NODAWAY COUNTY—Two drivers were injured and one arrested after an accident that occurred just after 4a.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford F150 driven by a 31-year-old Maryville man was eastbound on MO 46 two miles west of Maryville.&nbsp;

The pickup crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2003 Dodge 1500 driven by a 24-year-old Maryville man head-on.

Omaha Air-ambulance transported the 24-year-old to Nebraska Medical Center. Life-Net transported the 31-year-old to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The 24-year-old was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. 

Just after 8a.m. the MSHP reported the 31-year-old identified as Benjamin P. Luna was accused of felony DWI and careless and imprudent driving.

NODAWAY COUNTY—Two drivers were injured and one arrested after an accident that occurred just after 4a.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford F150 driven by a 31-year-old Maryville man was eastbound on MO 46 two miles west of Maryville.&nbsp;The pickup crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2003 Dodge 1500 driven by a 24-year-old Maryville man head-on.Omaha Air-ambulance transported the 24-year-old to Nebraska Medical Center. Life-Net transported the 31-year-old to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The 24-year-old was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. Just after 8a.m. the MSHP reported the 31-year-old identified as Benjamin P. Luna was accused of felony DWI and careless and imprudent driving.

Driver accused of DWI after Nodaway Co. head-on crash

Last year, the Lafayette Fighting Irish beat the Benton Cardinals in the Class 4 District 16 championship game on a last second shot by then freshman Jodell Redman.&nbsp; This year, the Cardinals got their revenge.

Benton raced out to an early lead and never let Lafayette back into the game, winning against their crosstown rivals 65-46 and bringing the first district title since 2007 to the southside.&nbsp;

After the Cardinals raced to a 6-0 lead to start the game, the Fighting Irish cut the lead to as much as two before Benton pulled away and led at the end of the first quarter 19-8.&nbsp;

While the second quarter was closer, the Cardinals continued to show a potent offensive attack and stifling defense to keep holding Lafayette down, going on to lead 35-18.&nbsp;

Benton Head Coach Jared Boone says the team knew they had to come out early and set the tone.&nbsp;

"We knew they were going to come out juiced up, especially after the way they played yesterday," Boone tells reporters following the game.&nbsp; "They're in this championship game year after year after year after year, I mean they've owned this district year after year after year after year, so I mean they have that championship pedigree, we knew it was going to be tough."&nbsp;

"KB (Lafayette head coach Kevin Bristol) did a good job, hats off to them in towing the load, but I mean we had a good start and we didn't look back."&nbsp;

Benton went on to outscore Lafayette 30-28 in the second half of the game on way to the district championship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Boone says it means everything to bring the first championship in 18 years back to the southside

"It's why I came back, to try to deliver this to this community this school, I mean I have no words, it's amazing," Boone says.&nbsp; "It's all contributed to these guys, their hard work, their belief in me, and what we're trying to do here and what we're trying to build here."&nbsp;

"You know they put their hard hats on and come to work every single day, and we've had our ups and our downs and our heartbreaks and days where we've been at it, but it's all for this, it's all for this."

Senior Lincoln Goodwin led the team with 21 points.&nbsp; Junior Mach Mayom scored 14 while senior Myles Bachali added 11.&nbsp; Bachali says waiting a whole year for this rematch, after a heartbreaking loss last season, is what motivated the team

"Just having to wait 365 days, just keeping in the back of our mind we got beat, everyday it haunts you the whole year," Bachali points out.&nbsp;

Beating a team that has been as dominant as Lafayette could bring pressure to any other team, but not Benton, according to Goodwin.&nbsp;

"I mean not really pressure, this is what we're built for, we work hard every single day, we're built for the moment," Goodwin tells reporters.&nbsp;

Benton will matchup with St. Pius X to open up the Class 4 quarterfinals on Monday.&nbsp; MSHSAA has yet to announce the host or tipoff time.&nbsp; In their one matchup this season, Benton beat St. Pius 64-53.&nbsp;

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/2025/3/1741403651938.jpeg" alt="The Benton student section celebrate alongside the team after winning the Class 4 District 16 title/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The Benton student section celebrate alongside the team after winning the Class 4 District 16 title/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostLast year, the Lafayette Fighting Irish beat the Benton Cardinals in the Class 4 District 16 championship game on a last second shot by then freshman Jodell Redman.&nbsp; This year, the Cardinals got their revenge.Benton raced out to an early lead and never let Lafayette back into the game, winning against their crosstown rivals 65-46 and bringing the first district title since 2007 to the southside.&nbsp;After the Cardinals raced to a 6-0 lead to start the game, the Fighting Irish cut the lead to as much as two before Benton pulled away and led at the end of the first quarter 19-8.&nbsp;While the second quarter was closer, the Cardinals continued to show a potent offensive attack and stifling defense to keep holding Lafayette down, going on to lead 35-18.&nbsp;Benton Head Coach Jared Boone says the team knew they had to come out early and set the tone.&nbsp;"We knew they were going to come out juiced up, especially after the way they played yesterday," Boone tells reporters following the game.&nbsp; "They're in this championship game year after year after year after year, I mean they've owned this district year after year after year after year, so I mean they have that championship pedigree, we knew it was going to be tough."&nbsp;"KB (Lafayette head coach Kevin Bristol) did a good job, hats off to them in towing the load, but I mean we had a good start and we didn't look back."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741402893764.jpeg" alt="Myles Bachali goes up for a layup/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Myles Bachali goes up for a layup/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Benton went on to outscore Lafayette 30-28 in the second half of the game on way to the district championship.&nbsp;&nbsp;Boone says it means everything to bring the first championship in 18 years back to the southside"It's why I came back, to try to deliver this to this community this school, I mean I have no words, it's amazing," Boone says.&nbsp; "It's all contributed to these guys, their hard work, their belief in me, and what we're trying to do here and what we're trying to build here."&nbsp;"You know they put their hard hats on and come to work every single day, and we've had our ups and our downs and our heartbreaks and days where we've been at it, but it's all for this, it's all for this."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741410460395.jpeg" alt="Lincoln Goodwin takes a fadeway shot/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Lincoln Goodwin takes a fadeway shot/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Senior Lincoln Goodwin led the team with 21 points.&nbsp; Junior Mach Mayom scored 14 while senior Myles Bachali added 11.&nbsp; Bachali says waiting a whole year for this rematch, after a heartbreaking loss last season, is what motivated the team"Just having to wait 365 days, just keeping in the back of our mind we got beat, everyday it haunts you the whole year," Bachali points out.&nbsp;Beating a team that has been as dominant as Lafayette could bring pressure to any other team, but not Benton, according to Goodwin.&nbsp;"I mean not really pressure, this is what we're built for, we work hard every single day, we're built for the moment," Goodwin tells reporters.&nbsp;Benton will matchup with St. Pius X to open up the Class 4 quarterfinals on Monday.&nbsp; MSHSAA has yet to announce the host or tipoff time.&nbsp; In their one matchup this season, Benton beat St. Pius 64-53.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741410501154.jpeg" alt="Daryan May breakaway layup/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Daryan May breakaway layup/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741410524033.jpeg" alt="Jodell Redman (5) fights through the double team of Mach Mayom (35) and Xavier Warner (25)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Jodell Redman (5) fights through the double team of Mach Mayom (35) and Xavier Warner (25)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Benton boys basketball beats Lafayette 65-46 for first district title since '07

A new volunteer opportunity is being made available at the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.  

Rather than volunteering out in the community, President Kylee Strough says they wanted to find some easy volunteer chances within the United Way offices. 

"Where we can also talk about the need that is being met by the project we're working on," Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "So that's what the Caring Connections series is, and we're inviting people to be part of the Caring Connection Crew and show up and volunteer." 

The first Caring Connections volunteer opportunity is tomorrow where volunteers will pack meal kits which will be distributed through Interserv 

Strough says the goal is to offer these opportunities monthly, but currently they don't have them quite all lined out 

"We know we're going to do a series where we do cleaning kits that will be given out by social service agencies to the clients that they serve," Strough explains.  "So, we're trying to kind of align what some of the needs are that are hard to meet in the community and how we can match that with willing volunteers to meet the need." 

Strough says these events are designed to be more intimate, to explain why they are doing what they are doing, and to get people more interested in volunteering 

"We're trying to create it where it's a little bit more of a forum where you get a little more deeply engaged than just on the specific thing you're doing, like reading to a child or collecting school supplies," Strough says.  "Now, if all somebody wants to do is show up for two hours, pack meal supplies, and never think about it again, that's ok too, we welcome that, but it will create the forum where they can learn a little bit about the community need and ways to address it." 

The first opportunity tomorrow is already full. You can sign up for a waitlist to learn about future opportunities on the <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/events">United Way website</a>.

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/2023/9/1694110305015.jpeg" alt="United Way of Greater St. joseph President Kylee Strough speaks during the 2023 Campaign Kickoff File photo" />
 <figcaption>United Way of Greater St. joseph President Kylee Strough speaks during the 2023 Campaign Kickoff File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A new volunteer opportunity is being made available at the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. Rather than volunteering out in the community, President Kylee Strough says they wanted to find some easy volunteer chances within the United Way offices. "Where we can also talk about the need that is being met by the project we're working on," Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So that's what the Caring Connections series is, and we're inviting people to be part of the Caring Connection Crew and show up and volunteer." The first Caring Connections volunteer opportunity is tomorrow where volunteers will pack meal kits which will be distributed through Interserv Strough says the goal is to offer these opportunities monthly, but currently they don't have them quite all lined out "We know we're going to do a series where we do cleaning kits that will be given out by social service agencies to the clients that they serve," Strough explains. "So, we're trying to kind of align what some of the needs are that are hard to meet in the community and how we can match that with willing volunteers to meet the need." Strough says these events are designed to be more intimate, to explain why they are doing what they are doing, and to get people more interested in volunteering "We're trying to create it where it's a little bit more of a forum where you get a little more deeply engaged than just on the specific thing you're doing, like reading to a child or collecting school supplies," Strough says. "Now, if all somebody wants to do is show up for two hours, pack meal supplies, and never think about it again, that's ok too, we welcome that, but it will create the forum where they can learn a little bit about the community need and ways to address it." The first opportunity tomorrow is already full. You can sign up for a waitlist to learn about future opportunities on the <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/events">United Way website</a>.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

New volunteer opportunity coming to United Way of Greater St. Joseph

It appears St. Joseph will get a new
animal shelter, finally.

After years of on again, off again
negotiations with Friends of the Animal Shelter, the city is inching closer toward
breaking ground.

Mayor John Josendale says a new shelter
is needed, evidenced by the fact that the current shelter is full once again.

“We’ve gone back and forth on it for a
long time, but we’ve identified the site down at the end of the South Belt and
this construction will start and hopefully you’ll see work on the grounds over
the next month or so and we’re looking for the possibility of a completion early
fall or late fall of this year,” Josendale tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ
Hotline.

The St. Joseph City Council is expected
to vote during its March 17th meeting on a $4.7 million contract
with E. L. Crawford to construct a new shelter on the South Belt Highway.
Friends of the Animal Shelter will donate more than $1.6 million toward the
project.

Josendale is pleased with the latest
development.

“I think it’s very positive and, again, I
can’t say enough for Friends of the Animal Shelter that has worked with it for
years and years,” Josendale says. “They had the dream to go one direction. It
wasn’t working. So, again, coming back to the table and being able to work
together and with their support being able to move forward with the new animal
shelter.”

Josendale praises the flexibility of
Friends of the Animal Shelter and how willing the group was to work with the
city on alternative plans when the original plans proved too costly.

“Again, working with them and knowing
what their dreams have been to put this in place for a long time,” Josendale
says. “But the need for it in the city and knowing how if you’ve ever been down
and toured the facility, the current facility, you understand the need for the
new and expanded facility.”

The contract still must be formally
approved by the city council, then a new animal shelter might actually become a
reality for St. Joseph.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741279441405.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Animal Shelter/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Animal Shelter/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt appears St. Joseph will get a new
animal shelter, finally.After years of on again, off again
negotiations with Friends of the Animal Shelter, the city is inching closer toward
breaking ground.Mayor John Josendale says a new shelter
is needed, evidenced by the fact that the current shelter is full once again.“We’ve gone back and forth on it for a
long time, but we’ve identified the site down at the end of the South Belt and
this construction will start and hopefully you’ll see work on the grounds over
the next month or so and we’re looking for the possibility of a completion early
fall or late fall of this year,” Josendale tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ
Hotline.The St. Joseph City Council is expected
to vote during its March 17th meeting on a $4.7 million contract
with E. L. Crawford to construct a new shelter on the South Belt Highway.
Friends of the Animal Shelter will donate more than $1.6 million toward the
project.Josendale is pleased with the latest
development.“I think it’s very positive and, again, I
can’t say enough for Friends of the Animal Shelter that has worked with it for
years and years,” Josendale says. “They had the dream to go one direction. It
wasn’t working. So, again, coming back to the table and being able to work
together and with their support being able to move forward with the new animal
shelter.”Josendale praises the flexibility of
Friends of the Animal Shelter and how willing the group was to work with the
city on alternative plans when the original plans proved too costly.“Again, working with them and knowing
what their dreams have been to put this in place for a long time,” Josendale
says. “But the need for it in the city and knowing how if you’ve ever been down
and toured the facility, the current facility, you understand the need for the
new and expanded facility.”The contract still must be formally
approved by the city council, then a new animal shelter might actually become a
reality for St. Joseph.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph could be getting a new animal shelter, finally

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

One part of the bill approved by the Senate Thursday requires the state to establish residential care programs for foster children who are currently staying in places like hospitals and offices because they have nowhere else to go

Issues that have long been plaguing Missouri’s child welfare system were the focus of hours-long debates in the state Senate this week, as lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">sprawling bill&nbsp;</a>aimed at helping the state’s most vulnerable children.

Missouri takes children into foster care at a rate higher than the national average and houses some of them in hospitals, hotels and offices locally, and residential treatment facilities out of state.&nbsp;

One section of the wide-ranging bill, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Travis Fitzwater of Holts Summit and approved by the Missouri Senate Thursday, would require the state to establish residential care programs for children currently housed in inappropriate settings.&nbsp;

The state would contract with qualified service providers to deliver comprehensive care to those children, many of whom have behavioral issues.

“A kid shouldn’t be in a hospital that has behavioral challenges when we have facilities around the state that I think would be willing to take these kids and help,” Fitzwater said during a Senate debate on the bill Tuesday. “And they shouldn’t be in businesses. They shouldn’t be in hotels. And so we’re trying to answer that.”&nbsp;

The bill — which also includes provisions related to legal counsel for foster kids, tax credits for youth programs and nondisclosure agreements for victims of childhood sexual abuse — was passed out of the Senate Thursday by a vote of 31 to 2.&nbsp;

It now heads to the House for consideration.

Concerns surrounding foster care were so persistent that they delayed Senate confirmation of Jess Bax, who Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed to be the new director for the Department of Social Services.&nbsp;

State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">said last week she was holding up the confirmation</a>&nbsp;until she got answers from the department about chronic problems and the agency’s failure to implement new laws approved by the legislature to address the issues.&nbsp;

Coleman said in an interview with The Independent on Thursday that the department has been responsive in providing information and she’s looking forward to continuing their relationship to help Missouri kids.

“This was about making sure that I had the leadership team that was committed to working with the General Assembly to follow the laws of the state and the appropriations that have been made,” Coleman said, “and it took a little bit of a longer runway for us to get to a position of trust because of the past failures in leadership.”

Missouri foster children who have nowhere else to go are receiving residential treatment in states as far flung as Florida, Arizona and Utah, Baylee Watts, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Services, told The Independent this week.

There are around 85 kids receiving treatment out of state, according to department&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">data</a>&nbsp;shared at an appropriations hearing. It costs the state over $3,200 daily per child to house them out of state,&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">according to a fiscal note</a>, totaling $13.6 million total last year.

“Think about what that feels like to a foster care kid that they don’t even stay in their home state,” Fitzwater said. “And the cost that entails.”

Last year, 314 foster children resided in hospitals. The total current cost to house foster children in hospitals is&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">over $28.7 million.&nbsp;</a>

It’s&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">estimated</a>&nbsp;that shifting away from placing foster kids in hospitals and out of state could cost over $9 million in startup costs, but in the long run could save the state around $13 million yearly in general revenue.&nbsp;

The bill would also change the model of legal representation for foster children who are 14 and older, so kids “have somebody going to bat, that are on their side in the court system,” Fitzwater said Tuesday.&nbsp;

Currently, foster children in Missouri are assigned guardians ad litem, who are attorneys tasked with acting in what they view as the child’s best interest.&nbsp;

The bill would assign children 14 and older to client-directed attorneys, meaning they would act based on the goals of the children.&nbsp;

There are 10 states that have adopted client-directed legal representation for all foster children, and 11 other states have adopted it for kids of a certain age, competency or need,&nbsp;<a href="https://counselforkids.org/resources/client-directed-advocacy-faqs/" target="_blank">according to the National Association of Counsel for Children’s campaign Counsel for Kids.</a>

State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat from Kansas City, was concerned some children would want to go to unsafe homes, such as return to parents who’d recently gotten out of prison. The bill was changed in response to her concerns to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">offer the judge discretion</a>&nbsp;as to whether to appoint counsel in addition to a guardian ad litem.&nbsp;

Additionally, the American Bar Association’s model rules of conduct provide guidance for attorneys in those kinds of situations, and studies have shown the client-directed model for kids to&nbsp;<a href="https://counselforkids.org/resources/client-directed-advocacy-faqs/" target="_blank">produce better outcomes in terms of time spent in foster care, and chances of reunification.&nbsp;</a>

Senators tacked on their own child welfare-related priorities as amendments to Fitzwater’s bill.&nbsp;

Fitzwater has called his bill his top priority for the session, which Democrat state Sen. Stephen Webber lauded during the Senate debate.

“So much in this building is driven by those who have the financial ability to hire people to advocate for them — to hire lobbyists — or to reach out to politicians,” Webber said. “And the fact that this group of kids clearly does not, and that you made that a priority, I sincerely think that’s very commendable and really important.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741365242348.png" alt=" State Sen. Travis Fitzwater introduces Sen. Barbara Washington on the first day of the 2025 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Travis Fitzwater introduces Sen. Barbara Washington on the first day of the 2025 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/"></a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>One part of the bill approved by the Senate Thursday requires the state to establish residential care programs for foster children who are currently staying in places like hospitals and offices because they have nowhere else to go</h2>Issues that have long been plaguing Missouri’s child welfare system were the focus of hours-long debates in the state Senate this week, as lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">sprawling bill&nbsp;</a>aimed at helping the state’s most vulnerable children.Missouri takes children into foster care at a rate higher than the national average and houses some of them in hospitals, hotels and offices locally, and residential treatment facilities out of state.&nbsp;One section of the wide-ranging bill, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Travis Fitzwater of Holts Summit and approved by the Missouri Senate Thursday, would require the state to establish residential care programs for children currently housed in inappropriate settings.&nbsp;The state would contract with qualified service providers to deliver comprehensive care to those children, many of whom have behavioral issues.“A kid shouldn’t be in a hospital that has behavioral challenges when we have facilities around the state that I think would be willing to take these kids and help,” Fitzwater said during a Senate debate on the bill Tuesday. “And they shouldn’t be in businesses. They shouldn’t be in hotels. And so we’re trying to answer that.”&nbsp;The bill — which also includes provisions related to legal counsel for foster kids, tax credits for youth programs and nondisclosure agreements for victims of childhood sexual abuse — was passed out of the Senate Thursday by a vote of 31 to 2.&nbsp;It now heads to the House for consideration.Concerns surrounding foster care were so persistent that they delayed Senate confirmation of Jess Bax, who Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed to be the new director for the Department of Social Services.&nbsp;State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">said last week she was holding up the confirmation</a>&nbsp;until she got answers from the department about chronic problems and the agency’s failure to implement new laws approved by the legislature to address the issues.&nbsp;The Senate confirmed Bax on Thursday.Coleman said in an interview with The Independent on Thursday that the department has been responsive in providing information and she’s looking forward to continuing their relationship to help Missouri kids.“This was about making sure that I had the leadership team that was committed to working with the General Assembly to follow the laws of the state and the appropriations that have been made,” Coleman said, “and it took a little bit of a longer runway for us to get to a position of trust because of the past failures in leadership.”<h2>Placement issues</h2>Missouri foster children who have nowhere else to go are receiving residential treatment in states as far flung as Florida, Arizona and Utah, Baylee Watts, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Services, told The Independent this week.There are around 85 kids receiving treatment out of state, according to department&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">data</a>&nbsp;shared at an appropriations hearing. It costs the state over $3,200 daily per child to house them out of state,&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">according to a fiscal note</a>, totaling $13.6 million total last year.“Think about what that feels like to a foster care kid that they don’t even stay in their home state,” Fitzwater said. “And the cost that entails.”Last year, 314 foster children resided in hospitals. The total current cost to house foster children in hospitals is&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">over $28.7 million.&nbsp;</a>It’s&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/1205S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">estimated</a>&nbsp;that shifting away from placing foster kids in hospitals and out of state could cost over $9 million in startup costs, but in the long run could save the state around $13 million yearly in general revenue.&nbsp;<h2>Children’s attorneys</h2>The bill would also change the model of legal representation for foster children who are 14 and older, so kids “have somebody going to bat, that are on their side in the court system,” Fitzwater said Tuesday.&nbsp;Currently, foster children in Missouri are assigned guardians ad litem, who are attorneys tasked with acting in what they view as the child’s best interest.&nbsp;The bill would assign children 14 and older to client-directed attorneys, meaning they would act based on the goals of the children.&nbsp;There are 10 states that have adopted client-directed legal representation for all foster children, and 11 other states have adopted it for kids of a certain age, competency or need,&nbsp;<a href="https://counselforkids.org/resources/client-directed-advocacy-faqs/" target="_blank">according to the National Association of Counsel for Children’s campaign Counsel for Kids.</a>State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Democrat from Kansas City, was concerned some children would want to go to unsafe homes, such as return to parents who’d recently gotten out of prison. The bill was changed in response to her concerns to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">offer the judge discretion</a>&nbsp;as to whether to appoint counsel in addition to a guardian ad litem.&nbsp;Additionally, the American Bar Association’s model rules of conduct provide guidance for attorneys in those kinds of situations, and studies have shown the client-directed model for kids to&nbsp;<a href="https://counselforkids.org/resources/client-directed-advocacy-faqs/" target="_blank">produce better outcomes in terms of time spent in foster care, and chances of reunification.&nbsp;</a><h2>Amendments</h2>Senators tacked on their own child welfare-related priorities as amendments to Fitzwater’s bill.&nbsp;Those amendments include:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">Increasing a tax credit</a>&nbsp;for donations to certain youth programs ;</li><li>Making&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">non-disclosure agreements in childhood sexual abuse cases</a>&nbsp;void and not judicially enforceable;</li><li>Requiring law enforcement to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">enforce child custody and visitation orders</a>;</li><li>Changing the criminal offense of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">endangering the welfare of a child&nbsp;</a>in the first degree, by raising the age of a child from “under 17” to “under 18”;</li><li>Raising the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">marriage age</a>&nbsp;to 18, which was also passed as a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-once-again-overwhelmingly-approves-child-marriage-ban/">standalone bill</a>&nbsp;Thursday;</li><li>And requiring Children’s Division caseworkers to present&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">identification</a>&nbsp;of themselves when conducting investigations of child abuse and neglect, and<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=207" target="_blank">&nbsp;inform parents of their rights.</a></li>
 </ul>Fitzwater has called his bill his top priority for the session, which Democrat state Sen. Stephen Webber lauded during the Senate debate.“So much in this building is driven by those who have the financial ability to hire people to advocate for them — to hire lobbyists — or to reach out to politicians,” Webber said. “And the fact that this group of kids clearly does not, and that you made that a priority, I sincerely think that’s very commendable and really important.”&nbsp;

Missouri Senate approves massive child welfare bill aimed at foster care system

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-372025-e2vrgdp/a-abqo179" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-372025-e2vrgce/a-abqo15c" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

The Mid- America Intercollegiate Athletics Association presidents unanimously voted to keep the men's and women's basketball tournaments in Kansas City until at least 2030.  

With a contract expiring in 2026, a bid process was put out for communities to try to get the tournament away from Municipal Auditorium.  St. Joseph was one of those bids.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says he's disappointed for St. Joseph in the MIAA's decision 

"Simply because, we host events of that nature in a very professional, hospitable manner, and being around that event for so long, just from my previous experience, the MIAA basketball championship would be a great fit for St. Joseph," Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And it still could be someday." 

Esely says he feels like they put together a very competitive bid to bring the tournament to St. Joseph, but adds he respects the decision to go back to Kansas City.  

Esely doesn't feel though as if the bids from other communities were used to get a better deal from Kansas City 

"I think the MIAA, Commissioner Racy and his staff, did their due diligence to seek, really, communities that could host the leagues marquee championship," Esely says.  "And we felt from day one that it was a real bid process; I think it definitely was."  

Esely feels like this is just the reality of the bid process and says he respects the decision and the opportunity and looks forward to future opportunities with the MIAA. 

Esely says when the next bid process comes around, an obvious thing that could make a stronger case for St. Joseph is more hotels and conference space 

"I do think, four years from now, I think that landscape in St. Joseph will look considerably different than it does today." Esely says.  

Esely points out one new hotel has already been developed in the North Village Shoppes, and there is another on the way.  There is also development underway on a hotel and conference center at the site of the old Ramada Inn at I-29 and Frederick. 

Esely says it is also paramount to continue working on getting more hotel spaces in downtown St. Joseph 

"I don't know this, but you often wonder if there was a downtown hotel open and functional today, would the MIAA's decision have been different?" Esely questions.  "You know, I don't know that I can't answer that, but I know it certainly wouldn't have hurt." 

Esely says he thinks keeping amenities in mind and knowing what out-of-town groups need needs to be kept in the forefront when talking about tourism as well as these big sporting events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679502589475.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Mid- America Intercollegiate Athletics Association presidents unanimously voted to keep the men's and women's basketball tournaments in Kansas City until at least 2030. With a contract expiring in 2026, a bid process was put out for communities to try to get the tournament away from Municipal Auditorium. St. Joseph was one of those bids. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says he's disappointed for St. Joseph in the MIAA's decision "Simply because, we host events of that nature in a very professional, hospitable manner, and being around that event for so long, just from my previous experience, the MIAA basketball championship would be a great fit for St. Joseph," Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And it still could be someday." Esely says he feels like they put together a very competitive bid to bring the tournament to St. Joseph, but adds he respects the decision to go back to Kansas City. Esely doesn't feel though as if the bids from other communities were used to get a better deal from Kansas City "I think the MIAA, Commissioner Racy and his staff, did their due diligence to seek, really, communities that could host the leagues marquee championship," Esely says. "And we felt from day one that it was a real bid process; I think it definitely was." Esely feels like this is just the reality of the bid process and says he respects the decision and the opportunity and looks forward to future opportunities with the MIAA. Esely says when the next bid process comes around, an obvious thing that could make a stronger case for St. Joseph is more hotels and conference space "I do think, four years from now, I think that landscape in St. Joseph will look considerably different than it does today." Esely says. Esely points out one new hotel has already been developed in the North Village Shoppes, and there is another on the way. There is also development underway on a hotel and conference center at the site of the old Ramada Inn at I-29 and Frederick. Esely says it is also paramount to continue working on getting more hotel spaces in downtown St. Joseph "I don't know this, but you often wonder if there was a downtown hotel open and functional today, would the MIAA's decision have been different?" Esely questions. "You know, I don't know that I can't answer that, but I know it certainly wouldn't have hurt." Esely says he thinks keeping amenities in mind and knowing what out-of-town groups need needs to be kept in the forefront when talking about tourism as well as these big sporting events.JOURNAL<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Journal-Esely-disappointed-for-St--Joseph-by-MIAA-decision-e2vrfce/a-abqnvuu" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>FULL INTERVIEW<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Full-Interiew-Brett-Esely-on-MIAA-decision-to-stay-in-KC-e2vrg4s/a-abqo0rn" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph Sports Director dissapointed for city by MIAA choice to stay in KC

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo—Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Hyundia Santa Fe driven by a 29-year-old Fairfax woman was northbound on U.S. 59 one mile south of Fairfax.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The SUV traveled off the east side of the road, struck a road sign, an embankment, became airborne and struck the ground.&nbsp; Atchison Holt ambulance transported the driver and a 57-year-old passenger to Fairfax Community Hospital.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo—Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Hyundia Santa Fe driven by a 29-year-old Fairfax woman was northbound on U.S. 59 one mile south of Fairfax.The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The SUV traveled off the east side of the road, struck a road sign, an embankment, became airborne and struck the ground.&nbsp; Atchison Holt ambulance transported the driver and a 57-year-old passenger to Fairfax Community Hospital.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 woman hospitalized after SUV crash

After 32 years in mornings at Audacy’s “98.9 The Rock” KQRC Kansas City, the Johnny Dare Morning Show will come to an end on Friday, March 7 as part of Audacy’s round of layoffs.

Dare has anchored mornings at KQRC since 1993 months after the station’s Rock format debuted.&nbsp;

“No one is more surprised than us that its lasted this long but after 32 years, we got smoked. Tomorrow will be the final morning show for us on the Rock.. join Nycki,Gregg,Jake, Kyle and I tomorrow morning starting at 6am for one final show,"&nbsp;Dare wrote,

The show has long helped give back during the holiday season with “Hope for the Holidays.”

It wasn't the only show to announce its end on Thursday. The Ponch &amp; Nikki show on 99.7 The Point posted on Facebook they were no longer on the station and would "have more details soon."

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAfter 32 years in mornings at Audacy’s “98.9 The Rock” KQRC Kansas City, the Johnny Dare Morning Show will come to an end on Friday, March 7 as part of Audacy’s round of layoffs.Dare has anchored mornings at KQRC since 1993 months after the station’s Rock format debuted.&nbsp;“No one is more surprised than us that its lasted this long but after 32 years, we got smoked. Tomorrow will be the final morning show for us on the Rock.. join Nycki,Gregg,Jake, Kyle and I tomorrow morning starting at 6am for one final show,"&nbsp;Dare wrote,The show has long helped give back during the holiday season with “Hope for the Holidays.”It wasn't the only show to announce its end on Thursday. The Ponch &amp; Nikki show on 99.7 The Point posted on Facebook they were no longer on the station and would "have more details soon."

Popular Kansas City DJ to air last show Friday after cancellation announced

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Shortly after 10p.m. on Wednesday an officer observed 31-year-old Trevor Kiehl walking in the 900 block Unity Street in Atchison and attempted to take him into custody on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court,&nbsp;according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. 

Kiehl ran from officers but following a brief pursuit he was located in the 900 block North 9th Street. He was in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Following an investigation he was taken to the County Jail on the failure to appear warrant and requested&nbsp; drug charges, and interference with law enforcement (fleeing from officers).&nbsp;Kiehl has three previous drug conviction and one for interference with law enforcement, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741272695489.png" alt="Kiehl photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Kiehl photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Shortly after 10p.m. on Wednesday an officer observed 31-year-old Trevor Kiehl walking in the 900 block Unity Street in Atchison and attempted to take him into custody on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court,&nbsp;according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Kiehl ran from officers but following a brief pursuit he was located in the 900 block North 9th Street. He was in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Following an investigation he was taken to the County Jail on the failure to appear warrant and requested&nbsp; drug charges, and interference with law enforcement (fleeing from officers).&nbsp;Kiehl has three previous drug conviction and one for interference with law enforcement, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Wanted Kansas felon back in jail after running from police

JEFFERSON CITY Mo, – On Thursday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent a letter to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk, calling for an immediate investigation into the nearly $5 billion worth of planned waste in federal loan guarantee to be awarded to the Grain Belt Express (GBE) project — a scheme Attorney General Bailey describes as one of the most egregious abuses of taxpayer dollars in recent memory, according to a media release from Bailey's office.

The Grain Belt Express project proposes constructing massive transmission lines across Missouri farmland to transport wind-generated energy from Kansas to other states. The project has sparked widespread outrage among Missouri farmers and landowners whose properties face confiscation through the unjust use of eminent domain.

“In the waning, chaotic days of the Biden Administration — when the former president’s mental decline had grown to such a severe state that we now know he was not actually running his own White House and often signed documents without even knowing what they contained — left-wing bureaucrats seized the opportunity to advance their radical ‘green agenda,'”&nbsp;said Attorney General Bailey.&nbsp;“In the shadows of this confusion, far-left deep staters advanced a $4.9 billion green energy federal loan guarantee boondoggle to bankroll the Grain Belt Express (GBE), one of the most egregious abuses of taxpayer dollars in recent memory.”

Attorney General Bailey emphasized that the project is less about renewable energy and more about lining the pockets of wealthy investors. “This so-called renewable energy project is nothing more than a government-sponsored land grab disguised as environmentalism. Missouri farmers — the backbone of our state and nation — now face the prospect of watching their lands carved apart, all to satisfy the greed of private investors.”

The letter highlights that the GBE project has initiated nearly&nbsp;40 eminent domain proceedings&nbsp;against Missouri landowners, threatening to strip hard-working citizens of their property rights to benefit out-of-state corporations.

“We will not stand by while Missouri families are steamrolled by out-of-state interests and unelected bureaucrats pushing a radical green agenda,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Attorney General Bailey. “I urge DOGE to immediately investigate and cancel federal funding for the nearly $5 billion in waste from the GBE, putting an end to this shameful legacy of the Biden Administration—a legacy defined by incompetence, corruption, and blatant disregard for American property rights. Missouri farmers, taxpayers, and the American people deserve better.”

The Attorney General’s office remains committed to defending Missouri citizens from government overreach and ensuring federal funds are used in the best interest of the people, not private investors.

A full copy of the letter can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=964fcab12c&amp;e=fe147aceeb__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!CJo7cSvAIA2NcrqCBESSpR4VztkW3r6-71FtFLTmu5FvVFMwCJrvykg6j8pHn5mI2r8zkNxmF7ecCN61NXe1JDjxRg$">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739195184098.png" alt="The Grain Belt Express is designed to carry 5,000 megawatts of electricity to the eastern half of the country. It would connect solar and wind farms in the Midwest to cities in the East, eventually contributing power to 3.1 million homes (Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption>The Grain Belt Express is designed to carry 5,000 megawatts of electricity to the eastern half of the country. It would connect solar and wind farms in the Midwest to cities in the East, eventually contributing power to 3.1 million homes (Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY Mo, – On Thursday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent a letter to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk, calling for an immediate investigation into the nearly $5 billion worth of planned waste in federal loan guarantee to be awarded to the Grain Belt Express (GBE) project — a scheme Attorney General Bailey describes as one of the most egregious abuses of taxpayer dollars in recent memory, according to a media release from Bailey's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741308223484.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Grain Belt Express project proposes constructing massive transmission lines across Missouri farmland to transport wind-generated energy from Kansas to other states. The project has sparked widespread outrage among Missouri farmers and landowners whose properties face confiscation through the unjust use of eminent domain.“In the waning, chaotic days of the Biden Administration — when the former president’s mental decline had grown to such a severe state that we now know he was not actually running his own White House and often signed documents without even knowing what they contained — left-wing bureaucrats seized the opportunity to advance their radical ‘green agenda,'”&nbsp;said Attorney General Bailey.&nbsp;“In the shadows of this confusion, far-left deep staters advanced a $4.9 billion green energy federal loan guarantee boondoggle to bankroll the Grain Belt Express (GBE), one of the most egregious abuses of taxpayer dollars in recent memory.”Attorney General Bailey emphasized that the project is less about renewable energy and more about lining the pockets of wealthy investors. “This so-called renewable energy project is nothing more than a government-sponsored land grab disguised as environmentalism. Missouri farmers — the backbone of our state and nation — now face the prospect of watching their lands carved apart, all to satisfy the greed of private investors.”The letter highlights that the GBE project has initiated nearly&nbsp;40 eminent domain proceedings&nbsp;against Missouri landowners, threatening to strip hard-working citizens of their property rights to benefit out-of-state corporations.“We will not stand by while Missouri families are steamrolled by out-of-state interests and unelected bureaucrats pushing a radical green agenda,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Attorney General Bailey. “I urge DOGE to immediately investigate and cancel federal funding for the nearly $5 billion in waste from the GBE, putting an end to this shameful legacy of the Biden Administration—a legacy defined by incompetence, corruption, and blatant disregard for American property rights. Missouri farmers, taxpayers, and the American people deserve better.”The Attorney General’s office remains committed to defending Missouri citizens from government overreach and ensuring federal funds are used in the best interest of the people, not private investors.A full copy of the letter can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=964fcab12c&amp;e=fe147aceeb__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!CJo7cSvAIA2NcrqCBESSpR4VztkW3r6-71FtFLTmu5FvVFMwCJrvykg6j8pHn5mI2r8zkNxmF7ecCN61NXe1JDjxRg$">here</a>.

Mo. AG calls on Elon Musk; DOGE to Investigate $5 Billion waste in Grain Belt Express Project

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Ford Explorer driven by a 66-year-old Merrill, Wisconsin man was southbound on Interstate 35 three miles south of Winston. The SUV traveled off the west side of the road into the median, struck an embankment and overturned.

Daviess Co. ambulance transported the driver and a 61-year-old female passenger to Cameron Regional Medical Center. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Ford Explorer driven by a 66-year-old Merrill, Wisconsin man was southbound on Interstate 35 three miles south of Winston. The SUV traveled off the west side of the road into the median, struck an embankment and overturned.Daviess Co. ambulance transported the driver and a 61-year-old female passenger to Cameron Regional Medical Center. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

2 injured after SUV overturns in Daviess County

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves says it was an honor to welcome President Trump back to
the People’s House for his joint address to Congress.

Graves, a fellow
Republican, says Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do during the
campaign.

“I think the
president has a bold vision for America and he showed that last (TUE) night,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Securing the border, unleashing American energy,
cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, bringing back common sense, reminding
bureaucrats that government works for us and not the other way around.”

As for the pace,
Graves says the administration needs to act quickly. . .

“Illegal
immigration is out of control and he’s finally getting that back into where it needs
to be. In fact, border crossings fell to the lowest level ever recorded; down
94% from last February under the previous administration. This stuff needs to
happen and it needs to happen fast.”

Graves adds energy
prices have gone too high. He says moves by Trump to reduce regulations on the
energy industry are needed to unleash American energy independence.

Graves also says
the move by Elon Musk’s DOGE agency are needed to rein in government spending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741270880251.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves says it was an honor to welcome President Trump back to
the People’s House for his joint address to Congress.Graves, a fellow
Republican, says Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do during the
campaign.“I think the
president has a bold vision for America and he showed that last (TUE) night,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Securing the border, unleashing American energy,
cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, bringing back common sense, reminding
bureaucrats that government works for us and not the other way around.”As for the pace,
Graves says the administration needs to act quickly. . .“Illegal
immigration is out of control and he’s finally getting that back into where it needs
to be. In fact, border crossings fell to the lowest level ever recorded; down
94% from last February under the previous administration. This stuff needs to
happen and it needs to happen fast.”Graves adds energy
prices have gone too high. He says moves by Trump to reduce regulations on the
energy industry are needed to unleash American energy independence.Graves also says
the move by Elon Musk’s DOGE agency are needed to rein in government spending.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves:  President Trump is setting out bold vision for America

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-362025-e2vptms/a-abqm11j" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-News-362025-e2vpthl/a-abqm0r4" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

We still have some
homes in the area without power.

Evergy reports 425 outages this morning with 1,190 customers without
electricity. The outages which remain from the blizzard are concentrated in the Kansas City
and St. Joseph area, with scattered outages throughout northwest Missouri. Most homes in northeast Kansas have had power restored.

Truman Middle
School is without power and closed today, the only school in the St. Joseph
School District closed today.

During the height
of the storm, more than 2,000 outages cut off power to more than
56,000 Evergy customers.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWe still have some
homes in the area without power.Evergy reports 425 outages this morning with 1,190 customers without
electricity. The outages which remain from the blizzard are concentrated in the Kansas City
and St. Joseph area, with scattered outages throughout northwest Missouri. Most homes in northeast Kansas have had power restored.Truman Middle
School is without power and closed today, the only school in the St. Joseph
School District closed today.During the height
of the storm, more than 2,000 outages cut off power to more than
56,000 Evergy customers.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Evergy reports scattered outages remain - Truman Middle School closed

PLATTE COUNTY— Prosecutors in Platte County have charged two suspects in connection with the death of three men found dead in the back yard of a Kansas City home in January of 2024.

The victims identified as 38-year-old&nbsp; Ricky Johnson; 36-year-old Clayton&nbsp;McGeeney and 37-year-old David Harrington.

&nbsp;Jordan Willis, 39,&nbsp; and Ivory Carson, 42, with involuntary manslaughter and delivery of a controlled substance, according to Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd.

In January of 2024, a woman went to a home in the 5200 Block of NW 83rd Terrace looking for her&nbsp; fiancé, according to KCPD PoliceCaptain Corey Carlisle.

When there was no answer at the door, she broke into the basement of the residence and located an unknown dead body on the back porch.

Officers responded to the back porch and found the body. Upon further investigation, officers located two other dead bodies in the back yard.&nbsp; Police asked for a search warrant for the address. There were no obvious signs of foul play observed at or near the crime scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The three victims went to the home of a friend in Kansas City to watch the Chiefs game Jan. 7, and never arrived home. A probable cause document indicated that they died from a combined toxicity of fentanyl and cocaine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741214636116.png" alt="Carson photo Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>Carson photo Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY— Prosecutors in Platte County have charged two suspects in connection with the death of three men found dead in the back yard of a Kansas City home in January of 2024.The victims identified as 38-year-old&nbsp; Ricky Johnson; 36-year-old Clayton&nbsp;McGeeney and 37-year-old David Harrington.&nbsp;Jordan Willis, 39,&nbsp; and Ivory Carson, 42, with involuntary manslaughter and delivery of a controlled substance, according to Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd.In January of 2024, a woman went to a home in the 5200 Block of NW 83rd Terrace looking for her&nbsp; fiancé, according to KCPD PoliceCaptain Corey Carlisle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741225370818.png" alt="Willis photo Platte Co" />
 <figcaption>Willis photo Platte Co</figcaption>
 </figure>When there was no answer at the door, she broke into the basement of the residence and located an unknown dead body on the back porch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705095774621.png" alt="Police near the home under investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police near the home under investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers responded to the back porch and found the body. Upon further investigation, officers located two other dead bodies in the back yard.&nbsp; Police asked for a search warrant for the address. There were no obvious signs of foul play observed at or near the crime scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;The three victims went to the home of a friend in Kansas City to watch the Chiefs game Jan. 7, and never arrived home. A probable cause document indicated that they died from a combined toxicity of fentanyl and cocaine.

Charges filed in deaths of 3 Chiefs fans whose bodies were found in friend's backyard

RICE COUNTY, Minn. —Law enforcement in Minnesota asked for the public’s help in locating a suspect in a weekend stabbing in Rice County.

Rice County officials notified the Harrison County Missouri Sheriff's office the suspect identified as Ricardo Ortiz was in northwest Missouri.&nbsp; Deputies with the assistance of the Bethany Police Department and Missouri Highway Patrol took Ortiz into custody.

Ortiz was wanted after a 50-year-old man was stabbed a little before midnight Saturday in the 600 block of Third Avenue NW in Faribault, Minnesota, according to the Fairbault Police Department.

Officers were called to the scene and found the man with multiple stab wounds to his torso and arm.&nbsp; Police say the stabbing happened inside the victinm's home.

The victim was transported to Allina Health Faribault Medical Center by North Ambulance, stabilized, and transported to North Memorial Hospital in the Twin Cities for surgical care.&nbsp;

RICE COUNTY, Minn. —Law enforcement in Minnesota asked for the public’s help in locating a suspect in a weekend stabbing in Rice County.Rice County officials notified the Harrison County Missouri Sheriff's office the suspect identified as Ricardo Ortiz was in northwest Missouri.&nbsp; Deputies with the assistance of the Bethany Police Department and Missouri Highway Patrol took Ortiz into custody.Ortiz was wanted after a 50-year-old man was stabbed a little before midnight Saturday in the 600 block of Third Avenue NW in Faribault, Minnesota, according to the Fairbault Police Department.Officers were called to the scene and found the man with multiple stab wounds to his torso and arm.&nbsp; Police say the stabbing happened inside the victinm's home.The victim was transported to Allina Health Faribault Medical Center by North Ambulance, stabilized, and transported to North Memorial Hospital in the Twin Cities for surgical care.&nbsp;

Wanted stabbing suspect arrested in northwest Missouri

The Missouri Highway Patrol responded to several accidents following last night's winter storm that cause near whiteout conditions and freezing roads.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported troopers were on the scene in Stewartsville where multiple tractor trailers have stalled and blocked westbound Highway 36.&nbsp; All lanes are now open

Tractor trailers were also partially blocking portions of northbound I-29 at the 32 mile marker.&nbsp; The passing lane was blocked for around an hour as troopers cleared that accident

The patrol answered 58 calls for service throughout the storm, coming to the aid of 37 stranded motorists, working 12 non-injury accidents, and two with injury caused by the blizzard conditions.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Highway Patrol responded to several accidents following last night's winter storm that cause near whiteout conditions and freezing roads.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported troopers were on the scene in Stewartsville where multiple tractor trailers have stalled and blocked westbound Highway 36.&nbsp; All lanes are now openTractor trailers were also partially blocking portions of northbound I-29 at the 32 mile marker.&nbsp; The passing lane was blocked for around an hour as troopers cleared that accidentThe patrol answered 58 calls for service throughout the storm, coming to the aid of 37 stranded motorists, working 12 non-injury accidents, and two with injury caused by the blizzard conditions.

Blizzard causes accidents throughout the area

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Freightliner semi driven by a 79-year-old East Prairie man was southbound on Interstate 35 two miles south of Eagleville.

The driver lost control on the ice covered roadway. The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road and struck an embankment.

North Harrison Ambulance transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Freightliner semi driven by a 79-year-old East Prairie man was southbound on Interstate 35 two miles south of Eagleville.The driver lost control on the ice covered roadway. The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road and struck an embankment.North Harrison Ambulance transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured after semi slides on icy roadway

St. Joseph, Mo ---Mark Patrick Seminars is set
to host a weight loss seminar on March 11 at the Stoney Creek Hotel in St.
Joseph, Missouri. The program employs hypnosis techniques aimed at assisting
participants in achieving their weight loss goals. Registration is currently
open for those interested in attending.&nbsp;

Mark Patrick Seminars has conducted numerous
sessions nationwide, focusing on weight loss and smoking cessation through
hypnosis. The organization claims that over 500,000 individuals have
participated in their programs, which are designed to help attendees lose
weight without hunger or starvation dieting.

The seminar offers a one-year money-back
guarantee for participants who are not satisfied with the results. .
Additionally, attendees are provided with free resources, including the
"Wake Up Skinny" best-selling book, "The Psychology of Losing
Weight" audio program, and a video titled "#1 Way to Quit Smoking (#2
is better)."

While many participants have reported positive
outcomes, it's important to note that individual results may vary.&nbsp;

For Early Bird s discount register online here: <a href="https://markpatrickseminars.com/register.php">https://markpatrickseminars.com/register.php</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740583298926.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SPONSORED CONTENT&nbsp;St. Joseph, Mo ---Mark Patrick Seminars is set
to host a weight loss seminar on March 11 at the Stoney Creek Hotel in St.
Joseph, Missouri. The program employs hypnosis techniques aimed at assisting
participants in achieving their weight loss goals. Registration is currently
open for those interested in attending.&nbsp;Mark Patrick Seminars has conducted numerous
sessions nationwide, focusing on weight loss and smoking cessation through
hypnosis. The organization claims that over 500,000 individuals have
participated in their programs, which are designed to help attendees lose
weight without hunger or starvation dieting.The seminar offers a one-year money-back
guarantee for participants who are not satisfied with the results. .
Additionally, attendees are provided with free resources, including the
"Wake Up Skinny" best-selling book, "The Psychology of Losing
Weight" audio program, and a video titled "#1 Way to Quit Smoking (#2
is better)."While many participants have reported positive
outcomes, it's important to note that individual results may vary.&nbsp;For Early Bird s discount register online here: <a href="https://markpatrickseminars.com/register.php">https://markpatrickseminars.com/register.php</a>

Mark Patrick Seminars coming to St. Joseph

We could see
patchy, blowing snow this morning. Gradually clearing with a high of 36 day.

It will be clear
tonight with the winds dying down and a low of 22.

A slight chance of
a mixture of rain and snow tomorrow morning with a chance of rain in the
afternoon. The high tomorrow should be 46.

Though the
Blizzard Warning officially expired at six o’clock this morning, a High Wind
Warning remains in effect until six o’clock this evening. We are still
experiencing very high winds, from 35 to 45 miles per hour with gusts of 65.

Travel remains
difficult. The mixture of moisture has caused slick road conditions. Visibility
is difficult due to the blowing snow.

The blizzard has
led to widespread power outages. Evergy reports more than 2,000 outages
with 56,000 customers without power this morning from Kansas City to St.
Joseph as well as throughout northeast Kansas.

The conditions
have led to school closings throughout the region.

St. Joseph public
schools are canceled today. The St. Joseph School District reporting it is
suspending operations Wednesday, due to inclement weather. Employees should
refer t0 Scenario B for their work schedule.

The St. Joseph
School District has exhausted all its snow days. Students will be in class
Monday, the 10th, which was originally scheduled as a Teacher
Workday as their makeup day.

The St. Joseph Catholic Academy has canceled classes today. The St. Joseph Christian School is not holding classes today.

Savannah has
canceled school for today. The Savannah R3 School District has announced it is
closing all its campuses on Wednesday due to hazardous road and weather
conditions. It is not an AMI day.

Northwest Missouri State University has closed its Maryville campus today.

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a
full list of cancelations due to the weather.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWe could see
patchy, blowing snow this morning. Gradually clearing with a high of 36 day.It will be clear
tonight with the winds dying down and a low of 22.A slight chance of
a mixture of rain and snow tomorrow morning with a chance of rain in the
afternoon. The high tomorrow should be 46.Though the
Blizzard Warning officially expired at six o’clock this morning, a High Wind
Warning remains in effect until six o’clock this evening. We are still
experiencing very high winds, from 35 to 45 miles per hour with gusts of 65.Travel remains
difficult. The mixture of moisture has caused slick road conditions. Visibility
is difficult due to the blowing snow.The blizzard has
led to widespread power outages. Evergy reports more than 2,000 outages
with 56,000 customers without power this morning from Kansas City to St.
Joseph as well as throughout northeast Kansas.The conditions
have led to school closings throughout the region.St. Joseph public
schools are canceled today. The St. Joseph School District reporting it is
suspending operations Wednesday, due to inclement weather. Employees should
refer t0 Scenario B for their work schedule.The St. Joseph
School District has exhausted all its snow days. Students will be in class
Monday, the 10th, which was originally scheduled as a Teacher
Workday as their makeup day.The St. Joseph Catholic Academy has canceled classes today. The St. Joseph Christian School is not holding classes today.Savannah has
canceled school for today. The Savannah R3 School District has announced it is
closing all its campuses on Wednesday due to hazardous road and weather
conditions. It is not an AMI day.Northwest Missouri State University has closed its Maryville campus today.Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a
full list of cancelations due to the weather.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Blizzard closes St. Joe schools, others; creates hazardous driving conditions

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>

Low-income Missourians who receive food assistance would be prohibited from buying soda and candy with their benefits under a bill debated Tuesday.

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>Low-income Missourians who receive food assistance would be prohibited from buying soda and candy with their benefits under a bill debated Tuesday.The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1222&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>, sponsored by state Rep. Jamie Gragg, a Republican from Ozark, would restrict food purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously called food stamps, if approved by the federal government.The bill would “get us back to where the original program was meant to go,” Gragg argued in Tuesday afternoon during a hearing of the House Committee on Government Efficiency. “The program’s been bastardized.”&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program" target="_blank">purpose of the SNAP program</a>&nbsp;is to help low-income families supplement their grocery budgets to afford nutritious food. As of&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/re/pdf/fsd_mhdmr/0125-family-support-mohealthnet-report.pdf" target="_blank">last month,</a>&nbsp;over 320,000 households in Missouri received SNAP benefits, loaded onto electronic benefits transfer cards used to purchase groceries. The average value of benefits per household was $396.&nbsp;Proponents argue that taxpayer dollars, through the SNAP program, shouldn’t subsidize unhealthy food and beverages, which worsen people’s health.&nbsp;Opponents called the proposal government overreach — limiting low income families’ freedom to choose their food — and overly broad, potentially banning SNAP access for things like granola bars and electrolyte drinks.State Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St. Louis, asked whether “any pre-process food could be deemed unhealthy” and added to the list of banned purchases.“Do we want to be the nanny state that says, ‘you can eat this and you can’t eat that?’” Murphy said. “Where does that end?”&nbsp;Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Rogersville, said the list of unhealthy foods could keep growing.&nbsp;“My concern is we can add to this list ad infinitum,” Chappell said. “The United Nations tells us that red meat is a carcinogen…at what point do we stop micromanaging this list?”&nbsp;Similar bills have been proposed in other states, including&nbsp;<a href="https://azmirror.com/2025/02/04/republicans-follow-lead-of-rfk-jr-with-effort-to-ban-snap-users-from-buying-soda-candy/" target="_blank">Arizona</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://westvirginiawatch.com/2025/02/19/wv-house-committee-considers-make-america-healthy-again-bill-restricting-snap-purchases/" target="_blank">West Virginia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2025/03/03/idaho-house-narrowly-passes-bill-to-ban-snap-coverage-for-candy-soda/" target="_blank">Idaho</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/05/buying-candy-soda-with-food-stamps-banned-under-proposed-kansas-bill/" target="_blank">Kansas</a>.&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., health and human services secretary, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/trump-officials-want-to-ban-junk-food-from-snap-but-past-efforts-show-its-not-easy" target="_blank">said he supports restricting SNAP for junk food,&nbsp;</a>and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-cuts-candy-soda-food-stamps-b6351b86a17b281b67480fe2d24b54f4" target="_blank">agriculture secretary</a>, Brooke Rollins, has signaled interest.&nbsp;The conservative national think tank Foundation for Government Accountability has helped push for the change.&nbsp;“Food stamps have fueled the junk food epidemic, with soda ranking as the number one commodity bought with food stamps,” Gragg told the committee — a direct quote from a report&nbsp;<a href="https://thefga.org/research/make-america-healthy-again-stop-taxpayer-funded-junk-food/" target="_blank">published by the Foundation for Government Accountability</a>&nbsp;earlier this year.James Harris, a lobbyist for the Foundation for Government Accountability, called the bill common sense.“If this were to pass and it helps one child have a little more milk or something of actual nutrition in their home, that’s great,” Harris testified. “…This just would allow Missouri to hopefully help some children have access to more nutritional food, besides maybe what they get at school.”Those testifying in opposition included the progressive anti-poverty nonprofit Empower Missouri, along with industry groups such as the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Missouri Grocers Association and the Missouri Beverage Association.&nbsp;Nationally, beverage groups have been lobbying to keep sodas in the program,<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/rfk-jr-soda-snap-food-stamps-coke-pepsi-9bd9a872" target="_blank">&nbsp;the Wall Street Journal reported late last year.</a>A&nbsp;<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/ops/SNAPFoodsTypicallyPurchased-Summary.pdf" target="_blank">2016 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>, which oversees SNAP, found that the households that rely on the program have similar spending patterns to non-SNAP households. For both SNAP and non-SNAP households, the report stated, “more money was spent on soft drinks than any other item.” SNAP households spent 5% of their grocery budget on soft drinks, and non-SNAP households spent 4%.&nbsp;The percent spent on candy, 2%, was the same between both groups.The bill defines candy as a food product “containing sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruit, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the forms of bars, drops, or pieces.”It defines a soft drink as “nonalcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners” but does not contain milk or milk substitutes or beverages that are more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice by volume.&nbsp;The definition would prevent the purchase of Powerade with SNAP funds, but allow sugary bottled coffee drinks with milk, said Katie Gamble, a lobbyist for Missouri Beverage Association.&nbsp;State Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, a Republican from Savannah, said it seems that granola bars would fall under the candy definition, “and I always thought they were supposed to be healthy.”&nbsp;Christine Woody, director of food policy for Empower Missouri, said individuals could cross the border into neighboring states and spend their SNAP dollars on banned items there.&nbsp;She added that a better strategy would be to incentivize the purchase of healthy food, by “really investing in some of the programs that are successful,” such as by incentivizing the purchase of fruits and vegetables.Those opposed said any changes should be federally decided, rather than having each state determine what is healthy or not.Missouri would submit a waiver to the federal government requesting this change, if the bill is passed, but there’s no guarantee it’d be approved. States’ previous attempts to limit SNAP purchases in this way have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/13/well/eat/food-stamp-snap-soda.html" target="_blank">rejected by the federal government</a>, including because of being complex to implement, having vague standards of what is defined as healthy, and failing to show they would reduce obesity.&nbsp;No action was taken on the bill Tuesday.

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