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

The ballot language written by lawmakers for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=433" target="_blank">proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;stating&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/04/already-outlawed-in-missouri-noncitizen-voting-ban-will-appear-on-statewide-ballot/">“only citizens of the United States”</a>&nbsp;can vote and banning ranked-choice voting is fair and should be on the Nov. 5 ballot without changes, a Cole County judge ruled Monday.

The “fair ballot language” summary written by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft also correctly conveys the central features of the measure, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2024BallotMeasures" target="_blank">will be Amendment 7</a>&nbsp;on the ballot, Circuit Judge Cotton Walker wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=19&amp;di=3257565" target="_blank">an 11-page decision</a>.

The summary statement for the proposal, Walker wrote, “is not untrue or partial, and it does not use language that is intentionally argumentative or likely to create prejudice for the measure nor does it incorrectly describe SJR78.”

Two voters, one from St. Louis and one from Webster Groves, sued over the language, arguing that it is imprecise in its references to the current legal status of non-citizen voting and omits the fact that it is currently illegal in Missouri for non-citizens to vote. The lawsuit named legislative leaders and Ashcroft as defendants in their official capacity for the 50-word summary written by lawmakers and the language intended to give a full description written by Ashcroft.

While the attorneys defending the language wouldn’t give a definitive answer on whether non-citizens can currently vote during the July 29 trial, Walker noted, “the court doubts whether the defendants or their counsel actually believe that non-citizens are currently allowed to vote.”

Lawmakers voted to put the measure on the ballot when they were unable to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/05/as-few-as-1-in-5-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-senate-proposal/">a more controversial proposal</a>&nbsp;to change how a majority is calculated on constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition.&nbsp;

That measure also included the provisions barring non-citizens from voting.

The ban on ranked-choice voting is a reaction to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/16/ranked-choice-voting-proposal-may-miss-missouri-ballot-campaign-says/">failed 2022 initiative</a>&nbsp;to institute the process where voters are allowed to designate candidates as their second and third choices for an office, with votes for candidates who have the fewest votes distributed to their other choices in races where no candidate receives a majority.

The language written by lawmakers asks whether the constitution should be amended to:

The first bullet point “conveys the feature without bias, prejudice, deception or favoritism,” Walker wrote in his ruling.&nbsp;

The challengers wanted “state statute” substituted for “state law” in the first point because a statute currently requires anyone registering to vote to state whether they are a citizen.

“The court does not believe a reasonable voter will be misled or deceived into what the measure will do or that the word ‘law’ is unfair and insufficient as it is used as synonym for ‘state statute’,” Walker wrote.

Missouri allowed non-citizens to vote from 1865 to 1924, when an amendment proposed by a state Constitutional Convention&nbsp;<a href="https://mdh.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/bluebook/id/12864/rec/25" target="_blank">passed with 53.5% of the vote</a>.

The language describing provisions on how elections should be run is also fair, Walker said. He rejected arguments that it should include a reference to a carve-out allowing St. Louis to continue&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/28/st-louis-candidates-mayor-nonpartisan-primary/">using “approval voting” in local elections</a>&nbsp;or that voters might think it allows only one candidate per office in the general election.

“The court does not believe,” Walker wrote, “that any voter will be misled into thinking that when casting future ballots if (the proposal) is adopted, that they can only vote for one specific person on the ballot and no others.”

The decision came a day before Ashcroft is required to certify whether&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/abortion-minimum-wage-campaigns-missouri-ballot/">four measures proposed by initiative</a>&nbsp;had enough signatures to make the ballot. Three measures, to secure abortion rights, legalize sports wagering and allow a new casino near the Lake of the Ozarks, would amend the constitution. The fourth, to increase the minimum wage and require employers to provide paid personal leave, would amend state statute.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723565113046.png" alt=" Ballot language for a proposed constitutional amendment banning non-citizen and ranked-choice voting will not be changed, a judge ruled Monday (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Ballot language for a proposed constitutional amendment banning non-citizen and ranked-choice voting will not be changed, a judge ruled Monday (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The ballot language written by lawmakers for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=433" target="_blank">proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;stating&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/04/already-outlawed-in-missouri-noncitizen-voting-ban-will-appear-on-statewide-ballot/">“only citizens of the United States”</a>&nbsp;can vote and banning ranked-choice voting is fair and should be on the Nov. 5 ballot without changes, a Cole County judge ruled Monday.The “fair ballot language” summary written by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft also correctly conveys the central features of the measure, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2024BallotMeasures" target="_blank">will be Amendment 7</a>&nbsp;on the ballot, Circuit Judge Cotton Walker wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=19&amp;di=3257565" target="_blank">an 11-page decision</a>.The summary statement for the proposal, Walker wrote, “is not untrue or partial, and it does not use language that is intentionally argumentative or likely to create prejudice for the measure nor does it incorrectly describe SJR78.”Two voters, one from St. Louis and one from Webster Groves, sued over the language, arguing that it is imprecise in its references to the current legal status of non-citizen voting and omits the fact that it is currently illegal in Missouri for non-citizens to vote. The lawsuit named legislative leaders and Ashcroft as defendants in their official capacity for the 50-word summary written by lawmakers and the language intended to give a full description written by Ashcroft.While the attorneys defending the language wouldn’t give a definitive answer on whether non-citizens can currently vote during the July 29 trial, Walker noted, “the court doubts whether the defendants or their counsel actually believe that non-citizens are currently allowed to vote.”Lawmakers voted to put the measure on the ballot when they were unable to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/05/as-few-as-1-in-5-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-senate-proposal/">a more controversial proposal</a>&nbsp;to change how a majority is calculated on constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition.&nbsp;That measure also included the provisions barring non-citizens from voting.The ban on ranked-choice voting is a reaction to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/16/ranked-choice-voting-proposal-may-miss-missouri-ballot-campaign-says/">failed 2022 initiative</a>&nbsp;to institute the process where voters are allowed to designate candidates as their second and third choices for an office, with votes for candidates who have the fewest votes distributed to their other choices in races where no candidate receives a majority.The language written by lawmakers asks whether the constitution should be amended to:<ul>
 <li>Make the Constitution consistent with state law by only allowing citizens of the United States to vote;</li><li>Prohibit the ranking of candidates by limiting voters to a single vote per candidate or issue; and</li><li>Require the plurality winner of a political party primary to be the single candidate at a general election?</li>
 </ul>The first bullet point “conveys the feature without bias, prejudice, deception or favoritism,” Walker wrote in his ruling.&nbsp;The challengers wanted “state statute” substituted for “state law” in the first point because a statute currently requires anyone registering to vote to state whether they are a citizen.“The court does not believe a reasonable voter will be misled or deceived into what the measure will do or that the word ‘law’ is unfair and insufficient as it is used as synonym for ‘state statute’,” Walker wrote.Missouri allowed non-citizens to vote from 1865 to 1924, when an amendment proposed by a state Constitutional Convention&nbsp;<a href="https://mdh.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/bluebook/id/12864/rec/25" target="_blank">passed with 53.5% of the vote</a>.The language describing provisions on how elections should be run is also fair, Walker said. He rejected arguments that it should include a reference to a carve-out allowing St. Louis to continue&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/28/st-louis-candidates-mayor-nonpartisan-primary/">using “approval voting” in local elections</a>&nbsp;or that voters might think it allows only one candidate per office in the general election.“The court does not believe,” Walker wrote, “that any voter will be misled into thinking that when casting future ballots if (the proposal) is adopted, that they can only vote for one specific person on the ballot and no others.”The decision came a day before Ashcroft is required to certify whether&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/abortion-minimum-wage-campaigns-missouri-ballot/">four measures proposed by initiative</a>&nbsp;had enough signatures to make the ballot. Three measures, to secure abortion rights, legalize sports wagering and allow a new casino near the Lake of the Ozarks, would amend the constitution. The fourth, to increase the minimum wage and require employers to provide paid personal leave, would amend state statute.

Judge upholds ballot language to ban noncitizen voting, already illegal in Missouri

A public hearing will be held Thursday by the Missouri Department of Transportation on the final plans regarding the I-229 double decker bridge. 

District design engineer Shannon Kusilek says the meeting is being held to inform the public about the current plan for I-229. 

"Letting folks know how we got there, some of the options we may have looked at, and why we came up with the solution that we have," Kusilek tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

The current preferred alternative plan is to remove the double decker bridge and move to a four-lane road in the same location. 

Kusilek says there's been no surprising reaction to the plan, but is aware some see it as controversial 

"There's people who do like the structure, and like the way it is, but then there's the business community and others that would like to see it come down to open up the riverfront, so we've had to work through all those things, and that's why it's taken so long partially," Kusilek explains.  

"Because we've had to work with the city and they actually threw out their own alternative plan at one point that we looked at before but didn't consider because of environmental issues, we've had to work through a lot of things." 

Kusilek says the meeting on Thursday will give residents an opportunity to learn about the plan 

"Just tables and different things throughout, of how we developed our plan, so there will be places to get information on that," Kusilek says.  "But at the end we do have a place for people to give their comments and we're going to take the comments and then once the public meeting is done, the study's not completely over yet, we would take all our comments and summarize them and send them with the request for a record of decision." 

Which will be sent to the Federal Highway Administration where they will look and verify that there are no red flags to deter from the plan.  

The meeting will be held on Thursday at the Remington Nature Center from 4 to 6pm. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680807589405.jpeg" alt="I-229 Double decker overpass/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>I-229 Double decker overpass/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A public hearing will be held Thursday by the Missouri Department of Transportation on the final plans regarding the I-229 double decker bridge. District design engineer Shannon Kusilek says the meeting is being held to inform the public about the current plan for I-229. "Letting folks know how we got there, some of the options we may have looked at, and why we came up with the solution that we have," Kusilek tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. The current preferred alternative plan is to remove the double decker bridge and move to a four-lane road in the same location. Kusilek says there's been no surprising reaction to the plan, but is aware some see it as controversial "There's people who do like the structure, and like the way it is, but then there's the business community and others that would like to see it come down to open up the riverfront, so we've had to work through all those things, and that's why it's taken so long partially," Kusilek explains. "Because we've had to work with the city and they actually threw out their own alternative plan at one point that we looked at before but didn't consider because of environmental issues, we've had to work through a lot of things." Kusilek says the meeting on Thursday will give residents an opportunity to learn about the plan "Just tables and different things throughout, of how we developed our plan, so there will be places to get information on that," Kusilek says. "But at the end we do have a place for people to give their comments and we're going to take the comments and then once the public meeting is done, the study's not completely over yet, we would take all our comments and summarize them and send them with the request for a record of decision." Which will be sent to the Federal Highway Administration where they will look and verify that there are no red flags to deter from the plan. The meeting will be held on Thursday at the Remington Nature Center from 4 to 6pm. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Public hearing on Thursday regarding future of I-229 double decker bridge

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30a.m. Monday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Chevy Silverado driven by Chris A. Kurtz, 64, Oregon, Mo., was southbound on Olive Drive one mile south of Holt 245 and four miles northwest of Oregon.

The pickup traveled off the east side of the road, returned to the road, traveled off the west side of the road, returned to the road a second time and the driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road. The pickup traveled off the road, traveled through a field and struck a tree.

Kurtz was arrested on a requested charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Carless and Imprudent driving.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported Kurtz to Fairfax Community Hospital.&nbsp; He was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30a.m. Monday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Chevy Silverado driven by Chris A. Kurtz, 64, Oregon, Mo., was southbound on Olive Drive one mile south of Holt 245 and four miles northwest of Oregon.The pickup traveled off the east side of the road, returned to the road, traveled off the west side of the road, returned to the road a second time and the driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road. The pickup traveled off the road, traveled through a field and struck a tree.Kurtz was arrested on a requested charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Carless and Imprudent driving.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported Kurtz to Fairfax Community Hospital.&nbsp; He was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Mo. man accused of DWI after pickup strikes a tree

&nbsp;Perrigo Company plc is issuing a voluntary recall at the retailer and warehouse level of three lots within one batch, or 16,500 cans, of store brand Premium Infant Formula with Iron Milk-Based Powder due to levels of Vitamin D above the maximum level permitted, according to a statement from the Food and Drug Administration.&nbsp;

The recalled product was shipped to H-E-B Grocery Company, LP in TX ; and CVS Missouri, Florida, California, South Carolina, Virginia, Indiana, Tennessee, New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. No other products or retailers are impacted by this recall.

The Company is initiating this voluntary recall in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There have been no reports of adverse events to date attributed to the elevated levels of Vitamin D in the product subject to this recall, which was determined through routine testing.

For the vast majority of infants, short-term consumption of the affected lot codes is unlikely to cause adverse health implications. In a small subset of physiologically vulnerable infants (e.g., impaired renal function), there is the potential that consumption of the recalled product could result in health complications. Parents and caregivers who may have purchased the product should look for the lot codes below with “use by” dates, which can be found on the bottom of the package and should contact their health care provider if they have any concerns.

Perrigo has taken immediate action by notifying H-E-B Grocery Company, LP and CVS directly and asking them to examine their retail and warehouse inventory and isolate the product.

Product shipped to CVS beginning February 6, 2024, being recalled:

T11LMYC – USE BY 11NOV2025(Material: 975261, UPC: 050428318034)

Product shipped to H-E-B Grocery Company, LP beginning February 2, 2024, being recalled:

T11LMXC – USE BY 11NOV2025T09LMXC – USE BY 09NOV2025(Material: 788362, UPC: 041220164578)

No other lot codes are impacted by this recall.

If infants experience any symptoms while using the product, report them to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm">www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm</a>. Additionally, please contact your healthcare provider.

Any questions or concerns regarding the recall or adverse events associated with these lot codes can be communicated to Perrigo Consumer Affairs at 1-800-538-9543, M-F from 8:00am-5:00pm EST.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723490770406.png" alt="Photo FDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Perrigo Company plc is issuing a voluntary recall at the retailer and warehouse level of three lots within one batch, or 16,500 cans, of store brand Premium Infant Formula with Iron Milk-Based Powder due to levels of Vitamin D above the maximum level permitted, according to a statement from the Food and Drug Administration.&nbsp;The recalled product was shipped to H-E-B Grocery Company, LP in TX ; and CVS Missouri, Florida, California, South Carolina, Virginia, Indiana, Tennessee, New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. No other products or retailers are impacted by this recall.The Company is initiating this voluntary recall in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There have been no reports of adverse events to date attributed to the elevated levels of Vitamin D in the product subject to this recall, which was determined through routine testing.For the vast majority of infants, short-term consumption of the affected lot codes is unlikely to cause adverse health implications. In a small subset of physiologically vulnerable infants (e.g., impaired renal function), there is the potential that consumption of the recalled product could result in health complications. Parents and caregivers who may have purchased the product should look for the lot codes below with “use by” dates, which can be found on the bottom of the package and should contact their health care provider if they have any concerns.Perrigo has taken immediate action by notifying H-E-B Grocery Company, LP and CVS directly and asking them to examine their retail and warehouse inventory and isolate the product.Product shipped to CVS beginning February 6, 2024, being recalled:T11LMYC – USE BY 11NOV2025(Material: 975261, UPC: 050428318034)Product shipped to H-E-B Grocery Company, LP beginning February 2, 2024, being recalled:T11LMXC – USE BY 11NOV2025T09LMXC – USE BY 09NOV2025(Material: 788362, UPC: 041220164578)No other lot codes are impacted by this recall.If infants experience any symptoms while using the product, report them to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm">www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm</a>. Additionally, please contact your healthcare provider.Any questions or concerns regarding the recall or adverse events associated with these lot codes can be communicated to Perrigo Consumer Affairs at 1-800-538-9543, M-F from 8:00am-5:00pm EST.

Recall: Baby formula sold at CVS, H-E-B in Missouri, 11 other states

Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory is marking 130 years of business in St. Joseph. The funeral home was founded in 1894 and has been owned continuously by the same family for five generations.

Michael Meierhoffer, who has been with the company for over fifty years, says the funeral home has been in the current location for about 20 years. "We made a decision to leave 20th and Frederick and relocate our business to the cemetery at Memorial Park, which we purchased about three years prior to that."

The funeral business has changed a lot in 130 years, and Meierhoffer notes they had to change with the times, "We had to have more room. We had to have a completely new layout in order to handle the facilities people need."

Meierhoffer says, "A funeral home, as we know it today, didn't really exist in St. Joseph until my grandfather built a funeral home designed to handle embalming in 1927, which was state of the art at the time."

Today, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory offers a wide array of services,&nbsp;with Meierhoffer adding, "We are now a funeral home, crematory, cemetery, and mausoleum. We have pet services, known as Family Pals, along with prearrangement services.

Meierhoffer notes, "Our philosophy is continuing in leadership. With people, with facilities, with merchandise, and cemetery services."

Meierhoffer's sons, Scott and Todd, are currently running the company.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701880136271.jpeg" alt="Meierhoffer Funeral Home" />
 <figcaption>Meierhoffer Funeral Home</figcaption>
 </figure>By Ryan SkaithSt. Joseph PostMeierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory is marking 130 years of business in St. Joseph. The funeral home was founded in 1894 and has been owned continuously by the same family for five generations.Michael Meierhoffer, who has been with the company for over fifty years, says the funeral home has been in the current location for about 20 years. "We made a decision to leave 20th and Frederick and relocate our business to the cemetery at Memorial Park, which we purchased about three years prior to that."The funeral business has changed a lot in 130 years, and Meierhoffer notes they had to change with the times, "We had to have more room. We had to have a completely new layout in order to handle the facilities people need."Meierhoffer says, "A funeral home, as we know it today, didn't really exist in St. Joseph until my grandfather built a funeral home designed to handle embalming in 1927, which was state of the art at the time."Today, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory offers a wide array of services,&nbsp;with Meierhoffer adding, "We are now a funeral home, crematory, cemetery, and mausoleum. We have pet services, known as Family Pals, along with prearrangement services.Meierhoffer notes, "Our philosophy is continuing in leadership. With people, with facilities, with merchandise, and cemetery services."Meierhoffer's sons, Scott and Todd, are currently running the company.

Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory Celebrating 130 Years in St. Joseph

Saturday's preseason game gave Chiefs rookies their first taste of game action after several weeks of training camp in St. Joseph.  

One rookie that stood out among the rest was undrafted running back Carson Steele, who has been a hidden gem of sorts through camp.  

Steele has run this camp as both a running back and a fullback, and says his goal coming into camp was to be a Swiss army knife 

"Try to do it all type of deal and wherever they need to put me in is where I can get in," Steele tells reporters following practice.  "So, like implementing the fullback in there as well, being able to block, especially being able to catch out of the backfield too, not only run." 

Steele scored the lone Chiefs touchdown in the game against Jacksonville, rushing four times for 29 yards.  

Steele has been that do it all back and has the potential to give the Chiefs an actual fullback, their first fullback since the retirement of Anthony Sherman.

Head Coach Andy Reid says Steele has been working out at the fullback position as needed. 

"We used Noah (Gray) there last year who can still do that, but he's (Steele) got to be a good special teams player, if he's going to make the team, he's got to be a good special teams player, he's to to be able to carry the football and stay aggressive like he's doing right now," Reid explains. "But he had a productive day." 

Chiefs first round pick Xavier Worthy also got his first bit of actual game action in Saturday's preseason loss to the Jaguars.  

And after an early injury to receiver Hollywood Brown, Worthy's role in the offense could expand even more, at least for the first few weeks.  

Worthy though says even with the injury to Brown, his mindset does not change, and his mindset is to just be the best 

"Hollywood's definitely one of the leaders, he shows me a lot, teaches me a lot, but I feel like him just being there regardless is going to help me a lot," Worthy says. "But my mindset is to just be the best regardless." 

Worthy was held without a catch or a target in the first preseason game but could be used more this Saturday against Detroit.  

It was a lighter 10-10-10 practice today for the Chiefs.  They practice again tomorrow at 9:15 in St. Joseph.

A handful of injured Chiefs returned to practice on Monday, but there was also a handful that sat out with injuries. 

Absent from practice today were Hollywood Brown (shoulder), Bryan Cook (personal), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (sickness), McKade Mettauer, BJ Thompson.  Also sitting out practice, but still at the fields were Jaaron Hayek, Chris Jones (shoulder), Wanya Morris (knee), Charles Omenihu (PUP list) 

A positive sign for Chiefs fans was the return of safety Justin Reid from the non-injured list, Reid spent most of training camp just out at the fields in a jersey and shorts.  Nick Bolton also returned, though he wore the yellow non-contact jersey and also had his left elbow heavily taped. Kadarius Toney was also back at practice on Monday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723347239799.jpeg" alt="Running back Carson Steele, who scored a touchdown in the Chiefs first preseason game, catches a pass during Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Running back Carson Steele, who scored a touchdown in the Chiefs first preseason game, catches a pass during Training Camp in St. Joseph/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Saturday's preseason game gave Chiefs rookies their first taste of game action after several weeks of training camp in St. Joseph. One rookie that stood out among the rest was undrafted running back Carson Steele, who has been a hidden gem of sorts through camp. Steele has run this camp as both a running back and a fullback, and says his goal coming into camp was to be a Swiss army knife "Try to do it all type of deal and wherever they need to put me in is where I can get in," Steele tells reporters following practice. "So, like implementing the fullback in there as well, being able to block, especially being able to catch out of the backfield too, not only run." Steele scored the lone Chiefs touchdown in the game against Jacksonville, rushing four times for 29 yards. Steele has been that do it all back and has the potential to give the Chiefs an actual fullback, their first fullback since the retirement of Anthony Sherman.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723488521662.jpeg" alt="Carson Steele/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Carson Steele/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Head Coach Andy Reid says Steele has been working out at the fullback position as needed. "We used Noah (Gray) there last year who can still do that, but he's (Steele) got to be a good special teams player, if he's going to make the team, he's got to be a good special teams player, he's to to be able to carry the football and stay aggressive like he's doing right now," Reid explains. "But he had a productive day." Chiefs first round pick Xavier Worthy also got his first bit of actual game action in Saturday's preseason loss to the Jaguars. And after an early injury to receiver Hollywood Brown, Worthy's role in the offense could expand even more, at least for the first few weeks. Worthy though says even with the injury to Brown, his mindset does not change, and his mindset is to just be the best "Hollywood's definitely one of the leaders, he shows me a lot, teaches me a lot, but I feel like him just being there regardless is going to help me a lot," Worthy says. "But my mindset is to just be the best regardless." Worthy was held without a catch or a target in the first preseason game but could be used more this Saturday against Detroit. It was a lighter 10-10-10 practice today for the Chiefs. They practice again tomorrow at 9:15 in St. Joseph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723488441351.jpeg" alt="Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy makes a catch against rookie cornerback Miles Battle/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy makes a catch against rookie cornerback Miles Battle/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Injury Report A handful of injured Chiefs returned to practice on Monday, but there was also a handful that sat out with injuries. Absent from practice today were Hollywood Brown (shoulder), Bryan Cook (personal), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (sickness), McKade Mettauer, BJ Thompson. Also sitting out practice, but still at the fields were Jaaron Hayek, Chris Jones (shoulder), Wanya Morris (knee), Charles Omenihu (PUP list) A positive sign for Chiefs fans was the return of safety Justin Reid from the non-injured list, Reid spent most of training camp just out at the fields in a jersey and shorts. Nick Bolton also returned, though he wore the yellow non-contact jersey and also had his left elbow heavily taped. Kadarius Toney was also back at practice on Monday.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Hidden gem: Undrafted rookie making name known during Chiefs Training Camp

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says the United
States must back Israel in its fight against Hamas.

And, the Republican Congressman who serves on the House Armed
Service Committee, is puzzled by the reaction of some Americans.

“And I think it’s fascinating, too, what we’re seeing in the
country in terms of this support for the terrorists, for Hamas in Gaza as if somehow,
they were attacked when in fact they attacked Israel,” Graves tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “It wasn’t even a military attack. It was targeted to
citizens, at a concert.”

Hamas militants invaded southern Israel, killing more than 1,100
and kidnapping around 250.

The war that sparked has killed 10s of thousands.

Graves is bucking a sentiment forming in his party, backing
Ukraine as it attempts to repel the invasion by Russia.

Many Republicans in Washington have soured on the war in
Ukraine, questioning its relevance to national security.

Graves says there is no question the U.S. wants to stop Russia
from moving into NATO member countries. Graves isn’t sure what the intent of
Russian President Vladmir Putin.

“I have the burden and the privilege of seeing the intelligence
when it comes to what we believe Putin intends to do, what he wants to do,” Graves
says. “That would ultimately mean men and women, United States soldier, sailors,
airmen, Marines fighting Russians. That is the last thing that we need.”

Graves has been impressed by Ukraine’s response to the invasion
by Russia, which he believes caught Putin by surprise.

“Putin, he never expected Ukraine to last as long as it has
and continue to fight back and continue to be able to push back on what is
believed one of the strongest militaries in the world,” according to Graves. “He
basically ran into a buzzsaw and he’s still in it.”

Graves says the United States must make every effort to keep
Russia from extending the war into NATO aligned countries.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723227497367.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says the United
States must back Israel in its fight against Hamas.And, the Republican Congressman who serves on the House Armed
Service Committee, is puzzled by the reaction of some Americans.“And I think it’s fascinating, too, what we’re seeing in the
country in terms of this support for the terrorists, for Hamas in Gaza as if somehow,
they were attacked when in fact they attacked Israel,” Graves tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “It wasn’t even a military attack. It was targeted to
citizens, at a concert.”Hamas militants invaded southern Israel, killing more than 1,100
and kidnapping around 250.The war that sparked has killed 10s of thousands.Graves is bucking a sentiment forming in his party, backing
Ukraine as it attempts to repel the invasion by Russia.Many Republicans in Washington have soured on the war in
Ukraine, questioning its relevance to national security.Graves says there is no question the U.S. wants to stop Russia
from moving into NATO member countries. Graves isn’t sure what the intent of
Russian President Vladmir Putin.“I have the burden and the privilege of seeing the intelligence
when it comes to what we believe Putin intends to do, what he wants to do,” Graves
says. “That would ultimately mean men and women, United States soldier, sailors,
airmen, Marines fighting Russians. That is the last thing that we need.”Graves has been impressed by Ukraine’s response to the invasion
by Russia, which he believes caught Putin by surprise.“Putin, he never expected Ukraine to last as long as it has
and continue to fight back and continue to be able to push back on what is
believed one of the strongest militaries in the world,” according to Graves. “He
basically ran into a buzzsaw and he’s still in it.”Graves says the United States must make every effort to keep
Russia from extending the war into NATO aligned countries.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves backs Israel, military aid to Ukraine

The annual shoe distribution hosted by AFL-CIO Community Services will help provide students in need with new shoes for the upcoming school year.  

The Soles 4 Christ shoe distribution serves students preschool through 12th grade from Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton, and Dekalb counties in Missouri as well as Doniphan County in Kansas 

Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says during the event families will come in with their children to pick out their shoes. 

"They'll go through a sizing, we size the children and make sure the shoes fit well, have them take a couple steps around and make sure everything is fitting the way it needs to, because of course we want these shoes to last them the entire school year," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And once everyone has a pair of shoes they're sent out into the wild for the rest of the summer for a few more days until school starts." 

The agency spent the last month collecting shoes for the event. Distribution begins today.  

i Seckinger believes the agency is in pretty decent shape heading into the distribution. 

"We've had right at 1,00 pair of shoes come in, and last year we had right at 1,000 kids, we are anticipating that it could be more this year the numbers have increased every year since COVID," Seckinger explains. "So we think that we'll probably get closer to our 1,200 which was our average before, I think we're going to hit about there." 

There is still some time to donate new tennis shoes for the distribution which can be dropped off at the AFL-CIO Community Services offices.  

Distribution begins this morning at 9 o’clock at the Scottish Rites Temple in St. Joseph. Distribution continues tomorrow; the hours are from 9am to 7pm both days. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The annual shoe distribution hosted by AFL-CIO Community Services will help provide students in need with new shoes for the upcoming school year. The Soles 4 Christ shoe distribution serves students preschool through 12th grade from Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton, and Dekalb counties in Missouri as well as Doniphan County in Kansas Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says during the event families will come in with their children to pick out their shoes. "They'll go through a sizing, we size the children and make sure the shoes fit well, have them take a couple steps around and make sure everything is fitting the way it needs to, because of course we want these shoes to last them the entire school year," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And once everyone has a pair of shoes they're sent out into the wild for the rest of the summer for a few more days until school starts." The agency spent the last month collecting shoes for the event. Distribution begins today. i Seckinger believes the agency is in pretty decent shape heading into the distribution. "We've had right at 1,00 pair of shoes come in, and last year we had right at 1,000 kids, we are anticipating that it could be more this year the numbers have increased every year since COVID," Seckinger explains. "So we think that we'll probably get closer to our 1,200 which was our average before, I think we're going to hit about there." There is still some time to donate new tennis shoes for the distribution which can be dropped off at the AFL-CIO Community Services offices. Distribution begins this morning at 9 o’clock at the Scottish Rites Temple in St. Joseph. Distribution continues tomorrow; the hours are from 9am to 7pm both days.

Soles for Christ distributes shoes to students in need starting today

THC-infused beverages made from hemp are a fast-growing market, and there’s ‘no doubt’ a lawsuit will be filed to challenge Gov. Parson’s order

By REBECCA RIVAS,&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Walking into Total Wine stores in Missouri this summer, it was impossible not to see the display for hemp-derived THC infused beverages.&nbsp;

Total Wine, the country’s largest liquor retailer, set the tone for the alcohol industry in June when it began carrying the products at its seven Missouri stores.&nbsp;

“It has been amazing for us,” said Joshua&nbsp;Grigaitis, owner of St. Louis-based Mighty Kind Co., which makes various kinds of hemp seltzers.&nbsp;“When somebody like Total Wine comes on board, it helps the conversation along greatly.”

Hemp naturally has very little&nbsp;THC, the intoxicating component mostly associated with marijuana. But that potency can be increased with some&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/14/missouri-lawmakers-take-aim-at-unregulated-delta-8-thc-hemp-products/">science</a>.&nbsp;

Now Mighty Kind and other similar products that contain low levels of THC have quickly become new revenue for bars, liquor stores and distributors statewide. These beverages are allowed to be sold in Missouri outside of licensed cannabis dispensaries because the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp.

Grigaitis said in some bars, his products make up 40-50% of their sales.&nbsp;

But that all may come to a halt after Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order on Aug. 1 banning intoxicating hemp products and threatening penalties to any establishment with a Missouri liquor license or that sells food products for selling them. It also bans companies like Mighty Kind from producing hemp-derived THC beverages in Missouri.

The order takes effect Sept. 1. Details of how it will be enforced will be outlined in the emergency rules that are still being written.

The hemp industry is calling the action an “overreach,” but Parson said at a press conference earlier this month that the main target of his order is companies that produce intoxicating hemp edibles that could be mistaken by children as candy.

Standing alongside Attorney General Andrew Bailey and other officials in his administration at his Capitol press conference, Parson displayed&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/foodsafety/enviro-health-services/unreg-psychoactive-cannabis-products.php" target="_blank">a Lifesavers package that contained THC gummies</a>.

“These companies and these people that are profiting off of this type of material to give it to our children need to stop,” Parson said. “And no excuses. If they want to do it, do it the right way… like everybody else has to do.”

The “everyone else” Parson was referring to was the dispensaries licensed to sell adult-use recreational marijuana. Because hemp isn’t a controlled substance like marijuana, there are currently no federal or state standards to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived compounds, he said.

Parson did not address the fact that about 9,000 retailers statewide are currently selling hemp-derived beverages and edibles, a number that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/19/missouri-attorney-general-launches-investigation-of-intoxicating-hemp-products/">estimated</a>&nbsp;in a fiscal analysis in April.

“That’s a big hit to just make an executive order without any kind of voting or legislation,” Grigaitis said.&nbsp;

Steve Busch, owner of Krew Distributing, said everyone in the hemp industry agrees that those bad actors that Parson mentioned should be taken off the shelves.&nbsp;

But the governor failing to address the impact it would have on thousands of bars, liquor stores and grocery stores was “disingenuous” and “bordering unethical,” said Busch, whose company distributes 11 different hemp beverages in eastern Missouri.&nbsp;

“This executive order singled out any retailers that have a liquor license and said that they cannot sell the products,” Busch said. “So that’s pretty much all of my customers that are currently selling.”

Since March, Busch has led an effort to establish regulations for beverages and edibles by working with various lawmakers to write legislation. It’s set to be filed in December.&nbsp;

For the last two years, the marijuana-industry — which has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/21/kansas-lawyer-missouri-medical-marijuana-companies-fill-coffers-of-pro-parson-pac/">major political donor</a>&nbsp;to both Parson and Bailey — has led an unsuccessful effort to convince the legislature to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/01/proposed-legislation-could-ban-the-majority-of-delta-8-drinks-and-edibles-in-missouri/">ban hemp-derived THC</a>&nbsp;products outright.&nbsp;

Grigaitis says he doesn’t believe the order will have the impact the governor is hoping for.&nbsp;

Under federal law, the governor cannot punish people for consuming the products, and Parson was careful to make that point during his press conference. The order only punishes retailers regulated by the state to sell alcohol or food.

Licensed cannabis dispensaries can’t sell these products either because the hemp used to make them has to be grown in Missouri and processed in licensed cultivation and manufacturing facilities – just as marijuana is. Nearly all of these products currently on the market are made from hemp grown in other states.&nbsp;

The order does, however, allow for Missourians to buy these products online from out-of-state companies.

“This is literally forcing everything out of the hands of the people that we have determined or given the licenses,”&nbsp;Grigaitis&nbsp;said. “Why would we take it out of that and put it into the dark? There’s no sense there.”

There will be a response from the hemp industry on various fronts, Busch said. Immediately, he said he will begin circulating the proposed legislation in the hopes of gaining support from lawmakers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chuck Hatfield, a longtime Jefferson City attorney who has represented cannabis companies, said it’s “very unusual” for the governor to issue an executive order to do what lawmakers have declined to do for the past two years.&nbsp;

“There will be lawsuits over this, no doubt about it,” Hatfield said, “because it’s an aggressive regulatory strategy and it’s a little bit unprecedented. There are plenty of lawyers out there who are going to advise the industry that they have legitimate legal arguments to make.”

Hatfield believes the matter will be solved in the courts. But any legal action will have to wait until the emergency rules are released, Hatfield said, which will show the true impact of the law.&nbsp;

The emergency rules will be available before the Sept. 1 effective date, said Mike O’Connell, spokesman for the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control – the agency tasked with drafting the rules.

“Anything before we see those rules is kind of guessing,” Hatfield said.&nbsp;

While it is shocking, Grigaitis said he’s not overly concerned about the order.&nbsp;

“I’m pretty good at thriving in chaos,” he said. “The very weekend that we launched our first CBD seltzer into the world was the same weekend that the shutdown happened and the whole world stopped.”&nbsp;

Several of his products contain only CBD, which is a non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant and isn’t banned under the order. So the order doesn’t wipe out all of his “alcohol alternative” products completely, he said.&nbsp;

But moreso, he believes Missouri’s industry will garner national support because other states don’t want their governors to take similar actions.&nbsp;

“Everyone in the industry thinks it’s going to be stopped,” he said. “The rest of the country does not want to see this precedent set, where it could then snowball.”

DHSS director Paula Nicholson warned families about the fact that these hemp products on the shelves are not regulated by any state or federal authority during the Aug. 1 press conference. So there’s no way to ensure they’re safe, she said.

“We have seen the negative impacts first hand,” she said. “Disturbingly, children in Missouri and across the nation have been hospitalized after ingesting these substances. This is unacceptable.”

Julie Weber, director of the Missouri Poison Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, told The Independent last year that more poison cases had been reported for edibles containing marijuana than the hemp-derived compounds, such as Delta-8.&nbsp;

In 2022, there were 25 cases for Delta-8 edibles for all ages, she said, compared to 125 cases for regulated marijuana edibles for only children 5 years old and under.&nbsp;

However, in a legislative committee in January, Weber testified that the center’s concern for Delta-8 products was increasing.

“It’s the packaging as well that’s a big concern,” Weber said at the time. “It’s attractive, has bright colors, mimics foods and candy. It also has cartoon figures on there.”&nbsp;

Products that mimic trademarked products meant for children are highly condemned by the hemp industry, said Justin Journay, CEO of Indianapolis-based 3CHI, which sells products in Missouri.&nbsp;

“Everybody hates those guys,” Journay said. “Nobody wants to see those guys in business because we get mixed up with them as if we’re the same.”

Busch, who’s company has been a major distributor for Anheuser Busch and other beer brands for decades, said he thoroughly vets the products he distributes – ensuring that they all have gone through third-party testing similar to marijuana products.&nbsp;

And his customers – more than 200 liquor stores, bars and restaurants – treat these products just like alcohol, incentivizing their employees to “age gate,” he said, to prevent underage consumption.&nbsp;

Brian Dix started his own distribution company, Craft Republic, in 2017 that specializes in craft beers and is based in St. Louis. He made the leap to start his own business after spending over 20 years in the beer industry.&nbsp;

One of his fast-growing products is Mighty Kind beverages – and it’s been a big reason why he’s been able to grow his business, he said.&nbsp;

The governor’s order was shocking, he said

“It’s an immediate stop to a significant revenue stream for our business,” Dix said. “More and more people are bringing this category on. So yes, it’s a significant impact that’s got me scrambling trying to figure out what to do.”

Like Busch, Dix ensures that testing is not only done but that results are&nbsp;<a href="https://bemightykind.com/lab-test-results/" target="_blank">easily accessible to consumers</a>&nbsp;for the products he distributes.&nbsp;

And like his colleagues, Dix has advocated for better regulations in this space.&nbsp;

“The governor’s office took a very aggressive stance on this,” he said. “And I understand let’s keep the kids safe, but is that really what he’s doing here? Let’s get regulations in place. Let’s get whatever testing requirements. Let’s enable the state to receive taxation and licensing fees and regulate it like alcohol.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723463930708.png" alt=" Gov. Mike Parson speaks at his Capitol press conference announcing Executive Order 24-10 that bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products in Missouri “until such time approved sources can be regulated by the FDA or State of Missouri through legislative action,” he said (photo courtesy of Missouri Governor’s Office)." />
 <figcaption> Gov. Mike Parson speaks at his Capitol press conference announcing Executive Order 24-10 that bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products in Missouri “until such time approved sources can be regulated by the FDA or State of Missouri through legislative action,” he said (photo courtesy of Missouri Governor’s Office).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>THC-infused beverages made from hemp are a fast-growing market, and there’s ‘no doubt’ a lawsuit will be filed to challenge Gov. Parson’s order</h2>By REBECCA RIVAS,&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Walking into Total Wine stores in Missouri this summer, it was impossible not to see the display for hemp-derived THC infused beverages.&nbsp;Total Wine, the country’s largest liquor retailer, set the tone for the alcohol industry in June when it began carrying the products at its seven Missouri stores.&nbsp;“It has been amazing for us,” said Joshua&nbsp;Grigaitis, owner of St. Louis-based Mighty Kind Co., which makes various kinds of hemp seltzers.&nbsp;“When somebody like Total Wine comes on board, it helps the conversation along greatly.”Hemp naturally has very little&nbsp;THC, the intoxicating component mostly associated with marijuana. But that potency can be increased with some&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/14/missouri-lawmakers-take-aim-at-unregulated-delta-8-thc-hemp-products/">science</a>.&nbsp;Now Mighty Kind and other similar products that contain low levels of THC have quickly become new revenue for bars, liquor stores and distributors statewide. These beverages are allowed to be sold in Missouri outside of licensed cannabis dispensaries because the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp.Grigaitis said in some bars, his products make up 40-50% of their sales.&nbsp;But that all may come to a halt after Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order on Aug. 1 banning intoxicating hemp products and threatening penalties to any establishment with a Missouri liquor license or that sells food products for selling them. It also bans companies like Mighty Kind from producing hemp-derived THC beverages in Missouri.The order takes effect Sept. 1. Details of how it will be enforced will be outlined in the emergency rules that are still being written.The hemp industry is calling the action an “overreach,” but Parson said at a press conference earlier this month that the main target of his order is companies that produce intoxicating hemp edibles that could be mistaken by children as candy.Standing alongside Attorney General Andrew Bailey and other officials in his administration at his Capitol press conference, Parson displayed&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/foodsafety/enviro-health-services/unreg-psychoactive-cannabis-products.php" target="_blank">a Lifesavers package that contained THC gummies</a>.“These companies and these people that are profiting off of this type of material to give it to our children need to stop,” Parson said. “And no excuses. If they want to do it, do it the right way… like everybody else has to do.”The “everyone else” Parson was referring to was the dispensaries licensed to sell adult-use recreational marijuana. Because hemp isn’t a controlled substance like marijuana, there are currently no federal or state standards to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived compounds, he said.Parson did not address the fact that about 9,000 retailers statewide are currently selling hemp-derived beverages and edibles, a number that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/19/missouri-attorney-general-launches-investigation-of-intoxicating-hemp-products/">estimated</a>&nbsp;in a fiscal analysis in April.“That’s a big hit to just make an executive order without any kind of voting or legislation,” Grigaitis said.&nbsp;Steve Busch, owner of Krew Distributing, said everyone in the hemp industry agrees that those bad actors that Parson mentioned should be taken off the shelves.&nbsp;But the governor failing to address the impact it would have on thousands of bars, liquor stores and grocery stores was “disingenuous” and “bordering unethical,” said Busch, whose company distributes 11 different hemp beverages in eastern Missouri.&nbsp;“This executive order singled out any retailers that have a liquor license and said that they cannot sell the products,” Busch said. “So that’s pretty much all of my customers that are currently selling.”Since March, Busch has led an effort to establish regulations for beverages and edibles by working with various lawmakers to write legislation. It’s set to be filed in December.&nbsp;For the last two years, the marijuana-industry — which has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/21/kansas-lawyer-missouri-medical-marijuana-companies-fill-coffers-of-pro-parson-pac/">major political donor</a>&nbsp;to both Parson and Bailey — has led an unsuccessful effort to convince the legislature to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/01/proposed-legislation-could-ban-the-majority-of-delta-8-drinks-and-edibles-in-missouri/">ban hemp-derived THC</a>&nbsp;products outright.&nbsp;Grigaitis says he doesn’t believe the order will have the impact the governor is hoping for.&nbsp;Under federal law, the governor cannot punish people for consuming the products, and Parson was careful to make that point during his press conference. The order only punishes retailers regulated by the state to sell alcohol or food.Licensed cannabis dispensaries can’t sell these products either because the hemp used to make them has to be grown in Missouri and processed in licensed cultivation and manufacturing facilities – just as marijuana is. Nearly all of these products currently on the market are made from hemp grown in other states.&nbsp;The order does, however, allow for Missourians to buy these products online from out-of-state companies.“This is literally forcing everything out of the hands of the people that we have determined or given the licenses,”&nbsp;Grigaitis&nbsp;said. “Why would we take it out of that and put it into the dark? There’s no sense there.”<h2>The response</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723463905930.png" alt="A St. Louis liquor store hung a sign announcing Gov. Mike Parson’s executive order to ban intoxicating hemp beverages (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>A St. Louis liquor store hung a sign announcing Gov. Mike Parson’s executive order to ban intoxicating hemp beverages (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>There will be a response from the hemp industry on various fronts, Busch said. Immediately, he said he will begin circulating the proposed legislation in the hopes of gaining support from lawmakers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chuck Hatfield, a longtime Jefferson City attorney who has represented cannabis companies, said it’s “very unusual” for the governor to issue an executive order to do what lawmakers have declined to do for the past two years.&nbsp;“There will be lawsuits over this, no doubt about it,” Hatfield said, “because it’s an aggressive regulatory strategy and it’s a little bit unprecedented. There are plenty of lawyers out there who are going to advise the industry that they have legitimate legal arguments to make.”Hatfield believes the matter will be solved in the courts. But any legal action will have to wait until the emergency rules are released, Hatfield said, which will show the true impact of the law.&nbsp;The emergency rules will be available before the Sept. 1 effective date, said Mike O’Connell, spokesman for the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control – the agency tasked with drafting the rules.“Anything before we see those rules is kind of guessing,” Hatfield said.&nbsp;While it is shocking, Grigaitis said he’s not overly concerned about the order.&nbsp;“I’m pretty good at thriving in chaos,” he said. “The very weekend that we launched our first CBD seltzer into the world was the same weekend that the shutdown happened and the whole world stopped.”&nbsp;Several of his products contain only CBD, which is a non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant and isn’t banned under the order. So the order doesn’t wipe out all of his “alcohol alternative” products completely, he said.&nbsp;But moreso, he believes Missouri’s industry will garner national support because other states don’t want their governors to take similar actions.&nbsp;“Everyone in the industry thinks it’s going to be stopped,” he said. “The rest of the country does not want to see this precedent set, where it could then snowball.”<h2>Is it safe?</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723463856051.png" alt=" At his Aug. 1 press conference, Gov. Mike Parson pointed to products that mimic trademarked candy but contain hemp-derived THC as a big reason why he issued his executive order banning all intoxicating hemp products (photo courtesy of Missouri Governor’s Office)." />
 <figcaption> At his Aug. 1 press conference, Gov. Mike Parson pointed to products that mimic trademarked candy but contain hemp-derived THC as a big reason why he issued his executive order banning all intoxicating hemp products (photo courtesy of Missouri Governor’s Office).</figcaption>
 </figure>DHSS director Paula Nicholson warned families about the fact that these hemp products on the shelves are not regulated by any state or federal authority during the Aug. 1 press conference. So there’s no way to ensure they’re safe, she said.“We have seen the negative impacts first hand,” she said. “Disturbingly, children in Missouri and across the nation have been hospitalized after ingesting these substances. This is unacceptable.”Julie Weber, director of the Missouri Poison Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, told The Independent last year that more poison cases had been reported for edibles containing marijuana than the hemp-derived compounds, such as Delta-8.&nbsp;In 2022, there were 25 cases for Delta-8 edibles for all ages, she said, compared to 125 cases for regulated marijuana edibles for only children 5 years old and under.&nbsp;However, in a legislative committee in January, Weber testified that the center’s concern for Delta-8 products was increasing.“It’s the packaging as well that’s a big concern,” Weber said at the time. “It’s attractive, has bright colors, mimics foods and candy. It also has cartoon figures on there.”&nbsp;Products that mimic trademarked products meant for children are highly condemned by the hemp industry, said Justin Journay, CEO of Indianapolis-based 3CHI, which sells products in Missouri.&nbsp;“Everybody hates those guys,” Journay said. “Nobody wants to see those guys in business because we get mixed up with them as if we’re the same.”Busch, who’s company has been a major distributor for Anheuser Busch and other beer brands for decades, said he thoroughly vets the products he distributes – ensuring that they all have gone through third-party testing similar to marijuana products.&nbsp;And his customers – more than 200 liquor stores, bars and restaurants – treat these products just like alcohol, incentivizing their employees to “age gate,” he said, to prevent underage consumption.&nbsp;Brian Dix started his own distribution company, Craft Republic, in 2017 that specializes in craft beers and is based in St. Louis. He made the leap to start his own business after spending over 20 years in the beer industry.&nbsp;One of his fast-growing products is Mighty Kind beverages – and it’s been a big reason why he’s been able to grow his business, he said.&nbsp;The governor’s order was shocking, he said“It’s an immediate stop to a significant revenue stream for our business,” Dix said. “More and more people are bringing this category on. So yes, it’s a significant impact that’s got me scrambling trying to figure out what to do.”Like Busch, Dix ensures that testing is not only done but that results are&nbsp;<a href="https://bemightykind.com/lab-test-results/" target="_blank">easily accessible to consumers</a>&nbsp;for the products he distributes.&nbsp;And like his colleagues, Dix has advocated for better regulations in this space.&nbsp;“The governor’s office took a very aggressive stance on this,” he said. “And I understand let’s keep the kids safe, but is that really what he’s doing here? Let’s get regulations in place. Let’s get whatever testing requirements. Let’s enable the state to receive taxation and licensing fees and regulate it like alcohol.”

Hemp industry leaders call Missouri governor’s order banning THC products an ‘overreach’

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Ram Big Horn driven by&nbsp; Mark B. Richardson, 69, Holt, was southbound on U.S. 169 three miles south of St. Joseph.

The pickup rear-ended a 2023 Toyota Camry driven by Laurie L. Brown, 66, St. Joseph, who had slowed to make a right turn. After impact the Toyota traveled off the road and struck a sign.&nbsp;

Buchanan County EMS transported Brown to Mosaic.&nbsp; Richardson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Ram Big Horn driven by&nbsp; Mark B. Richardson, 69, Holt, was southbound on U.S. 169 three miles south of St. Joseph.The pickup rear-ended a 2023 Toyota Camry driven by Laurie L. Brown, 66, St. Joseph, who had slowed to make a right turn. After impact the Toyota traveled off the road and struck a sign.&nbsp;Buchanan County EMS transported Brown to Mosaic.&nbsp; Richardson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Woman from St. Joe hospitalized after rear-end crash

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

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft believes his third place finish in Tuesday’s GOP gubernatorial primary can be explained by his rival’s massive fundraising advantage.&nbsp;

In an email message to supporters Friday, Ashcroft noted that polls had him tied for the lead with Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe going into the campaign’s home stretch. But when the dust settled Tuesday night, Ashcroft garnered only 23% of the vote, finishing behind Kehoe at 39% and state Sen. Bill Eigel at 32%.

“Tuesday’s result was not what we were expecting,” Ashcroft said. “With polls showing us tied going into the final weekend, and the response we’ve been getting traveling to all 114 counties, we had high hopes. At the end of the day, however, it is hard to prevail when you are outspent 3-1.”

According to the last round of campaign finance disclosures, Kehoe raised roughly $11 million between his candidate committees and affiliated PACs. Eigel raised nearly $6 million and Ashcroft raised around $4 million.

However, Ashcroft did benefit from a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/02/anonymous-donors-pump-2m-into-ad-campaign-backing-jay-ashcroft-for-missouri-governor/">$3 million spending spree in the campaign’s final weeks</a>&nbsp;by a PAC called Stand for US. Where the PAC’s money came from is unclear, as its only publicly disclosed contribution is from a nonprofit that doesn’t have to reveal its donors.&nbsp;

After thanking his supporters, Ashcroft urged them to move past the primary and help elect Kehoe defeat the Democratic nominee, House Minority Leader Crystal Quade.

“While the primary is over, the election is not,” he said. “Republicans need to come together and focus on November and do whatever it takes to elect Mike Kehoe and to ensure his success as our next governor.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723313871271.png" alt="Missouri Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate in the Republican primary Jay Ashcroft presses on a “I voted” sticker Tuesday morning at a Jefferson City polling location (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate in the Republican primary Jay Ashcroft presses on a “I voted” sticker Tuesday morning at a Jefferson City polling location (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft believes his third place finish in Tuesday’s GOP gubernatorial primary can be explained by his rival’s massive fundraising advantage.&nbsp;In an email message to supporters Friday, Ashcroft noted that polls had him tied for the lead with Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe going into the campaign’s home stretch. But when the dust settled Tuesday night, Ashcroft garnered only 23% of the vote, finishing behind Kehoe at 39% and state Sen. Bill Eigel at 32%.“Tuesday’s result was not what we were expecting,” Ashcroft said. “With polls showing us tied going into the final weekend, and the response we’ve been getting traveling to all 114 counties, we had high hopes. At the end of the day, however, it is hard to prevail when you are outspent 3-1.”According to the last round of campaign finance disclosures, Kehoe raised roughly $11 million between his candidate committees and affiliated PACs. Eigel raised nearly $6 million and Ashcroft raised around $4 million.However, Ashcroft did benefit from a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/02/anonymous-donors-pump-2m-into-ad-campaign-backing-jay-ashcroft-for-missouri-governor/">$3 million spending spree in the campaign’s final weeks</a>&nbsp;by a PAC called Stand for US. Where the PAC’s money came from is unclear, as its only publicly disclosed contribution is from a nonprofit that doesn’t have to reveal its donors.&nbsp;After thanking his supporters, Ashcroft urged them to move past the primary and help elect Kehoe defeat the Democratic nominee, House Minority Leader Crystal Quade.“While the primary is over, the election is not,” he said. “Republicans need to come together and focus on November and do whatever it takes to elect Mike Kehoe and to ensure his success as our next governor.”

Jay Ashcroft endorses Mike Kehoe, blames fundraising for finishing third in governor’s race

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Friday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Escape driven by a 17-year-old Bethany girl was northbound at the intersection of U.S. 69 and Interstate 135 eight miles north of Winston.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield to a westbound 1995 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp; Michael F. Emerson, 63,&nbsp; Pattonsburg.

Daviess County EMS transported Emerson to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The teen was not injured despite not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Friday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Escape driven by a 17-year-old Bethany girl was northbound at the intersection of U.S. 69 and Interstate 135 eight miles north of Winston.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield to a westbound 1995 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp; Michael F. Emerson, 63,&nbsp; Pattonsburg.Daviess County EMS transported Emerson to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The teen was not injured despite not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured in 2-vehicle crash with teen driver

In the aftermath of Hurricane Debby, volunteers with the American Red Cross have been deployed to assist and provide relief.  

Executive Director of the northwest Missouri chapter JoAnn Woody says the primary effort by volunteers is providing people affected a safe place to be 

"People have evacuated their homes in preparation for the hurricane impact or if they have been displaced, if they've had to leave their homes because of flood waters or hurricane or tornado damage, they need a safe place to go," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so that is our first priority, providing individuals and families a safe place to sleep and to stay while they figure out what the next steps are." 

16 volunteers from Missouri have been deployed, two of those coming from northwest Missouri.  

Woody says the two from the chapter have volunteered with the Red Cross for close to a year now. 

"They have been so gung-ho and they are absolutely loving the humanitarian effort and they enjoy going out on deployments like this," Woody says. "This is not their first assignment, I believe they went to Hawaii after the wildfires, they've been to Florida on previous disasters last year." 

Woody says the couple will serve on the emergency response vehicle crews helping deliver meals or emergency supplies people might need.  

Volunteers assisting in the efforts in Florida are asked to stay for two, sometimes three weeks, to help in the area.  

Woody says that part alone takes a special kind of person to volunteer. 

"To be able to pick up and go stay somewhere far away from home, far away from anything that makes us comfortable and that we rely on, and to provide that kind of care and comfort," Woody explains. "These assignments are not easy, sometimes our volunteers are sleeping in staff shelters on cots in very rugged conditions I guess you would say." 

28 volunteers overall from Missouri and Arkansas have been deployed 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post In the aftermath of Hurricane Debby, volunteers with the American Red Cross have been deployed to assist and provide relief. Executive Director of the northwest Missouri chapter JoAnn Woody says the primary effort by volunteers is providing people affected a safe place to be "People have evacuated their homes in preparation for the hurricane impact or if they have been displaced, if they've had to leave their homes because of flood waters or hurricane or tornado damage, they need a safe place to go," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so that is our first priority, providing individuals and families a safe place to sleep and to stay while they figure out what the next steps are." 16 volunteers from Missouri have been deployed, two of those coming from northwest Missouri. Woody says the two from the chapter have volunteered with the Red Cross for close to a year now. "They have been so gung-ho and they are absolutely loving the humanitarian effort and they enjoy going out on deployments like this," Woody says. "This is not their first assignment, I believe they went to Hawaii after the wildfires, they've been to Florida on previous disasters last year." Woody says the couple will serve on the emergency response vehicle crews helping deliver meals or emergency supplies people might need. Volunteers assisting in the efforts in Florida are asked to stay for two, sometimes three weeks, to help in the area. Woody says that part alone takes a special kind of person to volunteer. "To be able to pick up and go stay somewhere far away from home, far away from anything that makes us comfortable and that we rely on, and to provide that kind of care and comfort," Woody explains. "These assignments are not easy, sometimes our volunteers are sleeping in staff shelters on cots in very rugged conditions I guess you would say." 28 volunteers overall from Missouri and Arkansas have been deployed

Red Cross volunteers respond to hurricane relief in Florida

Legal entanglements arising from alleged environmental damage
caused by a downtown St. Joseph chemical company seem on the way to being
resolved.

The City of St. Joseph dropped a complaint against HPI
Products last year after the company went into receivership and the federal
government stepped in to clean up alleged environmental damage from the company.

Now, the Environmental Protection Agency has reached a
settlement with the city. The EPA and the Department of Justice have agreed not
to sue the city. In exchange, the city has agreed to remove and dispose of
identified polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)-containing ballasts at a property.
The property will be capped and likely used as a parking lot for a nearby fire
station.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723228640753.jpeg" alt="HPI Products/file photo" />
 <figcaption>HPI Products/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostLegal entanglements arising from alleged environmental damage
caused by a downtown St. Joseph chemical company seem on the way to being
resolved.The City of St. Joseph dropped a complaint against HPI
Products last year after the company went into receivership and the federal
government stepped in to clean up alleged environmental damage from the company.Now, the Environmental Protection Agency has reached a
settlement with the city. The EPA and the Department of Justice have agreed not
to sue the city. In exchange, the city has agreed to remove and dispose of
identified polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)-containing ballasts at a property.
The property will be capped and likely used as a parking lot for a nearby fire
station.For the past year, an EPA approved contractor has been
cleaning up the HPI site.The agreement is now subject to a public comment period.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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