling the center line. The driver swerved to avoid a vehicle and the car traveled off the south side of the road. The driver overcorrected. The car traveled off the north side of the road and struck the ground with the right front fender.

Andrew County EMS transported the driver and a 52-year-old passenger to Mosaic Life Care. They were both properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Taurus driven by a 25-year-old Bolckow woman was eastbound on MO 48 one mile west of REA.&nbsp;The car was straddling the center line. The driver swerved to avoid a vehicle and the car traveled off the south side of the road. The driver overcorrected. The car traveled off the north side of the road and struck the ground with the right front fender.Andrew County EMS transported the driver and a 52-year-old passenger to Mosaic Life Care. They were both properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 women hospitalized after Andrew Co. crash

The Missouri Department of Public Safety has declared Buchanan County a Blue Shield community.  

The blue shield program designed by Governor Mike Kehoe recognizes communities that support law enforcement.  

Sheriff Bill Puett says he's proud of the support Buchanan County shows law enforcement 

"When people talk about oh we hate the cops, we hate this, we hate that, I'm always very blessed to say that's not us, that's not Buchanan County, that's not northwest Missouri," Puett says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "That we have a phenomenal community that wants to support law enforcement." 

Puett says that under the program, his officer will be able to apply for grants beginning in July that his office can use to aid the community 

"You'll be able to purchase other technology that you might not be able to get or not having to use local tax dollars that can be used for other things," Puett explains.  "So, we're excited about that, we're looking at some additional technology that we would like to bring on, especially in the crime scene realm and the training realm." 

Puett says also the funds can help in getting specialized training for officers, as well as other specialized training being offered through the blue shield designation.  

Puett says this designation will also have a tremendous impact throughout the region through partnerships, saying if his office targets a specific need.&nbsp;

'"Where the police department may be able to target another need, and Sheriff Gillett in Andrew County may be able to target another need, well at that point because we all work together if we address three needs, and we share our resources, then you can see how exponentially we benefit the region," Puett says.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Missouri Department of Public Safety has declared Buchanan County a Blue Shield community. The blue shield program designed by Governor Mike Kehoe recognizes communities that support law enforcement. Sheriff Bill Puett says he's proud of the support Buchanan County shows law enforcement "When people talk about oh we hate the cops, we hate this, we hate that, I'm always very blessed to say that's not us, that's not Buchanan County, that's not northwest Missouri," Puett says on the KFEQmunnity show. "That we have a phenomenal community that wants to support law enforcement." Puett says that under the program, his officer will be able to apply for grants beginning in July that his office can use to aid the community "You'll be able to purchase other technology that you might not be able to get or not having to use local tax dollars that can be used for other things," Puett explains. "So, we're excited about that, we're looking at some additional technology that we would like to bring on, especially in the crime scene realm and the training realm." Puett says also the funds can help in getting specialized training for officers, as well as other specialized training being offered through the blue shield designation. Puett says this designation will also have a tremendous impact throughout the region through partnerships, saying if his office targets a specific need.&nbsp;'"Where the police department may be able to target another need, and Sheriff Gillett in Andrew County may be able to target another need, well at that point because we all work together if we address three needs, and we share our resources, then you can see how exponentially we benefit the region," Puett says.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Buchanan County honored with Blue Shield designation 

A Georgia man has
been arrested in Maryville in connection with a 19-year-old cold case.

Georgia Bureau of
Investigation officials say 58-year-old Jon Worrell has been the prime suspect
in the shooting death of his wife in 2006.

The Bureau reports
Worrell, who had been living in Maryville, was taken into custody without incident.

Thirty-nine-year-old Doris
Worrell was found shot and killed at Jon's Sports Park in Douglas, Georgia in
September of 2006.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol, the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, Nodaway County Sheriff's
Office, and the Maryville Department of Public Safety assisted Georgia law
enforcement in make the arrest.

Georgia officials say
an extradition hearing will be held to return Worrell to Georgia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747845292431.png" alt="Jon Worrell- Photo Coffee County Georgia Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Jon Worrell- Photo Coffee County Georgia Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Georgia man has
been arrested in Maryville in connection with a 19-year-old cold case.Georgia Bureau of
Investigation officials say 58-year-old Jon Worrell has been the prime suspect
in the shooting death of his wife in 2006.The Bureau reports
Worrell, who had been living in Maryville, was taken into custody without incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747845466660.png" alt="Doris Worrell- Photo Coffee County Georgia Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Doris Worrell- Photo Coffee County Georgia Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Thirty-nine-year-old Doris
Worrell was found shot and killed at Jon's Sports Park in Douglas, Georgia in
September of 2006.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol, the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, Nodaway County Sheriff's
Office, and the Maryville Department of Public Safety assisted Georgia law
enforcement in make the arrest.Georgia officials say
an extradition hearing will be held to return Worrell to Georgia.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Georgia fugitive arrested in Maryville in 19-year-old cold case

Missouri Western State University saw 350 students graduate during its spring graduation ceremonies earlier this month.  

President Elizabeth Kennedy says 43 of those students graduated from the Missouri Western School of nursing 

"Which means they had the pinning ceremony, which that is such a meaningful ceremony because that's the symbol of joining the profession of nursing," Kennedy tells host Brent Martin on KFEQmunnity.  "You still have to take the licensure exam." 

Kennedy says what's particularly exciting however about the number graduating is 

"We have students that are coming out of the program, 99% of them already have a place of employment or they've even started working already, a lot of times that happens with students their last year of the program, so that's really great," Kennedy says. 

Kennedy says the number of graduates from the nursing school can help with an ongoing nursing shortage, while also staying in the area.  

Kennedy also says another area that's exciting, with an existing teacher shortage, Western saw 14 graduates from a Masters of Art and teaching program.  

The university also saw several students graduating that came back to college to learn more.  

Kennedy says while Missouri Western focuses traditional students, the university wants to look to work with more people who either want to finish a degree, or move from an associate to a bachelor’s degree 

"Someone says for example working for the police department or the fire department and they want to get a promotion, a lot of the times that requires a bachelor’s degree," Kennedy explains.  "We're having just some, I would call them baby step conversations at this point with folks in city hall, because there might be more city employees that fall into that." 

Kennedy recalls a statistic that around 22% of St. Joseph has some college and says if Missouri Western can work to come up with programs to help achieve the goal of a degree, she hopes to do that.  

Many people who are looking to advance their career go back to school to do so, and Missouri Western State University strives to be the place to do that.  

Kennedy says the university needs to have viable on and off ramps for students, and uses a student who attended Hillyard Technical Center as an example 

"A year or two in you say I want to get more education, or maybe your employer says we really want you to get more education because we want to promote you or we want you to do x, y, and z," Kennedy says.  "We have to be so seamless in our ability to take students in, bring them back, make sure they get the credits for whatever they may have done, and then make sure they are on a path as efficient and as effective in terms of providing the education they need as we can." 

Kennedy says it can be someone who's been in the workforce who wants to change careers, finish a degree, or seek something else to move into, but the university needs to make pathways seamless and effective. 

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 saw 350 students graduate during its spring graduation ceremonies earlier this month. President Elizabeth Kennedy says 43 of those students graduated from the Missouri Western School of nursing "Which means they had the pinning ceremony, which that is such a meaningful ceremony because that's the symbol of joining the profession of nursing," Kennedy tells host Brent Martin on KFEQmunnity. "You still have to take the licensure exam." Kennedy says what's particularly exciting however about the number graduating is "We have students that are coming out of the program, 99% of them already have a place of employment or they've even started working already, a lot of times that happens with students their last year of the program, so that's really great," Kennedy says. Kennedy says the number of graduates from the nursing school can help with an ongoing nursing shortage, while also staying in the area. Kennedy also says another area that's exciting, with an existing teacher shortage, Western saw 14 graduates from a Masters of Art and teaching program. The university also saw several students graduating that came back to college to learn more. Kennedy says while Missouri Western focuses traditional students, the university wants to look to work with more people who either want to finish a degree, or move from an associate to a bachelor’s degree "Someone says for example working for the police department or the fire department and they want to get a promotion, a lot of the times that requires a bachelor’s degree," Kennedy explains. "We're having just some, I would call them baby step conversations at this point with folks in city hall, because there might be more city employees that fall into that." Kennedy recalls a statistic that around 22% of St. Joseph has some college and says if Missouri Western can work to come up with programs to help achieve the goal of a degree, she hopes to do that. Many people who are looking to advance their career go back to school to do so, and Missouri Western State University strives to be the place to do that. Kennedy says the university needs to have viable on and off ramps for students, and uses a student who attended Hillyard Technical Center as an example "A year or two in you say I want to get more education, or maybe your employer says we really want you to get more education because we want to promote you or we want you to do x, y, and z," Kennedy says. "We have to be so seamless in our ability to take students in, bring them back, make sure they get the credits for whatever they may have done, and then make sure they are on a path as efficient and as effective in terms of providing the education they need as we can." Kennedy says it can be someone who's been in the workforce who wants to change careers, finish a degree, or seek something else to move into, but the university needs to make pathways seamless and effective. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

MWSU hopes to prepare students for the jobs in demand

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/13D5D0xEd8fD3SUPtx5XqQ?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3htGo5b9AX1PlU6lZ4zNsO?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

A task force
formed to advise the St. Joseph City Council on the future of the city landfill
recommends the city increase landfill rates.

The Landfill Task
Force recommends the city increase landfill rates by $10 at the
beginning of next year and another $10 the following year. The
recommendation would increase the St. Joseph Landfill rates from $40 a
ton to $50 a ton, effective January first of next year and increase fees
to $60 a ton at the beginning of 2027.

City officials
state tipping fees at the landfill have remained relatively unchanged for
decades. A rate of $30 a ton was set in 2007, raised to $34 in
2013, lowered to $32 in 2018, then raised to the current $40 a
ton in August of last year. Usage at the landfill has increased from
105,000 tons in 2015 to 215,000 last year.

Construction is
underway to develop Cell 8 after Cell 7 reached capacity and had to have
permission from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to accept more
trash. Staff at the landfill have begun to prepare Cell 9 at the landfill.

The recommendation
of the Landfill Task Force goes before the St. Joseph City Council for initial
approval Monday, June 9th. If given preliminary approval, the fee
increase would come before the city council during its meeting Monday, June 23rd.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA task force
formed to advise the St. Joseph City Council on the future of the city landfill
recommends the city increase landfill rates.The Landfill Task
Force recommends the city increase landfill rates by $10 at the
beginning of next year and another $10 the following year. The
recommendation would increase the St. Joseph Landfill rates from $40 a
ton to $50 a ton, effective January first of next year and increase fees
to $60 a ton at the beginning of 2027.City officials
state tipping fees at the landfill have remained relatively unchanged for
decades. A rate of $30 a ton was set in 2007, raised to $34 in
2013, lowered to $32 in 2018, then raised to the current $40 a
ton in August of last year. Usage at the landfill has increased from
105,000 tons in 2015 to 215,000 last year.Construction is
underway to develop Cell 8 after Cell 7 reached capacity and had to have
permission from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to accept more
trash. Staff at the landfill have begun to prepare Cell 9 at the landfill.The recommendation
of the Landfill Task Force goes before the St. Joseph City Council for initial
approval Monday, June 9th. If given preliminary approval, the fee
increase would come before the city council during its meeting Monday, June 23rd.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Landfill task force recommends increase in tipping fee rates

President Donald Trump has implored House Republicans on Capitol Hill to drop their fights over his big tax cuts bill.  On social media Kansas Second District Congressman encouraged his GOP colleagues to come together to pass the bill.

The White House released a list of 20 reasons Congress must unite behind the One, Big, Beautiful Bill:

President Donald Trump has implored House Republicans on Capitol Hill to drop their fights over his big tax cuts bill. On social media Kansas Second District Congressman encouraged his GOP colleagues to come together to pass the bill.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> is right: House Republicans must come together to pass the One, Big, Beautiful Bill to prevent a massive tax hike on middle class families, fund permanent border security, and begin to finally bend the curve of federal spending downward. Failure isn&#39;t an option.&mdash; Rep. Derek Schmidt Press (@RepDerekSchmidt) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDerekSchmidt/status/1924857752800600450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The White House released a list of 20 reasons Congress must unite behind the One, Big, Beautiful Bill:<ol>
 <li>It delivers the largest tax cut in American history.&nbsp;This means an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Economic-Impact-of-Extending-TCJA-Provisions.pdf">extra $5,000</a>&nbsp;in Americans’ pockets with a DOUBLE-DIGIT percent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/x-23-25.pdf">DECREASE</a>&nbsp;to their tax bills. Americans earning between $30,000 and $80,000 will pay around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/05/13/congress/average-taxpayers-tax-bills-set-to-fall-under-house-tax-package-forecasters-say-00347318">15% less in taxes</a>.</li><li>It includes NO TAX ON TIPS and NO TAX ON OVERTIME.&nbsp;This makes good on two of President Trump’s cornerstone campaign promises and will benefit hardworking Americans where they need it the most — their paychecks.</li><li>It delivers Big, Beautiful Deportations.&nbsp;The bill&nbsp;<a href="https://homeland.house.gov/2025/04/27/house-homeland-security-committee-releases-text-for-budget-reconciliation-recommendations/">permanently</a>&nbsp;secures our borders by making the largest border security investment in history, funding at least one million annual removals of illegal immigrants and&nbsp;<a href="https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2025/05/17/liberal-amnesty-group-inadvertently-makes-great-case-for-the-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-n2657204">ramping up</a>&nbsp;“mass deportation operations to a level never before seen in American history.”</li><li>It finishes President Trump’s border wall.&nbsp;As a result, 701 miles of primary wall, 900 miles of river barriers, 629 miles of secondary barriers, and 141 miles of vehicle and pedestrian barriers will be&nbsp;<a href="https://homeland.house.gov/2025/04/29/homeland-republicans-advance-funding-recommendations-to-continue-president-trumps-border-security-victory-bolster-frontline-personnel-for-years-to-come/">constructed</a>&nbsp;— stopping deadly fentanyl from flowing into our communities and securing the border from dangerous illegal immigrant murderers and rapists.</li><li>It boosts Border Patrol and ICE agents on the frontlines.&nbsp;It empowers immigration authorities to carry out their mission by hiring 10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new customs officers, and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents — and gives $10,000 bonuses in each of the next four years to agents on the frontlines.</li><li>It protects Medicaid for Americans by kicking 1.4 million illegals off the benefits.&nbsp;This bill eliminates waste, fraud, and abuse by ending benefits for at least&nbsp;<a href="https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/05/15/democrat-messaging-falters-as-they-ask-constituents-to-foot-medicaid-costs-for-1-4-million-illegal-aliens/">1.4 million</a>&nbsp;illegal immigrants who are gaming the system.</li><li>It requires able-bodied Americans to work if they receive benefits.&nbsp;With 4.8 million able-bodied adults choosing not to work, The One, Big, Beautiful Bill puts work requirements in place and supports them as they find dignity through employment.</li><li>It reverses the spending curse plaguing Washington, D.C.&nbsp;The legislation delivers the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years, with&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/russvought/status/1923488257888879103">$1.6 trillion</a>&nbsp;in mandatory savings.</li><li>It ends taxpayer-funded sex change for minors.&nbsp;It&nbsp;<a href="https://d1dth6e84htgma.cloudfront.net/05_13_2025_FCMU_Memorandum_UPDATED_55a74a132a.pdf">reverses</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/issue-brief/the-biden-administrations-final-rule-on-section-1557-non-discrimination-regulations-under-the-aca/">Biden-era mandate</a>&nbsp;that Medicaid&nbsp;<a href="https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/31/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-advances-equality-and-visibility-for-transgender-americans/">cover</a>&nbsp;so-called “gender transition” procedures for minors — ending the taxpayer-funded chemical castration and mutilation of American children.</li><li>It provides historic tax relief to Social Security recipients.&nbsp;It slashes taxes on seniors’ Social Security benefits.</li><li>It will give Americans PERMANENT tax relief through the Trump Tax Cuts.&nbsp;If the bill doesn’t pass, Americans will see the largest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/04/heres-what-happens-if-trump-tax-cuts-arent-extended/">tax increase</a>&nbsp;in history.</li><li>It finally modernizes air traffic control, fulfilling President Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-unveils-plan-build-brand-new-state-art-air">plan</a>&nbsp;to completely&nbsp;<a href="https://transportation.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=408584">overhaul</a>&nbsp;the systems that keep Americans flying safely and efficiently.&nbsp;This will allow President Trump to update our air traffic control systems and act where the Biden Administration failed (despite repeated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-107001">warnings</a>).</li><li>It ends the taxpayer-funded Green New Scam.&nbsp;The legislation repeals or phases out every “green” corporate welfare subsidy in Democrats’ so-called “Inflation Reduction Act,” immediately stops credits from flowing to China and saves taxpayers $500+ billion every year, and reverses electric vehicle mandates that let radical climate activists set the standards for American energy.</li><li>It incentivizes MADE IN AMERICA.&nbsp;It rewards companies that build their products in America with lower taxes — and allows Americans who buy an American-made vehicle to fully deduct their auto loan interest.</li><li>It is pro-family.&nbsp;The One, Big, Beautiful Bill increases the child tax credit, establishes MAGA Accounts for newborns to start saving, and strengthens paid family leave.</li><li>It repeals Democrats’ insane attack on the gig economy.&nbsp;It repeals the requirement that Venmo, PayPal, and other gig transactions over $600 be reported to the IRS.</li><li>It protects family farmers.&nbsp;The bill prevents the greedy death tax from hitting two million family-owned farms who would otherwise see their exemptions cut in half and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJasonSmith/status/1924469450209636454">cuts taxes</a>&nbsp;on farmers by over $10 billion.</li><li>It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to revolutionize our nation’s defense capabilities and protect the homeland against new threats.&nbsp;It funds President Trump’s Golden Dome, invests in American shipbuilding, and modernizes our military.</li><li>It unleashes American energy dominance.&nbsp;The legislation increases onshore and offshore oil and gas leases, which provides certainty for energy producers, spurs job growth, and makes energy more affordable for American consumers.</li><li>It boosts American mineral development.&nbsp;This bill increases mining of domestic minerals and makes America less dependent on foreign adversaries for critical minerals.</li>
 </ol>

Kan. lawmaker calls on Congress to pass Trump's tax cut bill

PLATTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase and crash in Platte County.

Just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday, Corporal Fugate with the Platte County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle for improper registration around MO 45 Highway (NW 64th Street) and NW Klamm Road in southern Platte County, according to a media release.

 When the driver of the suspect vehicle failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated as the vehicle fled east on MO 45 Highway towards Interstate 29, reaching speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. 

The driver of the suspect vehicle lost control and crashed near N Chatham Avenue. After crashing the vehicle, the driver ran from the crash scene. 

Witnesses reported seeing the male suspect throw a firearm under another vehicle as he ran.

.Deputies established a search perimeter of the area to contain the suspect who fled into the thick wooded area. Corporal Fugate deployed his canine (K-9) partner, Mattis, to assist in locating the suspect. 

Shortly after deploying the K-9 into the wooded area, the suspect was taken into custody after being found hiding in a crawlspace by a concrete culvert.

The vehicle crashed by the suspect had been previously reported stolen out of Kansas City, Missouri. 

Deputies recovered a semi-automatic handgun which had been thrown down by the suspect as well as a large amount of currency from the crash scene.

 A felony amount of narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia was also recovered from the stolen vehicle. The suspect was cleared medically at a local hospital and transported to the Platte County Detention Center where he was placed on a twenty-four-hour investigative hold pending the filing of charges by the Platte County Prosecutors Office

PLATTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase and crash in Platte County.Just before 11:30a.m. Tuesday, Corporal Fugate with the Platte County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle for improper registration around MO 45 Highway (NW 64th Street) and NW Klamm Road in southern Platte County, according to a media release. When the driver of the suspect vehicle failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated as the vehicle fled east on MO 45 Highway towards Interstate 29, reaching speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. The driver of the suspect vehicle lost control and crashed near N Chatham Avenue. After crashing the vehicle, the driver ran from the crash scene. Witnesses reported seeing the male suspect throw a firearm under another vehicle as he ran..Deputies established a search perimeter of the area to contain the suspect who fled into the thick wooded area. Corporal Fugate deployed his canine (K-9) partner, Mattis, to assist in locating the suspect. Shortly after deploying the K-9 into the wooded area, the suspect was taken into custody after being found hiding in a crawlspace by a concrete culvert.The vehicle crashed by the suspect had been previously reported stolen out of Kansas City, Missouri. Deputies recovered a semi-automatic handgun which had been thrown down by the suspect as well as a large amount of currency from the crash scene. A felony amount of narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia was also recovered from the stolen vehicle. The suspect was cleared medically at a local hospital and transported to the Platte County Detention Center where he was placed on a twenty-four-hour investigative hold pending the filing of charges by the Platte County Prosecutors Office

Sheriff's K9 captures suspect after high-speed chase, crash

Cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc., and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., to retailers, distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors from April 29, 2025 to present (May 19, 2025). Cucumbers distributed before this timeframe should be past shelf life and should no longer be available on the market.

Cucumbers may have been sold individually or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not bear the same brand, product name, or best by date. &nbsp;For distributors, restaurants, and retailers who have purchased these cucumbers, the products were labeled as either being “supers,” “selects,” or “plains”.

On May 19, 2025, Bedner Growers, Inc.,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bedner-growers-inc-recalls-cucumbers-because-possible-health-risk">recalled cucumbers</a>&nbsp;sold directly to consumers at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market and to its wholesale distributor. More information can be found in the recall notice.

Symptoms of&nbsp;Salmonella&nbsp;infection:

Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating food that is contaminated with&nbsp;Salmonella, and the symptoms usually last four to seven days. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.

Some potentially contaminated cucumbers were available at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market in three Florida locations including Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach between April 29, 2025, and May 14, 2025. The recalled cucumbers were also sold to its wholesale distributor. FDA is aware that contaminated product is available at both restaurant and retail locations. FDA is working to determine where potentially contaminated product was distributed. This advisory will be updated as needed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747793441919.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>Cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc., and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc., to retailers, distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors from April 29, 2025 to present (May 19, 2025). Cucumbers distributed before this timeframe should be past shelf life and should no longer be available on the market.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747824054573.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cucumbers may have been sold individually or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not bear the same brand, product name, or best by date. &nbsp;For distributors, restaurants, and retailers who have purchased these cucumbers, the products were labeled as either being “supers,” “selects,” or “plains”.On May 19, 2025, Bedner Growers, Inc.,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bedner-growers-inc-recalls-cucumbers-because-possible-health-risk">recalled cucumbers</a>&nbsp;sold directly to consumers at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market and to its wholesale distributor. More information can be found in the recall notice.<h2>Symptoms of&nbsp;Salmonella&nbsp;infection:</h2>Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating food that is contaminated with&nbsp;Salmonella, and the symptoms usually last four to seven days. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.<h2>Stores Affected</h2>Some potentially contaminated cucumbers were available at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market in three Florida locations including Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach between April 29, 2025, and May 14, 2025. The recalled cucumbers were also sold to its wholesale distributor. FDA is aware that contaminated product is available at both restaurant and retail locations. FDA is working to determine where potentially contaminated product was distributed. This advisory will be updated as needed.<h2>Status</h2>Ongoing.<h2>Recommendations</h2><ul>
 <li>Restaurants, retailers, and distributors&nbsp;that purchased potentially contaminated recalled cucumbers between April 29, 2025 and May 19, 2025 should notify their customers of the potential health concern.Retailers that have or had potentially contaminated product should clean and sanitize any areas that could have come into contact with potentially contaminated products. If potentially contaminated cucumbers were sold in bulk bins or displays, retailers should discard the contents of the bins and use extra care to clean and sanitize the bins before refilling. &nbsp;Retailers that are unsure if they received this product may need to contact their supplier. If you are unable to determine whether or not potentially contaminated product was received, you should discard the contents of the bins and use extra care to clean and sanitize the bins before refilling. &nbsp;</li><li>Retailers that have or had potentially contaminated product should clean and sanitize any areas that could have come into contact with potentially contaminated products. If potentially contaminated cucumbers were sold in bulk bins or displays, retailers should discard the contents of the bins and use extra care to clean and sanitize the bins before refilling. &nbsp;</li><li>Retailers that are unsure if they received this product may need to contact their supplier. If you are unable to determine whether or not potentially contaminated product was received, you should discard the contents of the bins and use extra care to clean and sanitize the bins before refilling. &nbsp;</li><li>Consumers&nbsp;may be contacted by their retailers if they purchased recalled cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers. If you cannot tell if your cucumber was grown by Bedner Growers, throw it away. &nbsp;When eating out over the next week, ask if cucumbers were from Bedner Growers or Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.</li><li>Consumers, restaurants, and retailers who purchased or received potentially contaminated products, including wholesale products, should carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that it touched. Follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/safe-food-handling">FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice</a>&nbsp;to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.</li><li>Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of a&nbsp;Salmonella&nbsp;infection after eating potentially contaminated cucumbers.</li>
 </ul>

Salmonella outbreak: Recall of cucumbers linked to illness in Kansas

State Rep. Brenda
Shields of St. Joseph says lawmakers could see the tension building during the
legislative session, tension that boiled to the surface in the last week,
prompting Senate leadership to wrap up its session two days early.

Shields, a
Republican, says the factors that led to the abrupt end were evident as the
session entered its last week at the state Capitol.

“We had been
feeling the vibes from the Senate that that was going to happen,” Shields tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, I have to say I wasn’t incredibly surprised that
they finished up their work for the year on Wednesday.”

Shields says that
left the House with little it could do on Thursday. The House did pass what it
could and adjourned, one day early.

Several lawmakers
point to a decision by House leadership to skip over House Bill 19 and not
allow members to vote on it the Friday before the last day of the session as
the beginning of the tension. The bill contained $513 million in capital
improvement projects throughout the state. Senators who relied on the financing
for projects in their district were incensed. The anger never cooled in the
final days of the session and, in fact, grew in intensity for Senate Democrats
after majority Republicans cut off debate and forced a vote on two
controversial bills.

Shields admits she
was caught off guard when Republican leaders skipped over the bill and didn’t
allow members to vote on it.

“I know I was
disappointed. I understand our leadership’s decision, but we had put several
good things into House Bill 19 for St. Joseph,” Shields says. “So, yes,
disappointed; a little surprised. But I respect our leadership.”

Contained in the
bill was $7 million for UMKC to set up a Dental School on the Missouri Western
State University campus, $2.8 million for improvements to the Chiefs Training
Camp in St. Joseph, $1 million for Mosaic Life Care to expand behavioral health
services at its Emergency Room, and $800,000 for a new roof over the Pony
Express Museum.

Shields says the
loss of funding for the UMKC Dental School is a big loss from St. Joseph and
northwest Missouri, both of which have a shortage of dentists.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostState Rep. Brenda
Shields of St. Joseph says lawmakers could see the tension building during the
legislative session, tension that boiled to the surface in the last week,
prompting Senate leadership to wrap up its session two days early.Shields, a
Republican, says the factors that led to the abrupt end were evident as the
session entered its last week at the state Capitol.“We had been
feeling the vibes from the Senate that that was going to happen,” Shields tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, I have to say I wasn’t incredibly surprised that
they finished up their work for the year on Wednesday.”Shields says that
left the House with little it could do on Thursday. The House did pass what it
could and adjourned, one day early.Several lawmakers
point to a decision by House leadership to skip over House Bill 19 and not
allow members to vote on it the Friday before the last day of the session as
the beginning of the tension. The bill contained $513 million in capital
improvement projects throughout the state. Senators who relied on the financing
for projects in their district were incensed. The anger never cooled in the
final days of the session and, in fact, grew in intensity for Senate Democrats
after majority Republicans cut off debate and forced a vote on two
controversial bills.Shields admits she
was caught off guard when Republican leaders skipped over the bill and didn’t
allow members to vote on it.“I know I was
disappointed. I understand our leadership’s decision, but we had put several
good things into House Bill 19 for St. Joseph,” Shields says. “So, yes,
disappointed; a little surprised. But I respect our leadership.”Contained in the
bill was $7 million for UMKC to set up a Dental School on the Missouri Western
State University campus, $2.8 million for improvements to the Chiefs Training
Camp in St. Joseph, $1 million for Mosaic Life Care to expand behavioral health
services at its Emergency Room, and $800,000 for a new roof over the Pony
Express Museum.Shields says the
loss of funding for the UMKC Dental School is a big loss from St. Joseph and
northwest Missouri, both of which have a shortage of dentists.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph loses big with loss of House Bill 19

The city of St. Joseph is continuing to invest in its people by developing new workforce and workforce development opportunities.  

Mayor John Josendale pointed to the investment as an objective during his state of the city address.  

Josendale says assets like the Houlne Center for Convergent Technology provide new state of the art opportunities, such as. 

"The cybersecurity is one of seven programs in the entire country," Josendale tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "So, the fact we're state of the art in some of the stuff we're doing, and how we're producing our own from within." 

Expansion at Hillyard Technical Center has also added new workforce development opportunities.  Development is also underway on the new UMKC School of Medicine.

Josendale says these opportunities are all about producing our own from within to help keep them working and living in the community 

"To grow our population, to train our population, to give them the opportunity that not everybody is going to wear a coat and tie and go to work, but we want to be able to offer all different avenues and approaches to get everybody to work," Josendale explains. 

Josendale says people learning in a community makes them want to work there and says growing your own is incredibly important. 

"When I talk about the Community Alliance and we go out and talk and the visitation to other cities, we share our experiences with that and how we're trying to grow within and other cities are trying to copy that because it's so important," Josendale says. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The city of St. Joseph is continuing to invest in its people by developing new workforce and workforce development opportunities. Mayor John Josendale pointed to the investment as an objective during his state of the city address. Josendale says assets like the Houlne Center for Convergent Technology provide new state of the art opportunities, such as. "The cybersecurity is one of seven programs in the entire country," Josendale tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, the fact we're state of the art in some of the stuff we're doing, and how we're producing our own from within." Expansion at Hillyard Technical Center has also added new workforce development opportunities. Development is also underway on the new UMKC School of Medicine.Josendale says these opportunities are all about producing our own from within to help keep them working and living in the community "To grow our population, to train our population, to give them the opportunity that not everybody is going to wear a coat and tie and go to work, but we want to be able to offer all different avenues and approaches to get everybody to work," Josendale explains. Josendale says people learning in a community makes them want to work there and says growing your own is incredibly important. "When I talk about the Community Alliance and we go out and talk and the visitation to other cities, we share our experiences with that and how we're trying to grow within and other cities are trying to copy that because it's so important," Josendale says. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph strives to grow its own through workforce development opportunities

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3190tXeoogK00hmciUohop?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4sNlm8ZjwrNpJVlgg1k1df?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

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