A back and forth in Missouri’s cannabis laws meant some marijuana workers didn’t go through the state highway patrol’s criminal screening for two years.

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

Missouri cannabis regulators say they’re halfway through getting fingerprint background checks for about 16,000 marijuana workers and volunteers who didn’t get them between 2022 and 2024.

Anyone who wants to work in the cannabis industry must get an “agent ID badge” through the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation, which is when the background check normally occurs.

Since the division began doing the retroactive fingerprint checks in February, the number of agent IDs has declined by 2,400 — going from 21,132 in February to 18,737 in June, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/stats.php" target="_blank">division’s</a>&nbsp;data and reports webpage.&nbsp;

Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said only 17 people have had their agent IDs revoked because the fingerprinting process showed a disqualifying felony offense on their criminal record, as of July 15.&nbsp;

The vast majority, or 2,032 active agent IDs, have been “revoked due to non-submission of fingerprints,” Cox said. “Those who have been revoked for non-submission of fingerprints may reapply and should contact DCR directly for assistance with this request.”

When the state legalized medical marijuana in 2018, fingerprint background checks had been a requirement to apply for an agent ID card to work in the cannabis industry.&nbsp;

That mandate lasted until December 2022, when the recreational marijuana constitutional amendment went into effect and only&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV++++2&amp;bid=51541&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">required</a>&nbsp;owners of cannabis companies to get fingerprinted. Other employees had to attest to not committing disqualifying offenses.

In 2023, Missouri lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/11/missouri-legislators-vote-to-require-fingerprint-background-checks-for-cannabis-employees/">passed a bill</a>&nbsp;to once again require all employees, contractors, owners and volunteers to submit their fingerprints to the Missouri Highway Patrol for a criminal background check.

However, it took until October 2024 for the FBI to approve the division’s statutory authority to review state and federal criminal background records,&nbsp; Cox said.

Since February, the division has been sending emails to individuals with agent ID cards approved between December 8, 2022 and December 1, 2024.

“Our request process is based on the date that the ID card was approved,” said Shayna Arndt, the division’s section director of patient and application services, during the July&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/OmpDGII9VkI?si=tnSYEyqm43t8BVWU" target="_blank">DCR Out Loud</a>&nbsp;podcast. “We have sent out a message to the impacted agents and designated contacts for all facilities for the summer.”&nbsp;

The constitution states that people with a “disqualifying felony” can’t work in the industry, and that’s broadly defined as any violation of a state or federal law designated a felony under Missouri law.&nbsp;

According to the division, a lot of their review is subjective.

“What is written into law is then applied to each individual record, so it is a case-by-case analysis and can’t simply be determined by a checklist of potential offenses,” Cox told The Independent previously.

In the constitution, there is an exception for marijuana offenses eligible for expungement, and a time limit for other offenses.

An applicant can obtain an agent ID if they committed a non-violent offense more than five years ago and served no prison time. For other felonies, “more than five years have passed since the person was released from parole or probation, and he or she has not been convicted of any subsequent felony criminal offenses,” it states.

Every state handles background checks differently because the federal government doesn’t regulate the marijuana industry in any way, as it’s federally illegal.

Before the fingerprinting requirement went back into effect in December 2024, people could have their agent IDs approved and get to work within a 48-hour time period, said Christy Essex, who runs the largest Missouri-based cannabis staffing company, Se7en Staffing &amp; Employment Solutions.

Now, it takes about 7-10 days. Essex believes that turnaround time could be faster if there were more state-approved facilities offered.

Despite the longer wait time, Essex said, “it’s definitely for the greater good to keep employees safe, the facilities safe, and the industry safe.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753095953899.png" alt=" Flora Farms Stateline dispensary at the Arkansas border has 50 employees and 14 registers. (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Flora Farms Stateline dispensary at the Arkansas border has 50 employees and 14 registers. (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A back and forth in Missouri’s cannabis laws meant some marijuana workers didn’t go through the state highway patrol’s criminal screening for two years.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri cannabis regulators say they’re halfway through getting fingerprint background checks for about 16,000 marijuana workers and volunteers who didn’t get them between 2022 and 2024.Anyone who wants to work in the cannabis industry must get an “agent ID badge” through the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation, which is when the background check normally occurs.Since the division began doing the retroactive fingerprint checks in February, the number of agent IDs has declined by 2,400 — going from 21,132 in February to 18,737 in June, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/stats.php" target="_blank">division’s</a>&nbsp;data and reports webpage.&nbsp;Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said only 17 people have had their agent IDs revoked because the fingerprinting process showed a disqualifying felony offense on their criminal record, as of July 15.&nbsp;The vast majority, or 2,032 active agent IDs, have been “revoked due to non-submission of fingerprints,” Cox said. “Those who have been revoked for non-submission of fingerprints may reapply and should contact DCR directly for assistance with this request.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753095916615.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>When the state legalized medical marijuana in 2018, fingerprint background checks had been a requirement to apply for an agent ID card to work in the cannabis industry.&nbsp;That mandate lasted until December 2022, when the recreational marijuana constitutional amendment went into effect and only&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV++++2&amp;bid=51541&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">required</a>&nbsp;owners of cannabis companies to get fingerprinted. Other employees had to attest to not committing disqualifying offenses.In 2023, Missouri lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/11/missouri-legislators-vote-to-require-fingerprint-background-checks-for-cannabis-employees/">passed a bill</a>&nbsp;to once again require all employees, contractors, owners and volunteers to submit their fingerprints to the Missouri Highway Patrol for a criminal background check.However, it took until October 2024 for the FBI to approve the division’s statutory authority to review state and federal criminal background records,&nbsp; Cox said.Since February, the division has been sending emails to individuals with agent ID cards approved between December 8, 2022 and December 1, 2024.“Our request process is based on the date that the ID card was approved,” said Shayna Arndt, the division’s section director of patient and application services, during the July&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/OmpDGII9VkI?si=tnSYEyqm43t8BVWU" target="_blank">DCR Out Loud</a>&nbsp;podcast. “We have sent out a message to the impacted agents and designated contacts for all facilities for the summer.”&nbsp;The constitution states that people with a “disqualifying felony” can’t work in the industry, and that’s broadly defined as any violation of a state or federal law designated a felony under Missouri law.&nbsp;According to the division, a lot of their review is subjective.“What is written into law is then applied to each individual record, so it is a case-by-case analysis and can’t simply be determined by a checklist of potential offenses,” Cox told The Independent previously.In the constitution, there is an exception for marijuana offenses eligible for expungement, and a time limit for other offenses.An applicant can obtain an agent ID if they committed a non-violent offense more than five years ago and served no prison time. For other felonies, “more than five years have passed since the person was released from parole or probation, and he or she has not been convicted of any subsequent felony criminal offenses,” it states.Every state handles background checks differently because the federal government doesn’t regulate the marijuana industry in any way, as it’s federally illegal.Before the fingerprinting requirement went back into effect in December 2024, people could have their agent IDs approved and get to work within a 48-hour time period, said Christy Essex, who runs the largest Missouri-based cannabis staffing company, Se7en Staffing &amp; Employment Solutions.Now, it takes about 7-10 days. Essex believes that turnaround time could be faster if there were more state-approved facilities offered.Despite the longer wait time, Essex said, “it’s definitely for the greater good to keep employees safe, the facilities safe, and the industry safe.”

Missouri works to retroactively complete 16,000 cannabis employee fingerprint background checks

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge Magnum driven by a 45-year-old Kincaid, Kansas man was westbound on U.S. 136 one mile east of Maryville. The driver was attempting to turn south on Killdeer Road. The driver turned into the path of an eastbound 2006 Ford Explorer driven by a 56-year-old Maryville woman.&nbsp; The SUV struck the car.

EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic of Maryville. The Kansas driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge Magnum driven by a 45-year-old Kincaid, Kansas man was westbound on U.S. 136 one mile east of Maryville. The driver was attempting to turn south on Killdeer Road. The driver turned into the path of an eastbound 2006 Ford Explorer driven by a 56-year-old Maryville woman.&nbsp; The SUV struck the car.EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic of Maryville. The Kansas driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 hospitalized after SUV, car crash

The Kansas City Chiefs have rolled into St. Joseph and are ready for Training Camp. 

Chiefs coaches and players reported to St. Joseph throughout the evening today some arriving early tomorrow morning ahead of the 15th Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western State University 

Chiefs Head coach Andy Reid is happy to be back in St. Joseph

"Missouri Western State University man, we love this place, great place to have Training Camp and we appreciate all the people and the jobs that they do for us here, they roll out the red carpet and take care of us like no other," Reid tells reporters.  "So we appreciate all of that and we look forward to getting this camp going."

Reid says going into this camp, the mindset of the players and coaches doesn't change despite losing the Super Bowl last year

"It stays tough, I mean it's never an easy camp, and it builds you a foundation you can bank on," Reid explains.  "So it's important that the guys come in in the right frame of mind, they know that, and they pass the word down to the young guys that they better be ready to go, so that helps us in the long haul."

The first practice of training camp is on Tuesday for season ticket holders beginning at 9:15.  The first open to the general public will be on Wednesday. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753055985761.jpeg" alt="Andy Reid speaks to the media in front of Scanlon Hall at Missouri Western State University ahead of Chiefs Training Camp beginning on Tuesday/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Andy Reid speaks to the media in front of Scanlon Hall at Missouri Western State University ahead of Chiefs Training Camp beginning on Tuesday/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Chiefs have rolled into St. Joseph and are ready for Training Camp. Chiefs coaches and players reported to St. Joseph throughout the evening today some arriving early tomorrow morning ahead of the 15th Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western State University Chiefs Head coach Andy Reid is happy to be back in St. Joseph"Missouri Western State University man, we love this place, great place to have Training Camp and we appreciate all the people and the jobs that they do for us here, they roll out the red carpet and take care of us like no other," Reid tells reporters. "So we appreciate all of that and we look forward to getting this camp going."Reid says going into this camp, the mindset of the players and coaches doesn't change despite losing the Super Bowl last year"It stays tough, I mean it's never an easy camp, and it builds you a foundation you can bank on," Reid explains. "So it's important that the guys come in in the right frame of mind, they know that, and they pass the word down to the young guys that they better be ready to go, so that helps us in the long haul."The first practice of training camp is on Tuesday for season ticket holders beginning at 9:15. The first open to the general public will be on Wednesday. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs players, coaches arrive in St. Joseph ahead of Training Camp

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7jx3nlNwtZD8lphUwEaOMn?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 Week in Review

Buchanan County
has taken a major step toward creating a county fairgrounds.

The Buchanan
County Fairgrounds Board has agreed to purchase the Easton school building and
grounds from the East Buchanan School District for $250,000. East Buchan has
built a new middle school in Gower.

Presiding
Commissioner, Scott Nelson, says the next step is to secure a contractor to
build an arena on the site. 

“We gave them the
parameters of 250 x 160,” Nelson tells KFEQmmunity. “It’s got to have
electricity at this level for lights.&nbsp;
And it’s got to be so tall to get horses in and tractors in or trucks
in.”

Nelson says three
firms have expressed interest in the design-bid contract.

Negotiations are
ongoing to add some more space to the 10 acres purchased from the school district.

Nelson says once
an indoor arena is built and the grounds developed, he wants it to be put to
use.

“If our goal is to
just utilize that facility for a week out of the year I think we’ve missed the
boat,” Nelson says. “I think that it’s going to be a place to commune and
gather for FFA, 4-H, for all the horse riders, and there’s a lot of them out
there, high school rodeo, things that, to have events throughout the year.”

Nelson says he
doesn’t want to develop the ground merely to host a county fair once a year.

“I want to use it
all the time. Now, 40 weeks out of the year? Great. Forty weekends out the
year? That would be great,” Nelson says. “Have something going on, not only in
the arena, but utilize the school building, too. Because, again, you have a
gymnasium, you have a commercial kitchen, you have classrooms, you’ve got a lot
of space to do stuff in.”

If things go well,
excavation work could begin as early as next month.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County
has taken a major step toward creating a county fairgrounds.The Buchanan
County Fairgrounds Board has agreed to purchase the Easton school building and
grounds from the East Buchanan School District for $250,000. East Buchan has
built a new middle school in Gower.Presiding
Commissioner, Scott Nelson, says the next step is to secure a contractor to
build an arena on the site. “We gave them the
parameters of 250 x 160,” Nelson tells KFEQmmunity. “It’s got to have
electricity at this level for lights.&nbsp;
And it’s got to be so tall to get horses in and tractors in or trucks
in.”Nelson says three
firms have expressed interest in the design-bid contract.Negotiations are
ongoing to add some more space to the 10 acres purchased from the school district.Nelson says once
an indoor arena is built and the grounds developed, he wants it to be put to
use.“If our goal is to
just utilize that facility for a week out of the year I think we’ve missed the
boat,” Nelson says. “I think that it’s going to be a place to commune and
gather for FFA, 4-H, for all the horse riders, and there’s a lot of them out
there, high school rodeo, things that, to have events throughout the year.”Nelson says he
doesn’t want to develop the ground merely to host a county fair once a year.“I want to use it
all the time. Now, 40 weeks out of the year? Great. Forty weekends out the
year? That would be great,” Nelson says. “Have something going on, not only in
the arena, but utilize the school building, too. Because, again, you have a
gymnasium, you have a commercial kitchen, you have classrooms, you’ve got a lot
of space to do stuff in.”If things go well,
excavation work could begin as early as next month.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Major step taken toward a Buchanan County Fairgrounds

The St. Joseph Police Department has shifted its communications to encrypted radio traffic signals.  

Police Chief Paul Luster says this move is something that has been done at other precincts across the country, a move designed to protect officers 

"It protects sensitive information," Luster says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "So, that keeps tactical details, officer locations, investigative and confidential information." 

But also, and maybe more importantly Luster says, it protects privacy of residents 

"That encryption ensures that sensitive details don't leak to the public prematurely; it protects victim's privacy," Luster says. 

Luster says one factor that played into the decision was scanners becoming more widely available through cell phone apps 

"So, we had examples of officers running into criminals, whether it be on a car stop or something, that were actively listening to them, so suspects monitoring the police radio chatter so they can anticipate movements and no what's going on," Luster explains. 

Luster says that information being so widely available can be dangerous to both officers and residents, using an active shooter investigation as an example 

"You have an active shooter in a school and then I approach and say hey I'm making entry through the north door, now he knows police are coming through the north door, and so there's just a lot of safety and privacy issues I think connected with that," Luster says. 

Luster says reception to the move has been 50-50, with many in support of the move, but also many against.  

Luster says his department is still working on a way to make sure people are informed about where the police are for its website 

"Anybody can get on and look at what's called our live calls, so anybody can just say here's where we're at, but it's scrubbed of all that PII, that personal identifying information, all that's scrubbed of that," Luster says.  "Or any of maybe the tactical data, it's scrubbed of that, but it still allows any citizen to see what we're doing." 

Luster says police had hoped to have the service available when shifting over to these encrypted calls but ran into some issues and are continuing to work on rolling it out. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The St. Joseph Police Department has shifted its communications to encrypted radio traffic signals. Police Chief Paul Luster says this move is something that has been done at other precincts across the country, a move designed to protect officers "It protects sensitive information," Luster says on the KFEQmunnity show. "So, that keeps tactical details, officer locations, investigative and confidential information." But also, and maybe more importantly Luster says, it protects privacy of residents "That encryption ensures that sensitive details don't leak to the public prematurely; it protects victim's privacy," Luster says. Luster says one factor that played into the decision was scanners becoming more widely available through cell phone apps "So, we had examples of officers running into criminals, whether it be on a car stop or something, that were actively listening to them, so suspects monitoring the police radio chatter so they can anticipate movements and no what's going on," Luster explains. Luster says that information being so widely available can be dangerous to both officers and residents, using an active shooter investigation as an example "You have an active shooter in a school and then I approach and say hey I'm making entry through the north door, now he knows police are coming through the north door, and so there's just a lot of safety and privacy issues I think connected with that," Luster says. Luster says reception to the move has been 50-50, with many in support of the move, but also many against. Luster says his department is still working on a way to make sure people are informed about where the police are for its website "Anybody can get on and look at what's called our live calls, so anybody can just say here's where we're at, but it's scrubbed of all that PII, that personal identifying information, all that's scrubbed of that," Luster says. "Or any of maybe the tactical data, it's scrubbed of that, but it still allows any citizen to see what we're doing." Luster says police had hoped to have the service available when shifting over to these encrypted calls but ran into some issues and are continuing to work on rolling it out. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph Police scanner talk now encrypted

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3g5XoQimsO9J6dWOYrshgS?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 data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5yysFTXyhtERGZpQihbfLX?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

An author of the
latest biography of Amelia Earhart says there is so much more to Earhart than
her unexplained disappearance in 1937 while trying to circumvent the globe.

In fact, Laurie
Gwen Shapiro says that disappearance and the subsequent hunts to find Earhart
overshadow an incredible life.

Laurie Gwen Shapiro
has written The Aviator and the Showman:&nbsp;
Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon.

Shapiro says
Earhart became famous, in large part, because of her marriage to publisher
George Putnam.

“She was a rock star,”
Shapiro tells KFEQmmunity. “He promoted her as the queen of aviation and at the
end of the 20s people were sick of the flapper sensibility and the aviators
were gods. So, the big names were Lindbergh, Earhart, and Byrd.”

Shapiro will be in
Atchison, Kansas this weekend as part of the 28th Amelia Earhart Festival, a
return to the birthplace of Earhart which Shapiro visited twice during her
research for the book. Shapiro took five years to research and write the book,
which was released earlier this week. Shapiro will headline a special author
event at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum Friday morning at 10 o’clock.

Shapiro says she
portrays the real Amelia Earhart, not the one of legend. She says her extensive
research unearthed a real woman; a woman of great accomplishment.

“She’s not a bad
person, I will say that, if anyone’s worried that I uncovered this terrible
ghost,” Shapiro says. “But she’s flawed and I think that’s fine. She’s brave.
She’s flawed. She could be lazy. She did not learn Morse Code, even though she
had crashed on a trip going the other way around the world before the one that we
lost her on.”

Shapiro says the
mystery surrounding Earhart isn’t about how she died, but how she lived.
Earhart advocated for aviation at its outset. She achieved fame when, in 1932,
she became the first woman to fly nonstop, alone across the Atlantic.

Shapiro says she attempts
in her book to present a woman in full.

“It’s deeply
reported; you have the receipts for your reporting, but it’s also storytelling,”
Shapiro says. “And that’s what I hope people get from my book is on top of the
history, they’re also getting a great story. And this is a story of ambition
and this is a story of marriage.”

Shapiro says Putnam took the raw material of Earhart’s
accomplishments and built the enduring image of Earhart that continues to this
day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752770168845.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn author of the
latest biography of Amelia Earhart says there is so much more to Earhart than
her unexplained disappearance in 1937 while trying to circumvent the globe.In fact, Laurie
Gwen Shapiro says that disappearance and the subsequent hunts to find Earhart
overshadow an incredible life.Laurie Gwen Shapiro
has written The Aviator and the Showman:&nbsp;
Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon.Shapiro says
Earhart became famous, in large part, because of her marriage to publisher
George Putnam.“She was a rock star,”
Shapiro tells KFEQmmunity. “He promoted her as the queen of aviation and at the
end of the 20s people were sick of the flapper sensibility and the aviators
were gods. So, the big names were Lindbergh, Earhart, and Byrd.”Shapiro will be in
Atchison, Kansas this weekend as part of the 28th Amelia Earhart Festival, a
return to the birthplace of Earhart which Shapiro visited twice during her
research for the book. Shapiro took five years to research and write the book,
which was released earlier this week. Shapiro will headline a special author
event at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum Friday morning at 10 o’clock.Shapiro says she
portrays the real Amelia Earhart, not the one of legend. She says her extensive
research unearthed a real woman; a woman of great accomplishment.“She’s not a bad
person, I will say that, if anyone’s worried that I uncovered this terrible
ghost,” Shapiro says. “But she’s flawed and I think that’s fine. She’s brave.
She’s flawed. She could be lazy. She did not learn Morse Code, even though she
had crashed on a trip going the other way around the world before the one that we
lost her on.”Shapiro says the
mystery surrounding Earhart isn’t about how she died, but how she lived.
Earhart advocated for aviation at its outset. She achieved fame when, in 1932,
she became the first woman to fly nonstop, alone across the Atlantic.Shapiro says she attempts
in her book to present a woman in full.“It’s deeply
reported; you have the receipts for your reporting, but it’s also storytelling,”
Shapiro says. “And that’s what I hope people get from my book is on top of the
history, they’re also getting a great story. And this is a story of ambition
and this is a story of marriage.”Shapiro says Putnam took the raw material of Earhart’s
accomplishments and built the enduring image of Earhart that continues to this
day.<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6niIMQnck0aFNBfErvRuG5?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Author of latest Earhart bio to attend Amelia Earhart Festival

The 28th annual Amelia Earhart Festival is happening this weekend across the river in Atchison, Kansas, home of the famous pilot.  

While there are some activities happening today surrounding the festival, the big festivities begin tomorrow with a concert on the riverfront 

Festival Coordinator Jacque Pregont says tickets are still available for headliner Neal McCoy as he takes the stage tomorrow night. 

"You can get tickets right there at Q Country, you can also get tickets in Atchison at our banks and at our Chamber of Commerce, and you can still get tickets online for $25 until Friday," Pregont tells Q Country 92.7's Travis Dodge.  "Friday they will not be available online and they will be $30 at the gate." 

Tickets will only be available at the Eagle Radio studios until 5 p.m. today.   

Pregont says the fun continues on through the night and into Saturday as well 

"Everything down on Commerical street, what used to be our mall is now Commerical street. It's all opened up, but those streets are all closed off and it will be full of craft vendors, food vendors, and musical stage," Pregont explains.  "And then the 400 block, which has kind of maintained its mall look, is all children's things, so everything there for kids, there's rides, there's games to play, there's another stage of entertainment." 

All of that fun on the riverfront leads to the big event that wraps up the weekend, the world-renowned Concert in the Sky fireworks show Saturday night.   

The Amelia Earhart Festival was voted number three by USA Today readers as the best place to see fireworks last year.

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe 28th annual Amelia Earhart Festival is happening this weekend across the river in Atchison, Kansas, home of the famous pilot. While there are some activities happening today surrounding the festival, the big festivities begin tomorrow with a concert on the riverfront Festival Coordinator Jacque Pregont says tickets are still available for headliner Neal McCoy as he takes the stage tomorrow night. "You can get tickets right there at Q Country, you can also get tickets in Atchison at our banks and at our Chamber of Commerce, and you can still get tickets online for $25 until Friday," Pregont tells Q Country 92.7's Travis Dodge. "Friday they will not be available online and they will be $30 at the gate." Tickets will only be available at the Eagle Radio studios until 5 p.m. today. Pregont says the fun continues on through the night and into Saturday as well "Everything down on Commerical street, what used to be our mall is now Commerical street. It's all opened up, but those streets are all closed off and it will be full of craft vendors, food vendors, and musical stage," Pregont explains. "And then the 400 block, which has kind of maintained its mall look, is all children's things, so everything there for kids, there's rides, there's games to play, there's another stage of entertainment." All of that fun on the riverfront leads to the big event that wraps up the weekend, the world-renowned Concert in the Sky fireworks show Saturday night. The Amelia Earhart Festival was voted number three by USA Today readers as the best place to see fireworks last year.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Atchison celebrates Amelia Earhart this weekend with annual festival

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/69e7jucGU4zu3ac9kjwO0m?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 data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1v0NawUBenisUVcdykkbOH?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The Soles for Christ shoe program is back for another year, held by AFL CIO Community Services in St. Joseph.  

The shoe distribution program provides brand new shoes to students in need ahead of the new school year.   

Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says right now, the agency is in desperate need of shoes for the distribution, however… 

"We have several churches that will do collections, and so we have a bunch that come in at once, but we usually get a trickle of them through most of July and August before the program starts, and it's been really slow so far," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And we're halfway through the month of July, so we are starting to get a little nervous about whether we're going to get the number of shoes we need, so any shoes we can get we would really appreciate." 

Seckinger says the types of shoes that go the fastest changes every year, so there's really a need for nearly every size of shoe 

"Men's sizes seven, eight, and nine tend to be pretty commonly chosen, women's zizes anywhere between seven and 10 are pretty regular for our high school kids, and then grade school it's just all over the board, we have 10 year olds that wear size 10 men's shoes, so we never know what it's going to be as far as our grade school kids and what size they're going to be needing," Seckinger explains. 

On top of shoes, the agency is also calling for volunteers to help with the shoe distribution event next month. 

  Seckinger says this event would not be possible without all the people who volunteer to help 

"We have four stations, but we run two groups off of each station, so at any one time eight families could be getting shoes, and so we have eight different teams processing those families," Seckinger says.  "So, it's people who do the intake, people who try on the shoes with them, people who run and go get the shoes, and then of course we have almost like our little shoe store is what we call it but it's almost like the storage area." 

Seckinger says volunteers are asked to donate at least two hours. Those interested can sign up on AFL-CIO Community Services website.  

The shoe distribution will be held August 11th and 12th at the Scottish Rites Temple.  Shoes are provided to students from Buchanan, Dekalb, Andrew, Clinton, and Doniphan counties.

By MATT PIKE The Soles for Christ shoe program is back for another year, held by AFL CIO Community Services in St. Joseph. The shoe distribution program provides brand new shoes to students in need ahead of the new school year. Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says right now, the agency is in desperate need of shoes for the distribution, however… "We have several churches that will do collections, and so we have a bunch that come in at once, but we usually get a trickle of them through most of July and August before the program starts, and it's been really slow so far," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And we're halfway through the month of July, so we are starting to get a little nervous about whether we're going to get the number of shoes we need, so any shoes we can get we would really appreciate." Seckinger says the types of shoes that go the fastest changes every year, so there's really a need for nearly every size of shoe "Men's sizes seven, eight, and nine tend to be pretty commonly chosen, women's zizes anywhere between seven and 10 are pretty regular for our high school kids, and then grade school it's just all over the board, we have 10 year olds that wear size 10 men's shoes, so we never know what it's going to be as far as our grade school kids and what size they're going to be needing," Seckinger explains. On top of shoes, the agency is also calling for volunteers to help with the shoe distribution event next month. Seckinger says this event would not be possible without all the people who volunteer to help "We have four stations, but we run two groups off of each station, so at any one time eight families could be getting shoes, and so we have eight different teams processing those families," Seckinger says. "So, it's people who do the intake, people who try on the shoes with them, people who run and go get the shoes, and then of course we have almost like our little shoe store is what we call it but it's almost like the storage area." Seckinger says volunteers are asked to donate at least two hours. Those interested can sign up on AFL-CIO Community Services website. The shoe distribution will be held August 11th and 12th at the Scottish Rites Temple. Shoes are provided to students from Buchanan, Dekalb, Andrew, Clinton, and Doniphan counties.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

AFL-CIO Community Services gearing up for Soles for Christ shoe distribution

Missouri Adjutant
General, Charles Hausman, says he enjoyed returning home to honor those who
served in the Vietnam War.

Hausman, a Major
General, gave the keynote address at the Vietnam War Commemoration pinning
ceremony in St. Joseph, his hometown.

“Anytime we can
have a homecoming that’s nice, but then to come home and to recognize these
people, that’s extra special, because this again is the generation that were
our teachers, that really raised us as we were growing up in St. Joseph,”
Hausman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview following the ceremony.&nbsp; “So, yes, it’s extra special to be able to
come here.”

Hausman initially
got into the military to pay for school. He says he never thought he would
become the leader of the Missouri National Guard, but opportunities kept coming
his way.

Hausman enlisted
in the Army Reserve in 1988, joined the Missouri National Guard in 1989,
transferred to Aviation in 1993. Hausman deployed three times, including during
Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Hausman leads the
Missouri Guard since being promoted as Adjutant General earlier this year.
Hausman says recruiting has gone well, but the Guard is always in need of
people.

“But we are always
out there looking for talent. We have a lot of great opportunities. And so, for
the future of the Missouri National Guard, really focusing on people has been
our biggest priority when I started,” Hausman says. “And making sure that we’re
keeping the organization very healthy and that we are continually looking for
growth opportunities.”

Hausman says the
National Guard must convince young people they have an opportunity in the Guard
for education and training they simply can’t get anywhere else.

“And then, as we
call it, career broadening, getting the right people into the right positions
so that they will then be better prepared for additional responsibilities in
the future if that’s what they choose to do.”

Hausman says the
Guard has a duty to make sure members get all the retirement benefits for which
they qualify.

Gov. Mike Kehoe
promoted Hausman to National Guard Adjutant General, giving him the rank of Major
General January 8th. He took command on February 1st.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752667770141.jpeg" alt="Major Gen. Chales Hausman speaks with St. Joseph Mayor, John Josendale./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Major Gen. Chales Hausman speaks with St. Joseph Mayor, John Josendale./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Adjutant
General, Charles Hausman, says he enjoyed returning home to honor those who
served in the Vietnam War.Hausman, a Major
General, gave the keynote address at the Vietnam War Commemoration pinning
ceremony in St. Joseph, his hometown.“Anytime we can
have a homecoming that’s nice, but then to come home and to recognize these
people, that’s extra special, because this again is the generation that were
our teachers, that really raised us as we were growing up in St. Joseph,”
Hausman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview following the ceremony.&nbsp; “So, yes, it’s extra special to be able to
come here.”Hausman initially
got into the military to pay for school. He says he never thought he would
become the leader of the Missouri National Guard, but opportunities kept coming
his way.Hausman enlisted
in the Army Reserve in 1988, joined the Missouri National Guard in 1989,
transferred to Aviation in 1993. Hausman deployed three times, including during
Operation Iraqi Freedom.Hausman leads the
Missouri Guard since being promoted as Adjutant General earlier this year.
Hausman says recruiting has gone well, but the Guard is always in need of
people.“But we are always
out there looking for talent. We have a lot of great opportunities. And so, for
the future of the Missouri National Guard, really focusing on people has been
our biggest priority when I started,” Hausman says. “And making sure that we’re
keeping the organization very healthy and that we are continually looking for
growth opportunities.”Hausman says the
National Guard must convince young people they have an opportunity in the Guard
for education and training they simply can’t get anywhere else.“And then, as we
call it, career broadening, getting the right people into the right positions
so that they will then be better prepared for additional responsibilities in
the future if that’s what they choose to do.”Even through
retirement.Hausman says the
Guard has a duty to make sure members get all the retirement benefits for which
they qualify.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752667834261.jpeg" alt="Major Gen. Charles Hausman speaks during the Vietnam War veterans ceremony in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Major Gen. Charles Hausman speaks during the Vietnam War veterans ceremony in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Gov. Mike Kehoe
promoted Hausman to National Guard Adjutant General, giving him the rank of Major
General January 8th. He took command on February 1st.<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0XJjOSMiSGnQWKTN8mCrUM?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Adjutant General Hausman says recruitment remains Guard's #1 priority

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/36J47qbPkMAlHbFPSYJd4a?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 data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1PvV9UvP1LvHp8ouFAjSJm?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Missouri Western State University is changing its name. . . sort of 

The university will begin embracing a new name it's commonly referred to within the community as, adopting MoWest as the way the university will be identified.  

President Elizabeth Kennedy says as they saw more and more people referring to the university as MoWest, they felt it was time to embrace it. 

"Let's be the university of the community because that's our goal, we want to make this university town and become more and more embedded into the community, so it's really exciting for us and I so appreciate all the folks we had come out and help us celebrate today," Kennedy tells reporters.  "And you're going to see MoWest now, it's going to be in the community, it's going to be on TV, it's going to be in newspapers." 

Kennedy says it's the universities responsibility to serve the region, and by embracing the name, it sort of puts them on a level playing field 

"So we're saying yes this is who we are and we anticipate having more interactions, we'll be having campaigns to be pushing our logo out more and more into the community, flags, yard signs, those kinds of things, to really make the community look black and gold, to look like MoWest, and I think that's an excellent way," Kennedy explains.  "We all know education is the key to economic prosperity, and that's what we're here to do help our region with that." 

Kennedy says she hopes to see a tangible impact from the name change, saying she knows people value the university with words 

"But I want to see black and gold signs, the flags, I want to see black and gold T shirts at the K through 12 and amongst the population, I want to see more people at our football games, at our basketball games, at our tennis matches, and lacrosse," Kennedy says.  "I want the people to really value what we're doing here, not only for education, but as a community benefit." 

The university will still formally go by Missouri Western State University for things such as diplomas and transcripts, but everything else will be MoWest.  

Along with the rebranded name will come a new logo.  While the Griffon is still there, it has been modified slightly with cleaner lines and sharper edges.   

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752610264761.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy presents the new identity the university will be known by within the community.&nbsp; MoWest will be the new branding for the university when it is talked about/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy presents the new identity the university will be known by within the community.&nbsp; MoWest will be the new branding for the university when it is talked about/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Missouri Western State University is changing its name. . . sort of The university will begin embracing a new name it's commonly referred to within the community as, adopting MoWest as the way the university will be identified. President Elizabeth Kennedy says as they saw more and more people referring to the university as MoWest, they felt it was time to embrace it. "Let's be the university of the community because that's our goal, we want to make this university town and become more and more embedded into the community, so it's really exciting for us and I so appreciate all the folks we had come out and help us celebrate today," Kennedy tells reporters. "And you're going to see MoWest now, it's going to be in the community, it's going to be on TV, it's going to be in newspapers." Kennedy says it's the universities responsibility to serve the region, and by embracing the name, it sort of puts them on a level playing field "So we're saying yes this is who we are and we anticipate having more interactions, we'll be having campaigns to be pushing our logo out more and more into the community, flags, yard signs, those kinds of things, to really make the community look black and gold, to look like MoWest, and I think that's an excellent way," Kennedy explains. "We all know education is the key to economic prosperity, and that's what we're here to do help our region with that." Kennedy says she hopes to see a tangible impact from the name change, saying she knows people value the university with words "But I want to see black and gold signs, the flags, I want to see black and gold T shirts at the K through 12 and amongst the population, I want to see more people at our football games, at our basketball games, at our tennis matches, and lacrosse," Kennedy says. "I want the people to really value what we're doing here, not only for education, but as a community benefit." The university will still formally go by Missouri Western State University for things such as diplomas and transcripts, but everything else will be MoWest. Along with the rebranded name will come a new logo. While the Griffon is still there, it has been modified slightly with cleaner lines and sharper edges. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752610453535.png" alt="A side by side look of the update logos for Missouri Western State University/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University" />
 <figcaption>A side by side look of the update logos for Missouri Western State University/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Missouri Western embracing community with MoWest name change

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with a business burglery.

On Monday, police were informed of a burglary at Progress Rail, an industrial plant located at 2604 Industrial Road in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

It has been determined the burglary occurred shortly after 3a.m. on Sunday. Miscellaneous items including headphones, food, a flashlight, and other items were taken. 

An investigation has led to the arrest of 36-year-old Keith D. Williams of Atchison, who was booked by officers on Tuesday afternoon on requested charges of burglary and theft. He was already in the custody of the county jail after police had arrested him on Monday on a Desota Kansas Municipal Court warrant. Officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Tuesday and recovered most of items taken.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752624279768.png" alt="Williams photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with a business burglery.On Monday, police were informed of a burglary at Progress Rail, an industrial plant located at 2604 Industrial Road in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.It has been determined the burglary occurred shortly after 3a.m. on Sunday. Miscellaneous items including headphones, food, a flashlight, and other items were taken. An investigation has led to the arrest of 36-year-old Keith D. Williams of Atchison, who was booked by officers on Tuesday afternoon on requested charges of burglary and theft. He was already in the custody of the county jail after police had arrested him on Monday on a Desota Kansas Municipal Court warrant. Officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Tuesday and recovered most of items taken.

Police catch Kansas business burglary suspect, locate items taken

CLINTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run accident that occurred just after 6:30a.m. Tuesday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Durango driven by a 32-year-old Lathrop woman was westbound on MO 116 near County Road 256 two miles east of Lathrop.

An eastbound vehicle crossed the center of the road and sideswiped the Durango. After impact the eastbound vehicle fled the scene.

A private party transported the Durango driver to Liberty Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run accident that occurred just after 6:30a.m. Tuesday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Durango driven by a 32-year-old Lathrop woman was westbound on MO 116 near County Road 256 two miles east of Lathrop.An eastbound vehicle crossed the center of the road and sideswiped the Durango. After impact the eastbound vehicle fled the scene.A private party transported the Durango driver to Liberty Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.&nbsp;

Missouri woman injured after 2-vehicle hit-and-run

Two people were wounded in an accidental shooting&nbsp; at the South Belt Walmart that forced the store to be evacuated. 

The St. Joseph Police Department reports that around 1:45pm it received a report of shots fired inside the Walmart at 3022 South Belt Highway.  When officers arrived on scene, they found a young juvenile and adult female sustained gunshot wounds due to the accidental discharge of the gun inside the store. 

Out of caution, officers did evacuate the store until it was searched and deemed safe.  Officers determined there was no active shooter or ongoing threat.  The two involved in the incident did know each other, but officers say there was no indication of criminal activity towards other shoppers.

Both individuals involved are being treated for non life threatening injuries.  Due to there being a juvenile involved, the St. Joseph Police Department is not releasing the names of the victims. 

The investigation continues into the incident.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph PostTwo people were wounded in an accidental shooting&nbsp; at the South Belt Walmart that forced the store to be evacuated. The St. Joseph Police Department reports that around 1:45pm it received a report of shots fired inside the Walmart at 3022 South Belt Highway. When officers arrived on scene, they found a young juvenile and adult female sustained gunshot wounds due to the accidental discharge of the gun inside the store. Out of caution, officers did evacuate the store until it was searched and deemed safe. Officers determined there was no active shooter or ongoing threat. The two involved in the incident did know each other, but officers say there was no indication of criminal activity towards other shoppers.Both individuals involved are being treated for non life threatening injuries. Due to there being a juvenile involved, the St. Joseph Police Department is not releasing the names of the victims. The investigation continues into the incident.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two wounded in shooting accident at St. Joseph's South Belt Walmart 

A leadership group in St. Joseph is working to make better community leaders through a coaching framework designed to develop leadership.  

The Joseph Company is a group of people working to become transformational leaders who make a difference within St. Joseph.  

Wes Simmons owner of the 3D Institute who leads the group says the group is focused on building a shared framework to help the community thrive in every sector 

"Whether it be the arts, athletics, business, education, healthcare, government, nonprofit, I mean that kind of sums up the community, and so we're looking for leaders within all of those sectors who want to join us and say you know what we want to be part of the solution and creating our future, because I believe we have a bright future and there's a lot here," Simmons says on the KFEQmunnity show.  

Simmons says one of the bigger challenges at the beginning of the group was relaying to everyone that they really are coaches in their own right 

"I know you may not call yourself a coach, but that's what you're doing, in fact that's really the original definition of a coach we lean into," Simmons explains.  "In the 1500's a coach was a covered carriage that takes a person of importance from where they are to where they want or need to go, and that's a great metaphor for transformational leadership, it begs four questions, do I see everybody as a person of importance? Do I know where they are? Do I know where I take them? And am I providing covering?" 

Simmons says it takes people buying in to the program to really transform the community and that culture 

"And I just say this often, I know there's a lot of organizations out there that have a great culture and they don't need this, well I'm reminded of the old JFK quote, ask not what St. Joe can do for you, what can you do for St. Joseph, and that's kind of the mindset," Simmons says.  "So, even if you're successful and you're thriving, all right well bring that leadership, bring that energy, and bring that expertise to us, because we need you." 

The Joseph Company held a 'Head Coaches Summit' today at the InspireU Children's Discovery Center ahead of the launch of its season five campaign in October.   

Participants heard from City Manager Mike Schumacher and Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn, as well as Simmons, and also get a tour of the InspireU Children's Discovery Center. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752604647236.jpeg" alt="Many area leaders have gathered as the Joseph Company to take on the 3D Coaching lifestyle to better the community/ Photo courtesy of the Joseph Company Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Many area leaders have gathered as the Joseph Company to take on the 3D Coaching lifestyle to better the community/ Photo courtesy of the Joseph Company Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A leadership group in St. Joseph is working to make better community leaders through a coaching framework designed to develop leadership. The Joseph Company is a group of people working to become transformational leaders who make a difference within St. Joseph. Wes Simmons owner of the 3D Institute who leads the group says the group is focused on building a shared framework to help the community thrive in every sector "Whether it be the arts, athletics, business, education, healthcare, government, nonprofit, I mean that kind of sums up the community, and so we're looking for leaders within all of those sectors who want to join us and say you know what we want to be part of the solution and creating our future, because I believe we have a bright future and there's a lot here," Simmons says on the KFEQmunnity show. Simmons says one of the bigger challenges at the beginning of the group was relaying to everyone that they really are coaches in their own right "I know you may not call yourself a coach, but that's what you're doing, in fact that's really the original definition of a coach we lean into," Simmons explains. "In the 1500's a coach was a covered carriage that takes a person of importance from where they are to where they want or need to go, and that's a great metaphor for transformational leadership, it begs four questions, do I see everybody as a person of importance? Do I know where they are? Do I know where I take them? And am I providing covering?" Simmons says it takes people buying in to the program to really transform the community and that culture "And I just say this often, I know there's a lot of organizations out there that have a great culture and they don't need this, well I'm reminded of the old JFK quote, ask not what St. Joe can do for you, what can you do for St. Joseph, and that's kind of the mindset," Simmons says. "So, even if you're successful and you're thriving, all right well bring that leadership, bring that energy, and bring that expertise to us, because we need you." The Joseph Company held a 'Head Coaches Summit' today at the InspireU Children's Discovery Center ahead of the launch of its season five campaign in October. Participants heard from City Manager Mike Schumacher and Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn, as well as Simmons, and also get a tour of the InspireU Children's Discovery Center. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph group coaches leadership skills

Charges have been
filed in a hit-and-run in the early morning hours of December 1st which
left a St. Joseph man dead.

The St. Joseph
Police Department has filed a 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
charge against 28-year-old Steven Richardson of Savannah in the death of Jason
Goldesberry, a St. Joseph resident who was 41.

Police report
Richardson was driving north on St. Joseph Avenue shortly before three o’clock
that Sunday morning near the intersection of Broadway Street when his pickup
drove off the east side of the roadway and struck a pedestrian walking on the
sidewalk. Goldesberry died of his injuries. Police say Richardson continued
through the yard and struck a house between Madison and Green Streets, causing extensive
damage. He fled the scene on foot, according to police.

Richardson also
faces a charge of Armed Criminal Action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752602404868.png" alt="Richardson photo Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption>Richardson photo Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostCharges have been
filed in a hit-and-run in the early morning hours of December 1st which
left a St. Joseph man dead.The St. Joseph
Police Department has filed a 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter
charge against 28-year-old Steven Richardson of Savannah in the death of Jason
Goldesberry, a St. Joseph resident who was 41.Police report
Richardson was driving north on St. Joseph Avenue shortly before three o’clock
that Sunday morning near the intersection of Broadway Street when his pickup
drove off the east side of the roadway and struck a pedestrian walking on the
sidewalk. Goldesberry died of his injuries. Police say Richardson continued
through the yard and struck a house between Madison and Green Streets, causing extensive
damage. He fled the scene on foot, according to police.Richardson also
faces a charge of Armed Criminal Action.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Charges filed in December 1st fatal hit & run in St. Joseph

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3eOttaRG217SF9CTJvzHPk?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 data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4kZPQrXfHL8l1IPJbAFLzT?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:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Local laws&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/07/bill-overturning-protections-for-section-8-renters-sent-to-missouri-governor/">prohibiting landlords from discriminating against tenants&nbsp;</a>who receive public assistance are unenforceable under&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB595&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;signed Monday by Gov. Mike Kehoe.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/23/bill-overturning-protections-for-section-8-renters-a-step-away-from-missouri-governors-desk/">legislation takes aim at ordinances</a>&nbsp;passed in several Missouri cities to protect tenants from discrimination based on the source of their income — especially tenants who use federal housing choice vouchers, known as Section 8 vouchers, to pay rent.

The bill was co-sponsored by state Reps. Chris Brown, a Republican from Kansas City, and Ben Keathley, a Republican from Chesterfield. In the Senate, it was carried by state Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance.&nbsp;

Kansas City passed a source of income discrimination ban&nbsp;<a href="https://nlihc.org/resource/kansas-city-passes-source-income-discrimination-ordinance#:~:text=Lawmakers%20in%20Kansas%20City%2C%20Missouri,8%20Housing%20Choice%20Voucher%20program." target="_blank">last year</a>, though it was in large part&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article300295239.html" target="_blank">paused by the courts</a>&nbsp;in February.

<a href="https://www.prrac.org/columbia-missouri-ordinance-amended-to-include-source-of-income-discrimination-language-march-2023/" target="_blank">Columbia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/city-laws/ordinances/ordinance.cfm?ord=69953" target="_blank">St. Louis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/city-passes-changes-to-fair-housing-code/article_781c0820-f0e4-11e9-bfbd-cb1232da5b2f.html" target="_blank">Webster Groves</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://ecode360.com/27565605" target="_blank">Clayton</a>&nbsp;have similar protections on the books. The laws make it illegal for landlords to discriminate based solely on the fact of renters’ lawful sources of income, including Section 8, veterans’ benefits and Social Security.

The legislation had the&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/-testimony/witnesses-hb595.pdf?c=34589" target="_blank">support</a>&nbsp;of landlords groups, apartment associations, the realtors’ association and the conservative think tank Show Me Institute. Proponents characterized localities’ source-of-income protections as an overreach into property owners’ rights.

Opponents said the bill infringed on local control and would hurt affordable housing availability, exacerbating homelessness. The city of Kansas City has been opposed along with the anti-poverty nonprofit Empower Missouri and an association of&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/testimony/30ac2530ca5d2f6efc3863113c35adae.pdf?c=53409" target="_blank">public housing</a>&nbsp;authorities in Missouri.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Local laws&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/07/bill-overturning-protections-for-section-8-renters-sent-to-missouri-governor/">prohibiting landlords from discriminating against tenants&nbsp;</a>who receive public assistance are unenforceable under&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB595&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;signed Monday by Gov. Mike Kehoe.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/23/bill-overturning-protections-for-section-8-renters-a-step-away-from-missouri-governors-desk/">legislation takes aim at ordinances</a>&nbsp;passed in several Missouri cities to protect tenants from discrimination based on the source of their income — especially tenants who use federal housing choice vouchers, known as Section 8 vouchers, to pay rent.The bill was co-sponsored by state Reps. Chris Brown, a Republican from Kansas City, and Ben Keathley, a Republican from Chesterfield. In the Senate, it was carried by state Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance.&nbsp;Kansas City passed a source of income discrimination ban&nbsp;<a href="https://nlihc.org/resource/kansas-city-passes-source-income-discrimination-ordinance#:~:text=Lawmakers%20in%20Kansas%20City%2C%20Missouri,8%20Housing%20Choice%20Voucher%20program." target="_blank">last year</a>, though it was in large part&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article300295239.html" target="_blank">paused by the courts</a>&nbsp;in February.<a href="https://www.prrac.org/columbia-missouri-ordinance-amended-to-include-source-of-income-discrimination-language-march-2023/" target="_blank">Columbia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/city-laws/ordinances/ordinance.cfm?ord=69953" target="_blank">St. Louis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/city-passes-changes-to-fair-housing-code/article_781c0820-f0e4-11e9-bfbd-cb1232da5b2f.html" target="_blank">Webster Groves</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://ecode360.com/27565605" target="_blank">Clayton</a>&nbsp;have similar protections on the books. The laws make it illegal for landlords to discriminate based solely on the fact of renters’ lawful sources of income, including Section 8, veterans’ benefits and Social Security.The legislation had the&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/-testimony/witnesses-hb595.pdf?c=34589" target="_blank">support</a>&nbsp;of landlords groups, apartment associations, the realtors’ association and the conservative think tank Show Me Institute. Proponents characterized localities’ source-of-income protections as an overreach into property owners’ rights.Opponents said the bill infringed on local control and would hurt affordable housing availability, exacerbating homelessness. The city of Kansas City has been opposed along with the anti-poverty nonprofit Empower Missouri and an association of&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/testimony/30ac2530ca5d2f6efc3863113c35adae.pdf?c=53409" target="_blank">public housing</a>&nbsp;authorities in Missouri.