Education officials previously predicted the payments to child care providers would be caught up by the end of October, but now expect an additional five weeks

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

A massive backlog of payments to Missouri child care providers will continue beyond October despite a previous pledge that the state will be caught up by the end of this month.

Pam Thomas, assistant commissioner for Missouri’s Office of Childhood, told the State Board of Education Tuesday that the department would not meet its October goal, explaining that the software company utilized for the child care subsidy program needs five more weeks because of missing data.

She is “cautiously optimistic” about the next few weeks and believes that the software is close to working as intended.

“The system today is not perfect,” Thomas said, “but I don’t know that a system ever is perfect. It seems there are always technology issues, but we are at the end or nearing the end of these major system issues.”&nbsp;

A change in the software that tracks eligibility and routes payment to providers began a burdensome process last December where families enrolling in the program and child care providers were not properly accounted for.

Providers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/06/missouri-education-officials-apologize-for-ongoing-backlog-of-child-care-subsidy-payments/">began complaining that they were missing months of payment from the state</a>&nbsp;and were close to shuttering. The program supplements or pays for the daycare or preschool for children of low-income families. Some families were turned away because of a lack of payment from the state, providers said&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-education-officials-face-second-day-of-tough-questions-over-child-care-subsidy/">during hearings held by state lawmakers last month</a>.

There are just over 2,400 providers contracted to serve children with the subsidy. From January through May — when the software was having the most issues — 1,818 providers received at least one payment. Of those, half are under review to check the calculation of aid.

“The current payments that are being made to providers are being calculated correctly and are accurate,” Thomas said. “The issue is not current payments but what was paid earlier.”

Since the beginning of the year, 70 providers have left the child care subsidy program and 141 have applied to begin the program. It is not clear how many of those applications have been completed. There is a separate backlog of provider applications, both new to the system and renewals, that the office is addressing.

According to estimates produced by the software and presented to the education board Tuesday, there are nearly 400 provider applications pending review by the state. Thomas estimated it will take six weeks to reduce the pending applications to a goal of under 200, which she said is around what she expects to receive in a month in renewals.

The state is still over 400 providers short of what it had in the program in 2019, and the need for participating daycares remains high.

The department receives around 4,000 applications from families each month to receive aid for child care. For months, parents watched their applications sit in the queue and were unable to receive the subsidy after the new software went into effect.

The current waiting list of parent applications is akin to this time last year, but Thomas said this still isn’t ideal. She wants to cut the number to 500 applications at a time, which is about a week’s worth of work for the office, and she estimates that goal will be met in four to six weeks.

“We want to be working on cases that we’ve received in the past one to two weeks, but right now, we’re working on cases received in September and October,” she told the board.

Board President Charlie Shields, of St. Joseph, asked if there would be a way to automatically approve a portion of applicants.

Presumptive eligibility is allowed, Thomas said, but staff would still be required to verify income after a period of service.

“We have to have a supply of child care providers to serve them. We have to have the funding to serve them,” Thomas said. “So while I understand and appreciate that side of it, there might be some unintended consequences of that.”

Another board member recommended a risk assessment to estimate what would happen if the office had automatic approvals.

Some applications are rejected because the applicants didn’t supply the requested proof of identification or two pay stubs, Thomas said.

Board member Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, of Pasadena Hills, said the application should prompt people for the complete information, blocking them from moving forward until every field is checked.

“It is better to get kicked out before you get into the pipeline, so you can go and get what you need,” she said.

A woman in the audience spoke quietly, “or they sit for six months.”

Thomas didn’t appear to consider a change in the application process. The state is not allowed to restrict people from applying, she said.

She is beginning to see signs of the system returning to normal, Thomas said, with the call center reporting that one of the top five questions is how to apply to become a provider. Other issues have overwhelmed the help center in past months, and callers have reported high wait times to receive answers.

Thomas said this process should be running smoother for program participants, with the average wait time dropping from an hour to 15 minutes in the past month.

“How do you feel about our providers and families, what are their current states of mind with us?” Kerry Casey, a board member from Chesterfield, asked.

“They are still frustrated that we don’t have all of them and we don’t have all of the payment requests cleared,” Thomas said. “And all the family applications are not cleared.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729687766510.png" alt="Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger apologizes to child care providers for months-delayed payments during widespread problems with the child care subsidy program in September (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger apologizes to child care providers for months-delayed payments during widespread problems with the child care subsidy program in September (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Education officials previously predicted the payments to child care providers would be caught up by the end of October, but now expect an additional five weeks</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A massive backlog of payments to Missouri child care providers will continue beyond October despite a previous pledge that the state will be caught up by the end of this month.Pam Thomas, assistant commissioner for Missouri’s Office of Childhood, told the State Board of Education Tuesday that the department would not meet its October goal, explaining that the software company utilized for the child care subsidy program needs five more weeks because of missing data.She is “cautiously optimistic” about the next few weeks and believes that the software is close to working as intended.“The system today is not perfect,” Thomas said, “but I don’t know that a system ever is perfect. It seems there are always technology issues, but we are at the end or nearing the end of these major system issues.”&nbsp;A change in the software that tracks eligibility and routes payment to providers began a burdensome process last December where families enrolling in the program and child care providers were not properly accounted for.Providers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/06/missouri-education-officials-apologize-for-ongoing-backlog-of-child-care-subsidy-payments/">began complaining that they were missing months of payment from the state</a>&nbsp;and were close to shuttering. The program supplements or pays for the daycare or preschool for children of low-income families. Some families were turned away because of a lack of payment from the state, providers said&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-education-officials-face-second-day-of-tough-questions-over-child-care-subsidy/">during hearings held by state lawmakers last month</a>.There are just over 2,400 providers contracted to serve children with the subsidy. From January through May — when the software was having the most issues — 1,818 providers received at least one payment. Of those, half are under review to check the calculation of aid.“The current payments that are being made to providers are being calculated correctly and are accurate,” Thomas said. “The issue is not current payments but what was paid earlier.”Since the beginning of the year, 70 providers have left the child care subsidy program and 141 have applied to begin the program. It is not clear how many of those applications have been completed. There is a separate backlog of provider applications, both new to the system and renewals, that the office is addressing.According to estimates produced by the software and presented to the education board Tuesday, there are nearly 400 provider applications pending review by the state. Thomas estimated it will take six weeks to reduce the pending applications to a goal of under 200, which she said is around what she expects to receive in a month in renewals.The state is still over 400 providers short of what it had in the program in 2019, and the need for participating daycares remains high.The department receives around 4,000 applications from families each month to receive aid for child care. For months, parents watched their applications sit in the queue and were unable to receive the subsidy after the new software went into effect.The current waiting list of parent applications is akin to this time last year, but Thomas said this still isn’t ideal. She wants to cut the number to 500 applications at a time, which is about a week’s worth of work for the office, and she estimates that goal will be met in four to six weeks.“We want to be working on cases that we’ve received in the past one to two weeks, but right now, we’re working on cases received in September and October,” she told the board.Board President Charlie Shields, of St. Joseph, asked if there would be a way to automatically approve a portion of applicants.Presumptive eligibility is allowed, Thomas said, but staff would still be required to verify income after a period of service.“We have to have a supply of child care providers to serve them. We have to have the funding to serve them,” Thomas said. “So while I understand and appreciate that side of it, there might be some unintended consequences of that.”Another board member recommended a risk assessment to estimate what would happen if the office had automatic approvals.Some applications are rejected because the applicants didn’t supply the requested proof of identification or two pay stubs, Thomas said.Board member Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, of Pasadena Hills, said the application should prompt people for the complete information, blocking them from moving forward until every field is checked.“It is better to get kicked out before you get into the pipeline, so you can go and get what you need,” she said.A woman in the audience spoke quietly, “or they sit for six months.”Thomas didn’t appear to consider a change in the application process. The state is not allowed to restrict people from applying, she said.She is beginning to see signs of the system returning to normal, Thomas said, with the call center reporting that one of the top five questions is how to apply to become a provider. Other issues have overwhelmed the help center in past months, and callers have reported high wait times to receive answers.Thomas said this process should be running smoother for program participants, with the average wait time dropping from an hour to 15 minutes in the past month.“How do you feel about our providers and families, what are their current states of mind with us?” Kerry Casey, a board member from Chesterfield, asked.“They are still frustrated that we don’t have all of them and we don’t have all of the payment requests cleared,” Thomas said. “And all the family applications are not cleared.”

Missouri won’t meet deadline for clearing months-long backlog of child care subsidies

The annual Donut Dash 5K+ is coming up this Saturday in St. Joseph to benefit three local downtown destinations. 

Kristi Bailey, with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, says The Donut Dash is a fun way to support the Patee House Museum, Mount Mora Cemetary and Robidoux Row.

"The Donut Dash is a 5K+ that goes through downtown St. Joseph. We start at the Patee House Museum. We go by Robidoux Row and through Mount Mora Cemetary. Its a fundraiser for those three organizations."

Along the route, participants can stop at designated watering holes to take a quick drink and enjoy the donut holes at Gold-N-Glaze Donut &amp; Coffee Shop.

Bailey says there is still time to signup for the event. "Between now and Saturday, its $45.00 because we have passed the early bird deadline but you can still get in."

Registration will take place at 7:30 Saturday morning, with the 5K beginning at 8:00 at the Patee House Museum. Cash payments will not be accepted onsite. To register, visit the website <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/SaintJoseph/DonutDash2020">runsignup.com</a>.

Participants will finish at Gold-N-Glaze where they can partake of donut holes and coffee.

A shuttle service will be provided to return participants back to the start location.

Bailey notes that refunds will not be given, and the event will take place rain or shine. Pets are welcome to attend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601991837313.jpeg" alt="Donut Dash 5K medal" />
 <figcaption>Donut Dash 5K medal</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph PostThe annual Donut Dash 5K+ is coming up this Saturday in St. Joseph to benefit three local downtown destinations. Kristi Bailey, with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, says The Donut Dash is a fun way to support the Patee House Museum, Mount Mora Cemetary and Robidoux Row."The Donut Dash is a 5K+ that goes through downtown St. Joseph. We start at the Patee House Museum. We go by Robidoux Row and through Mount Mora Cemetary. Its a fundraiser for those three organizations."Along the route, participants can stop at designated watering holes to take a quick drink and enjoy the donut holes at Gold-N-Glaze Donut &amp; Coffee Shop.Bailey says there is still time to signup for the event. "Between now and Saturday, its $45.00 because we have passed the early bird deadline but you can still get in."Registration will take place at 7:30 Saturday morning, with the 5K beginning at 8:00 at the Patee House Museum. Cash payments will not be accepted onsite. To register, visit the website <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/SaintJoseph/DonutDash2020">runsignup.com</a>.Participants will finish at Gold-N-Glaze where they can partake of donut holes and coffee.A shuttle service will be provided to return participants back to the start location.Bailey notes that refunds will not be given, and the event will take place rain or shine. Pets are welcome to attend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729631996747.jpeg" alt="Gold n Glaze; Skaith" />
 <figcaption>Gold n Glaze; Skaith</figcaption>
 </figure>

Donut Dash 5K fundraiser taking place Saturday morning in St. Joseph

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations following an investigation.

Shortly before 5:00AM on August 24, police officers responded to the area of the 1300 Block North 7th Street in Atchison to investigate a prowler call, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 When they arrived a possible suspect was fleeing the area in a Chevrolet Traverse. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle which fled north of the city on 2nd Street and no contact was made with the driver at that time.

 The investigation determined the driver to be 37-year-old Phillip Roles of Atchison who had a passenger under the age of 18 with him at the time of the fleeing and eluding police officers.

Just before 10:30a.m. Monday, police arrested Roles, 37, Atchison at 5th and Park Street in Atchison on a District Court warrant for fleeing and attempting to elude, aggravated endangering a child, and twelve other counts that include various traffic offenses, according to Wilson.

Roles has previous convictions for battery, drugs, interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended and three previous convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude police, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. Photo Atchison Co. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729609931566.png" alt="Roles has previous convictions for battery, drugs, interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended and three previous convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude police, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. Photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Roles has previous convictions for battery, drugs, interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended and three previous convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude police, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. Photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations following an investigation.Shortly before 5:00AM on August 24, police officers responded to the area of the 1300 Block North 7th Street in Atchison to investigate a prowler call, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. When they arrived a possible suspect was fleeing the area in a Chevrolet Traverse. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle which fled north of the city on 2nd Street and no contact was made with the driver at that time. The investigation determined the driver to be 37-year-old Phillip Roles of Atchison who had a passenger under the age of 18 with him at the time of the fleeing and eluding police officers.Just before 10:30a.m. Monday, police arrested Roles, 37, Atchison at 5th and Park Street in Atchison on a District Court warrant for fleeing and attempting to elude, aggravated endangering a child, and twelve other counts that include various traffic offenses, according to Wilson.Roles has previous convictions for battery, drugs, interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended and three previous convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude police, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. Photo Atchison Co. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.&nbsp;

Police catch Kansas felon who fled arrest with teen in August

A state representative from St. Joseph faces opposition in his
race for his fourth and final term.

Rep. Bill Falkner, a Republican, discussed a variety of issues
Tuesday along with Democrat Andrew Gibson, his challenger, during a candidate
forum sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.

Falkner supports a tax incentive package that would give incentives
for child care providers to expand and for businesses to help employees pay for
child care, among other things. But Falkner said the issue goes beyond that.

“One of the things that we can do is take a look at all the
regulations we have placed on child care,” Falkner told an audience gathered at
the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center. “We want to make it safe for the
kids, but we do not want to tie the hands to where the providers of this
service can’t afford to do it.”

The candidate forum that also featured the two candidates
running for the 13th Missouri state representative district as well
as the two candidates up for Buchanan County Western District Commissioner was
broadcast live on KFEQ and <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/d42c5cdb-cff2-436a-a7ab-765953fb4557">streamed live on St. Joseph Post</a>.

The child care package has been carried during the last two
legislative sessions by St. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields and received the
backing of Gov. Mike Parson and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

Gibson said the failure of the legislature to approve the
package the past two years reflects poorly on Republicans.

“The fact that they couldn’t come to some kind of agreement
this year just kind of highlights the dysfunction of the super majority,”
according to Gibson. “Why are we not attacking the problems of people that this
affects all over, especially within our state?”

Republicans hold a 111 to 51 majority in the Missouri House and a 23 to 9 majority in the Missouri Senate.

Falkner is running for his fourth term in the Missouri House. Term
limits would prohibit him from running again.

Both Falkner and Gibson favor Amendment 2 on the ballot in
November. It would legalize sports betting in Missouri. They differ on
Amendment 3, which would overturn Missouri’s ban on abortion.

Falkner opposes Amendment 3 and advocated changing how easily
the state constitution can be amended.

“Once we vote on something for constitutional changes, we can’t
fix it down in Jefferson City,” Falkner said. “It’s got to go back to the vote
of the people at additional expense to run that election. And so, we found it
in the marijuana issue.”

Missouri voters legalized the use of recreational marijuana in
2022.

Gibson urged voters to do their homework to overcome
misinformation on the issues which will be decided in November.

“That’s very disheartening for me when I’ve knocked on
hundreds of doors, made hundreds of calls this summer only to turn around and
see this misinformation machine is being churned,” Gibson stated. “There’s a
lot of misinformation out there right now about Amendment Three and the things
that’s in there, the things that’s not in there. And it’s time to restore a woman’s
right to choose. This was the law of the land for 50 years.”

The Missouri General Assembly had one of its least productive legislative
sessions in its history this year, approving only 28 bills that were not
related to the $47 billion state budget. It approved the state budget without the Senate
and House meeting in a conference committee, unheard of in a legislative
session.

Falkner said some of the Senate Republicans who regularly
gummed up the works in Jefferson City will not be in the legislature next year,
but added it’s not always a bad thing when few bills pass.

“Because a lot of times we’re working on bills that we passed
hastily, trying to fix them the following years to come,” Falkner said. “I really
believe and I have faith that these next two years will be a very good session
for the state of Missouri as a whole.” 

Gibson acknowledged that if he would defeat Falkner and win election
to the 10th District, he would likely find himself in the minority
party at the state Capitol.

“Obviously, it’s no secret, yes, we would be in a very small
minority,” Gibson conceded. “But I look forward to working across the aisle and
making things happen for the people of Missouri and I think that everyone is down
there for that same reason.&nbsp; And it shouldn’t
really be that hard. We just got to find those common shared values and make
sure that we’re all there for the same reason.”

This article has been edited since first published.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729624606896.jpeg" alt="The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce held its candidate forum at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce held its candidate forum at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA state representative from St. Joseph faces opposition in his
race for his fourth and final term.Rep. Bill Falkner, a Republican, discussed a variety of issues
Tuesday along with Democrat Andrew Gibson, his challenger, during a candidate
forum sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.Falkner supports a tax incentive package that would give incentives
for child care providers to expand and for businesses to help employees pay for
child care, among other things. But Falkner said the issue goes beyond that.“One of the things that we can do is take a look at all the
regulations we have placed on child care,” Falkner told an audience gathered at
the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center. “We want to make it safe for the
kids, but we do not want to tie the hands to where the providers of this
service can’t afford to do it.”The candidate forum that also featured the two candidates
running for the 13th Missouri state representative district as well
as the two candidates up for Buchanan County Western District Commissioner was
broadcast live on KFEQ and <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/d42c5cdb-cff2-436a-a7ab-765953fb4557">streamed live on St. Joseph Post</a>.The child care package has been carried during the last two
legislative sessions by St. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields and received the
backing of Gov. Mike Parson and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.Gibson said the failure of the legislature to approve the
package the past two years reflects poorly on Republicans.“The fact that they couldn’t come to some kind of agreement
this year just kind of highlights the dysfunction of the super majority,”
according to Gibson. “Why are we not attacking the problems of people that this
affects all over, especially within our state?”Republicans hold a 111 to 51 majority in the Missouri House and a 23 to 9 majority in the Missouri Senate.Falkner is running for his fourth term in the Missouri House. Term
limits would prohibit him from running again.Both Falkner and Gibson favor Amendment 2 on the ballot in
November. It would legalize sports betting in Missouri. They differ on
Amendment 3, which would overturn Missouri’s ban on abortion.Falkner opposes Amendment 3 and advocated changing how easily
the state constitution can be amended.“Once we vote on something for constitutional changes, we can’t
fix it down in Jefferson City,” Falkner said. “It’s got to go back to the vote
of the people at additional expense to run that election. And so, we found it
in the marijuana issue.”Missouri voters legalized the use of recreational marijuana in
2022.Gibson urged voters to do their homework to overcome
misinformation on the issues which will be decided in November.“That’s very disheartening for me when I’ve knocked on
hundreds of doors, made hundreds of calls this summer only to turn around and
see this misinformation machine is being churned,” Gibson stated. “There’s a
lot of misinformation out there right now about Amendment Three and the things
that’s in there, the things that’s not in there. And it’s time to restore a woman’s
right to choose. This was the law of the land for 50 years.”The Missouri General Assembly had one of its least productive legislative
sessions in its history this year, approving only 28 bills that were not
related to the $47 billion state budget. It approved the state budget without the Senate
and House meeting in a conference committee, unheard of in a legislative
session.Falkner said some of the Senate Republicans who regularly
gummed up the works in Jefferson City will not be in the legislature next year,
but added it’s not always a bad thing when few bills pass.“Because a lot of times we’re working on bills that we passed
hastily, trying to fix them the following years to come,” Falkner said. “I really
believe and I have faith that these next two years will be a very good session
for the state of Missouri as a whole.” Gibson acknowledged that if he would defeat Falkner and win election
to the 10th District, he would likely find himself in the minority
party at the state Capitol.“Obviously, it’s no secret, yes, we would be in a very small
minority,” Gibson conceded. “But I look forward to working across the aisle and
making things happen for the people of Missouri and I think that everyone is down
there for that same reason.&nbsp; And it shouldn’t
really be that hard. We just got to find those common shared values and make
sure that we’re all there for the same reason.”This article has been edited since first published.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph state rep. faces opposition in his quest for 4th and final term

Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City has been the home of the MIAA basketball championships since 2003, but with an expiring lease could the tourney find a new home?  

MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy says the conference is exploring the possibility of a new home when their lease expires in 2026. One possible location is right here in St. Joseph.  

Director of the St. Joseph Sports Commision Brett Esely says St Joseph has put in a bid and he's grateful and humbled to have this opportunity. 

"I think the bid opportunity was open to any destination that wanted to get involved," Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "But you know like everything, I do think there are some destinations that the MIAA had hoped would get involved, and I certainly think St. Joseph was one of those, there's a lot that has to transpire over the next several weeks and months." 

The commissioner said during MIAA basketball media days earlier this month that St. Joseph was one of three locations being considered. 

&nbsp;Esely says these days championship events are seeking an environment that fits the event, and believes Civic Arena fits the MIAA tournament. 

"Whether you've seen one event in Civic Arena over time or tens of hundreds, I think what people notice is it's a great place to play, it's a great place to see an event, the fans are right on top of you," Esely explains. "And when you look at the atmosphere you're trying to create for an athletic competition, where it involves student athletes and coaches and trying to create a memorable experience, the arena's elements really set up for that." 

Civic Arena has undergone mass improvements over the last few years and will be getting a new paint job through this fall.  

Esely says the economic impact for an event like this could be off the charts 

"Knowing that fans are used to coming to the championship, if it did relocate to St. Joseph whereas the travel is a little bit different, it's still the same part of the MIAA footprint," Esely says. "And I think as it relates to downtown St. Joseph and looking at things that are already going on down there." 

Esely cites the new Children's Discovery Center which will open in December, as well as all the downtown businesses that could host 15 to 18 alumni groups that provides limitless potential 

Esely says events like this thrive best in communities that understand them the best. 

"And that's what I've always preached about St. Joseph, is we understand the event, we understand whose coming, we understand the type of big deal it is, and that's all that event owners and guests can ask for when they come, is hey we're coming to town for a big time event and the community's rolled out the red carpet," Esely explains. "And we do that well, and I think this would be another great opportunity, if provided, to put our community on display." 

Esely says by early 2025, the commission will have a better idea of where the bids are going and what the future potential site for the MIAA tournament might be.

Commissioner Racy says Kansas City has made a bid to continue hosting the tournament.&nbsp; Topeka is also in the running

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City has been the home of the MIAA basketball championships since 2003, but with an expiring lease could the tourney find a new home? MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy says the conference is exploring the possibility of a new home when their lease expires in 2026. One possible location is right here in St. Joseph. Director of the St. Joseph Sports Commision Brett Esely says St Joseph has put in a bid and he's grateful and humbled to have this opportunity. "I think the bid opportunity was open to any destination that wanted to get involved," Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "But you know like everything, I do think there are some destinations that the MIAA had hoped would get involved, and I certainly think St. Joseph was one of those, there's a lot that has to transpire over the next several weeks and months." The commissioner said during MIAA basketball media days earlier this month that St. Joseph was one of three locations being considered. &nbsp;Esely says these days championship events are seeking an environment that fits the event, and believes Civic Arena fits the MIAA tournament. "Whether you've seen one event in Civic Arena over time or tens of hundreds, I think what people notice is it's a great place to play, it's a great place to see an event, the fans are right on top of you," Esely explains. "And when you look at the atmosphere you're trying to create for an athletic competition, where it involves student athletes and coaches and trying to create a memorable experience, the arena's elements really set up for that." Civic Arena has undergone mass improvements over the last few years and will be getting a new paint job through this fall. Esely says the economic impact for an event like this could be off the charts "Knowing that fans are used to coming to the championship, if it did relocate to St. Joseph whereas the travel is a little bit different, it's still the same part of the MIAA footprint," Esely says. "And I think as it relates to downtown St. Joseph and looking at things that are already going on down there." Esely cites the new Children's Discovery Center which will open in December, as well as all the downtown businesses that could host 15 to 18 alumni groups that provides limitless potential Esely says events like this thrive best in communities that understand them the best. "And that's what I've always preached about St. Joseph, is we understand the event, we understand whose coming, we understand the type of big deal it is, and that's all that event owners and guests can ask for when they come, is hey we're coming to town for a big time event and the community's rolled out the red carpet," Esely explains. "And we do that well, and I think this would be another great opportunity, if provided, to put our community on display." Esely says by early 2025, the commission will have a better idea of where the bids are going and what the future potential site for the MIAA tournament might be.Commissioner Racy says Kansas City has made a bid to continue hosting the tournament.&nbsp; Topeka is also in the runningYou can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph is in mix for MIAA basketball tournament

A teen-ager has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after
pleading guilty in the shooting death of another St. Joseph teen.

Nineteen-year-old Jackson Lee Griffith of Country Club had
pleaded guilty to second-degree murder earlier for his part in the death of
15-year-old Carter Smith in June of last year. Authorities discovered Smith’s
body at 28th and Commercial Streets, near the REC Center.

Griffith is one of three suspects in the murder case.

Teontre Kirby, 18, has also pleaded guilty to second-degree
murder in the case. He is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday.

A third suspect, 17-year-old Kaden Wilfong of St. Joseph, was
sentenced to 30 years in prison in August after pleading guilty in the case.

A search of Wilfong’s home turned up bloody clothes and guns
related to the fatal shooting June 15, 2023. Officers also found Smith’s bag in Wilfong’s
residence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729613693863.jpeg" alt="Jackson Lee Griffith/Buchanan County Sheriff's photo" />
 <figcaption>Jackson Lee Griffith/Buchanan County Sheriff's photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA teen-ager has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after
pleading guilty in the shooting death of another St. Joseph teen.Nineteen-year-old Jackson Lee Griffith of Country Club had
pleaded guilty to second-degree murder earlier for his part in the death of
15-year-old Carter Smith in June of last year. Authorities discovered Smith’s
body at 28th and Commercial Streets, near the REC Center.Griffith is one of three suspects in the murder case.Teontre Kirby, 18, has also pleaded guilty to second-degree
murder in the case. He is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday.A third suspect, 17-year-old Kaden Wilfong of St. Joseph, was
sentenced to 30 years in prison in August after pleading guilty in the case.A search of Wilfong’s home turned up bloody clothes and guns
related to the fatal shooting June 15, 2023. Officers also found Smith’s bag in Wilfong’s
residence.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

2nd teen is sentenced in fatal shooting of St. Joseph 15-year-old

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the theft of two stolen pickups.

At 5a.m. on Tuesday police officers responded to the area of the Brookdale Addition on the northwest side of Atchison in an attempt to locate a 2023 Ford F-150 pickup truck reported stolen in Holt County Missouri, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The vehicle’s security system was alerting the vehicle’s movement in that area, according to Wilson.

When officers arrived the vehicle was not located but a 2019 Ford F-150 was located, unoccupied, on Harper Drive at Brookdale Drive, that was determined to have been stolen from the 1500 block Brookdale Drive and subsequently abandoned.

 A short time later officers located and recovered the stolen 2023 truck from Holt County Missouri near 8th and Spring Garden. It was unoccupied.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect information.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the theft of two stolen pickups.At 5a.m. on Tuesday police officers responded to the area of the Brookdale Addition on the northwest side of Atchison in an attempt to locate a 2023 Ford F-150 pickup truck reported stolen in Holt County Missouri, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The vehicle’s security system was alerting the vehicle’s movement in that area, according to Wilson.When officers arrived the vehicle was not located but a 2019 Ford F-150 was located, unoccupied, on Harper Drive at Brookdale Drive, that was determined to have been stolen from the 1500 block Brookdale Drive and subsequently abandoned. A short time later officers located and recovered the stolen 2023 truck from Holt County Missouri near 8th and Spring Garden. It was unoccupied.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect information.

Police: Pickup stolen in Missouri recovered in Kansas

Pregnant at the age of 16, giving birth to a son, eventually
marrying the father, who was 24 at the time. That man spent time in prison after being
convicted of statutory rape.

Brandi Dredge began journaling to cope with the mixed-up
emotions and trauma she endured, writing to make sense of what had happened to
her life. It began to take shape as a book, coming out as Girl,
Uncoded:&nbsp; A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal,
and Eventual Blessings.

Dredge says she wrestled with her identity after the ordeal,
began journaling to relieve her pain, then decided her story could help others.

“It’s bigger than me.” Dredge tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It
really felt like God’s hand on my life to share that story with others that I
might be able to give somebody else hope.” 

Dredge says she saw herself as a wife and mother, not a victim,
until law enforcement spoke with her, pressing the point that she was a victim of
statutory rape and her son carried the DNA proof needed for a conviction.

Dredge says her memoir tells her story, her brokenness, and a
peace that came over her, helping her understand she would be okay.

“That kind of led me to take like the next steps,” Dredge
says. “I’d wobble on different elements of that, which I also think is a true faith
journey is when we do wobble, but then you come back to something that’s bigger
than yourself. It’s hard to explain, but it’s kind of like a knowing and a calm
even in the storm.”

Dredge says she developed her faith further through her church family.

Dredge says she hopes those who find themselves in similar
circumstances, facing similar confusion and doubt, will take heart when they
read her story.

“The biggest thing that I hope that readers would take away is
that there’s hope, there’s always hope,” Dredge says. “And if I can make one
person out there feel less alone and know that they are loved and that they matter,
that would be phenomenal.”

Her experience has led Dredge to work with Missouri state legislators to ban child marriage in Missouri, supporting legislation that would require women reach the age of 18 before they could marry. A bill was introduced in the last legislative session, but it failed to pass. Dredge is a member of the <a href="https://endchildmarriageus.org/">National Coalition to End Child Marriage</a>, which advocates for the minimum age of 18 to marry throughout the country.

Dredge appears in a sold-out event hosted by the Story Collective
in downtown St. Joseph tonight. She will be at a Cup of Joe event Saturday.

On November 16th, Dredge will appear at an event held
by Sisters of Solace.

This article has been edited with a correction since first published.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729536737316.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt is a tale not easily told.Pregnant at the age of 16, giving birth to a son, eventually
marrying the father, who was 24 at the time. That man spent time in prison after being
convicted of statutory rape.Brandi Dredge began journaling to cope with the mixed-up
emotions and trauma she endured, writing to make sense of what had happened to
her life. It began to take shape as a book, coming out as Girl,
Uncoded:&nbsp; A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal,
and Eventual Blessings.Dredge says she wrestled with her identity after the ordeal,
began journaling to relieve her pain, then decided her story could help others.“It’s bigger than me.” Dredge tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It
really felt like God’s hand on my life to share that story with others that I
might be able to give somebody else hope.” Dredge says she saw herself as a wife and mother, not a victim,
until law enforcement spoke with her, pressing the point that she was a victim of
statutory rape and her son carried the DNA proof needed for a conviction.Dredge says her memoir tells her story, her brokenness, and a
peace that came over her, helping her understand she would be okay.“That kind of led me to take like the next steps,” Dredge
says. “I’d wobble on different elements of that, which I also think is a true faith
journey is when we do wobble, but then you come back to something that’s bigger
than yourself. It’s hard to explain, but it’s kind of like a knowing and a calm
even in the storm.”Dredge says she developed her faith further through her church family.Dredge says she hopes those who find themselves in similar
circumstances, facing similar confusion and doubt, will take heart when they
read her story.“The biggest thing that I hope that readers would take away is
that there’s hope, there’s always hope,” Dredge says. “And if I can make one
person out there feel less alone and know that they are loved and that they matter,
that would be phenomenal.”Her experience has led Dredge to work with Missouri state legislators to ban child marriage in Missouri, supporting legislation that would require women reach the age of 18 before they could marry. A bill was introduced in the last legislative session, but it failed to pass. Dredge is a member of the <a href="https://endchildmarriageus.org/">National Coalition to End Child Marriage</a>, which advocates for the minimum age of 18 to marry throughout the country.Dredge appears in a sold-out event hosted by the Story Collective
in downtown St. Joseph tonight. She will be at a Cup of Joe event Saturday.On November 16th, Dredge will appear at an event held
by Sisters of Solace.This article has been edited with a correction since first published.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729536851526.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Tale of domestic abuse...and recovery told by St. Joseph author

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce held a candidate forum this morning.

Two contested state representative races and the contested county commission race will be featured during the forum held at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center.

The Missouri House, District 10 race features incumbent Republican Bill Falkner against Democratic challenger Andrew Gibson. The Missouri House, District 13 race features incumbent Republican Sean Pouche opposed by Democratic candidate Andrea Denning.

In the Western District Commission race, incumbent Democrat Ron Hook is being challenged by Republican Everett Goddard, Jr.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPdvkrxBElA&amp;ab_channel=EagleSalesStJoe">YOU CAN WATCH&nbsp; THE FORUM BY CLICKING HERE</a>

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce held a candidate forum this morning.Two contested state representative races and the contested county commission race will be featured during the forum held at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center.The Missouri House, District 10 race features incumbent Republican Bill Falkner against Democratic challenger Andrew Gibson. The Missouri House, District 13 race features incumbent Republican Sean Pouche opposed by Democratic candidate Andrea Denning.In the Western District Commission race, incumbent Democrat Ron Hook is being challenged by Republican Everett Goddard, Jr.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPdvkrxBElA&amp;ab_channel=EagleSalesStJoe">YOU CAN WATCH&nbsp; THE FORUM BY CLICKING HERE</a>

WATCH: St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Community Forum held today

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will hold a candidate forum this morning, broadcast live on KFEQ.

In the Buchanan County Western District Commission race, incumbent Democrat Ron Hook is being challenged by Republican Everett Goddard, Jr.

The candidate forum begins at 8am. It will be moderated by KFEQ/St. Joseph Post News Director Brent Martin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will hold a candidate forum this morning, broadcast live on KFEQ.Two contested state representative races and the contested county commission race will be featured during the forum held at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center.The Missouri House, District 10 race features incumbent Republican Bill Falkner against Democratic challenger Andrew Gibson. The Missouri House, District 13 race features incumbent Republican Sean Pouche opposed by Democratic candidate Andrea Denning.In the Buchanan County Western District Commission race, incumbent Democrat Ron Hook is being challenged by Republican Everett Goddard, Jr.The candidate forum begins at 8am. It will be moderated by KFEQ/St. Joseph Post News Director Brent Martin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph Chamber candidate forum to be broadcast on KFEQ

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Monday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle driven by Destiney M. Clevenger, 18, Gallatin, was southbound on 252nd Street one and one half miles east of Gallatin.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. The Volkswagen traveled off the west side of the road and struck a tree. A private vehicle transported a passenger Jelexa D. Clevenger, 25, Gallatin, to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The driver was not injured. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Monday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle driven by Destiney M. Clevenger, 18, Gallatin, was southbound on 252nd Street one and one half miles east of Gallatin.The driver lost control of the vehicle. The Volkswagen traveled off the west side of the road and struck a tree. A private vehicle transported a passenger Jelexa D. Clevenger, 25, Gallatin, to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The driver was not injured. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after car strikes a tree

A proposed city ordinance that will be discussed during the next St. Joseph City Council meeting will help in some promising developmental areas.  

Interim City Manager Clint Thompson says the chronic nuisance ordinance will deal with individuals congregating at a business they are not associated with. 

"What is being proposed and is working towards the next council agenda is an amendment to our code that allows our police department more latitude in the ability to crack down on particular locations that may be in violation of this perceived nuisance," Thompson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  

Thompson says the impact of this ordinance could lead to a business having its license suspended or its liquor license removed.  

Thompson says the intent of the ordinance is not anti-business. . . 

"It is a pro development, because several locations within our community that currently exist are a high volume of calls to our police department, so they are utilizing our city services," Thompson explains. "And the impact, and the negative impact, to our community is being felt because there is a lack of reinvestment into these areas" 

Thompson describes the current city council as pro-business.  

Thompson says the city council works with area businesses and feels this ordinance will help address problem areas. 

"To work with those business owners to help improve the appearance of that particular location," Thompson says. "I don't think we can eliminate certain issues, but I think we can address those to mitigate those and have a more positive impact." 

Thompson says the impact of this ordinance could lead to a business having its license suspended or its liquor license revoked. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A proposed city ordinance that will be discussed during the next St. Joseph City Council meeting will help in some promising developmental areas. Interim City Manager Clint Thompson says the chronic nuisance ordinance will deal with individuals congregating at a business they are not associated with. "What is being proposed and is working towards the next council agenda is an amendment to our code that allows our police department more latitude in the ability to crack down on particular locations that may be in violation of this perceived nuisance," Thompson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Thompson says the impact of this ordinance could lead to a business having its license suspended or its liquor license removed. Thompson says the intent of the ordinance is not anti-business. . . "It is a pro development, because several locations within our community that currently exist are a high volume of calls to our police department, so they are utilizing our city services," Thompson explains. "And the impact, and the negative impact, to our community is being felt because there is a lack of reinvestment into these areas" Thompson describes the current city council as pro-business. Thompson says the city council works with area businesses and feels this ordinance will help address problem areas. "To work with those business owners to help improve the appearance of that particular location," Thompson says. "I don't think we can eliminate certain issues, but I think we can address those to mitigate those and have a more positive impact." Thompson says the impact of this ordinance could lead to a business having its license suspended or its liquor license revoked. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph City Council will consider nuisance ordinance

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>

The head of Missouri’s child welfare division will resign effective Nov. 1, a spokesperson for the agency told The Independent on Monday.&nbsp;

Darrell Missey has served as director of the Children’s Division since January 2022.&nbsp; Housed in the Department of Social Services, the agency oversees the foster care system and investigates child abuse and neglect.

The division has seen frequent turnover at the top, though Missey stayed longer than many. He was the sixth director under Gov. Mike Parson, who was sworn into office in 2018. Missey’s three-year tenure is the longest for directors under Parson.&nbsp;

Missey previously spent two decades as a circuit judge in Jefferson County, where he oversaw the juvenile cases. He ran for judge on a platform of criticizing the incumbent circuit judge for being too willing to remove children from their families’ custody and terminate parental rights.

As director of Children’s Division, he was vocal about trying to reduce the number of kids Missouri takes into foster care and shift resources to prevent them from needing to enter the system. When he took over, there were over 14,000 kids in care.&nbsp; Now there are 11,539, as of&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/mis/clcounter/" target="_blank">August</a>.

Missey led a push last year to get legislative funding for 100 new Children’s Division&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/26/missouri-child-welfare-agency-pitches-plan-to-rebuild-overburdened-foster-care-system/">staff</a>&nbsp;positions to focus on prevention efforts, what he called phase one in an effort to “rebuild and reform” his division. At the front-end, Missouri does too little to prevent kids from entering foster care in the first place, he&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/26/missouri-child-welfare-agency-pitches-plan-to-rebuild-overburdened-foster-care-system/">said</a>, and at the back-end, there are too few resources to move foster kids to stable, permanent homes.&nbsp;

He inherited a department under intense scrutiny from lawmakers for issues ranging from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/30/federal-watchdog-finds-missouri-failed-to-adequately-report-protect-missing-foster-kids/">missing foster kids</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/05/06/furious-lawmakers-demand-answers-from-missouri-dss-for-undercount-of-abuse-reports/">unlicensed boarding schools</a>&nbsp;to severe&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/04/05/missouri-caseworkers-drowning-as-childrens-division-plagued-by-staff-shortages/">staffing issues.&nbsp;</a>

Staffing issues, during a tight labor market, led to delayed child welfare investigations. Those backlogged cases have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/03/backlog-of-missouri-child-abuse-and-neglect-cases-down-this-year/">declined in recent months&nbsp;</a>as staffing levels rebounded.&nbsp;

Kayla Ueligger will serve as the interim director of Children’s Division, said Baylee Watts, a spokeswoman for the department of social services. Ueligger is the department’s current operational excellence director.&nbsp;

Ueligger has worked in Children’s Division since 2013, Watts said, with experience as a front-line child abuse and neglect investigator, family centered services and foster care case worker, supervisor and specialist.

“A search will commence for a new director,” Watts said by email but didn’t immediately provide a timeline.&nbsp;

A new governor will take over in January, when Parson leaves office because of term limits. Both of the major party candidates for governor — Republican Mike Kehoe of Jefferson City and Democrat Crystal Quade of Springfield — have<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2024-08-20/missouri-gubernatorial-candidates-commit-to-boosting-childrens-division-salaries" target="_blank">&nbsp;publicly expressed support for boosting salaries</a>&nbsp;in Children’s Division to improve recruitment and retention.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729534196997.png" alt="Darrell Missey" />
 <figcaption>Darrell Missey</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>The head of Missouri’s child welfare division will resign effective Nov. 1, a spokesperson for the agency told The Independent on Monday.&nbsp;Darrell Missey has served as director of the Children’s Division since January 2022.&nbsp; Housed in the Department of Social Services, the agency oversees the foster care system and investigates child abuse and neglect.The division has seen frequent turnover at the top, though Missey stayed longer than many. He was the sixth director under Gov. Mike Parson, who was sworn into office in 2018. Missey’s three-year tenure is the longest for directors under Parson.&nbsp;Missey previously spent two decades as a circuit judge in Jefferson County, where he oversaw the juvenile cases. He ran for judge on a platform of criticizing the incumbent circuit judge for being too willing to remove children from their families’ custody and terminate parental rights.As director of Children’s Division, he was vocal about trying to reduce the number of kids Missouri takes into foster care and shift resources to prevent them from needing to enter the system. When he took over, there were over 14,000 kids in care.&nbsp; Now there are 11,539, as of&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/mis/clcounter/" target="_blank">August</a>.Missey led a push last year to get legislative funding for 100 new Children’s Division&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/26/missouri-child-welfare-agency-pitches-plan-to-rebuild-overburdened-foster-care-system/">staff</a>&nbsp;positions to focus on prevention efforts, what he called phase one in an effort to “rebuild and reform” his division. At the front-end, Missouri does too little to prevent kids from entering foster care in the first place, he&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/26/missouri-child-welfare-agency-pitches-plan-to-rebuild-overburdened-foster-care-system/">said</a>, and at the back-end, there are too few resources to move foster kids to stable, permanent homes.&nbsp;He inherited a department under intense scrutiny from lawmakers for issues ranging from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/30/federal-watchdog-finds-missouri-failed-to-adequately-report-protect-missing-foster-kids/">missing foster kids</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/05/06/furious-lawmakers-demand-answers-from-missouri-dss-for-undercount-of-abuse-reports/">unlicensed boarding schools</a>&nbsp;to severe&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/04/05/missouri-caseworkers-drowning-as-childrens-division-plagued-by-staff-shortages/">staffing issues.&nbsp;</a>Staffing issues, during a tight labor market, led to delayed child welfare investigations. Those backlogged cases have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/03/backlog-of-missouri-child-abuse-and-neglect-cases-down-this-year/">declined in recent months&nbsp;</a>as staffing levels rebounded.&nbsp;Kayla Ueligger will serve as the interim director of Children’s Division, said Baylee Watts, a spokeswoman for the department of social services. Ueligger is the department’s current operational excellence director.&nbsp;Ueligger has worked in Children’s Division since 2013, Watts said, with experience as a front-line child abuse and neglect investigator, family centered services and foster care case worker, supervisor and specialist.“A search will commence for a new director,” Watts said by email but didn’t immediately provide a timeline.&nbsp;A new governor will take over in January, when Parson leaves office because of term limits. Both of the major party candidates for governor — Republican Mike Kehoe of Jefferson City and Democrat Crystal Quade of Springfield — have<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2024-08-20/missouri-gubernatorial-candidates-commit-to-boosting-childrens-division-salaries" target="_blank">&nbsp;publicly expressed support for boosting salaries</a>&nbsp;in Children’s Division to improve recruitment and retention.&nbsp;

Director of Missouri child welfare agency stepping down next month

DAVIESS COUNTY —A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just after 4:30a.m. Monday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 International semi driven by Robert N. Boyer, 53, St. Joseph, was eastbound on U.S. 69 near Route Y. The vehicle traveled off the south side of the road, struck the ground, overturned and struck several road signs.

Daviess County EMS transported Boyer to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just after 4:30a.m. Monday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 International semi driven by Robert N. Boyer, 53, St. Joseph, was eastbound on U.S. 69 near Route Y. The vehicle traveled off the south side of the road, struck the ground, overturned and struck several road signs.Daviess County EMS transported Boyer to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Man from St. Joe hospitalized after semi overturns

Political polarization just seems to grow in our
society as we become entrenched in our ideas and dismissive of others.

A panel of Missouri Western State professors will
discuss the trend during a panel discussion tonight at East Hills Library.

College of Liberal Arts Interim Assistant Dean,
Edwin Taylor, says one of the questions that will be explored is why have we
lost the ability to get along when we disagree politically? Why do we feel the
need to vilify and demonize?

“And turn a person who is a friend into an enemy
simply because of who they supported in the last election,” Taylor tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview.

Taylor says it’s important to understand what is
happening in our society.

“In part, because I as a political scientist, I feel that this increasing polarization is incredibly destructive for our
ability to govern, which is very different than winning elections,” Taylor
says.

The panel, entitled “Donkeys, Elephants, and All
the Drama,” will explore the history of political polarization, the rhetoric of
polarization, the social dynamics of polarization, and the contemporary
polarized landscape. Chair of the Social Sciences and Humanities and School of
Fine Arts, Dominic DeBrincat, is one of the panelists as is David McMahan,
chair of the Department of Communication. The panel also includes Psychology
Department chair, Kelly Henry, as well as Taylor.

Taylor says the panel of professors will consider
why so many have become so inflexible.

“If I’m rigid, if I refuse to move, if I refuse
to acknowledge there’s anyway but my way then we’ll never go anywhere, because
we’ll never choose to walk on the same road together,” Taylor says.

Taylor says our society must regain the ability
to talk to each other and listen to each other.

“Which means we have to embrace a principle of
empathy that there’s a reason why people believe these things and the more we
seek to try to understand that the better we will know these people and the
better we can find ways that we can say, well, these things you believe in,
these things I believe in, but clearly there’s some things we both believe in
and we can work to try to move forward using those principles.”

Taylor says he hopes those attending the panel
discussion will come away with a better understanding of society and of
themselves.

“Sometimes when we hear ideas that sort of clash
with our principles, it makes us uncomfortable and it makes us have to analyze
our own thoughts, but that’s the whole point of conversation and dialogue,”
according to Taylor.

The panel discussion begins at 6:30 this evening
in the Theater Room at the East Hills Library, 502 N. Woodbine, St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729516028809.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostPolitical polarization just seems to grow in our
society as we become entrenched in our ideas and dismissive of others.A panel of Missouri Western State professors will
discuss the trend during a panel discussion tonight at East Hills Library.College of Liberal Arts Interim Assistant Dean,
Edwin Taylor, says one of the questions that will be explored is why have we
lost the ability to get along when we disagree politically? Why do we feel the
need to vilify and demonize?“And turn a person who is a friend into an enemy
simply because of who they supported in the last election,” Taylor tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview.Taylor says it’s important to understand what is
happening in our society.“In part, because I as a political scientist, I feel that this increasing polarization is incredibly destructive for our
ability to govern, which is very different than winning elections,” Taylor
says.The panel, entitled “Donkeys, Elephants, and All
the Drama,” will explore the history of political polarization, the rhetoric of
polarization, the social dynamics of polarization, and the contemporary
polarized landscape. Chair of the Social Sciences and Humanities and School of
Fine Arts, Dominic DeBrincat, is one of the panelists as is David McMahan,
chair of the Department of Communication. The panel also includes Psychology
Department chair, Kelly Henry, as well as Taylor.Taylor says the panel of professors will consider
why so many have become so inflexible.“If I’m rigid, if I refuse to move, if I refuse
to acknowledge there’s anyway but my way then we’ll never go anywhere, because
we’ll never choose to walk on the same road together,” Taylor says.Taylor says our society must regain the ability
to talk to each other and listen to each other.“Which means we have to embrace a principle of
empathy that there’s a reason why people believe these things and the more we
seek to try to understand that the better we will know these people and the
better we can find ways that we can say, well, these things you believe in,
these things I believe in, but clearly there’s some things we both believe in
and we can work to try to move forward using those principles.”Taylor says he hopes those attending the panel
discussion will come away with a better understanding of society and of
themselves.“Sometimes when we hear ideas that sort of clash
with our principles, it makes us uncomfortable and it makes us have to analyze
our own thoughts, but that’s the whole point of conversation and dialogue,”
according to Taylor.The panel discussion begins at 6:30 this evening
in the Theater Room at the East Hills Library, 502 N. Woodbine, St. Joseph.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Political polarization:  a MWSU panel discussion tonight in St. Joseph

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Sunday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Toyota Camry driven by Kelby S. Thomas, 18, Princeton, Missouri, was northbound on U.S. 65 five miles south of Chillicothe.&nbsp;

The car traveled off the east side of the road and struck a guardrail. Life Flight transported Thomas to Truman Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Sunday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Toyota Camry driven by Kelby S. Thomas, 18, Princeton, Missouri, was northbound on U.S. 65 five miles south of Chillicothe.&nbsp;The car traveled off the east side of the road and struck a guardrail. Life Flight transported Thomas to Truman Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen air-lifted to hospital after car struck guardrail

Cook comes back and helps Missouri score Homecoming win

#19 Missouri quarterback Brady Cook returned from a midgame trip to the hospital to have an MRI exam on his ailing ankle and led his team to two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including the go-ahead run by Jamal Roberts with 46 seconds remaining that gave the Tigers a 21-17 victory over Auburn on Saturday.

Cook was hurt on the opening series and did not return until late in the third quarter, after his hospital trip and a session in the nearby indoor practice facility, where Missouri coaches wanted to see whether his ankle could properly function.

Without Cook to lead the offense, it was slow to get going, but luckily it was the same for Auburn as the teams went to the halftime break tied at three, Mizzou getting a 51 yard field goal from Blake Craig, and Auburn kicker&nbsp;Towns McGough hitting a 33 yard field goal.&nbsp;

Auburn took advantage of the lack of offense from Mizzou in the second half, scoring 14 unanswered points before Craig knocked through a 38 yard field goal in the third quarter.&nbsp; At the end of the quarter though, it was a homecoming miracle for Mizzou, as Cook came back into the huddle to lead the offense down the field, connecting with Mookie Cooper on a 78 yard pass, before Marcus Carroll rushed the ball in from two yards out.&nbsp; Cook rushed in for a two point conversion to bring the Tigers within three points.&nbsp;

After both teams exchanged punts over the next five drives, Mizzou put together the longest drive of the game, using 17 plays to go 95 yards before Roberts scored the go ahead touchdown with 46 seconds left on the clock.&nbsp; With no timeouts, Auburn went four and out, allowing Cook to kneel out the remaining time.&nbsp;

Despite not playing most of the game, Cook was the leading passer going 11 of 22 through the air for 194 yards.&nbsp; Carroll was the leading rusher with eight runs for 40 yards.&nbsp; Cooper had two catches for 84 yards, while Theo Wease Jr had four catches for 56 yards.&nbsp;

Missouri returns to the road to face #7 Alabama on&nbsp; Saturday. Kickoff time has yet to be announced by the SEC.&nbsp;

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