It began as a hobby. It became a calling.

Michael and Jerre Robertson have led efforts to restore
tombstones and obelisks at King Hill Cemetery in south St. Joseph. Michael
Robertson says a small, dedicated team restored 30 gravestones this year after
restoring 25 the year before.

“Our whole mission is dealing with repairing tombstones,”
Robertson tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “We’re not there for
day-to-day maintenance. That’s a whole separate entity on the maintenance and
the mowing of the cemetery. But our whole mission is to fix and repair the tombstones
that’s been either damaged by Mother Nature or vandalism.”

The Robertsons established the King Hill Cemetery Restoration
and Preservation Association, which they say survives on donations, both of
time and money.&nbsp;

The King Hill Cemetery is more than 180 years old, dating back
to 1840, one of the oldest area cemeteries. Michael Robertson speculates it began as a family graveyard. It remains active. It spans 20 acres with 16 containing gravestones. A small group of volunteers work with the Robertsons on restoration.

Robertson says the couple’s work at the King Hill Cemetery began
shortly after he retired as a Southwest Airlines pilot, sought something to do outside
during the COVID pandemic, and began tackling overgrowth in the cemetery.

“As we cleared off the honeysuckle, that’s a very invasive
species, we started finding some more indications of gravestones,” Robertson
says. “So, that led to another thing. Well, okay, what do we have here? Who’s
buried here? Who it is. What it is. It’s kind of like a treasure hunt. And some
of our other people that are helping us out get all excited, because we’ll find
like a footstone with initials on it.”

Jerre Robertson says restoration goes well beyond simply
repairing tombstones and obelisks.

“All the records prior to 1900 were destroyed in a fire at the
cemetery years ago,” Jerre Robertson tells Birr during the couple’s appearance
on the Hotline. “So, that was our other goal why we wanted to help restore this
is try to recover as much as we can, that history. We hope to remap it so we
have in the older sections an accurate record of just who all was buried there.”

Jerre Robertson says the work is important and not just to pay
homage to those buried in the King Hill Cemetery.

“Anybody that is really in to genealogy knows that a well-kept
cemetery is a gold mine of helping you discover your family history,” Robertson
says.

A veteran of the Revolutionary War, John Davis, is buried at the King Hill
Cemetery as are two veterans of the War of 1812. The Hyde family, for which
Hyde Park is named, is buried at the cemetery.

Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHCemeteryrpa">HERE</a> for the King Hill Cemetery Restoration and Preservation Association Facebook page.

The Robertsons say the association is working on a new website that should be ready early next year.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735226521185.jpeg" alt="King Hill Cemetery/King Hill Cemetery Restoration &amp; Preservation Assn. Facebook page photo" />
 <figcaption>King Hill Cemetery/King Hill Cemetery Restoration &amp; Preservation Assn. Facebook page photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt began as a hobby. It became a calling.Michael and Jerre Robertson have led efforts to restore
tombstones and obelisks at King Hill Cemetery in south St. Joseph. Michael
Robertson says a small, dedicated team restored 30 gravestones this year after
restoring 25 the year before.“Our whole mission is dealing with repairing tombstones,”
Robertson tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “We’re not there for
day-to-day maintenance. That’s a whole separate entity on the maintenance and
the mowing of the cemetery. But our whole mission is to fix and repair the tombstones
that’s been either damaged by Mother Nature or vandalism.”The Robertsons established the King Hill Cemetery Restoration
and Preservation Association, which they say survives on donations, both of
time and money.&nbsp;The King Hill Cemetery is more than 180 years old, dating back
to 1840, one of the oldest area cemeteries. Michael Robertson speculates it began as a family graveyard. It remains active. It spans 20 acres with 16 containing gravestones. A small group of volunteers work with the Robertsons on restoration.Robertson says the couple’s work at the King Hill Cemetery began
shortly after he retired as a Southwest Airlines pilot, sought something to do outside
during the COVID pandemic, and began tackling overgrowth in the cemetery.“As we cleared off the honeysuckle, that’s a very invasive
species, we started finding some more indications of gravestones,” Robertson
says. “So, that led to another thing. Well, okay, what do we have here? Who’s
buried here? Who it is. What it is. It’s kind of like a treasure hunt. And some
of our other people that are helping us out get all excited, because we’ll find
like a footstone with initials on it.”Jerre Robertson says restoration goes well beyond simply
repairing tombstones and obelisks.“All the records prior to 1900 were destroyed in a fire at the
cemetery years ago,” Jerre Robertson tells Birr during the couple’s appearance
on the Hotline. “So, that was our other goal why we wanted to help restore this
is try to recover as much as we can, that history. We hope to remap it so we
have in the older sections an accurate record of just who all was buried there.”Jerre Robertson says the work is important and not just to pay
homage to those buried in the King Hill Cemetery.“Anybody that is really in to genealogy knows that a well-kept
cemetery is a gold mine of helping you discover your family history,” Robertson
says.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735226573510.jpeg" alt="King Hill Cemetery Restoration and Preservation Assn. photo" />
 <figcaption>King Hill Cemetery Restoration and Preservation Assn. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A veteran of the Revolutionary War, John Davis, is buried at the King Hill
Cemetery as are two veterans of the War of 1812. The Hyde family, for which
Hyde Park is named, is buried at the cemetery.Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHCemeteryrpa">HERE</a> for the King Hill Cemetery Restoration and Preservation Association Facebook page.The Robertsons say the association is working on a new website that should be ready early next year.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Preserving King Hill Cemetery; preserving St. Joseph history

ATCHISON —Speed may have been a factor for a multi-vehicle crash just before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Atchison.

 A 2014 Honda Odyssey driven by Keyantroi Heyward, 17, Atchison, was southbound in the 600 Block of North 5th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson,

The van traveled left of center and struck a parked vehicle facing north on the east side of the street. The impact pushed that vehicle into two more parked vehicles on the east side of the street. 

EMS was on the scene and examined Heyward but he was not transported. He was cited for driving left of center and exhibition of speed, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735309030038.png" alt="Photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON —Speed may have been a factor for a multi-vehicle crash just before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Atchison. A 2014 Honda Odyssey driven by Keyantroi Heyward, 17, Atchison, was southbound in the 600 Block of North 5th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson,The van traveled left of center and struck a parked vehicle facing north on the east side of the street. The impact pushed that vehicle into two more parked vehicles on the east side of the street. EMS was on the scene and examined Heyward but he was not transported. He was cited for driving left of center and exhibition of speed, according to Wilson.

Police: Teen driving too fast caused 4-vehicle crash

State Rep. Doug Clemens files bill protecting breeding animals but expects pushback from the state’s agriculture operations

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

A Democrat from St. Ann is once again pushing for&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/1365H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;placing more restrictions on commercial dog breeders, though it faces long odds thanks to resistance from pet stores and large agriculture operations.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/1365H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that would regulate commercial animal breeders is awaiting the 2025 legislative session — though its sponsor predicts pushback from pet stores and large agriculture operations.

State Rep. Doug Clemens, a Democrat from St. Ann, filed the bill last year and unsuccessfully tried to attach it as an amendment to legislation that&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/1365H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">would’ve forbid municipalities from banning pet stores that sell dogs</a>.

“Let’s just take care of it so Missouri consumers can be assured that they’re not buying an animal that has been exposed to horrible conditions and is genetically messed up from inbreeding,” he told The Independent in an interview this month.

The bill would have barred municipalities from placing restrictions on pet stores, which often sell dogs bred from high-volume commercial breeders. Clemens’s legislation would put regulations on the treatment of breeding animals, such as requiring veterinary care and photographing the animals’ enclosures quarterly. Information on the health of animals’ parents would also be required to be shared with purchasers.

Clemens’ amendment was shot down, and the pet store bill never made it to the governor’s desk. The stand-alone bill Clemens filed never received a committee hearing.

The biggest hurdle for his bill, Clemens contends, is opposition from those who worry it could impact livestock operations. More specifically, that it may set up hurdles for concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs.

“​​We support and encourage (CAFOs) in Missouri, and those have everything but kindness to animals about them,” he said.

In March 2023, the Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/21/missouri-supreme-court-upholds-state-law-prohibiting-local-cafo-regulations/">ruled that it was unlawful</a>&nbsp;for municipalities to restrict the operations.

Clemens’ bill does not explicitly name cats and dogs as the target of the legislation but specifies it applies to “animals used for breeding.”

Cody Atkinson, Missouri state director for the Humane Society of the United States, told The Independent that lawmakers seem receptive to animal welfare laws as long as it doesn’t affect livestock.

“Everybody understands that there is a problem with puppy mills,” he said. “The real hang up is making sure the language is appropriate to toll these dog-breeding operations and keeping it wholly separate from other livestock within the state.”

Atkinson said the bill “finally recognizes the need for greater transparency in the state of Missouri when it comes to breeding dogs.”

Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://aldf.org/project/us-state-rankings/" target="_blank">ranks 37th in animal-welfare legislation</a>, according to advocacy group the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

Missouri’s history with animal-welfare legislation

The Humane Society of the United States annually publishes a list of the hundred worst dog breeders identified through inspections. For 12 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.humanesociety.org/horriblehundred" target="_blank">Missouri has topped the list</a>&nbsp;for the most breeders on the “Horrible Hundred” list.

Missouri remains a hotspot for large commercial breeding operations even after reforms in 2010 and 2011 that sought to crack down on the problem.

Voters passed a ballot measure in 2010 called the “Puppy Mill Cruelty and Prevention Act” that specified appropriate living conditions for breeding operations with at least 10 female breeding dogs. It also capped the number of animals that a business could use for breeding at 50.

In 2011, lawmakers passed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/11info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=4075538" target="_blank">a bill sponsored by then-state-senator Mike Parson</a>, who finishing up his final year as governor, that peeled back parts of the new law — including the cap on the number of breeding dogs.

The change was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/missouris-puppy-mill-politics-dog-breeders-outmaneuver-animal-rights-movement/" target="_blank">widely criticized by advocates as a political move</a>&nbsp;inspired by large agricultural interests.

Atkinson said he frequently sees breeders violate the law, keeping dogs suspended on wire floors and in unsafe climates.

“It really all comes down to the lack of funding and support for inspections and prosecution whenever these shortcomings are found,” he said.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.mo.gov/animals/ACFA/commercialbreeders.php" target="_blank">has 15 inspectors</a>&nbsp;in its animal care division.

Atkinson said the annual inspection currently prescribed by law is “not frequent enough.”

Clemens’s legislation adds requirements for female breeding dogs to be examined by a veterinarian each breeding cycle, or about every six months.

The legislation protecting pet stores has yet to be filed. Clemens said he plans to offer his bill as an amendment if it is filed.

<h2>State Rep. Doug Clemens files bill protecting breeding animals but expects pushback from the state’s agriculture operations</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A Democrat from St. Ann is once again pushing for&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/1365H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;placing more restrictions on commercial dog breeders, though it faces long odds thanks to resistance from pet stores and large agriculture operations.A&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/1365H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that would regulate commercial animal breeders is awaiting the 2025 legislative session — though its sponsor predicts pushback from pet stores and large agriculture operations.State Rep. Doug Clemens, a Democrat from St. Ann, filed the bill last year and unsuccessfully tried to attach it as an amendment to legislation that&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/1365H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">would’ve forbid municipalities from banning pet stores that sell dogs</a>.“Let’s just take care of it so Missouri consumers can be assured that they’re not buying an animal that has been exposed to horrible conditions and is genetically messed up from inbreeding,” he told The Independent in an interview this month.The bill would have barred municipalities from placing restrictions on pet stores, which often sell dogs bred from high-volume commercial breeders. Clemens’s legislation would put regulations on the treatment of breeding animals, such as requiring veterinary care and photographing the animals’ enclosures quarterly. Information on the health of animals’ parents would also be required to be shared with purchasers.Clemens’ amendment was shot down, and the pet store bill never made it to the governor’s desk. The stand-alone bill Clemens filed never received a committee hearing.The biggest hurdle for his bill, Clemens contends, is opposition from those who worry it could impact livestock operations. More specifically, that it may set up hurdles for concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs.“​​We support and encourage (CAFOs) in Missouri, and those have everything but kindness to animals about them,” he said.In March 2023, the Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/21/missouri-supreme-court-upholds-state-law-prohibiting-local-cafo-regulations/">ruled that it was unlawful</a>&nbsp;for municipalities to restrict the operations.Clemens’ bill does not explicitly name cats and dogs as the target of the legislation but specifies it applies to “animals used for breeding.”Cody Atkinson, Missouri state director for the Humane Society of the United States, told The Independent that lawmakers seem receptive to animal welfare laws as long as it doesn’t affect livestock.“Everybody understands that there is a problem with puppy mills,” he said. “The real hang up is making sure the language is appropriate to toll these dog-breeding operations and keeping it wholly separate from other livestock within the state.”Atkinson said the bill “finally recognizes the need for greater transparency in the state of Missouri when it comes to breeding dogs.”Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://aldf.org/project/us-state-rankings/" target="_blank">ranks 37th in animal-welfare legislation</a>, according to advocacy group the Animal Legal Defense Fund.<h2>Missouri’s history with animal-welfare legislation</h2>The Humane Society of the United States annually publishes a list of the hundred worst dog breeders identified through inspections. For 12 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.humanesociety.org/horriblehundred" target="_blank">Missouri has topped the list</a>&nbsp;for the most breeders on the “Horrible Hundred” list.Missouri remains a hotspot for large commercial breeding operations even after reforms in 2010 and 2011 that sought to crack down on the problem.Voters passed a ballot measure in 2010 called the “Puppy Mill Cruelty and Prevention Act” that specified appropriate living conditions for breeding operations with at least 10 female breeding dogs. It also capped the number of animals that a business could use for breeding at 50.In 2011, lawmakers passed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/11info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=4075538" target="_blank">a bill sponsored by then-state-senator Mike Parson</a>, who finishing up his final year as governor, that peeled back parts of the new law — including the cap on the number of breeding dogs.The change was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/missouris-puppy-mill-politics-dog-breeders-outmaneuver-animal-rights-movement/" target="_blank">widely criticized by advocates as a political move</a>&nbsp;inspired by large agricultural interests.Atkinson said he frequently sees breeders violate the law, keeping dogs suspended on wire floors and in unsafe climates.“It really all comes down to the lack of funding and support for inspections and prosecution whenever these shortcomings are found,” he said.The Missouri Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.mo.gov/animals/ACFA/commercialbreeders.php" target="_blank">has 15 inspectors</a>&nbsp;in its animal care division.Atkinson said the annual inspection currently prescribed by law is “not frequent enough.”Clemens’s legislation adds requirements for female breeding dogs to be examined by a veterinarian each breeding cycle, or about every six months.The legislation protecting pet stores has yet to be filed. Clemens said he plans to offer his bill as an amendment if it is filed.

Bill targeting Missouri’s ‘puppy mill problem’ returns ahead of 2025 legislative session

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

Just before 9a.m. Thursday, police booked 54-year-old Paul W. Surber of Atchison into the county jail, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Surber is being held on requested charges of domestic battery and criminal damage to property in the 900 block Kansas Avenue.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735229808491.png" alt="Surber photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Surber photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just before 9a.m. Thursday, police booked 54-year-old Paul W. Surber of Atchison into the county jail, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Surber is being held on requested charges of domestic battery and criminal damage to property in the 900 block Kansas Avenue.&nbsp;

Kansas man jailed for alleged domestic incident

Homelessness is a growing problem nationally.

St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster says he has heard plenty
of concern about the homeless population. Luster says the issue isn’t really a
policing issue.

“Kind of always start off by saying, if we could have arrested
our way out of it, we would have done it a long time ago,” Luster tells host
Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline, “You can’t do that and that wouldn’t be the
right thing to do anyways.”

Still, police can play a role, according to Luster, who adds
the St. Joseph Police Department has taken a step toward attacking the problem
by designating a Homeless Liaison Officer. Luster has also applied for a grant
to pay for a social worker within the St. Joseph Police Department to address
the problem.

Luster says it is unlikely homelessness can ever be
eliminated.

“But if we can have better outcomes and have fewer out there,
I think that’s a positive thing for those people,” says Luster. “I think it’s a
very positive thing for this city.”

Luster says Homeless Liaison Officer Cameron Shoemaker is
already establishing relationships with the homeless as well as service
providers to meet their needs, such as providing mental health services and
addiction treatment.

“We have a vision that eventually we will have our own
homeless outreach team, which is this boots on the ground, 40-hour week, four
or five people, specialists in their own areas, are out here, boots on the
ground, communicating daily, building those relationships and really trying to
get the proper resources in a timely manner to this population that’s very
difficult to manage sometimes,” according to Luster.

Luster says St. Joseph city officials have been reviewing the
work of Sarasota in dealing with homelessness in that Florida city. Sarasota
does have an outreach team of police officers and social workers who regularly
work with its homeless population. Sarasota also has established a Community
Care Court, specifically assigned to handle crimes arising from homelessness.
It seeks treatment rather than incarceration.

Luster wants to create a similar long-term plan to address
homelessness in St. Joseph.

“That really wasn’t on my radar when I took over as chief in
St. Joe and it’s just one thing I continually heard about,” Luster says. “Obviously,
it was a big concern to this community. I want to make sure we’re doing what we
can to help address it.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostHomelessness is a growing problem nationally.St. Joseph is no different.St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster says he has heard plenty
of concern about the homeless population. Luster says the issue isn’t really a
policing issue.“Kind of always start off by saying, if we could have arrested
our way out of it, we would have done it a long time ago,” Luster tells host
Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline, “You can’t do that and that wouldn’t be the
right thing to do anyways.”Still, police can play a role, according to Luster, who adds
the St. Joseph Police Department has taken a step toward attacking the problem
by designating a Homeless Liaison Officer. Luster has also applied for a grant
to pay for a social worker within the St. Joseph Police Department to address
the problem.Luster says it is unlikely homelessness can ever be
eliminated.“But if we can have better outcomes and have fewer out there,
I think that’s a positive thing for those people,” says Luster. “I think it’s a
very positive thing for this city.”Luster says Homeless Liaison Officer Cameron Shoemaker is
already establishing relationships with the homeless as well as service
providers to meet their needs, such as providing mental health services and
addiction treatment.“We have a vision that eventually we will have our own
homeless outreach team, which is this boots on the ground, 40-hour week, four
or five people, specialists in their own areas, are out here, boots on the
ground, communicating daily, building those relationships and really trying to
get the proper resources in a timely manner to this population that’s very
difficult to manage sometimes,” according to Luster.Luster says St. Joseph city officials have been reviewing the
work of Sarasota in dealing with homelessness in that Florida city. Sarasota
does have an outreach team of police officers and social workers who regularly
work with its homeless population. Sarasota also has established a Community
Care Court, specifically assigned to handle crimes arising from homelessness.
It seeks treatment rather than incarceration.Luster wants to create a similar long-term plan to address
homelessness in St. Joseph.“That really wasn’t on my radar when I took over as chief in
St. Joe and it’s just one thing I continually heard about,” Luster says. “Obviously,
it was a big concern to this community. I want to make sure we’re doing what we
can to help address it.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Police chief says St. Joseph needs long-term approach to homelessness

DONIPHAN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Wednesday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Toyota Tundra driven by Maria Ann&nbsp;Keys, 37, Bendena, was northbound on Kansas 7 just north of 120th Road

The pickup crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2002 Chevy Suburban driven by Kace Rayelee Keller, 22, Troy, head-on.

A passenger in the SUV identified as Katlyn&nbsp; Folsom, 22, Troy, was pronounced dead at at the sene and was transported to&nbsp; Becker-Dyer Funeral Home. EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Keys was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

DONIPHAN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Wednesday in Doniphan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Toyota Tundra driven by Maria Ann&nbsp;Keys, 37, Bendena, was northbound on Kansas 7 just north of 120th RoadThe pickup crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2002 Chevy Suburban driven by Kace Rayelee Keller, 22, Troy, head-on.A passenger in the SUV identified as Katlyn&nbsp; Folsom, 22, Troy, was pronounced dead at at the sene and was transported to&nbsp; Becker-Dyer Funeral Home. EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Keys was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman killed in Christmas Day head-on crash

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Wednesday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Buick Century driven by a 24-year-old Mercer man was&nbsp; westbound on U.S. 36 at North Brown Street in Princeton.

The car rear-ended a 2014 Polaris Ranger driven by an 87-year-old Princeton, Missouri man.&nbsp; Mercer County EMS transported the 24-year-old to Wright Memorial Hospital. The 87-year-old was not injured.&nbsp;

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Wednesday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Buick Century driven by a 24-year-old Mercer man was&nbsp; westbound on U.S. 36 at North Brown Street in Princeton.The car rear-ended a 2014 Polaris Ranger driven by an 87-year-old Princeton, Missouri man.&nbsp; Mercer County EMS transported the 24-year-old to Wright Memorial Hospital. The 87-year-old was not injured.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="data:image/png;base64,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" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Missouri man injured after car rear-ends a UTV

The Kansas City Chiefs delivered a present to all of Chiefs Kingdom on Christmas day, bringing a first round bye and home field advantage through the playoffs home after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.

The Chiefs jumped out to a 13-0 lead through the first quarter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes connecting with rookie Xavier Worthy for a seven yard touchdown pass on Kansas City's first offensive drive, then one drive later finding Justin Watson with an 11 yard strike to extend the lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Going into halftime however, the Chiefs lead was just one score, the Steelers scoring the lone touchdown of the second quarter driving down the field in 11 plays before quarterback Russell Wilson rushed for a one yard score, both teams going to the locker rooms with Kanas City leading 13-7.&nbsp;

The Chiefs and Steelers exchanged field goals in the third quarter, a 32 yard field goal by Harrison Butker and a 36 yard field goal from Chris Boswell, before Kansas City began to run away with the game in the fourth quarter, first getting a two yard rushing touchdown by Kareem Hunt.&nbsp;

Following the touchdown by Hunt, the Chiefs defense forced a fumble by Steelers tight end Pat Friermuth, setting up a drive that made Chiefs history, Mahomes delivering what would ultimately be the touchdown to put the game away, finding tight end Travis Kelce for a 12 yard touchdown pass, the score making Kelce the player with the most receiving touchdowns in history for Kansas City, passing legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez

Kelce did receive an unsportsmanlike penalty following the touchdown, doing his best impression of Gonzalez and dunking the ball over the goalpost, forcing Butker into his second 48 yard extra point of the day, the first coming following the Worthy touchdown, but after missing the first, Butker knocked through the second for the 29-10 lead.&nbsp;

Kelce said following the game it was showing Gonzalez some love and called it a tribute to who he was for the Chiefs and who he's been for football overall.&nbsp;

"We know how iconic it was that he would dunk the ball over the goalpost all the time, I gave it my best effort, I don't know if I did it quite like him but i gave it a run," Kelce told reporters during the postgame press conference.&nbsp;

The Chiefs offense seems to be turning it on at the right time ahead of the playoffs, putting together one of their best performances of the season.&nbsp; Mahomes was 29 of 38 passing for 320 yards with three touchdowns.&nbsp; Hunt rushed nine times for 20 yards and one touchdown, while Isiah Pacheco rushed six times for 18 yards.&nbsp;

Kelce (eight catches, 84 yards, one touchdown) and Worthy (eight catches, 79 yards, one touchdown) were the leading receivers.&nbsp; The Chiefs defense recorded three takeaways, with fumbles being recovered by Deon Bush and Nick Bolton, and an interception in the endzone by Justin Reid.&nbsp;

Kansas City is now 14-1 on the season, and is still one of only four teams in the NFL to not score 30 or more points.&nbsp; They will wrap up the season next week on Sunday against the Denver Broncos on the road, kickoff time has yet to be determined.&nbsp;

With the playoffs on the horizon, and a first round bye clinched, there is a likely chance head coach Andy Reid will rest his starters in the AFC West clash, getting them rested for the playoffs following a rough stretch of three games in 11 days.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735175096524.jpeg" alt="Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, as Santa Clause, celebrates Kansas City clinching a first round bye after a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, as Santa Clause, celebrates Kansas City clinching a first round bye after a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day/ Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs delivered a present to all of Chiefs Kingdom on Christmas day, bringing a first round bye and home field advantage through the playoffs home after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.The Chiefs jumped out to a 13-0 lead through the first quarter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes connecting with rookie Xavier Worthy for a seven yard touchdown pass on Kansas City's first offensive drive, then one drive later finding Justin Watson with an 11 yard strike to extend the lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;Going into halftime however, the Chiefs lead was just one score, the Steelers scoring the lone touchdown of the second quarter driving down the field in 11 plays before quarterback Russell Wilson rushed for a one yard score, both teams going to the locker rooms with Kanas City leading 13-7.&nbsp;The Chiefs and Steelers exchanged field goals in the third quarter, a 32 yard field goal by Harrison Butker and a 36 yard field goal from Chris Boswell, before Kansas City began to run away with the game in the fourth quarter, first getting a two yard rushing touchdown by Kareem Hunt.&nbsp;Following the touchdown by Hunt, the Chiefs defense forced a fumble by Steelers tight end Pat Friermuth, setting up a drive that made Chiefs history, Mahomes delivering what would ultimately be the touchdown to put the game away, finding tight end Travis Kelce for a 12 yard touchdown pass, the score making Kelce the player with the most receiving touchdowns in history for Kansas City, passing legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HOLIDAY TOUCHDOWN FOR TRAVIS‼️ <a href="https://t.co/sqgtsd0r1K">pic.twitter.com/sqgtsd0r1K</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1872016012171755779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kelce did receive an unsportsmanlike penalty following the touchdown, doing his best impression of Gonzalez and dunking the ball over the goalpost, forcing Butker into his second 48 yard extra point of the day, the first coming following the Worthy touchdown, but after missing the first, Butker knocked through the second for the 29-10 lead.&nbsp;Kelce said following the game it was showing Gonzalez some love and called it a tribute to who he was for the Chiefs and who he's been for football overall.&nbsp;"We know how iconic it was that he would dunk the ball over the goalpost all the time, I gave it my best effort, I don't know if I did it quite like him but i gave it a run," Kelce told reporters during the postgame press conference.&nbsp;The Chiefs offense seems to be turning it on at the right time ahead of the playoffs, putting together one of their best performances of the season.&nbsp; Mahomes was 29 of 38 passing for 320 yards with three touchdowns.&nbsp; Hunt rushed nine times for 20 yards and one touchdown, while Isiah Pacheco rushed six times for 18 yards.&nbsp;Kelce (eight catches, 84 yards, one touchdown) and Worthy (eight catches, 79 yards, one touchdown) were the leading receivers.&nbsp; The Chiefs defense recorded three takeaways, with fumbles being recovered by Deon Bush and Nick Bolton, and an interception in the endzone by Justin Reid.&nbsp;Kansas City is now 14-1 on the season, and is still one of only four teams in the NFL to not score 30 or more points.&nbsp; They will wrap up the season next week on Sunday against the Denver Broncos on the road, kickoff time has yet to be determined.&nbsp;With the playoffs on the horizon, and a first round bye clinched, there is a likely chance head coach Andy Reid will rest his starters in the AFC West clash, getting them rested for the playoffs following a rough stretch of three games in 11 days.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Merry Christmas Kingdom: Chiefs clinch first round bye with win over Steelers

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer will enter the upcoming Missouri
legislative session in a major leadership position.

Luetkemeyer, who represents Platte and Buchanan Counties in
the Missouri Senate, has been elected by the Republican Caucus to be the
Majority Floor Leader next year.

In the role, Luetkemeyer will decide what legislation reaches
the Senate floor for debate.

“And oftentimes the Floor Leader is at the center of
negotiations on legislation before it passes the Senate and gets over to the
House,” Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I’m looking forward to working
with all my Republican colleagues to help them get their individual priorities
for their districts done and then also get some of the big conservative things
done that we all want to get done as Republicans.”

Luetkemeyer, A Republican from Parkville, says it’s no secret the
Senate Republican Caucus had its difficulties in the last few sessions in
Jefferson City.

“We’ve had a little bit of dysfunction or discord within the
Republican Caucus in the Senate over the last several years,” Luetkemeyer
concedes. “The commitment that I made to all of my caucus members whenever I
ran for this position; my number one priority is not even necessarily
legislative. My number one priority is Senate functionality.”

Returning and newly elected Republican senators voted for
Luetkemeyer during a meeting held at the state Capitol in preparation for the
upcoming, 2025 legislative session.

Luetkemeyer says dysfunction within the Senate Republican
Caucus has cost conservatives.

“My belief is a united Republican Caucus is much more
effective at passing big, bold conservative ideas than a caucus that’s divided
against itself.”

Luetkemeyer says Republican in-fighting the last few sessions
kept good legislation from passing.

“I think a lot of what we saw in terms of dysfunction in the
Senate, I mean it can be blamed on a whole bunch of different things, but a lot
of it was just a breakdown in communication,” Luetkemeyer says. “People just
flat out stopped talking to each other.”

Luetkemeyer hopes the Republican Caucus can adopt the
traditional practice of working out differences in private, behind closed
doors.

“Not on the floor of the Senate with a microphone in front of
you and a bunch of TV cameras pointed on you,” Luetkemeyer says. “We need to
get back to that kind of a place.”

Luetkemeyer will serve in the number two leadership role in
the Missouri Senate, behind only the President Pro Tem.

The Missouri legislative session begins January 8th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735052777039.jpeg" alt="Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostState Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer will enter the upcoming Missouri
legislative session in a major leadership position.Luetkemeyer, who represents Platte and Buchanan Counties in
the Missouri Senate, has been elected by the Republican Caucus to be the
Majority Floor Leader next year.In the role, Luetkemeyer will decide what legislation reaches
the Senate floor for debate.“And oftentimes the Floor Leader is at the center of
negotiations on legislation before it passes the Senate and gets over to the
House,” Luetkemeyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I’m looking forward to working
with all my Republican colleagues to help them get their individual priorities
for their districts done and then also get some of the big conservative things
done that we all want to get done as Republicans.”Luetkemeyer, A Republican from Parkville, says it’s no secret the
Senate Republican Caucus had its difficulties in the last few sessions in
Jefferson City.“We’ve had a little bit of dysfunction or discord within the
Republican Caucus in the Senate over the last several years,” Luetkemeyer
concedes. “The commitment that I made to all of my caucus members whenever I
ran for this position; my number one priority is not even necessarily
legislative. My number one priority is Senate functionality.”Returning and newly elected Republican senators voted for
Luetkemeyer during a meeting held at the state Capitol in preparation for the
upcoming, 2025 legislative session.Luetkemeyer says dysfunction within the Senate Republican
Caucus has cost conservatives.“My belief is a united Republican Caucus is much more
effective at passing big, bold conservative ideas than a caucus that’s divided
against itself.”Luetkemeyer says Republican in-fighting the last few sessions
kept good legislation from passing.“I think a lot of what we saw in terms of dysfunction in the
Senate, I mean it can be blamed on a whole bunch of different things, but a lot
of it was just a breakdown in communication,” Luetkemeyer says. “People just
flat out stopped talking to each other.”Luetkemeyer hopes the Republican Caucus can adopt the
traditional practice of working out differences in private, behind closed
doors.“Not on the floor of the Senate with a microphone in front of
you and a bunch of TV cameras pointed on you,” Luetkemeyer says. “We need to
get back to that kind of a place.”Luetkemeyer will serve in the number two leadership role in
the Missouri Senate, behind only the President Pro Tem.The Missouri legislative session begins January 8th.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Sen. Luetkemeyer prepares to take over leadership role in Jeff City

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner marked final preparations for departing Congress with a speech connecting his rise in Kansas politics to a family legacy of resilience and featuring a special request that colleagues aid children suffering extreme malnutrition.

LaTurner, a Republican who served in the Kansas Senate and as state treasurer before entering the U.S. House, declined to seek reelection to a third term in 2024. He was elected in 2020 by 2nd District voters eager to replace troubled GOP U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins.

He said in April the requirements of serving in Congress and running for reelection every two years had “taken a toll.” He has four young children and wanted to “be more present” for them.

“I want to thank my friends both at home and my colleagues here, my supporters who helped me get here, and my family,” LaTurner said. “To my kids, the best title I’ve ever had is dad. And that title is about to get my full attention.”

In remarks offered on the House floor ahead of his January exit, LaTurner requested Congress and the White House approve $300 million in funding for a global health initiative making use of Ready-to-Use&nbsp;Therapeutic Foods or&nbsp;RUTF. It would expand the reach of this U.S.-made, medical-grade, nutrient-dense paste given to children suffering severe malnutrition.

“That increase should be realized. It is the right thing to do,” LaTurner said.

LaTurner said starving children consuming RUFT — at a cost of about $1 per day — had a survival rate near 90%. The nutritional product could be made with ingredients from 28 states, including peanuts, dairy, soy, sugar and micronutrients.

He recalled entering the House in 2021 and speaking with U.S. Rep. Don Young, who became the longest-serving Republican in House history. Young represented Alaska until his death in 2022.

“He told me when he arrived in 1973, it was customary for freshmen members to wait six months before speaking on the House floor,” LaTurner said. “To his surprise, I adopted this tradition. I did so partly out of deference to the dean, but mostly because it showed respect for this institution.”

LaTurner said it was the responsibility of people serving in Congress to preserve “an institution and a system of government that our founders painstakingly designed to safeguard against human nature.”

The departing Republican originally from southeast Kansas said he followed a path carved through sacrifice and tenacity of his family.

LaTurner said his single-parent father worked long hours managing a Sonic restaurant while putting himself through college. His dad became the first in the family to earn a college degree. He was as an educator and mayor of Galena.

His grandmother dropped out of school in the ninth grade because she had only one dress and couldn’t endure ridicule by her classmates. She raised six children and earned a G.E.D. before working as a nurse. LaTurner’s grandfather was the first in the family to graduate high school. He lost sight in one eye while serving in Korea. Unable to pass a physical, he worked odd jobs until he found his calling as a lay judge.

His grandfather’s father was killed in the mines at the age of 41 and left behind a widow and six children. They endured hardships most people cannot fathom, LaTurner said.

“Yet, three short generations later, his great-grandson was called ‘the gentleman from Kansas’ on the floor of the United States House of Representatives,” LaTurner said. “I share these stories because they remind me every day that I did not get here on my own. What a country this is. But it’s not just my story. It’s the American story.”

LaTurner, 36, entered the Kansas Senate in 2012. He was appointed state treasurer by GOP Gov. Sam Brownback. In 2020, he briefly sought the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate before winning the 2nd District House race.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735050524393.png" alt=" U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-Kansas, addressed the U.S. House for the final time before leaving Congress in January. He chose not to seek reelection in 2024 in the Second District of Kansas. (Kansas Reflector screen caputure of the U.S. House’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-Kansas, addressed the U.S. House for the final time before leaving Congress in January. He chose not to seek reelection in 2024 in the Second District of Kansas. (Kansas Reflector screen caputure of the U.S. House’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner marked final preparations for departing Congress with a speech connecting his rise in Kansas politics to a family legacy of resilience and featuring a special request that colleagues aid children suffering extreme malnutrition.LaTurner, a Republican who served in the Kansas Senate and as state treasurer before entering the U.S. House, declined to seek reelection to a third term in 2024. He was elected in 2020 by 2nd District voters eager to replace troubled GOP U.S. Rep. Steve Watkins.He said in April the requirements of serving in Congress and running for reelection every two years had “taken a toll.” He has four young children and wanted to “be more present” for them.“I want to thank my friends both at home and my colleagues here, my supporters who helped me get here, and my family,” LaTurner said. “To my kids, the best title I’ve ever had is dad. And that title is about to get my full attention.”In remarks offered on the House floor ahead of his January exit, LaTurner requested Congress and the White House approve $300 million in funding for a global health initiative making use of Ready-to-Use&nbsp;Therapeutic Foods or&nbsp;RUTF. It would expand the reach of this U.S.-made, medical-grade, nutrient-dense paste given to children suffering severe malnutrition.“That increase should be realized. It is the right thing to do,” LaTurner said.LaTurner said starving children consuming RUFT — at a cost of about $1 per day — had a survival rate near 90%. The nutritional product could be made with ingredients from 28 states, including peanuts, dairy, soy, sugar and micronutrients.He recalled entering the House in 2021 and speaking with U.S. Rep. Don Young, who became the longest-serving Republican in House history. Young represented Alaska until his death in 2022.“He told me when he arrived in 1973, it was customary for freshmen members to wait six months before speaking on the House floor,” LaTurner said. “To his surprise, I adopted this tradition. I did so partly out of deference to the dean, but mostly because it showed respect for this institution.”LaTurner said it was the responsibility of people serving in Congress to preserve “an institution and a system of government that our founders painstakingly designed to safeguard against human nature.”The departing Republican originally from southeast Kansas said he followed a path carved through sacrifice and tenacity of his family.LaTurner said his single-parent father worked long hours managing a Sonic restaurant while putting himself through college. His dad became the first in the family to earn a college degree. He was as an educator and mayor of Galena.His grandmother dropped out of school in the ninth grade because she had only one dress and couldn’t endure ridicule by her classmates. She raised six children and earned a G.E.D. before working as a nurse. LaTurner’s grandfather was the first in the family to graduate high school. He lost sight in one eye while serving in Korea. Unable to pass a physical, he worked odd jobs until he found his calling as a lay judge.His grandfather’s father was killed in the mines at the age of 41 and left behind a widow and six children. They endured hardships most people cannot fathom, LaTurner said.“Yet, three short generations later, his great-grandson was called ‘the gentleman from Kansas’ on the floor of the United States House of Representatives,” LaTurner said. “I share these stories because they remind me every day that I did not get here on my own. What a country this is. But it’s not just my story. It’s the American story.”LaTurner, 36, entered the Kansas Senate in 2012. He was appointed state treasurer by GOP Gov. Sam Brownback. In 2020, he briefly sought the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate before winning the 2nd District House race.

Retiring U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner shares appreciation for family, seeks aid for starving children

CLINTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Sunday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda Odyssey driven by a 42-year-old Ames, Iowa, woman was southbound on Interstate 35 two miles north of Holt in the driving lane.

The driver swerved to avoid a dog in the road. The left front of the Honda struck the right front of a southbound 2008 Ford Focus in the passing lane.&nbsp; After impact, both vehicles traveled off the east side of the road.

EMS transported the 56-year-old driver Ford driver and a 66-year-old passenger, both of Excelsior Springs, to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; The driver of the Honda was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Note: MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims

CLINTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Sunday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda Odyssey driven by a 42-year-old Ames, Iowa, woman was southbound on Interstate 35 two miles north of Holt in the driving lane.The driver swerved to avoid a dog in the road. The left front of the Honda struck the right front of a southbound 2008 Ford Focus in the passing lane.&nbsp; After impact, both vehicles traveled off the east side of the road.EMS transported the 56-year-old driver Ford driver and a 66-year-old passenger, both of Excelsior Springs, to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; The driver of the Honda was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.Note: MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims

2 Mo. women injured after driver swerves to avoid dog on the road

GRUNDY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Saturday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Honda Accord driven by a 25-year-old Utica, Missouri woman was northbound on U.S. 65 ten miles south of Trenton.

The car traveled into the southbound lane to pass two vehicles. The driver lost control of the car when returning to the northbound lane. The car traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.

Chillicothe EMS transported the driver 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 before 7p.m. Saturday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Honda Accord driven by a 25-year-old Utica, Missouri woman was northbound on U.S. 65 ten miles south of Trenton.The car traveled into the southbound lane to pass two vehicles. The driver lost control of the car when returning to the northbound lane. The car traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.Chillicothe EMS transported the driver to Wright Memorial Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.Note: MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims

Mo. woman hospitalized after car overturns

DEKALB COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 4p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Hyundai Elantra driven by a 27-year-old Nashville, Tennessee, woman was northbound on MO 33 just south of Maysville.

The car crossed the center line into the southbound lane. A northbound 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by a 39-year-old from Cameron attempted to avoid the Hyundai and crossed the center line into the northbound lane. The driver of the Hyundai overcorrected back into the northbound lane and the vehicles crashed head-on.

DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported the driver of the Hyundai to Cameron Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported the driver of the pickup to Mosaic Life Care. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 4p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Hyundai Elantra driven by a 27-year-old Nashville, Tennessee, woman was northbound on MO 33 just south of Maysville.The car crossed the center line into the southbound lane. A northbound 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by a 39-year-old from Cameron attempted to avoid the Hyundai and crossed the center line into the northbound lane. The driver of the Hyundai overcorrected back into the northbound lane and the vehicles crashed head-on.DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported the driver of the Hyundai to Cameron Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported the driver of the pickup to Mosaic Life Care. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.Note: MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims

Woman dies after DeKalb County head-on crash

ATCHISON COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a suspect who was jailed in Johnson County on drug and financial crime allegations.

On Thursday, police arrested 39-year-old Charles E. Carpenter III of Atchison on a Johnson County Kansas warrant for failure to comply with lawful order of the court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734705243116.png" alt="Carpenter-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Carpenter-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a suspect who was jailed in Johnson County on drug and financial crime allegations.On Thursday, police arrested 39-year-old Charles E. Carpenter III of Atchison on a Johnson County Kansas warrant for failure to comply with lawful order of the court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Carpenter remains jailed in Atchison.

Kansas man jailed for failure to comply with court order

A Jackson County judge on Friday issued an order that temporarily struck down some of Missouri’s ‘targeted regulation of abortion providers’ laws while leaving others in place

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A Missouri judge on Friday temporarily struck down several laws that Planned Parenthood clinics have said made access to abortion all but impossible across the state.&nbsp;

Among the laws Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang blocked include a 72-hour waiting period for an abortion and a mandate that physicians performing abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.

After more than two years of a near-total abortion ban, Missourians voted to legalize the procedure in November.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/06/missouri-abortion-access-planned-parenthood-lawsuit-amendment-3/">Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri immediately sued</a>&nbsp;the state in the hopes of invalidating dozens of abortion regulations they believed were now unconstitutional.&nbsp;

On Friday afternoon,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/2416-CV31931.COMP%20HEALTH.Prelim%20Injuction%20ORDER_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=16&amp;di=26642271" target="_blank">Zhang granted some of Planned Parenthood’s requests and denied others</a>. This means that for the time being at least, some of the state’s strictest “targeted regulation of abortion providers,” or TRAP, laws are not enforceable.&nbsp;

Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri did not immediately say how soon they may begin offering abortion as a result of the judge’s order.

State officials, including Attorney General Andrew Bailey, agreed Amendment 3 makes null and void the state’s current ban on abortion, which only allows exceptions for medical emergencies.&nbsp;

But&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/abortion-lawsuit-planned-parenthood-amendment-3-missouri-jackson-county/">during a Dec. 4 hearing</a>, Bailey’s office panned Planned Parenthood’s arguments that current TRAP laws cause irreparable harm and are unnecessary.&nbsp;

The state asked that the case be dismissed, arguing that because abortion is still accessible by mail or by leaving the state, Planned Parenthood didn’t have the standing to ask for an emergency injunction.

In her Friday order, Zhang wrote that, “as plaintiffs argue, they and their patients are suffering serious harm, whereas defendants only stand to lose the ability temporarily to enforce some laws that are likely to be held unconstitutional and which further no valid compelling state interest.”

She went on to temporarily strike down the following TRAP laws as unconstitutional:&nbsp;

Zhang kept in place the following TRAP laws:

“We are gratified that the court has rightly decided to retain licensing requirements for abortion facilities and doctors who perform abortions even while we mourn the loss of protections that are vital to the safety of women and the protection of preborn children,” Brian Westbrook, executive director of Coalition Life, said in a statement, adding that the organization will “closely monitor the licensing process of any facility in Missouri that seeks to offer abortions.”

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">On Nov. 5, Missourians narrowly approved Amendment 3</a>, which&nbsp;states, in part, that “the right to reproductive freedom shall not be denied, interfered with, delayed, or otherwise restricted unless the government demonstrates that such action is justifiable by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”&nbsp;

The constitutional amendment officially took effect Dec. 6, though Planned Parenthood leadership in Missouri said abortion services could not be resumed without a judge striking down certain TRAP laws. At that point, abortions would be offered again in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis clinics&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725887984419.png" alt=" Supporters of a proposed ballot measure to legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability gathered at a rally hosted by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom on Feb. 6 in Kansas City (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Supporters of a proposed ballot measure to legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability gathered at a rally hosted by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom on Feb. 6 in Kansas City (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A Jackson County judge on Friday issued an order that temporarily struck down some of Missouri’s ‘targeted regulation of abortion providers’ laws while leaving others in place</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A Missouri judge on Friday temporarily struck down several laws that Planned Parenthood clinics have said made access to abortion all but impossible across the state.&nbsp;Among the laws Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang blocked include a 72-hour waiting period for an abortion and a mandate that physicians performing abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.After more than two years of a near-total abortion ban, Missourians voted to legalize the procedure in November.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/06/missouri-abortion-access-planned-parenthood-lawsuit-amendment-3/">Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri immediately sued</a>&nbsp;the state in the hopes of invalidating dozens of abortion regulations they believed were now unconstitutional.&nbsp;On Friday afternoon,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/2416-CV31931.COMP%20HEALTH.Prelim%20Injuction%20ORDER_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=16&amp;di=26642271" target="_blank">Zhang granted some of Planned Parenthood’s requests and denied others</a>. This means that for the time being at least, some of the state’s strictest “targeted regulation of abortion providers,” or TRAP, laws are not enforceable.&nbsp;Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri did not immediately say how soon they may begin offering abortion as a result of the judge’s order.State officials, including Attorney General Andrew Bailey, agreed Amendment 3 makes null and void the state’s current ban on abortion, which only allows exceptions for medical emergencies.&nbsp;But&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/abortion-lawsuit-planned-parenthood-amendment-3-missouri-jackson-county/">during a Dec. 4 hearing</a>, Bailey’s office panned Planned Parenthood’s arguments that current TRAP laws cause irreparable harm and are unnecessary.&nbsp;The state asked that the case be dismissed, arguing that because abortion is still accessible by mail or by leaving the state, Planned Parenthood didn’t have the standing to ask for an emergency injunction.In her Friday order, Zhang wrote that, “as plaintiffs argue, they and their patients are suffering serious harm, whereas defendants only stand to lose the ability temporarily to enforce some laws that are likely to be held unconstitutional and which further no valid compelling state interest.”She went on to temporarily strike down the following TRAP laws as unconstitutional:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>A requirement that physicians providing abortions have admitting privileges at hospitals with obstetric or gynecological care within 30 miles or a 15-minute drive.&nbsp;</li><li>A mandatory 72-hour waiting period between an initial abortion consultation and the abortion procedure.</li><li>The state’s informed consent requirement, which includes access to the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/families/womenshealth/pregnancyassistance/pdf/Mo.InformedConsentBooklet-Revisedpgs.12-15August2019jkOGCReviewed.pdf" target="_blank">informed consent booklet</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>In cases of medication abortions, a requirement that the medication be administered in the presence of the doctor who prescribed it. Planned Parenthood refers to this as a “telemedicine ban,” which prevents doctors from prescribing a medication in-person but allowing the patient to take the medication at home or in the presence of another medical professional.</li><li>A requirement that before administering medication abortion, providers must have a complication plan in place, which includes access to an on-call OB-GYN who is available at any time, in the case of a complication. Zhang wrote that this law was not helpful to those traveling from rural Missouri to an urban Planned Parenthood clinic, for example.&nbsp;</li><li>A law requiring all fetal tissue removed from the uterus during an abortion be sent to a pathologist.</li>
 </ul>Zhang kept in place the following TRAP laws:<ul>
 <li>A requirement that patients must first see a doctor for an in-person appointment to confirm gestational age before prescribing the pills used in medication abortions.</li><li>A law stating that abortions can only be performed by physicians, and not physicians assistants or other advanced practice clinicians.&nbsp;</li><li>A law allowing the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to place separate regulations and standards that apply to ambulatory surgical centers on abortion clinics. This law also requires clinics to keep a written plan for managing medical emergencies, including a transfer plan for patients to a nearby hospital.</li>
 </ul>“We are gratified that the court has rightly decided to retain licensing requirements for abortion facilities and doctors who perform abortions even while we mourn the loss of protections that are vital to the safety of women and the protection of preborn children,” Brian Westbrook, executive director of Coalition Life, said in a statement, adding that the organization will “closely monitor the licensing process of any facility in Missouri that seeks to offer abortions.”<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">On Nov. 5, Missourians narrowly approved Amendment 3</a>, which&nbsp;states, in part, that “the right to reproductive freedom shall not be denied, interfered with, delayed, or otherwise restricted unless the government demonstrates that such action is justifiable by a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”&nbsp;The constitutional amendment officially took effect Dec. 6, though Planned Parenthood leadership in Missouri said abortion services could not be resumed without a judge striking down certain TRAP laws. At that point, abortions would be offered again in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis clinics&nbsp;

72-hour waiting period among Mo. abortion laws temporarily struck down by judge

BROWN COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 8a.m. Friday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner semi driven by Edward C. Bullmaster, 26, St. Joseph, was westbound on K20 at U.S. 75.

The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at the junction.&nbsp; The semi struck a westbound 2019 Ford F150 driven by David&nbsp; Provorse, 64, Topeka, broadside. After impact both vehicles came to rest in the west ditch.

&nbsp;Provorse and a passenger in the pickup Marcia L. Provorse, 62, Topeka, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. 

EMS transported Bullmaster and a passenger in the semi Clay J Lutz, 36, Rushville, Missouri, to the Sabetha Hospital.

BROWN COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 8a.m. Friday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner semi driven by Edward C. Bullmaster, 26, St. Joseph, was westbound on K20 at U.S. 75.The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at the junction.&nbsp; The semi struck a westbound 2019 Ford F150 driven by David&nbsp; Provorse, 64, Topeka, broadside. After impact both vehicles came to rest in the west ditch.&nbsp;Provorse and a passenger in the pickup Marcia L. Provorse, 62, Topeka, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. EMS transported Bullmaster and a passenger in the semi Clay J Lutz, 36, Rushville, Missouri, to the Sabetha Hospital.

Semi driver from St. Joe injured in double-fatal crash 

St. Joseph City officials have come to a new compromise on fees at the city landfill. 

Interim City Manager Clint Thompson says compromise came following a public forum earlier this month.  

"And I think we've been able to arrive at an amount now that is a positive direction moving forward in helping the landfill be an asset in the community long-term," Thompson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "But also, it was a needed increase as a result of the lack of increases for 20 plus years." 

City leaders worked extensively with a packed crowd of local waste haulers and residents to create a framework for a new three tier fee structure that will now charge most local and commercial haulers $40 a ton to dump, $20 for cars.  

Interim City Manager Clint Thompson says the new rate will also aggressively crackdown on large out of town haulers 

"That we see coming in from transfer stations and have increased that rate to $150 per ton," Thompson explains. 

Thompson says another thing that will be discussed is the formation of a landfill task force 

"And that committee will meet in 2025 to study the long-term rate of the landfill, look at the life expectancy," Thompson says. 

The City Council will vote on the rate changes during its January 6th meeting. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph City officials have come to a new compromise on fees at the city landfill. Interim City Manager Clint Thompson says compromise came following a public forum earlier this month. "And I think we've been able to arrive at an amount now that is a positive direction moving forward in helping the landfill be an asset in the community long-term," Thompson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "But also, it was a needed increase as a result of the lack of increases for 20 plus years." City leaders worked extensively with a packed crowd of local waste haulers and residents to create a framework for a new three tier fee structure that will now charge most local and commercial haulers $40 a ton to dump, $20 for cars. Interim City Manager Clint Thompson says the new rate will also aggressively crackdown on large out of town haulers "That we see coming in from transfer stations and have increased that rate to $150 per ton," Thompson explains. Thompson says another thing that will be discussed is the formation of a landfill task force "And that committee will meet in 2025 to study the long-term rate of the landfill, look at the life expectancy," Thompson says. The City Council will vote on the rate changes during its January 6th meeting. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph officials will vote on landfill rate change January 6th

DEKALB COUNTY — A Bethany, Missouri woman died and four others were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 GMC Envoy driven by an 18-year-old Bethany man was southbound on MO 6 at MO 31 five miles north of Clarksdale.

The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at the junction.&nbsp; The SUV struck a westbound 2001 Dodge 1500 driven by a 31-year-old Clarksdale man.

A 37-year-old female passenger in the Envoy was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the county coroner's office.

A 15-year-old female passenger in the Envoy was transported to Children's Mercy. DeKalb County EMS transported both drivers and a 40-year-old male passenger in the Envoy to Mosaic Life Care. The 15-year-old female passenger in the Envoy was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY — A Bethany, Missouri woman died and four others were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 GMC Envoy driven by an 18-year-old Bethany man was southbound on MO 6 at MO 31 five miles north of Clarksdale.The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at the junction.&nbsp; The SUV struck a westbound 2001 Dodge 1500 driven by a 31-year-old Clarksdale man.A 37-year-old female passenger in the Envoy was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the county coroner's office.A 15-year-old female passenger in the Envoy was transported to Children's Mercy. DeKalb County EMS transported both drivers and a 40-year-old male passenger in the Envoy to Mosaic Life Care. The 15-year-old female passenger in the Envoy was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman dies, 4 others injured in SUV, pickup crash

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Thursday in Andrew County.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Thursday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford F150 driven by a 62-year-old Savannah man was northbound on Business 71 three miles south of Savannah.The pickup rear-ended a 2008 Chevy Impala driven by a 34-year-old St. Joseph man that had stalled in the road.Andrew County EMS transported the 34-year-old driver to Mosaic Life Care. The pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Local