Missouri Governor Mike Parson has appointed a Hamilton man to
the State Milk Board.

Parson appointed Sean Cornelius to the Milk Board. Cornelius
is a partner and nutritionist at Best Axis
Consulting.

Cornelius serves as
president of Cornelius Farms and is a third-generation dairy farmer. Cornelius
also is the president of the Caldwell County Farm Bureau. 

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Governor Mike Parson has appointed a Hamilton man to
the State Milk Board.Parson appointed Sean Cornelius to the Milk Board. Cornelius
is a partner and nutritionist at Best Axis
Consulting.Cornelius serves as
president of Cornelius Farms and is a third-generation dairy farmer. Cornelius
also is the president of the Caldwell County Farm Bureau. You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Hamilton man appointed to State Milk Board

A shooting outside the First Ward House in north St. Joseph
has left a 31-year-old man with a life-threatening gunshot wound.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports the shooting just
after midnight Sunday likely started with a confrontation in the bar that continued
outside.

There is one suspect, but no one has been arrested as of yet.

The identification of the victim has not been released.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA shooting outside the First Ward House in north St. Joseph
has left a 31-year-old man with a life-threatening gunshot wound.The St. Joseph Police Department reports the shooting just
after midnight Sunday likely started with a confrontation in the bar that continued
outside.There is one suspect, but no one has been arrested as of yet.The identification of the victim has not been released.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Man severely wounded in north St. Joseph shooting

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/camikoons/">CAMI KOONS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Early this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1227574179/amelia-earharts-lost-plane-howland-island" target="_blank">news outlets circulated&nbsp;</a>a sonar image of what explorers believe to be Amelia Earhart’s lost Lockheed Electra plane.

Earhart enthusiasts in Atchison were excited to see the discovery, and also to see the expedition’s leader, Tony Romeo, sporting a T-shirt from the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.

The founder of Deep Sea Vision, the exploration company that took the sonar image at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, had visited the Atchison museum to see Muriel, a plane identical to the one Earhart took on her last flight.

Romeo will return July 19-20 to Atchison with a slate of other explorers, Earhart theorists and a Smithsonian curator for a panel discussion.

The events are presented by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum</a>&nbsp;as part of the annual Amelia Earhart Festival.

“It’s very exciting to get internationally known people searching for Amelia’s plane into Atchison, where she was born,” said Karen Seaberg, the museum’s founder.

“Adventure Amelia: A Conversation with Explorers in the Search for Amelia Earhart” will be moderated by Dorothy Cochrane, a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Romeo and his brother, Lloyd Romeo, are panelists alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-links-search-for-amelia-earhart-s-plane-with-iss-crew-classroom" target="_blank">Rod Blocksome</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://earharttruth.wordpress.com/tag/gary-lapook/" target="_blank">Gary LaPook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.datelinetheory.com/p/about-author.html" target="_blank">Liz Smith</a>.

Seaberg said the explorers and theorists might have a little bit of competitive tension as they take the stage at 11 a.m. Feb. 19 at the historic Fox Theatre in downtown Atchison.

“The panel itself is going to be fun, because all of these people are searching, or have ideas about Amelia Earhart’s lost plane, but they all are going about it a little different way,” Seaberg said.

At 9 a.m. July 20, Tony and Lloyd Romeo will share more about their expedition, which used marine robotics to scan more than 5,200 square miles of the Pacific Ocean floor.

This conversation at the O’Malley-McAllister Auditorium at Benedictine College will be moderated by pilot and author Amelia Rose Earhart, who circumnavigated the globe in 2014.

Tickets are free but limited, so Seaberg urges folks to&nbsp;<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/event/adventure-amelia/" target="_blank">register online</a>.

In addition to the panels, the<a href="https://visitatchison.com/listing/amelia-earhart-festival" target="_blank">&nbsp;Amelia Earhart Festival&nbsp;</a>offers craft vendors, live music, an airshow and fireworks above the Missouri River.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720819312481.png" alt="Tony Romeo shows off his shirt from the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum while on his 90-day expedition searching for Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Tony Romeo shows off his shirt from the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum while on his 90-day expedition searching for Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/camikoons/">CAMI KOONS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>Early this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1227574179/amelia-earharts-lost-plane-howland-island" target="_blank">news outlets circulated&nbsp;</a>a sonar image of what explorers believe to be Amelia Earhart’s lost Lockheed Electra plane.Earhart enthusiasts in Atchison were excited to see the discovery, and also to see the expedition’s leader, Tony Romeo, sporting a T-shirt from the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.The founder of Deep Sea Vision, the exploration company that took the sonar image at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, had visited the Atchison museum to see Muriel, a plane identical to the one Earhart took on her last flight.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720819354535.png" alt="Sonar images of the floor of the Pacific Ocean reveal an object that looks to be around the shape and size of the Lockheed Electra 10-E that Amelia Earhart took on her fated attempt to circumnavigate the globe. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Sonar images of the floor of the Pacific Ocean reveal an object that looks to be around the shape and size of the Lockheed Electra 10-E that Amelia Earhart took on her fated attempt to circumnavigate the globe. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>Romeo will return July 19-20 to Atchison with a slate of other explorers, Earhart theorists and a Smithsonian curator for a panel discussion.The events are presented by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum</a>&nbsp;as part of the annual Amelia Earhart Festival.“It’s very exciting to get internationally known people searching for Amelia’s plane into Atchison, where she was born,” said Karen Seaberg, the museum’s founder.“Adventure Amelia: A Conversation with Explorers in the Search for Amelia Earhart” will be moderated by Dorothy Cochrane, a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Romeo and his brother, Lloyd Romeo, are panelists alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-links-search-for-amelia-earhart-s-plane-with-iss-crew-classroom" target="_blank">Rod Blocksome</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://earharttruth.wordpress.com/tag/gary-lapook/" target="_blank">Gary LaPook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.datelinetheory.com/p/about-author.html" target="_blank">Liz Smith</a>.Seaberg said the explorers and theorists might have a little bit of competitive tension as they take the stage at 11 a.m. Feb. 19 at the historic Fox Theatre in downtown Atchison.“The panel itself is going to be fun, because all of these people are searching, or have ideas about Amelia Earhart’s lost plane, but they all are going about it a little different way,” Seaberg said.At 9 a.m. July 20, Tony and Lloyd Romeo will share more about their expedition, which used marine robotics to scan more than 5,200 square miles of the Pacific Ocean floor.This conversation at the O’Malley-McAllister Auditorium at Benedictine College will be moderated by pilot and author Amelia Rose Earhart, who circumnavigated the globe in 2014.Tickets are free but limited, so Seaberg urges folks to&nbsp;<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/event/adventure-amelia/" target="_blank">register online</a>.In addition to the panels, the<a href="https://visitatchison.com/listing/amelia-earhart-festival" target="_blank">&nbsp;Amelia Earhart Festival&nbsp;</a>offers craft vendors, live music, an airshow and fireworks above the Missouri River.

High-profile Amelia Earhart explorers to convene in Atchison

GRUNDY COUNTY—Three teens were injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Saturday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Toyota Matrix driven by a 16-year-old Trenton girl was northbound on Route A six miles northwest of Trenton.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The car traveled off the north side of the road and overturned.&nbsp; A 14-year-old female passenger from Trenton was ejected through the passenger side window.

Life Flight Eagle transported the 14-year-old to Children's Mercy. Mercer County EMS transported a 15-year-old female passenger from Trenton to Wright Memorial Hospital. The driver refused treatment at the scene. The two passengers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY—Three teens were injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Saturday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Toyota Matrix driven by a 16-year-old Trenton girl was northbound on Route A six miles northwest of Trenton.The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The car traveled off the north side of the road and overturned.&nbsp; A 14-year-old female passenger from Trenton was ejected through the passenger side window.Life Flight Eagle transported the 14-year-old to Children's Mercy. Mercer County EMS transported a 15-year-old female passenger from Trenton to Wright Memorial Hospital. The driver refused treatment at the scene. The two passengers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

NW Missouri teen airlifted to hospital after ejected in crash

BROWN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Saturday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Ford Bronco driven by Linda J. Baker, 74, Hiawatha, was northbound on Horned Owl Road&nbsp; just South of 220th Street. The SUV traveled off the roadway into the west ditch and struck a cement culvert.

EMS transported Baker to Amberwell Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Saturday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Ford Bronco driven by Linda J. Baker, 74, Hiawatha, was northbound on Horned Owl Road&nbsp; just South of 220th Street. The SUV traveled off the roadway into the west ditch and struck a cement culvert.EMS transported Baker to Amberwell Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after SUV strikes cement culvert

PLATTE COUNTY—A Missouri woman died in an accident just after 6a.m. Saturday in Platte County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford Fusion driven by Eyoatme S. Melaku, 19, Riverside, was southbound on Riverway&nbsp; Boulevard at MO 9. The car crossed the road, traveled off the left side, struck a bridge support, returned to the road and caught fire.

Melaku was pronounced dead at the scene and she was transported to Forensic Medical of Kansas.&nbsp; She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

PLATTE COUNTY—A Missouri woman died in an accident just after 6a.m. Saturday in Platte County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford Fusion driven by Eyoatme S. Melaku, 19, Riverside, was southbound on Riverway&nbsp; Boulevard at MO 9. The car crossed the road, traveled off the left side, struck a bridge support, returned to the road and caught fire.Melaku was pronounced dead at the scene and she was transported to Forensic Medical of Kansas.&nbsp; She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman dies after car crash and fire

NODAWAY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Friday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; 2014 Nissan Versa driven by Jacole D. Hunzinger, 21, Maryville, was eastbound on U.S. 136 just east of Neon Road eight miles east of Maryville.

The car rear-ended a 2009 Kia Optima driven by Rose A. Miller, 57, Maryville, who had stopped for a 2013 Volkswagen Passat driven by Cody M. Runde, 31, Ravenwood, to make a left turn into a private drive.

After impact, the Nissan crossed the center of the road and rear-ended Volkswagen.

A private vehicle transported Hunzinger to Mosaic in Maryville. Nodaway County EMS transported a passenger in the Nissan Jonathan E. Bliley, 53, Stanberry, to Mosaic in Maryville. The other drivers were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Friday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; 2014 Nissan Versa driven by Jacole D. Hunzinger, 21, Maryville, was eastbound on U.S. 136 just east of Neon Road eight miles east of Maryville.The car rear-ended a 2009 Kia Optima driven by Rose A. Miller, 57, Maryville, who had stopped for a 2013 Volkswagen Passat driven by Cody M. Runde, 31, Ravenwood, to make a left turn into a private drive.After impact, the Nissan crossed the center of the road and rear-ended Volkswagen.A private vehicle transported Hunzinger to Mosaic in Maryville. Nodaway County EMS transported a passenger in the Nissan Jonathan E. Bliley, 53, Stanberry, to Mosaic in Maryville. The other drivers were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after 3-vehicle Nodaway County crash

GRUNDY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford Focus driven by Brenda J. Johnson, 52, Milan, was eastbound on MO 6 three miles west of Galt.

The car traveled across the center of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, struck a fence row and and rolled.

Grundy County ambulance transported Johnson to Wright Memorial Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford Focus driven by Brenda J. Johnson, 52, Milan, was eastbound on MO 6 three miles west of Galt.The car traveled across the center of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, struck a fence row and and rolled.Grundy County ambulance transported Johnson to Wright Memorial Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after car strikes fence, rolls

NODAWAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Northwest Missouri man on multiple allegations after a search of his home.

In April, investigators identified an IP address associated with 53-year-old Craig A. Roberts of Maryville, Missouri, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control.

The IP address was of investigative interest in an active child pornography investigation.&nbsp; On July 11, investigators conducted a search of Roberts' Maryville home, pursuant to a Nodaway County search warrant.&nbsp;

Investigators found Roberts' computer and when it was examined they found multiple digital files of child pornography. Investigators also found meth.&nbsp; Officers arrested Roberts on requested charges of possession of child porn, promoting child porn and possession of a controlled substance. He is being held on a $75,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720813527719.png" alt="Roberts-photo Nodaway Co." />
 <figcaption>Roberts-photo Nodaway Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>NODAWAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Northwest Missouri man on multiple allegations after a search of his home.In April, investigators identified an IP address associated with 53-year-old Craig A. Roberts of Maryville, Missouri, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control.The IP address was of investigative interest in an active child pornography investigation.&nbsp; On July 11, investigators conducted a search of Roberts' Maryville home, pursuant to a Nodaway County search warrant.&nbsp;Investigators found Roberts' computer and when it was examined they found multiple digital files of child pornography. Investigators also found meth.&nbsp; Officers arrested Roberts on requested charges of possession of child porn, promoting child porn and possession of a controlled substance. He is being held on a $75,000 bond.

NW Missouri man accused of possessing and promoting child porn

The St. Joseph City Council has passed a design-build contract to start long awaited renovations at Krug Park.

The council, this week, approved a contract with E.L. Crawford Construction of St. Joseph to allow for renovation on several key areas of the park.

St. Joseph Parks and Rec director Chuck Kempf says getting this contract approved is a huge step forward in the Krug Park project.

"This is a big moment as far as, we're kind of done with that aspect," Kempf told KFEQ Radio. "We've made our decision, we know who we're going to work with now. So really, substantial design, engineering and planning can now take place."

This renovation project includes the amphitheater, children’s circus, picnic shelters, restrooms and other spaces. E.L. Crawford will get more than $11.7 million from their contract with the city to carry out the project.

Kempf says there's still more to be done before any big construction takes place.

"I don't want to raise everyone's expectations," he said. "We still have to meet with the contractor, the team and talk about the schedule and process. So, I don't want to over promise, but it's probably unlikely that there's anything substantial that'll happen this construction season."

Kempf adds the park will never be completely shut down during the construction project. He notes the new design will be ADA compliant, while also preserving the historic aspects of the area.

E.L. Crawford Construction has a three-year deadline for the project, but Kempf says the hope is to have everything done before then.

"They appreciate the three-year deadline," Kempf noted. "That gives them a lot of cushion and some flexibility in their scheduling. But, I know they really want to get that done. I think they're shooting for 2-2.5 years, and that way if there's any struggles or problems, supply chain issues or anything like that, they still have a cushion."

&nbsp;Kempf says the first things that'll be repaired at the park are the utilities, such as electrical, plumbing and sewage.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689273383809.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph City Council has passed a design-build contract to start long awaited renovations at Krug Park.The council, this week, approved a contract with E.L. Crawford Construction of St. Joseph to allow for renovation on several key areas of the park.St. Joseph Parks and Rec director Chuck Kempf says getting this contract approved is a huge step forward in the Krug Park project."This is a big moment as far as, we're kind of done with that aspect," Kempf told KFEQ Radio. "We've made our decision, we know who we're going to work with now. So really, substantial design, engineering and planning can now take place."This renovation project includes the amphitheater, children’s circus, picnic shelters, restrooms and other spaces. E.L. Crawford will get more than $11.7 million from their contract with the city to carry out the project.Kempf says there's still more to be done before any big construction takes place."I don't want to raise everyone's expectations," he said. "We still have to meet with the contractor, the team and talk about the schedule and process. So, I don't want to over promise, but it's probably unlikely that there's anything substantial that'll happen this construction season."Kempf adds the park will never be completely shut down during the construction project. He notes the new design will be ADA compliant, while also preserving the historic aspects of the area.E.L. Crawford Construction has a three-year deadline for the project, but Kempf says the hope is to have everything done before then."They appreciate the three-year deadline," Kempf noted. "That gives them a lot of cushion and some flexibility in their scheduling. But, I know they really want to get that done. I think they're shooting for 2-2.5 years, and that way if there's any struggles or problems, supply chain issues or anything like that, they still have a cushion."&nbsp;Kempf says the first things that'll be repaired at the park are the utilities, such as electrical, plumbing and sewage.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph City Council greenlights significant next step in Krug Park project

Kansas City Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph is drawing ever closer.

 Staff and equipment have started arriving from One Arrowhead Drive to the Missouri Western campus. Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter says the Chiefs’ arrival is always a highly anticipated moment each summer - a moment that takes weeks of preparation and many people’s assistance.

"It takes a lot of preparation for our campus and community to get them here and treat them in the way they've grown to expect from us at a high level," Carter said on KFEQ Radio's The Hotline. "It's about a three-week buildup of products and equipment and people arriving, and then in 24 hours, poof! They're gone on the end of it."

This year will mark the 14th season of training camp at Missouri Western.

Chiefs quarterbacks and rookies will report and begin practice on July 16, with the first full practice open to the public on July 21. There’ll be 19 team practices in all with camp wrapping up on August 15.

Carter says the Chiefs appreciate coming to St. Joseph, not only because of proximity, but also because of how the community embraces camp each year.

"Close enough that if they have to go back for something, it's not a big deal," Carter said. "Even their admin people and executives can run up for a day and go back. But, I think it's also the commitment by the community and University leadership that this is important."

Talk of the Chiefs leaving Missouri has ramped up this year with Kansas trying to lure the team across the river.

Voters in Jackson County, Missouri this past April voted down a sales tax renewal that would have funded Arrowhead Stadium renovations and a new Royals ballpark in downtown Kansas City.

Carter says he doesn't know what will happen if the Chiefs leave the Show-Me State, but says there's been talks with the Chiefs about signing a multi-year agreement to keep training camp in St. Joseph for at least a few more years.

"What I can speak to is, they still need a place to train," Carter said of the Chiefs' future. "We've had some conversations about a three or five year agreement that keeps them here when they figure that part out. That's 100% their decision on where they're going to go."

Kansas governor Laura Kelly signed legislation in June that will help both professional sports teams pay for new stadiums if they move to Kansas.

 The Chiefs' and Royals' current lease at the Truman Sports Complex runs through 2031.

Regardless of what happens next with the stadiums, Carter says the pageantry and anticipation of training camp is very real and exciting, considering what the players go through.

"This is part of their job," Carter said. "They're going to work and some of them are here to fine tune themselves for the season. Some are here, trying to make the club. There's high stakes over the weeks that they're here."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691058864161.jpeg" alt="Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross (8) makes a catch during training camp in St. Joseph, Mo. on&nbsp; August 2, 2023. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross (8) makes a catch during training camp in St. Joseph, Mo. on&nbsp; August 2, 2023. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKansas City Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph is drawing ever closer. Staff and equipment have started arriving from One Arrowhead Drive to the Missouri Western campus. Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter says the Chiefs’ arrival is always a highly anticipated moment each summer - a moment that takes weeks of preparation and many people’s assistance."It takes a lot of preparation for our campus and community to get them here and treat them in the way they've grown to expect from us at a high level," Carter said on KFEQ Radio's The Hotline. "It's about a three-week buildup of products and equipment and people arriving, and then in 24 hours, poof! They're gone on the end of it."This year will mark the 14th season of training camp at Missouri Western.Chiefs quarterbacks and rookies will report and begin practice on July 16, with the first full practice open to the public on July 21. There’ll be 19 team practices in all with camp wrapping up on August 15.Carter says the Chiefs appreciate coming to St. Joseph, not only because of proximity, but also because of how the community embraces camp each year."Close enough that if they have to go back for something, it's not a big deal," Carter said. "Even their admin people and executives can run up for a day and go back. But, I think it's also the commitment by the community and University leadership that this is important."Talk of the Chiefs leaving Missouri has ramped up this year with Kansas trying to lure the team across the river.Voters in Jackson County, Missouri this past April voted down a sales tax renewal that would have funded Arrowhead Stadium renovations and a new Royals ballpark in downtown Kansas City.Carter says he doesn't know what will happen if the Chiefs leave the Show-Me State, but says there's been talks with the Chiefs about signing a multi-year agreement to keep training camp in St. Joseph for at least a few more years."What I can speak to is, they still need a place to train," Carter said of the Chiefs' future. "We've had some conversations about a three or five year agreement that keeps them here when they figure that part out. That's 100% their decision on where they're going to go."Kansas governor Laura Kelly signed legislation in June that will help both professional sports teams pay for new stadiums if they move to Kansas. The Chiefs' and Royals' current lease at the Truman Sports Complex runs through 2031.Regardless of what happens next with the stadiums, Carter says the pageantry and anticipation of training camp is very real and exciting, considering what the players go through."This is part of their job," Carter said. "They're going to work and some of them are here to fine tune themselves for the season. Some are here, trying to make the club. There's high stakes over the weeks that they're here."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU ready to roll out red carpet as Chiefs get on campus next week

The downtown St. Joseph library has a new occupant.  

Northwest Health Services will be filling in the office space that has been left vacant since the St. Joseph School District moved its office in 2022.  

Director Mary Beth Revels says a main aspect of the new partnership is having someone to help preserve the historic building. 

"This is a historic building that needs tender, loving, care and we needed help in order to take care of the building in the way that it should be taken care of," Revels tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

In fact, Revels says Northwest Health Services has already contracted with Rosin Preservation in Kansas City to ensure any work on the building is done to its historic specifications.  

Revels says the library is excited to have someone else in the building that is passionate about preserving history.  

"The St. Joseph Public Library has been part of St. Joseph since 1890, and we've been in this building since 1902, we love St. Joseph history," Revels explains. "And I love having historic buildings that are part of this community and are just going to continue to be a part of this community." 

In fact, Revels says Northwest Health Services has already contracted with Rosin Preservation in Kansas City to ensure any work on the building is done to its historic specifications 

The partnership between the library and Northwest Health Services will bring its offices and downtown health center to the building.  

Revels says while the two will work separately, there is synergy between the two entities.  

"It will be wonderful to be able to refer some of our patrons to Northwest Health for any assistance that they might need," Revels says. "And we do a lot of programming, it will be nice to be able to provide more health-related programming than we have in the past because we'll have some resources right upstairs and right downstairs to turn to." 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720729481189.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Public Library/ Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Public Library/ Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The downtown St. Joseph library has a new occupant. Northwest Health Services will be filling in the office space that has been left vacant since the St. Joseph School District moved its office in 2022. Director Mary Beth Revels says a main aspect of the new partnership is having someone to help preserve the historic building. "This is a historic building that needs tender, loving, care and we needed help in order to take care of the building in the way that it should be taken care of," Revels tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. In fact, Revels says Northwest Health Services has already contracted with Rosin Preservation in Kansas City to ensure any work on the building is done to its historic specifications. Revels says the library is excited to have someone else in the building that is passionate about preserving history. "The St. Joseph Public Library has been part of St. Joseph since 1890, and we've been in this building since 1902, we love St. Joseph history," Revels explains. "And I love having historic buildings that are part of this community and are just going to continue to be a part of this community." In fact, Revels says Northwest Health Services has already contracted with Rosin Preservation in Kansas City to ensure any work on the building is done to its historic specifications The partnership between the library and Northwest Health Services will bring its offices and downtown health center to the building. Revels says while the two will work separately, there is synergy between the two entities. "It will be wonderful to be able to refer some of our patrons to Northwest Health for any assistance that they might need," Revels says. "And we do a lot of programming, it will be nice to be able to provide more health-related programming than we have in the past because we'll have some resources right upstairs and right downstairs to turn to."

St. Joseph Library announces new occupant to fill vacancy

Max’s Law, made official during a bill signing in Jefferson
City this week, was part of a huge anti-crime bill approved during this past
legislative session.

Gov. Mike Parson has signed into law the massive public safety
measure that included Max’s Law, named after St. Joseph’s K-9 Max killed in the
line of duty in the summer of 2021.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville carried the bill the
last three years and finally got to see it signed into law as K-9 units from
throughout the state stood by.

“We had different departments, both police departments,
sheriff’s departments, the Highway Patrol, the Conservation Department,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “They all had police K-9s there for the
signing of the bill. And so, it was really great to have the animals who we’re
trying to protect in this legislation to have some representatives from the K-9
community at the bill signing.”

Max’s Law was only a portion of the bill. Several amendments
made it onto the bill, including a provision called Blair’s Law.

“Blair’s Law outlaws celebratory gunfire, something that we
see a lot of the times during either during the 4th of July or New
Year’s Eve as people will indiscriminately fire bullets up into the air and
sometimes those bullets will come down and strike and injure or kill another
person.”

It is named for 11-year-old Blair Shanahan Lane, struck and
killed by July 4th celebratory gunfire in Independence 13 years ago.
Blair’s mother, Michelle Shanahan DeMoss, lobbied hard for passage of the bill,
driving to Jefferson City year after year to testify before committees and talk
with lawmakers.

Another provision of the bill contains Valentine’s Law.

“Named after Antonio Valentine, who was a police officer in
St. Louis County. He was killed in the line of duty in a high-speed chase. What
Valentine’s Law does is it creates a separate felony offense for fleeing from
law enforcement in an automobile,” Luetkemeyer says. “One of the things we know
is that when people engage in these high-speed chases with law enforcement it
poses a huge risk to public safety for everybody else out on the road.”

St. Louis County Police Officer Antonio Valentine died from
his injuries after being hit by a fleeing vehicle on December 1st of
2021. He was 42 years old.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720734011192.jpeg" alt="Gov. Mike Parson poses with K-9 officers and others during bill signing./Photo courtesy of the Gov. Parson's office" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Parson poses with K-9 officers and others during bill signing./Photo courtesy of the Gov. Parson's office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMax’s Law, made official during a bill signing in Jefferson
City this week, was part of a huge anti-crime bill approved during this past
legislative session.Gov. Mike Parson has signed into law the massive public safety
measure that included Max’s Law, named after St. Joseph’s K-9 Max killed in the
line of duty in the summer of 2021.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville carried the bill the
last three years and finally got to see it signed into law as K-9 units from
throughout the state stood by.“We had different departments, both police departments,
sheriff’s departments, the Highway Patrol, the Conservation Department,”
Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “They all had police K-9s there for the
signing of the bill. And so, it was really great to have the animals who we’re
trying to protect in this legislation to have some representatives from the K-9
community at the bill signing.”Max’s Law was only a portion of the bill. Several amendments
made it onto the bill, including a provision called Blair’s Law.“Blair’s Law outlaws celebratory gunfire, something that we
see a lot of the times during either during the 4th of July or New
Year’s Eve as people will indiscriminately fire bullets up into the air and
sometimes those bullets will come down and strike and injure or kill another
person.”It is named for 11-year-old Blair Shanahan Lane, struck and
killed by July 4th celebratory gunfire in Independence 13 years ago.
Blair’s mother, Michelle Shanahan DeMoss, lobbied hard for passage of the bill,
driving to Jefferson City year after year to testify before committees and talk
with lawmakers.Another provision of the bill contains Valentine’s Law.“Named after Antonio Valentine, who was a police officer in
St. Louis County. He was killed in the line of duty in a high-speed chase. What
Valentine’s Law does is it creates a separate felony offense for fleeing from
law enforcement in an automobile,” Luetkemeyer says. “One of the things we know
is that when people engage in these high-speed chases with law enforcement it
poses a huge risk to public safety for everybody else out on the road.”St. Louis County Police Officer Antonio Valentine died from
his injuries after being hit by a fleeing vehicle on December 1st of
2021. He was 42 years old.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Max's Law - only one provision in huge public safety bill

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Can-Am UTV driven by Justin K. Stuart, 24, Hale, was westbound on LIV 320 at LIV 377 four miles west of Hale.

The driver failed to negotiate a turn. The UTV overturned and both occupants were ejected. A private vehicle transported Stuart to Hedrick Medical Center. Livingston County ambulance transported a passenger Jesus J. Berumen, 33, Edgerton, Kansas, to Hedrick Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Can-Am UTV driven by Justin K. Stuart, 24, Hale, was westbound on LIV 320 at LIV 377 four miles west of Hale.The driver failed to negotiate a turn. The UTV overturned and both occupants were ejected. A private vehicle transported Stuart to Hedrick Medical Center. Livingston County ambulance transported a passenger Jesus J. Berumen, 33, Edgerton, Kansas, to Hedrick Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Two men hospitalized after UTV accident

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Dakota driven by Cody J. Scopel, 37, Maryville, was westbound on MO 46 two miles west of Maryville.

The pickup traveled off the south side of the road and rolled. Nodaway County EMS transported Scopel to Mosaic in Maryville. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Dakota driven by Cody J. Scopel, 37, Maryville, was westbound on MO 46 two miles west of Maryville.The pickup traveled off the south side of the road and rolled. Nodaway County EMS transported Scopel to Mosaic in Maryville. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Mo. man injured after pickup rollover accident

CLINTON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Thursday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Dodge Charger driven by Ayrika N. Ross, 22, Raytown, was westbound on MO 116 three miles east of Lathrop.&nbsp;

The driver was attempted to pass another vehicle.&nbsp; The Charger traveled off the south side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The car traveled off the north side of the road, struck a private drive and culvert, became airborne and came to rest on the north road.

Caldwell County EMS transported Ross to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; Tri-County EMS transported two children, a 7-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl both from Richmond, to Liberty Hospital. Ross was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Thursday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Dodge Charger driven by Ayrika N. Ross, 22, Raytown, was westbound on MO 116 three miles east of Lathrop.&nbsp;The driver was attempted to pass another vehicle.&nbsp; The Charger traveled off the south side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The car traveled off the north side of the road, struck a private drive and culvert, became airborne and came to rest on the north road.Caldwell County EMS transported Ross to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; Tri-County EMS transported two children, a 7-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl both from Richmond, to Liberty Hospital. Ross was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman, 2 children hospitalized after car goes airborne

ATCHISON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m.&nbsp; Thursday in Atchison.

According to Police Chief Mike Wilson, a&nbsp;2014 Buick passenger car driven by Sandra Dunn, 72, Atchison, was westbound on Kansas Avenue and was making a left turn onto 15th Street.

The vehicle struck a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle ridden by Alan Yancey, 65, Atchison, that was stopped northbound on 15th Street at the stop sign.

EMS transported both drivers to Amberwell Hospital for treatment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720729603721.png" alt="Photos Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m.&nbsp; Thursday in Atchison.According to Police Chief Mike Wilson, a&nbsp;2014 Buick passenger car driven by Sandra Dunn, 72, Atchison, was westbound on Kansas Avenue and was making a left turn onto 15th Street.The vehicle struck a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle ridden by Alan Yancey, 65, Atchison, that was stopped northbound on 15th Street at the stop sign.EMS transported both drivers to Amberwell Hospital for treatment.

Police: 2 injured after car strikes motorcycle 

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has demanded records
from the St. Joseph School Board after receiving allegations of misconduct during
the successful campaign to pass a $20 million bond issue in April.

Bailey, in a news release, says his office has received “disturbing
allegations” that the St. Joseph School Board violated several laws, included
the Sunshine Law.

“As Attorney General, I take seriously my obligation to
enforce the laws as written,” Bailey said in a written statement released by
his office. “Public officials have a duty to maintain the highest standards of
conduct, and this is especially true when public officials are responsible for
the education of Missouri children.”

The Attorney General says he has received allegations the St.
Joseph School Board violated the Sunshine Law, the state ballot-measure
expenditure law, and the state conflict-of-interest law.

Bailey is requesting records and documents from all meetings,
both open and closed, this year. Also, Bailey has requested information about
any agreements or financial arrangements made between the St. Joseph School
District or Board and Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph. The
AG wants financial records related to the April bond issue.&nbsp; The news release states the AG office also
wants school district and school board personnel policies, especially any
pertaining to conflicts of interest.

“The allegations brought to my office are very concerning and
I take them very seriously. As such, it is critical that you comply immediately
with the demands contained herein and promptly provide these records. Sunshine
is said to be the best disinfectant and full transparency is certainly the best
way to restore the trust of the public,” Baily said in a written statement.

The
St. Joseph School District issued a statement:

“The St. Joseph School District has received a request for
records from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. The district is working to
respond to that request in accordance with the law and will fully cooperate
with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office as they complete their review.”

More than 65% of St. Joseph voters approved the $20 million bond
issue in April.

This article has been updated to add the St. Joseph School District response.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has demanded records
from the St. Joseph School Board after receiving allegations of misconduct during
the successful campaign to pass a $20 million bond issue in April.Bailey, in a news release, says his office has received “disturbing
allegations” that the St. Joseph School Board violated several laws, included
the Sunshine Law.“As Attorney General, I take seriously my obligation to
enforce the laws as written,” Bailey said in a written statement released by
his office. “Public officials have a duty to maintain the highest standards of
conduct, and this is especially true when public officials are responsible for
the education of Missouri children.”The Attorney General says he has received allegations the St.
Joseph School Board violated the Sunshine Law, the state ballot-measure
expenditure law, and the state conflict-of-interest law.Bailey is requesting records and documents from all meetings,
both open and closed, this year. Also, Bailey has requested information about
any agreements or financial arrangements made between the St. Joseph School
District or Board and Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph. The
AG wants financial records related to the April bond issue.&nbsp; The news release states the AG office also
wants school district and school board personnel policies, especially any
pertaining to conflicts of interest.“The allegations brought to my office are very concerning and
I take them very seriously. As such, it is critical that you comply immediately
with the demands contained herein and promptly provide these records. Sunshine
is said to be the best disinfectant and full transparency is certainly the best
way to restore the trust of the public,” Baily said in a written statement.The
St. Joseph School District issued a statement:“The St. Joseph School District has received a request for
records from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. The district is working to
respond to that request in accordance with the law and will fully cooperate
with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office as they complete their review.”More than 65% of St. Joseph voters approved the $20 million bond
issue in April.This article has been updated to add the St. Joseph School District response.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Attorney General demands records from successful $20M St. Joseph school bond campaign

PLATTE COUNTY —Three people died in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Thursday in Platte County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford Edge driven by Kyle A. Mendez, 37, Topeka, was northbound in the southbound lanes of Interstate 29 just south of the Route E exit.

The SUV struck a southbound 2007 Honda Odyssey driven by Joel Similien, 55, Kansas City, Missouri, head-on. After impact the van traveled off the road and struck a concrete barrier.

Similien and passengers in the van Sheyla Similien, 54, and Michelet Metellus, 52, both of Kansas City, Missouri, were pronounced dead at the scene. 

Northland Regional EMS transported Mendez and three of the six passengers in the van Herilert Bellot, Jacnert Lubin, 37 and Franckel Francois, 54, of Kansas City, Missouri, to North Kansas City Hospital. Buchanan County EMS transported one passenger in the van Vladimyr Mercier, 33, Kansas City, Missouri, to Mosaic in St. Joseph.

Mercier and Metellus were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol also did not have the age of Heirlert Bellot.

PLATTE COUNTY —Three people died in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Thursday in Platte County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford Edge driven by Kyle A. Mendez, 37, Topeka, was northbound in the southbound lanes of Interstate 29 just south of the Route E exit.The SUV struck a southbound 2007 Honda Odyssey driven by Joel Similien, 55, Kansas City, Missouri, head-on. After impact the van traveled off the road and struck a concrete barrier.Similien and passengers in the van Sheyla Similien, 54, and Michelet Metellus, 52, both of Kansas City, Missouri, were pronounced dead at the scene. Northland Regional EMS transported Mendez and three of the six passengers in the van Herilert Bellot, Jacnert Lubin, 37 and Franckel Francois, 54, of Kansas City, Missouri, to North Kansas City Hospital. Buchanan County EMS transported one passenger in the van Vladimyr Mercier, 33, Kansas City, Missouri, to Mosaic in St. Joseph.Mercier and Metellus were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol also did not have the age of Heirlert Bellot.

3 dead after wrong-way, head-on crash in Platte County

A four-year-old Wathena, Kansas boy has succumbed to injuries
sustained while submerged in a backyard swimming pool.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett reports the boy was
pronounced dead Thursday morning at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

His name is not being released, because he is a juvenile.

The father and grandfather of the child pulled the boy from
the pool at a residence on Southwest 36th Road the evening of an Independence
Day party on the 4th. &nbsp;The two
performed CPR until emergency workers arrived and rushed the boy to Mosaic Life
Care. He then was transferred to Children’s Mercy.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA four-year-old Wathena, Kansas boy has succumbed to injuries
sustained while submerged in a backyard swimming pool.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett reports the boy was
pronounced dead Thursday morning at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.His name is not being released, because he is a juvenile.The father and grandfather of the child pulled the boy from
the pool at a residence on Southwest 36th Road the evening of an Independence
Day party on the 4th. &nbsp;The two
performed CPR until emergency workers arrived and rushed the boy to Mosaic Life
Care. He then was transferred to Children’s Mercy.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

4-year-old Wathena boy dies week after falling into pool

The city of Gower will celebrate small town living this weekend during an annual festival.   

Gower Days is happening this weekend in the rural town of Gower, Missouri.  An annual celebration filled with family fun, food, and music.  

Gower Days Committee Chairman Chip Holman says the festival is a sort of homecoming 

"It's an opportunity for folks to come back, not only from Gower, but from everywhere else," Holman tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "We have 92 vendor spots to fill this year, last year we had 61, so that's a lot of spots." 

The first event of the festival takes place tonight at the Gower Christian Church, starting at 6pm with the Little Mr. and Miss Gower, Prince and Princess and Queen pageant.  

Gower Days will also feature a a variety of vendors filling up Gower City Park this weekend. 

Holman says his committee works hard to ensure there's something at the festival for everyone 

"And not a ton of the same thing, cause a lot of times you go to festivals and not knocking other festivals, but you have cups, hats, shirts, and cups, hats, and shirts and then you've got a woodworker, and then you have cups, hats, and shirts," Holman explains.  "So, we try to do a good job of making a wide variety of things." 

A popular attraction will highlight the final day of the annual festival.  The big event Sunday will be the Gower Days Car Show, hosted by the Gower Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Holman says the event, which is in its seventh year, is always well attended.  

"Last year at the car show, 205 participants, cars, trucks, and motorcycles, we've got over 45 awards, so 45 classes first, second, and third place," Holman says. "I have to say, and we get this compliment all the time so I'm going to use a quote, 'You're one of the biggest and best cars shows in northwest Missouri.'" 

The festival begins at 5pm tomorrow, with opening ceremonies at 5:30pm, and runs through Sunday.  The car show on Sunday begins with registration at 8am and runs until 3pm.

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The city of Gower will celebrate small town living this weekend during an annual festival. Gower Days is happening this weekend in the rural town of Gower, Missouri. An annual celebration filled with family fun, food, and music. Gower Days Committee Chairman Chip Holman says the festival is a sort of homecoming "It's an opportunity for folks to come back, not only from Gower, but from everywhere else," Holman tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "We have 92 vendor spots to fill this year, last year we had 61, so that's a lot of spots." The first event of the festival takes place tonight at the Gower Christian Church, starting at 6pm with the Little Mr. and Miss Gower, Prince and Princess and Queen pageant. Gower Days will also feature a a variety of vendors filling up Gower City Park this weekend. Holman says his committee works hard to ensure there's something at the festival for everyone "And not a ton of the same thing, cause a lot of times you go to festivals and not knocking other festivals, but you have cups, hats, shirts, and cups, hats, and shirts and then you've got a woodworker, and then you have cups, hats, and shirts," Holman explains. "So, we try to do a good job of making a wide variety of things." A popular attraction will highlight the final day of the annual festival. The big event Sunday will be the Gower Days Car Show, hosted by the Gower Area Chamber of Commerce. Holman says the event, which is in its seventh year, is always well attended. "Last year at the car show, 205 participants, cars, trucks, and motorcycles, we've got over 45 awards, so 45 classes first, second, and third place," Holman says. "I have to say, and we get this compliment all the time so I'm going to use a quote, 'You're one of the biggest and best cars shows in northwest Missouri.'" The festival begins at 5pm tomorrow, with opening ceremonies at 5:30pm, and runs through Sunday. The car show on Sunday begins with registration at 8am and runs until 3pm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720711340817.jpeg" alt="The schedule for the 2024 Gower Days festival running this weekend/ Photo courtesy of the Gower Days Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>The schedule for the 2024 Gower Days festival running this weekend/ Photo courtesy of the Gower Days Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>

Gower invites you to come celebrate small town life

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is leading a coalition of seven states challenging a rule by the Biden administration that would preempt state restrictions on gender-affirming care.&nbsp;

Filed in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on Wednesday, the states are seeking to block the regulation and prevent the federal government from enforcing similar mandates.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/06/2024-08711/nondiscrimination-in-health-programs-and-activities" target="_blank">rule</a>&nbsp;seeks to add protections to a section of the Affordable Care Act that prevent health care providers who discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation from receiving federal funding, including through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The rule was set to go into effect July 5, with some provisions beginning later. But another coalition of attorneys general succeeded in their petition to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/03/politics/transgender-anti-discrimination-protections-biden-chevron/index.html" target="_blank">block its implementation</a>&nbsp;just two days prior. The judge in that case cited the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/28/u-s-supreme-court-flips-precedent-that-empowered-federal-agencies/">U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn “Chevron Deference,”</a>&nbsp;a precedent that gave regulatory authority to federal agencies when statute is unclear.

Bailey, along with attorneys general from Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Idaho and Arkansas, argues that the rule conflicts with their states’ restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. Each has varying restrictions on payments for gender-affirming treatment, with Missouri blocking payment for all treatments for medical transition through Medicaid and CHIP.

“… states will be unable to enforce these duly enacted laws and longstanding policies without coming into conflict with the rule,” the attorneys general wrote in the lawsuit.

The American College of Pediatricians joins the attorneys general as a plaintiff. The ACPeds is a group of 400 physicians and other health care professionals in 47 states with a history of anti-LGBTQ advocacy.

“ACPeds members categorically do not provide medical interventions or referrals for, and do not facilitate or speak in ways that affirm the legitimacy of, the practice of ‘gender transition,’” the attorneys general wrote.

The lawsuit alleges that the organization’s pediatricians would suffer “significant financial harm to lose eligibility to participate in federal healthcare programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP.”

One pediatrician in Utah is quoted in the lawsuit saying he would not “self-censor his opinions on transition efforts if the rule goes into effect.”

Predicting his noncompliance with the rule, the Utah pediatrician “faces the prospect of no longer caring for his patients, being fired from his employment and being unable to practice medicine in most settings,” the attorneys general wrote.

The rule violates physicians’ freedom of assembly, the lawsuit states, “by coercing them to participate in facilities, programs, groups and other healthcare-related endeavors that are contrary to their views and that express messages with which they disagree.”

The lawsuit also says it “coerces ACPeds members’ speech.”

“By forcing ACPeds members to tell patients directly, on their walls, and on their websites that they do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, the rule forces ACPeds members to speak falsely, and it forces ACPeds members to fatally undermine their communication of their own medical ethical standards,” it says.

Beyond questions of constitutionality, the attorneys general allege that the rule goes beyond congressional authorization.

The rule interprets gender identity as protected by both including gender dysphoria as a disability and interpreting sex discrimination to include gender identity. The attorneys general disagree with this application.

Key to the case will be the judge’s interpretation of the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court Case Bostock v. Clayton County, in which a majority of justices ruled that gender identity was protected under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/17-1618_hfci.pdf" target="_blank">Title VII</a>, which is on employment discrimination.

The rule leans on some courts’ interpretation that transfers the Bostock decision to Title IX and the Affordable Care Act, according to its publication in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/06/2024-08711/nondiscrimination-in-health-programs-and-activities" target="_blank">Federal Register</a>. But the attorneys general cite decisions from judges in red states that do not allow Bostock to apply outside of Title VII.

The Department of Health and Human Services, which is the defendant in the litigation, did not respond to a request for comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701262449456.png" alt="&nbsp;A federal rule seeks to add protections to a section of the Affordable Care Act that prevent health care providers who discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation from receiving federal funding, including through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (photo illustration by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;A federal rule seeks to add protections to a section of the Affordable Care Act that prevent health care providers who discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation from receiving federal funding, including through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (photo illustration by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder).</figcaption>
 </figure>Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is leading a coalition of seven states challenging a rule by the Biden administration that would preempt state restrictions on gender-affirming care.&nbsp;Filed in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on Wednesday, the states are seeking to block the regulation and prevent the federal government from enforcing similar mandates.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/06/2024-08711/nondiscrimination-in-health-programs-and-activities" target="_blank">rule</a>&nbsp;seeks to add protections to a section of the Affordable Care Act that prevent health care providers who discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation from receiving federal funding, including through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.The rule was set to go into effect July 5, with some provisions beginning later. But another coalition of attorneys general succeeded in their petition to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/03/politics/transgender-anti-discrimination-protections-biden-chevron/index.html" target="_blank">block its implementation</a>&nbsp;just two days prior. The judge in that case cited the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/28/u-s-supreme-court-flips-precedent-that-empowered-federal-agencies/">U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn “Chevron Deference,”</a>&nbsp;a precedent that gave regulatory authority to federal agencies when statute is unclear.Bailey, along with attorneys general from Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Idaho and Arkansas, argues that the rule conflicts with their states’ restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. Each has varying restrictions on payments for gender-affirming treatment, with Missouri blocking payment for all treatments for medical transition through Medicaid and CHIP.“… states will be unable to enforce these duly enacted laws and longstanding policies without coming into conflict with the rule,” the attorneys general wrote in the lawsuit.The American College of Pediatricians joins the attorneys general as a plaintiff. The ACPeds is a group of 400 physicians and other health care professionals in 47 states with a history of anti-LGBTQ advocacy.“ACPeds members categorically do not provide medical interventions or referrals for, and do not facilitate or speak in ways that affirm the legitimacy of, the practice of ‘gender transition,’” the attorneys general wrote.The lawsuit alleges that the organization’s pediatricians would suffer “significant financial harm to lose eligibility to participate in federal healthcare programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP.”One pediatrician in Utah is quoted in the lawsuit saying he would not “self-censor his opinions on transition efforts if the rule goes into effect.”Predicting his noncompliance with the rule, the Utah pediatrician “faces the prospect of no longer caring for his patients, being fired from his employment and being unable to practice medicine in most settings,” the attorneys general wrote.The rule violates physicians’ freedom of assembly, the lawsuit states, “by coercing them to participate in facilities, programs, groups and other healthcare-related endeavors that are contrary to their views and that express messages with which they disagree.”The lawsuit also says it “coerces ACPeds members’ speech.”“By forcing ACPeds members to tell patients directly, on their walls, and on their websites that they do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, the rule forces ACPeds members to speak falsely, and it forces ACPeds members to fatally undermine their communication of their own medical ethical standards,” it says.Beyond questions of constitutionality, the attorneys general allege that the rule goes beyond congressional authorization.The rule interprets gender identity as protected by both including gender dysphoria as a disability and interpreting sex discrimination to include gender identity. The attorneys general disagree with this application.Key to the case will be the judge’s interpretation of the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court Case Bostock v. Clayton County, in which a majority of justices ruled that gender identity was protected under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/17-1618_hfci.pdf" target="_blank">Title VII</a>, which is on employment discrimination.The rule leans on some courts’ interpretation that transfers the Bostock decision to Title IX and the Affordable Care Act, according to its publication in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/06/2024-08711/nondiscrimination-in-health-programs-and-activities" target="_blank">Federal Register</a>. But the attorneys general cite decisions from judges in red states that do not allow Bostock to apply outside of Title VII.The Department of Health and Human Services, which is the defendant in the litigation, did not respond to a request for comment.

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