Winter is right around the corner and the Salvation Army in St. Joseph is collecting winter coats to distribute to area residents who may be in need.

Salvation Army Major Ronald Key says coat distribution officially begins October 21st. "Anyone who needs a coat, what they basically need to do is come to our office, get a voucher and then we'll send them over to the warehouse."

The Salvation Army accepts all sizes of coats. Key emphasizes the need for children's coats is especially great.

The Salvation Army is requesting that coat donations be clean and ready to wear. Other winter clothing, such as mittens, gloves, and hats are also needed.

The warm clothing will be distributed Monday through Friday at The Salvation Army Corps Community Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting October 21st, located at Seventh and Messanie. 

It was noted that receipts for tax credit are available. 

By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph PostWinter is right around the corner and the Salvation Army in St. Joseph is collecting winter coats to distribute to area residents who may be in need.Salvation Army Major Ronald Key says coat distribution officially begins October 21st. "Anyone who needs a coat, what they basically need to do is come to our office, get a voucher and then we'll send them over to the warehouse."The Salvation Army accepts all sizes of coats. Key emphasizes the need for children's coats is especially great.The Salvation Army is requesting that coat donations be clean and ready to wear. Other winter clothing, such as mittens, gloves, and hats are also needed.The warm clothing will be distributed Monday through Friday at The Salvation Army Corps Community Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting October 21st, located at Seventh and Messanie. It was noted that receipts for tax credit are available.

St. Joseph Salvation Army collecting winter coats for distribution

A late home run by Giancarlo Stanton gave the New York Yankees the lead for good as the Kansas City Royals fell 3-2 in Game 3 of the ALDS, the first playoff game at Kauffman Stadium since 2015.&nbsp;

Stanton was also responsible for giving the Yankees their first lead of the game, hitting an RBI double in the fourth inning driving in Juan Soto.&nbsp; New York extended the lead in the fifth with a sacrifice fly by Soto scoring Anthony Volpe.&nbsp;

Kansas City rallied with two outs in the bottom of the fifth.&nbsp; Adam Frazier beat out a throw from Volpe on a hard grounder for a single, with a 3-2 count on Kyle Isbel, Frazier ran on the pitch as Isbel doubled into left field, allowing Frazier to come home and score. Isbel later scored when Michael Massey hit a line drive to right field, narrowly missed by a diving Soto, for a triple, tying the game up at 2-2.&nbsp;

Angel Zerpa, John Schreiber, Sam Long, and Brady Singer combined to throw two scoreless innings before manager Matt Quatraro called on Kris Bubic to pitch in the eighth inning.&nbsp; Bubic struck out Austin Wells opening the inning, but then gave up the home run to Stanton who was facing a 3-1 count.&nbsp;

The Royals lone scoring opportunity came in the bottom of the eighth after singles by Bobby Witt Jr and Salvador Perez, but Yuli Gurriel flew out to center fielder Aaron Judge to end the threat.

Bubic took the loss pitching one inning and striking out one, walking two, the lone hit he gave up being the home run.&nbsp; Massey, Witt Jr, Perez, Gurriel, Frazier, and Isbel each had one hit.&nbsp;

Now the attention for the Royals will turn to a do or die Game 4 on Thursday in Kansas City.&nbsp;&nbsp;Entering this season, there have been 62 instances in postseason history of a best-of-5 series being tied at 1-1, according to Elias. The team that won Game 3 has won the series 45 times (72.3%), that means 17 times out of 62 (27.4%), the team that lost Game 3 after being tied in a best-of-5 postseason series has come back to win, something the Royals have done once before, in the 2015 American League Division Series vs. Houston

The Game 1 starters will face each other again in Game 4, with Michael Wacha starting for the Royals and Gerrit Cole starting for the Yankees.

"All hands will be on deck,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You have to put everything out there to try to stave off elimination. But we have Wacha going, we have a ton of confidence in him, so we're going to approach it like a regular game but understand what the gravity of the situation is.”

Wacha didn’t factor into the decision in Game 1, when he allowed three runs across four innings on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. He walked three and said after the game that his command was a little off. Quatraro ended up pulling Wacha after four innings and 70 pitches before he faced Juan Soto for a third time.

"I just want to go out there and win the ballgame,” Wacha said before Game 3. “Whether it's a clinching game or it's an elimination game, it's a must-win in my mind either way. I want to go out there and give our guys a chance to win a ballgame just like any other start throughout the season. And this one is no different. Want to get out there, hopefully go deep, and give our guys a chance to win a ballgame."

Cole gets another crack at the Royals after he was touched for four runs (three earned) and seven hits across five-plus innings in the Yankees' 6-5 Game 1 victory. The AL's reigning Cy Young Award winner, Cole pitched to an 8-5 record and 3.41 ERA in 17 starts this season, not making his debut until June due to right elbow inflammation. Cole is 10-6 with a 3.05 ERA in 18 career postseason starts.

"I’m looking to sharpen up some of the things that kind of hurt us, and looking to continue just to be as efficient as possible and give our team the best chance to win,” Cole said.

The Royals and Yankees will face off in Game 4 with first pitch at 7:08 tonight, pregame will air at 6:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;It can be seen on TBS, truTV and Max.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA late home run by Giancarlo Stanton gave the New York Yankees the lead for good as the Kansas City Royals fell 3-2 in Game 3 of the ALDS, the first playoff game at Kauffman Stadium since 2015.&nbsp;Stanton was also responsible for giving the Yankees their first lead of the game, hitting an RBI double in the fourth inning driving in Juan Soto.&nbsp; New York extended the lead in the fifth with a sacrifice fly by Soto scoring Anthony Volpe.&nbsp;Kansas City rallied with two outs in the bottom of the fifth.&nbsp; Adam Frazier beat out a throw from Volpe on a hard grounder for a single, with a 3-2 count on Kyle Isbel, Frazier ran on the pitch as Isbel doubled into left field, allowing Frazier to come home and score. Isbel later scored when Michael Massey hit a line drive to right field, narrowly missed by a diving Soto, for a triple, tying the game up at 2-2.&nbsp;Angel Zerpa, John Schreiber, Sam Long, and Brady Singer combined to throw two scoreless innings before manager Matt Quatraro called on Kris Bubic to pitch in the eighth inning.&nbsp; Bubic struck out Austin Wells opening the inning, but then gave up the home run to Stanton who was facing a 3-1 count.&nbsp;The Royals lone scoring opportunity came in the bottom of the eighth after singles by Bobby Witt Jr and Salvador Perez, but Yuli Gurriel flew out to center fielder Aaron Judge to end the threat.Bubic took the loss pitching one inning and striking out one, walking two, the lone hit he gave up being the home run.&nbsp; Massey, Witt Jr, Perez, Gurriel, Frazier, and Isbel each had one hit.&nbsp;Now the attention for the Royals will turn to a do or die Game 4 on Thursday in Kansas City.&nbsp;&nbsp;Entering this season, there have been 62 instances in postseason history of a best-of-5 series being tied at 1-1, according to Elias. The team that won Game 3 has won the series 45 times (72.3%), that means 17 times out of 62 (27.4%), the team that lost Game 3 after being tied in a best-of-5 postseason series has come back to win, something the Royals have done once before, in the 2015 American League Division Series vs. HoustonThe Game 1 starters will face each other again in Game 4, with Michael Wacha starting for the Royals and Gerrit Cole starting for the Yankees."All hands will be on deck,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You have to put everything out there to try to stave off elimination. But we have Wacha going, we have a ton of confidence in him, so we're going to approach it like a regular game but understand what the gravity of the situation is.”Wacha didn’t factor into the decision in Game 1, when he allowed three runs across four innings on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. He walked three and said after the game that his command was a little off. Quatraro ended up pulling Wacha after four innings and 70 pitches before he faced Juan Soto for a third time."I just want to go out there and win the ballgame,” Wacha said before Game 3. “Whether it's a clinching game or it's an elimination game, it's a must-win in my mind either way. I want to go out there and give our guys a chance to win a ballgame just like any other start throughout the season. And this one is no different. Want to get out there, hopefully go deep, and give our guys a chance to win a ballgame."Cole gets another crack at the Royals after he was touched for four runs (three earned) and seven hits across five-plus innings in the Yankees' 6-5 Game 1 victory. The AL's reigning Cy Young Award winner, Cole pitched to an 8-5 record and 3.41 ERA in 17 starts this season, not making his debut until June due to right elbow inflammation. Cole is 10-6 with a 3.05 ERA in 18 career postseason starts."I’m looking to sharpen up some of the things that kind of hurt us, and looking to continue just to be as efficient as possible and give our team the best chance to win,” Cole said.The Royals and Yankees will face off in Game 4 with first pitch at 7:08 tonight, pregame will air at 6:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;It can be seen on TBS, truTV and Max.

Royals fall to Yankees 3-2 in Game 3; Do or Die Game 4 coming up this evening

St. Joseph Police are investigating a fatal shooting that took place Wednesday night.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports officers responded to a call at 4oth and Commonwealth around 9'o clock Wednesday night.  Police found one victim at the scene, a 39-year-old woman, who was transported to the hospital where she later died.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports no criminal wrongdoing is suspected at this time.

This article has been updated since first reported.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Police are investigating a fatal shooting that took place Wednesday night.The St. Joseph Police Department reports officers responded to a call at 4oth and Commonwealth around 9'o clock Wednesday night. Police found one victim at the scene, a 39-year-old woman, who was transported to the hospital where she later died.The St. Joseph Police Department reports no criminal wrongdoing is suspected at this time.This article has been updated since first reported.

St. Joseph Police investigating Wednesday night fatal shooting

It may only be the beginning of fall, but Missouri Department of Transportation snowplow drivers will be out today preparing for the upcoming winter.  

District Maintenance and Traffic Engineer Greg Bolon says drivers will be out starting this morning. 

"We've got new hires that we have to get trained, and this won't be the only event we do either," Bolon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So they've got to get some training when it's not snowing and then they also have to get some training the first time it does snow so that we can make sure they're ready to operate the vehicles." 

Bolon says this will be a statewide simulated weather drill, which will include workers also playing out what will actually occur when the first winter storm hits. 

Bolon says these drills are a good training opportunity for new drivers to learn their routes before the snow. 

"So, they can kind of look and see well there's a drop off there in that ditch, so we need to slow down going around this curb, so it really helps get familiar with your route, because it's not something you drive every day," Bolon explains.  

Bolon says it's also a chance to learn technical things such as hooking up the plow and backing into the salt bays to load up 

"So, some of those things that you don't do for eight months, now it kind of gets your mind back into thinking ok winter's coming, I have to start looking for this, I have to start looking for that," Bolon says.  

Bolon says there will be several drills happening prior to the first snowfall, needing to train the around 30 to 40 new hires MoDOT has made since April.  

Bolon says despite all those hirings, there is still a need for more plow drivers. 

"I think we probably have somewhere around 25 vacancies throughout our 20-county area," Bolon points out. "There's quite a few locally in the St. Joe area, I'm going to say around nine to 10, so we are always looking for more operators." 

Bolon says all the trucks are ready to go and the supply of salt is nearly full and ready for the winter. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post It may only be the beginning of fall, but Missouri Department of Transportation snowplow drivers will be out today preparing for the upcoming winter. District Maintenance and Traffic Engineer Greg Bolon says drivers will be out starting this morning. "We've got new hires that we have to get trained, and this won't be the only event we do either," Bolon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So they've got to get some training when it's not snowing and then they also have to get some training the first time it does snow so that we can make sure they're ready to operate the vehicles." Bolon says this will be a statewide simulated weather drill, which will include workers also playing out what will actually occur when the first winter storm hits. Bolon says these drills are a good training opportunity for new drivers to learn their routes before the snow. "So, they can kind of look and see well there's a drop off there in that ditch, so we need to slow down going around this curb, so it really helps get familiar with your route, because it's not something you drive every day," Bolon explains. Bolon says it's also a chance to learn technical things such as hooking up the plow and backing into the salt bays to load up "So, some of those things that you don't do for eight months, now it kind of gets your mind back into thinking ok winter's coming, I have to start looking for this, I have to start looking for that," Bolon says. Bolon says there will be several drills happening prior to the first snowfall, needing to train the around 30 to 40 new hires MoDOT has made since April. Bolon says despite all those hirings, there is still a need for more plow drivers. "I think we probably have somewhere around 25 vacancies throughout our 20-county area," Bolon points out. "There's quite a few locally in the St. Joe area, I'm going to say around nine to 10, so we are always looking for more operators." Bolon says all the trucks are ready to go and the supply of salt is nearly full and ready for the winter.

Missouri Department of Transportation conducting winter weather drill today

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Wednesday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by Sophony Similus, 37, Orlando, Florida, was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of the U.S. 59 exit.

The semi rear-ended a 2005 Pontiac Grand Am driven by Brandon N. Fernandez, 23, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Fernandez to Mosaic Life Care. The semi driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Wednesday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by Sophony Similus, 37, Orlando, Florida, was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of the U.S. 59 exit.The semi rear-ended a 2005 Pontiac Grand Am driven by Brandon N. Fernandez, 23, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Fernandez to Mosaic Life Care. The semi driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Man hospitalized in St. Joe after semi rear-ends a car

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1996 Toyota Tacoma driven by a 16-year-old Excelsior Springs boy was southbound on County Road 235 one mile west of Chillichothe.

The pickup began to slide, traveled off the east side of the road, struck an embankment and rolled onto its top.

A private vehicle transported the teen to Hedrick Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1996 Toyota Tacoma driven by a 16-year-old Excelsior Springs boy was southbound on County Road 235 one mile west of Chillichothe.The pickup began to slide, traveled off the east side of the road, struck an embankment and rolled onto its top.A private vehicle transported the teen to Hedrick Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Mo. teen injured after pickup rollover accident

HOLT COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Wednesday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Fusion driven by Charlie G. Gordon, 66, Rulo, Nebraska, was westbound on U.S. 159 one mile south of Big Lake.

The Ford crossed the center line and struck the drivers side of an eastbound 2020 Peterbilt semi driven by Blake W. Wesley, 26, Onaga, Kansas. Atchison-Holt ambulance transported both drivers to Community Medical Center in Falls City, Nebraska. Wesley was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Wednesday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Fusion driven by Charlie G. Gordon, 66, Rulo, Nebraska, was westbound on U.S. 159 one mile south of Big Lake.The Ford crossed the center line and struck the drivers side of an eastbound 2020 Peterbilt semi driven by Blake W. Wesley, 26, Onaga, Kansas. Atchison-Holt ambulance transported both drivers to Community Medical Center in Falls City, Nebraska. Wesley was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after car, semi crash

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Patrol reported a 2022 Chevy 3500 driven by Riley N. Wheeler, 28, Maloy, Iowa was southbound on MO 33 one half mile north of Osborn. The driver failed to yield at U.S. 36. A&nbsp; westbound 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Gracie Connell, 20, Easton, struck the Chevy 3500.

DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported a passenger in the Silverado Abigail L Connell, 18, Easton, to Mosaic. The drivers were not transported for treatment. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Patrol reported a 2022 Chevy 3500 driven by Riley N. Wheeler, 28, Maloy, Iowa was southbound on MO 33 one half mile north of Osborn. The driver failed to yield at U.S. 36. A&nbsp; westbound 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Gracie Connell, 20, Easton, struck the Chevy 3500.DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported a passenger in the Silverado Abigail L Connell, 18, Easton, to Mosaic. The drivers were not transported for treatment. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

Missouri teen hospitalized after pickups collide

Dozens of historic military vehicles will travel through St. Joseph this week as part of a 2500 mile journey retracing the original route of the 1918 Jefferson Highway. 

Military Vehicle Preservation Association spokesman, Raymond Bliley, says the journey began in Canada, "The route is from this side of the border of Winnipeg, and going 2,500 miles to New Orleans." Bliley notes this is the eighth time the MVPA has hosted such an event.

Bliley says the convoy will be in St. Joseph Thursday afternoon at Hyvee. "They'll travel down the Belt Highway and be at Hyvee around 4:30 or 5:00."

Bliley adds that residents interested in seeing the vehicles and speaking with the drivers have the opportunity to do so. "The parking lot is going to be pretty tight with 35 or 40 military vehicles. However, they will be available for people to come see them and ask questions. Its going to be a good time."

The convoy will be setup at Hyvee overnight Thursday. Then, on Friday morning the military convoy will make a brief stop at the Pony Express Museum, before heading to Weston and Leavenworth, eventually concluding in New Orleans.

This convoy is a collaborative effort with the MVPA and the Jefferson Highway Association.

For more information visit <a href="https://www.mvpa.org/">mvpa.org</a>.

By Ryan SkaithSt. Joseph PostDozens of historic military vehicles will travel through St. Joseph this week as part of a 2500 mile journey retracing the original route of the 1918 Jefferson Highway. Military Vehicle Preservation Association spokesman, Raymond Bliley, says the journey began in Canada, "The route is from this side of the border of Winnipeg, and going 2,500 miles to New Orleans." Bliley notes this is the eighth time the MVPA has hosted such an event.Bliley says the convoy will be in St. Joseph Thursday afternoon at Hyvee. "They'll travel down the Belt Highway and be at Hyvee around 4:30 or 5:00."Bliley adds that residents interested in seeing the vehicles and speaking with the drivers have the opportunity to do so. "The parking lot is going to be pretty tight with 35 or 40 military vehicles. However, they will be available for people to come see them and ask questions. Its going to be a good time."The convoy will be setup at Hyvee overnight Thursday. Then, on Friday morning the military convoy will make a brief stop at the Pony Express Museum, before heading to Weston and Leavenworth, eventually concluding in New Orleans.This convoy is a collaborative effort with the MVPA and the Jefferson Highway Association.For more information visit <a href="https://www.mvpa.org/">mvpa.org</a>.

Historic military vehicle convoy traveling through St. Joseph this week

A packed crowd is going to be on hand at Kauffman Stadium this evening as the Kansas City Royals take on the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Division Series.&nbsp;

The game marks the first postseason game at 'The K' since October 28th, 2015, when the Royals took a 2-0 World Series lead on the New York Mets behind a two hit complete game from starting pitcher Johnny Cueto.

After a week-plus spent handling their postseason business while living out of suitcases, the Royals can’t wait to enjoy some home cooking.

“We’re looking forward to getting back to the K, seeing the fans there,” said left-hander Cole Ragans. “It's going to be fun to have playoff baseball back in Kansas City. A split [in New York] is huge. It's basically like a brand-new series when we get to the K.”

After some rocky pitching in Game 1 of the series, the Royals pitching staff locked things down in Game 2, giving up just two runs on seven hits, while walking five, three less walks than in the first game.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Seth Lugo takes the ball in Game 3 and will look to build on his first postseason start in the Wild Card Series, when he allowed one run in 4 1/3 innings against the Orioles. Lugo brings a 3.00 regular-season ERA into the postseason as Kansas City’s No. 2 starter, and he posted a 3.36 ERA at Kauffman Stadium this year in his first season as a Royal. With the Royals playing their first home postseason game this year and first since 2015, they like their chances with the veteran Lugo on the mound, especially after he allowed just four runs in 14 innings this year across two starts against the Yankees.

For the Yankees,&nbsp; Clarke Schmidt will make his first career postseason start (fourth appearance) after pitching to a 5-5 record and 2.85 ERA in 16 starts this season. Schmidt’s campaign was interrupted by a right lat strain, but he returned in early September and pitched to a 3.65 ERA over his final five starts. Schmidt did not face the Royals this season.

The Yankees are going back to a righty starter in Schmidt, so look for the Royals to revert back to the lineup they’ve stuck with for the majority of games this October. Hunter Renfroe and Tommy Pham have both faced Schmidt only a few times in their careers, and Renfroe has the better results, but Pham’s at-bats so far this series might give him the edge.

With Kansas City starting the right-handed Lugo, look for the Yanks to field a similar lineup to the one they used against Michael Wacha in Game 1.

Game 3 of the ALDS will begin with first pitch at 6:08, pregame can be heard starting at 5:30pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM). The game will be televised on TBS and TruTV, and will be streamed on Max.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA packed crowd is going to be on hand at Kauffman Stadium this evening as the Kansas City Royals take on the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Division Series.&nbsp;The game marks the first postseason game at 'The K' since October 28th, 2015, when the Royals took a 2-0 World Series lead on the New York Mets behind a two hit complete game from starting pitcher Johnny Cueto.After a week-plus spent handling their postseason business while living out of suitcases, the Royals can’t wait to enjoy some home cooking.“We’re looking forward to getting back to the K, seeing the fans there,” said left-hander Cole Ragans. “It's going to be fun to have playoff baseball back in Kansas City. A split [in New York] is huge. It's basically like a brand-new series when we get to the K.”After some rocky pitching in Game 1 of the series, the Royals pitching staff locked things down in Game 2, giving up just two runs on seven hits, while walking five, three less walks than in the first game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Seth Lugo takes the ball in Game 3 and will look to build on his first postseason start in the Wild Card Series, when he allowed one run in 4 1/3 innings against the Orioles. Lugo brings a 3.00 regular-season ERA into the postseason as Kansas City’s No. 2 starter, and he posted a 3.36 ERA at Kauffman Stadium this year in his first season as a Royal. With the Royals playing their first home postseason game this year and first since 2015, they like their chances with the veteran Lugo on the mound, especially after he allowed just four runs in 14 innings this year across two starts against the Yankees.For the Yankees,&nbsp; Clarke Schmidt will make his first career postseason start (fourth appearance) after pitching to a 5-5 record and 2.85 ERA in 16 starts this season. Schmidt’s campaign was interrupted by a right lat strain, but he returned in early September and pitched to a 3.65 ERA over his final five starts. Schmidt did not face the Royals this season.The Yankees are going back to a righty starter in Schmidt, so look for the Royals to revert back to the lineup they’ve stuck with for the majority of games this October. Hunter Renfroe and Tommy Pham have both faced Schmidt only a few times in their careers, and Renfroe has the better results, but Pham’s at-bats so far this series might give him the edge.With Kansas City starting the right-handed Lugo, look for the Yanks to field a similar lineup to the one they used against Michael Wacha in Game 1.Game 3 of the ALDS will begin with first pitch at 6:08, pregame can be heard starting at 5:30pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM). The game will be televised on TBS and TruTV, and will be streamed on Max.

Royals seek series lead in first playoff home game since '15 against Yankees

Funding opportunities to help in workforce development have been created across the state of Missouri.  

Small Business Development Center director Rebecca Lobina says workforce development is not only helpful for employees, but also their employers 

"But for the company, the company also could make more money," Lobina tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "Because it's been shown that businesses that invest in one way or another in professional development for their employees have increased productivity, higher profit margins by 24%." 

Lobina says there are also several funding opportunities to help businesses provide this development to employees.  

Lobina says one option is the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act. Lobina says if a business sees a struggling employee, they can contact the Missouri Job Center to see if they are eligible to utilize the act 

"While they continue to work for you, they could also be increasing their skill level by taking an online course or something that is paid for through this Workforce Investment Opportunity Act," Lobina explains.  

Lobina says there are several funding options available to help in workforce development including the Missouri Fast Track, MyCAA, and Great Jobs KC. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Funding opportunities to help in workforce development have been created across the state of Missouri. Small Business Development Center director Rebecca Lobina says workforce development is not only helpful for employees, but also their employers "But for the company, the company also could make more money," Lobina tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "Because it's been shown that businesses that invest in one way or another in professional development for their employees have increased productivity, higher profit margins by 24%." Lobina says there are also several funding opportunities to help businesses provide this development to employees. Lobina says one option is the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act. Lobina says if a business sees a struggling employee, they can contact the Missouri Job Center to see if they are eligible to utilize the act "While they continue to work for you, they could also be increasing their skill level by taking an online course or something that is paid for through this Workforce Investment Opportunity Act," Lobina explains. Lobina says there are several funding options available to help in workforce development including the Missouri Fast Track, MyCAA, and Great Jobs KC.

Funding available to help employers better develop their workforce

Former St. Joseph School Board President David P. Foster has
written about his experience leading the board and working with others who
don’t necessarily think like him.

The book is entitled, “The Complexity of Harmony.”

Foster says he began writing it two years ago while serving as
school board president.

“I was inspired, because my vantage point was different when I
became president,” Foster tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Looking
at the complexities of how seven other people work together and how complicated
that can be, I was inspired to write about it.”

Foster points out the First Amendment to the Constitution
gives us freedom of speech.

“And I always say what our Constitution does not have a policy
on is how we respect each other in the process,” Foster says. “That part’s up
to you and me.”

Foster says he learned as school board president about getting
people with different viewpoints to work toward a common goal can be applied
universally.

“At the end of the day, I think the collective thoughts, coming
together in a safe place on a platform where we can all communicate is the main
idea, definitely of the book, but should be the main idea that I think we all adopt
as citizens in the U.S.”

Foster says you don’t have to change someone’s views to work
together with them.

“Some of my deepest conversations are with people that I don’t
necessarily agree with,” Foster says “I learn from them and they learn from me,
but we totally miss that opportunity if we don’t allow ourselves to sit down
and have that dialogue.”

Foster says respect and communication are the keys. He says a
leader needs to make sure everyone is heard, that everyone feels comfortable to
share their opinions, and that members respect each other even when they do not
agree.

Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHHFXWVB?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ABVV89KATX1APX5M4N4P&amp;ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ABVV89KATX1APX5M4N4P&amp;social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ABVV89KATX1APX5M4N4P&amp;skipTwisterOG=1">HERE</a> for a link to order the book.

This article has been updated since first published.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728487302679.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFormer St. Joseph School Board President David P. Foster has
written about his experience leading the board and working with others who
don’t necessarily think like him.The book is entitled, “The Complexity of Harmony.”Foster says he began writing it two years ago while serving as
school board president.“I was inspired, because my vantage point was different when I
became president,” Foster tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Looking
at the complexities of how seven other people work together and how complicated
that can be, I was inspired to write about it.”Foster points out the First Amendment to the Constitution
gives us freedom of speech.“And I always say what our Constitution does not have a policy
on is how we respect each other in the process,” Foster says. “That part’s up
to you and me.”Foster says he learned as school board president about getting
people with different viewpoints to work toward a common goal can be applied
universally.“At the end of the day, I think the collective thoughts, coming
together in a safe place on a platform where we can all communicate is the main
idea, definitely of the book, but should be the main idea that I think we all adopt
as citizens in the U.S.”Foster says you don’t have to change someone’s views to work
together with them.“Some of my deepest conversations are with people that I don’t
necessarily agree with,” Foster says “I learn from them and they learn from me,
but we totally miss that opportunity if we don’t allow ourselves to sit down
and have that dialogue.”Foster says respect and communication are the keys. He says a
leader needs to make sure everyone is heard, that everyone feels comfortable to
share their opinions, and that members respect each other even when they do not
agree.Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHHFXWVB?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ABVV89KATX1APX5M4N4P&amp;ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ABVV89KATX1APX5M4N4P&amp;social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ABVV89KATX1APX5M4N4P&amp;skipTwisterOG=1">HERE</a> for a link to order the book.This article has been updated since first published.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Lessons learned as St. Joseph School Board President go into book

A circuit court in May ruled that both a county and a local municipality can impose a 3% sales tax at dispensaries in their jurisdictions

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

The court debate Tuesday over how Missouri marijuana products get taxed statewide sounded similar to a grammar class on conjunctions and comma placement.

The constitutional amendment voters approved in 2022 legalizing recreational marijuana allowed local governments to impose additional sales tax on the products.

The big question before the three-judge panel of the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District on Tuesday was: what did voters intend by “local government?”

Attorneys for St. Louis and St. Charles counties argued the word “and” is key in the definition laid out in the constitutional amendment.

It states that “local government” means, “in the case of an incorporated area, a village, town, or city; and, in the case of an unincorporated area, a county.”&nbsp;

The counties asked the appellate judges to uphold a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-judge-rules-local-governments-can-stack-sales-tax-on-marijuana/">lower court’s interpretation in May</a>&nbsp;that both a county and a local municipality can impose a 3% sales tax at dispensaries in their jurisdictions.

However, Florissant-based dispensary Robust Missouri 3 LLC argued that the comma placement is key.&nbsp;

“While ‘and’ typically functions as a conjunction, here it connects two distinct clauses—one for incorporated areas and one for unincorporated areas — under the framework of ‘in the case of,’ which delineates separate alternatives,” states Robust’s reply brief.

Attorneys for Robust said Tuesday that voters didn’t intend for two local governments – in its case, St. Louis County and the City of Florissant — to both add taxes, resulting in a 14.988% sales tax rate.

To put that in perspective, the highest&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/pdf/rates/2024/oct2024.pdf" target="_blank">adult-use marijuana sales tax</a>&nbsp;in Missouri is in Florissant’s neighboring cities of Hazelwood and St. Ann, with 17.988%.

Looking beyond the grammar, appellate judges asked about the possibility of “absurd outcomes” that St. Louis County Circuit Judge Brian May wrote about in his ruling if the court accepted Robust’s definition of local government.

May wrote that if Robust’s interpretation of the amendment were accepted,&nbsp; “then a municipality or city would essentially be given carte blanche to ignore any county ordinance or regulation, including those related to public health and safety wholly unrelated to the taxing issue.”&nbsp;

May was largely talking about public health regulations because public health in Florissant is regulated by St. Louis County.

On Tuesday, Judge Robert Clayton asked Robust’s attorney Eric Walter: “If we accept your definition, all those county regulations or everything else will be no longer applicable on these particular types of businesses.”

Walter replied that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the state agency tasked with regulating cannabis businesses, requires “that you’re compliant with all the local government regulations.”

Both attorneys for the counties and Robust declined to comment on Tuesday’s hearing.&nbsp;

Following May’s ruling, the Missouri Association of Counties executive director Steve Hobbs said the association has strongly advocated that counties have the ability to do levvy their own taxes.

“The bulk of the counties around the state had gone to the voters and asked them to implement this tax,” Hobbs told The Independent in May. “And I think every one of them approved of it. I think [the ruling] removes some uncertainty from those counties.”&nbsp;

On the other side, leaders of the marijuana industry have called the effort to collect both taxes an “unconstitutional money grab” that violates the terms of the amendment.

Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association said the appellate judges Tuesday seemed “very prepared and well versed on the issue.”

“Obviously much of the discussion centered around the definition of local government in Missouri’s Constitution, which we saw as a good sign,” Cardetti said. “As we enter year two of Missouri cannabis consumers paying roughly $3 million more each month than they should, we hope to bring customers relief as quickly as possible.”

A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/17/pair-of-lawsuits-challenge-whether-missouri-counties-can-stack-tax-on-marijuana-sales/">similar appeals case&nbsp;</a>out of Buchanan County is also pending.

St. Joseph dispensary Vertical Enterprises&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Petition%20for%20Permanent%20Injunction.PDF?courtCode=05&amp;di=3490483" target="_blank">sued Buchanan County Collector Peggy Campbell</a>, arguing that it, too, would be “irreparably harmed” if both taxes were imposed.

Also in May, Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/JUDGMENT.pdf?courtCode=05&amp;di=3746408" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;that the marijuana law does not limit the taxing power of counties within corporate limits of towns and cities.

A hearing date for this case has not yet been set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705580505128.png" alt=" Dyllan Davault, a harvester at Robust Cannabis facility in Cuba, Mo., tends to greenhouse plants on May 2, 2023. (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Dyllan Davault, a harvester at Robust Cannabis facility in Cuba, Mo., tends to greenhouse plants on May 2, 2023. (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A circuit court in May ruled that both a county and a local municipality can impose a 3% sales tax at dispensaries in their jurisdictions</h2>By REBECCA RIVAS &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The court debate Tuesday over how Missouri marijuana products get taxed statewide sounded similar to a grammar class on conjunctions and comma placement.The constitutional amendment voters approved in 2022 legalizing recreational marijuana allowed local governments to impose additional sales tax on the products.The big question before the three-judge panel of the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District on Tuesday was: what did voters intend by “local government?”Attorneys for St. Louis and St. Charles counties argued the word “and” is key in the definition laid out in the constitutional amendment.It states that “local government” means, “in the case of an incorporated area, a village, town, or city; and, in the case of an unincorporated area, a county.”&nbsp;The counties asked the appellate judges to uphold a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-judge-rules-local-governments-can-stack-sales-tax-on-marijuana/">lower court’s interpretation in May</a>&nbsp;that both a county and a local municipality can impose a 3% sales tax at dispensaries in their jurisdictions.However, Florissant-based dispensary Robust Missouri 3 LLC argued that the comma placement is key.&nbsp;“While ‘and’ typically functions as a conjunction, here it connects two distinct clauses—one for incorporated areas and one for unincorporated areas — under the framework of ‘in the case of,’ which delineates separate alternatives,” states Robust’s reply brief.Attorneys for Robust said Tuesday that voters didn’t intend for two local governments – in its case, St. Louis County and the City of Florissant — to both add taxes, resulting in a 14.988% sales tax rate.To put that in perspective, the highest&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/pdf/rates/2024/oct2024.pdf" target="_blank">adult-use marijuana sales tax</a>&nbsp;in Missouri is in Florissant’s neighboring cities of Hazelwood and St. Ann, with 17.988%.Looking beyond the grammar, appellate judges asked about the possibility of “absurd outcomes” that St. Louis County Circuit Judge Brian May wrote about in his ruling if the court accepted Robust’s definition of local government.May wrote that if Robust’s interpretation of the amendment were accepted,&nbsp; “then a municipality or city would essentially be given carte blanche to ignore any county ordinance or regulation, including those related to public health and safety wholly unrelated to the taxing issue.”&nbsp;May was largely talking about public health regulations because public health in Florissant is regulated by St. Louis County.On Tuesday, Judge Robert Clayton asked Robust’s attorney Eric Walter: “If we accept your definition, all those county regulations or everything else will be no longer applicable on these particular types of businesses.”Walter replied that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the state agency tasked with regulating cannabis businesses, requires “that you’re compliant with all the local government regulations.”Both attorneys for the counties and Robust declined to comment on Tuesday’s hearing.&nbsp;Following May’s ruling, the Missouri Association of Counties executive director Steve Hobbs said the association has strongly advocated that counties have the ability to do levvy their own taxes.“The bulk of the counties around the state had gone to the voters and asked them to implement this tax,” Hobbs told The Independent in May. “And I think every one of them approved of it. I think [the ruling] removes some uncertainty from those counties.”&nbsp;On the other side, leaders of the marijuana industry have called the effort to collect both taxes an “unconstitutional money grab” that violates the terms of the amendment.Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association said the appellate judges Tuesday seemed “very prepared and well versed on the issue.”“Obviously much of the discussion centered around the definition of local government in Missouri’s Constitution, which we saw as a good sign,” Cardetti said. “As we enter year two of Missouri cannabis consumers paying roughly $3 million more each month than they should, we hope to bring customers relief as quickly as possible.”A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/17/pair-of-lawsuits-challenge-whether-missouri-counties-can-stack-tax-on-marijuana-sales/">similar appeals case&nbsp;</a>out of Buchanan County is also pending.St. Joseph dispensary Vertical Enterprises&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Petition%20for%20Permanent%20Injunction.PDF?courtCode=05&amp;di=3490483" target="_blank">sued Buchanan County Collector Peggy Campbell</a>, arguing that it, too, would be “irreparably harmed” if both taxes were imposed.Also in May, Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/JUDGMENT.pdf?courtCode=05&amp;di=3746408" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;that the marijuana law does not limit the taxing power of counties within corporate limits of towns and cities.A hearing date for this case has not yet been set.

Missouri appeals court hears case over local governments stacking sales tax on marijuana

ANDREW COUNTY —A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Honda CRV driven by a 16-year-0ld St. Joseph girl was northbound on Route V at the intersection of Route Z two miles south of Helena. The driver failed to stop for a stop sign. The vehicle struck a ditch and came to rest on its wheels.

Andrew County EMS transported the teen to Mosaic. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Honda CRV driven by a 16-year-0ld St. Joseph girl was northbound on Route V at the intersection of Route Z two miles south of Helena. The driver failed to stop for a stop sign. The vehicle struck a ditch and came to rest on its wheels.Andrew County EMS transported the teen to Mosaic. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

St. Joe teen injured after SUV crash

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Tuesday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Dodge Ram driven by Randall J. Sego, 58, Stanberry, was southbound near a private field entrance at the end of 340th Street one mile northeast of Stanberry.

The pickup traveled off the road and overturned into a ditch. The vehicle came to rest on its top.&nbsp; Grand River EMS transported Sego to Mosaic in Albany. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Tuesday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Dodge Ram driven by Randall J. Sego, 58, Stanberry, was southbound near a private field entrance at the end of 340th Street one mile northeast of Stanberry.The pickup traveled off the road and overturned into a ditch. The vehicle came to rest on its top.&nbsp; Grand River EMS transported Sego to Mosaic in Albany. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

NW Missouri man hospitalized after pickup rolls onto its top

A new scam invoking the name of the Missouri State Highway Patrol preys on victims of traffic accidents. 

Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says it’s important to know that the highway patrol will never call you to ask for money. 

"And even later on what we're seeing with the most recent scam is people are calling after they have been involved in a motor vehicle crash, and they are calling the victims and requesting money for the motor vehicle crash," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And again, obviously that is a scam." 

Hux says if you receive one of these calls, it is best to ask the person who they are with and then request a call-back number 

"And then call the agency or the company that they are representing just to get verification," Hux explains. "If it's a law enforcement agency, just say ok I just need your name, a good callback number for you, and then do some research yourself and check it out to make sure that it is legit." 

Hux says most of the time when you ask for that information, the scammer will hang up.  Hux also says it’s important to remember the highway patrol will never ask for money from anyone.  

Hux stresses the importance of being aware of these types of scam calls 

"If something doesn't seem right or too good to be true, it probably is, just do your research and notify the local jurisdiction law enforcement for clarification on that," Hux says. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A new scam invoking the name of the Missouri State Highway Patrol preys on victims of traffic accidents. Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says it’s important to know that the highway patrol will never call you to ask for money. "And even later on what we're seeing with the most recent scam is people are calling after they have been involved in a motor vehicle crash, and they are calling the victims and requesting money for the motor vehicle crash," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And again, obviously that is a scam." Hux says if you receive one of these calls, it is best to ask the person who they are with and then request a call-back number "And then call the agency or the company that they are representing just to get verification," Hux explains. "If it's a law enforcement agency, just say ok I just need your name, a good callback number for you, and then do some research yourself and check it out to make sure that it is legit." Hux says most of the time when you ask for that information, the scammer will hang up. Hux also says it’s important to remember the highway patrol will never ask for money from anyone. Hux stresses the importance of being aware of these types of scam calls "If something doesn't seem right or too good to be true, it probably is, just do your research and notify the local jurisdiction law enforcement for clarification on that," Hux says.

Missouri Highway Patrol warns of scam using its name

Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter has concluded
no crime was committed in the abandonment of a fetus at Mozingo Lake, calling
the case simply a tragic stillbirth.

An employee at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park discovered the
body of a deceased male infant while performing routine maintenance May 25th.
Maryville Public Safety Officers were called to the scene. It was determined
the fetus had died in utero, commonly referred to as a stillbirth.

Deiter says a full autopsy reviewed by the Medical Examiner of
Boone and Calloway County along with a physician associated with the University
of Missouri School of Medicine determine there was no evidence of a live birth.

The prosecutor states DNA evidence identified a 19-year-old
woman and a 20-year-old man, both from St. Louis, as the mother and father, who
were visited Mozingo for an event. Deiter says both cooperated in the
investigation.

Deiter noted the Missouri General Assembly has not passed any
laws criminalizing the disposal of fetal remains. The prosecutor concluded
there was no evidence of a crime committed.

The City of Maryville held a graveside memorial service for
the infant in June at Oak Hill Cemetery.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter has concluded
no crime was committed in the abandonment of a fetus at Mozingo Lake, calling
the case simply a tragic stillbirth.An employee at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park discovered the
body of a deceased male infant while performing routine maintenance May 25th.
Maryville Public Safety Officers were called to the scene. It was determined
the fetus had died in utero, commonly referred to as a stillbirth.Deiter says a full autopsy reviewed by the Medical Examiner of
Boone and Calloway County along with a physician associated with the University
of Missouri School of Medicine determine there was no evidence of a live birth.The prosecutor states DNA evidence identified a 19-year-old
woman and a 20-year-old man, both from St. Louis, as the mother and father, who
were visited Mozingo for an event. Deiter says both cooperated in the
investigation.Deiter noted the Missouri General Assembly has not passed any
laws criminalizing the disposal of fetal remains. The prosecutor concluded
there was no evidence of a crime committed.The City of Maryville held a graveside memorial service for
the infant in June at Oak Hill Cemetery.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Prosecutor: no crime committed in fetus abandonment at Mozingo Lake

A third-party candidate is fighting for recognition in the
Missouri United States Senate race.

Jared Young of Webb City calls himself an independent, though
officially listed as the Better Party candidate attempting to unseat incumbent
Republican Sen. Josh Hawley.

Young says he has had to answer one question in particular
during the campaign.

“The question of why run? I feel the same way as most voters
and that’s incredibly frustrated and discouraged by what the two-party system
is producing right now,” Young tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an in-studio
interview. “We feel like nothing is getting done. We can’t make any progress,
even on issues where there’s broad consensus among voters. We’re getting
stopped from finding solutions, because of partisan gamesmanship and partisan
warfare.”

Young is 38, a Joplin business owner, with a law degree from
Harvard. Young has the endorsement of former Republican Missouri US Sen. John
Danforth.

Young sees immigration is a big issue in this campaign.

“I think most voters agree on two things about immigration.
One, we need a secure border. And two, we need legal immigrants. They’re an
incredibly important part of our economy and an incredibly important part of
our culture,” Young says. “And so, it shouldn’t be hard to craft policy that
acknowledges both of those truths. But again, because of partisan games, we
can’t make progress on it, even though most people agree.”

The growing national debt is another big issue for Young, who
says it is being ignored by Democrats and Republicans, because of short-term
political thinking. Young says the debt will hinder economic growth if not
addressed. Young says that if not addressed, the growing federal debt will
weigh down the economy. He claims Democrats and Republicans in Washington
refuse to tackle the debt, because that would require hard decisions.

Young says his polling disclosed that 43% of Missouri voters consider
themselves independent with 70% of Missouri voters willing to consider an
independent or third-party candidate.

“So, there’s a path there. In 2024, people are so tired,
especially in Missouri, are just tired of the status quo. And so, people are
open to it,” according to Young. “As I cross the state, I’ve been working on
this for a year now and talking to hundreds and thousands of people across the
state, and I get so many people excited about the idea. They feel like it makes
sense. And so, the challenge in 2024 is not convincing people that this is a
good idea. The challenge is just getting in front of four million voters and
making sure four million voters are aware that they have a viable third
option.” 

Young is one of four candidates challenging the re-election of
Hawley. Also in the race are Democrat Lucas Kunce, Libertarian W. C. Young, and
Green Party candidate Nathan Kline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728403583837.jpeg" alt="U.S. Senate candidate Jared Young/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senate candidate Jared Young/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA third-party candidate is fighting for recognition in the
Missouri United States Senate race.Jared Young of Webb City calls himself an independent, though
officially listed as the Better Party candidate attempting to unseat incumbent
Republican Sen. Josh Hawley.Young says he has had to answer one question in particular
during the campaign.“The question of why run? I feel the same way as most voters
and that’s incredibly frustrated and discouraged by what the two-party system
is producing right now,” Young tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an in-studio
interview. “We feel like nothing is getting done. We can’t make any progress,
even on issues where there’s broad consensus among voters. We’re getting
stopped from finding solutions, because of partisan gamesmanship and partisan
warfare.”Young is 38, a Joplin business owner, with a law degree from
Harvard. Young has the endorsement of former Republican Missouri US Sen. John
Danforth.Young sees immigration is a big issue in this campaign.“I think most voters agree on two things about immigration.
One, we need a secure border. And two, we need legal immigrants. They’re an
incredibly important part of our economy and an incredibly important part of
our culture,” Young says. “And so, it shouldn’t be hard to craft policy that
acknowledges both of those truths. But again, because of partisan games, we
can’t make progress on it, even though most people agree.”The growing national debt is another big issue for Young, who
says it is being ignored by Democrats and Republicans, because of short-term
political thinking. Young says the debt will hinder economic growth if not
addressed. Young says that if not addressed, the growing federal debt will
weigh down the economy. He claims Democrats and Republicans in Washington
refuse to tackle the debt, because that would require hard decisions.Young says his polling disclosed that 43% of Missouri voters consider
themselves independent with 70% of Missouri voters willing to consider an
independent or third-party candidate.“So, there’s a path there. In 2024, people are so tired,
especially in Missouri, are just tired of the status quo. And so, people are
open to it,” according to Young. “As I cross the state, I’ve been working on
this for a year now and talking to hundreds and thousands of people across the
state, and I get so many people excited about the idea. They feel like it makes
sense. And so, the challenge in 2024 is not convincing people that this is a
good idea. The challenge is just getting in front of four million voters and
making sure four million voters are aware that they have a viable third
option.” Young is one of four candidates challenging the re-election of
Hawley. Also in the race are Democrat Lucas Kunce, Libertarian W. C. Young, and
Green Party candidate Nathan Kline.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

3rd party Senate candidate believes there's a path to victory

In a 13-day trial, Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter narrows in on key arguments

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

A ruling on Missouri’s restrictions on gender-affirming care is likely to come by the end of the year, with the trial complete and attorneys’ reports due within 30 days.

After a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/20/lawsuit-seeking-to-block-missouri-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors-heads-to-trial/">13-day trial</a>&nbsp;ended last week, Wright County Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter waived closing statements and asked instead for plaintiffs and defendants to submit statements of facts and findings. Both sides presented thick stacks of evidence, with seven approximately five-inch binders sitting on Carter’s bench throughout proceedings.

Without a jury, Carter — who was assigned to preside over the Cole County case — will rule on the constitutionality of the law.

Carter’s questions at the start of the trial sounded like someone becoming familiar with the subject, asking what a nonbinary gender identity means and clarifying definitions.

But in the trial’s final days, his inquiries were more frequent and challenging for witnesses, digging into the arguments and searching for the point in which gender-affirming medication for minors switches from unlawful to lawful.

The trial comes after transgender minors, their families and health care providers challenged the constitutionality of a 2023 law restricting physicians from prescribing gender-affirming medical care to minors. It also bars Missouri Medicaid from covering gender-affirming treatment for adults and restricts prisoners from getting the care in state prisons.

Carter asked many of the questions to the state’s expert witness,&nbsp;<a href="https://divinity.duke.edu/faculty/farr-curlin" target="_blank">Dr. Farr Curlin</a>, a professor at Duke who specializes in medical ethics.

“So tell me your thoughts on the intersection,” Carter asked during Curlin’s testimony last Wednesday. “The state has an interest in preventing people from making life-altering mistakes, and plaintiffs have the right to seek (desired medical care).”

Curlin said the problem lies in children’s inability to consent. Typically, parents consent for their child, whereas a minor’s agreement is labeled assent.

“The norm should be the same norm that is practiced throughout pediatric ethics and it is: Is this intervention in the medical best interest of the child?” Curlin said.

A large piece of the case is whether there is medical consensus on the efficacy of medical transition.

Large medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, a group founded in 1930 with 67,000 member physicians, support gender-affirming care for minors.&nbsp;Other organizations outside the medical mainstream — like the 700-member American College of Pediatricians which was formed in 2002 — are outspoken against the treatment.

Plaintiffs’ experts reviewed research showing positive effects of medical transition, and people who have benefited from gender-affirming care in Missouri as minors testified. The attorney general’s office, which was defending the law, tried to diminish the testimony of these experts by claiming that because most provide gender-affirming care —either by writing letters of support as a mental health provider or prescribing medication — they financially benefit from ensuring it remains legal.&nbsp;

Plaintiffs waved off these concerns.&nbsp;

“Only to the state of Missouri, and without any sense of irony, is actually having experience and expertise a conflict,” Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, an attorney with Lambda Legal, told reporters.

The state’s expert witnesses included physicians who are outspoken about their disapproval of gender-affirming care, though many had never treated a minor for gender dysphoria. During the testimony of Alabama-based plastic surgeon Dr. Patrick Lappert, attorneys showed images of gender-affirming surgeries and detailed the process and risks of infection.

In 2022, a federal court in North Carolina ruled that state health plans excluding gender-affirming care violated the Equal Protection Clause. In that case, the judge tossed out parts of the testimony of&nbsp; Lappert and Dr. Stephen Levine, who also testified last week as an expert for the state of Missouri.

Tom Bastian, spokesman for the ACLU of Missouri, told The Independent in emailed answers the case’s attorneys oversaw that the state’s argument is not sufficient to justify the law. Specifically, he pointed to what he deemed a lack of expertise among the state’s expert witnesses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727446832059.png" alt=" Judge Craig Carter, a Wright County judge serving in Cole County for Missouri’s gender-affirming care trial, listens to a nurse practitioner testify Thursday afternoon (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Judge Craig Carter, a Wright County judge serving in Cole County for Missouri’s gender-affirming care trial, listens to a nurse practitioner testify Thursday afternoon (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>In a 13-day trial, Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter narrows in on key arguments</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A ruling on Missouri’s restrictions on gender-affirming care is likely to come by the end of the year, with the trial complete and attorneys’ reports due within 30 days.After a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/20/lawsuit-seeking-to-block-missouri-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors-heads-to-trial/">13-day trial</a>&nbsp;ended last week, Wright County Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter waived closing statements and asked instead for plaintiffs and defendants to submit statements of facts and findings. Both sides presented thick stacks of evidence, with seven approximately five-inch binders sitting on Carter’s bench throughout proceedings.Without a jury, Carter — who was assigned to preside over the Cole County case — will rule on the constitutionality of the law.Carter’s questions at the start of the trial sounded like someone becoming familiar with the subject, asking what a nonbinary gender identity means and clarifying definitions.But in the trial’s final days, his inquiries were more frequent and challenging for witnesses, digging into the arguments and searching for the point in which gender-affirming medication for minors switches from unlawful to lawful.The trial comes after transgender minors, their families and health care providers challenged the constitutionality of a 2023 law restricting physicians from prescribing gender-affirming medical care to minors. It also bars Missouri Medicaid from covering gender-affirming treatment for adults and restricts prisoners from getting the care in state prisons.Carter asked many of the questions to the state’s expert witness,&nbsp;<a href="https://divinity.duke.edu/faculty/farr-curlin" target="_blank">Dr. Farr Curlin</a>, a professor at Duke who specializes in medical ethics.“So tell me your thoughts on the intersection,” Carter asked during Curlin’s testimony last Wednesday. “The state has an interest in preventing people from making life-altering mistakes, and plaintiffs have the right to seek (desired medical care).”Curlin said the problem lies in children’s inability to consent. Typically, parents consent for their child, whereas a minor’s agreement is labeled assent.“The norm should be the same norm that is practiced throughout pediatric ethics and it is: Is this intervention in the medical best interest of the child?” Curlin said.A large piece of the case is whether there is medical consensus on the efficacy of medical transition.Large medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, a group founded in 1930 with 67,000 member physicians, support gender-affirming care for minors.&nbsp;Other organizations outside the medical mainstream — like the 700-member American College of Pediatricians which was formed in 2002 — are outspoken against the treatment.Plaintiffs’ experts reviewed research showing positive effects of medical transition, and people who have benefited from gender-affirming care in Missouri as minors testified. The attorney general’s office, which was defending the law, tried to diminish the testimony of these experts by claiming that because most provide gender-affirming care —either by writing letters of support as a mental health provider or prescribing medication — they financially benefit from ensuring it remains legal.&nbsp;Plaintiffs waved off these concerns.&nbsp;“Only to the state of Missouri, and without any sense of irony, is actually having experience and expertise a conflict,” Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, an attorney with Lambda Legal, told reporters.The state’s expert witnesses included physicians who are outspoken about their disapproval of gender-affirming care, though many had never treated a minor for gender dysphoria. During the testimony of Alabama-based plastic surgeon Dr. Patrick Lappert, attorneys showed images of gender-affirming surgeries and detailed the process and risks of infection.In 2022, a federal court in North Carolina ruled that state health plans excluding gender-affirming care violated the Equal Protection Clause. In that case, the judge tossed out parts of the testimony of&nbsp; Lappert and Dr. Stephen Levine, who also testified last week as an expert for the state of Missouri.Tom Bastian, spokesman for the ACLU of Missouri, told The Independent in emailed answers the case’s attorneys oversaw that the state’s argument is not sufficient to justify the law. Specifically, he pointed to what he deemed a lack of expertise among the state’s expert witnesses.“None of the state’s purported expert witnesses practice in this field, except for one, and the one who does agrees that medical interventions for gender dysphoria can be appropriate for some patients,” Bastian wrote. “Plaintiffs’ doctors, their experts and every major medical organization in the United States all agree that, in certain cases, gender-affirming medical care can be medically necessary to treat gender dysphoria in adolescents and adults.”Another expert called by the Missouri attorney general’s office last week was John Michael Bailey. He received skepticism from Carter after it was revealed that he&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/02/credibility-of-states-expert-witnesses-questioned-in-missouri-transgender-health-care-trial/">believes convicted child molester Jerry Sandusky</a>&nbsp;is innocent. Bailey has been criticized for a retracted research article on gender dysphoria in adolescents and was the subject of an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2011/03/03/134240092/univ-president-calls-after-class-sex-display-extremely-poor-judgment" target="_blank">investigation by Northwestern University after he demonstrated a sex toy</a>&nbsp;in an extracurricular lecture.The Independent sent questions to the attorney general’s office, including asking about criticism of its expert witnesses, but did not receive a response.Four people who had once identified as transgender but stopped treatment, known as “detransitioners,” also testified last about their regrets. Only one of the four received medical care in Missouri, and he was an adult when he began his transition.“The adults that were in the room that should have been protecting them failed to do so,” Attorney General Andrew Bailey said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AGAndrewBailey/status/1839345434386743313" target="_blank">podcast</a>&nbsp;late last month before the trial began.The state also introduced academic articles describing the evidence behind gender-affirming care for minors as “too limited,” both in cross-examination and through their witnesses’ testimony.Carter asked if the law could be peeled back if research showed treatments’ success. The state’s restrictions on puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors is set to expire in August of 2027 — though lawmakers have publicly discussed removing the sunset clause.“Are you saying the kids don’t have a choice until we get further evidence showing the efficacy of these treatments?” Carter asked Curlin, the Duke medical professor. “If the studies show that this treatment is efficacious, then where do we wind up?”“It’s not just, is it efficacious?” Curlin said. “Is it efficacious, and is it reliable enough and substantial enough to warrant the risks that these treatments bring?”“What if the drug companies come out tomorrow and say, ‘You can take this drug, and it is absolutely reversible,” Carter asked.Curlin said the “treatments are absolutely counter to the well-working of this patient’s health.” The medications and surgeries are not ethical in a body that is functioning well, he said.The state repeatedly presented talk therapy as an option to treat gender dysphoria, which is distress arising from one’s body not matching gender identity.Plaintiffs said therapy alone will not treat many cases of gender dysphoria, making medication medically necessary.On the first day of the trial, a young man testifying under the name John Doe told the court that therapy was not enough for him. His first therapist said he was “going through a phase,” and his dysphoria only worsened.A second, affirming therapist helped him as he began to dress more like himself at the age of 7, he said. His fear only worsened as puberty approached, and he attributes his thriving social life and success in college to his access to medication.“It felt like once I started to receive (testosterone) shots, my overall was uphill from there,” he said. “The confidence I gained from having my body reflect who I am and what I was feeling was impactful throughout my entire life.”Doe’s mother also testified later in the trial.Carter noted there was “heartfelt testimony on both sides” from parents, asking about the issue of parental rights when the state withholds a type of care from their child. He discussed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/patients/learn-about-expanded-access-and-other-treatment-options/right-try" target="_blank">Right to Try Act</a>, which allows patients to access experimental medications for life-threatening conditions.He also looked at the release of the COVID-19 vaccine, which had an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-319" target="_blank">accelerated clinical trial phase</a>&nbsp;in order to give the public access sooner. The vaccine could potentially serve as a precedent of giving access to a medication without longitudinal testing.Carter’s ruling is unlikely to be the last, with similar cases in other states appealing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/2024/06/supreme-court-takes-up-challenge-to-ban-on-gender-affirming-care/" target="_blank">all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court</a>. He noted the likelihood of an appeal, saying he would accept exhibits to add to the case’s file for future courts to look at, though they would not determine his ruling.

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