BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;State's Newsroom

WASHINGTON — A group of advocates and progressive Democratic lawmakers called on the U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday to end its contract with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mohela-faces-accusations-it-mismanaged-federal-student-loan-forgiveness-program">MOHELA</a>, a Missouri-based student loan servicer.

U.S. Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Greg Casar of Texas and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts urged the department to cut ties with MOHELA, also known as the Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri, during a press conference hosted by the Debt Collective, which advocates for canceling student debt.

Advocates and the lawmakers accused MOHELA of being a predatory loan service and failing student borrowers, citing mismanagement, administrative failures and hours-long wait times for assistance.

“It is time to stop their contract, it is time to fire them, it is time to listen to the borrowers that have been speaking up about the struggles that they are facing, and it is time for us to do the right thing,” Omar said. “We are asking the administration to take this step forward because it is past time that we listen to the borrowers that have been suffering under the incompetence of MOHELA.”

The Education Department did not respond on the record to a request for comment Wednesday.

In moves it has characterized as bolstering protections for borrowers, the department launched a new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-framework-student-loan-servicer-accountability-protect-borrowers-nationwide">accountability initiative</a>&nbsp;in November and has transitioned to new loan servicing contracts.

MOHELA is at the center of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mohela-points-finger-federal-government-response-criticism-loan-program">two class-action lawsuits</a>&nbsp;in recent months accusing the nonprofit of a “failure to timely process and render decisions for student loan borrowers enrolled in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sauderschelkopf.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MOHELA-FILE-STAMPED-COMPLAINT.pdf">One of the lawsuits</a>&nbsp;names MOHELA alone,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sauderschelkopf.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Morgan-v.-MOHELA-Complaint-as-filed.pdf">while the other names</a>&nbsp;both the nonprofit and the U.S. Education Department.

The student loan servicer has also taken heat from the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group, and the American Federation of Teachers, a major teachers’ union. In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mohelapapers.org/">report</a>&nbsp;from February, the two entities accused the nonprofit of failing “to perform basic servicing functions.”

They also claimed that “more than four in ten student loan borrowers MOHELA services have experienced a servicing failure since loan payments resumed in September 2023.”

In March, MOHELA&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mohela.com/DL/common/PressRelease/CeaseAndDesist.aspx">sent a cease and desist letter</a>&nbsp;to the Student Borrower Protection Center, accusing its report of making “false, misleading and sensationalized claims and insinuations regarding MOHELA and its business activities.”

A spokesperson for MOHELA said in an emailed statement Wednesday that “borrowers are not better off when outside groups spread false and misleading information about our work as a federal contractor for FSA.” The spokesperson added that MOHELA remains “committed to continuing to provide the highest quality of customer service to the borrowers that we serve.”

Student loan servicers are companies contracted by the federal government to handle billing and other administrative tasks regarding federal student loans, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers">Federal Student Aid</a>.

MOHELA services nearly 8 million borrowers after winning a contract in 2022 to handle the Education Department’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center, said during Wednesday’s event that “at every step,” MOHELA has “failed student loan borrowers.”

“They’ve lost paperwork, they’ve given people the runaround,” Pierce said while standing next to an exhibit displaying what appeared to be a nine-hour hold time when trying to reach one of MOHELA’s customer service representatives.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, at Wednesday’s press conference said MOHELA has a “call-deflection scheme.”

“When it is critical for people to be on the phone with someone, they can’t get on the phone with someone,” Weingarten said.

Shamell Bell, a member of the Debt Collective, said her interactions with the student loan servicer have been “nothing short of a nightmare.”

Bell said she was in a “labyrinth of just false information, false promises and failures that are not just administrative errors” but also “systemic obstacles that jeopardize the financial stability and mental wellness of countless borrowers like myself.”

Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-additional-77-billion-approved-student-debt-relief-160000-borrowers">Biden administration</a>&nbsp;said earlier Wednesday that it had approved an additional $7.7 billion in student debt relief for 160,500 borrowers. The bulk of the relief — more than $5 billion —&nbsp;went to nearly 67,000 borrowers partaking in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Wednesday’s move brought the administration’s total loan forgiveness to $167 billion for 4.75 million Americans.

“The Biden-Harris Administration remains persistent about our efforts to bring student debt relief to millions more across the country, and this announcement proves it,” U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “One out of every 10 federal student loan borrowers approved for debt relief means one out of every 10 borrowers now has financial breathing room and a burden lifted.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716427781942.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, calls on the U.S. Education Department to cut ties with Missouri student loan servicer MOHELA on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, outside the U.S. Capitol (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, calls on the U.S. Education Department to cut ties with Missouri student loan servicer MOHELA on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, outside the U.S. Capitol (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;State's NewsroomWASHINGTON — A group of advocates and progressive Democratic lawmakers called on the U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday to end its contract with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mohela-faces-accusations-it-mismanaged-federal-student-loan-forgiveness-program">MOHELA</a>, a Missouri-based student loan servicer.U.S. Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Greg Casar of Texas and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts urged the department to cut ties with MOHELA, also known as the Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri, during a press conference hosted by the Debt Collective, which advocates for canceling student debt.Advocates and the lawmakers accused MOHELA of being a predatory loan service and failing student borrowers, citing mismanagement, administrative failures and hours-long wait times for assistance.“It is time to stop their contract, it is time to fire them, it is time to listen to the borrowers that have been speaking up about the struggles that they are facing, and it is time for us to do the right thing,” Omar said. “We are asking the administration to take this step forward because it is past time that we listen to the borrowers that have been suffering under the incompetence of MOHELA.”The Education Department did not respond on the record to a request for comment Wednesday.In moves it has characterized as bolstering protections for borrowers, the department launched a new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-framework-student-loan-servicer-accountability-protect-borrowers-nationwide">accountability initiative</a>&nbsp;in November and has transitioned to new loan servicing contracts.<h2>‘Nothing short of a nightmare’</h2>MOHELA is at the center of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mohela-points-finger-federal-government-response-criticism-loan-program">two class-action lawsuits</a>&nbsp;in recent months accusing the nonprofit of a “failure to timely process and render decisions for student loan borrowers enrolled in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.”<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sauderschelkopf.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MOHELA-FILE-STAMPED-COMPLAINT.pdf">One of the lawsuits</a>&nbsp;names MOHELA alone,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sauderschelkopf.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Morgan-v.-MOHELA-Complaint-as-filed.pdf">while the other names</a>&nbsp;both the nonprofit and the U.S. Education Department.The student loan servicer has also taken heat from the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group, and the American Federation of Teachers, a major teachers’ union. In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mohelapapers.org/">report</a>&nbsp;from February, the two entities accused the nonprofit of failing “to perform basic servicing functions.”They also claimed that “more than four in ten student loan borrowers MOHELA services have experienced a servicing failure since loan payments resumed in September 2023.”In March, MOHELA&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mohela.com/DL/common/PressRelease/CeaseAndDesist.aspx">sent a cease and desist letter</a>&nbsp;to the Student Borrower Protection Center, accusing its report of making “false, misleading and sensationalized claims and insinuations regarding MOHELA and its business activities.”A spokesperson for MOHELA said in an emailed statement Wednesday that “borrowers are not better off when outside groups spread false and misleading information about our work as a federal contractor for FSA.” The spokesperson added that MOHELA remains “committed to continuing to provide the highest quality of customer service to the borrowers that we serve.”Student loan servicers are companies contracted by the federal government to handle billing and other administrative tasks regarding federal student loans, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers">Federal Student Aid</a>.MOHELA services nearly 8 million borrowers after winning a contract in 2022 to handle the Education Department’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center, said during Wednesday’s event that “at every step,” MOHELA has “failed student loan borrowers.”“They’ve lost paperwork, they’ve given people the runaround,” Pierce said while standing next to an exhibit displaying what appeared to be a nine-hour hold time when trying to reach one of MOHELA’s customer service representatives.Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, at Wednesday’s press conference said MOHELA has a “call-deflection scheme.”“When it is critical for people to be on the phone with someone, they can’t get on the phone with someone,” Weingarten said.Shamell Bell, a member of the Debt Collective, said her interactions with the student loan servicer have been “nothing short of a nightmare.”Bell said she was in a “labyrinth of just false information, false promises and failures that are not just administrative errors” but also “systemic obstacles that jeopardize the financial stability and mental wellness of countless borrowers like myself.”<h2>More student loan forgiveness&nbsp;</h2>Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-additional-77-billion-approved-student-debt-relief-160000-borrowers">Biden administration</a>&nbsp;said earlier Wednesday that it had approved an additional $7.7 billion in student debt relief for 160,500 borrowers. The bulk of the relief — more than $5 billion —&nbsp;went to nearly 67,000 borrowers partaking in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.Wednesday’s move brought the administration’s total loan forgiveness to $167 billion for 4.75 million Americans.“The Biden-Harris Administration remains persistent about our efforts to bring student debt relief to millions more across the country, and this announcement proves it,” U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “One out of every 10 federal student loan borrowers approved for debt relief means one out of every 10 borrowers now has financial breathing room and a burden lifted.”

Progressives push Biden administration to cut ties with Missouri student loan servicer

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy pickup driven by Bryan M. Carter, 27, Kansas City, was southbound on Interstate 29 one and one half miles north of Dearborn

The driver failed to yield to slow traffic. The pickup traveled into the median and the driver overcorrected. The pickup returned to the road and struck the front drivers side of a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Taylor E. Dougan, 31, St. Joseph. After impact the pickup traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.

Buchanan County EMS transported&nbsp; Carter to Mosaic Life Care. Dougan was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy pickup driven by Bryan M. Carter, 27, Kansas City, was southbound on Interstate 29 one and one half miles north of DearbornThe driver failed to yield to slow traffic. The pickup traveled into the median and the driver overcorrected. The pickup returned to the road and struck the front drivers side of a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Taylor E. Dougan, 31, St. Joseph. After impact the pickup traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.Buchanan County EMS transported&nbsp; Carter to Mosaic Life Care. Dougan was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. man injured after Buchanan Co. pickup, Jeep crash

A new air traffic control tower, a new terminal, and in-coming
state funds will remake Rosecrans Memorial Airport, all in a concerted effort
to keep the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph.

The 139th didn’t get the new C-130 “J” models
during the National Guard Bureau’s first allocation of the replacement cargo
planes, making some in St. Joseph nervous about the 139th’s future.

St. Joseph Airport Manager Julius Rice, a part-time Guard
pilot, says many of the improvements underway at Rosecrans are designed to meet
the Guard Bureau’s criteria for the new planes.

“Having modern facilities is kind of bonus points, but moving
the fuel farm is definitely a direct impactor of that, because it clears the
way for the Guard to move north,” Rice tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “As soon as
they get their maintenance facilities up there that clears one of those red items.”

Red items designate in which areas Rosecrans falls short in
the Guard Bureau grading scale. Red is deficient. Yellow is neutral. Green is
positive.

Federal, state, county, and city money has been pouring into
St. Joseph to upgrade Rosecrans, a 1950s era airport, and eliminate the “red”
items on the Guard Bureau’s scorecard. Those red items cost the 139th
in the initial allocation of the new, upgraded C-130 cargo planes, the “J”
model planes which will replace the aging “H” model.

Deputy Commander of the 139th, Colonel Barrett
Golden, says improvements had to be made to meet the Guard’s criteria to
replace the 139th’s aging C-130 cargo planes with the latest version.

“They operate on a multitude of grading criteria and
facilities are absolutely one of those criteria,” Golden tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post.

Construction of the $17 million air traffic control tower and
the $8 million terminal are underway. That follows on the heels of constructing
a new, substantial main runway.

The Missouri General Assembly included $7 ½ million in the
state budget for the planning, design, and construction of an aircraft
maintenance facility. Another $4 million has been allocated for a new fuel farm
that will be used by both military and civilian aircraft.

Securing the C-130J model planes is seen as vital to the
future of the 139th in St. Joseph.

“Try and prove that the Midwest is an excellent place to train
and fight for the next potential future war,” Golden says. “The Advanced
Airlift Tactics Training Center is currently training 18 allied nations as we
speak. And so, we continue to need to broadcast the amazing strategic level and
tactical level training we do at this base and how important it is for the next
potential fight.”

Golden says improvements don’t even have to be completed to
impress the Guard and improve Rosecrans’ scoring. Rosecrans merely needs to
show 35% completion of the design of improvements to satisfy the Guard’s
criteria. The Guard Bureau is expected to re-evaluate Air Guard bases in
October.

Congress has allocated enough money for eight new C-130J model
planes for one Air Guard base.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716406843113.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA new air traffic control tower, a new terminal, and in-coming
state funds will remake Rosecrans Memorial Airport, all in a concerted effort
to keep the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph.The 139th didn’t get the new C-130 “J” models
during the National Guard Bureau’s first allocation of the replacement cargo
planes, making some in St. Joseph nervous about the 139th’s future.St. Joseph Airport Manager Julius Rice, a part-time Guard
pilot, says many of the improvements underway at Rosecrans are designed to meet
the Guard Bureau’s criteria for the new planes.“Having modern facilities is kind of bonus points, but moving
the fuel farm is definitely a direct impactor of that, because it clears the
way for the Guard to move north,” Rice tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “As soon as
they get their maintenance facilities up there that clears one of those red items.”Red items designate in which areas Rosecrans falls short in
the Guard Bureau grading scale. Red is deficient. Yellow is neutral. Green is
positive.Federal, state, county, and city money has been pouring into
St. Joseph to upgrade Rosecrans, a 1950s era airport, and eliminate the “red”
items on the Guard Bureau’s scorecard. Those red items cost the 139th
in the initial allocation of the new, upgraded C-130 cargo planes, the “J”
model planes which will replace the aging “H” model.Deputy Commander of the 139th, Colonel Barrett
Golden, says improvements had to be made to meet the Guard’s criteria to
replace the 139th’s aging C-130 cargo planes with the latest version.“They operate on a multitude of grading criteria and
facilities are absolutely one of those criteria,” Golden tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post.Construction of the $17 million air traffic control tower and
the $8 million terminal are underway. That follows on the heels of constructing
a new, substantial main runway.The Missouri General Assembly included $7 ½ million in the
state budget for the planning, design, and construction of an aircraft
maintenance facility. Another $4 million has been allocated for a new fuel farm
that will be used by both military and civilian aircraft.Securing the C-130J model planes is seen as vital to the
future of the 139th in St. Joseph.“Try and prove that the Midwest is an excellent place to train
and fight for the next potential future war,” Golden says. “The Advanced
Airlift Tactics Training Center is currently training 18 allied nations as we
speak. And so, we continue to need to broadcast the amazing strategic level and
tactical level training we do at this base and how important it is for the next
potential fight.”Golden says improvements don’t even have to be completed to
impress the Guard and improve Rosecrans’ scoring. Rosecrans merely needs to
show 35% completion of the design of improvements to satisfy the Guard’s
criteria. The Guard Bureau is expected to re-evaluate Air Guard bases in
October.Congress has allocated enough money for eight new C-130J model
planes for one Air Guard base.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Money pouring into Rosecrans in effort to secure 139th Airlift Wing's future

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a burglary from a business in Atchison.

According to Police Mike Wilson, Irish Mist Car Wash in the 900 block U.S. 59 reported the theft of a coin machine that occurred on Sunday evening and the theft of 6 bundles of shingles that occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday.

Police released no additional details.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716394108521.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a burglary from a business in Atchison.According to Police Mike Wilson, Irish Mist Car Wash in the 900 block U.S. 59 reported the theft of a coin machine that occurred on Sunday evening and the theft of 6 bundles of shingles that occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday.Police released no additional details.&nbsp;

Police: Coin machine taken from Kansas car wash

Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher visited St. Joseph as part of a statewide tour, discussing this year’s legislative session and thanking area legislators.  

Plocher spoke to a group of legislators and community representatives Tuesday at the Buchanan County Courthouse 

Plocher says despite some claiming the session was abysmal, a lot of good things got done. 

"We passed the budget on time, we passed the FRA on time, we addressed illegal immigration, we passed a transformative education bill, we passed a great crime package that Senator Luetkemeyer from the area put together with our judiciary chair, a lot of good things got across the line," Plocher tells reporters. 

Plocher says the biggest low of the session was a 50-hour filibuster mounted by Democrats in the Senate that killed a lot of legislation in the last week. 

There appeared to be a strain between Republicans in the House and the Seante this session. 

Plocher says, however, while there are a lot of emotions while working on legislation, he wouldn't say there was a strain between the two chambers. 

"It's a little frustration from the House dealing with the Senate, and probably vice versa," Plocher explains. "We have different rules in each side of the building, we have to work with the rules though that we have, and I just have to work with the rules in the House,"  

"Do I get frustrated with the Senate? I do, but at the end of the day if you look at the packages of bills that were able to come across the line from the Senate, I'm very proud of the House, I'm glad we were able to work with the Senate to get these bills across the line." 

Plocher says while quantity might have been lacking this session, he's proud of the quality that made it through. 

Plocher, a Republican, brushes aside a quip by the top Democrat in the House that the session was good for Democrats. . . 

"We really protected illegal immigration by sending our troops to the border, I don't want illegal immigrants coming to Missouri, we banned sanctuary cities, I would disagree with Mayor Quinton Lucas that Kansas City should be a sanctuary city," Plocher says. "We defunded the sanctuary cities."  

"We passed a transformative education choice bill, that's again a conservative measure, but I'm glad the Democrats are happy with that." 

Plocher also says the budget that was passed was fairly conservative, a budget that is $1.2 billion less than last year. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716392956126.jpeg" alt="Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher speaks with Presiding Buchanan County Commisioner Scott Nelson as Representative Dean Van Schoiack looks on/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher speaks with Presiding Buchanan County Commisioner Scott Nelson as Representative Dean Van Schoiack looks on/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher visited St. Joseph as part of a statewide tour, discussing this year’s legislative session and thanking area legislators. Plocher spoke to a group of legislators and community representatives Tuesday at the Buchanan County Courthouse Plocher says despite some claiming the session was abysmal, a lot of good things got done. "We passed the budget on time, we passed the FRA on time, we addressed illegal immigration, we passed a transformative education bill, we passed a great crime package that Senator Luetkemeyer from the area put together with our judiciary chair, a lot of good things got across the line," Plocher tells reporters. Plocher says the biggest low of the session was a 50-hour filibuster mounted by Democrats in the Senate that killed a lot of legislation in the last week. There appeared to be a strain between Republicans in the House and the Seante this session. Plocher says, however, while there are a lot of emotions while working on legislation, he wouldn't say there was a strain between the two chambers. "It's a little frustration from the House dealing with the Senate, and probably vice versa," Plocher explains. "We have different rules in each side of the building, we have to work with the rules though that we have, and I just have to work with the rules in the House," "Do I get frustrated with the Senate? I do, but at the end of the day if you look at the packages of bills that were able to come across the line from the Senate, I'm very proud of the House, I'm glad we were able to work with the Senate to get these bills across the line." Plocher says while quantity might have been lacking this session, he's proud of the quality that made it through. Plocher, a Republican, brushes aside a quip by the top Democrat in the House that the session was good for Democrats. . . "We really protected illegal immigration by sending our troops to the border, I don't want illegal immigrants coming to Missouri, we banned sanctuary cities, I would disagree with Mayor Quinton Lucas that Kansas City should be a sanctuary city," Plocher says. "We defunded the sanctuary cities." "We passed a transformative education choice bill, that's again a conservative measure, but I'm glad the Democrats are happy with that." Plocher also says the budget that was passed was fairly conservative, a budget that is $1.2 billion less than last year. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri House Speaker talks session during St. Joseph visit

A new radio station is being heard in Maryville.

Eagle Communications has launched KBCT, 104.9 FM. The radio
station is known affectionately as The Cat. The Cat will play classic hits from
the 80s, 90s, and more.

The Cat will showcase the sounds of the 70s on Saturday
nights.

“Classic Hits is such a great format. Every song is a hit that
we all remember from our youth. Every song is one you want to sing along with.
I think the Maryville community is going to love it!” Program Director Gregg
Lynn said in a written statement released by Eagle.

Lynn added the focus of the station is Maryville and the
surrounding areas. Lynn says the state intends to be active in local events.

Listeners can tune in at 104.9 FM, stream the station at
1049thecat.net, or listen on Amazon Alexa and on the free 104.9 The Cat app.
The app is available on the App store or Google Play store.

“We want to be a part of the community,” Lynn said. “We’ll be
running contests and games on-air, we’ll be in the community at events, and
we’ll offer another choice for radio listeners in Maryville to listen at home,
at work, and in the car.”

Eagle operates five radio stations in St. Joseph. Eagle
Communications is an 100% employee-owned company operating More than 28 radio
stations in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716308617272.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA new radio station is being heard in Maryville.Eagle Communications has launched KBCT, 104.9 FM. The radio
station is known affectionately as The Cat. The Cat will play classic hits from
the 80s, 90s, and more.The Cat will showcase the sounds of the 70s on Saturday
nights.“Classic Hits is such a great format. Every song is a hit that
we all remember from our youth. Every song is one you want to sing along with.
I think the Maryville community is going to love it!” Program Director Gregg
Lynn said in a written statement released by Eagle.Lynn added the focus of the station is Maryville and the
surrounding areas. Lynn says the state intends to be active in local events.Listeners can tune in at 104.9 FM, stream the station at
1049thecat.net, or listen on Amazon Alexa and on the free 104.9 The Cat app.
The app is available on the App store or Google Play store.“We want to be a part of the community,” Lynn said. “We’ll be
running contests and games on-air, we’ll be in the community at events, and
we’ll offer another choice for radio listeners in Maryville to listen at home,
at work, and in the car.”Eagle operates five radio stations in St. Joseph. Eagle
Communications is an 100% employee-owned company operating More than 28 radio
stations in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

The Cat is out of the bag:  a new radio station hits the Maryville airwaves

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday $300 million in funding for more than 60 groups seeking to diversify American agricultural exports.

“USDA is pleased to be able to provide the startup capital to tap into these opportunities,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on a call with reporters Monday night previewing the announcement.

In total, 66 organizations will be funded under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program, or RAPP. The USDA&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fas.usda.gov/programs/regional-agricultural-promotion-program">launched</a>&nbsp;the $1.4 billion program in October in order to develop new export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products beyond the traditional partnerships with Canada, Mexico, the European Union and China.

“What this program really provides is an opportunity for us not only to expand geographically the opportunities for trade, but also the products that can be made available,” Vilsack said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for us to diversify in a variety of different ways to grow market opportunity.”

The program focuses on tapping U.S. exports into new markets in regions such as South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

“When you have the major markets, as we’ve had, where 60 to 65% of what we export goes into four or five markets, that can create a sense of complacency,” Vilsack said.

Vilsack said the funding would be an important step in building wealth in rural areas of the United States.

“We want to make sure our foreign-market development programs and agricultural trade in general work for the full spectrum of American agricultural producers, regardless of their size, their location, their product or target market,” he said. “By investing in exports, we’re investing in the future of American agriculture and rural communities.”

Michigan Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who leads the Senate Committee on Agriculture, joined the call with reporters. She said that USDA investing in exports is crucial to growing American agriculture.

“The bottom line is (to) create new revenue for the folks that have the riskiest business in the world,” Stabenow said. “This is a really important way to support them.”

According to a list provided by the USDA, some of the grant recipients include:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716210763832.png" alt="Photo USDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday $300 million in funding for more than 60 groups seeking to diversify American agricultural exports.“USDA is pleased to be able to provide the startup capital to tap into these opportunities,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on a call with reporters Monday night previewing the announcement.In total, 66 organizations will be funded under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program, or RAPP. The USDA&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fas.usda.gov/programs/regional-agricultural-promotion-program">launched</a>&nbsp;the $1.4 billion program in October in order to develop new export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products beyond the traditional partnerships with Canada, Mexico, the European Union and China.“What this program really provides is an opportunity for us not only to expand geographically the opportunities for trade, but also the products that can be made available,” Vilsack said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for us to diversify in a variety of different ways to grow market opportunity.”The program focuses on tapping U.S. exports into new markets in regions such as South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.“When you have the major markets, as we’ve had, where 60 to 65% of what we export goes into four or five markets, that can create a sense of complacency,” Vilsack said.<h2>‘The riskiest business in the world’</h2>Vilsack said the funding would be an important step in building wealth in rural areas of the United States.“We want to make sure our foreign-market development programs and agricultural trade in general work for the full spectrum of American agricultural producers, regardless of their size, their location, their product or target market,” he said. “By investing in exports, we’re investing in the future of American agriculture and rural communities.”Michigan Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who leads the Senate Committee on Agriculture, joined the call with reporters. She said that USDA investing in exports is crucial to growing American agriculture.“The bottom line is (to) create new revenue for the folks that have the riskiest business in the world,” Stabenow said. “This is a really important way to support them.”According to a list provided by the USDA, some of the grant recipients include:<ul>
 <li>The Hazelnut Marketing Board in Oregon and Washington state will receive $455,000 to conduct market research and trade missions in several countries in Africa.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The U.S. Dairy Export Council, based in Virginia, will receive $10 million to expand its presence in Africa by using the funds to study and develop dairy import regulations and regulatory frameworks in those markets.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The U.S. Meat Export Federation based in Colorado will be awarded $21 million to expand its export efforts to new markets throughout Africa. It will also expand its investment in the convenience-store industry in South Korea, Central America and Colombia.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Brewers Association in Colorado will be awarded $2 million to partake in the craft beer scene in Southeast Asia, by participating in the region’s premier brewing trade show and festival and bring buyers from that region to top trade shows in the US.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Cranberry Institute in Massachusetts will receive $1 million to conduct trade education seminars and other events to identify opportunities in India, Brazil, Colombia and Southeast Asia.</li>
 </ul>

USDA to fund $300 million in grants to boost exports

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

On May 18,&nbsp; Sheriff's deputies went to a residence&nbsp; in Hiawatha, Kansas, attempting to locate a wanted felon who was wanted on multiple Brown County Warrants, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies were allowed to look for Derek Frakes, 38, of Hiawatha&nbsp; and he was located inside the residence and placed under arrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Deputies&nbsp; gathered information while locating Frakes which led to the approval of a search warrant&nbsp; at the 711 Iowa residence. Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated the warrant.&nbsp; 

Frakeswas arrested on a $500 and $10,000 Brown County Felony Probation Vioation Warrants,&nbsp; $25,000&nbsp; Brown County Felony Failure to Appear Warrant, $2500Platte County Missouri Felony&nbsp; Warant for Possession of Marijuana and $2500Platte County Felony Warrant for Distribution or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia for Illegal Use.

Frakes is also facing requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716237073364.png" alt="Photo Brown Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Brown Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.On May 18,&nbsp; Sheriff's deputies went to a residence&nbsp; in Hiawatha, Kansas, attempting to locate a wanted felon who was wanted on multiple Brown County Warrants, according to Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716237137749.png" alt="Frakes photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Frakes photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies were allowed to look for Derek Frakes, 38, of Hiawatha&nbsp; and he was located inside the residence and placed under arrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deputies&nbsp; gathered information while locating Frakes which led to the approval of a search warrant&nbsp; at the 711 Iowa residence. Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated the warrant.&nbsp; Frakeswas arrested on a $500 and $10,000 Brown County Felony Probation Vioation Warrants,&nbsp; $25,000&nbsp; Brown County Felony Failure to Appear Warrant, $2500Platte County Missouri Felony&nbsp; Warant for Possession of Marijuana and $2500Platte County Felony Warrant for Distribution or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia for Illegal Use.Frakes is also facing requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies capture Kansas felon wanted in two states

A 46-year-old St. Joseph man has been charged with second-degree
assault, accused of stabbing a man during an altercation.

Mark Deng is being held in the Buchanan County jail.

St. Joseph police say Deng entered a residence in the 200
block of North 8th Street late Saturday night with a large hunting
knife. Police accuse Deng of tossing items in the residence, then following an occupant
as he tried to leave. Police allege Deng stabbed 46-year-old James Isaac Earl Bonnett when he attempted to
intervene.

Bonnett received treatment at Mosaic Life Care.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 46-year-old St. Joseph man has been charged with second-degree
assault, accused of stabbing a man during an altercation.Mark Deng is being held in the Buchanan County jail.St. Joseph police say Deng entered a residence in the 200
block of North 8th Street late Saturday night with a large hunting
knife. Police accuse Deng of tossing items in the residence, then following an occupant
as he tried to leave. Police allege Deng stabbed 46-year-old James Isaac Earl Bonnett when he attempted to
intervene.Bonnett received treatment at Mosaic Life Care.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph man accused in stabbing

St. Joseph police continue to investigate a fatal crash on
Friday in which a motorcyclist was struck while exiting I-229 by a vehicle
heading the wrong direction.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports 33-year-old Ryan
Coffman of St. Joseph died at the hospital of injuries suffered in the crash.

According to police, Coffman was riding north on I-229 when he
left the interstate on the Edmond Street exit. About half way down exit, a
vehicle heading the wrong direction hit his motorcycle head-on.

The identity of the driver has not been released.

Sgt. James Tonn says the police department is awaiting toxicology
reports to decide if charges will be filed in the case.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police continue to investigate a fatal crash on
Friday in which a motorcyclist was struck while exiting I-229 by a vehicle
heading the wrong direction.The St. Joseph Police Department reports 33-year-old Ryan
Coffman of St. Joseph died at the hospital of injuries suffered in the crash.According to police, Coffman was riding north on I-229 when he
left the interstate on the Edmond Street exit. About half way down exit, a
vehicle heading the wrong direction hit his motorcycle head-on.The identity of the driver has not been released.Sgt. James Tonn says the police department is awaiting toxicology
reports to decide if charges will be filed in the case.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Investigation continues into St. Joseph wrong-way fatal motorcycle crash

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Kenneth R. Latham, 58, New Hampton, was northbound on 150th Avenue two miles east of New Hampton.

The pickup traveled off the east side of the road into a ravine and struck a tree.

NTA ambulance transported Latham to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Kenneth R. Latham, 58, New Hampton, was northbound on 150th Avenue two miles east of New Hampton.The pickup traveled off the east side of the road into a ravine and struck a tree.NTA ambulance transported Latham to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after pickup travels into ravine, strikes tree

A local branch of Westlake Ace Hardware is raising money to help keep those without air conditioning cooler this summer. 

General Manager of the St. Joseph Ace Hardware, Greg Eagleburger, says the annual fan drive raises money to buy box fans through customer purchases 

"And contribute those to (the) Salvation Army for them to distribute to those that have cooling issues of some sort and helps them get through the summer if they have no air conditioning or need like an air boost or something like that," Eagleburger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Eagleburger says to donate to this drive, all customers have to do is come in and make a purchase. 

"When they check out their purchases then they're asked if they would mind contributing their change to the Salvation Army," Eagleburger explains. "Customers can also just come in and make a donation if they would like to make a donation, it's strictly done at the checkout." 

The drive has been held for the past 10 years. 

Eagleburger says giving back to the communities they serve is a core value at Westlake. 

"To help those less fortunate than us, that's just one of our core values," Eagleburger says. "And being a neighborhood hardware store, even though we're 150 plus stores, we value community and neighborhood." 

Eagleburger says while the company does kick in a little money, most of the funds are raised locally. Last year, 100 fans were purchased thanks to the drive. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716303916500.jpeg" alt="Money raised during the Westlake Ace Hardware Fan Drive will help purchase fans which will then be donated to the Salvation Army/ Photo courtesy of Westlake Ace Hardware" />
 <figcaption>Money raised during the Westlake Ace Hardware Fan Drive will help purchase fans which will then be donated to the Salvation Army/ Photo courtesy of Westlake Ace Hardware</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A local branch of Westlake Ace Hardware is raising money to help keep those without air conditioning cooler this summer. General Manager of the St. Joseph Ace Hardware, Greg Eagleburger, says the annual fan drive raises money to buy box fans through customer purchases "And contribute those to (the) Salvation Army for them to distribute to those that have cooling issues of some sort and helps them get through the summer if they have no air conditioning or need like an air boost or something like that," Eagleburger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Eagleburger says to donate to this drive, all customers have to do is come in and make a purchase. "When they check out their purchases then they're asked if they would mind contributing their change to the Salvation Army," Eagleburger explains. "Customers can also just come in and make a donation if they would like to make a donation, it's strictly done at the checkout." The drive has been held for the past 10 years. Eagleburger says giving back to the communities they serve is a core value at Westlake. "To help those less fortunate than us, that's just one of our core values," Eagleburger says. "And being a neighborhood hardware store, even though we're 150 plus stores, we value community and neighborhood." Eagleburger says while the company does kick in a little money, most of the funds are raised locally. Last year, 100 fans were purchased thanks to the drive. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Fan Drive will raise money to help keep people cool this summer

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman in connection with a automobile accident.

Just before 2a.m. Sunday, deputies&nbsp; responded to 315 and Tumbleweed in Brown County on a report of a possible vehicle accident, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputy's followed a trail of fluids left by the vehicle for several miles.

Upon investigation, the driver of the vehicle identified as 42-year-old Adiles Demello of Lenexa, was arrested on requested charges of DUI and Failure to Report an Accident.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716237489320.png" alt="Demello-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Demello-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman in connection with a automobile accident.Just before 2a.m. Sunday, deputies&nbsp; responded to 315 and Tumbleweed in Brown County on a report of a possible vehicle accident, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Deputy's followed a trail of fluids left by the vehicle for several miles.Upon investigation, the driver of the vehicle identified as 42-year-old Adiles Demello of Lenexa, was arrested on requested charges of DUI and Failure to Report an Accident.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.

Deputies follow vehicle fluids after crash, arrest Kan. woman

The American Rescue Plan funds for students experiencing homelessness must be budgeted by September — so several interns spent this session helping get the word out

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

In March, the phone in state Rep. Deb Lavender’s office in Jefferson City started ringing constantly, but the calls weren’t for her.

They were for her interns, Santino Bono and Alanna Nguyen.

The interns, along with Dylan Powers Cody, who was interning for state Rep. Peter Merideth, had spent months cross-checking spreadsheets to pinpoint school districts who had not yet claimed pandemic-era federal funds for homeless students.

Those federal dollars are part of the American Rescue Plan and must be budgeted by September. A large part of the interns’ project was calling districts to notify them that they had money that could expire if they didn’t act quickly.

The office got so many calls back from schools about the interns’ project that Lavender’s legislative assistant needed to create a voicemail folder just for them.

So far, they helped districts claim $1.15 million in funds in four months that can be used for a range of services for homeless students — from buying washers and dryers to temporary hotel stays and transit cards.

“We had multiple school districts call back and say, ‘We have twenty grand in the bank that we can use to help homeless students? No one really told us,’” Bono said in an interview with The Independent.

Most of the districts the interns reached had no idea they had funding available, Nguyen said.

“Then, they wanted more information on it,” she said. “Once they got the information on it, they were able to kind of kickstart it up and get things moving along.”

Bono expected the internship might be more menial, including the “intern trope of having to get coffee for people,” he said.

“To know that I could have potentially a much bigger impact on actual students, as a student myself, I’m really proud of that,” Bono said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716293877632.png" alt=" Interns Santino Bono (left) and Alanna Nguyen stand with legislative assistant Dustin Bax after receiving resolutions from the Missouri House of Resolutions to commemorate their service (courtesy of Santino Bono)." />
 <figcaption> Interns Santino Bono (left) and Alanna Nguyen stand with legislative assistant Dustin Bax after receiving resolutions from the Missouri House of Resolutions to commemorate their service (courtesy of Santino Bono).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The American Rescue Plan funds for students experiencing homelessness must be budgeted by September — so several interns spent this session helping get the word out</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW&nbsp;and&nbsp;CLARA BATES&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>In March, the phone in state Rep. Deb Lavender’s office in Jefferson City started ringing constantly, but the calls weren’t for her.They were for her interns, Santino Bono and Alanna Nguyen.The interns, along with Dylan Powers Cody, who was interning for state Rep. Peter Merideth, had spent months cross-checking spreadsheets to pinpoint school districts who had not yet claimed pandemic-era federal funds for homeless students.Those federal dollars are part of the American Rescue Plan and must be budgeted by September. A large part of the interns’ project was calling districts to notify them that they had money that could expire if they didn’t act quickly.The office got so many calls back from schools about the interns’ project that Lavender’s legislative assistant needed to create a voicemail folder just for them.So far, they helped districts claim $1.15 million in funds in four months that can be used for a range of services for homeless students — from buying washers and dryers to temporary hotel stays and transit cards.“We had multiple school districts call back and say, ‘We have twenty grand in the bank that we can use to help homeless students? No one really told us,’” Bono said in an interview with The Independent.Most of the districts the interns reached had no idea they had funding available, Nguyen said.“Then, they wanted more information on it,” she said. “Once they got the information on it, they were able to kind of kickstart it up and get things moving along.”Bono expected the internship might be more menial, including the “intern trope of having to get coffee for people,” he said.“To know that I could have potentially a much bigger impact on actual students, as a student myself, I’m really proud of that,” Bono said.

Legislative interns help Missouri school districts claim over $1 million in federal funds

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.

On Sunday, police arrested 57-year-old Tamara K. Mies of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She was jailed on Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court. In July of 2022 she was in jail for an alleged Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp; Parole violation and for skipping court. In April of 2021 Mies was arrested on a requested burglary charge and in&nbsp; according to online jail records.

She has previous convictions for burglary and drug possession according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate she has been in custody in Atchison over a dozen times since 2001.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716209688727.png" alt="Mies -photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Mies -photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.On Sunday, police arrested 57-year-old Tamara K. Mies of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.She was jailed on Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court. In July of 2022 she was in jail for an alleged Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp; Parole violation and for skipping court. In April of 2021 Mies was arrested on a requested burglary charge and in&nbsp; according to online jail records.She has previous convictions for burglary and drug possession according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate she has been in custody in Atchison over a dozen times since 2001.

Kan. woman with a history of crime jailed on new allegations 

A Robidoux Middle School math teacher has been charged with
first-degree sodomy, accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student.

The Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney’s office has filed
the charge against Everett “Tim” Harding of Maryville. St. Joseph police
officers arrested Harding over the weekend.

The St. Joseph School District issued a statement this past weekend,
stating it is limited in what it can say about the issue. The district said it
was cooperating with local authorities in the investigation.

A probable cause statement accuses Harding to being alone in
his classroom for nearly an hour with a 14-year-old girl, who he allegedly
sexually assaulted. The statement also said other staff members at the middle
school witnessed and reported inappropriate behavior leading up to the
incident.

The St. Joseph School District says Robidoux Middle School
parents have been notified. Robidoux staff is available for students,
especially if they have pertinent information regarding this matter, according
to the district.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716285916160.png" alt="Everett "Tim" Harding -photo Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption>Everett "Tim" Harding -photo Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Robidoux Middle School math teacher has been charged with
first-degree sodomy, accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student.The Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney’s office has filed
the charge against Everett “Tim” Harding of Maryville. St. Joseph police
officers arrested Harding over the weekend.The St. Joseph School District issued a statement this past weekend,
stating it is limited in what it can say about the issue. The district said it
was cooperating with local authorities in the investigation.A probable cause statement accuses Harding to being alone in
his classroom for nearly an hour with a 14-year-old girl, who he allegedly
sexually assaulted. The statement also said other staff members at the middle
school witnessed and reported inappropriate behavior leading up to the
incident.The St. Joseph School District says Robidoux Middle School
parents have been notified. Robidoux staff is available for students,
especially if they have pertinent information regarding this matter, according
to the district.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph middle school teacher accused of sexual assault

A groundbreaking ceremony at St. Joseph's Rosecrans Memorial Airport Monday
morning celebrated yet another improvement at the airport which is the base for
the Air National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing.

Airport Manager Julius Rice says the $17 million Air Traffic
Control Tower will be a big boost for the airport and for the 139th
Airlift Wing.

“This is tremendous for Rosecrans,” Rice tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “Getting a brand-new state-of-the-art facility obviously is great for the
139th and their mission here. It shows that the community is behind
them. But also, it gives longevity to the airport.”

The new air traffic control tower comes on the heels of a huge
construction project:&nbsp; a new main runway.

“A lot of pavement, a lot of work out there,” Rice say, noting
the pavement had to support take-off and landings of the huge 139th C-130
cargo planes. “That was this last year. We just recently were wrapping up that
project. We’ve got the terminal project going on, which is not a passenger
terminal. It’s the airport offices and the restaurant, basically the public
access areas of the facilities. That’s currently ongoing. That should be done
this year. And then the air traffic controller will be a dedicated facility for
the air traffic controllers.”

The new terminal is an $8 million project. Both the terminal
and the tower are being built by E. L. Crawford of St. Joseph.

The 139th also is in the middle of a massive move
from the flooding-vulnerable south end of Rosecrans to the north end. 

139th Deputy Commander Col. Barrett Golden says the
new, state-of-the-art air traffic control tower will be a huge upgrade from the
1950s-era tower now in use.

“We do lots of things like tactical assault landings,” Golden
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We do blacked out landings where you have to turn
the lights off on the runway. And the technology in that tower right now is not
able to accommodate that.”

Golden says that forces the 139th to send personnel
out to the runway and cover the lights, which he says is a safety hazard.

The new tower will be 35 feet higher, a big improvement,
according to Golden.

“To actually be 35 feet higher is going to significantly
improve their line-of-sight capacities to see incoming traffic and to manage aircraft
in a traffic pattern,” according to Golden.

Other improvements are coming. The Missouri legislature
included two big appropriations in the state budget passed this legislative
session. An appropriation of $7 ½ million will go toward the planning, design,
and construction of a new aircraft maintenance facility. The legislature also budgeted
$4 million for a new fuel facility to be used by both civilian and military
aircraft. Those appropriations in the budget have been sent to Gov. Mike Parson
for his consideration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716232559020.jpeg" alt="Local dignitaries break ground for the new Rosecrans Memorial Airport Air Traffic Control Tower./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Local dignitaries break ground for the new Rosecrans Memorial Airport Air Traffic Control Tower./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA groundbreaking ceremony at St. Joseph's Rosecrans Memorial Airport Monday
morning celebrated yet another improvement at the airport which is the base for
the Air National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing.Airport Manager Julius Rice says the $17 million Air Traffic
Control Tower will be a big boost for the airport and for the 139th
Airlift Wing.“This is tremendous for Rosecrans,” Rice tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “Getting a brand-new state-of-the-art facility obviously is great for the
139th and their mission here. It shows that the community is behind
them. But also, it gives longevity to the airport.”The new air traffic control tower comes on the heels of a huge
construction project:&nbsp; a new main runway.“A lot of pavement, a lot of work out there,” Rice say, noting
the pavement had to support take-off and landings of the huge 139th C-130
cargo planes. “That was this last year. We just recently were wrapping up that
project. We’ve got the terminal project going on, which is not a passenger
terminal. It’s the airport offices and the restaurant, basically the public
access areas of the facilities. That’s currently ongoing. That should be done
this year. And then the air traffic controller will be a dedicated facility for
the air traffic controllers.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716232644372.jpeg" alt="Col. Barrett Golden, Deputy Commander of the 139th Airlift Wing, speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony. St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale (left) and Airport Manager Julius Rice (center) look on./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Col. Barrett Golden, Deputy Commander of the 139th Airlift Wing, speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony. St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale (left) and Airport Manager Julius Rice (center) look on./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The new terminal is an $8 million project. Both the terminal
and the tower are being built by E. L. Crawford of St. Joseph.The 139th also is in the middle of a massive move
from the flooding-vulnerable south end of Rosecrans to the north end. 139th Deputy Commander Col. Barrett Golden says the
new, state-of-the-art air traffic control tower will be a huge upgrade from the
1950s-era tower now in use.“We do lots of things like tactical assault landings,” Golden
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We do blacked out landings where you have to turn
the lights off on the runway. And the technology in that tower right now is not
able to accommodate that.”Golden says that forces the 139th to send personnel
out to the runway and cover the lights, which he says is a safety hazard.The new tower will be 35 feet higher, a big improvement,
according to Golden.“To actually be 35 feet higher is going to significantly
improve their line-of-sight capacities to see incoming traffic and to manage aircraft
in a traffic pattern,” according to Golden.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716232855235.jpeg" alt="Rosecrans' 1950s era air traffic control tower is to the left as construction is underway on the new terminal./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Rosecrans' 1950s era air traffic control tower is to the left as construction is underway on the new terminal./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Other improvements are coming. The Missouri legislature
included two big appropriations in the state budget passed this legislative
session. An appropriation of $7 ½ million will go toward the planning, design,
and construction of a new aircraft maintenance facility. The legislature also budgeted
$4 million for a new fuel facility to be used by both civilian and military
aircraft. Those appropriations in the budget have been sent to Gov. Mike Parson
for his consideration.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Groundbreaking:  Rosecrans getting new $17M air traffic control tower

A
19-year-old St. Joseph man suffered a gunshot wound to the leg during a
shooting Saturday evening at the North Belt Bowl.

St.
Joseph police report Isaac Stone suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound
during what police consider a targeted shooting.

No
suspect has been taken into custody. The shooting remains under investigation.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA
19-year-old St. Joseph man suffered a gunshot wound to the leg during a
shooting Saturday evening at the North Belt Bowl.St.
Joseph police report Isaac Stone suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound
during what police consider a targeted shooting.No
suspect has been taken into custody. The shooting remains under investigation.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

19-year-old wounded in North Belt Bowl shooting

Efforts to clean up St. Joseph have been going on for several years, and the St. Joseph City Council is putting forth efforts to help in that mission.  

Second District Councilmember Andy Trout says along with new infrastructure projects, there are several other projects in place to clean up the city 

"There's been a lot of street projects, a lot of historic restoration projects, a lot of structures that could not be saved have been demolished just because they're dangerous," Trout tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "So, I think along those lines we've done well." 

Trout says on top of projects to revitalize and remove buildings, cleanup crews have been out all over St. Joseph over the past months working to better the look of the city. 

Trout, however, says that's only part of the problem, citing an additional problem is a lack of people who care, however. . . 

"We've had somewhere in the neighborhood of 280 cleanup crews, clean up days, in St. Joseph in the last year which is to me kind of a staggering number," Trout says. "There are a lot of people who care, there are a lot of people who want a clean St. Joe, the council most definitely wants a clean St. Joe." 

Trout says the council hopes to clean up old buildings and use them properly, but to clean St. Joe it also comes to people doing thing to better the city.  

Among those efforts to improve the city are initiatives to improve the housing situation affecting the city.  

Trout says when it comes to housing, it's not just the city, but several entities working together to improve that area.  

"It's hard to do more than one at a time, but there are several who do at least pieces of several at a time, and there are several groups doing this," Trout explains. "There is a shortage of housing everywhere, St. Joe is not unique to that, there's particularly a shortage in the mid income and below and that's mostly where the progress has been made, so that's wonderful news." 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Efforts to clean up St. Joseph have been going on for several years, and the St. Joseph City Council is putting forth efforts to help in that mission. Second District Councilmember Andy Trout says along with new infrastructure projects, there are several other projects in place to clean up the city "There's been a lot of street projects, a lot of historic restoration projects, a lot of structures that could not be saved have been demolished just because they're dangerous," Trout tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "So, I think along those lines we've done well." Trout says on top of projects to revitalize and remove buildings, cleanup crews have been out all over St. Joseph over the past months working to better the look of the city. Trout, however, says that's only part of the problem, citing an additional problem is a lack of people who care, however. . . "We've had somewhere in the neighborhood of 280 cleanup crews, clean up days, in St. Joseph in the last year which is to me kind of a staggering number," Trout says. "There are a lot of people who care, there are a lot of people who want a clean St. Joe, the council most definitely wants a clean St. Joe." Trout says the council hopes to clean up old buildings and use them properly, but to clean St. Joe it also comes to people doing thing to better the city. Among those efforts to improve the city are initiatives to improve the housing situation affecting the city. Trout says when it comes to housing, it's not just the city, but several entities working together to improve that area. "It's hard to do more than one at a time, but there are several who do at least pieces of several at a time, and there are several groups doing this," Trout explains. "There is a shortage of housing everywhere, St. Joe is not unique to that, there's particularly a shortage in the mid income and below and that's mostly where the progress has been made, so that's wonderful news." You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

City councilmembers continue efforts to improve St. Joseph

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

Arguments over the validity of banning non-citizen voting in Missouri, which is already illegal, were part of what ultimately<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/missouri-session-initiative-petition-senate/">&nbsp;killed an initiative petition bill</a>&nbsp;prioritized by Republicans this session.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699365510327.jpeg" alt="- The Missouri House approved a non-citizen voting provision as part of a Senate bill which will put a question before Missouri voters seeking to ban ranked-choice voting and non-citizen voting" />
 <figcaption>- The Missouri House approved a non-citizen voting provision as part of a Senate bill which will put a question before Missouri voters seeking to ban ranked-choice voting and non-citizen voting</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Arguments over the validity of banning non-citizen voting in Missouri, which is already illegal, were part of what ultimately<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/missouri-session-initiative-petition-senate/">&nbsp;killed an initiative petition bill</a>&nbsp;prioritized by Republicans this session.But in the final hours of the legislative session on Friday, the House approved a non-citizen voting provision as part of a Senate bill which will put a question before Missouri voters seeking to ban&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/bts_web/bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=433">ranked-choice voting</a>, or ranking candidates in order of preference.“Missourians don’t want more voter confusion and exhaustion when they go to the ballot box than they already have,” said the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Ben Baker, a Neosho Republican.If approved by voters later this year, Missouri will officially ban ranked-choice voting and non-citizen voting. It would also confirm that elections only be carried out by paper ballot or “any mechanical method prescribed by law.”The ranked-choice voting language has a carve-out for any “nonpartisan municipal election” that already has a ranked-choice ordinance in place. This applies to St. Louis.&nbsp;An initiative petition campaign in 2022 sought to amend Missouri’s Constitution to change the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/16/ranked-choice-voting-proposal-may-miss-missouri-ballot-campaign-says/">voting process for the general elections for state offices</a>. In the primary, voters would have still only been able to cast one vote, but in the general election, they could list their preferences. The candidate to win the majority of first-choice votes would win. But if no candidate received a majority, the candidate with the fewest top-choice votes would be eliminated; the remaining votes would be distributed among the candidates left based on preferences. Whoever received a majority of those votes would win.That proposal failed to gather enough signatures to go to the voters.&nbsp;The bill passed on Friday down party lines 97 to 43, with state&nbsp;Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson,&nbsp;and state. Rep. LaKeySha Bosley, a Democrat from St. Louis, voting present.&nbsp;“This is wholly unnecessary,”&nbsp;state Rep. Eric Woods, a Democrat from Kansas City, said Friday of the bill.That was the resounding cry from Senate Democrats earlier this week, as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/15/50-hour-filibuster-forces-more-negotiations-on-gop-backed-initiative-petition-changes/">they filibustered for 50 hours</a>&nbsp;in a successful attempt to stop a plan by Republicans to put a ballot measure before voters in the fall that would raise the threshold for amending the constitution by citizen-led initiative petitions.&nbsp;Democrats refused to let the initiative petition bill pass through the Senate as long as it included “ballot candy.” These provisions meant to entice voters into supporting the measure included a question about non-citizen voting and foreign interference.Despite the hours spent this session debating the merits of the non-citizen language in the initiative petition bill, the topic didn’t immediately come up on the House floor Friday.&nbsp;Toward the end of debate, state Rep. Brad Banderman, a Republican from St. Clair, noted the&nbsp;“robust conversation” in both chambers over non-citizen voting the past couple of years, escalating in the final weeks of session.&nbsp;“It seems like we’ve been wringing our hands for about a week or two on this particular issue, but on this day,”&nbsp;Banderman said. “ …&nbsp;The other side of the aisle doesn’t seem to be standing at mics complaining&nbsp;