The newly branded St. Joseph Goats are bringing arena football back to the Civic Arena in downtown this summer. &nbsp;

The Goats played in Kansas City last year in their inaugural season and finished one game shy of competing for a championship and now hope to achieve that in St. Joseph. &nbsp;

Goats Head Coach Dorsey Golston says initially the move to St. Joseph caught him by surprise, but it's a move he's excited about.&nbsp;

"Spent a lot of time in St. Joe my whole life, I'm from Kansas City, Missouri, but me and my dad used to come up here a lot go fishing, so I'm kind of familiar with the city, the town, we'd come up here by Stetson's and all type of stuff like that," Golston tells reporters.&nbsp;

Golston says it's a great feeling to be a part of a sort of resurgence of sports and events happening at the Civic Arena&nbsp;

"I think the people of St. Joseph is going to enjoy holding what 2,500 here I think, we averaged around 23 last year, so you're going to have to come get your tickets early because we plan on packing this thing out," Golston says.&nbsp;

On the team again this year, is last year's league MVP. Boo Smith, a former wide receiver at Missouri, says he's excited about the team's new home in St. Joseph&nbsp;

"This is my first time in Civic Arena, I do know the history of it, but looking at it right now, it's going to be packed, I'm actually excited" Smith says.&nbsp; "Because I also know Missouri Western is just down the road and they have a good football fan base so just coming here with our success and the other fan base, I'm excited for it, I'm excited for sure."&nbsp;

Smith had 1,011 yards last year on 99 catches, and scored 33 touchdowns, and now looks to impress St. Joseph fans with his speedy playstyle. &nbsp;

Wide receiver Ryan Martinez says he hopes and expects to see the stands packed at Civic Arena this summer&nbsp;

"As long as the fans and everybody is behind us and the crowd, we bring from Kansas City, pretty sure we'll pack it out," Martinez says.&nbsp; "Because arena is a fun game, entertaining, it's really mostly meant for the fans because you get to jump in the crowd, throw balls, run around, eat people's popcorn, so it's really fun."&nbsp;

The first home game for the Goats is on June 7th.&nbsp; You can purchase tickets online for both individual games as well as the season.&nbsp; The season opens May 31st.&nbsp;

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/2025/4/1744929756979.jpeg" alt="The newly branded St. Joseph Goats unveiled their new look uniforms on Thursday during a press conference at Civic Arena/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The newly branded St. Joseph Goats unveiled their new look uniforms on Thursday during a press conference at Civic Arena/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The newly branded St. Joseph Goats are bringing arena football back to the Civic Arena in downtown this summer. &nbsp;The Goats played in Kansas City last year in their inaugural season and finished one game shy of competing for a championship and now hope to achieve that in St. Joseph. &nbsp;Goats Head Coach Dorsey Golston says initially the move to St. Joseph caught him by surprise, but it's a move he's excited about.&nbsp;"Spent a lot of time in St. Joe my whole life, I'm from Kansas City, Missouri, but me and my dad used to come up here a lot go fishing, so I'm kind of familiar with the city, the town, we'd come up here by Stetson's and all type of stuff like that," Golston tells reporters.&nbsp;Golston says it's a great feeling to be a part of a sort of resurgence of sports and events happening at the Civic Arena&nbsp;"I think the people of St. Joseph is going to enjoy holding what 2,500 here I think, we averaged around 23 last year, so you're going to have to come get your tickets early because we plan on packing this thing out," Golston says.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744929885613.jpeg" alt="Team President Ted Sweeney revealed Thursday&nbsp; during a press conference at Civic Arena that the Kansas City Goats will change their name to the St. Joseph Goats this season.&nbsp; They also unveiled new jersey's and a new logo for the upcoming arena football season/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Team President Ted Sweeney revealed Thursday&nbsp; during a press conference at Civic Arena that the Kansas City Goats will change their name to the St. Joseph Goats this season.&nbsp; They also unveiled new jersey's and a new logo for the upcoming arena football season/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>On the team again this year, is last year's league MVP. Boo Smith, a former wide receiver at Missouri, says he's excited about the team's new home in St. Joseph&nbsp;"This is my first time in Civic Arena, I do know the history of it, but looking at it right now, it's going to be packed, I'm actually excited" Smith says.&nbsp; "Because I also know Missouri Western is just down the road and they have a good football fan base so just coming here with our success and the other fan base, I'm excited for it, I'm excited for sure."&nbsp;Smith had 1,011 yards last year on 99 catches, and scored 33 touchdowns, and now looks to impress St. Joseph fans with his speedy playstyle. &nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Check out my Season Highlights‼️<a href="https://t.co/4i6wV81Ym8">https://t.co/4i6wV81Ym8</a> Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiefsFocus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChiefsFocus</a> <a href="https://t.co/apM1z6k70U">pic.twitter.com/apM1z6k70U</a>&mdash; BooBoo Smith (@B_Smith400) <a href="https://twitter.com/B_Smith400/status/1825938880866169284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Wide receiver Ryan Martinez says he hopes and expects to see the stands packed at Civic Arena this summer&nbsp;"As long as the fans and everybody is behind us and the crowd, we bring from Kansas City, pretty sure we'll pack it out," Martinez says.&nbsp; "Because arena is a fun game, entertaining, it's really mostly meant for the fans because you get to jump in the crowd, throw balls, run around, eat people's popcorn, so it's really fun."&nbsp;The first home game for the Goats is on June 7th.&nbsp; You can purchase tickets online for both individual games as well as the season.&nbsp; The season opens May 31st.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744930210117.jpeg" alt="St Joseph Goats team President Ted Sweeney (right) shows off the new team logos on shirts worn by St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale (middle) and Goats dance coach, and Missouri Western student, Emily Crouse (left)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>St Joseph Goats team President Ted Sweeney (right) shows off the new team logos on shirts worn by St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale (middle) and Goats dance coach, and Missouri Western student, Emily Crouse (left)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph Goats arena football coming to Civic Arena this summer

Steps are being
taken toward making a Buchanan County fairgrounds a reality.

Buchanan County
Presiding Commissioner, Scott Nelson, says the county sees great opportunity if
a fairgrounds is created at the Easton school grounds once the East Buchanan
School District moves the middle school to Gower.

“First and foremost,
we wanted to have a place for the 4-H to have shows; for their cattle shows,”
Nelson tells KFEQmmunity. “And at the same time, we didn’t want to have a
building that just sat there other than maybe two events a year. That’s really
not self-sustaining. It’s kind of a waste of a building.”

Nelson says the 10
acres belonging to the school district would be only enough for an arena and
parking. Nelson says the County Fair Board is talking with neighboring property
owners about purchasing additional land.

“If we could get
an agreement on purchasing any of the abutting property that would be beneficial,”
according to Nelson. “The city of Easton, from everything I hear and what everybody
tells me, they are stoked about this.”

Nelson says the
county would like to enter the contract and begin work soon even if East
Buchanan can’t complete the new middle school building and move classes to
Gower before the fall semester.

“We would like to
be there in the summer and get this thing done, if possible, so we could do some
work in the summer, while the kids aren’t there.”

Nelson says the
county will give the school district all the time it needs to make the move.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744914870161.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan Middle School, Easton/file photo" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan Middle School, Easton/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSteps are being
taken toward making a Buchanan County fairgrounds a reality.Buchanan County
Presiding Commissioner, Scott Nelson, says the county sees great opportunity if
a fairgrounds is created at the Easton school grounds once the East Buchanan
School District moves the middle school to Gower.“First and foremost,
we wanted to have a place for the 4-H to have shows; for their cattle shows,”
Nelson tells KFEQmmunity. “And at the same time, we didn’t want to have a
building that just sat there other than maybe two events a year. That’s really
not self-sustaining. It’s kind of a waste of a building.”Nelson says the 10
acres belonging to the school district would be only enough for an arena and
parking. Nelson says the County Fair Board is talking with neighboring property
owners about purchasing additional land.“If we could get
an agreement on purchasing any of the abutting property that would be beneficial,”
according to Nelson. “The city of Easton, from everything I hear and what everybody
tells me, they are stoked about this.”Nelson says the
county would like to enter the contract and begin work soon even if East
Buchanan can’t complete the new middle school building and move classes to
Gower before the fall semester.“We would like to
be there in the summer and get this thing done, if possible, so we could do some
work in the summer, while the kids aren’t there.”Nelson says the
county will give the school district all the time it needs to make the move.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Buchanan County moves closer to securing land for a fairgrounds

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7lSX4zOt8zFXhr7xQa9rZ8?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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6BQ28y8WP8UJVATTKUQ7Vj?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

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ford F350 driven by an 80-year-old Weatherford, Texas, woman was southbound on Interstate 29 fifteen miles west of Savannah. The pickup traveled off the west side of the road and struck a tree.

Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ford F350 driven by an 80-year-old Weatherford, Texas, woman was southbound on Interstate 29 fifteen miles west of Savannah. The pickup traveled off the west side of the road and struck a tree.Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Woman hospitalized in St. Joe after pickup strikes a tree

The money was intended to allow quick expansion of the MoScholars program, which helps parents cover tuition for private elementary and secondary schools

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

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s plan to rapidly enlarge a scholarship program for private and religious schools with an infusion of state tax funds was cut out of the budget Wednesday as the Senate Appropriations Committee finished revising spending plans for the coming year.

The $50 million request for the MoScholars program, which is supposed to be funded from donations and tax credits, was approved in the Missouri House as part of its budget proposal. But state Sen. Lincoln Hough, a Republican from Springfield and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stripped it out after boosting the foundation formula for public schools by&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/16/senate-committee-adds-300-million-to-missouri-public-education-budget/">$300 million the day before</a>.

“I want to make sure that we’re fully funding our obligation to public schools before we start spending 10s of millions of general revenue dollars on private schools,” Hough told reporters after making the cut.

In his&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">State of the State speech</a>&nbsp;to lawmakers in January, Kehoe said he was not funding the foundation formula to the level directed by state law because it no longer fairly distributes the money. The extra money for the scholarship program, he said, would give parents more educational choices.

Public schools come first, Hough said Wednesday.

Kehoe “admitted we’re not funding K-12 to the level that it’s supposed to be funded.” Hough said. “And I think that’s an obligation that we have, especially when we have the money in the bank.”

Missouri has a healthy general revenue surplus, with $3.7 billion in the fund on March 31. There is another $1.5 billion that, like general revenue, is unrestricted. But revenue is declining in the current fiscal year and, while modest growth is projected for the future, the budget being prepared now will use at least $1.6 billion from the surplus.

The budget is based on a projection of $13.6 billion in general revenue. Kehoe proposed spending almost $16 billion, including construction and maintenance funding, and the House budget plan uses $15.2 billion.

The exact totals for the 13 budget bills funding state operations approved by the committee were not available Wednesday. But with the extra money for public schools, plus $107 million for child care subsidies and dozens of new earmarks, the total is sure to be substantially higher than the $47.9 billion from all funds approved in the House and could exceed the $50.1 billion total in Kehoe’s proposal.

Three more bills spending another $3.7 billion for construction and maintenance are awaiting a final House vote before the Senate committee can make its changes.

The greatest uncertainty for the upcoming year is whether substantial cuts will be made to federal spending. The largest&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/01/more-than-5-million-could-lose-medicaid-coverage-if-feds-impose-work-requirements/">single shared program is Medicaid</a>, with Missouri paying 10- to 35% of the cost for each person enrolled and the federal treasury covering the rest.

The group made eligible by a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/10/22/missouri-medicaid-expansion-will-it-bust-the-budget-or-pay-for-itself/">2020 constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;costs the state the least, only 10% of the expense. So far, Missouri has not spent any general revenue on the expanded group, using other sources of money, including federal aid banked during the COVID pandemic.

If Missouri were required to pay 20% of the cost, it would have to find $300 million to keep it in place for the 350,000 enrollees.

Hough has been warning that federal cuts could upset Missouri’s budget. But on Wednesday, he said the committee can only write a budget based on what is currently in place.

“To the extent that we can, we plan for this kind of stuff,” Hough said. “But how do you plan for a Medicaid reimbursement on an expanded population that goes down by, say, say, 20% and costs us $600 million?”

The $50 million cut to the scholarship line was the largest cut of the day but not the only one. The Senate committee took out $10 million the House included to hire an architect to prepare plans for expanding the Capitol. Another set of cuts targeted some of the earmarked items approved in the House.

And cuts were used to express lingering resentment for the factionalism that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/25/missouri-senate-gop-warfare-escalates-with-suggestion-of-expelling-freedom-caucus-leader/">fractured Republicans</a>&nbsp;in the state Senate for four years. State Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit cut 25 employees and $684,000 from Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ budget, noting that the positions had been open for a long time and the office seems to function acceptably without them.

Hoskins was a member of the Freedom Caucus, which repeatedly tied the Senate up in filibusters to push its brand of Republicanism. And as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he argued often against retaining employee authorizations that departments were unable to fill within six to 12 months.

Hoskins, inaugurated in January, is authorized to employ 267 full time staff. During the fiscal year that ended June 30, his predecessor, Jay Ashcroft, used 205 of that amount.

Hoskins said he needs to study each position in his to determine if it is needed if the cut is made.&nbsp;

“I will comply with whatever they do,” he said.

Hough said he had no objections to cutting the unfilled positions.&nbsp;

“Sen. Hoskins, when he was on this committee with us,” Hough said, “was always kind of a hawk on that stuff.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744884588430.jpeg" alt=" Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, right, and Vice Chairman Rusty Black speak with state budget director Dan Haug Wednesday during a break in committee work (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, right, and Vice Chairman Rusty Black speak with state budget director Dan Haug Wednesday during a break in committee work (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The money was intended to allow quick expansion of the MoScholars program, which helps parents cover tuition for private elementary and secondary schools</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s plan to rapidly enlarge a scholarship program for private and religious schools with an infusion of state tax funds was cut out of the budget Wednesday as the Senate Appropriations Committee finished revising spending plans for the coming year.The $50 million request for the MoScholars program, which is supposed to be funded from donations and tax credits, was approved in the Missouri House as part of its budget proposal. But state Sen. Lincoln Hough, a Republican from Springfield and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stripped it out after boosting the foundation formula for public schools by&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/16/senate-committee-adds-300-million-to-missouri-public-education-budget/">$300 million the day before</a>.“I want to make sure that we’re fully funding our obligation to public schools before we start spending 10s of millions of general revenue dollars on private schools,” Hough told reporters after making the cut.In his&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">State of the State speech</a>&nbsp;to lawmakers in January, Kehoe said he was not funding the foundation formula to the level directed by state law because it no longer fairly distributes the money. The extra money for the scholarship program, he said, would give parents more educational choices.Public schools come first, Hough said Wednesday.Kehoe “admitted we’re not funding K-12 to the level that it’s supposed to be funded.” Hough said. “And I think that’s an obligation that we have, especially when we have the money in the bank.”Missouri has a healthy general revenue surplus, with $3.7 billion in the fund on March 31. There is another $1.5 billion that, like general revenue, is unrestricted. But revenue is declining in the current fiscal year and, while modest growth is projected for the future, the budget being prepared now will use at least $1.6 billion from the surplus.The budget is based on a projection of $13.6 billion in general revenue. Kehoe proposed spending almost $16 billion, including construction and maintenance funding, and the House budget plan uses $15.2 billion.The exact totals for the 13 budget bills funding state operations approved by the committee were not available Wednesday. But with the extra money for public schools, plus $107 million for child care subsidies and dozens of new earmarks, the total is sure to be substantially higher than the $47.9 billion from all funds approved in the House and could exceed the $50.1 billion total in Kehoe’s proposal.Three more bills spending another $3.7 billion for construction and maintenance are awaiting a final House vote before the Senate committee can make its changes.The greatest uncertainty for the upcoming year is whether substantial cuts will be made to federal spending. The largest&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/01/more-than-5-million-could-lose-medicaid-coverage-if-feds-impose-work-requirements/">single shared program is Medicaid</a>, with Missouri paying 10- to 35% of the cost for each person enrolled and the federal treasury covering the rest.The group made eligible by a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/10/22/missouri-medicaid-expansion-will-it-bust-the-budget-or-pay-for-itself/">2020 constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;costs the state the least, only 10% of the expense. So far, Missouri has not spent any general revenue on the expanded group, using other sources of money, including federal aid banked during the COVID pandemic.If Missouri were required to pay 20% of the cost, it would have to find $300 million to keep it in place for the 350,000 enrollees.Hough has been warning that federal cuts could upset Missouri’s budget. But on Wednesday, he said the committee can only write a budget based on what is currently in place.“To the extent that we can, we plan for this kind of stuff,” Hough said. “But how do you plan for a Medicaid reimbursement on an expanded population that goes down by, say, say, 20% and costs us $600 million?”The $50 million cut to the scholarship line was the largest cut of the day but not the only one. The Senate committee took out $10 million the House included to hire an architect to prepare plans for expanding the Capitol. Another set of cuts targeted some of the earmarked items approved in the House.And cuts were used to express lingering resentment for the factionalism that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/25/missouri-senate-gop-warfare-escalates-with-suggestion-of-expelling-freedom-caucus-leader/">fractured Republicans</a>&nbsp;in the state Senate for four years. State Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit cut 25 employees and $684,000 from Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ budget, noting that the positions had been open for a long time and the office seems to function acceptably without them.Hoskins was a member of the Freedom Caucus, which repeatedly tied the Senate up in filibusters to push its brand of Republicanism. And as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he argued often against retaining employee authorizations that departments were unable to fill within six to 12 months.Hoskins, inaugurated in January, is authorized to employ 267 full time staff. During the fiscal year that ended June 30, his predecessor, Jay Ashcroft, used 205 of that amount.Hoskins said he needs to study each position in his to determine if it is needed if the cut is made.&nbsp;“I will comply with whatever they do,” he said.Hough said he had no objections to cutting the unfilled positions.&nbsp;“Sen. Hoskins, when he was on this committee with us,” Hough said, “was always kind of a hawk on that stuff.”

Missouri governor’s plan for $50 million for private schools axed by Senate committee

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 12:20p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Harley Davidson Sportster driven by a 35-year-old Gower man and a 2015 Harley Davidson FXDL driven by a 22-year-old St. Joseph man were northbound on Business 71 four miles south of Savannah.

The driver of the 1997 Harley initiated a left turn at a median crossover.&nbsp; The driver of the 2015 Harley failed to observe the 1997 Harley and sideswiped it.&nbsp;

Andrew County EMS transported the Gower man to Mosaic. A private vehicle transported the St. Joseph man to Mosaic.&nbsp; They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 12:20p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Harley Davidson Sportster driven by a 35-year-old Gower man and a 2015 Harley Davidson FXDL driven by a 22-year-old St. Joseph man were northbound on Business 71 four miles south of Savannah.The driver of the 1997 Harley initiated a left turn at a median crossover.&nbsp; The driver of the 2015 Harley failed to observe the 1997 Harley and sideswiped it.&nbsp;Andrew County EMS transported the Gower man to Mosaic. A private vehicle transported the St. Joseph man to Mosaic.&nbsp; They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 injured after Andrew Co. motorcycle accident

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 3p.m. April 13, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;arrested 39-year-old Amy Cash of Pulaski County Missouri. She was wanted on $25,000 Felony Warrants for Theft, Criminal Use of a Financial Card and Possession of a Depressant, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant. 

She remains jailed on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744731583640.png" alt="Cash photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Cash photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just before 3p.m. April 13, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;arrested 39-year-old Amy Cash of Pulaski County Missouri. She was wanted on $25,000 Felony Warrants for Theft, Criminal Use of a Financial Card and Possession of a Depressant, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant. She remains jailed on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas deputy captured woman wanted for ID theft in Missouri

Buchanan County
Prosecutor Michelle Davidson says her office has successfully prosecuted
someone under the state’s new “Valentine’s Law,” which enhances the penalty for
putting the public at risk by fleeing from law enforcement.

A Buchanan County
jury has convicted 24-year-old Gabriel Paredes of Houston, Texas of Aggravated
Fleeing in a Motor Vehicle for running from police on January the 2nd.

The prosecutor’s
office says the jury deliberated for an hour and a half before returning the
guilty verdict. St. Joseph police say Paredes sped off after an officer
attempted a traffic stop. Paredes ran a stop sign and crashed into an
embankment. Paredes and others fled the wreck on foot. A police drone was used
to track them down and arrest them.

The news release
states this is the first time the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s Office charged
someone under “Valentine’s Law,” passed by the Missouri General Assembly in 2024.
It mandates a minimum jail or prison sentence of at least one year with no
provisions for early release for those who place the community at risk by
fleeing police in an unsafe manner. It was named after St. Louis County
Detective Antonio Valentine, killed when a fleeing vehicle crashed into his
unmarked van.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744891994660.jpeg" alt="Paredes Gabriel/Buchanan County photo" />
 <figcaption>Paredes Gabriel/Buchanan County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County
Prosecutor Michelle Davidson says her office has successfully prosecuted
someone under the state’s new “Valentine’s Law,” which enhances the penalty for
putting the public at risk by fleeing from law enforcement.A Buchanan County
jury has convicted 24-year-old Gabriel Paredes of Houston, Texas of Aggravated
Fleeing in a Motor Vehicle for running from police on January the 2nd.The prosecutor’s
office says the jury deliberated for an hour and a half before returning the
guilty verdict. St. Joseph police say Paredes sped off after an officer
attempted a traffic stop. Paredes ran a stop sign and crashed into an
embankment. Paredes and others fled the wreck on foot. A police drone was used
to track them down and arrest them.The news release
states this is the first time the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s Office charged
someone under “Valentine’s Law,” passed by the Missouri General Assembly in 2024.
It mandates a minimum jail or prison sentence of at least one year with no
provisions for early release for those who place the community at risk by
fleeing police in an unsafe manner. It was named after St. Louis County
Detective Antonio Valentine, killed when a fleeing vehicle crashed into his
unmarked van.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Buchanan CO wins 1st conviction under "Valentine's Law"

Charlie Burri, the
first Athletic Director at Missouri Western State University, has died.

Burri, a St.
Joseph native, agreed to lead Griffon athletics in 1967 as St. Joseph Junior
College became Missouri Western State College, a four-year institution. Burri’s
guidance during those early years earned him the unofficial title of “Godfather
of Griffon Athletics.”

Burri also chaired
the Physical Education Department and became the head basketball and golf
coach. Burri was instrumental in building Spratt Memorial Stadium and the
Looney Indoor Sports Complex. Burri formed the Gold Coat Club in 1970.

Burri won many
honors over the years. He became the first inductee into the Missouri Western
Athletics Hall of Fame after retiring in 1984. Burri is a member of the St.
Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame, the National Association of College Directors
of Athletics Hall of Fame, the National Association of Intercollegiate
Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Burri graduated
from Christian Brothers High School, the St. Joseph Junior College, and
Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744829501638.jpeg" alt="Charlie Burri at a MWSU groundbreaking/Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Burri at a MWSU groundbreaking/Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostCharlie Burri, the
first Athletic Director at Missouri Western State University, has died.Burri, a St.
Joseph native, agreed to lead Griffon athletics in 1967 as St. Joseph Junior
College became Missouri Western State College, a four-year institution. Burri’s
guidance during those early years earned him the unofficial title of “Godfather
of Griffon Athletics.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744829570027.jpeg" alt="Charlie Burri in his office/photo courtesy of MWSU" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Burri in his office/photo courtesy of MWSU</figcaption>
 </figure>Burri also chaired
the Physical Education Department and became the head basketball and golf
coach. Burri was instrumental in building Spratt Memorial Stadium and the
Looney Indoor Sports Complex. Burri formed the Gold Coat Club in 1970.Burri won many
honors over the years. He became the first inductee into the Missouri Western
Athletics Hall of Fame after retiring in 1984. Burri is a member of the St.
Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame, the National Association of College Directors
of Athletics Hall of Fame, the National Association of Intercollegiate
Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.Burri graduated
from Christian Brothers High School, the St. Joseph Junior College, and
Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.Charlie Burri was
94.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744829219396.png" alt="MWSU photo" />
 <figcaption>MWSU photo</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

The "Godfather of Griffon Athletics," Charlie Burri, dies

Buchanan County Prosecutor, Michelle Davidson, has
determined no charges will be filed against any St. Joseph police officer in
the officer-involved fatal shooting in late March.

One suspect was shot and killed in an exchange with
St. Joseph police officers who pursued two suspects in an armed carjacking
during the morning hours of March 27th.

Davidson’s office, in a news release, stated it has completed
its review of the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation of the shooting.

“After a careful and thorough examination of all
investigative materials and evidence submitted, our office has determined that
no criminal charges will be filed against any of the Saint Joseph Police
Department officers involved in the incident,” the statement read.

The prosecutor’s office says the decision is based on
“the legal standards governing the use of force by law enforcement officers” as
well as the circumstances presented in the case.

St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster reported at the
time officers were dispatched to the area of 6th and Hall streets around 10:30
on the morning of the 27th. The suspects fled from officers when
they attempted to stop the vehicle. Luster said one of the suspects fired at
the patrol cars during the pursuit. The shots caused property damage, but did
not harm any officers.

Luster said the pursuit ended when the car crashed at
28th and Mitchell and the two suspects fled from the vehicle on foot. One
suspect was taken into custody. One, 18-year-old Brayden Robertson, exchanged
gunfire with officers and was fatally wounded.

The St. Joseph Police Department requested the patrol
to investigate the shooting.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County Prosecutor, Michelle Davidson, has
determined no charges will be filed against any St. Joseph police officer in
the officer-involved fatal shooting in late March.One suspect was shot and killed in an exchange with
St. Joseph police officers who pursued two suspects in an armed carjacking
during the morning hours of March 27th.Davidson’s office, in a news release, stated it has completed
its review of the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation of the shooting.“After a careful and thorough examination of all
investigative materials and evidence submitted, our office has determined that
no criminal charges will be filed against any of the Saint Joseph Police
Department officers involved in the incident,” the statement read.The prosecutor’s office says the decision is based on
“the legal standards governing the use of force by law enforcement officers” as
well as the circumstances presented in the case.St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster reported at the
time officers were dispatched to the area of 6th and Hall streets around 10:30
on the morning of the 27th. The suspects fled from officers when
they attempted to stop the vehicle. Luster said one of the suspects fired at
the patrol cars during the pursuit. The shots caused property damage, but did
not harm any officers.Luster said the pursuit ended when the car crashed at
28th and Mitchell and the two suspects fled from the vehicle on foot. One
suspect was taken into custody. One, 18-year-old Brayden Robertson, exchanged
gunfire with officers and was fatally wounded.The St. Joseph Police Department requested the patrol
to investigate the shooting.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Prosecutors clear St. Joseph officers in fatal shooting

In a surprise move, Gov. Mike Kehoe has
removed former state Sen. Charlie Shields of St. Joseph as president of the
state Board of Education.

Kehoe has nominated four people to the
board, which would replace half the members.

Executive Director Melissa Randol of the
Missouri School Boards Association says the move surprised and disappointed
her.

“Charlie has exhibited extraordinary
leadership for the state of Missouri in many roles throughout his career,
including as state board member and president and has led our state through
some really difficult times,” Randel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, we were
surprised and, again, disappointed.”

Randol states Missouri benefitted from
Shields’ steady leadership and deep understanding of education.

“All of us, when we’re dealing with
tumultuous times, you want somebody in a leadership position who has the kind
of experience and expertise that Charlie Shields has,” according to Randol. “So
that’ll be a loss, for not just the state board, but for the state of
Missouri.”

Former Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Shields
to the Missouri Board of Education in August of 2012, after Shields serve in
the state legislature, including as Senate President Pro Tem, the leader of the
Senate. Shields became president of the state school board in 2015.

Under Shields’ leadership, the Missouri
Board of Education launched the Office of Childhood, making the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education the lead agency for early learning, created
the Show Me Standards, and established the “Science of Reading” to create a
systematic approach to literacy. Shields also stabilized the state board after
disgraced former Gov. Eric Greitens replaced members in a successful effort to
fire Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven.
The board eventually rehired Vandeven. The state board worked closely with
former Gov. Mike Parson to create the Blue Ribbon Commission to increase
teacher pay and fully fund the formula used to calculate state funding for
public schools.

Randol praises Shields’ leadership through
difficult.

“I think Missouri is, in fact I know
Missouri is in much better shape in terms of our system of educating, our
system of governing in education because of Charlie Shields’ leadership,
because of his focus that resulted in our state being able to analyze, measure,
focus on what are we doing to prepare Missouri’s children for their future?”

Kehoe announced four appointments to the
Missouri Board of Education, including replacing Shields as president with
Michael Matousek of Kansas City.

The nominations must be approved by the
Missouri Senate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744822755694.jpeg" alt="Charlie Shields/Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education photo" />
 <figcaption>Charlie Shields/Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIn a surprise move, Gov. Mike Kehoe has
removed former state Sen. Charlie Shields of St. Joseph as president of the
state Board of Education.Kehoe has nominated four people to the
board, which would replace half the members.Executive Director Melissa Randol of the
Missouri School Boards Association says the move surprised and disappointed
her.“Charlie has exhibited extraordinary
leadership for the state of Missouri in many roles throughout his career,
including as state board member and president and has led our state through
some really difficult times,” Randel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, we were
surprised and, again, disappointed.”Randol states Missouri benefitted from
Shields’ steady leadership and deep understanding of education.“All of us, when we’re dealing with
tumultuous times, you want somebody in a leadership position who has the kind
of experience and expertise that Charlie Shields has,” according to Randol. “So
that’ll be a loss, for not just the state board, but for the state of
Missouri.”Former Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Shields
to the Missouri Board of Education in August of 2012, after Shields serve in
the state legislature, including as Senate President Pro Tem, the leader of the
Senate. Shields became president of the state school board in 2015.Under Shields’ leadership, the Missouri
Board of Education launched the Office of Childhood, making the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education the lead agency for early learning, created
the Show Me Standards, and established the “Science of Reading” to create a
systematic approach to literacy. Shields also stabilized the state board after
disgraced former Gov. Eric Greitens replaced members in a successful effort to
fire Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven.
The board eventually rehired Vandeven. The state board worked closely with
former Gov. Mike Parson to create the Blue Ribbon Commission to increase
teacher pay and fully fund the formula used to calculate state funding for
public schools.Randol praises Shields’ leadership through
difficult.“I think Missouri is, in fact I know
Missouri is in much better shape in terms of our system of educating, our
system of governing in education because of Charlie Shields’ leadership,
because of his focus that resulted in our state being able to analyze, measure,
focus on what are we doing to prepare Missouri’s children for their future?”Kehoe announced four appointments to the
Missouri Board of Education, including replacing Shields as president with
Michael Matousek of Kansas City.The nominations must be approved by the
Missouri Senate.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

School Boards Assoc. surprised, disappointed Shields out as state board president

The St Joseph Sertoma Club has been serving the community for over a century and now has been recognized by its international board of directors for its years of service.  

The international board has given the St. Joseph club $5,000 in honor of its 111 years of community service. 

Member Ed Burton say the club does a lot of work with speech and hearing efforts 

"We've work with the community on different organizations that are a part of it, we've looped the Missouri Theatre, the convention center, a couple churches in town with people hard of hearing there can get in the middle of it and tag right into the looping system and it goes right into their hearing aids and stuff and they hear all the programs there just as clear as can be," Burton tells KFEQ News. 

Club President Bill McMurray says the club has done several events to benefit St. Joseph, including charity auctions, duck races, and more recently the annual Thanksgiving turkey trot.  

McMurray says the club is also responsible for all the American flags you see around the community on the holidays 

"About 10 times a year, so that's our main fundraiser today, the southside Sertoma does the Turkey Trot, and we do the flags, and we also of course do Meals on Wheels, and so we're still active," McMurray explains. 

With several service clubs around the country experiencing declines in membership, Burton encourages people to come and join the club and says giving back to the community really gives you a good feeling 

"You get so much more within yourself when you're helping people and you do it right there face to face instead of just flipping out a dollar into the phone there and let it go there," Burton says.  "You get that enjoyment of self-gratification to be a part of people and see people smile, and you just get that warm fuzzy feeling all over when you're in."

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The St Joseph Sertoma Club has been serving the community for over a century and now has been recognized by its international board of directors for its years of service. The international board has given the St. Joseph club $5,000 in honor of its 111 years of community service. Member Ed Burton say the club does a lot of work with speech and hearing efforts "We've work with the community on different organizations that are a part of it, we've looped the Missouri Theatre, the convention center, a couple churches in town with people hard of hearing there can get in the middle of it and tag right into the looping system and it goes right into their hearing aids and stuff and they hear all the programs there just as clear as can be," Burton tells KFEQ News. Club President Bill McMurray says the club has done several events to benefit St. Joseph, including charity auctions, duck races, and more recently the annual Thanksgiving turkey trot. McMurray says the club is also responsible for all the American flags you see around the community on the holidays "About 10 times a year, so that's our main fundraiser today, the southside Sertoma does the Turkey Trot, and we do the flags, and we also of course do Meals on Wheels, and so we're still active," McMurray explains. With several service clubs around the country experiencing declines in membership, Burton encourages people to come and join the club and says giving back to the community really gives you a good feeling "You get so much more within yourself when you're helping people and you do it right there face to face instead of just flipping out a dollar into the phone there and let it go there," Burton says. "You get that enjoyment of self-gratification to be a part of people and see people smile, and you just get that warm fuzzy feeling all over when you're in."You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

International Sertoma recognizes St. Joseph Sertoma century of service

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1BlUGpsaTEHfH6JeNgqm7E?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4fN7TqIVm4b8npTkLmE7xi?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 Senate Appropriations Committee boosted funding to the foundation formula and this week will finish amending the $48 billion spending plan approved in the Missouri House

The Missouri Senate will debate a state budget that adds large sums to public education, endorses Gov. Mike Kehoe’s longevity raise plan in full and sets up a showdown between two powerful lawmakers over earmarked projects for their districts.

To get the bills to the full Senate, appropriations staff will have to overcome or work around a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/new-100-million-missouri-accounting-system-blamed-for-delays-in-budget-process/">faulty new software system</a>&nbsp;that crashed Tuesday while the Senate Appropriations Committee took a lunch break. Chairman Lincoln Hough, a Republican from Springfield, said staff would use spreadsheets to track changes that were lost when the $100 million system malfunctioned.

He also cut $13 million from the Office of Administration, which signed off on the software system, to show his anger with the problems.

Despite the difficulties, the committee on Tuesday finished amending nine of the 13 budget bills that pay for the day-to-day operations of state government. When passed in the House, the 13 bills proposed spending&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/03/missouri-house-finishes-work-on-48-billion-state-budget-plan/">just under $48 billion</a>.

For public schools, the Senate plan will include almost $300 million more than recommended by Kehoe&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">in his January budget proposal</a>&nbsp;or the Missouri House was willing to spend. The money will fully fund the state foundation formula by matching the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/18/rudi-splains-it-the-state-adequacy-target/">state adequacy target</a>&nbsp;— how much high-performing districts spend per student.

The foundation formula was given $3.7 billion for the current year with an adequacy target of $6,760. The calculation made in 2023 shows it should be $7,145 for the coming year.

“I’ve been very, very on the record in a number of ways, saying that if we’re going to pass legislation, and we know that there’s costs associated with it, we’re going to pay the bill when it comes due,” Hough said.

The budget actions taken Tuesday did not include many offsetting cuts large enough to cover the $300 million item. One possible cut that would provide a portion of the money was not discussed Tuesday.

Kehoe requested — and the House endorsed — $50 million in general revenue to expand a scholarship program for private school students called MoScholars that is supposed to be funded from donations and tax credits.&nbsp;

The money would be spent in the state Treasurer’s budget, where MoScholars program is housed. That budget will be discussed Wednesday and Hough would not say what he intended to do.

The move to spend more on public schools is sure to win support among Democrats, and many Republicans have said they feel the same as Hough. Kehoe in January said he would establish a bipartisan commission to study the current formula.

State Sen. Karla May, a Democrat from St. Louis, said she welcomes the additional funding but feels it is not enough. The most recent changes to the formula were designed to reduce its cost.

“We’ve got to figure out for our state, you know, what is the actual cost to educate our students?” May said in an interview after the committee adjourned. “We want a very intelligent Missouri, and we’ve got to figure that out for every school district.”

The committee also included $107 million Kehoe requested&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/06/missouri-education-officials-apologize-for-ongoing-backlog-of-child-care-subsidy-payments/">in new federal funding</a>&nbsp;for child care to revise how providers are paid. Instead of being paid based on attendance at the end of a month, providers would get their money at the beginning of the month based on the number of children enrolled.

The current system, where payment comes at the end of the month based on days of attendance for each child, has been plagued by missed and delayed reimbursements since a new software program was launched.

Other changes to the budget Wednesday include:

The committee will finish its work Wednesday, Hough said as the panel adjourned. The remaining spending bills allocate money for the state health, mental health and social services departments as well as the judiciary, elected officials and the General Assembly.

Committee staff will be given a week to produce revised bills that can be debated, with the week starting April 29 set aside for debate by the full Senate, Hough said.

Just before the committee began meeting, the Missouri House gave first-round approval to three additional spending bills for construction and maintenance projects. There were few changes in the bills that spend almost $4 billion and include 45 new earmarked items.

About half of that amount is in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/missouri-house-committee-approves-4-billion-for-state-construction-projects/">bill using American Rescue Plan Act funds</a>&nbsp;and state revenue for projects approved in previous years.&nbsp;

All spending bills must be approved by May 9.

Including the three capital appropriation bills, the House added 148 earmarked items costing $289 million, all but $27.5 million coming from general revenue. In the rapid-fire run through budget lines, Hough announced cuts from House earmarks and the addition of Senate items, cutting and spending amounts that could not be tracked as fast as he spoke.

The House Budget Committee releases a list of proposed changes as it begins the amending session. The Senate Appropriations Committee did not provide a master list for the assembled department officials and staff, lobbyists and reporters who watched the proceedings.

For each item, Hough generally had one of three responses to staff announcing a line — the “House position” or “Governor’s position” or one of those plus new items.

The speed showed Hough had discussed each earmarked item with its backers and made sure no one else objected well ahead of the meeting. There was rarely a murmur about any decision he made.

May, the senior Democrat on the committee, said she was satisfied with the decisions.

“We have got an excellent system, and we move very quickly,” May said.

The challenge over earmarks was set up by House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel.

During committee work, Deaton moved a large number of Department of Transportation projects approved in previous years to a reappropriation bill. Keeping them in the MoDOT bill added to its apparent size when the items represented the remaining money on unfinished multi-year projects.

But instead of shifting $8 million to rehabilitate a historic footbridge in Springfield to the reappropriation bill, Deaton cut it. In retaliation Tuesday, Hough cut $19 million Deaton added to buy land for a state park in McDonald County where he lives.

First came the footbridge. As appropriation staff announced the cut, Hough’s eyes opened in mock surprise.

“Well, that’s changed,” Hough said. “We’re putting it back in.”

After lunch, the committee worked on the Department of Natural Resources budget, where the park money was added. The park funds were not recommended by Kehoe and a similar item was vetoed last year by then-Gov. Mike Parson.

As the staff reached the line, “governor’s position” was all Hough said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744803458972.png" alt=" Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough speaks during the budget debate May 9, 2024, in the Missouri Senate (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough speaks during the budget debate May 9, 2024, in the Missouri Senate (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>The Senate Appropriations Committee boosted funding to the foundation formula and this week will finish amending the $48 billion spending plan approved in the Missouri House</h2>The Missouri Senate will debate a state budget that adds large sums to public education, endorses Gov. Mike Kehoe’s longevity raise plan in full and sets up a showdown between two powerful lawmakers over earmarked projects for their districts.To get the bills to the full Senate, appropriations staff will have to overcome or work around a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/new-100-million-missouri-accounting-system-blamed-for-delays-in-budget-process/">faulty new software system</a>&nbsp;that crashed Tuesday while the Senate Appropriations Committee took a lunch break. Chairman Lincoln Hough, a Republican from Springfield, said staff would use spreadsheets to track changes that were lost when the $100 million system malfunctioned.He also cut $13 million from the Office of Administration, which signed off on the software system, to show his anger with the problems.Despite the difficulties, the committee on Tuesday finished amending nine of the 13 budget bills that pay for the day-to-day operations of state government. When passed in the House, the 13 bills proposed spending&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/03/missouri-house-finishes-work-on-48-billion-state-budget-plan/">just under $48 billion</a>.For public schools, the Senate plan will include almost $300 million more than recommended by Kehoe&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">in his January budget proposal</a>&nbsp;or the Missouri House was willing to spend. The money will fully fund the state foundation formula by matching the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/18/rudi-splains-it-the-state-adequacy-target/">state adequacy target</a>&nbsp;— how much high-performing districts spend per student.The foundation formula was given $3.7 billion for the current year with an adequacy target of $6,760. The calculation made in 2023 shows it should be $7,145 for the coming year.“I’ve been very, very on the record in a number of ways, saying that if we’re going to pass legislation, and we know that there’s costs associated with it, we’re going to pay the bill when it comes due,” Hough said.The budget actions taken Tuesday did not include many offsetting cuts large enough to cover the $300 million item. One possible cut that would provide a portion of the money was not discussed Tuesday.Kehoe requested — and the House endorsed — $50 million in general revenue to expand a scholarship program for private school students called MoScholars that is supposed to be funded from donations and tax credits.&nbsp;The money would be spent in the state Treasurer’s budget, where MoScholars program is housed. That budget will be discussed Wednesday and Hough would not say what he intended to do.The move to spend more on public schools is sure to win support among Democrats, and many Republicans have said they feel the same as Hough. Kehoe in January said he would establish a bipartisan commission to study the current formula.State Sen. Karla May, a Democrat from St. Louis, said she welcomes the additional funding but feels it is not enough. The most recent changes to the formula were designed to reduce its cost.“We’ve got to figure out for our state, you know, what is the actual cost to educate our students?” May said in an interview after the committee adjourned. “We want a very intelligent Missouri, and we’ve got to figure that out for every school district.”The committee also included $107 million Kehoe requested&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/06/missouri-education-officials-apologize-for-ongoing-backlog-of-child-care-subsidy-payments/">in new federal funding</a>&nbsp;for child care to revise how providers are paid. Instead of being paid based on attendance at the end of a month, providers would get their money at the beginning of the month based on the number of children enrolled.The current system, where payment comes at the end of the month based on days of attendance for each child, has been plagued by missed and delayed reimbursements since a new software program was launched.Other changes to the budget Wednesday include:<ul>
 <li>Increasing the base funding for each college and university by 3% rather than the 1.5% recommended by Kehoe and approved in the House. The Senate budget plan cuts $28 million the House approved for one-time maintenance needs.</li><li>Restoring Kehoe’s full longevity pay plan of a 1% raise for every two years of state employment, capped at a 10% raise. The House had cut the plan in half, allowing 1% for every two years up to 10 years.</li><li>Diverting federal highway aid from the State Road Fund to a new Federal Road Fund. The move would reduce by hundreds of millions of dollars the funds under the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/05/missouri-supreme-court-turns-down-appeal-of-state-road-fund-pay-raise-ruling/">direct control of the Highways and Transportation Commission</a>&nbsp;and mirrors a change mandated by legislation that passed the Senate this week.</li>
 </ul>The committee will finish its work Wednesday, Hough said as the panel adjourned. The remaining spending bills allocate money for the state health, mental health and social services departments as well as the judiciary, elected officials and the General Assembly.Committee staff will be given a week to produce revised bills that can be debated, with the week starting April 29 set aside for debate by the full Senate, Hough said.Just before the committee began meeting, the Missouri House gave first-round approval to three additional spending bills for construction and maintenance projects. There were few changes in the bills that spend almost $4 billion and include 45 new earmarked items.About half of that amount is in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/missouri-house-committee-approves-4-billion-for-state-construction-projects/">bill using American Rescue Plan Act funds</a>&nbsp;and state revenue for projects approved in previous years.&nbsp;All spending bills must be approved by May 9.Including the three capital appropriation bills, the House added 148 earmarked items costing $289 million, all but $27.5 million coming from general revenue. In the rapid-fire run through budget lines, Hough announced cuts from House earmarks and the addition of Senate items, cutting and spending amounts that could not be tracked as fast as he spoke.The House Budget Committee releases a list of proposed changes as it begins the amending session. The Senate Appropriations Committee did not provide a master list for the assembled department officials and staff, lobbyists and reporters who watched the proceedings.For each item, Hough generally had one of three responses to staff announcing a line — the “House position” or “Governor’s position” or one of those plus new items.The speed showed Hough had discussed each earmarked item with its backers and made sure no one else objected well ahead of the meeting. There was rarely a murmur about any decision he made.May, the senior Democrat on the committee, said she was satisfied with the decisions.“We have got an excellent system, and we move very quickly,” May said.The challenge over earmarks was set up by House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel.During committee work, Deaton moved a large number of Department of Transportation projects approved in previous years to a reappropriation bill. Keeping them in the MoDOT bill added to its apparent size when the items represented the remaining money on unfinished multi-year projects.But instead of shifting $8 million to rehabilitate a historic footbridge in Springfield to the reappropriation bill, Deaton cut it. In retaliation Tuesday, Hough cut $19 million Deaton added to buy land for a state park in McDonald County where he lives.First came the footbridge. As appropriation staff announced the cut, Hough’s eyes opened in mock surprise.“Well, that’s changed,” Hough said. “We’re putting it back in.”After lunch, the committee worked on the Department of Natural Resources budget, where the park money was added. The park funds were not recommended by Kehoe and a similar item was vetoed last year by then-Gov. Mike Parson.As the staff reached the line, “governor’s position” was all Hough said.

Senate committee adds $300 million to Missouri public education budget

PAWNEE COUNTY —USD 495 Board of Education approved the promotion of Roni Ettleman as the next Principal of Larned High School, effective July 1, 2025, according to a media release from the district.

Mr. Ettleman is currently serving as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at LHS and will step into this new role following the departure of Mr. Dustin Wilson, who has accepted a position as Superintendent at Lebo-Waverly, USD 243.

“I’m excited for the opportunity and look forward to continuing to work with the great teachers and coaches at Larned High School in this new role,” Roni shared.

Superintendent Bryce Wachs said, “Roni has been a strong and consistent leader at LHS. He’s built great relationships with students and staff and has helped create a positive culture throughout the building. We’re excited to see him take this next step and continue moving LHS in the right direction.”

Before moving into administration, Roni spent 15 years teaching Business at Atchison Public Schools. He earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Economics from Fort Lewis College, followed by a Master’s in Education from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s in School Leadership from Benedictine College.

He and his wife, Amy, moved to Larned in 2019. They have three daughters—Ashton, Brittany, and Camryn—and two grandchildren, Kendry and Kollins.

We’re proud to have Roni stepping into this role and look forward to what’s ahead for LHS under his leadership.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744736678011.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —USD 495 Board of Education approved the promotion of Roni Ettleman as the next Principal of Larned High School, effective July 1, 2025, according to a media release from the district.Mr. Ettleman is currently serving as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at LHS and will step into this new role following the departure of Mr. Dustin Wilson, who has accepted a position as Superintendent at Lebo-Waverly, USD 243.“I’m excited for the opportunity and look forward to continuing to work with the great teachers and coaches at Larned High School in this new role,” Roni shared.Superintendent Bryce Wachs said, “Roni has been a strong and consistent leader at LHS. He’s built great relationships with students and staff and has helped create a positive culture throughout the building. We’re excited to see him take this next step and continue moving LHS in the right direction.”Before moving into administration, Roni spent 15 years teaching Business at Atchison Public Schools. He earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Economics from Fort Lewis College, followed by a Master’s in Education from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s in School Leadership from Benedictine College.He and his wife, Amy, moved to Larned in 2019. They have three daughters—Ashton, Brittany, and Camryn—and two grandchildren, Kendry and Kollins.We’re proud to have Roni stepping into this role and look forward to what’s ahead for LHS under his leadership.

Former Atchison teacher promoted to principal in SW Kan. district

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kansas are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop arrest.

Just before 10p.m. April 10, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling over 100mph on U.S. 36 near mile marker 356, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp;

After investigating, the deputy arrested 29-year-old Chelsea Cohara of St. Joseph on requested charges of Felony DUI, Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked, Transporting Open Container, Speeding&nbsp; and No Proof of Insurance.&nbsp; She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744731748954.png" alt="Cohara photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Cohara photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kansas are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop arrest.Just before 10p.m. April 10, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling over 100mph on U.S. 36 near mile marker 356, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp;After investigating, the deputy arrested 29-year-old Chelsea Cohara of St. Joseph on requested charges of Felony DUI, Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked, Transporting Open Container, Speeding&nbsp; and No Proof of Insurance.&nbsp; She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Sheriff: St. Joe woman with no license caught driving 100mph 

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man accused of intentionally damaging a Tesla was scheduled for a court appearance before Judge William Wooley&nbsp; on Tuesday.&nbsp; The preliminary hearing for&nbsp;30-year-old Johnathan F. Erhart was rescheduled for next month according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On March 27, 2025, the Wichita Police Department presented the results of the investigation into an allegation of intentional damage to a Tesla Model X that occurred on March 20, in northwest Wichita, according to a statement from the District Attorney's office.

After a full review of the investigation, the district attorney charged&nbsp; Erhart of Jefferson County with one count of criminal damage to property, a severity level 9 non-person felony.

Under Kansas law, severity level 9 felony carries a range of sentence of 5 to 17 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, depending on a defendant’s established criminal history (convictions, not arrests).

&nbsp; Earhart is no longer in custody in Jefferson County after meeting the requirement of a $2,500 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743203584353.png" alt="Erhart photo Jefferson Co." />
 <figcaption>Erhart photo Jefferson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man accused of intentionally damaging a Tesla was scheduled for a court appearance before Judge William Wooley&nbsp; on Tuesday.&nbsp; The preliminary hearing for&nbsp;30-year-old Johnathan F. Erhart was rescheduled for next month according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On March 27, 2025, the Wichita Police Department presented the results of the investigation into an allegation of intentional damage to a Tesla Model X that occurred on March 20, in northwest Wichita, according to a statement from the District Attorney's office.After a full review of the investigation, the district attorney charged&nbsp; Erhart of Jefferson County with one count of criminal damage to property, a severity level 9 non-person felony.Under Kansas law, severity level 9 felony carries a range of sentence of 5 to 17 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, depending on a defendant’s established criminal history (convictions, not arrests).&nbsp; Earhart is no longer in custody in Jefferson County after meeting the requirement of a $2,500 bond, according to online jail records.

Hearing delayed for NE Kan. man accused of intentionally damaging a Tesla 

A statue installed
in 1940 to honor the riders of the Pony Express will undergo renovation.

Workers have
removed the statue from its base at 10th and Frederick Avenue will
be repaired and cleaned. A protective coating will be added to preserve the
statue. Work is expected to be completed by summer in time for the height of
the tourism season.

The project is
being undertaken by the City of St. Joseph Parks Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744735529316.jpeg" alt="Workers prepare the Pony Express statue in downtown St. Joseph for removal/Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>Workers prepare the Pony Express statue in downtown St. Joseph for removal/Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA statue installed
in 1940 to honor the riders of the Pony Express will undergo renovation.Workers have
removed the statue from its base at 10th and Frederick Avenue will
be repaired and cleaned. A protective coating will be added to preserve the
statue. Work is expected to be completed by summer in time for the height of
the tourism season.The project is
being undertaken by the City of St. Joseph Parks Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744735662387.jpeg" alt="A crane prepares to remove the Pony Express statue from its base/Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>A crane prepares to remove the Pony Express statue from its base/Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Pony Express statue to undergo cleaning, preservation

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-4152025-e31ipco/a-absu3d5" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-4152025-e31ip9h/a-absu394" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Monday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State reported a 2014 Chevy Malibu driven by a 21-year-old Amity man was westbound on MO 116 at Route W two miles west of Lathrop.&nbsp; The car crossed the center line on a curve. The driver braked and overcorrected. The car skidded off the north side of the road, struck a utility pole and overturned.

Tri-County ambulance transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Monday in Clinton County.The Missouri State reported a 2014 Chevy Malibu driven by a 21-year-old Amity man was westbound on MO 116 at Route W two miles west of Lathrop.&nbsp; The car crossed the center line on a curve. The driver braked and overcorrected. The car skidded off the north side of the road, struck a utility pole and overturned.Tri-County ambulance transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured after car strikes utility pole, overturns

The St. Joseph School Board will need a new member after&nbsp;Rick Gehring announced his resignation from the board during Monday's annual reorganization meeting.&nbsp;

No information was given as to why Gehring chose to step away from the board, but he did mention&nbsp;having a "hard time" continuing his position on the board and is looking to "protect his peace" during the meeting.

The Board of Education will seek out applications from community members to fill Gehring's position. As of now, applications are not open and there is no set date for when the board will vote on gaining a new member.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690475639516.jpeg" alt="Rick Gehring &amp; Whitney Lanning/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Rick Gehring &amp; Whitney Lanning/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School Board will need a new member after&nbsp;Rick Gehring announced his resignation from the board during Monday's annual reorganization meeting.&nbsp;No information was given as to why Gehring chose to step away from the board, but he did mention&nbsp;having a "hard time" continuing his position on the board and is looking to "protect his peace" during the meeting.The Board of Education will seek out applications from community members to fill Gehring's position. As of now, applications are not open and there is no set date for when the board will vote on gaining a new member.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Gehring resigns from St. Joseph School Board with one year left

Kansas State guard, and Maryville's Serena Sundell, had been projected as a potential first round pick in Monday's WNBA draft.&nbsp; Instead, she had to wait until the first pick of the final round to hear her name called at pick number 26 to the Seattle Storm.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233266080.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Serena Sundell, from Maryville, works around Middle Tennesee guard Jalynn Gregory/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Serena Sundell, from Maryville, works around Middle Tennesee guard Jalynn Gregory/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostKansas State guard, and Maryville's Serena Sundell, had been projected as a potential first round pick in Monday's WNBA draft.&nbsp; Instead, she had to wait until the first pick of the final round to hear her name called at pick number 26 to the Seattle Storm.&nbsp;Sundell&nbsp; was a top 12 pick on several mock draft boards, which would have made her just the fourth Kansas State player selected in the first round of the draft, which was held at The Shed in New York.Sundell, a two-time Big 12 all-conference selection and an honorable mention All-American this year, saved her best for last with an outstanding senior season in which she averaged a career-high 14.1 points and led the nation with 7.3 assists per game. She leaves K-State as the school's all-time assist leader with 811.Sundell is a versatile point guard who, at 6-1, can post up smaller guards, score underneath and get to the basket off the dribble. She is also a clever passer from anywhere on the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sundell also excelled in big games, standing out during the Wildcats Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament run this year by averaging 19.7 points on 57.9% shooting and 9.7 assists. She had 19 points and a school-record 14 assists in the Wildcats' 80-79 second-round victory over Kentucky.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Local