Latest news with #BillPuett
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Veterans remembered in St. Joseph Memorial Day tribute
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Veterans were honored on Memorial Day morning with a Remembrance Ceremony held at City Hall. Community members gathered outside City Hall to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to their country, as well as those who served and have since passed away. Mayor John Josendale, the St. Joseph Fire Department, Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, and the Joint Veterans Committee were among those who delivered speeches and conducted military honors in remembrance of fallen soldiers. Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett said it was an honor to serve as a guest speaker at the 2025 Memorial Day Remembrance. Anything we can do to honor those who have given their lives and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our way of life and our freedom is extremely important," Puett said. "I'm proud to be here in front of all my peers recognizing these brave women and men." Anthony Russell, a Maur Hill-Mount Academy Eagle Scout, delivered the Patriot Address. He spoke about honoring his long family lineage of veterans and encouraged others to use the day as one of purpose. "I have a great-grandfather who served as a Marine, as well as my mom and dad, who are both in the military," Russell said. "So, I just really wanted to honor them and honor all veterans. We can kick our feet up and relax today because they fought for our country. That is something everyone should be grateful for." Russell and others in attendance shared that community members can show their respect to veterans by simply acknowledging them, whether it's shaking their hand or saying, "Thank you for serving our country. Mayor Josendale concluded the ceremony by announcing that on July 14, 2025, a Vietnam Era Commemoration Ceremony will be held at Word of Life Church at 10 a.m. to recognize Vietnam veterans. More information about the event can be found at:
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Missouri's Truth-in-Sentencing Laws Stall in Legislation
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Truth-in-Sentencing laws require people to serve a certain percentage of their sentence behind bars. In the past few years, Missouri has seen several bills related to Truth-in-Sentencing, some aiming to strengthen these laws and others focusing on reducing incarceration periods. Despite stalled bills and mixed opinions on whether longer sentences improve public safety, the Buchanan County Sheriff says they still support keeping the policy in place locally to keep criminals off the streets. 'When a judge says, 'I'm giving you X sentence,' then that's what should be served—not just a fraction of it,' said Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett. 'It's just not fair to the victims.' Opponents argue that Truth-in-Sentencing laws could increase prison populations and limit opportunities for rehabilitation or early release based on good behavior, while Missouri HB 728 seeks to establish programs that allow offenders to earn 50 or more days of good time credit. Additionally, some also argue that longer jail and prison sentences fail to deter crime or enhance public safety. 'It's important to consider circumstances from all angles,' said Puett. 'Simply put, when criminals are incarcerated, they can't commit crimes. While others may still be committing crimes, those in jail or prison are held accountable and no longer able to offend.' Puett also emphasized the importance of criminals serving their full sentence, particularly in cases involving violent or abusive partners. Missouri HB 862, which focuses on Truth-in-Sentencing, would require offenders with one or two prior felony convictions to serve 50% of their sentence, and those with three or more to serve 80%, keeping them incarcerated much longer. While these bills show little promise in the legislature, Puett says the Buchanan County jail will continue housing criminals as long as possible. Historically, when someone's sentenced to county jail, they serve most of their time,' Puett said. 'It's usually the full sentence or around 75%. Compared to prison, people in county jail tend to serve more of what the judge actually gave them and again, the importance in this is holding them accountable.'
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jails to be reimbursed at higher rate for housing inmates slated for state prisons
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Missouri House of Representatives will vote on a bill that would raise the daily reimbursement to county jails for housing inmates that will be transferred to state prisons. Missouri's local jails are paid $24.95 per day for each inmate they hold before they are transferred to a state prison. Missouri SB 50 sponsored by Senator Rusty Black (R-District 12) states that if an individual is sentenced to imprisonment in a correctional center, the Department of Corrections will reimburse the county jail for the number of days the inmate spent in their custody at a cost which does not to exceed $37.50 per day. In 2024, the state spent about $50 million to reimburse counties for the cost of holding inmates. On average it costs approximately $45 per day to house inmates who should be in a state prison. Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says in more high-crime areas, that cost runs as high as $80 to $100 which is why SB 50, if passed, would be beneficial. 'It would be better for jails to help recoup some of those costs than the $23 we're currently getting,' Puett said. 'It's expensive to run a jail and things as simple as a mattress cost well over $100; uniforms, shoes, all those basic necessities that have to be provided by law. As costs go up as we all see in our homes, the same thing happens here.' The Buchanan County jail has been fortunate, not suffering from the inadequate rate paid to local jails as much as other counties and has maintained funding from utilizing additional sources, including tax dollars and the inmate commissary. SB 50 was presented for a second reading by the Missouri House of Representatives on Feb. 10.
