Missouri Western State University is holding an inaugural "Education Day" basketball game tomorrow as the men's basketball team takes on Kansas Christian College 

Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says the idea for the event, coined "Field Trip with the Griffs", came after discussions of doing something with the St. Joseph School District.  

Menley says the University has done events like this in the past, but previously they had always been during night games, but this year Menley had a new idea. 

"Let's schedule a game for 11am, where it is a true field trip," Menley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And with the St. Joseph School District really focusing on their attendance incentives and everything else, it really was a natural fit with the school district, and then with the other surrounding schools in the area that we could pull from to really make this a special event." 

2,000 students from the St. Joseph School District and other area schools will take a field trip to campus for the Griffons men's basketball game. 

Menley says the field trip was a surprise for the top two attending grades at each school 

"You do the right things during the regular season, or during the school year, and you get rewarded with an experience that's something you hope to remember," Menley says. 

Menely says it also is twofold and helps benefit the University as it looks to interest students in to attending Missouri Western in the future 

"We want to get the next generation of Griffons out here, and I would question how many of these 2,000 have maybe ever been to a college basketball game," Menley explains.  "And so, I think it's a win-win situation." 

The top two attending grades from the 13 elementary schools in the district as well as St. Joseph Christian, Cathedral, Mid-Buchanan, and St. Francis – Xavier will be participating. 

Menley says this isn't the only effort the University has made to collaborate with the district, pointing out the men's basketball team has essentially adopted the third grade at Hyde Elementary 

"They go and visit the third graders and talk about the importance of attendance, and that's not just a one-time thing, that's a yearlong thing that our basketball team works with," Menley points out.  "And does that payoff? Yes, it does, because of course one of the grades that had the highest attendance that's attending the game, is the third graders at Hyde Elementary." 

Students and faculty will get free attendance into tomorrow's game against Kansas Christian.   

Students attending will also get a yellow Griffons t shirt that says "admit one" on it, which Menley says is their season ticket to any game in the future at Missouri Western. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734455414844.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western State University men's basketball will host the first ever Education Day game, welcoming several area students to take a "Field Trip with the Griffs"/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western State University men's basketball will host the first ever Education Day game, welcoming several area students to take a "Field Trip with the Griffs"/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University is holding an inaugural "Education Day" basketball game tomorrow as the men's basketball team takes on Kansas Christian College Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says the idea for the event, coined "Field Trip with the Griffs", came after discussions of doing something with the St. Joseph School District. Menley says the University has done events like this in the past, but previously they had always been during night games, but this year Menley had a new idea. "Let's schedule a game for 11am, where it is a true field trip," Menley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And with the St. Joseph School District really focusing on their attendance incentives and everything else, it really was a natural fit with the school district, and then with the other surrounding schools in the area that we could pull from to really make this a special event." 2,000 students from the St. Joseph School District and other area schools will take a field trip to campus for the Griffons men's basketball game. Menley says the field trip was a surprise for the top two attending grades at each school "You do the right things during the regular season, or during the school year, and you get rewarded with an experience that's something you hope to remember," Menley says. Menely says it also is twofold and helps benefit the University as it looks to interest students in to attending Missouri Western in the future "We want to get the next generation of Griffons out here, and I would question how many of these 2,000 have maybe ever been to a college basketball game," Menley explains. "And so, I think it's a win-win situation." The top two attending grades from the 13 elementary schools in the district as well as St. Joseph Christian, Cathedral, Mid-Buchanan, and St. Francis – Xavier will be participating. Menley says this isn't the only effort the University has made to collaborate with the district, pointing out the men's basketball team has essentially adopted the third grade at Hyde Elementary "They go and visit the third graders and talk about the importance of attendance, and that's not just a one-time thing, that's a yearlong thing that our basketball team works with," Menley points out. "And does that payoff? Yes, it does, because of course one of the grades that had the highest attendance that's attending the game, is the third graders at Hyde Elementary." Students and faculty will get free attendance into tomorrow's game against Kansas Christian. Students attending will also get a yellow Griffons t shirt that says "admit one" on it, which Menley says is their season ticket to any game in the future at Missouri Western. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Griffons host area students in first Education Day game

HARRISON COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Monday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford Fusion driven by a 58-year-old woman from Gillman City was southbound on MO 13 at Route MM four miles south of Bethany.

While attempting a turn onto Route MM, the car struck a northbound 2018 Ford F150 driven by a 44-year-old Bethany woman.

Lifeflight transported the Bethany woman to Research Medical Center. NTA ambulance transported the Gillman City woman to Harrison County Community Hospital. The driver of the pickup was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Monday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford Fusion driven by a 58-year-old woman from Gillman City was southbound on MO 13 at Route MM four miles south of Bethany.While attempting a turn onto Route MM, the car struck a northbound 2018 Ford F150 driven by a 44-year-old Bethany woman.Lifeflight transported the Bethany woman to Research Medical Center. NTA ambulance transported the Gillman City woman to Harrison County Community Hospital. The driver of the pickup was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman air-lifted to hospital after car, pickup crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Monday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford F350 driven by a 26-year-old Jamesport man was westbound on MO 190 one mile west of Jamesport.

The pickup rear-ended a 2019 Freightliner driven by a 47-year-old Trenton man who had slowed to turn into a private drive.

Daviess County ambulance transported a 28-year-old passenger in the semi to Wright Memorial Hospital. The drivers were not injured. The pickup driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Monday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford F350 driven by a 26-year-old Jamesport man was westbound on MO 190 one mile west of Jamesport.The pickup rear-ended a 2019 Freightliner driven by a 47-year-old Trenton man who had slowed to turn into a private drive.Daviess County ambulance transported a 28-year-old passenger in the semi to Wright Memorial Hospital. The drivers were not injured. The pickup driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after pickup rear-ends a semi

The Missouri Western Center for Service is helping get students out to volunteer within the community and helping them gain life experience along the way.  

Director Kim Sigrist says it was a successful fall semester with 174 serving dates since August 1st  

"So that's us going out as a group, that's also just our students going out individually, so we kind of track things by that," Sigrist tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "Our students have volunteered 1,072 hours since August 1st, we've had 257 volunteers." 

Sigrist says one thing done every week during the semester is a GIVE day, or Griffons in Volunteer Engagement. 

"We plan a volunteer opportunity in the community at a number of different places," Sigrist explains.  "And it's just a really safe way for our students to feel like they can go out and volunteer, it's already kind of set up, we're going along with them so it's not so intimidating that they're going by themselves." 

Sigrist says there were 13 GIVE events during the fall semester which helped organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank, the open-door food kitchen. 

Students also held a cleanup event at Mt. Mora cemetery to spread the service around the community, giving students the opportunity to make an impact.  

Sigrist says while there are several benefits for students, one of the biggest benefits is free general elective credits.  

"For 40 hours of volunteerism, that's verified, they do a survey at the end of their service, they write a reflection paper, and they debrief with me, and then they're awarded a free credit hour, free general elective credit hour," Sigrist says.  "So that's kind of the biggie that we talk about in terms of the benefit." 

Sigrist says the other big piece is within the community and the network it helps students build outside of the university.  

Sigrist adds the program used to track volunteerism shows economic impact as well and the program shows an economic impact of $33,500 during the fall semester. 

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/2024/12/1734355389154.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western students pick up litter during the 2024 Griffs Give back Event/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western students pick up litter during the 2024 Griffs Give back Event/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Missouri Western Center for Service is helping get students out to volunteer within the community and helping them gain life experience along the way. Director Kim Sigrist says it was a successful fall semester with 174 serving dates since August 1st "So that's us going out as a group, that's also just our students going out individually, so we kind of track things by that," Sigrist tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "Our students have volunteered 1,072 hours since August 1st, we've had 257 volunteers." Sigrist says one thing done every week during the semester is a GIVE day, or Griffons in Volunteer Engagement. "We plan a volunteer opportunity in the community at a number of different places," Sigrist explains. "And it's just a really safe way for our students to feel like they can go out and volunteer, it's already kind of set up, we're going along with them so it's not so intimidating that they're going by themselves." Sigrist says there were 13 GIVE events during the fall semester which helped organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank, the open-door food kitchen. Students also held a cleanup event at Mt. Mora cemetery to spread the service around the community, giving students the opportunity to make an impact. Sigrist says while there are several benefits for students, one of the biggest benefits is free general elective credits. "For 40 hours of volunteerism, that's verified, they do a survey at the end of their service, they write a reflection paper, and they debrief with me, and then they're awarded a free credit hour, free general elective credit hour," Sigrist says. "So that's kind of the biggie that we talk about in terms of the benefit." Sigrist says the other big piece is within the community and the network it helps students build outside of the university. Sigrist adds the program used to track volunteerism shows economic impact as well and the program shows an economic impact of $33,500 during the fall semester. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734355464517.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western students cleaned up Mt Mora Cemetery as pat of a volunteer effort through the Center for Service/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western students cleaned up Mt Mora Cemetery as pat of a volunteer effort through the Center for Service/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Missouri Western students give back to community through Center for Service

Banning foreign ownership of farmland has been a hot button topic in Missouri, and is expected to be one again in the legislature’s upcoming session. 

Currently, no more than one-percent of Missouri’s agricultural land can be owned by a foreign entity. 

Chillicothe Senator Rusty Black’s legislation would ban foreign businesses and governments from acquiring ag land in the state.

&nbsp;“It goes back to the language that was in state statute before it was changed in 2013 that no foreign entity, person, or business can own farmland within our state to farm," Black tells Missourinet

The idea has been muddied up with different viewpoints of foreign ownership over the years, including attempts to prevent ANY ownership of land across Missouri rather than just agricultural land.

Black says that he understands this takes the right to sell to whomever they want away from farmers, BUT.

“If you’re a farmland owner then that does cut out somebody that you can sell to, right? So, I do understand that. And that causes, even I have neighbors around me that we discuss it. I’m thinking, their right of way from choosing who they can sell to, but I think, overall, for our state, that this is the direction we need to go," Black says

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719235999080.jpeg" alt="Senator Rusty Black speaks with KFEQ News Director Brent Martin/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Senator Rusty Black speaks with KFEQ News Director Brent Martin/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Banning foreign ownership of farmland has been a hot button topic in Missouri, and is expected to be one again in the legislature’s upcoming session. Currently, no more than one-percent of Missouri’s agricultural land can be owned by a foreign entity. Chillicothe Senator Rusty Black’s legislation would ban foreign businesses and governments from acquiring ag land in the state.&nbsp;“It goes back to the language that was in state statute before it was changed in 2013 that no foreign entity, person, or business can own farmland within our state to farm," Black tells MissourinetThe idea has been muddied up with different viewpoints of foreign ownership over the years, including attempts to prevent ANY ownership of land across Missouri rather than just agricultural land.Black says that he understands this takes the right to sell to whomever they want away from farmers, BUT.“If you’re a farmland owner then that does cut out somebody that you can sell to, right? So, I do understand that. And that causes, even I have neighbors around me that we discuss it. I’m thinking, their right of way from choosing who they can sell to, but I think, overall, for our state, that this is the direction we need to go," Black says-MissouriNet

Back by popular Republican demand next year: Bills to ban foreign ownership of Missouri farmland

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured just before 12:30a.m. Sunday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Kenworth semi driven by a 28-year-old Corning, Iowa, man was northbound on Interstate 29 one mile south of Rock Port.&nbsp; The vehicle was exceeding the speed limit and overtook a 2002 Freightliner semi driven by a 67-year-old Miami, Florida man.

The Kenworth struck the back end of the Freightliner. After impact the Kenworth traveled off the road and overturned. Atchison Holt ambulance transported the Iowa man to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. The driver of the Freightliner was not injured. Both driver were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured just before 12:30a.m. Sunday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Kenworth semi driven by a 28-year-old Corning, Iowa, man was northbound on Interstate 29 one mile south of Rock Port.&nbsp; The vehicle was exceeding the speed limit and overtook a 2002 Freightliner semi driven by a 67-year-old Miami, Florida man.The Kenworth struck the back end of the Freightliner. After impact the Kenworth traveled off the road and overturned. Atchison Holt ambulance transported the Iowa man to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. The driver of the Freightliner was not injured. Both driver were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Driver hospitalized in St. Joe after semi crash into semi

For the second year in a row, the Kansas State women's basketball team overcame a slow first half, to take a win back to Manhattan in the Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission, winning 74-48. 

After being outscored 26-25 in the first half, Kansas State ran away with the game in the second half, outscoring the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 49-22.  

Center Ayoka Lee says in the second half the team played better together 

"Like I think we got it inside a little earlier, so that helped, I think we had a little bit more movement so it was harder for them to get help inside, we were knocking it down so that also makes it hard, you kind of have to pick what you want to guard," Lee tells reporters during the postgame press conference. "So yeah, I thought we just played more cohesively and that helped a lot."

Lee led the Wildcats with 16 points in the win as Kansas State improved to 2-0 in the Bill Snyder Classic.  Forward Temira Poindexter and guard Jaelynn Glynn each scored 15 points.  

Maryville's Serena Sundell said after the game she wishes this event would have happened all four years she's been in Manhattan, but to come back the last two is special 

"I've played so much basketball here, so just to see so many familiar faces in the crowd and being swarmed after the game, you feel like a little celebrity, so it's really cool," Sundell says.  "This is a great event, hopefully next year I can come back and be in the stands cheering on my teammates, but yeah it's a really special moment for someone who's from around this area." 

Sundell scored just five points in the win but tallied 11 assists with no turnovers.

Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie, a former coach at Missouri Western, applauded St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely for his work putting on this event 

"Brett and his staff do a great job representing St. Joe," Mittie points out.  "And for me, went to school here, played here, started my coaching career here, Shannon and I started our family here, this is always going to be a special place, so we do like coming back, I don't get back enough, but this is a good event and we certainly like it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233150922.jpeg" alt="The Kansas State Wildcats and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders played in the second annual Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic at Civic Arena on Saturday/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas State Wildcats and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders played in the second annual Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic at Civic Arena on Saturday/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post For the second year in a row, the Kansas State women's basketball team overcame a slow first half, to take a win back to Manhattan in the Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission, winning 74-48. After being outscored 26-25 in the first half, Kansas State ran away with the game in the second half, outscoring the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 49-22. Center Ayoka Lee says in the second half the team played better together "Like I think we got it inside a little earlier, so that helped, I think we had a little bit more movement so it was harder for them to get help inside, we were knocking it down so that also makes it hard, you kind of have to pick what you want to guard," Lee tells reporters during the postgame press conference. "So yeah, I thought we just played more cohesively and that helped a lot."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233196974.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Ayoka Lee goes up for a shot that would be called off due to an offensive foul/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Ayoka Lee goes up for a shot that would be called off due to an offensive foul/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Lee led the Wildcats with 16 points in the win as Kansas State improved to 2-0 in the Bill Snyder Classic. Forward Temira Poindexter and guard Jaelynn Glynn each scored 15 points. Maryville's Serena Sundell said after the game she wishes this event would have happened all four years she's been in Manhattan, but to come back the last two is special "I've played so much basketball here, so just to see so many familiar faces in the crowd and being swarmed after the game, you feel like a little celebrity, so it's really cool," Sundell says. "This is a great event, hopefully next year I can come back and be in the stands cheering on my teammates, but yeah it's a really special moment for someone who's from around this area." Sundell scored just five points in the win but tallied 11 assists with no turnovers.<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>Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie, a former coach at Missouri Western, applauded St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely for his work putting on this event "Brett and his staff do a great job representing St. Joe," Mittie points out. "And for me, went to school here, played here, started my coaching career here, Shannon and I started our family here, this is always going to be a special place, so we do like coming back, I don't get back enough, but this is a good event and we certainly like it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233302257.jpeg" alt="Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie, an alum and former coach of Missouri Western, coaches up his team during the Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie, an alum and former coach of Missouri Western, coaches up his team during the Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State is now 11-1 on the season.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;More photos from the matchup<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02JbHDjTmZHyC2PyEJDSBBJgtR51ED8ViGobqPCqX8wqqFmxpiGQssNbhXdX8ETJdCl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="773" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Kansas State takes home win in second annual Bill Snyder Women's Classic

HARRISON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 6a.m. Saturday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Honda Pilot driven by a 56-year-old Grandview, Missouri, woman was northbound on Interstate 35 three miles north of Eagleville.

The driver stated he could not see out of his windshield after he was passed by a semi that kicked up rain and sleet.&nbsp; The Honda swerved to the east, began to skid, traveled off the road and struck an embankment.

EMS transported the driver and a 56-year-old male passenger to Harrison County Community Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 6a.m. Saturday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Honda Pilot driven by a 56-year-old Grandview, Missouri, woman was northbound on Interstate 35 three miles north of Eagleville.The driver stated he could not see out of his windshield after he was passed by a semi that kicked up rain and sleet.&nbsp; The Honda swerved to the east, began to skid, traveled off the road and struck an embankment.EMS transported the driver and a 56-year-old male passenger to Harrison County Community Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man, woman injured after SUV crash on wet road

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Friday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by a 19-year-old Trenton man was westbound on MO 6 one mile east of Jamesport. The Ford rear-ended a 2023 Chevy Traverse that was stopped in traffic waiting for another vehicle to turn.

Daviess County EMS transported the driver of the 42-year-old driver of the Chevy and her 19-year-old passenger, both of Mercer, to Wright Memorial Hospital. The Ford driver was not injured. He and the passenger in the Chevy were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Friday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by a 19-year-old Trenton man was westbound on MO 6 one mile east of Jamesport. The Ford rear-ended a 2023 Chevy Traverse that was stopped in traffic waiting for another vehicle to turn.Daviess County EMS transported the driver of the 42-year-old driver of the Chevy and her 19-year-old passenger, both of Mercer, to Wright Memorial Hospital. The Ford driver was not injured. He and the passenger in the Chevy were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after Daviess County rear-end crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by a 58-year-old Kansas City, Mo., woman was westbound on MO 6 one half mile east of Altamont.

The SUV crossed the center of the road and struck an eastbound 2017 Chevy Silverado driven by a 27-year-old man from Jamesport. After impact the pickup traveled off the road and overturned.&nbsp;

Community ambulance district transported the SUV driver to Liberty Hospital. There were no other injuries reported. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by a 58-year-old Kansas City, Mo., woman was westbound on MO 6 one half mile east of Altamont.The SUV crossed the center of the road and struck an eastbound 2017 Chevy Silverado driven by a 27-year-old man from Jamesport. After impact the pickup traveled off the road and overturned.&nbsp;Community ambulance district transported the SUV driver to Liberty Hospital. There were no other injuries reported. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman hospitalized after SUV, pickup crash

That's a saying that rings true as former quarterback John McMenamin has officially been named the 21st head coach of the Northwest Missouri State University football program. 

Not many coaches get the chance to come back and coach at their alma mater, and McMenamin says the opportunity still hasn't fully sunk in. 

"I talk to Andy (Peterson) and I'm like can you believe this, or my buddies they'll text and say holy moly congrats, can't wait to get going, and can you believe this, and that's neat but then it's also what drives you," McMenamin tells reporters following his introductory press conference.  "You're never going to let someone down for taking a chance on you and jumping in, so I'm over the moon excited." 

McMenamin played quarterback in Maryville from 1998 to 2002, helping the Bearcats to two national championships and four MIAA championships.  

McMenamin also played under legendary Northwest coach Mel Tjeerdsma.  He says still to this day he looks to Tjeerdsma for advice 

"Called him every year and talked, if i needed a coaching question, because my father wasn't around, I would call him, and he would give you advice one way or another," McMenamin says.  "And so, when we got this job, he was the first person to call and he was over the moon excited for me, and that just means the world, and so I'll still be calling him." 

"He said he might have to start charging me for some of this advice, that's why I tried to get the budget increased, so they could pay Coach Tjeerdsma for his advice."

McMenamin has had several coaching stops along the way, including Nebraska-Omaha, Central Missouri, Wayne State College, and most notably division one Tulane.  

McMenamin says the kind of football team that Northwest fans will get to see from him is a team that's fast, physical, and relentless 

"We'll play fast, we will be very, very physical, and we won't quit, we might not be very good at some point, but we will not quit" McMenamin explains.  "And so that is the way that team will play from start to finish, that's the way we'll practice, that's the way we'll lift in the weight room, we've got to start practicing how we do it, but that's what they'll be and they'll have the biggest cheerleader behind them in me." 

McMenamin's last head coaching job was at Wayne State College in 2021, where he led the team to its first seven-win season in 11 years, going 7-4. 

During his time at Tulane as co-offensive coordinator, he helped orchestrate the biggest single season turnaround, the Green Wave going from 2-10 to 10-2 with a Cotton Bowl victory over USC. 

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/2024/12/1734051594834.jpeg" alt="John McMenamin was introduced today during a press conference as the 21st head football coach in Northwest Missouri State history/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Athletics" />
 <figcaption>John McMenamin was introduced today during a press conference as the 21st head football coach in Northwest Missouri State history/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat. That's a saying that rings true as former quarterback John McMenamin has officially been named the 21st head coach of the Northwest Missouri State University football program. Not many coaches get the chance to come back and coach at their alma mater, and McMenamin says the opportunity still hasn't fully sunk in. "I talk to Andy (Peterson) and I'm like can you believe this, or my buddies they'll text and say holy moly congrats, can't wait to get going, and can you believe this, and that's neat but then it's also what drives you," McMenamin tells reporters following his introductory press conference. "You're never going to let someone down for taking a chance on you and jumping in, so I'm over the moon excited." McMenamin played quarterback in Maryville from 1998 to 2002, helping the Bearcats to two national championships and four MIAA championships. McMenamin also played under legendary Northwest coach Mel Tjeerdsma. He says still to this day he looks to Tjeerdsma for advice "Called him every year and talked, if i needed a coaching question, because my father wasn't around, I would call him, and he would give you advice one way or another," McMenamin says. "And so, when we got this job, he was the first person to call and he was over the moon excited for me, and that just means the world, and so I'll still be calling him." "He said he might have to start charging me for some of this advice, that's why I tried to get the budget increased, so they could pay Coach Tjeerdsma for his advice."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734051714275.jpeg" alt="John McMenamin/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>John McMenamin/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>McMenamin has had several coaching stops along the way, including Nebraska-Omaha, Central Missouri, Wayne State College, and most notably division one Tulane. McMenamin says the kind of football team that Northwest fans will get to see from him is a team that's fast, physical, and relentless "We'll play fast, we will be very, very physical, and we won't quit, we might not be very good at some point, but we will not quit" McMenamin explains. "And so that is the way that team will play from start to finish, that's the way we'll practice, that's the way we'll lift in the weight room, we've got to start practicing how we do it, but that's what they'll be and they'll have the biggest cheerleader behind them in me." McMenamin's last head coaching job was at Wayne State College in 2021, where he led the team to its first seven-win season in 11 years, going 7-4. During his time at Tulane as co-offensive coordinator, he helped orchestrate the biggest single season turnaround, the Green Wave going from 2-10 to 10-2 with a Cotton Bowl victory over USC. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734051771331.jpeg" alt="John McMenamin hugs Northwest athletic director Andy Peterson before taking the podium as Northwest President Lance Tatum looks on/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>John McMenamin hugs Northwest athletic director Andy Peterson before taking the podium as Northwest President Lance Tatum looks on/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

New NWMSU football coach John McMenamin promises fast, physical playstyle

Tests show probable infections in birds recovered in Henry and Vernon counties, prompting advisory asking for reports of dead waterfowl and warning against contact

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>

The Missouri Conservation Department received confirmation Wednesday morning of something it feared — three dead snow geese found by state wildlife refuge staff were likely infected with bird flu.

Samples from the birds — two recovered in Henry County and one in Vernon County — were reported as “non-negative” for&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.mo.gov/avian-influenza.php" target="_blank">avian influenza</a>&nbsp;after testing at the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, said Deb Hudman, supervisor of the department’s wildlife health program.

The samples will now be sent to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/labs/about-nvsl" target="_blank">National Veterinary Services Laboratory</a>&nbsp;to determine whether the virus is the highly pathogenic variant or one that is less likely to cause an outbreak that can spread through flocks of wild and domestic birds.

“It’s going to be a month or so before we know which version of avian influenza, but you know, we treat that basically as an avian influenza positive,” Hudman said in an interview with The Independent.

More birds have been found, some in southeast Missouri and some in the St. Louis area, she said. They are being tested but results are not available yet.

The discovery of the dead birds prompted the department to issue a warning Tuesday to the public to avoid touching waterfowl found dead&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc12.mdc.mo.gov/applications/WildlifeHealthReporting" target="_blank">and to report</a>&nbsp;any dead ducks or geese they see so samples can be collected for testing.

With the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/waterfowl" target="_blank">waterfowl hunting season</a>&nbsp;underway, the advisory also asked hunters to field dress any birds they kill and carry the offal out for disposal away from lakes and waterways.

“Bald eagles and other raptors are particularly susceptible to avian influenza,” the advisory stated. “This simple action could help prevent bald eagle and other raptor mortalities.”

Pets should be kept away from dead birds as well. Wash hands thoroughly after inadvertent contact.

Wild waterfowl can spread the infection to agricultural flocks that are less immune. Snow geese are common carriers of bird flu in the wild, Hudman said.

Snow geese gather in immense numbers in Missouri as they migrate from summer nesting sites along Hudson Bay and the Arctic Ocean to where they spend the winter along the Gulf Coast. At the Loess Bluff National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City,&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024-12/loess_bluffs_waterfowl_survey_20241203.pdf" target="_blank">survey conducted last week</a>&nbsp;showed more than 50,000 geese, 170,000 ducks and 373 bald eagles at the refuge.

The numbers can be far higher. A survey in February 2023 showed approximately 2 million snow geese, about four times the human population of Kansas City.&nbsp;

“They’re susceptible to avian influenza, but they’re also the natural reservoir,” Hudman said.

Many migrating waterfowl carry the low-pathogenic, or less disease-causing, variant.&nbsp;

“These birds, they can carry the virus without showing symptoms, but it allows it to spread easily,” Hudman said.

There is no reason to worry about bird flu infections from songbirds that visit winter feeders, she said.

“We’re specifically worried about waterfowl because of the environment, the wetlands that they’re in and the numbers that they’re in,” she said. “Songbirds are very, very resistant to this.”

In September, a Missouri resident was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-officials-say-no-sign-bird-flu-spreading-among-humans-despite-missouri-case" target="_blank">diagnosed with bird flu</a>&nbsp;without having any known contact with infected birds. An investigation by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/missouri-h5n1-serology-testing.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control</a>&nbsp;was unable to determine the source of the infection and found one other likely, but not confirmed, case associated with it.

The department will respond to reports of dead birds by removing them and taking samples for testing, Hudman said. Removal by professionals will help prevent spread of the disease, she said.

“The longer they’re on the landscape, then the higher the probability things that scavenge on them, like eagles, will feed on them,” Hudman said. “Raptors will feed on them, coyotes will feed on them, raccoons, you know, all the typical things that are happy to eat a goose are doing so. So the longer they’re on the landscape, then the more the outbreak can persist.”

There is no danger for hunters eating fully cooked waterfowl they bag or birdwatchers who visit wetlands to see the huge flocks migrating to winter nesting sites.

“You should absolutely go out and enjoy them,” Hudman said. “We put out these things saying it’s just a matter of safe hygiene. We just say, ‘please don’t touch the birds’ because, and the reason I put that out is because I heard that some folks were picking them up.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734020854095.jpeg" alt=" Snow geese gather in February 2023 at Loess Bluff National Wildlife Refuge on their way North to summer nesting sites. The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking the public to report any dead waterfowl they see this winter to be tested for avian influenza (Photo: Missouri Department of Conservation)." />
 <figcaption> Snow geese gather in February 2023 at Loess Bluff National Wildlife Refuge on their way North to summer nesting sites. The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking the public to report any dead waterfowl they see this winter to be tested for avian influenza (Photo: Missouri Department of Conservation).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Tests show probable infections in birds recovered in Henry and Vernon counties, prompting advisory asking for reports of dead waterfowl and warning against contact</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>The Missouri Conservation Department received confirmation Wednesday morning of something it feared — three dead snow geese found by state wildlife refuge staff were likely infected with bird flu.Samples from the birds — two recovered in Henry County and one in Vernon County — were reported as “non-negative” for&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.mo.gov/avian-influenza.php" target="_blank">avian influenza</a>&nbsp;after testing at the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, said Deb Hudman, supervisor of the department’s wildlife health program.The samples will now be sent to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/labs/about-nvsl" target="_blank">National Veterinary Services Laboratory</a>&nbsp;to determine whether the virus is the highly pathogenic variant or one that is less likely to cause an outbreak that can spread through flocks of wild and domestic birds.“It’s going to be a month or so before we know which version of avian influenza, but you know, we treat that basically as an avian influenza positive,” Hudman said in an interview with The Independent.More birds have been found, some in southeast Missouri and some in the St. Louis area, she said. They are being tested but results are not available yet.The discovery of the dead birds prompted the department to issue a warning Tuesday to the public to avoid touching waterfowl found dead&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc12.mdc.mo.gov/applications/WildlifeHealthReporting" target="_blank">and to report</a>&nbsp;any dead ducks or geese they see so samples can be collected for testing.With the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/waterfowl" target="_blank">waterfowl hunting season</a>&nbsp;underway, the advisory also asked hunters to field dress any birds they kill and carry the offal out for disposal away from lakes and waterways.“Bald eagles and other raptors are particularly susceptible to avian influenza,” the advisory stated. “This simple action could help prevent bald eagle and other raptor mortalities.”Pets should be kept away from dead birds as well. Wash hands thoroughly after inadvertent contact.Wild waterfowl can spread the infection to agricultural flocks that are less immune. Snow geese are common carriers of bird flu in the wild, Hudman said.Snow geese gather in immense numbers in Missouri as they migrate from summer nesting sites along Hudson Bay and the Arctic Ocean to where they spend the winter along the Gulf Coast. At the Loess Bluff National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City,&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024-12/loess_bluffs_waterfowl_survey_20241203.pdf" target="_blank">survey conducted last week</a>&nbsp;showed more than 50,000 geese, 170,000 ducks and 373 bald eagles at the refuge.The numbers can be far higher. A survey in February 2023 showed approximately 2 million snow geese, about four times the human population of Kansas City.&nbsp;“They’re susceptible to avian influenza, but they’re also the natural reservoir,” Hudman said.Many migrating waterfowl carry the low-pathogenic, or less disease-causing, variant.&nbsp;“These birds, they can carry the virus without showing symptoms, but it allows it to spread easily,” Hudman said.There is no reason to worry about bird flu infections from songbirds that visit winter feeders, she said.“We’re specifically worried about waterfowl because of the environment, the wetlands that they’re in and the numbers that they’re in,” she said. “Songbirds are very, very resistant to this.”In September, a Missouri resident was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-officials-say-no-sign-bird-flu-spreading-among-humans-despite-missouri-case" target="_blank">diagnosed with bird flu</a>&nbsp;without having any known contact with infected birds. An investigation by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/missouri-h5n1-serology-testing.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control</a>&nbsp;was unable to determine the source of the infection and found one other likely, but not confirmed, case associated with it.The department will respond to reports of dead birds by removing them and taking samples for testing, Hudman said. Removal by professionals will help prevent spread of the disease, she said.“The longer they’re on the landscape, then the higher the probability things that scavenge on them, like eagles, will feed on them,” Hudman said. “Raptors will feed on them, coyotes will feed on them, raccoons, you know, all the typical things that are happy to eat a goose are doing so. So the longer they’re on the landscape, then the more the outbreak can persist.”There is no danger for hunters eating fully cooked waterfowl they bag or birdwatchers who visit wetlands to see the huge flocks migrating to winter nesting sites.“You should absolutely go out and enjoy them,” Hudman said. “We put out these things saying it’s just a matter of safe hygiene. We just say, ‘please don’t touch the birds’ because, and the reason I put that out is because I heard that some folks were picking them up.”

Missouri Conservation Department finds likely bird flu cases among snow geese

Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph will be the home of the second annual Bill Snyder Classic this weekend, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commision.  

The matchup features division one women's basketball powerhouse #12 Kansas State, taking on up and coming Middle Tennessee State. 

Director Brett Eseley says it's exciting to have a unique different type of event than St. Joseph might usually host 

"I say unique, different type, there's not a lot of communities across the country that get to host division one basketball that don't have a division one institution in the locale,'" Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And so, it's a good testament to the fact that I think the experience for both teams was really good last year to get an opportunity to do this for a second year." 

Esely says it's helpful if events like this have some sort of tie to the area and a cause, and says this event starts with K State coach Jeff Mittie 

"He's a Missouri Western alum, he was the head coach at Missouri Western in the mid 90's during arguably one of the most successful time periods in Griffon women's basketball history, and there have been a lot of successful time periods," Esely points out.

Another tie comes from right down the road in Maryville, with senior guard Serena Sundell 

"She's been an all-Big 12 guard every year she's been in Manhattan and was an honorable mention All American I believe one year ago," Eseley says.  "She's off to a wonderful start again this year." 

Recently, Sundell recorded her first collegiate triple double against USC Upstate with 26 points, a career-high and school record-tying 13 assists, and 10 rebounds.  Sundell became the fifth K-State player to record a triple-double and the first since Shalee Lehning carded a triple-double at Colorado on March 7, 2009.  

Esely encourages everyone to not wait until next year to attend an event like this 

"I think there will be a next year for this event but there's never any guarantee, so make next year this year, don't take it for granted," Esely says.  "Especially if you're a K State fan, if you're a K State fan you need to be there, anytime you can bring your Wildcats from Manhattan to St. Joe, right here in your own backyard, I hope you proudly put your purple or lavender on, or whatever your favorite shade of purple is, and come on out." 

The matchup will tipoff at 5pm on Saturday. Tickets are still available and can be found by clicking <a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/bill-snyder-womens-basketball-classic/">HERE</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702496764040.jpeg" alt="Civic Arena hosted the Bill Snyder Classic between K-State and Mizzou women's basketball this past Saturday. The arena has undergone significant upgrades over the last year or so. Photo by Brent Martin." />
 <figcaption>Civic Arena hosted the Bill Snyder Classic between K-State and Mizzou women's basketball this past Saturday. The arena has undergone significant upgrades over the last year or so. Photo by Brent Martin.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph will be the home of the second annual Bill Snyder Classic this weekend, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commision. The matchup features division one women's basketball powerhouse #12 Kansas State, taking on up and coming Middle Tennessee State. Director Brett Eseley says it's exciting to have a unique different type of event than St. Joseph might usually host "I say unique, different type, there's not a lot of communities across the country that get to host division one basketball that don't have a division one institution in the locale,'" Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so, it's a good testament to the fact that I think the experience for both teams was really good last year to get an opportunity to do this for a second year." Esely says it's helpful if events like this have some sort of tie to the area and a cause, and says this event starts with K State coach Jeff Mittie "He's a Missouri Western alum, he was the head coach at Missouri Western in the mid 90's during arguably one of the most successful time periods in Griffon women's basketball history, and there have been a lot of successful time periods," Esely points out.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706636033771.png" alt="FILE - Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie talks with Emilee Ebert (24) Rebekah Dallinger (14) and Serena Sundell (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Tech on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State has its best ranking in 21 years after the Wildcats moved up to fourth in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.(AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie talks with Emilee Ebert (24) Rebekah Dallinger (14) and Serena Sundell (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Tech on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State has its best ranking in 21 years after the Wildcats moved up to fourth in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.(AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Another tie comes from right down the road in Maryville, with senior guard Serena Sundell "She's been an all-Big 12 guard every year she's been in Manhattan and was an honorable mention All American I believe one year ago," Eseley says. "She's off to a wonderful start again this year." Recently, Sundell recorded her first collegiate triple double against USC Upstate with 26 points, a career-high and school record-tying 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. Sundell became the fifth K-State player to record a triple-double and the first since Shalee Lehning carded a triple-double at Colorado on March 7, 2009. Esely encourages everyone to not wait until next year to attend an event like this "I think there will be a next year for this event but there's never any guarantee, so make next year this year, don't take it for granted," Esely says. "Especially if you're a K State fan, if you're a K State fan you need to be there, anytime you can bring your Wildcats from Manhattan to St. Joe, right here in your own backyard, I hope you proudly put your purple or lavender on, or whatever your favorite shade of purple is, and come on out." The matchup will tipoff at 5pm on Saturday. Tickets are still available and can be found by clicking <a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/bill-snyder-womens-basketball-classic/">HERE</a>.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Civic Arena welcomes Division One women's basketball back for Bill Snyder Classic

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7a.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Freightliner semi driven by a 27-year-old St. Joseph man was eastbound on U.S. 36 just west of Clarksdale Junction.

The vehicle began to slide on ice covered road.&nbsp; The semi traveled off the north side of the road into the median and overturned.

DeKalb County Ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7a.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Freightliner semi driven by a 27-year-old St. Joseph man was eastbound on U.S. 36 just west of Clarksdale Junction.The vehicle began to slide on ice covered road.&nbsp; The semi traveled off the north side of the road into the median and overturned.DeKalb County Ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Driver from St. Joe injured after semi overturns

The St Joseph Host Lions Club will host its annual fruit sale beginning Friday, December 13th.

Roger Unruh, with the Host Lions Club, says the fruit sale will set-up at a new location this year, "We'll be in the old Golden Corral parking lot right by the entryway to East Hills mall."

Unruh says the sale features several types of citrus fruits, "We have the best fruit in town. We have gala apples, red delicious and golden delicious. As well as oranges and grapfruits." 

Unruh notes that people can mix and match differnt fruits, which are available by the case.

The fruit sale begins at 10:00 a.m. Friday and runs through December 22nd.

The sale will take place from 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. each day.

By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph PostThe St Joseph Host Lions Club will host its annual fruit sale beginning Friday, December 13th.Roger Unruh, with the Host Lions Club, says the fruit sale will set-up at a new location this year, "We'll be in the old Golden Corral parking lot right by the entryway to East Hills mall."Unruh says the sale features several types of citrus fruits, "We have the best fruit in town. We have gala apples, red delicious and golden delicious. As well as oranges and grapfruits." Unruh notes that people can mix and match differnt fruits, which are available by the case.The fruit sale begins at 10:00 a.m. Friday and runs through December 22nd.The sale will take place from 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. each day.

St. Joseph Host Lions Club annual fruit sale begins Friday

An attorney who worked to free Sandra Hemme of a 1980 St.
Joseph murder conviction says Hemme looks forward to celebrating Christmas at
home for the first time in 43 years.

Six months after Livingston County Circuit Judge Ryan Horsman
found Hemme innocent and ordered her released from the Chillicothe women’s
prison, all appeals have been dropped and no new prosecution will be sought
against Hemme in the 1980 murder of Patricia Jeschke of St. Joseph.

Senior Staff Attorney, Jane Pucher, with the Innocence Project
says the criminal justice system failed Hemme, now 64, in many ways, especially since
evidence pointing to a corrupt former St. Joseph police officer was never
disclosed to Hemme’s attorneys.

“To have very strong evidence of someone else who committed
this crime, but never got heard by any court and never got brought forward, is
also a failing,” Pucher tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview from
her office in New York. “She is so grateful to be where she is now and I know
wants to focus on the future, but she was failed on all of these different
fronts and more from very early in her life.”

Hemme confessed to the murder of Jeschke in November of 1980.
A judge threw out her first conviction. Then, a Buchanan County jury convicted
Hemme in June of 1985 after a one-day trial, based solely on her confession.
Hemme was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50
years.

Judge Horsman ruled in June of this year that the statements
made by Hemme to police were unreliable and that the evidence pointed to
Michael Holman, a St. Joseph police officer at the time. Holman’s pickup was
parked outside Jeschke’s apartment the night of the murder. Holman used
Jeschke’s credit card after her death and claimed he had found her purse in a
ditch. Other evidence tied Holman to the murder.

Horsman ordered Hemme released from prison or be retried
within 30 days.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey appealed the decision.
The Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District upheld Horsman’s ruling.

The appellate court stated it might never be known why the St.
Joseph Police Department ignored or suppressed evidence against Holman, but
speculated it was either out of embarrassment that one of its own had committed
murder or embarrassment that it had extracted a false confession from Hemme.
St. Joseph news media reported in 1981 allegations had surfaced that the St.
Joseph Police Department covered up an FBI report that connected Holman to the
murder. No evidence suggesting Holman as the suspect was ever turned over to
Hemme’s defense attorney. The court ruled Hemme be released unless the state or
Buchanan County moved to retry her.

The Missouri Attorney General’s office, in an email to
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, confirmed the litigation has concluded. 

Buchanan County Prosecutor, Michelle Davidson, stated in an
email to KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, “After a careful review of the case our office
decided not to refile charges against Ms. Hemme.”

Pucher says this case confirms what we know, that the system
can make really serious mistakes.

“And Sandra for all that she has experienced, I would never
say that she’s fortunate because she has experienced so much pain and trauma
it’s unthinkable, but she is at least where she is now.” Pucher says. “And
there are many people who aren’t and who never will have their convictions be
overturned, will never be able to get back to court to challenge them
meaningfully, will never be able to be reunited with their families.”

The big question that hangs over this case is how could this
happen?

“It’s a question I don’t have a great answer for to be honest
with you,” Pucher replies. “We work in an imperfect system and one where
especially people who are vulnerable like Sandy was in the most extreme way are
very at risk.”

Judge Horsman’s 118-page ruling disclosed that Hemme’s records
reflected a history of mental illness beginning in early childhood. Hemme had
been treated with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) as a child. Hemme had sought
admission to the St. Joseph State Mental Hospital a few days before the murder,
seeking help for her use of amphetamines. She was discharged against medical
advice. Horsman found Hemme “highly vulnerable” to make false statements due to
her drug use.

Pucher says that vulnerability led to her false confession.

The Innocence Project says Hemme was held in prison for the longest
period of time for any wrongly-convicted woman in the United States.

As for the present, Pucher says Hemme has settled in at home.

“Sandy’s doing really well,” Pucher says. “She is continuing
to live with her family and I think just really appreciating the quiet moments,
the moments that so many us take for granted.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734018160896.jpeg" alt="Sandra Hemme/Photo courtesy of the Innocence Project" />
 <figcaption>Sandra Hemme/Photo courtesy of the Innocence Project</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn attorney who worked to free Sandra Hemme of a 1980 St.
Joseph murder conviction says Hemme looks forward to celebrating Christmas at
home for the first time in 43 years.Six months after Livingston County Circuit Judge Ryan Horsman
found Hemme innocent and ordered her released from the Chillicothe women’s
prison, all appeals have been dropped and no new prosecution will be sought
against Hemme in the 1980 murder of Patricia Jeschke of St. Joseph.Senior Staff Attorney, Jane Pucher, with the Innocence Project
says the criminal justice system failed Hemme, now 64, in many ways, especially since
evidence pointing to a corrupt former St. Joseph police officer was never
disclosed to Hemme’s attorneys.“To have very strong evidence of someone else who committed
this crime, but never got heard by any court and never got brought forward, is
also a failing,” Pucher tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview from
her office in New York. “She is so grateful to be where she is now and I know
wants to focus on the future, but she was failed on all of these different
fronts and more from very early in her life.”Hemme confessed to the murder of Jeschke in November of 1980.
A judge threw out her first conviction. Then, a Buchanan County jury convicted
Hemme in June of 1985 after a one-day trial, based solely on her confession.
Hemme was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50
years.Judge Horsman ruled in June of this year that the statements
made by Hemme to police were unreliable and that the evidence pointed to
Michael Holman, a St. Joseph police officer at the time. Holman’s pickup was
parked outside Jeschke’s apartment the night of the murder. Holman used
Jeschke’s credit card after her death and claimed he had found her purse in a
ditch. Other evidence tied Holman to the murder.Horsman ordered Hemme released from prison or be retried
within 30 days.Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey appealed the decision.
The Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District upheld Horsman’s ruling.The appellate court stated it might never be known why the St.
Joseph Police Department ignored or suppressed evidence against Holman, but
speculated it was either out of embarrassment that one of its own had committed
murder or embarrassment that it had extracted a false confession from Hemme.
St. Joseph news media reported in 1981 allegations had surfaced that the St.
Joseph Police Department covered up an FBI report that connected Holman to the
murder. No evidence suggesting Holman as the suspect was ever turned over to
Hemme’s defense attorney. The court ruled Hemme be released unless the state or
Buchanan County moved to retry her.The Missouri Attorney General’s office, in an email to
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, confirmed the litigation has concluded. Buchanan County Prosecutor, Michelle Davidson, stated in an
email to KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, “After a careful review of the case our office
decided not to refile charges against Ms. Hemme.”Pucher says this case confirms what we know, that the system
can make really serious mistakes.“And Sandra for all that she has experienced, I would never
say that she’s fortunate because she has experienced so much pain and trauma
it’s unthinkable, but she is at least where she is now.” Pucher says. “And
there are many people who aren’t and who never will have their convictions be
overturned, will never be able to get back to court to challenge them
meaningfully, will never be able to be reunited with their families.”The big question that hangs over this case is how could this
happen?“It’s a question I don’t have a great answer for to be honest
with you,” Pucher replies. “We work in an imperfect system and one where
especially people who are vulnerable like Sandy was in the most extreme way are
very at risk.”Judge Horsman’s 118-page ruling disclosed that Hemme’s records
reflected a history of mental illness beginning in early childhood. Hemme had
been treated with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) as a child. Hemme had sought
admission to the St. Joseph State Mental Hospital a few days before the murder,
seeking help for her use of amphetamines. She was discharged against medical
advice. Horsman found Hemme “highly vulnerable” to make false statements due to
her drug use.Pucher says that vulnerability led to her false confession.The Innocence Project says Hemme was held in prison for the longest
period of time for any wrongly-convicted woman in the United States.As for the present, Pucher says Hemme has settled in at home.“Sandy’s doing really well,” Pucher says. “She is continuing
to live with her family and I think just really appreciating the quiet moments,
the moments that so many us take for granted.”<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Sandra-Hemme-is-free-e2s8pfq/a-abm939h" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Free after 43 years, Sandra Hemme looks forward to Christmas with family

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1995 Chevy Silverado driven by a 40-year-old woman from Cosby was southbound on Route E three miles southeast of Savannah.

The pickup traveled off the west side of the road, returned to the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road again and overturned.

Andrew Co. EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1995 Chevy Silverado driven by a 40-year-old woman from Cosby was southbound on Route E three miles southeast of Savannah.The pickup traveled off the west side of the road, returned to the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road again and overturned.Andrew Co. EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after pickup overturns

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing methamphetamine and a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.

Keith T. Mims, also known as “C-Murder,” 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Mims was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.

On May 30, 2024, Mims pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Mims was approached by St. Joseph, Mo., police officers as he was walking on Belle Street in St. Joseph on Jan. 25, 2022. Mims ran from the officers, who engaged in a foot pursuit, resulting in Mims being tackled and placed in handcuffs. An officer searched Mims and found a loaded Bryco Arms .22-caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number in Mims’s back pocket. The officer also searched a bag Mims was carrying, which contained 4.18 grams of pure methamphetamine, .45 grams of crack cocaine, and 10 pills.

Mims told the arresting officers that he knew it was illegal for him to have a firearm due to his prior felony convictions. Mims said he needed the firearm for protection, and that he would “rather be judged by twelve than carried by six.”

According to court documents, Mims has multiple convictions for possessing firearms and trafficking in narcotics and has spent the vast majority of the last 35 years either incarcerated or under a criminal justice sentence.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth W. Borgnino and Stephanie C. Bradshaw. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department, and the Sugar Creek, Mo., Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643643060274.jpeg" alt="Mims photo Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption>Mims photo Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing methamphetamine and a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.Keith T. Mims, also known as “C-Murder,” 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Mims was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.On May 30, 2024, Mims pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.Mims was approached by St. Joseph, Mo., police officers as he was walking on Belle Street in St. Joseph on Jan. 25, 2022. Mims ran from the officers, who engaged in a foot pursuit, resulting in Mims being tackled and placed in handcuffs. An officer searched Mims and found a loaded Bryco Arms .22-caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number in Mims’s back pocket. The officer also searched a bag Mims was carrying, which contained 4.18 grams of pure methamphetamine, .45 grams of crack cocaine, and 10 pills.Mims told the arresting officers that he knew it was illegal for him to have a firearm due to his prior felony convictions. Mims said he needed the firearm for protection, and that he would “rather be judged by twelve than carried by six.”According to court documents, Mims has multiple convictions for possessing firearms and trafficking in narcotics and has spent the vast majority of the last 35 years either incarcerated or under a criminal justice sentence.This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth W. Borgnino and Stephanie C. Bradshaw. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department, and the Sugar Creek, Mo., Police Department.

Man known as 'C-Murder' caught with meth and a gun in St. Joe

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Monday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Honda CRV driven by a 29-year-old man from Amity was southbound on Route N one half mile north of Stewartsville. The driver failed to negotiate a turn. The vehicle crossed the center line traveled off the west side of the road and struck multiple trees.&nbsp;

DeKalb Clinton ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Monday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Honda CRV driven by a 29-year-old man from Amity was southbound on Route N one half mile north of Stewartsville. The driver failed to negotiate a turn. The vehicle crossed the center line traveled off the west side of the road and struck multiple trees.&nbsp;DeKalb Clinton ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after SUV crash into trees

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

Missouri’s new law boosting the minimum wage and providing paid sick leave for workers should be thrown out because it violated constitutional rules on ballot initiatives, a coalition of business advocacy groups argued in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Petition%20for%20Election%20Contest.PDF?courtCode=SC&amp;di=204469" target="_blank">lawsuit filed Friday</a>.

Proposition A,&nbsp;a ballot measure that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;by a wide margin, would increase the state’s minimum wage on Jan. 1 and guarantee paid sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers starting May 1.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686689481146.png" alt=" The Supreme Court of Missouri (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> The Supreme Court of Missouri (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri’s new law boosting the minimum wage and providing paid sick leave for workers should be thrown out because it violated constitutional rules on ballot initiatives, a coalition of business advocacy groups argued in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Petition%20for%20Election%20Contest.PDF?courtCode=SC&amp;di=204469" target="_blank">lawsuit filed Friday</a>.Proposition A,&nbsp;a ballot measure that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;by a wide margin, would increase the state’s minimum wage on Jan. 1 and guarantee paid sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers starting May 1.&nbsp;The lawsuit, filed with the state Supreme Court, argues the election results should be overturned because of several constitutional violations, including alleged violations of the state constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++50&amp;bid=31808&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">single-subject requirement</a>.The coalition of plaintiffs includes&nbsp;Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Missouri Grocers Association, the Missouri Restaurant Association, the National Federation of Independent Business, and three individuals associated with those groups.“While Proposition A is bad policy and will have extreme and detrimental effects on Missouri’s businesses, that is not the basis of this action,” the coalition stated in the petition.&nbsp;“Instead, the election irregularities and the constitutional violations are so significant that the election results must be overturned and Proposition A must be declared invalid.”The defendants are Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who is responsible for the ballot summary statement, and Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, responsible for the fiscal note summary. JoDonn Chaney, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office, said the office is “in the process of reviewing” the lawsuit. Fitzpatrick’s office didn’t immediately return a request for comment Monday.&nbsp;All contests to&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=115.555&amp;bid=6216&amp;hl=" target="_blank">statewide election results</a>&nbsp;are heard by the state Supreme Court.Marilyn McLeod, president of League of Women Voters of Missouri, called the lawsuit “anti-democratic” and “reprehensible” in a press release.“These special interest groups could have raised their legal concerns at any other point in the process before the measure appeared on the ballot,” McLeod said.&nbsp;“…We are appalled that judges will be asked to overturn the wishes of the Missouri electorate,” she added, “but we are confident that they will see that wages and benefits are clearly part of the same subject on compensation and will reject this lawsuit.”Terrence Wise, a leader with the Missouri Workers Center, an organization of low-income workers, said Proposition A provided a “chance for change and hope” to low-wage workers across the state.&nbsp;“It’s sickening to me that corporations are trying to steal our victory away and quiet the will of the voters who made this win possible,” Wise said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728643418242.png" alt="&nbsp;Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages, the campaign behind Prop A, gathered over 210,000 signatures to place it on the ballot (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages, the campaign behind Prop A, gathered over 210,000 signatures to place it on the ballot (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Proposition A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">passed</a>&nbsp;with 58% of the vote and had the support of numerous unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights organizations, as well as over 500 business owners.&nbsp;The state’s minimum wage will increase to $13.75 in January and then $15 on Jan. 1, 2026.&nbsp;Employees can begin accruing and using sick time on May 1, 2025, earning one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to five days per year for businesses with fewer than 15 employees and seven days per year for larger businesses.&nbsp;Some workers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2024-038.pdf" target="_blank">are exempt</a>, including government employees and workers at businesses that have less than $500,000 in annual revenue.The lawsuit alleges that the proposition’s fiscal note and summary on the ballot were “insufficient and unfair.” For instance, the lawsuit argues the summary wasn’t sufficiently nuanced about the caps on paid sick time or which employers are exempt.Plaintiffs also argue the measure contains multiple subjects in violation of the single-subject constitutional requirement, and the clear-title rule, because benefits and wages should be considered distinct issues.&nbsp;Advocates&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/07/missouri-business-groups-weigh-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">have previously said</a>&nbsp;wages and benefits are part of overall compensation packages, so fall under the single-subject requirement. They have also said there were several opportunities for the group to voice an opinion with concerns about the language earlier, and they didn’t.&nbsp;And the lawsuit argues the proposition violates equal protection laws, through “similarly situated parties being treated differently,” citing the paid sick-leave exemptions for certain workers.The details of the law are similar to those in states that have already adopted policies to expand access to paid sick leave. Paid sick leave measures also passed in Alaska and Nebraska last month, bringing the number of states with such laws to 18.The plaintiffs want the Supreme Court to overturn the election results and declare the fiscal and ballot summaries wrong.The business coalition had&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/07/missouri-business-groups-weigh-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">previously</a>&nbsp;said they were exploring “all available options, including possible legal action.”The main focus of concern among business advocacy groups has been with the sick leave portion of the proposition, arguing it constrains business owner’s freedom to make their own decisions and opens them up to liability if they don’t follow the requirements.Because the measure changes state law but not the constitution, the legislature could modify or overturn it without returning for a new vote of the people. Advocates from both sides have told The Independent they see that as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/07/missouri-business-groups-weigh-challenge-to-voter-approved-minimum-wage-hike-sick-leave/">unlikely</a>, and see overturning the will of voters as unpopular.

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