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

Just after 9p.m. June 30,&nbsp;Sac and Fox Police and Brown County Sheriff's deputies investigated a suspicious vehicle which was disabled&nbsp; int he vicinity of 320th and Kestrel Road, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

 K-9 Carla indicated on the vehicle and spoke with the driver and sole occupant Robert Hendricks, 64, Marysville&nbsp; 

Deputies arrested him on requested charges of Possession of Meth,&nbsp; Felony Distribution of Meth, No Drug Tax Stamp, Possession of&nbsp; Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; Investigators found 20 grams of methamphetamine, scales, pipes, baggies and more was located within the vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719875809214.png" alt="--K-9 SGT Fee with Carla" />
 <figcaption>--K-9 SGT Fee with Carla</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 9p.m. June 30,&nbsp;Sac and Fox Police and Brown County Sheriff's deputies investigated a suspicious vehicle which was disabled&nbsp; int he vicinity of 320th and Kestrel Road, according to Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719875791068.png" alt="Hendricks photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Hendricks photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure> K-9 Carla indicated on the vehicle and spoke with the driver and sole occupant Robert Hendricks, 64, Marysville&nbsp; Deputies arrested him on requested charges of Possession of Meth,&nbsp; Felony Distribution of Meth, No Drug Tax Stamp, Possession of&nbsp; Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; Investigators found 20 grams of methamphetamine, scales, pipes, baggies and more was located within the vehicle.

Kan. sheriff's K9 helped catch man allegedly selling meth

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;2008 BMW 328i driven by Carolyn L. Dixon, 82, Turney, was northbound on MO 33 at 272nd Street three miles northeast of Plattsburg.

The car attempted to pass a northbound&nbsp;2022 John Deere 6120E driven by James T. Pyles, 36, Trimble.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The car struck the tractor as it was slowing and attempting a left turn.

Clinton County ambulance transported Dixon to Liberty Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. Pyles was not injured.&nbsp;

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;2008 BMW 328i driven by Carolyn L. Dixon, 82, Turney, was northbound on MO 33 at 272nd Street three miles northeast of Plattsburg.The car attempted to pass a northbound&nbsp;2022 John Deere 6120E driven by James T. Pyles, 36, Trimble.&nbsp;&nbsp;The car struck the tractor as it was slowing and attempting a left turn.Clinton County ambulance transported Dixon to Liberty Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. Pyles was not injured.&nbsp;

Mo. woman injured after car, tractor crash

A
24-year-old north-central Missouri man has been sentenced to nine years in
federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in northwest Missouri.

Lucas
Coltrain of Newtown pleaded guilty to selling fentanyl and laundering between $10,000
to $15,000 to a Mexican cartel.

Court
documents disclose Coltrain sold more than 5-Thousand fentanyl pills, pressed to
look like prescription drugs. Coltrain admitted to knowing people died after
taking the pills. He continued to sell the pills even after a friend died of an
overdose in July of 2021. Coltrain himself overdosed on fentanyl in August of
last year after being released on bond.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA
24-year-old north-central Missouri man has been sentenced to nine years in
federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in northwest Missouri.Lucas
Coltrain of Newtown pleaded guilty to selling fentanyl and laundering between $10,000
to $15,000 to a Mexican cartel.Court
documents disclose Coltrain sold more than 5-Thousand fentanyl pills, pressed to
look like prescription drugs. Coltrain admitted to knowing people died after
taking the pills. He continued to sell the pills even after a friend died of an
overdose in July of 2021. Coltrain himself overdosed on fentanyl in August of
last year after being released on bond.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

24-year-old sentenced federal prison for NW Missouri drug trafficking

BROWN COUNTY— On Tuesday, Governor Laura Kelly ceremonially signed Senate Bill 1 in Hiawatha and Holton. The bill provides responsible tax cuts for all Kansans without threatening the state’s long-term fiscal health, according to a media release from her office.

“This tax cuts package provides meaningful relief for hardworking Kansans while preserving our ability to continue fully funding our essential services and infrastructure,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Now, because we have responsibly budgeted, Kansans will see significant tax cuts without sending us back to an era of fiscal shortfalls.”

Senate Bill 1, passed with bipartisan support, provides nearly $2 billion in tax cuts for Kansans over the next 5 years. The bill reduces property taxes by increasing the residential property tax exemption to $75,000, saving residential property owners more than $236 million over 5 years.

The bill also eliminates state taxes on Social Security income, saving Kansas retirees $152 million in the first year alone. Additionally, the bill reduces income taxes and increases the standard deduction and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

“Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have championed meaningful tax cuts for Kansans,”&nbsp;said Kansas State Senator Dennis Pyle, District 1.&nbsp;“Eliminating the state tax on Social Security income has been a long-time goal of mine. I am thankful this is finally a reality for seniors in Kansas thanks to Senate Bill 1.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719952635924.png" alt="courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY— On Tuesday, Governor Laura Kelly ceremonially signed Senate Bill 1 in Hiawatha and Holton. The bill provides responsible tax cuts for all Kansans without threatening the state’s long-term fiscal health, according to a media release from her office.“This tax cuts package provides meaningful relief for hardworking Kansans while preserving our ability to continue fully funding our essential services and infrastructure,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Now, because we have responsibly budgeted, Kansans will see significant tax cuts without sending us back to an era of fiscal shortfalls.”Senate Bill 1, passed with bipartisan support, provides nearly $2 billion in tax cuts for Kansans over the next 5 years. The bill reduces property taxes by increasing the residential property tax exemption to $75,000, saving residential property owners more than $236 million over 5 years.The bill also eliminates state taxes on Social Security income, saving Kansas retirees $152 million in the first year alone. Additionally, the bill reduces income taxes and increases the standard deduction and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.“Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have championed meaningful tax cuts for Kansans,”&nbsp;said Kansas State Senator Dennis Pyle, District 1.&nbsp;“Eliminating the state tax on Social Security income has been a long-time goal of mine. I am thankful this is finally a reality for seniors in Kansas thanks to Senate Bill 1.”

Gov. Kelly ceremonially signs tax cuts package in Brown County

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford Escape driven by Lane J. Blackford, 23, Macon, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Route E four miles south of King City.

The SUV rear-ended a 1995 Kenworth semi driven by Dylan L. Morgan, 26, DeKalb, who was slowing to turn East at Route E.

Grand River ambulance transported both drivers to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Morgan was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford Escape driven by Lane J. Blackford, 23, Macon, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Route E four miles south of King City.The SUV rear-ended a 1995 Kenworth semi driven by Dylan L. Morgan, 26, DeKalb, who was slowing to turn East at Route E.Grand River ambulance transported both drivers to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Morgan was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after SUV, semi rear-end crash

St. Joseph won big in the state budget, even aside from the
nearly $10 million allocated to make improvements to Rosecrans Memorial
Airport.

State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, who serves on the
House Budget Committee, says Gov. Mike Parson let stand a half million-dollar
appropriation for the downtown Children’s Discovery Center after vetoing a $1 million
appropriation for it last year.

“I think I was able to make the case with the governor a little
bit more clearly on the importance of what we were doing and it’s all about
relationships,” Shields says of the change of fortune. “I work well with the
governor’s staff and the governor as well.”

The $51 billion state budget also includes $7.5 million to
complete financing of the Convergent Technology Alliance Center which is
located on the Missouri Western State University campus and will be operated
jointly by Missouri Western and North Central Missouri College of Trenton. The budget
contains $2.1 million to upgrade the Chiefs Training Camp on the Missouri
Western campus. A $300,000 allocation will go to the Missouri Western Social
Work program.

Shields says she’s extremely pleased with St. Joseph’s share
of the state budget.

“As maybe, legislatively, how unsuccessful the session seemed
and the few bills that we passed, St. Joseph was really able to shine in the
budget this year,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, giving credit to the
entire local legislative delegation. “I am incredibly proud of the dollars that
we were able to bring home to make sure that St. Joseph’s economy continues to
grow.”

The capital improvement projects aren’t the only beneficiaries
of the budget.

Missouri Senate Appropriations vice chair, Sen. Tony
Luetkemeyer of Parkville, points out Missouri Western State University also
benefits from a 3% increase in its core budget.

“The House ended up changing that and stripping it,” Luetkemeyer
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “The Senate added it back in and so Missouri Western
and all the other four-year institutions around the state will see a 3%
inflationary increase in their core appropriation which is really important to
make sure that higher education remains affordable to Missouri families.”

The governor took his time signing the state budget. Gov.
Parson signed the budget bills late Friday afternoon, just prior to the start
of the state fiscal year on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719937929517.jpeg" alt="Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signs the $51 billion state budget/Photo courtesy of Gov. Parson's office" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signs the $51 billion state budget/Photo courtesy of Gov. Parson's office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph won big in the state budget, even aside from the
nearly $10 million allocated to make improvements to Rosecrans Memorial
Airport.State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, who serves on the
House Budget Committee, says Gov. Mike Parson let stand a half million-dollar
appropriation for the downtown Children’s Discovery Center after vetoing a $1 million
appropriation for it last year.“I think I was able to make the case with the governor a little
bit more clearly on the importance of what we were doing and it’s all about
relationships,” Shields says of the change of fortune. “I work well with the
governor’s staff and the governor as well.”The $51 billion state budget also includes $7.5 million to
complete financing of the Convergent Technology Alliance Center which is
located on the Missouri Western State University campus and will be operated
jointly by Missouri Western and North Central Missouri College of Trenton. The budget
contains $2.1 million to upgrade the Chiefs Training Camp on the Missouri
Western campus. A $300,000 allocation will go to the Missouri Western Social
Work program.Shields says she’s extremely pleased with St. Joseph’s share
of the state budget.“As maybe, legislatively, how unsuccessful the session seemed
and the few bills that we passed, St. Joseph was really able to shine in the
budget this year,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, giving credit to the
entire local legislative delegation. “I am incredibly proud of the dollars that
we were able to bring home to make sure that St. Joseph’s economy continues to
grow.”The capital improvement projects aren’t the only beneficiaries
of the budget.Missouri Senate Appropriations vice chair, Sen. Tony
Luetkemeyer of Parkville, points out Missouri Western State University also
benefits from a 3% increase in its core budget.“The House ended up changing that and stripping it,” Luetkemeyer
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “The Senate added it back in and so Missouri Western
and all the other four-year institutions around the state will see a 3%
inflationary increase in their core appropriation which is really important to
make sure that higher education remains affordable to Missouri families.”The governor took his time signing the state budget. Gov.
Parson signed the budget bills late Friday afternoon, just prior to the start
of the state fiscal year on Monday.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/St--Joseph-wins-big-in-state-budget-e2liqj4" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph wins big in the state budget

CLINTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Monday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Ram pickup driven by Preston E. Ferr, 18, Faucett, was westbound on MO 116 one mile east of Lathrop.

The driver attempted to pass another vehicle and struck a westbound 2013 Toyota Rav4 driven by Allison M. Hamm, 35, Polo, head-on.

Tri-County EMS transported Hamm and a 16-year-old boy in the SUV to Liberty Hospital. Ferr was not injured.&nbsp; The teen passenger in the SUV was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Monday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Ram pickup driven by Preston E. Ferr, 18, Faucett, was westbound on MO 116 one mile east of Lathrop.The driver attempted to pass another vehicle and struck a westbound 2013 Toyota Rav4 driven by Allison M. Hamm, 35, Polo, head-on.Tri-County EMS transported Hamm and a 16-year-old boy in the SUV to Liberty Hospital. Ferr was not injured.&nbsp; The teen passenger in the SUV was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp;.

Mo. woman, 16-year-old. hospitalized after head-on crash

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —A Missouri man avoided serious injured after a rollover accident that occurred just 10:30a.m. Monday in Atchison.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a 1997 GMC Sierra&nbsp; driven by Bryce Stratton, 22, Rushville Missouri, was eastbound in the 1800 Block of Main Street.&nbsp;

The driver lost control of the pickup. It struck the curb, two signs and rolled over onto its top. 

The driver, the only occupant in the vehicle, was able to get out of the truck uninjured, according to Wilson, Fire and EMS were on the scene to check on him. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719859227784.png" alt="Photo Police Chief Mike Wilson" />
 <figcaption>Photo Police Chief Mike Wilson</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —A Missouri man avoided serious injured after a rollover accident that occurred just 10:30a.m. Monday in Atchison.According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a 1997 GMC Sierra&nbsp; driven by Bryce Stratton, 22, Rushville Missouri, was eastbound in the 1800 Block of Main Street.&nbsp;The driver lost control of the pickup. It struck the curb, two signs and rolled over onto its top. The driver, the only occupant in the vehicle, was able to get out of the truck uninjured, according to Wilson, Fire and EMS were on the scene to check on him. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Missouri man escapes injury after rollover crash

Renovations on the Cook Road bridge in St. Joseph will cause a large portion I-29 within the city limits to shutdown much of tomorrow. 

Missouri Department of Transportation district engineer Marty Liles says to keep work on track the contractor will close I-29 to transport bridge pilings to the site. 

"If you're traveling from the north, going south on I-29, up at the Highway 71/229 Interchange, traffic will be detoured onto I-229 to go south," Liles tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "If you're coming from say Kansas City and going north on I-29, you'll be detoured onto I-229 to the north at that point." 

The closure is expected to last through tomorrow from 4am to 7pm. 

Liles says the renovation project is completely removing the exisiting bridge and replacing it 

"So, it's a redecking, but with that it also includes a new sidewalk on the south side," Liles explains. "So, when it's all said and done it will be a new bridge deck with a sidewalk." 

Liles says weather could always play a factor with the contractor monitoring it closely. 

"Right now, it looks like the rain is kind of holding off and the contractor still thinks he can get that done in an ample amount of time on that," Liles says. "So, we don't anticipate any additional time that's needed with it, but it really depends on how much additional rain that we get and how bad the weather comes in." 

I-29 will be closed to northbound traffic from the Frederick Boulevard exit to the US Highway 36 exit.  I-29 will be closed southbound from the Business Route 71/ US Highway 59 to US 169 exit at Rochester Road from 4am to 7pm tomorrow. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Renovations on the Cook Road bridge in St. Joseph will cause a large portion I-29 within the city limits to shutdown much of tomorrow. Missouri Department of Transportation district engineer Marty Liles says to keep work on track the contractor will close I-29 to transport bridge pilings to the site. "If you're traveling from the north, going south on I-29, up at the Highway 71/229 Interchange, traffic will be detoured onto I-229 to go south," Liles tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "If you're coming from say Kansas City and going north on I-29, you'll be detoured onto I-229 to the north at that point." The closure is expected to last through tomorrow from 4am to 7pm. Liles says the renovation project is completely removing the exisiting bridge and replacing it "So, it's a redecking, but with that it also includes a new sidewalk on the south side," Liles explains. "So, when it's all said and done it will be a new bridge deck with a sidewalk." Liles says weather could always play a factor with the contractor monitoring it closely. "Right now, it looks like the rain is kind of holding off and the contractor still thinks he can get that done in an ample amount of time on that," Liles says. "So, we don't anticipate any additional time that's needed with it, but it really depends on how much additional rain that we get and how bad the weather comes in." I-29 will be closed to northbound traffic from the Frederick Boulevard exit to the US Highway 36 exit. I-29 will be closed southbound from the Business Route 71/ US Highway 59 to US 169 exit at Rochester Road from 4am to 7pm tomorrow. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Heads up St. Joseph commuters, big part of I-29 closes Tuesday

Springfield state Sen. Lincoln Hough is running for Lt.
Governor in a crowded Republican primary.

Hough is one of six Republican candidates for Lt. Governor.

Hough, during a campaign stop in St. Joseph, says the position
makes sense to him, because as chair of the Missouri Senate Appropriations
Committee, he deals with veterans, senior citizens, tourism, and the other
aspects of the office. An office Hough says is expanding.

“One of the most exciting opportunities in my opinion is
something that then-Lt. Gov., now Gov. Parson really kind of kick started was
the Buy Missouri program,” Hough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Politics can be a nasty business, even among Republicans.

Hough says the negativity in campaigns has prompted him to
limit the exposure to politics for his two young sons.

“I’m trying to raise respectful young men, right. And I don’t
see a lot of politicians today being the example that I want set for my kids,”
Hough says. “The negativity in campaigns, I know people will say it’s just part
of it, but it doesn’t have to be.”

Hough insists candidates don’t have to be negative.

“If you have a track record that you can run on and you can go
tell people what you have done and want to do, which is what we’re doing all
day every day, that’s what I think you ought to run on,” according to Hough. “I
don’t think you should run on tearing someone else down. So, we focus on
cutting a billion dollars in taxes, because my name is on that bill.”

The race also features another state senator:&nbsp; Holly Rehder of Scott City. The other
Republicans in the race for Lt. Governor are Dave Wasinger of Des Peres, Paul
Berry the Third of Maryland Heights, Tim Baker of Robertsville, and Matthew
Porter of St. Charles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719857305761.jpeg" alt="Sen. Lincoln Hough speaks with St. Joseph John Josendale during his St. Joseph campaign stop./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Lincoln Hough speaks with St. Joseph John Josendale during his St. Joseph campaign stop./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSpringfield state Sen. Lincoln Hough is running for Lt.
Governor in a crowded Republican primary.Hough is one of six Republican candidates for Lt. Governor.Hough, during a campaign stop in St. Joseph, says the position
makes sense to him, because as chair of the Missouri Senate Appropriations
Committee, he deals with veterans, senior citizens, tourism, and the other
aspects of the office. An office Hough says is expanding.“One of the most exciting opportunities in my opinion is
something that then-Lt. Gov., now Gov. Parson really kind of kick started was
the Buy Missouri program,” Hough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Politics can be a nasty business, even among Republicans.Hough says the negativity in campaigns has prompted him to
limit the exposure to politics for his two young sons.“I’m trying to raise respectful young men, right. And I don’t
see a lot of politicians today being the example that I want set for my kids,”
Hough says. “The negativity in campaigns, I know people will say it’s just part
of it, but it doesn’t have to be.”Hough insists candidates don’t have to be negative.“If you have a track record that you can run on and you can go
tell people what you have done and want to do, which is what we’re doing all
day every day, that’s what I think you ought to run on,” according to Hough. “I
don’t think you should run on tearing someone else down. So, we focus on
cutting a billion dollars in taxes, because my name is on that bill.”The race also features another state senator:&nbsp; Holly Rehder of Scott City. The other
Republicans in the race for Lt. Governor are Dave Wasinger of Des Peres, Paul
Berry the Third of Maryland Heights, Tim Baker of Robertsville, and Matthew
Porter of St. Charles.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Sen. Hough running on record in crowded Lt. Gov. primary

A director filming in St. Joseph says he fell in love with the community while scouting locations. &nbsp;

Joshua Brandon, who also wrote the film '25 Miles to Normal', says in visiting the community St. Joseph chose itself more so than he chose it.&nbsp;

"We came through and we just met so many great people and people were just welcoming us with open arms, offering to help, showing us around town, so the story we were telling we couldn't come up with a better place, it was just perfect," Brandon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so, as I like to say, you chose us."&nbsp;

Another essential factor for choosing to film in St. Joseph, Brandon says, was the reinstatement of state tax film credits.&nbsp;

Brandon says when you are making an indie film like he is, there is a finite ceiling because your movie won't get pushed to large theaters or streaming services&nbsp;

Therefore, Brandon says these credits are essential in helping assure investors their investment can be recouped.&nbsp;

"And so, the tax credit becomes critical, because it allows us to create jobs in the state where we've committed to film and also to make sure we have something to come in right from the beginning," Brandon explains. "So, we can begin to get investors their money back, they can generate more confidence they've done the right thing, and ideally we close that gap when we make the sale, we make them a little bit of money, and everybody gets to come back and do it all again."&nbsp;

Governor Mike Parson reinstated the film tax credits last year.&nbsp; The last major film in Missouri to utilize these credits was 'Gone Girl' filmed in Cape Girardeau&nbsp;

While Brandon films, he is looking for local people to appear in the movie. &nbsp;

Brandon says the community has been fantastic to work with as the movie gets made. &nbsp;

Brandon adds that people interested in what they're doing have shown interest in being extras, which he is always looking for. &nbsp;

"Anytime you see a movie, if you ever see a movie where there's no one in the background something feels wrong and that's because in real life people are in the background, so we always want extras," Brandon says. "We direct them to our website <a href="https://usc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/www.25milestonormal.com" target="_blank">www.25milestonormal.com</a>, tells you who's in the film, what it's about, who's involved, and how they also can be in the movie."&nbsp;

Filming is underway and is expected to be completed this month.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A director filming in St. Joseph says he fell in love with the community while scouting locations. &nbsp;Joshua Brandon, who also wrote the film '25 Miles to Normal', says in visiting the community St. Joseph chose itself more so than he chose it.&nbsp;"We came through and we just met so many great people and people were just welcoming us with open arms, offering to help, showing us around town, so the story we were telling we couldn't come up with a better place, it was just perfect," Brandon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And so, as I like to say, you chose us."&nbsp;Another essential factor for choosing to film in St. Joseph, Brandon says, was the reinstatement of state tax film credits.&nbsp;Brandon says when you are making an indie film like he is, there is a finite ceiling because your movie won't get pushed to large theaters or streaming services&nbsp;Therefore, Brandon says these credits are essential in helping assure investors their investment can be recouped.&nbsp;"And so, the tax credit becomes critical, because it allows us to create jobs in the state where we've committed to film and also to make sure we have something to come in right from the beginning," Brandon explains. "So, we can begin to get investors their money back, they can generate more confidence they've done the right thing, and ideally we close that gap when we make the sale, we make them a little bit of money, and everybody gets to come back and do it all again."&nbsp;Governor Mike Parson reinstated the film tax credits last year.&nbsp; The last major film in Missouri to utilize these credits was 'Gone Girl' filmed in Cape Girardeau&nbsp;While Brandon films, he is looking for local people to appear in the movie. &nbsp;Brandon says the community has been fantastic to work with as the movie gets made. &nbsp;Brandon adds that people interested in what they're doing have shown interest in being extras, which he is always looking for. &nbsp;"Anytime you see a movie, if you ever see a movie where there's no one in the background something feels wrong and that's because in real life people are in the background, so we always want extras," Brandon says. "We direct them to our website <a href="https://usc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/www.25milestonormal.com" target="_blank">www.25milestonormal.com</a>, tells you who's in the film, what it's about, who's involved, and how they also can be in the movie."&nbsp;Filming is underway and is expected to be completed this month.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Movie-director-says-he-didnt-choose-St--Joseph--St--Joseph-chose-him-e2lh8uj" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Movie director says he didn't choose St. Joseph, St. Joseph chose him

Rosecrans Memorial Airport benefited greatly from the $51 billion
state budget signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson.

The governor waited until nearly the last minute to sign the
budget, signing it late Friday afternoon with the state fiscal year beginning
today.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville, the Republican vice
chair of the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee, says the nearly $10 million
allocated to Rosecrans should put the 139th Airlift Wing in position
to receive the latest C-130 cargo planes.

“What that is going to do is it’s going to enable the 139th
to hopefully attract the new ‘J’ model series C-130s,” Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “So those are the new planes that are awarded by the federal
government. Last year, when we were up to get some of those new planes, we got
passed over for a variety of reasons.”

The state budget includes $7.5 million for the planning,
design, and construction of an aircraft maintenance facility for the 139th
and $2 million to move a fuel farm used by both military and civilian aircraft.

State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, a member of the House
Budget Committee, agrees with Luetkemeyer’s assessment, saying the state
funding is vital in making needed improvements at Rosecrans.

“So, for us to be able to secure that 7-and-a-half million for
the maintenance building for the ‘J’ models will really make us competitive the
next go round of determining who gets the ‘J’ models and the moving of that fuel
farm was also an important part of that process to secure the ‘J’ models,” Shields
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

A year ago, the Air National Guard passed over the 139th
Airlift Wing in allocating the first round of the new, modern cargo planes, the
C-130J model. The Air Guard cited deficiencies that must be addressed before
the 139th gets the new planes.

While Gov. Parson approved the $7.5 million for the maintenance
facility, he cut $2 million from the $4 million approved by the General
Assembly to move the fuel farm, used by both military and civilian aircraft.

“You know, I wish he hadn’t vetoed (the $2 million), but I don’t
think that we’ll have a problem finding the match locally,” Shields says. “So,
I think we’ll be able to be successful in moving that fuel farm as well.”

Luetkemeyer is also confident the money can be found to make
up for the line-item veto.

“People seem pretty confident that we will be able to come up
with the local $2 million match to be able to get that project funded,”
Luetkemeyer says, referring to conversations he had after the budget signing
with officials from the 139th.

The bottom line, according to Luetkemeyer, is the state has
come through with the money that should insure the 139th gets the
latest model of the C-130 cargo planes. 

“I think there’s no question these new investments in
Rosecrans are going to put us at the top of the list to get the new, ‘J’ model
airplanes out at Rosecrans and that is going to secure the long-term viability
of the 139th out at Rosecrans,” Luetkemeyer says.

In all, Gov. Parson made 173 line-item vetoes, totaling $1
billion, to the state budget approved by the legislature. Parson says he
trimmed the budget to prepare the state for higher costs and lower revenue in
the coming year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719842272846.jpeg" alt="The 139th Airlift Wing's C-130 cargo planes parked at Rosecrans Memorial Airport/file photo" />
 <figcaption>The 139th Airlift Wing's C-130 cargo planes parked at Rosecrans Memorial Airport/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRosecrans Memorial Airport benefited greatly from the $51 billion
state budget signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson.The governor waited until nearly the last minute to sign the
budget, signing it late Friday afternoon with the state fiscal year beginning
today.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville, the Republican vice
chair of the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee, says the nearly $10 million
allocated to Rosecrans should put the 139th Airlift Wing in position
to receive the latest C-130 cargo planes.“What that is going to do is it’s going to enable the 139th
to hopefully attract the new ‘J’ model series C-130s,” Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “So those are the new planes that are awarded by the federal
government. Last year, when we were up to get some of those new planes, we got
passed over for a variety of reasons.”The state budget includes $7.5 million for the planning,
design, and construction of an aircraft maintenance facility for the 139th
and $2 million to move a fuel farm used by both military and civilian aircraft.State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, a member of the House
Budget Committee, agrees with Luetkemeyer’s assessment, saying the state
funding is vital in making needed improvements at Rosecrans.“So, for us to be able to secure that 7-and-a-half million for
the maintenance building for the ‘J’ models will really make us competitive the
next go round of determining who gets the ‘J’ models and the moving of that fuel
farm was also an important part of that process to secure the ‘J’ models,” Shields
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.A year ago, the Air National Guard passed over the 139th
Airlift Wing in allocating the first round of the new, modern cargo planes, the
C-130J model. The Air Guard cited deficiencies that must be addressed before
the 139th gets the new planes.While Gov. Parson approved the $7.5 million for the maintenance
facility, he cut $2 million from the $4 million approved by the General
Assembly to move the fuel farm, used by both military and civilian aircraft.“You know, I wish he hadn’t vetoed (the $2 million), but I don’t
think that we’ll have a problem finding the match locally,” Shields says. “So,
I think we’ll be able to be successful in moving that fuel farm as well.”Luetkemeyer is also confident the money can be found to make
up for the line-item veto.“People seem pretty confident that we will be able to come up
with the local $2 million match to be able to get that project funded,”
Luetkemeyer says, referring to conversations he had after the budget signing
with officials from the 139th.The bottom line, according to Luetkemeyer, is the state has
come through with the money that should insure the 139th gets the
latest model of the C-130 cargo planes. “I think there’s no question these new investments in
Rosecrans are going to put us at the top of the list to get the new, ‘J’ model
airplanes out at Rosecrans and that is going to secure the long-term viability
of the 139th out at Rosecrans,” Luetkemeyer says.In all, Gov. Parson made 173 line-item vetoes, totaling $1
billion, to the state budget approved by the legislature. Parson says he
trimmed the budget to prepare the state for higher costs and lower revenue in
the coming year.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

139th Airlift Wing gets big boost from Missouri state budget

St. Joseph native and former Missouri Western golfer Brad Nurski claimed his fourth Missouri Amateur Golf Championship Sunday at St. Joseph Country Club, defeating Presten Richardson of Mount Vernon in Match Play 11 &amp; 9.

Nurski did not lose a hole in the scheduled 36-hole match.&nbsp;Nurski finished with a 66 on his first 18 holes, while Richardson carded a 72. Nurski shot a 32 on the next nine, while Richardson totaled a 38.

Nurski becomes just the sixth player in the tournament’s 117-year history to win four titles. This win is his first in the event since 2018.

Nurski has earned himself an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Amateur Golf Championship in Chaska, Minnesota, which will take place from Aug. 12-18.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719835886232.jpeg" alt="Brad Nurski." />
 <figcaption>Brad Nurski.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph native and former Missouri Western golfer Brad Nurski claimed his fourth Missouri Amateur Golf Championship Sunday at St. Joseph Country Club, defeating Presten Richardson of Mount Vernon in Match Play 11 &amp; 9.Nurski did not lose a hole in the scheduled 36-hole match.&nbsp;Nurski finished with a 66 on his first 18 holes, while Richardson carded a 72. Nurski shot a 32 on the next nine, while Richardson totaled a 38.Nurski becomes just the sixth player in the tournament’s 117-year history to win four titles. This win is his first in the event since 2018.Nurski has earned himself an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Amateur Golf Championship in Chaska, Minnesota, which will take place from Aug. 12-18.

Brad Nurski wins fourth Missouri Amateur Golf Championship Sunday

HARRISON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30a.m. Sunday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Honda Talon driven by Joseph C. Dilley, 24, Cameron, was southbound on Route W five miles north of Bethany.

The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road and the driver was ejected. The passenger identified as Natayla J. Selby, 22, Cameron, was partially ejected and&nbsp; pinned underneath the vehicle.

NTA ambulance transported Dilley and Selby to Harrison County Community Hospital.&nbsp; They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30a.m. Sunday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Honda Talon driven by Joseph C. Dilley, 24, Cameron, was southbound on Route W five miles north of Bethany.The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road and the driver was ejected. The passenger identified as Natayla J. Selby, 22, Cameron, was partially ejected and&nbsp; pinned underneath the vehicle.NTA ambulance transported Dilley and Selby to Harrison County Community Hospital.&nbsp; They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.

Mo. man, woman hospitalized after violent UTV crash

ANDREW COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 International semi driven by Timothy A. Schneider, 40, Hastings, Nebraska, was northbound on Interstate 29 seven miles north of St. Joseph.

The semi rear-ended a 1999 Dodge Durango driven by Samantha Trobauch, 41, Grant, New Mexico.

Andrew County EMS transported three adult passengers in the SUV from New Mexico to Mosaic Life Care. The drivers were not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 International semi driven by Timothy A. Schneider, 40, Hastings, Nebraska, was northbound on Interstate 29 seven miles north of St. Joseph.The semi rear-ended a 1999 Dodge Durango driven by Samantha Trobauch, 41, Grant, New Mexico.Andrew County EMS transported three adult passengers in the SUV from New Mexico to Mosaic Life Care. The drivers were not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

3 injured after semi rear-ends an SUV in Andrew County

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Saturday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford Focus driven by Cassandra L. Dominiack,&nbsp; 35, Independence, Mo, was southbound on Interstate 29 near the King City exit.

The car rear-ended a 2019 Peterbilt semi driven by Justin D. Thomas, 33, Dallas, Texas.&nbsp; After impact the car began to skid and rear-ended a 2024 Freightliner driven by Jeffrey D. Ballard, 45, Cascade, Idaho.

Andrew Co. EMS transported Dominiack to Mosaic Life Care. The semi drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Saturday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford Focus driven by Cassandra L. Dominiack,&nbsp; 35, Independence, Mo, was southbound on Interstate 29 near the King City exit.The car rear-ended a 2019 Peterbilt semi driven by Justin D. Thomas, 33, Dallas, Texas.&nbsp; After impact the car began to skid and rear-ended a 2024 Freightliner driven by Jeffrey D. Ballard, 45, Cascade, Idaho.Andrew Co. EMS transported Dominiack to Mosaic Life Care. The semi drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman hospitalized after car rear-ends 2 semis

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Nissan Altima driven by Leslie P. Robinson, 45, Pattonsburg, was westbound on Route E at 135th Street eight miles south of Pattonsburg.

The car traveled off the north side of the road struck an embankment, crossed 135th Street, traveled into the ravine and struck several trees.

A private vehicle transported Robinson to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was not wearing seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Nissan Altima driven by Leslie P. Robinson, 45, Pattonsburg, was westbound on Route E at 135th Street eight miles south of Pattonsburg.The car traveled off the north side of the road struck an embankment, crossed 135th Street, traveled into the ravine and struck several trees.A private vehicle transported Robinson to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was not wearing seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after car crash into trees

CLINTON COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Saturday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Traverse driven by Michael G. Wardlow, 74, Lansing, Kansas, was eastbound on MO 116 at U.S. 169 three miles south of Gower.

The driver failed to yield to a southbound 2002 Chevy Colorado driven by Jacen C. Gaona, 28, Gower.&nbsp;

The SUV struck the side of the pickup. Tri-County EMS transported Wardlow and three adult passengers in the SUV to Mosaic Life Care. Gaona was not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Saturday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Traverse driven by Michael G. Wardlow, 74, Lansing, Kansas, was eastbound on MO 116 at U.S. 169 three miles south of Gower.The driver failed to yield to a southbound 2002 Chevy Colorado driven by Jacen C. Gaona, 28, Gower.&nbsp;The SUV struck the side of the pickup. Tri-County EMS transported Wardlow and three adult passengers in the SUV to Mosaic Life Care. Gaona was not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

4 hospitalized after SUV, pickup crash in Clinton County

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a drug bust at a Kansas home. Just before 8:30p.m. June 26,&nbsp; a search warrant was conducted by the Brown County Sheriffs Office Drug Task Force at 315 W. 12th Street in Horton, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies arrested 41-year-old&nbsp; Cameron Mayer 41 and 41-year-old Raechel Juber&nbsp; both of Horton on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of DrugParaphernalia.&nbsp; Horton Police Department assisted

Mayer has a previous drug conviction in Jackson, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719609510436.png" alt="Juber photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Juber photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a drug bust at a Kansas home. Just before 8:30p.m. June 26,&nbsp; a search warrant was conducted by the Brown County Sheriffs Office Drug Task Force at 315 W. 12th Street in Horton, according to Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719609529543.png" alt="Mayer-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Mayer-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies arrested 41-year-old&nbsp; Cameron Mayer 41 and 41-year-old Raechel Juber&nbsp; both of Horton on requested charges of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of DrugParaphernalia.&nbsp; Horton Police Department assistedMayer has a previous drug conviction in Jackson, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Sheriff: Kansas felon jailed after drug bust at home

Othel Moore was pepper-sprayed repeatedly and screamed he could not breathe while masked and strapped to a transport gurney. Corrections officers put him in a locked room without removing the mask or loosening the restraints, charges state

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

Four former Missouri correctional officers face murder charges and a fifth is charged with involuntary manslaughter for the December death of a man incarcerated at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

Othel Moore, 38, was pepper-sprayed in the face multiple times, had his face improperly covered by a hood that blocked his nose and mouth and left unattended in a cell for more than 30 minutes, documents filed Friday in Cole County Circuit Court state.

Moore, who suffered from asthma, screamed at officers that he could not breathe as he was being transported to the cell, the documents state. He died on the morning of Dec. 8.

Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Locke Thompson charged Justin Leggins, 34, of Cadet, Jacob Case, 31, of Desloge, and Aaron Brown, 24, and Gregory Varner, 34, both of Park Hills, with second degree assault and second degree murder.

Thompson charged Bryanne Bradshaw, 25, of Jefferson City with involuntary manslaughter in the second degree.

Leggins was hired by the department in 2022, according to information on the&nbsp;<a href="https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Employees/" target="_blank">Missouri Accountability Portal</a>. Case worked for the department in 2014 and 2015 and returned in 2020. Brown was hired in 2021. Varner worked for the department from 2014 to 2016 and returned in 2019. Bradshaw started in 2018.

All five had been arrested or surrendered to authorities by Friday afternoon, Thompson said.

No information was available indicating whether the officers have hired attorneys.

Four corrections officers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article286346160.html" target="_blank">were fired in March</a>&nbsp;during the investigation of Moore’s death. The warden of the Jefferson City Correctional Center&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/17/warden-of-missouri-prison-replaced-after-investigation-of-inmate-death/">was terminated as an employee</a>&nbsp;of the department earlier this month.&nbsp;

The autopsy of Moore ruled his death was due to “positional asphyxiation” and the death was determined to be a homicide, documents filed with the case state.

“The sheriff’s department did a very thorough investigation and when we set down and reviewed all the evidence available, that is what led us to those charges,” Thompson said in an interview with The Independent.

The charges, highly unusual in an inmate death case, were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prison-guards-charged-black-man-custody-death-be04c04c1cb90959eeebf5e19f4850dd" target="_blank">first reported by the Associated Press</a>. Thompson said he has some cases of inmate-on-inmate violence pending, but no other cases involving correctional officers assaulting inmates.

“Right now we have two offender-on-offender homicides, and we have had those in the past as well,” Thompson said.

In a press release, Thompson said Moore’s death was linked to a Corrections Emergency Response Team operation to sweep one of the housing units for contraband. Moore was pepper sprayed twice during the operation before being placed in a spit hood, leg wrap and restraint chair and transferred to a separate housing unit, where he was left in the hood, wrap, and restraint chair for approximately 30 minutes.&nbsp;

The probable cause statements for each of the five describe their role in Moore’s death.

Leggins was present outside Moore’s cell during the operation. Moore spoke to another inmate and Leggins told him to remain silent.&nbsp;

“The victim looked back over his shoulder without moving any other part of his body and asked the suspect why he had to be quiet,” Sgt. Greg Henson of the Cole County Sheriff’s Department wrote in the probable cause statement on Leggin’s charges. “lt was at this point Leggins raised a ‘fogger’ canister of pepper spray and deployed it from a very close distance into the face of the victim.”

The spraying violated department policies that the inmate had to be a danger to the officer or other inmates, Henson wrote.&nbsp;

“This unwarranted reckless behavior inflicted undue suffering and pain on the victim,” Henson wrote.

Case pepper sprayed Moore in the face as he lay on the ground.

“During the initial interview Case stated he pepper sprayed the victim in the face while he was on the ground at the top of the staircase for not following directives to stop resisting,” Det. Aaron Roberts of the sheriff’s office wrote in the court documents.

Brown placed the mask on Moore’s face, Deputy Merideth Freeeman wrote in his probable cause statement. He claimed Moore was spitting at corrections officers, which other officers denied.

“Brown placed the spit mask on the victim’s head without allowing him the opportunity to decontaminate from the pepper spray even though the victim was fully restrained and cooperative at the time,” Freeman wrote, noting that he placed it improperly, blocking Moore’s nose and mouth.

Varner supervised the placement of Moore into a restraint device while masked.

“During my interview with Varner, he confirms that by the time the victim reached the bottom level after being sprayed multiple times, he was yelling that he couldn’t breathe, and that the victim was saying he had asthma,” Henson wrote in a probable cause statement.

Bradshaw was the highest ranking officer in the unit where Moore was taken in restraint. When he arrived at about 7:50 a.m. that morning, he was in distress.“Sgt. Bradshaw stated that when Moore arrived he was yelling and screaming and although she said she couldn’t understand what he was saying, she said he could have been saying he couldn’t breathe or was in distress,” Henson wrote. “Additionally, Bradshaw said she knew Moore from previous encounters, and didn’t think he would be making up medical issues if that’s what he was trying to relay when yelling.”

Moore was placed in a locked room, restrained and masked. He was not checked on until he was unresponsive about 8:20 a.m. that day.

Prison reform activist Michelle Smith had not heard about the charges when contacted Friday.

“The fact that they’ve absolutely been charged, yes, that’s amazing,” Smith said. “I appreciate it. I think that it is necessary, and you know, it will serve to get the information out to the public.”

Smith organized a vigil in January to highlight the growing number of deaths among inmates. Moore’s death was one of 135 in Missouri’s state prisons in 2023, according to Missouri Prison Reform . The number of deaths have been rising even as prison populations fall.

From 2012 to 2014, department data shows, there was an average of 31,442 incarcerated people in state prisons. Deaths averaged 89 per year. Over the period 2020 through 2022, with an average of 23,409 incarcerated people in state prisons, deaths averaged 122 per year.

Many of the deaths are natural, but they also include increasing numbers of overdose deaths.

The Moore investigation should not end with the criminal charges, Smith said. The way prisoners who told his family about his death were treated needs to be addressed as well, she said.

“The person who called the sister and told her he was killed, they put him in the hole,” Smith said. “They retaliated against several men and put them in the hole who were talking about it.”

<h2>Othel Moore was pepper-sprayed repeatedly and screamed he could not breathe while masked and strapped to a transport gurney. Corrections officers put him in a locked room without removing the mask or loosening the restraints, charges state</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Four former Missouri correctional officers face murder charges and a fifth is charged with involuntary manslaughter for the December death of a man incarcerated at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.Othel Moore, 38, was pepper-sprayed in the face multiple times, had his face improperly covered by a hood that blocked his nose and mouth and left unattended in a cell for more than 30 minutes, documents filed Friday in Cole County Circuit Court state.Moore, who suffered from asthma, screamed at officers that he could not breathe as he was being transported to the cell, the documents state. He died on the morning of Dec. 8.Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Locke Thompson charged Justin Leggins, 34, of Cadet, Jacob Case, 31, of Desloge, and Aaron Brown, 24, and Gregory Varner, 34, both of Park Hills, with second degree assault and second degree murder.Thompson charged Bryanne Bradshaw, 25, of Jefferson City with involuntary manslaughter in the second degree.Leggins was hired by the department in 2022, according to information on the&nbsp;<a href="https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Employees/" target="_blank">Missouri Accountability Portal</a>. Case worked for the department in 2014 and 2015 and returned in 2020. Brown was hired in 2021. Varner worked for the department from 2014 to 2016 and returned in 2019. Bradshaw started in 2018.All five had been arrested or surrendered to authorities by Friday afternoon, Thompson said.No information was available indicating whether the officers have hired attorneys.Four corrections officers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article286346160.html" target="_blank">were fired in March</a>&nbsp;during the investigation of Moore’s death. The warden of the Jefferson City Correctional Center&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/17/warden-of-missouri-prison-replaced-after-investigation-of-inmate-death/">was terminated as an employee</a>&nbsp;of the department earlier this month.&nbsp;The autopsy of Moore ruled his death was due to “positional asphyxiation” and the death was determined to be a homicide, documents filed with the case state.“The sheriff’s department did a very thorough investigation and when we set down and reviewed all the evidence available, that is what led us to those charges,” Thompson said in an interview with The Independent.The charges, highly unusual in an inmate death case, were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prison-guards-charged-black-man-custody-death-be04c04c1cb90959eeebf5e19f4850dd" target="_blank">first reported by the Associated Press</a>. Thompson said he has some cases of inmate-on-inmate violence pending, but no other cases involving correctional officers assaulting inmates.“Right now we have two offender-on-offender homicides, and we have had those in the past as well,” Thompson said.In a press release, Thompson said Moore’s death was linked to a Corrections Emergency Response Team operation to sweep one of the housing units for contraband. Moore was pepper sprayed twice during the operation before being placed in a spit hood, leg wrap and restraint chair and transferred to a separate housing unit, where he was left in the hood, wrap, and restraint chair for approximately 30 minutes.&nbsp;The probable cause statements for each of the five describe their role in Moore’s death.Leggins was present outside Moore’s cell during the operation. Moore spoke to another inmate and Leggins told him to remain silent.&nbsp;“The victim looked back over his shoulder without moving any other part of his body and asked the suspect why he had to be quiet,” Sgt. Greg Henson of the Cole County Sheriff’s Department wrote in the probable cause statement on Leggin’s charges. “lt was at this point Leggins raised a ‘fogger’ canister of pepper spray and deployed it from a very close distance into the face of the victim.”The spraying violated department policies that the inmate had to be a danger to the officer or other inmates, Henson wrote.&nbsp;“This unwarranted reckless behavior inflicted undue suffering and pain on the victim,” Henson wrote.Case pepper sprayed Moore in the face as he lay on the ground.“During the initial interview Case stated he pepper sprayed the victim in the face while he was on the ground at the top of the staircase for not following directives to stop resisting,” Det. Aaron Roberts of the sheriff’s office wrote in the court documents.Brown placed the mask on Moore’s face, Deputy Merideth Freeeman wrote in his probable cause statement. He claimed Moore was spitting at corrections officers, which other officers denied.“Brown placed the spit mask on the victim’s head without allowing him the opportunity to decontaminate from the pepper spray even though the victim was fully restrained and cooperative at the time,” Freeman wrote, noting that he placed it improperly, blocking Moore’s nose and mouth.Varner supervised the placement of Moore into a restraint device while masked.“During my interview with Varner, he confirms that by the time the victim reached the bottom level after being sprayed multiple times, he was yelling that he couldn’t breathe, and that the victim was saying he had asthma,” Henson wrote in a probable cause statement.Bradshaw was the highest ranking officer in the unit where Moore was taken in restraint. When he arrived at about 7:50 a.m. that morning, he was in distress.“Sgt. Bradshaw stated that when Moore arrived he was yelling and screaming and although she said she couldn’t understand what he was saying, she said he could have been saying he couldn’t breathe or was in distress,” Henson wrote. “Additionally, Bradshaw said she knew Moore from previous encounters, and didn’t think he would be making up medical issues if that’s what he was trying to relay when yelling.”Moore was placed in a locked room, restrained and masked. He was not checked on until he was unresponsive about 8:20 a.m. that day.Prison reform activist Michelle Smith had not heard about the charges when contacted Friday.“The fact that they’ve absolutely been charged, yes, that’s amazing,” Smith said. “I appreciate it. I think that it is necessary, and you know, it will serve to get the information out to the public.”Smith organized a vigil in January to highlight the growing number of deaths among inmates. Moore’s death was one of 135 in Missouri’s state prisons in 2023, according to Missouri Prison Reform . The number of deaths have been rising even as prison populations fall.From 2012 to 2014, department data shows, there was an average of 31,442 incarcerated people in state prisons. Deaths averaged 89 per year. Over the period 2020 through 2022, with an average of 23,409 incarcerated people in state prisons, deaths averaged 122 per year.Many of the deaths are natural, but they also include increasing numbers of overdose deaths.The Moore investigation should not end with the criminal charges, Smith said. The way prisoners who told his family about his death were treated needs to be addressed as well, she said.“The person who called the sister and told her he was killed, they put him in the hole,” Smith said. “They retaliated against several men and put them in the hole who were talking about it.”

Missouri corrections officers charged with murder in death of inmate in restraints

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo —Strong thunderstorms moved through Holt and Atchison counties in northwest Missouri on Friday.

MSHP Corporal Nic Greiner captured this photo of a tornado in western Atchison County on U.S. 136 looking south just east of the Brownville bridge.&nbsp; There were no report of injury or property damage.

Check the Post for additional details as they are released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719662150616.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo —Strong thunderstorms moved through Holt and Atchison counties in northwest Missouri on Friday.MSHP Corporal Nic Greiner captured this photo of a tornado in western Atchison County on U.S. 136 looking south just east of the Brownville bridge.&nbsp; There were no report of injury or property damage.Check the Post for additional details as they are released.

Tornado rolled across rural NW Missouri 

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Malibu driven by Richard S. Culp, 55, Skidmore, was westbound on Route V two miles east of Skidmore.

The car traveled off the north side of the road, struck a field entrance and overturned.

Troopers arrested Culp on requested charges of DWI, Careless and Imprudent driving and for no seat belt. Nodaway County Ambulance transported Culp to Mosaic in St. Joseph.

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Malibu driven by Richard S. Culp, 55, Skidmore, was westbound on Route V two miles east of Skidmore.The car traveled off the north side of the road, struck a field entrance and overturned.Troopers arrested Culp on requested charges of DWI, Careless and Imprudent driving and for no seat belt. Nodaway County Ambulance transported Culp to Mosaic in St. Joseph.

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