Around 429,000 Missouri children would be eligible to receive $51.5 million in food benefits next summer if the state participates

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

Missouri education and social services officials have not yet made a decision on whether to participate in a federal food assistance program next summer, weighing their ability to execute it after years of administrative challenges and delays.

Participating in the program, called Summer EBT, would provide&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/Summer-EBT-State-Fact-Sheets_MO.pdf">approximately $51.5 million</a>&nbsp;in food benefits to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/estimated-children-eligible">429,000 Missouri children</a>&nbsp;next summer. States have until Jan. 1 to notify the federal government of their intent to participate, and must submit a plan by Feb. 15.

The state is evaluating federal guidelines and “assessing Missouri’s ability to implement the [Summer EBT] program in 2024,” said Mallory McGowin, spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the agency that administers the benefits.&nbsp;

At least&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/implementation">20 other states</a>&nbsp;have already notified the government of their intent to opt in to Summer EBT.&nbsp;

The program provides $40 in food benefits for each month the child is on summer break, loaded onto a card that can be used like a debit card to purchase groceries. Students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch during the school year are eligible for Summer EBT.&nbsp;

“We know how important this program is for kids and families,” said Crystal FitzSimons,&nbsp;director of School and Out-of-School Time Programs&nbsp;at the D.C.-based Food Research &amp; Action Center.

“And we know what a huge impact it would make on reducing summer hunger, and easing the pressure on families’ household food budget. So we are really hopeful that Missouri and other states come onto the program.”

In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24234341-letter-to-gov-parson-summer-ebt">letter</a>&nbsp;to Gov. Mike Parson sent Wednesday afternoon, a coalition of Missouri advocacy groups including Empower Missouri urged the governor to direct the education and social services agencies to operate the program.

“Missouri’s Department of Social Services or Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must act soon to meet this deadline,” the letter said. “…It is vital that Missouri leverage this opportunity to keep summer hunger at bay in 2024 and beyond.”

Missouri officials are weighing considerations including: “technology solutions and the timeline in which a system would be in production and complete,” along with the level of staffing assigned to EBT implementation and administrative funding, McGowin said.

The Summer EBT program was approved and made permanent by Congress last year. A similar, temporary program called Pandemic EBT provided various benefits during the pandemic, including over the summers.

The temporary pandemic-era&nbsp; food programs were beset with administrative issues in Missouri that made dispersing benefits difficult — particularly because it required a new data collection portal to collect and share eligible students’ information with two agencies in the state.

The benefits designed to cover food costs during the summer of 2022 did not start going out until&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/15/missouri-begins-distributing-summer-2022-food-benefits-as-deadline-for-2023-application-looms/">June 2023</a>, and Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/14/missouri-has-decided-to-turn-down-millions-in-federal-food-aid-for-low-income-children/">declined to participate</a>&nbsp;in the summer 2023 program because of those issues — foregoing at least $40 million in aid.

The state is still troubleshooting benefits from summer 2022, McGowin said — primarily cases in which the department did not have the students’ correct address. Around 348,000 school children received the summer 2022 benefits, which is more than 100,000 short of the number&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/MO_DESE_State_Plan_Summer_2022_with_child_care_children_10-12-22.pdf">predicted</a>&nbsp;to have been eligible&nbsp;&nbsp;— a discrepancy McGowin has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/15/missouri-begins-distributing-summer-2022-food-benefits-as-deadline-for-2023-application-looms/">previously attributed</a>&nbsp;to instances such as students graduating or moving and no longer qualifying.

Summer 2022 Pandemic EBT also included children under age six, which the permanent program will not. Those benefits were dispersed in September 2023, McGowin said.

In July, McGowin&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/14/missouri-has-decided-to-turn-down-millions-in-federal-food-aid-for-low-income-children/">pledged</a>&nbsp;that going forward the state would “focus on implementing the system changes necessary to facilitate participation in Summer EBT programs in future years,” but said to participate, the state’s “data collection systems need to be addressed well in advance.”

FitzSimons said some states are “in a better place coming out of pandemic EBT.”

“Others I think didn’t really set up the long-term systems to build off of,” she said.“And Missouri did not participate in 2023. So I think they do need to do some work, probably, in setting up more permanent systems.”&nbsp;

She added that putting in the effort now to create the system for this summer would ensure there is “less food insecurity over the summer in Missouri, that kids are able to return to school in the fall well nourished and ready to learn,” she said — and create a framework for years to come.

States are also facing the broader challenges of implementing a program with new guidance from the federal government and securing the funding to do so.&nbsp;

The federal government will pay for the benefits but split the administrative cost 50/50 with the state.&nbsp;There is no budget request in the education department’s current fiscal year 2025 budget request for Summer EBT.&nbsp;

McGowin said a request would be added during the legislative appropriations process if a decision to implement the program is made.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617720682490.jpeg" alt="-States have until Jan. 1 to notify the federal government of their intent to participate, and must submit a plan by Feb. 15 " />
 <figcaption>-States have until Jan. 1 to notify the federal government of their intent to participate, and must submit a plan by Feb. 15 </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Around 429,000 Missouri children would be eligible to receive $51.5 million in food benefits next summer if the state participates</h2>By CLARA BATES<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri education and social services officials have not yet made a decision on whether to participate in a federal food assistance program next summer, weighing their ability to execute it after years of administrative challenges and delays.Participating in the program, called Summer EBT, would provide&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/Summer-EBT-State-Fact-Sheets_MO.pdf">approximately $51.5 million</a>&nbsp;in food benefits to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/estimated-children-eligible">429,000 Missouri children</a>&nbsp;next summer. States have until Jan. 1 to notify the federal government of their intent to participate, and must submit a plan by Feb. 15.The state is evaluating federal guidelines and “assessing Missouri’s ability to implement the [Summer EBT] program in 2024,” said Mallory McGowin, spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the agency that administers the benefits.&nbsp;At least&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/implementation">20 other states</a>&nbsp;have already notified the government of their intent to opt in to Summer EBT.&nbsp;The program provides $40 in food benefits for each month the child is on summer break, loaded onto a card that can be used like a debit card to purchase groceries. Students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch during the school year are eligible for Summer EBT.&nbsp;“We know how important this program is for kids and families,” said Crystal FitzSimons,&nbsp;director of School and Out-of-School Time Programs&nbsp;at the D.C.-based Food Research &amp; Action Center.“And we know what a huge impact it would make on reducing summer hunger, and easing the pressure on families’ household food budget. So we are really hopeful that Missouri and other states come onto the program.”In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24234341-letter-to-gov-parson-summer-ebt">letter</a>&nbsp;to Gov. Mike Parson sent Wednesday afternoon, a coalition of Missouri advocacy groups including Empower Missouri urged the governor to direct the education and social services agencies to operate the program.“Missouri’s Department of Social Services or Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must act soon to meet this deadline,” the letter said. “…It is vital that Missouri leverage this opportunity to keep summer hunger at bay in 2024 and beyond.”Missouri officials are weighing considerations including: “technology solutions and the timeline in which a system would be in production and complete,” along with the level of staffing assigned to EBT implementation and administrative funding, McGowin said.The Summer EBT program was approved and made permanent by Congress last year. A similar, temporary program called Pandemic EBT provided various benefits during the pandemic, including over the summers.The temporary pandemic-era&nbsp; food programs were beset with administrative issues in Missouri that made dispersing benefits difficult — particularly because it required a new data collection portal to collect and share eligible students’ information with two agencies in the state.The benefits designed to cover food costs during the summer of 2022 did not start going out until&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/15/missouri-begins-distributing-summer-2022-food-benefits-as-deadline-for-2023-application-looms/">June 2023</a>, and Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/14/missouri-has-decided-to-turn-down-millions-in-federal-food-aid-for-low-income-children/">declined to participate</a>&nbsp;in the summer 2023 program because of those issues — foregoing at least $40 million in aid.The state is still troubleshooting benefits from summer 2022, McGowin said — primarily cases in which the department did not have the students’ correct address. Around 348,000 school children received the summer 2022 benefits, which is more than 100,000 short of the number&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/MO_DESE_State_Plan_Summer_2022_with_child_care_children_10-12-22.pdf">predicted</a>&nbsp;to have been eligible&nbsp;&nbsp;— a discrepancy McGowin has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/15/missouri-begins-distributing-summer-2022-food-benefits-as-deadline-for-2023-application-looms/">previously attributed</a>&nbsp;to instances such as students graduating or moving and no longer qualifying.Summer 2022 Pandemic EBT also included children under age six, which the permanent program will not. Those benefits were dispersed in September 2023, McGowin said.In July, McGowin&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/14/missouri-has-decided-to-turn-down-millions-in-federal-food-aid-for-low-income-children/">pledged</a>&nbsp;that going forward the state would “focus on implementing the system changes necessary to facilitate participation in Summer EBT programs in future years,” but said to participate, the state’s “data collection systems need to be addressed well in advance.”FitzSimons said some states are “in a better place coming out of pandemic EBT.”“Others I think didn’t really set up the long-term systems to build off of,” she said.“And Missouri did not participate in 2023. So I think they do need to do some work, probably, in setting up more permanent systems.”&nbsp;She added that putting in the effort now to create the system for this summer would ensure there is “less food insecurity over the summer in Missouri, that kids are able to return to school in the fall well nourished and ready to learn,” she said — and create a framework for years to come.States are also facing the broader challenges of implementing a program with new guidance from the federal government and securing the funding to do so.&nbsp;The federal government will pay for the benefits but split the administrative cost 50/50 with the state.&nbsp;There is no budget request in the education department’s current fiscal year 2025 budget request for Summer EBT.&nbsp;McGowin said a request would be added during the legislative appropriations process if a decision to implement the program is made.&nbsp;

Deadline approaching for Missouri to opt in to federal summer food program

Public records show the Missouri House spent $60,000 of taxpayer money renovating the speaker’s office — including $29,000 on new furniture

By JASON HANCOCK,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

For four years, state Rep. Mike Stephens occupied prime real estate on the third floor of the Missouri Capitol.

His office in room 306B certainly wasn’t the biggest in the space-starved statehouse, where staff often work out of musty, windowless rooms, and many lawmakers are stacked on top of each other in non-ADA compliant mezzanines.&nbsp;

But Stephens’ office was steps away from the House chamber. And it was the only one besides the speaker’s with direct access to the House Lounge — a room adorned with a Thomas Hart Benton mural where conference committees, leadership meetings and press conferences are often held.&nbsp;

For decades, it was reserved for the chairman of the House budget committee, but in more recent years was occupied by senior Republicans. Entering into his final term in the House, it was a relatively safe bet that Stephens would finish his legislative career in the coveted office space.&nbsp;

But in late 2022, he got word he’d be moving down the hall.&nbsp;

House Speaker Dean Plocher took over that space and converted it into what has been jokingly referred to as his “butler’s pantry,” a makeshift storage room stocked with&nbsp;liquor, beer, wine and soda to complement the supply in his office.

The move was part of a $60,000 renovation of Plocher’s office in late 2022 and early 2023, paid for with public funds by the House. Half the costs stemmed from expenses resulting from repairs to walls, baseboards and ceilings in the speaker’s office.&nbsp;

The other half, according to records obtained by The Independent through Missouri’s Sunshine Law, went towards new furnishings — to the tune of about $29,000, including $8,600 for a black leather sofa and armchairs, $2,500 for a new walnut table, $2,500 for a refrigerator with an ice maker, $5,000 for a custom cabinet to hold the refrigerator and $385 for two walnut trash can bins.

Plocher did not answer specific questions about the office conversion. Instead, he released an emailed statement to The Independent defending the overall cost of the renovation.&nbsp;

He noted that the last major overhaul of the office was completed in 2009. His office was pursuing the vision of the Missouri State Capitol Commission’s 2019 master plan, Plocher wrote, to “restore the speaker’s office and House chamber to its original historical significance.”&nbsp;

“These new investments were done alongside other interior renovation projects throughout the Capitol as suggested by the Missouri State Capitol Commission,” Plocher wrote, and consisted of “updated technology, furniture and energy-efficient infrastructure. The House chamber and speaker’s office have been, as close as possible, restored to their original historical significance.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Stephens declined comment about his old office when reached by phone this week.&nbsp;

“I don’t think it does me any good to discuss that,” he said.&nbsp;

But the renovation is not without its critics.&nbsp;

State Rep. Tony Lovasco, a Republican from O’Fallon, noted that there are legislative offices that are inaccessible to constituents with disabilities. Other offices, he said, are so small they could be considered a closet.&nbsp;

One lawmaker is working out of a former vault on the second floor.&nbsp;

“We probably shouldn’t be eliminating offices at this point,” he said. “We shouldn’t be repurposing office space unless it’s absolutely necessary, and while I can’t speak to whether it was in this case, my guess is probably not.”&nbsp;

Renovation in a century-old building will always be more expensive, Lovasco said, but “$29,000 on furniture sounds like an enormously high number. That certainly doesn’t seem reasonable to me.”

The cost of the furniture in the speaker’s office “does seem excessive,” said Rep. Deb Lavender, a Manchester Democrat. And she would have preferred if the House budget committee was involved in a renovation of that size, instead of using the chamber’s core budget, because the process would have been more transparent.&nbsp;

But her main concern is the loss of office space for what she called a “questionable use.”&nbsp;

“We had a member that had an office on the fourth floor that was so small, the legislative assistant can’t get to behind her desk without closing the door of the closet,” Lavender said.&nbsp;“So with such a serious lack of space in the Capitol, I’m not sure we should be spending the public’s money to build a bar across the House Lounge from the speaker’s office.”&nbsp;

The first principle stated in the Missouri State Capitol Commission long range master plan focuses on the lack of functional space for legislators and staff and the need to “<a target="_blank" href="https://archive.org/details/2019MSCCLongRangePlan/page/13/mode/2up">decompress space and remove the mezzanines</a>.”&nbsp;

For nearly two months, the Missouri House Ethics Committee has been investigating Plocher over allegations of misconduct.&nbsp;

The inquiry was launched after The Independent revealed that Plocher on numerous occasions over the last five years&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/23/records-show-dean-plocher-charged-the-state-for-travel-already-paid-for-by-his-campaign/">illegally sought reimbursement from the legislature</a>&nbsp;for airfare, hotels and other travel costs already paid for by his campaign.&nbsp;

Those illegal payments were documented in expense reports Plocher regularly filed with the House. The reports also detailed any taxpayer funds Plocher used to upgrade his office over the years, going back to when he first entered the legislature in 2016.&nbsp;

For example, Plocher had hoped to renovate of his previous office while he was serving as majority floor leader. But costs proved too high, with expense records showing Plocher settled for spending around $3,500 of public funds on new countertops, paint, bench covers and upholstery.&nbsp;

He spent a similar amount the year prior on a new desk and a veneer walnut desktop.&nbsp;

But those records didn’t include renovation expenses to the speaker’s office since Plocher began moving into the job late last year. That’s because the money for the speaker’s office renovation didn’t come from Plocher’s legislative expense fund. It came from House operating funds.&nbsp;

The Independent filed a new request seeking those documents on Nov. 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The last time a major remodel of the office had been completed was under then-Speaker Ron Richard in 2009, when new desks were purchased, furniture was reupholstered and hardwood floors were refinished, among other expenses.&nbsp;

In the years since, speakers have taken an approach that builds upon that work, such as recovering, refinishing and reupholstering chairs and desks as opposed to purchasing entirely new ones. For example, former Speaker Elijah Haahr had desks and credenzas refinished in 2018, though he did buy a new conference table for the office that year.&nbsp;

As Plocher was preparing to take over as speaker, the need to remove pealing wallpaper ended up requiring&nbsp;the replacement of drop ceiling tiles and baseboards. Energy-efficient lighting was also installed.&nbsp;

As the office was being remodeled, the decision was made to replace all the furniture — new desks, credenzas, bookcases and a conference table.&nbsp;

Plocher also wanted a new refrigerator for the office that included an ice maker, which required a custom cabinet to hold it along with a new water line and filtration system to service it. A special wood stain was requested for the cabinets to match the speaker’s gavel.&nbsp;

The priciest furniture expense was a black leather sofa and armchairs from Ethan Allen.

Originally, records show the House planned to purchase a floor model set in brown leather from Missouri Furniture in Jefferson City. But the speaker preferred black leather, which required a special order.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The set, which cost roughly $4,200, was manufactured in China, causing months of delays. In March, the order was canceled because the furniture was not expected to be delivered for at least two more months.&nbsp;

With Plocher wanting the furniture in place sooner, records show Chief Clerk Dana Miller went online and found a black leather set from Ethan Allen, at a cost of $8,366.&nbsp;

“I’m fine with whatever you want to do, but there’s a substantial price difference and there’s still a 4-6 week wait time for the items to ship,” a House employee wrote in an email to Miller in March regarding the Ethan Allen furniture.&nbsp;

Miller responded that the cost could be justified “because we are ordering historically appropriate furnishings that will be in permanent use in that office for at least a decade.”&nbsp;

The cost of refurnishing the office topped $29,000. But there were some requests Plocher had hoped to include that weren’t feasible.&nbsp;

A dishwasher couldn’t be installed in the office because it would have required the installation of a new drain line. And an inlay of the state seal on the coffee tables in his office was also deemed too costly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Repurposing room 306B came with minimal cost, according to records, and it appears Plocher may have paid for the alcohol using his own campaign funds.&nbsp;

Twice during the legislative session, Plocher’s political action committee paid for “campaign meals” at a Jefferson City liquor store called Macadoodles — spending $194 in February and $350 in April.&nbsp; And he was seen on several occasions during session pushing a cart stacked with alcohol into room 306B.

Plocher did not respond to a question about the alcohol purchases.&nbsp;Alcohol consumption is prohibited everywhere in the Missouri Capitol unless it is part of a state government function and approved by the Board of Public Buildings. That prohibition does not include legislative offices.

In addition to Plocher’s false expense reports, the House ethics committee is also investigating allegations that he&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/22/missouri-lawmaker-accused-of-unlawful-conduct-in-push-for-contract-drawing-fbi-scrutiny/">threatened the jobs of nonpartisan staff</a>&nbsp;as part of his push to convince his colleagues to spend $800,000 to hire a private company to manage constituent information.

Three closed-door hearings have been held by the ethics committee so far, with the investigation likely to stretch into the new legislative session that starts Jan. 4.&nbsp;

Plocher, a Republican from Des Peres running for lieutenant governor, has flatly denied any wrongdoing and rejected all calls from his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/24/missouri-republicans-dean-plocher-investigaiton-resignation/">fellow Republicans to step down as speaker</a>. He chalked up the false expense reports to a “checkbook error” and paid back the illegal reimbursements.&nbsp;

During an event in St. Louis late last month,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://spectrumlocalnews.com/mo/st-louis/news/2023/11/29/missouri-political-notebook">Plocher told Spectrum News</a>&nbsp;that “his conscience is clear.”

“I sleep well at night,” he said. “I’m not gonna let this sideshow distract me or the legislature from getting good work done for the state of Missouri.”

<h2>Public records show the Missouri House spent $60,000 of taxpayer money renovating the speaker’s office — including $29,000 on new furniture</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697056839654.png" alt=" Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON HANCOCK,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>For four years, state Rep. Mike Stephens occupied prime real estate on the third floor of the Missouri Capitol.His office in room 306B certainly wasn’t the biggest in the space-starved statehouse, where staff often work out of musty, windowless rooms, and many lawmakers are stacked on top of each other in non-ADA compliant mezzanines.&nbsp;But Stephens’ office was steps away from the House chamber. And it was the only one besides the speaker’s with direct access to the House Lounge — a room adorned with a Thomas Hart Benton mural where conference committees, leadership meetings and press conferences are often held.&nbsp;For decades, it was reserved for the chairman of the House budget committee, but in more recent years was occupied by senior Republicans. Entering into his final term in the House, it was a relatively safe bet that Stephens would finish his legislative career in the coveted office space.&nbsp;But in late 2022, he got word he’d be moving down the hall.&nbsp;House Speaker Dean Plocher took over that space and converted it into what has been jokingly referred to as his “butler’s pantry,” a makeshift storage room stocked with&nbsp;liquor, beer, wine and soda to complement the supply in his office.The move was part of a $60,000 renovation of Plocher’s office in late 2022 and early 2023, paid for with public funds by the House. Half the costs stemmed from expenses resulting from repairs to walls, baseboards and ceilings in the speaker’s office.&nbsp;The other half, according to records obtained by The Independent through Missouri’s Sunshine Law, went towards new furnishings — to the tune of about $29,000, including $8,600 for a black leather sofa and armchairs, $2,500 for a new walnut table, $2,500 for a refrigerator with an ice maker, $5,000 for a custom cabinet to hold the refrigerator and $385 for two walnut trash can bins.Plocher did not answer specific questions about the office conversion. Instead, he released an emailed statement to The Independent defending the overall cost of the renovation.&nbsp;He noted that the last major overhaul of the office was completed in 2009. His office was pursuing the vision of the Missouri State Capitol Commission’s 2019 master plan, Plocher wrote, to “restore the speaker’s office and House chamber to its original historical significance.”&nbsp;“These new investments were done alongside other interior renovation projects throughout the Capitol as suggested by the Missouri State Capitol Commission,” Plocher wrote, and consisted of “updated technology, furniture and energy-efficient infrastructure. The House chamber and speaker’s office have been, as close as possible, restored to their original historical significance.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Stephens declined comment about his old office when reached by phone this week.&nbsp;“I don’t think it does me any good to discuss that,” he said.&nbsp;But the renovation is not without its critics.&nbsp;State Rep. Tony Lovasco, a Republican from O’Fallon, noted that there are legislative offices that are inaccessible to constituents with disabilities. Other offices, he said, are so small they could be considered a closet.&nbsp;One lawmaker is working out of a former vault on the second floor.&nbsp;“We probably shouldn’t be eliminating offices at this point,” he said. “We shouldn’t be repurposing office space unless it’s absolutely necessary, and while I can’t speak to whether it was in this case, my guess is probably not.”&nbsp;Renovation in a century-old building will always be more expensive, Lovasco said, but “$29,000 on furniture sounds like an enormously high number. That certainly doesn’t seem reasonable to me.”The cost of the furniture in the speaker’s office “does seem excessive,” said Rep. Deb Lavender, a Manchester Democrat. And she would have preferred if the House budget committee was involved in a renovation of that size, instead of using the chamber’s core budget, because the process would have been more transparent.&nbsp;But her main concern is the loss of office space for what she called a “questionable use.”&nbsp;“We had a member that had an office on the fourth floor that was so small, the legislative assistant can’t get to behind her desk without closing the door of the closet,” Lavender said.&nbsp;“So with such a serious lack of space in the Capitol, I’m not sure we should be spending the public’s money to build a bar across the House Lounge from the speaker’s office.”&nbsp;The first principle stated in the Missouri State Capitol Commission long range master plan focuses on the lack of functional space for legislators and staff and the need to “<a target="_blank" href="https://archive.org/details/2019MSCCLongRangePlan/page/13/mode/2up">decompress space and remove the mezzanines</a>.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Substantial price difference’</h2>For nearly two months, the Missouri House Ethics Committee has been investigating Plocher over allegations of misconduct.&nbsp;The inquiry was launched after The Independent revealed that Plocher on numerous occasions over the last five years&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/23/records-show-dean-plocher-charged-the-state-for-travel-already-paid-for-by-his-campaign/">illegally sought reimbursement from the legislature</a>&nbsp;for airfare, hotels and other travel costs already paid for by his campaign.&nbsp;Those illegal payments were documented in expense reports Plocher regularly filed with the House. The reports also detailed any taxpayer funds Plocher used to upgrade his office over the years, going back to when he first entered the legislature in 2016.&nbsp;For example, Plocher had hoped to renovate of his previous office while he was serving as majority floor leader. But costs proved too high, with expense records showing Plocher settled for spending around $3,500 of public funds on new countertops, paint, bench covers and upholstery.&nbsp;He spent a similar amount the year prior on a new desk and a veneer walnut desktop.&nbsp;But those records didn’t include renovation expenses to the speaker’s office since Plocher began moving into the job late last year. That’s because the money for the speaker’s office renovation didn’t come from Plocher’s legislative expense fund. It came from House operating funds.&nbsp;The Independent filed a new request seeking those documents on Nov. 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;The last time a major remodel of the office had been completed was under then-Speaker Ron Richard in 2009, when new desks were purchased, furniture was reupholstered and hardwood floors were refinished, among other expenses.&nbsp;In the years since, speakers have taken an approach that builds upon that work, such as recovering, refinishing and reupholstering chairs and desks as opposed to purchasing entirely new ones. For example, former Speaker Elijah Haahr had desks and credenzas refinished in 2018, though he did buy a new conference table for the office that year.&nbsp;As Plocher was preparing to take over as speaker, the need to remove pealing wallpaper ended up requiring&nbsp;the replacement of drop ceiling tiles and baseboards. Energy-efficient lighting was also installed.&nbsp;As the office was being remodeled, the decision was made to replace all the furniture — new desks, credenzas, bookcases and a conference table.&nbsp;Plocher also wanted a new refrigerator for the office that included an ice maker, which required a custom cabinet to hold it along with a new water line and filtration system to service it. A special wood stain was requested for the cabinets to match the speaker’s gavel.&nbsp;The priciest furniture expense was a black leather sofa and armchairs from Ethan Allen.Originally, records show the House planned to purchase a floor model set in brown leather from Missouri Furniture in Jefferson City. But the speaker preferred black leather, which required a special order.&nbsp;&nbsp;The set, which cost roughly $4,200, was manufactured in China, causing months of delays. In March, the order was canceled because the furniture was not expected to be delivered for at least two more months.&nbsp;With Plocher wanting the furniture in place sooner, records show Chief Clerk Dana Miller went online and found a black leather set from Ethan Allen, at a cost of $8,366.&nbsp;“I’m fine with whatever you want to do, but there’s a substantial price difference and there’s still a 4-6 week wait time for the items to ship,” a House employee wrote in an email to Miller in March regarding the Ethan Allen furniture.&nbsp;Miller responded that the cost could be justified “because we are ordering historically appropriate furnishings that will be in permanent use in that office for at least a decade.”&nbsp;The cost of refurnishing the office topped $29,000. But there were some requests Plocher had hoped to include that weren’t feasible.&nbsp;A dishwasher couldn’t be installed in the office because it would have required the installation of a new drain line. And an inlay of the state seal on the coffee tables in his office was also deemed too costly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Repurposing room 306B came with minimal cost, according to records, and it appears Plocher may have paid for the alcohol using his own campaign funds.&nbsp;Twice during the legislative session, Plocher’s political action committee paid for “campaign meals” at a Jefferson City liquor store called Macadoodles — spending $194 in February and $350 in April.&nbsp; And he was seen on several occasions during session pushing a cart stacked with alcohol into room 306B.Plocher did not respond to a question about the alcohol purchases.&nbsp;Alcohol consumption is prohibited everywhere in the Missouri Capitol unless it is part of a state government function and approved by the Board of Public Buildings. That prohibition does not include legislative offices.<h2>Ethics investigation</h2>In addition to Plocher’s false expense reports, the House ethics committee is also investigating allegations that he&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/22/missouri-lawmaker-accused-of-unlawful-conduct-in-push-for-contract-drawing-fbi-scrutiny/">threatened the jobs of nonpartisan staff</a>&nbsp;as part of his push to convince his colleagues to spend $800,000 to hire a private company to manage constituent information.Three closed-door hearings have been held by the ethics committee so far, with the investigation likely to stretch into the new legislative session that starts Jan. 4.&nbsp;Plocher, a Republican from Des Peres running for lieutenant governor, has flatly denied any wrongdoing and rejected all calls from his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/24/missouri-republicans-dean-plocher-investigaiton-resignation/">fellow Republicans to step down as speaker</a>. He chalked up the false expense reports to a “checkbook error” and paid back the illegal reimbursements.&nbsp;During an event in St. Louis late last month,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://spectrumlocalnews.com/mo/st-louis/news/2023/11/29/missouri-political-notebook">Plocher told Spectrum News</a>&nbsp;that “his conscience is clear.”“I sleep well at night,” he said. “I’m not gonna let this sideshow distract me or the legislature from getting good work done for the state of Missouri.”

In a statehouse short on space, Dean Plocher converted an office into a liquor ‘pantry’

ATCHISON COUNTY, Missouri —One person was injured in an accident and then arrested just after 11:30p.m. Friday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Durango driven by Dennis A. Schebaum, 67, Maryville, was eastbound on U.S. 136 five miles east of Tarkio.

The SUV traveled off the south side of the road, returned to the road, traveled off the north side of the road and struck an embankment.

Atchison-Holt EMS transported Schebaum to Fairfax Community Hospital and then arrested on requested charges of Felony DWI, Driving while revoked, failure to register vehicle, failure to drive on right half of road resulting in accident.&nbsp; He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Missouri —One person was injured in an accident and then arrested just after 11:30p.m. Friday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Durango driven by Dennis A. Schebaum, 67, Maryville, was eastbound on U.S. 136 five miles east of Tarkio.The SUV traveled off the south side of the road, returned to the road, traveled off the north side of the road and struck an embankment.Atchison-Holt EMS transported Schebaum to Fairfax Community Hospital and then arrested on requested charges of Felony DWI, Driving while revoked, failure to register vehicle, failure to drive on right half of road resulting in accident.&nbsp; He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured in crash, arrested for alleged DWI

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3pm. Friday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Durango driven by a 17-year-old Savannah girl was southbound on Highway DD at U.S. 59 in Country Club Village.

The SUV began to slide, traveled off the road, struck a sign and overturned onto its top.

Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3pm. Friday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Durango driven by a 17-year-old Savannah girl was southbound on Highway DD at U.S. 59 in Country Club Village.The SUV began to slide, traveled off the road, struck a sign and overturned onto its top.Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Savannah teen hospitalized after SUV strikes sign, rolls

ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas woman arrested on requested drug charges in October is back in jail.

On Thursday, police arrested 31-year-old Sarah K. Schmidt of Leavenworth, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She was booked into jail on Community Corrections detain order.

In October, she was jailed on requested charges that included possession of opiates and use or possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703258834290.png" alt="Schmidt photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Schmidt photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas woman arrested on requested drug charges in October is back in jail.On Thursday, police arrested 31-year-old Sarah K. Schmidt of Leavenworth, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.She was booked into jail on Community Corrections detain order.In October, she was jailed on requested charges that included possession of opiates and use or possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, according to online jail records.

Kan. woman accused of drug possession is back in jail

Four St. Joseph police officers fanned out across the city to
give away $100 bills to lucky residents, after an anonymous donor gave the St. Joseph Police Department $2,000 in cash to be distributed as officers saw fit.

The four officers each got five 100-dollar bills, including Officer
Kaitlyn Standiford, who explained the mission.

“Go find some people to either stop walking on the street or
stop and pull over to spread some holiday cheer and give them some money,” Standiford
told KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, which went along for the ride.

Standiford said she looked for residents in need, pulling over
a couple of drivers with expired license plates who were overcome with emotion
after receiving a 100-dollar bill instead of a ticket.

“I thought for sure I was getting a ticket,” said one driver. “I
never thought anything in a million years it was going to be this.”

That driver said she would use the money to buy Christmas presents
for her children.

Another driver with expired license plates was driving to the
Buchanan County Courthouse to register her vehicle. When pulled over, she reached
for her license and registration, never suspecting she would get cash.

“I’m very thankful and blessed,” She responded. “Thank you so
much.”

Officer Standiford stopped her cruiser, pulled over, and began
to speak with a homeless woman, Rebecca, who she has gotten to know over the
years. When Standiford handed Rebecca the bill, Rebecca first thought it couldn’t
be real. She told Standiford she planned to get a motel room and take a shower.

“I haven’t had a shower for a while,” Rebecca said. “Thank
you. God bless you all.”

All the drivers and Rebecca who received money became emotional,
except for one. He sat in his car, stunned, stating he would use the money to
buy presents for his five children.

Another driver reached for her license and registration after
being pulled over and couldn’t believe she got $100 instead.

“I’m going to pay my bills that need to be paid,” she said.

“No, I didn’t. I was so surprised.”

Five people approached by an officer, who handed them cash
given the police department by an anonymous donor.

“Thank you so much,” one driver told Officer Standiford. “Merry
Christmas.”

This article has been updated since first published for clarification.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703278969138.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Police Officer Kaitlyn Standiford hands a $100 bill to a lucky driver she stopped./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Police Officer Kaitlyn Standiford hands a $100 bill to a lucky driver she stopped./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFour St. Joseph police officers fanned out across the city to
give away $100 bills to lucky residents, after an anonymous donor gave the St. Joseph Police Department $2,000 in cash to be distributed as officers saw fit.The four officers each got five 100-dollar bills, including Officer
Kaitlyn Standiford, who explained the mission.“Go find some people to either stop walking on the street or
stop and pull over to spread some holiday cheer and give them some money,” Standiford
told KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, which went along for the ride.Standiford said she looked for residents in need, pulling over
a couple of drivers with expired license plates who were overcome with emotion
after receiving a 100-dollar bill instead of a ticket.“I thought for sure I was getting a ticket,” said one driver. “I
never thought anything in a million years it was going to be this.”That driver said she would use the money to buy Christmas presents
for her children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703279034177.jpeg" alt="Officer Standiford gets a hug from a driver who thought she was getting a ticket and got a $100 bill instead./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Officer Standiford gets a hug from a driver who thought she was getting a ticket and got a $100 bill instead./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Another driver with expired license plates was driving to the
Buchanan County Courthouse to register her vehicle. When pulled over, she reached
for her license and registration, never suspecting she would get cash.“I’m very thankful and blessed,” She responded. “Thank you so
much.”Officer Standiford stopped her cruiser, pulled over, and began
to speak with a homeless woman, Rebecca, who she has gotten to know over the
years. When Standiford handed Rebecca the bill, Rebecca first thought it couldn’t
be real. She told Standiford she planned to get a motel room and take a shower.“I haven’t had a shower for a while,” Rebecca said. “Thank
you. God bless you all.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703279098954.jpeg" alt="Rebecca, who is homeless, couldn't believe the bill was real./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Rebecca, who is homeless, couldn't believe the bill was real./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>All the drivers and Rebecca who received money became emotional,
except for one. He sat in his car, stunned, stating he would use the money to
buy presents for his five children.Another driver reached for her license and registration after
being pulled over and couldn’t believe she got $100 instead.“I’m going to pay my bills that need to be paid,” she said.She never expected this.“No, I didn’t. I was so surprised.”Five people approached by an officer, who handed them cash
given the police department by an anonymous donor.“Thank you so much,” one driver told Officer Standiford. “Merry
Christmas.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703279146622.jpeg" alt="Standiford was one of four St. Joseph Police officers given $100 bills to give away./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Standiford was one of four St. Joseph Police officers given $100 bills to give away./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>This article has been updated since first published for clarification.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph police hand out cash, not tickets for Christmas

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Country Stampede marketing director Shelby Ebert.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1vLx27MX6tM?si=lJFOVPeAtwVvITvh" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Country Stampede marketing director Shelby Ebert.

🎤 Forward Ever: Country Stampede marketing director Shelby Ebert

A 32-year-old St. Joseph man has been sentenced to life in
prison for killing an Independence woman in a Kansas City hotel room and
dumping her body along a rural Buchanan County road.

Marcus Brooks, who is listed as homeless, has been sentenced
to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the murder of
21-year-old Ariel Starcher.

A Buchanan County jury found Brooks guilty last month.

Starcher died of suffocation in a Kansas City hotel room
February 6th of 2020. Brooks and 25-year-old Taylor Stoughton
attacked her, bound her hands and feet, gagged her with duct tape and a
washcloth. Stoughton pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder in the
death and testified against Brooks during his trial. She was sentenced to 11
years in prison.

Buchanan County Sheriff Department deputies discovered the
body outside of Faucett.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678411034182.jpeg" alt="Marcus Brooks/Buchanan County Sheriff Dept. photo" />
 <figcaption>Marcus Brooks/Buchanan County Sheriff Dept. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 32-year-old St. Joseph man has been sentenced to life in
prison for killing an Independence woman in a Kansas City hotel room and
dumping her body along a rural Buchanan County road.Marcus Brooks, who is listed as homeless, has been sentenced
to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the murder of
21-year-old Ariel Starcher.A Buchanan County jury found Brooks guilty last month.Starcher died of suffocation in a Kansas City hotel room
February 6th of 2020. Brooks and 25-year-old Taylor Stoughton
attacked her, bound her hands and feet, gagged her with duct tape and a
washcloth. Stoughton pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder in the
death and testified against Brooks during his trial. She was sentenced to 11
years in prison.Buchanan County Sheriff Department deputies discovered the
body outside of Faucett.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Brooks sentenced to life in murder of 21-year-old

Mosaic Life Care has reported an increase in RSV and other
respiratory illnesses with doctors worried about how they might spread during
holiday gatherings.

Dr. Jamie Ball with Mosaic Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
says Christmas and New Year’s gathering are great, but she says to exercise
caution.

“Everybody gets in enclosed spaces in areas where you have
lots of people and people who haven’t seen each other for a long time and especially
when you have little babies, everybody wants to love and kiss on little babies.
And that’s the biggest thing going into the holiday season,” Ball tells
reporters during a recent media gathering. “If any of your family members have
any signs of sickness, just a runny nose, a sniffle, I would keep them away
from your little babies, your older adults.”

Ball warns RSV and other viruses are contagious. She says
there is no shame in parents telling others, even relatives, to not kiss their
babies if the suspect RSV.

“There’s no shame in a parent telling them, ‘Please do not kiss
my baby. Please don’t get up in my baby’s face,’” Ball says. “That’s your
little one. That’s their pride and joy. Do whatever it takes to protect them.”

Ball says RSV normally peaks between the third and fifth day,
though a persistent cough might remain for more than a week as the body repairs
damaged lungs. Ball says parents cannot really suction out their child’s nose
too much, no matter how discomforting to both child and parent.

While Christmas gatherings are festive times when you often
see relatives you haven’t seen much during the year, it can be a breeding ground
for the germs that spread respiratory illnesses. Ball says children, even
infants, will be fine as long as parents are cautious and protective.

“While some kids do really well with RSV and these viruses, it’s
hard to predict who it’s going to hit the hardest,” according to Ball. “So,
just doing those little things to protect them when they’re in those big
gatherings.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care has reported an increase in RSV and other
respiratory illnesses with doctors worried about how they might spread during
holiday gatherings.Dr. Jamie Ball with Mosaic Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
says Christmas and New Year’s gathering are great, but she says to exercise
caution.“Everybody gets in enclosed spaces in areas where you have
lots of people and people who haven’t seen each other for a long time and especially
when you have little babies, everybody wants to love and kiss on little babies.
And that’s the biggest thing going into the holiday season,” Ball tells
reporters during a recent media gathering. “If any of your family members have
any signs of sickness, just a runny nose, a sniffle, I would keep them away
from your little babies, your older adults.”Ball warns RSV and other viruses are contagious. She says
there is no shame in parents telling others, even relatives, to not kiss their
babies if the suspect RSV.“There’s no shame in a parent telling them, ‘Please do not kiss
my baby. Please don’t get up in my baby’s face,’” Ball says. “That’s your
little one. That’s their pride and joy. Do whatever it takes to protect them.”Ball says RSV normally peaks between the third and fifth day,
though a persistent cough might remain for more than a week as the body repairs
damaged lungs. Ball says parents cannot really suction out their child’s nose
too much, no matter how discomforting to both child and parent.While Christmas gatherings are festive times when you often
see relatives you haven’t seen much during the year, it can be a breeding ground
for the germs that spread respiratory illnesses. Ball says children, even
infants, will be fine as long as parents are cautious and protective.“While some kids do really well with RSV and these viruses, it’s
hard to predict who it’s going to hit the hardest,” according to Ball. “So,
just doing those little things to protect them when they’re in those big
gatherings.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Parents urged to keep infants safe during Christmas gatherings

GRUNDY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Thursday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Freightliner semi driven by Randall K. Romesburg, 67, Trenton, was northbound on Highway W four miles southwest of Trenton.

The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, struck a guardrail and overturned. A private vehicle transported Romesburg to Wright Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Thursday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Freightliner semi driven by Randall K. Romesburg, 67, Trenton, was northbound on Highway W four miles southwest of Trenton.The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, struck a guardrail and overturned. A private vehicle transported Romesburg to Wright Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after truck overturns

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Nebraska suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just after 2 p.m. Wednesday, Brown County received information that&nbsp; an individual with an active extraditable&nbsp; Nebraska Warrant was observed at 415 Goldengate in Robinson, Kansas.&nbsp; 

Deputies responded and the individual in question was attempting to load a vehicle on a trailer immediately north of the residence.&nbsp; 

Deputies took 44-year-old Walter Lee Cole, Jr. into custody on a Richardson County Nebraska Felony Failure to Appear Warrant.

Sheriff's K-9 Carla was deployed and alerted on the vehicle where Meth, and Paraphernalia were located.&nbsp; Cole also faces requested charges with Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernallia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703181513236.png" alt="Cole-photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Cole-photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Nebraska suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just after 2 p.m. Wednesday, Brown County received information that&nbsp; an individual with an active extraditable&nbsp; Nebraska Warrant was observed at 415 Goldengate in Robinson, Kansas.&nbsp; Deputies responded and the individual in question was attempting to load a vehicle on a trailer immediately north of the residence.&nbsp; Deputies took 44-year-old Walter Lee Cole, Jr. into custody on a Richardson County Nebraska Felony Failure to Appear Warrant.Sheriff's K-9 Carla was deployed and alerted on the vehicle where Meth, and Paraphernalia were located.&nbsp; Cole also faces requested charges with Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernallia.

Kansas deputies capture wanted Nebraska suspect 

St. Joseph resident and native Jennie McDonald was finishing up some Christmas shopping at the Sisters of Solace's Solace Market - a retail shop that sells products sourced by women-owned businesses.

It was here that McDonald, while shopping for candles,&nbsp; received the winning ticket in this year's Shop St. Joseph Program and with it, the $10,000 grand prize.

McDonald says she was honored to win, and even more honored to support a small, local business.

"We're so excited to shop local businesses this Christmas," McDonald told the media Thursday. "We have family and friends who have a small business here in St. Joseph, so we try and strongly support them as best we can. Very proud to especially support Sisters of Solace."

Sisters of Solace is a home for healing and hospitality for survivors of trauma and addiction and for those who are homeless.

Jennie's husband, Shane McDonald, says they plan to be charitable with some of this prize money during this time of year.

"I personally feel like I've been blessed far beyond what I deserve," he said. "Rest assured, some of this cash has already been decided to be used to help others in the community right now. That's one of the things we're going to do with this cash to begin with."

New this year in the Shop St. Joseph program was a $2500 prize for shopping local at small businesses - dubbed as the "Shop Small Business Bonus."

That prize was claimed by Angie Luthans of St. Joseph, who got the winning ticket at BJ’s Auto Collision and Restoration, Inc.

This was the 17th year of Shop St. Joseph. The program’s goal is to keep holiday spending in the local economy, so sales tax collected goes back into helping St. Joseph and Buchanan County projects.

Shop St. Joseph was presented by First Option Bank.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703200972784.jpeg" alt="Jennie McDonald (center) with husband Shane (plaid shirt) pose with the $10,000 Shop St. Joseph prize check, presented by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Presenting the check were representatives from the presenting sponsor, First Option Bank, and Don Tolly - Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce board. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Jennie McDonald (center) with husband Shane (plaid shirt) pose with the $10,000 Shop St. Joseph prize check, presented by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Presenting the check were representatives from the presenting sponsor, First Option Bank, and Don Tolly - Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce board. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph resident and native Jennie McDonald was finishing up some Christmas shopping at the Sisters of Solace's Solace Market - a retail shop that sells products sourced by women-owned businesses.It was here that McDonald, while shopping for candles,&nbsp; received the winning ticket in this year's Shop St. Joseph Program and with it, the $10,000 grand prize.McDonald says she was honored to win, and even more honored to support a small, local business."We're so excited to shop local businesses this Christmas," McDonald told the media Thursday. "We have family and friends who have a small business here in St. Joseph, so we try and strongly support them as best we can. Very proud to especially support Sisters of Solace."Sisters of Solace is a home for healing and hospitality for survivors of trauma and addiction and for those who are homeless.Jennie's husband, Shane McDonald, says they plan to be charitable with some of this prize money during this time of year."I personally feel like I've been blessed far beyond what I deserve," he said. "Rest assured, some of this cash has already been decided to be used to help others in the community right now. That's one of the things we're going to do with this cash to begin with."New this year in the Shop St. Joseph program was a $2500 prize for shopping local at small businesses - dubbed as the "Shop Small Business Bonus."That prize was claimed by Angie Luthans of St. Joseph, who got the winning ticket at BJ’s Auto Collision and Restoration, Inc.This was the 17th year of Shop St. Joseph. The program’s goal is to keep holiday spending in the local economy, so sales tax collected goes back into helping St. Joseph and Buchanan County projects.Shop St. Joseph was presented by First Option Bank.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Jennie McDonald wins Shop St. Joseph grand prize, Small Business Bonus also claimed

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson says the legislature missed a couple
of opportunities during the previous session.

“I think the initiative petition process, the reform in that,
is an issue that we really need to get done and across the finish line,” Parson
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.

Republicans in Jefferson City have talked about increasing the
voter threshold to amend the state constitution as well as changing some of the
requirements for gathering signatures for ballot initiatives.

Parson, a Republican, wants to see changes to the entire
initiative petition process.

“So, half the states in the United States have this, half of
them don’t,” Parson says of the initiative petition process. “I just think it needs
to be more difficult to change the constitution and change the law in the state
of Missouri than currently what we’re doing right now. I just think long-term it’s
going to get problematic as the years go forward if we don’t do something with
it.”

Parson wants the state initiative petition process to change,
contending it no longer serves as a grass roots check on the legislature. Critics
have contended that such efforts merely mask a desire to thwart the will of the
people.

&nbsp;“I mean when you say
that, I would say that most of them anymore are driven by money, no matter what
the issue is, whichever side of the aisle you’re on,” Parson says. “I don’t
know that the everyday person, when you talk about taking away the people’s
voice, I don’t know how many citizen-driven initiative petitions are out there
anymore that there’s not backers and money behind it getting people to sign up
and getting the requirements to do that.”

Parson suggests the last real citizen-driven petition campaign
was the Hancock Amendment. The amendment won 55% of the vote in November of 1980,
limiting the taxing and spending authority of state government.

Parson says initiative petitions now are pushed by special
interest groups and funded with out-of-state money.

“I think we want to protect the people’s choice, but I think
the reality of it is most things that are going on today are special interests
that are using the initiative petition process.”

The new Missouri legislative session begins next month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703187265571.jpeg" alt="Missouri Gov. Mike Parson/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Gov. Mike Parson/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Gov. Mike Parson says the legislature missed a couple
of opportunities during the previous session.“I think the initiative petition process, the reform in that,
is an issue that we really need to get done and across the finish line,” Parson
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.Republicans in Jefferson City have talked about increasing the
voter threshold to amend the state constitution as well as changing some of the
requirements for gathering signatures for ballot initiatives.Parson, a Republican, wants to see changes to the entire
initiative petition process.“So, half the states in the United States have this, half of
them don’t,” Parson says of the initiative petition process. “I just think it needs
to be more difficult to change the constitution and change the law in the state
of Missouri than currently what we’re doing right now. I just think long-term it’s
going to get problematic as the years go forward if we don’t do something with
it.”Parson wants the state initiative petition process to change,
contending it no longer serves as a grass roots check on the legislature. Critics
have contended that such efforts merely mask a desire to thwart the will of the
people.&nbsp;“I mean when you say
that, I would say that most of them anymore are driven by money, no matter what
the issue is, whichever side of the aisle you’re on,” Parson says. “I don’t
know that the everyday person, when you talk about taking away the people’s
voice, I don’t know how many citizen-driven initiative petitions are out there
anymore that there’s not backers and money behind it getting people to sign up
and getting the requirements to do that.”Parson suggests the last real citizen-driven petition campaign
was the Hancock Amendment. The amendment won 55% of the vote in November of 1980,
limiting the taxing and spending authority of state government.Parson says initiative petitions now are pushed by special
interest groups and funded with out-of-state money.“I think we want to protect the people’s choice, but I think
the reality of it is most things that are going on today are special interests
that are using the initiative petition process.”The new Missouri legislative session begins next month.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Gov. Parson wants changes to the initiative petition process

We now have both winners in the
reworked Shop St. Joseph Holiday Program.

It took no time for the grand
prize winner to step forward and, now, the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce says
the second winner of the new Shop Small Business Bonus has come forward.

News conferences have been
scheduled for this afternoon.

The grand prize winner gets
$10,000. The Chamber created a new prize this year, an incentive to shop local,
small businesses. That prize is $2,500.

Even if you didn’t win either
prize, hang on to your tickets. There are several second-chance prizes.

This is the 17th year for the local holiday
shopping program. The program’s goal is to keep holiday spending in the local
economy, so sales tax collected goes back into helping St. Joseph and Buchanan
County projects. Shop St. Joseph is presented by First Option Bank.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573662212087.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWe now have both winners in the
reworked Shop St. Joseph Holiday Program.It took no time for the grand
prize winner to step forward and, now, the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce says
the second winner of the new Shop Small Business Bonus has come forward.News conferences have been
scheduled for this afternoon.The grand prize winner gets
$10,000. The Chamber created a new prize this year, an incentive to shop local,
small businesses. That prize is $2,500.Even if you didn’t win either
prize, hang on to your tickets. There are several second-chance prizes.This is the 17th year for the local holiday
shopping program. The program’s goal is to keep holiday spending in the local
economy, so sales tax collected goes back into helping St. Joseph and Buchanan
County projects. Shop St. Joseph is presented by First Option Bank.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703171081496.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703171102653.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703171122451.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

We now have both Shop St. Joe winners; 2nd chance prizes announced

ATCHISON COUNTY —Police in Atchison found a 14-year-old girl who was reported as a runaway by the Leavenworth Police Department, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Officers took the girl into custody on Wednesday evening at an Atchison residence.&nbsp; She was later released to Leavenworth authorities.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Police in Atchison found a 14-year-old girl who was reported as a runaway by the Leavenworth Police Department, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Officers took the girl into custody on Wednesday evening at an Atchison residence.&nbsp; She was later released to Leavenworth authorities.Police released no additional details.

Police find 14-year-old reported as runaway

St. Joseph city officials are opening up federal COVID relief funds to local nonprofits affected by the pandemic.  

The city plans to distribute a total of up to 150-thousand dollars of American Rescue Plan funds. 

Planning and Community Development Director Clint Thompson says public feedback indicated more money should be going to nonprofits. 

"Based on the particular requirements for the use of funds and the fact that this use is an eligible use, the council felt that there was still some need within the community that these funds could be allocated to those who may be impacted and still need some assistance," Thompson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

Thompson says the funds that will be distributed will serve an at-risk population. 

"Unemployed individuals, those maybe with unstable housing, or just looking for assistance to get them to a point where they can self-sustain and be a positive impact to our community," Thompson explains. 

Thompson says when the city partners with agency it's with an understanding the agencies have a good handle on needs for those people in the community 

"Who are in need and can really benefit those individuals or families and reach as many of those who are in need as opposed to maybe just the city partnering with a particular project or an entity, these agencies are involved in the community and really know the needs of the community," Thompson says. 

Eligible nonprofits can submit for funds until February 9th by contacting the city.  After the deadline the city will discuss and review the proposals. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph city officials are opening up federal COVID relief funds to local nonprofits affected by the pandemic. The city plans to distribute a total of up to 150-thousand dollars of American Rescue Plan funds. Planning and Community Development Director Clint Thompson says public feedback indicated more money should be going to nonprofits. "Based on the particular requirements for the use of funds and the fact that this use is an eligible use, the council felt that there was still some need within the community that these funds could be allocated to those who may be impacted and still need some assistance," Thompson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Thompson says the funds that will be distributed will serve an at-risk population. "Unemployed individuals, those maybe with unstable housing, or just looking for assistance to get them to a point where they can self-sustain and be a positive impact to our community," Thompson explains. Thompson says when the city partners with agency it's with an understanding the agencies have a good handle on needs for those people in the community "Who are in need and can really benefit those individuals or families and reach as many of those who are in need as opposed to maybe just the city partnering with a particular project or an entity, these agencies are involved in the community and really know the needs of the community," Thompson says. Eligible nonprofits can submit for funds until February 9th by contacting the city. After the deadline the city will discuss and review the proposals.

Federal funds being made available to nonprofits affected by COVID pandemic

It didn’t take long for someone
to step forward and claim the $10,000 grand prize in this year’s Shop St.
Joseph Holiday Program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703157403748.jpeg" alt="The winning number for the Shop Small Business Bonus during the Shop St. Joseph program/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The winning number for the Shop Small Business Bonus during the Shop St. Joseph program/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWe have a winner, already.It didn’t take long for someone
to step forward and claim the $10,000 grand prize in this year’s Shop St.
Joseph Holiday Program.The St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce reports the winning ticket has been verified and a news conference
will be held this afternoon.New this year was a $2,500 prize for shopping local and shopping small. The Chamber created the Shop
Small Business Bonus this year for the first time. That number is 1722584. No
winner has stepped forward to claim it.Even if you didn’t win the $10,000 or the $2,500 shop small business bonus, hang on to your tickets.
There are several second-chance prizes that will be announced later.This is the 17th year for the local holiday
shopping program. The program’s goal is to keep holiday spending in the local
economy, so sales tax collected goes back into helping St. Joseph and Buchanan
County projects. Shop St. Joseph is presented by First Option Bank.

Local