Jessica Agnew has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Allied Arts Council of St. Joseph. Agnew started the role in May.

Previously the Early College Academy Coordinator at Missouri Western State University, Agnew succeeds Teresa Fankhauser, who retired after 19 years in the position.&nbsp;

“Jessica has a passion for the arts in St. Joseph along with a history of being an arts volunteer and an advocate for the arts with strong connections throughout the community,” said Board President Terri Modlin.&nbsp;

A longtime St. Joseph resident, Jessica has served as the administrative assistant to the Theatre, Cinema and Dance Department at Missouri Western. She has been a Robidoux Resident Theatre board member, actor, director and stage manager for various productions in St. Joseph. 

In 2019, Agnew worked with the Downtown Partnership to bring Arts in the Park to Coleman Hawkins Park.&nbsp;

“It is an honor and privilege to continue the legacy before me as we live in a world where art is consumed and experienced in new and exciting ways.&nbsp; I look forward to serving all our arts agencies. It is my desire to see our collective passion for the arts continue to strengthen the St. Joseph community,” Agnew said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718188802422.jpeg" alt="Jessica Agnew. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Jessica Agnew. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostJessica Agnew has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Allied Arts Council of St. Joseph. Agnew started the role in May.Previously the Early College Academy Coordinator at Missouri Western State University, Agnew succeeds Teresa Fankhauser, who retired after 19 years in the position.&nbsp;“Jessica has a passion for the arts in St. Joseph along with a history of being an arts volunteer and an advocate for the arts with strong connections throughout the community,” said Board President Terri Modlin.&nbsp;A longtime St. Joseph resident, Jessica has served as the administrative assistant to the Theatre, Cinema and Dance Department at Missouri Western. She has been a Robidoux Resident Theatre board member, actor, director and stage manager for various productions in St. Joseph. In 2019, Agnew worked with the Downtown Partnership to bring Arts in the Park to Coleman Hawkins Park.&nbsp;“It is an honor and privilege to continue the legacy before me as we live in a world where art is consumed and experienced in new and exciting ways.&nbsp; I look forward to serving all our arts agencies. It is my desire to see our collective passion for the arts continue to strengthen the St. Joseph community,” Agnew said.

Jessica Agnew named Executive Director of St. Joseph Allied Arts Council

A St. Joseph school board member pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge stemming from an incident involving another board member.

Whitney Lanning pleaded guilty to the charge of second-degree harassment at a hearing in front of Associate Circuit Judge Chad Gaddie.

 Lanning will be placed on two-year probation and is ordered by the court to attend anger management.

Lanning was charged for behavior in a February 26 incident following a Board of Education meeting.

Court documents and security video detail Lanning approaching fellow board member Isaura Garcia, yelling at her, following her and throwing her own property at a wall.

Lanning still faces a civil suit related to the incident. No hearings have been set in that case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718191699617.jpeg" alt="Whitney Lanning. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Whitney Lanning. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph school board member pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge stemming from an incident involving another board member.Whitney Lanning pleaded guilty to the charge of second-degree harassment at a hearing in front of Associate Circuit Judge Chad Gaddie. Lanning will be placed on two-year probation and is ordered by the court to attend anger management.Lanning was charged for behavior in a February 26 incident following a Board of Education meeting.Court documents and security video detail Lanning approaching fellow board member Isaura Garcia, yelling at her, following her and throwing her own property at a wall.Lanning still faces a civil suit related to the incident. No hearings have been set in that case.

SJSD Board Member pleads guilty in harassment case Tuesday

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Peterbilt semi driven by Brent M. Howard, 61, Eddyville, Iowa, was southbound on Interstate 35 six miles south of Bethany.

The semi traveled off the road into the median. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle overturned.

NTA ambulance transported Howard to Harrison County Community&nbsp; Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Peterbilt semi driven by Brent M. Howard, 61, Eddyville, Iowa, was southbound on Interstate 35 six miles south of Bethany.The semi traveled off the road into the median. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle overturned.NTA ambulance transported Howard to Harrison County Community&nbsp; Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns

The Mosaic Life Care Foundation has unveiled the name for the future Children's Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph, named InspireU 

Discovery Center Committee Chair Andrea Robinson says the name builds off of another foundation project in EmpowerU. 

"That is with kids from about 12 up, so as a precursor to this we wanted to tie in the U idea," Robinson tells reporters.  "But we fully believe that kids will be inspired by what they see inside, they will be literally moved to grow and learn and hands on play, it's just going to be quite an inspiring location for both children and their families." 

InspireU is housed in the former Plymouth Building.  The project has received much financial support from local businesses as well as the city government 

Mosaic Life Care Foundation Board Chairman Todd Joe says the amount of support for the project has been unbelievable, and he believes it's because people see the value it brings to St. Joseph 

"To educate them on health and wellbeing and be proactive with that type of care and I think it just adds to the value of how the state and government want to help inspire people to live better, healthy lives," Joe says. 

Joe says while still a bit behind, they are getting closer to a set fundraising goal 

"We are very close, but we have not conquered that battle yet," Joe explains. "But we feel very confident by the opening that we will open this discovery center debt free." 

Robinson also remains confident the fundraising goal will be reached 

"That once people see what's going to be inside and what it's going to offer our community, people will come running with their checkbooks open," Robinson says. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718144063190.jpeg" alt="The Mosaic Life Care Foundation unvelied the name of the future Children's Discovery Center, known as InspireU.jpg" />
 <figcaption>The Mosaic Life Care Foundation unvelied the name of the future Children's Discovery Center, known as InspireU.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Mosaic Life Care Foundation has unveiled the name for the future Children's Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph, named InspireU Discovery Center Committee Chair Andrea Robinson says the name builds off of another foundation project in EmpowerU. "That is with kids from about 12 up, so as a precursor to this we wanted to tie in the U idea," Robinson tells reporters. "But we fully believe that kids will be inspired by what they see inside, they will be literally moved to grow and learn and hands on play, it's just going to be quite an inspiring location for both children and their families." InspireU is housed in the former Plymouth Building. The project has received much financial support from local businesses as well as the city government Mosaic Life Care Foundation Board Chairman Todd Joe says the amount of support for the project has been unbelievable, and he believes it's because people see the value it brings to St. Joseph "To educate them on health and wellbeing and be proactive with that type of care and I think it just adds to the value of how the state and government want to help inspire people to live better, healthy lives," Joe says. Joe says while still a bit behind, they are getting closer to a set fundraising goal "We are very close, but we have not conquered that battle yet," Joe explains. "But we feel very confident by the opening that we will open this discovery center debt free." Robinson also remains confident the fundraising goal will be reached "That once people see what's going to be inside and what it's going to offer our community, people will come running with their checkbooks open," Robinson says. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mosaic Life Care Foundation unveils InspireU as name of Children's Discovery Center

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

Missouri will enter the new fiscal year July 1 with a near-record cash surplus as state spending falls short of budgeted amounts and revenues meet expectations.

Meeting revenue expectations won’t, however, be enough to trigger an income tax cut&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">dependent on revenue growth</a>, said Jim Moody, a former state budget director.&nbsp;

“My view is, best case, they end up probably around the last year’s revenues, which would not trigger it,” said Moody, who is also a retired lobbyist who advised clients on state fiscal issues and tax matters.The state took in $13.2 billion in general revenue in the year that ended June 30, 2023. Through Thursday, general revenue receipts were down 0.35% for the current fiscal year — the estimate is for a decline of 0.7% — while a tax cut would occur if revenues increased by $200 million or more.

Gov. Mike Parson must act on the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/10/democrats-say-final-missouri-budget-pads-special-interests-with-state-cash/">$51.7 billion budget</a>&nbsp;approved by lawmakers before the new fiscal year begins July 1. And while the large surplus and steady revenues mean every item can be funded, Parson last year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/despite-8-billion-surplus-missouri-governor-vetoes-550-million-in-state-spending/">vetoed $550 million in spending items</a>&nbsp;he said jeopardized the state’s long-term fiscal health.

And Parson may call lawmakers back to add new spending before his term expires in January. If the budget fails to adequately fund state operations, Parson said at a news conference in May that he would not leave it to his successor to fill in the gaps.

And at the first meeting of the State Board of Education after the budget was approved, board&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/14/missouri-education-department-prepares-for-mother-of-all-supplemental-budgets/">President Charlie Shields predicted</a>&nbsp;that the department would need the “mother of all supplemental budgets” to make it through the year.&nbsp;

At the end of May, the state general revenue fund held $4.9 billion, with other funds that could be spent without restriction adding almost $1.9 billion. On July 1, 2023, the general revenue surplus stood at $5.1 billion, the largest in state history.

The general revenue balance is about $1.7 billion more than Gov. Mike Parson’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">January budget proposal</a>&nbsp;anticipated would be left on June 30. And while there are some big items left to fund in the current budget – a $300 million transfer to an account for expansion of the Capitol Building being the largest – the balance is unlikely to change dramatically in the final month of the fiscal year.

A large part of the additional surplus is likely due to unspent funds due from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/06/vacancies-turnover-leave-thousands-of-jobs-unfilled-in-missouri-state-government/">staffing shortages</a>&nbsp;across state government. During fiscal year 2023, state agencies only used 87% of the payroll hours allocated in the budget. That helped keep general revenue spending $608 million below budgeted amounts.

The almost flat revenue growth masks changes in the mix of revenues. Sales tax revenues are up more than 9% for the year, while income taxes receipts have declined about 3%. In just the past two years, as income tax cuts have kicked in, the share of general revenue coming from sales tax has increased from $1 out of every $5 to $1 out of every $4.

There are several factors driving growth in sales tax, Moody said.&nbsp;

The first is inflation, both in wages and prices, he said. Adult use marijuana is a market of more than $1 billion annually and sales tax claims 3% of that amount for general revenue.&nbsp;

The state began collecting tax on goods sold through the internet last year, and there is some residual spending of COVID-19 relief funds.&nbsp;

If Parson approves all the spending in the budget plan on his desk, it will consume about $2 billion of the accumulated surplus. If that continues into future years, Moody said, the surplus won’t last until the next recession.

“It’s been 15 years since we had a recession,” Moody said. “So nobody thinks that things can go down.”

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri will enter the new fiscal year July 1 with a near-record cash surplus as state spending falls short of budgeted amounts and revenues meet expectations.Meeting revenue expectations won’t, however, be enough to trigger an income tax cut&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">dependent on revenue growth</a>, said Jim Moody, a former state budget director.&nbsp;“My view is, best case, they end up probably around the last year’s revenues, which would not trigger it,” said Moody, who is also a retired lobbyist who advised clients on state fiscal issues and tax matters.The state took in $13.2 billion in general revenue in the year that ended June 30, 2023. Through Thursday, general revenue receipts were down 0.35% for the current fiscal year — the estimate is for a decline of 0.7% — while a tax cut would occur if revenues increased by $200 million or more.Gov. Mike Parson must act on the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/10/democrats-say-final-missouri-budget-pads-special-interests-with-state-cash/">$51.7 billion budget</a>&nbsp;approved by lawmakers before the new fiscal year begins July 1. And while the large surplus and steady revenues mean every item can be funded, Parson last year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/despite-8-billion-surplus-missouri-governor-vetoes-550-million-in-state-spending/">vetoed $550 million in spending items</a>&nbsp;he said jeopardized the state’s long-term fiscal health.And Parson may call lawmakers back to add new spending before his term expires in January. If the budget fails to adequately fund state operations, Parson said at a news conference in May that he would not leave it to his successor to fill in the gaps.And at the first meeting of the State Board of Education after the budget was approved, board&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/14/missouri-education-department-prepares-for-mother-of-all-supplemental-budgets/">President Charlie Shields predicted</a>&nbsp;that the department would need the “mother of all supplemental budgets” to make it through the year.&nbsp;At the end of May, the state general revenue fund held $4.9 billion, with other funds that could be spent without restriction adding almost $1.9 billion. On July 1, 2023, the general revenue surplus stood at $5.1 billion, the largest in state history.The general revenue balance is about $1.7 billion more than Gov. Mike Parson’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">January budget proposal</a>&nbsp;anticipated would be left on June 30. And while there are some big items left to fund in the current budget – a $300 million transfer to an account for expansion of the Capitol Building being the largest – the balance is unlikely to change dramatically in the final month of the fiscal year.A large part of the additional surplus is likely due to unspent funds due from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/06/vacancies-turnover-leave-thousands-of-jobs-unfilled-in-missouri-state-government/">staffing shortages</a>&nbsp;across state government. During fiscal year 2023, state agencies only used 87% of the payroll hours allocated in the budget. That helped keep general revenue spending $608 million below budgeted amounts.The almost flat revenue growth masks changes in the mix of revenues. Sales tax revenues are up more than 9% for the year, while income taxes receipts have declined about 3%. In just the past two years, as income tax cuts have kicked in, the share of general revenue coming from sales tax has increased from $1 out of every $5 to $1 out of every $4.There are several factors driving growth in sales tax, Moody said.&nbsp;The first is inflation, both in wages and prices, he said. Adult use marijuana is a market of more than $1 billion annually and sales tax claims 3% of that amount for general revenue.&nbsp;The state began collecting tax on goods sold through the internet last year, and there is some residual spending of COVID-19 relief funds.&nbsp;If Parson approves all the spending in the budget plan on his desk, it will consume about $2 billion of the accumulated surplus. If that continues into future years, Moody said, the surplus won’t last until the next recession.“It’s been 15 years since we had a recession,” Moody said. “So nobody thinks that things can go down.”

Missouri budget surplus remains close to record levels as fiscal year nears end

The Open Door Food Kitchen of St. Joseph has its annual fundraiser coming up this month. The annual fundraising banquet is June 27 at 5 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Open Door Food Kitchen director Marsha Rosenthal says the fundraiser has become a token of appreciation for their donors and supporters.

"We are a 501(c)(3), so we depend entirely on donations," Rosenthal said on KFEQ Radio's The Hotline. "We have a very wide number of very gracious donors who help us. We have volunteers who come in and prepare a daily meal, because we do serve our patrons 365 days a year."

The fundraising banquet is from 5-7 p.m. on June 27. The cost is $25 per person.

The Open Door Food Kitchen has served St. Joseph since 1984. Rosenthal says they serve more than 200 meals per day on average. They're open every day from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and always looking for&nbsp;volunteer help.

Rosenthal, who'll step down as the director of Open Door this year, says they're in need of younger help, as some of the older volunteers and board members step away.

"We are always looking forward to working with different groups and we hope that through the willingness of those who want to help the hungry in our community that they will step forward and help us," Rosenthal said.

Rosenthal says Open Door will name new officers and board members during the banquet as well.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718144419757.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Open Door Food Kitchen of St. Joseph has its annual fundraiser coming up this month. The annual fundraising banquet is June 27 at 5 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall.Reservations must be made by June 19.Open Door Food Kitchen director Marsha Rosenthal says the fundraiser has become a token of appreciation for their donors and supporters."We are a 501(c)(3), so we depend entirely on donations," Rosenthal said on KFEQ Radio's The Hotline. "We have a very wide number of very gracious donors who help us. We have volunteers who come in and prepare a daily meal, because we do serve our patrons 365 days a year."The fundraising banquet is from 5-7 p.m. on June 27. The cost is $25 per person.The Open Door Food Kitchen has served St. Joseph since 1984. Rosenthal says they serve more than 200 meals per day on average. They're open every day from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and always looking for&nbsp;volunteer help.Rosenthal, who'll step down as the director of Open Door this year, says they're in need of younger help, as some of the older volunteers and board members step away."We are always looking forward to working with different groups and we hope that through the willingness of those who want to help the hungry in our community that they will step forward and help us," Rosenthal said.Rosenthal says Open Door will name new officers and board members during the banquet as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718144785162.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Open Door Food Kitchen preparing for annual fundraising banquet

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Equinox driven by Bryan D. Kellem, 26, St. Joseph, was northbound on Route A one half mile south of St. Joseph.

The driver failed to yield and made a left turn at Vera Road and struck a northbound 2008 Mercury Mariner driven by Kaylee J. Crockett, 19, St. Joseph.

Buchanan County EMS transported Crockett and a passenger in the Mercury identified as Ian J. Rauch, 22, St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care. Kellem was not injured.

All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Equinox driven by Bryan D. Kellem, 26, St. Joseph, was northbound on Route A one half mile south of St. Joseph.The driver failed to yield and made a left turn at Vera Road and struck a northbound 2008 Mercury Mariner driven by Kaylee J. Crockett, 19, St. Joseph.Buchanan County EMS transported Crockett and a passenger in the Mercury identified as Ian J. Rauch, 22, St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care. Kellem was not injured.All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Two from St. Joseph hospitalized after SUVs collide 

Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph has been utilizing robotic assisted surgery for going on three years, but now the hospital will be getting an upgrade.  

The Da Vinci system helps provide minimally invasive surgery with surgeons being assisted by robotics.  

Da Vinci representative Whitney Eliot says the procedure helps hospitals get patients home quicker.  

"If you are able to have a same day procedure where they're not having to stay and use a bed, that means a lot to hospitals, because they're able to treat more patients," Eliot tells reporters. "So, with Da Vinci patients are usually able to come in and be treated same day, most of the time go home that afternoon, or if anything it's just going to be a shorter length of stay for them." 

Eliot says the system also helps make the careers of surgeons longer by providing a more ergonomic experience sitting down to control the robot.

Dr. Mike Aberger a Urologist with Mosaic, says the system has had many benefits for patients 

"The robotic surgery in particular has helped us with less blood loss, quicker recovery time, patients get in and out of the hospital faster because they have less pain associated with it because they don't have as big of an incision," Aberger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Aberger says the tool also provides increased magnification, so surgeons are able to see in smaller areas better, which he says has been beneficial in his field 

"Robotic surgery with the prostate has been extremely beneficial, because we're working in the pelvis, which is a very narrow and tight area, so that magnification has helped improve outcomes specifically in regard to prostate cancer," Aberger explains. 

Mosaic has had the Da Vinci system in place going on three years now and Aberger says it's proven effective and many patients come in asking for the procedure.

Mosaic CEO Mike Poore says tools like this are vitally important to keep up with other hospitals, but even more importantly it helps recruit, retain, and attract the best surgeons 

"Because the best surgeons of course want to work with the best tools to do their job," Poore points out. "And having this technology for those surgeons so that we can recruit and retain those surgeons is vitally important." 

Poore says students from the UMKC School of Medicine will also get exposed to the Da Vinci system, which is also good for Mosaic because students see they don't have to go to a larger college to get access to the best equipment. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121671239.jpeg" alt="Dr. Mike Aberger sits in the Da Vinci surgical console to see the new features on the upgraded model/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mike Aberger sits in the Da Vinci surgical console to see the new features on the upgraded model/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph has been utilizing robotic assisted surgery for going on three years, but now the hospital will be getting an upgrade. The Da Vinci system helps provide minimally invasive surgery with surgeons being assisted by robotics. Da Vinci representative Whitney Eliot says the procedure helps hospitals get patients home quicker. "If you are able to have a same day procedure where they're not having to stay and use a bed, that means a lot to hospitals, because they're able to treat more patients," Eliot tells reporters. "So, with Da Vinci patients are usually able to come in and be treated same day, most of the time go home that afternoon, or if anything it's just going to be a shorter length of stay for them." Eliot says the system also helps make the careers of surgeons longer by providing a more ergonomic experience sitting down to control the robot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121877734.jpeg" alt="Community members experience the Da Vinci robotic surgery system during an open house at Mosaic/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Community members experience the Da Vinci robotic surgery system during an open house at Mosaic/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Mike Aberger a Urologist with Mosaic, says the system has had many benefits for patients "The robotic surgery in particular has helped us with less blood loss, quicker recovery time, patients get in and out of the hospital faster because they have less pain associated with it because they don't have as big of an incision," Aberger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Aberger says the tool also provides increased magnification, so surgeons are able to see in smaller areas better, which he says has been beneficial in his field "Robotic surgery with the prostate has been extremely beneficial, because we're working in the pelvis, which is a very narrow and tight area, so that magnification has helped improve outcomes specifically in regard to prostate cancer," Aberger explains. Mosaic has had the Da Vinci system in place going on three years now and Aberger says it's proven effective and many patients come in asking for the procedure.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121810696.jpeg" alt="Mosaic CEO Mike Poore sitting in the Da Vinci robotic surgery console/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Mosaic CEO Mike Poore sitting in the Da Vinci robotic surgery console/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Mosaic CEO Mike Poore says tools like this are vitally important to keep up with other hospitals, but even more importantly it helps recruit, retain, and attract the best surgeons "Because the best surgeons of course want to work with the best tools to do their job," Poore points out. "And having this technology for those surgeons so that we can recruit and retain those surgeons is vitally important." Poore says students from the UMKC School of Medicine will also get exposed to the Da Vinci system, which is also good for Mosaic because students see they don't have to go to a larger college to get access to the best equipment. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718121846686.jpeg" alt="Students from the UMKC School of Medicine get a tutorial on the Da Vinci robotic surgery system/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Students from the UMKC School of Medicine get a tutorial on the Da Vinci robotic surgery system/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Mosaic-utilizing-robotic-surgry-e2kour5" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mosaic Life Care to begin utilizing upgraded surgical system

ATCHISON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a fatal industrial accident in Atchison.

Just after&nbsp;11:00a.m. on Monday, police, fire and EMS responded to report of a work place accident at the Shannon Industrial Park on the west side of Atchison, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Gerald Weidler, 30 of Atchison, died in an industrial accident at Atchison Tubular Manufacturing located at 8154 Industrial Park Lane.&nbsp;

The company is a manufacturer of steel pipe products.&nbsp; 

He was working on what is known as a pipe trimmer machine that is located in a building at the south end of the complex, according to Wilson.&nbsp; Pipe leaving that building is rolled out of the building on elevated rails to an exterior location adjacent to the building. Gerald had walked outside to the exterior location and was working on pipe at the exterior location when the accident occurred.

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a fatal industrial accident in Atchison.Just after&nbsp;11:00a.m. on Monday, police, fire and EMS responded to report of a work place accident at the Shannon Industrial Park on the west side of Atchison, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Gerald Weidler, 30 of Atchison, died in an industrial accident at Atchison Tubular Manufacturing located at 8154 Industrial Park Lane.&nbsp;The company is a manufacturer of steel pipe products.&nbsp; He was working on what is known as a pipe trimmer machine that is located in a building at the south end of the complex, according to Wilson.&nbsp; Pipe leaving that building is rolled out of the building on elevated rails to an exterior location adjacent to the building. Gerald had walked outside to the exterior location and was working on pipe at the exterior location when the accident occurred.Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Police release details in fatal Atchison work-place accident

A multi-vehicle crash at Mile Marker 50 on northbound I-29 resulted in a major slowdown and multiple injuries Monday just after 1 p.m.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 36-year-old Matthew Banks of Oregon, Missouri, was riding a motorcycle when he collided with a deer. Banks was ejected from the bike and taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.

By TOMMY REZAC&nbsp;St. Joseph PostA multi-vehicle crash at Mile Marker 50 on northbound I-29 resulted in a major slowdown and multiple injuries Monday just after 1 p.m.The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 36-year-old Matthew Banks of Oregon, Missouri, was riding a motorcycle when he collided with a deer. Banks was ejected from the bike and taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.

Injuries reported in multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 29 in St. Joseph Monday

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Monday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Subaru Cross-Trek driven by Kullen D. Duff, 37, Cainsville, was eastbound on Route MM one half mile east of 330th six miles north of Gilman City.

The SUV struck a black angus cow that was standing in the middle of the road. After impact the SUV became disabled in the westbound lanes.&nbsp;

NTA ambulance transported a passenger Jack B. Buckman, 23, Albany, to Harrison County Community Hospital. Duff was not injured. MSHP did not have seat belt usage information.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Monday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Subaru Cross-Trek driven by Kullen D. Duff, 37, Cainsville, was eastbound on Route MM one half mile east of 330th six miles north of Gilman City.The SUV struck a black angus cow that was standing in the middle of the road. After impact the SUV became disabled in the westbound lanes.&nbsp;NTA ambulance transported a passenger Jack B. Buckman, 23, Albany, to Harrison County Community Hospital. Duff was not injured. MSHP did not have seat belt usage information.

Missouri man injured after SUV strikes cow in the road

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Honda Civic driven by Matthew S. Brown, 28, Savannah, was northbound on Business 71 one mile south of Savannah.

Th driver fell asleep. The car traveled down an embankment, struck the ground, a tree and came to rest in a field.

A private vehicle transported Brown to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Honda Civic driven by Matthew S. Brown, 28, Savannah, was northbound on Business 71 one mile south of Savannah.Th driver fell asleep. The car traveled down an embankment, struck the ground, a tree and came to rest in a field.A private vehicle transported Brown to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Car travels down embankment after Mo. man fell asleep driving

ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas felon with a history of crime is back in jail.

On Saturday, police arrested 45-year-old Michael B. Goner of Atchison, on requested charges of domestic battery and interference with law enforcement in the 1000 block North 4th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He was also arrested on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for interference with Law Enforcement; knowingly falsely accusing person of non felony crime and drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; In 2019, he was accused of aggravated domestic battery, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718025613775.png" alt="Goner-photo from an earlier arrest in Atchison&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Goner-photo from an earlier arrest in Atchison&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas felon with a history of crime is back in jail.On Saturday, police arrested 45-year-old Michael B. Goner of Atchison, on requested charges of domestic battery and interference with law enforcement in the 1000 block North 4th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He was also arrested on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for interference with Law Enforcement; knowingly falsely accusing person of non felony crime and drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; In 2019, he was accused of aggravated domestic battery, according to online jail records.

Kansas felon accused of violent crime

An annual golf tournament in St. Joseph will help raise money for the Missouri veteran's home in Cameron.  

The St. Joseph tournament is one of three to help raise money for things at the veterans home outside of what state budget money will fund.  

Former State Representative and Buchanan County Clerk Pat Conway says one of the big efforts this year is a new transportation van 

"So that you can take the veterans on an outing, they could come to St. Joseph, maybe even go to a baseball game, and that type of transportation isn't taken out of the state budget, you need to have some funding that can come from other sources," Conway tellls KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, they do things like that, they buy some exercise equipment or activity things for the veterans that they can use." 

"We'll have former veterans there, we will also have people who volunteer to help out at the courses," Conway explains. "But what we do, instead of having what the normal hole sponsor is, a $100 donation and honor a veteran who has served in the military in the United States." 

Conway himself sponsors a hole in honor of his father who served during World War I.  

Conway says the tournament will have a very heavy veteran presence 

"We have gentleman who come in veterans' uniforms who hold the golf flag on the last tee and we meet a lot of the Vietnam veterans," Conway says. 

Conway says people that come, especially first timers, will see how patriotic the event really is 

"I think people who play it the first time realize that this is something about honoring the veterans and the patriotism of our country," Conway says. 

The St. Joseph tournament will be held on July 18th and still has some spots open.  A tournament will also be held in Maryville in August. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post An annual golf tournament in St. Joseph will help raise money for the Missouri veteran's home in Cameron. The St. Joseph tournament is one of three to help raise money for things at the veterans home outside of what state budget money will fund. Former State Representative and Buchanan County Clerk Pat Conway says one of the big efforts this year is a new transportation van "So that you can take the veterans on an outing, they could come to St. Joseph, maybe even go to a baseball game, and that type of transportation isn't taken out of the state budget, you need to have some funding that can come from other sources," Conway tellls KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, they do things like that, they buy some exercise equipment or activity things for the veterans that they can use." Conway says the event is very patriotic "We'll have former veterans there, we will also have people who volunteer to help out at the courses," Conway explains. "But what we do, instead of having what the normal hole sponsor is, a $100 donation and honor a veteran who has served in the military in the United States." Conway himself sponsors a hole in honor of his father who served during World War I. Conway says the tournament will have a very heavy veteran presence "We have gentleman who come in veterans' uniforms who hold the golf flag on the last tee and we meet a lot of the Vietnam veterans," Conway says. Conway says people that come, especially first timers, will see how patriotic the event really is "I think people who play it the first time realize that this is something about honoring the veterans and the patriotism of our country," Conway says. The St. Joseph tournament will be held on July 18th and still has some spots open. A tournament will also be held in Maryville in August. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Seventh annual St. Joseph golf tournament benefits Cameron Veterans' home

It has been around for 63 years and still attracts visitors
from throughout the United States and the world.

The Patee House Museum, the one-time headquarters of the famed
Pony Express, hosts a wide variety of exhibits. Next door is the former home of
Jesse James.

Director Gary Chilcote says visitors to the James home step
back in time.

“When they get in there, they sign the guest book and step in
the front room and we play a message that tells what happened in that house on April
3rd, 1882,” Chilcote says.

Chilcote says the Jesses James home plays down all the legends
and rumors associated with James and simply tries to convey history as best it
can. The museum no longer attempts to entice visitors with the slogan, “See the
bullet hole.”

Chilcote says the museum simply wants to tell of James’ last
days in St. Joseph, where he went by the name Tom Howard. James died at the
hands of Robert Ford, who shot him while James attempted to adjust a picture on
the wall.

“So, there’s a lot of rumors dealing with the house,” Chilcote
says. “We’ve tried to put away all those rumors. We painted it white with green
shudders, because that was the color when Jesse lived there.”

The Patee House began as a luxury hotel in 1858. It became a
woman’s college, then a factory that produced shirts and overalls. During World
War II, it was pressed into duty, making uniforms. Sixty-three years ago, it
became a museum.

The Patee House is packed. It has model trains that have been
donated. There is a 1941 carousel that operates daily. A new collection
features the early inventions of Thomas Edison.

Oh, and there is that huge train, an 1860 steam locomotive.

“It’s amazing to me how many people hear about the Patee House
and come to see it,” Chilcote says. “And they don’t just spend 15 minutes. They
come and spend two or three hours, because that’s how long it takes to see all the
exhibits.”

As a nod to its beginnings, the Patee House Museum now has
five rooms on the third floor restored to reflect its origins as a luxury
hotel.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717693000497.jpeg" alt="The Patee House Museum at 12th and Penn, St. Joseph/file photo" />
 <figcaption>The Patee House Museum at 12th and Penn, St. Joseph/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt has been around for 63 years and still attracts visitors
from throughout the United States and the world.The Patee House Museum, the one-time headquarters of the famed
Pony Express, hosts a wide variety of exhibits. Next door is the former home of
Jesse James.Director Gary Chilcote says visitors to the James home step
back in time.“When they get in there, they sign the guest book and step in
the front room and we play a message that tells what happened in that house on April
3rd, 1882,” Chilcote says.Chilcote says the Jesses James home plays down all the legends
and rumors associated with James and simply tries to convey history as best it
can. The museum no longer attempts to entice visitors with the slogan, “See the
bullet hole.”Chilcote says the museum simply wants to tell of James’ last
days in St. Joseph, where he went by the name Tom Howard. James died at the
hands of Robert Ford, who shot him while James attempted to adjust a picture on
the wall.“So, there’s a lot of rumors dealing with the house,” Chilcote
says. “We’ve tried to put away all those rumors. We painted it white with green
shudders, because that was the color when Jesse lived there.”The Patee House began as a luxury hotel in 1858. It became a
woman’s college, then a factory that produced shirts and overalls. During World
War II, it was pressed into duty, making uniforms. Sixty-three years ago, it
became a museum.The Patee House is packed. It has model trains that have been
donated. There is a 1941 carousel that operates daily. A new collection
features the early inventions of Thomas Edison.Oh, and there is that huge train, an 1860 steam locomotive.All that draws visitors from all over.“It’s amazing to me how many people hear about the Patee House
and come to see it,” Chilcote says. “And they don’t just spend 15 minutes. They
come and spend two or three hours, because that’s how long it takes to see all the
exhibits.”As a nod to its beginnings, the Patee House Museum now has
five rooms on the third floor restored to reflect its origins as a luxury
hotel.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717693128106.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Patee House Museum:  attracting tourists to St. Joseph for 63 years

A body was recovered from the Missouri River in St. Joseph Sunday afternoon.

Thirty-eight-year-old Darrell Brown of St. Joseph was fishing on the public boat dock near the Remington Nature Center with a relative when he fell into the river and did not resurface. Police were called to the scene at 4:15 Sunday morning.

Emergency responders began searching for Brown. He was recovered just after noon on Sunday and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident is under investigation. Police do not suspect foul play.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA body was recovered from the Missouri River in St. Joseph Sunday afternoon.Thirty-eight-year-old Darrell Brown of St. Joseph was fishing on the public boat dock near the Remington Nature Center with a relative when he fell into the river and did not resurface. Police were called to the scene at 4:15 Sunday morning.Emergency responders began searching for Brown. He was recovered just after noon on Sunday and was pronounced dead at the scene.The incident is under investigation. Police do not suspect foul play.

Body of St. Joseph man recovered in Missouri River Sunday

A man is dead after a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle Saturday night on North Belt Highway.

St. Joseph Police confirm that 35-year-old Kenneth Hart was killed after colliding with the passenger side of a minivan at 2205 North Belt Highway - just south of Beck Road.

This happened at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday.

One minor was injured in the minivan, transported via helicopter to the hospital and is expected to have a full recovery.

Everyone in the minivan was wearing seatbelts. The crash is still under investigation.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA man is dead after a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle Saturday night on North Belt Highway.St. Joseph Police confirm that 35-year-old Kenneth Hart was killed after colliding with the passenger side of a minivan at 2205 North Belt Highway - just south of Beck Road.This happened at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday.One minor was injured in the minivan, transported via helicopter to the hospital and is expected to have a full recovery.Everyone in the minivan was wearing seatbelts. The crash is still under investigation.

One man dead after motorcycle, minivan crash Saturday on North Belt Highway

ANDREW&nbsp; COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Silverado driven by Mark A. Barnett, 59, Forest City, was westbound on Route T near County Road 266 two miles west of Savannah.&nbsp;

The pickup traveled off the right side of the road, struck an embankment, went airborne and came to rest in trees.

Andrew County EMS transported Barnett to Mosaic Life Care. The patrol did not have seat belt usage information.

ANDREW&nbsp; COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Sunday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Silverado driven by Mark A. Barnett, 59, Forest City, was westbound on Route T near County Road 266 two miles west of Savannah.&nbsp;The pickup traveled off the right side of the road, struck an embankment, went airborne and came to rest in trees.Andrew County EMS transported Barnett to Mosaic Life Care. The patrol did not have seat belt usage information.

Mo. man hospitalized in St. Joe after violent pickup crash

The overdue farm bill is finally making its way through Congress, after the House agriculture committee recently advanced a proposal. Food assistance is likely to be one of the biggest sticking points as the draft moves forward.

By ELIZABETH REMBERT <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2024-06-07/snap-benefits-are-a-huge-part-of-the-farm-bill-and-a-big-point-of-contention-for-lawmakers?mc_cid=a5f0d9d772&amp;mc_eid=4e2c084f1d">KCUR</a>

The long-stalled farm bill took a step forward in the House of Representatives last month as a Republican-led proposal made it out of the agriculture committee.

The clock is ticking as the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, which expired eight months ago, ends in September.

Yet food assistance will likely be a flashpoint in the discussions ahead.

<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/key-statistics-and-research/#:~:text=In%20FY%202022%2C%20SNAP%20served,%24230.88%20per%20participant%20per%20month." target="_blank">More than 41 million Americans</a>&nbsp;rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program monthly to put food on the table. The program takes a lot of funding –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/reviewing-the-february-2024-baseline-for-usda-farm-and-nutrition-programs" target="_blank">about 80% of the farm bill’s massive budget goes to SNAP.</a>

The House draft suggests placing limits on how the Thrifty Food Plan is updated in the future. The Thrifty Food Plan is a basket of foods that represents a “nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet prepared at home” for a family of four,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/thriftyfoodplan" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.</a>

The money people receive through SNAP is calculated by how much that basket of food costs.

Right now, the plan is updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/cnpp/usda-food-plans#:~:text=As%20stipulated%20in%20the%20Agriculture,reevaluation%20is%20anticipated%20in%202026." target="_blank">every five years</a>&nbsp;based on food prices, food composition data, consumer data and dietary standards. The new proposal suggests updating the cost of the plan only for inflation.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://thompson.house.gov/" target="_blank">House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson</a>&nbsp;– a Republican from Pennsylvania – the nonpartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/" target="_blank">Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;estimates the limit would cut SNAP by $30 billion over the next 10 years.

“The cut would take away a day’s worth of benefits from the participants each month, then it would rise to two days of benefits each day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://hayes.house.gov/" target="_blank">Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes</a>&nbsp;from Connecticut during discussions. “You may think losing one or two days of food is not significant. But I do think it’s quite significant for a low-income family trying to make ends meet.”

But&nbsp;<a href="https://alford.house.gov/" target="_blank">Republican Rep. Mark Alford</a>&nbsp;from Missouri said he’s focused on making the program more efficient, not slashing benefits.

“Democrats feel like we’re trying to cut the program. And that’s not the case,” he said. “If we can move to a program that has more integrity, more health benefits, it is going to be greater for our nation and greater for our taxpayers.”

Alford points to&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/detailed_summary_final.pdf" target="_blank">parts of the bill</a>&nbsp;that would allow frozen and canned produce to be covered, create an accountability office and expand eligibility for the program.

Other SNAP proposals in the House’s farm bill draft would:

“We don’t feel there are cuts to SNAP – we’re just tightening up some of the issues,” Alford said. “I don’t want anyone who is truly hungry, truly needy and can’t work to go to bed hungry at night.”

Megan Hamann, a community organizer focused on food and nutrition access with&nbsp;<a href="https://neappleseed.org/who-we-are" target="_blank">Nebraska Appleseed</a>, said framing limits to the Thrifty Food Plan as anything but cuts to SNAP is a “pretty problematic characterization, because it would erode SNAP’s buying power over time.”

“So while families wouldn’t see their benefits go down in an immediate sense, SNAP would be increasingly less efficient as time goes on,” she said. “What we would see is a decline in how well the program actually works in people’s lives.”

Hamann said she hopes the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/rural_prosperity_and_food_security_section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">Senate’s farm bill proposal</a>&nbsp;can find support, which would maintain the regular re-evaluation of SNAP benefits.

The House’s draft has a long way to go before it makes it into law as the new farm bill; it will need final passage in the House and endorsement from the Senate.

“Everyone knows that this bill would never become law. The Senate won’t accept it and the administration won’t accept it,” Rep. David Scott of Georgia, the ranking Democrat on the House’s Agriculture committee, said during discussions. “And while this bill is a giant misstep, it nevertheless begins our journey toward passing a farm bill.”

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717798696726.png" alt="This story is part of Harvest Public Media's ongoing coverage of the 2023 Farm Bill." />
 <figcaption>This story is part of Harvest Public Media's ongoing coverage of the 2023 Farm Bill.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The overdue farm bill is finally making its way through Congress, after the House agriculture committee recently advanced a proposal. Food assistance is likely to be one of the biggest sticking points as the draft moves forward.</h2>By ELIZABETH REMBERT <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2024-06-07/snap-benefits-are-a-huge-part-of-the-farm-bill-and-a-big-point-of-contention-for-lawmakers?mc_cid=a5f0d9d772&amp;mc_eid=4e2c084f1d">KCUR</a>The long-stalled farm bill took a step forward in the House of Representatives last month as a Republican-led proposal made it out of the agriculture committee.The clock is ticking as the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, which expired eight months ago, ends in September.Yet food assistance will likely be a flashpoint in the discussions ahead.<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/key-statistics-and-research/#:~:text=In%20FY%202022%2C%20SNAP%20served,%24230.88%20per%20participant%20per%20month." target="_blank">More than 41 million Americans</a>&nbsp;rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program monthly to put food on the table. The program takes a lot of funding –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/reviewing-the-february-2024-baseline-for-usda-farm-and-nutrition-programs" target="_blank">about 80% of the farm bill’s massive budget goes to SNAP.</a><h2>House farm bill proposal</h2>The House draft suggests placing limits on how the Thrifty Food Plan is updated in the future. The Thrifty Food Plan is a basket of foods that represents a “nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet prepared at home” for a family of four,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/thriftyfoodplan" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.</a>The money people receive through SNAP is calculated by how much that basket of food costs.Right now, the plan is updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/cnpp/usda-food-plans#:~:text=As%20stipulated%20in%20the%20Agriculture,reevaluation%20is%20anticipated%20in%202026." target="_blank">every five years</a>&nbsp;based on food prices, food composition data, consumer data and dietary standards. The new proposal suggests updating the cost of the plan only for inflation.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://thompson.house.gov/" target="_blank">House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson</a>&nbsp;– a Republican from Pennsylvania – the nonpartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/" target="_blank">Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;estimates the limit would cut SNAP by $30 billion over the next 10 years.“The cut would take away a day’s worth of benefits from the participants each month, then it would rise to two days of benefits each day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://hayes.house.gov/" target="_blank">Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes</a>&nbsp;from Connecticut during discussions. “You may think losing one or two days of food is not significant. But I do think it’s quite significant for a low-income family trying to make ends meet.”But&nbsp;<a href="https://alford.house.gov/" target="_blank">Republican Rep. Mark Alford</a>&nbsp;from Missouri said he’s focused on making the program more efficient, not slashing benefits.“Democrats feel like we’re trying to cut the program. And that’s not the case,” he said. “If we can move to a program that has more integrity, more health benefits, it is going to be greater for our nation and greater for our taxpayers.”Alford points to&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/detailed_summary_final.pdf" target="_blank">parts of the bill</a>&nbsp;that would allow frozen and canned produce to be covered, create an accountability office and expand eligibility for the program.Other SNAP proposals in the House’s farm bill draft would:<ul>
 <li>Add frozen, fresh, canned and dried fruits and vegetables as SNAP-eligible products&nbsp;</li><li>Create an office of program integrity to focus on SNAP and address erroneous payments and other inefficiencies&nbsp;</li><li>Allow individuals with past drug offenses to receive SNAP</li><li>Direct the USDA to issue formal guidance on notifying eligible college students that they qualify for SNAP</li>
 </ul>“We don’t feel there are cuts to SNAP – we’re just tightening up some of the issues,” Alford said. “I don’t want anyone who is truly hungry, truly needy and can’t work to go to bed hungry at night.”Megan Hamann, a community organizer focused on food and nutrition access with&nbsp;<a href="https://neappleseed.org/who-we-are" target="_blank">Nebraska Appleseed</a>, said framing limits to the Thrifty Food Plan as anything but cuts to SNAP is a “pretty problematic characterization, because it would erode SNAP’s buying power over time.”“So while families wouldn’t see their benefits go down in an immediate sense, SNAP would be increasingly less efficient as time goes on,” she said. “What we would see is a decline in how well the program actually works in people’s lives.”Hamann said she hopes the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/rural_prosperity_and_food_security_section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">Senate’s farm bill proposal</a>&nbsp;can find support, which would maintain the regular re-evaluation of SNAP benefits.The House’s draft has a long way to go before it makes it into law as the new farm bill; it will need final passage in the House and endorsement from the Senate.“Everyone knows that this bill would never become law. The Senate won’t accept it and the administration won’t accept it,” Rep. David Scott of Georgia, the ranking Democrat on the House’s Agriculture committee, said during discussions. “And while this bill is a giant misstep, it nevertheless begins our journey toward passing a farm bill.”This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

SNAP benefits huge part of farm bill, big point of contention for lawmakers

CLINTON COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just before noon Saturday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Lincoln Navigator driven by Gregory R. Hill, 82, Morris, Illinois, was northbound on Interstate 35 near the U.S. 69 Cameron exit.

The&nbsp; driver attempted to merge and struck the front of a northbound 2023 Kenworth semi as the SUV crossed in front.

After impact the the SUV rolled off the east side of the road, struck a MODOT sign and came to rest on its top.

EMS transported three passengers in the SUV identified as Kathleen J. Hill, 75; Burgundy J. Lander, 52, and Charles F. Lander, 48, all of Morris, Illinois, to Liberty Hospital. Gregory Hill refused treatment.&nbsp; The semi driverDominique M. Jackson, 32, Houston, Texas, was not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just before noon Saturday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Lincoln Navigator driven by Gregory R. Hill, 82, Morris, Illinois, was northbound on Interstate 35 near the U.S. 69 Cameron exit.The&nbsp; driver attempted to merge and struck the front of a northbound 2023 Kenworth semi as the SUV crossed in front.After impact the the SUV rolled off the east side of the road, struck a MODOT sign and came to rest on its top.EMS transported three passengers in the SUV identified as Kathleen J. Hill, 75; Burgundy J. Lander, 52, and Charles F. Lander, 48, all of Morris, Illinois, to Liberty Hospital. Gregory Hill refused treatment.&nbsp; The semi driverDominique M. Jackson, 32, Houston, Texas, was not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

4 injured after SUV strikes semi, rolls

ATCHISON COUNTY —A northeast Kansas man is back in jail after an arrest in Atchison.

On Friday, 25-year-old Caleb S. Fall of Atchison, was arrested for alleged battery and criminal damage to property in the 300 block North 14th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He was booked into the county jail. In August of 2023, Fall was arrested on a requested charge of commercial DUI/ .04 or more; 2nd conviction and transporting an open container, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717765056173.png" alt="Fall from an earlier arrest in Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Fall from an earlier arrest in Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —A northeast Kansas man is back in jail after an arrest in Atchison.On Friday, 25-year-old Caleb S. Fall of Atchison, was arrested for alleged battery and criminal damage to property in the 300 block North 14th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He was booked into the county jail. In August of 2023, Fall was arrested on a requested charge of commercial DUI/ .04 or more; 2nd conviction and transporting an open container, according to online jail records.

Kansas man jailed for alleged violent crime 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Complaint questions Eplee’s donation of $40,000 to Senate campaign

TOPEKA — A former treasurer for Sen. Dennis Pyle of Hiawatha filed a complaint against one of the incumbent Republican senator’s primary challengers alleging campaign finance irregularities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717791703014.png" alt=" Rep. Randy Garber, a Sabetha Republican not seeking reelection, filed an ethics complaint against Atchison Rep. John Eplee, who is challenging incumbent Sen. Dennis Pyle, R-Hiawatha, in the 1st District. Garber served as Pyle’s treasurer when Pyle was an independent candidate for governor in 2022. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Randy Garber, a Sabetha Republican not seeking reelection, filed an ethics complaint against Atchison Rep. John Eplee, who is challenging incumbent Sen. Dennis Pyle, R-Hiawatha, in the 1st District. Garber served as Pyle’s treasurer when Pyle was an independent candidate for governor in 2022. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Complaint questions Eplee’s donation of $40,000 to Senate campaign</h2>TOPEKA — A former treasurer for Sen. Dennis Pyle of Hiawatha filed a complaint against one of the incumbent Republican senator’s primary challengers alleging campaign finance irregularities.Sabetha Rep. Randy Garber, who was treasurer of Pyle’s controversial independent campaign for governor in 2022, said Wednesday he forwarded a four-page complaint to the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission against Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison Republican. Eplee will be on the August primary ballot with Pyle and GOP candidate Craig Bowser of Holton in the 1st District Senate race.Garber’s complaint challenged a decision in August 2023 by Eplee to draw upon his House campaign account to reimburse himself for $40,000 in mileage expenses related to service in the House since 2017. Eplee filed reports with the state ethics commission showing he subsequently deposited a personal check for $40,000 in his Kansas Senate account.“I believe that his use of the same name ‘Kansans for Eplee’ has resulted in his depositing of campaign contributions intended for his House campaign in his Senate campaign account,” Garber said.Eplee, who declared his candidacy for the Kansas Senate in June 2023, said there was nothing improper about reimbursing himself for legitimate expenditures as a state representative and then making the decision to apply those funds to his Senate campaign.He said he maintained detailed records of personal expenditures related to driving to and from political obligations in his House district.“I kept a log. I have a lot of documentation to support that,” Eplee said. “I have always and will always provide accurate and credible information to Kansas Governmental Ethics. I am happy to discuss any matters with them.”Under Kansas law, contributions to a House or Senate candidate cannot be transferred directly to that individual’s campaign account for a different seat in the Legislature. Attempts by members of the Legislature to repeal that prohibition failed in 2015.Garber’s complaint also questioned Eplee’s purchase of campaign brochures for his Senate campaign and validity of a $1,000 in-kind contribution for a fundraising reception tied to his Senate race.In response, Eplee said there was nothing mysterious about those transactions. He said examination of the record would lead to dismissal of the objections.The latest campaign finance reports submitted by the three Senate Republican candidates showed Bowser had $100,200 cash on hand in January. Bowser’s total included a $65,000 loan he made to his campaign. In January, Eplee had $72,300 in cash after writing checks for $50,000 to his campaign account. Pyle, the incumbent, had $70,700 in cash in his Senate account at start of the year.Eplee said the key issue in the District 1 campaign would be the Legislature’s delay in delivering property, sales and income tax relief to Kansans. He said Pyle voted against overriding the governor’s veto of a major tax reform bill during the 2023 session. The override attempt fell one vote short in the Senate.At outset of the 2024 legislative session, Pyle also joined two Republican senators who endorsed a tax overhaul bill proposed by the Democratic governor. Kelly vetoed three tax bills passed by the Republican-led 2024 Legislature. She has called the House and Senate to a special session scheduled for June 18 to resolve the tax policy standoff.“By far the biggest issue is tax relief for Kansas taxpayers,” Eplee said. “Rep. Garber has long been used by Sen. Pyle as a political pawn to do his dirty work, like when he served as the treasurer for his gubernatorial campaign, attacking Republicans and helping elect Laura Kelly. This is nothing more than political gamesmanship on the part of Dennis Pyle and perhaps if he focused more on delivering for northeast Kansas we would have tax reform right now.”Pyle, elected in 2004 to represent northeast Kansas in the Senate, said when filing for reelection that he was the only Republican in the race with a conservative record of fighting for limited government and fiscal conservatism.“My experience and proven record stands in stark contrast to other candidates’ records,” Pyle said.Bowser, who served 24 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, launched his campaign for the 1st District seat in December 2022 while Pyle was still registered as an independent for purposes of running for governor against Kelly and GOP nominee Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Kelly won a close race amid claims Pyle helped draw conservative votes from Schmidt.“I’m running for the state Senate to return conservative leadership to the 1st Senate District,” Bowser said at that time.

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