by Sarah Thomack/St. Joseph Post staff

Tax season often means it’s also scam season.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says scammers, whether they claim to be with the IRS, a credit card company or law enforcement, use fear and intimidation to try to steal from people.

"Most people are very good people and they try to respect authority and they try to follow the rules and do all the things they're supposed to be doing and so bad people, scammers, will use that against them," Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "These people are very polished, they have a script, they know exactly what to say and how to threaten."

Puett says they've received several calls reporting a recent scam where calls were supposedly from the sheriff's office. At least one person was victimized for $3,500. 

Puett says places such as the sheriff's office or IRS will never&nbsp;call and threaten you or demand money over the phone.

"We have a warrant program where we'll call and say, 'Hey you have a warrant for your arrest, you have a couple weeks to get it taken care of, if not, then the deputies will be out looking for you.' We initiated that here awhile back," Puett says. "But we don't say, 'Hey, you can pay your bond over the phone,' that's something you would have to do at the court, we don't ask for any money."

Puett says don't answer calls if you don't recognize the number, but if you do answer and someone is demanding money, remember to never give out personal information over the phone and to hang up and verify the information or call law enforcement.&nbsp;

He adds that the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Buchanan-County-MO-Sheriffs-Office-459115294278734/">Buchanan County Sheriff's Office</a> and other law enforcement departments will often post information to their social media warning residents of any recent phone or email scams. For more on tax scams, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565965969143.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by Sarah Thomack/St. Joseph Post staffTax season often means it’s also scam season.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says scammers, whether they claim to be with the IRS, a credit card company or law enforcement, use fear and intimidation to try to steal from people."Most people are very good people and they try to respect authority and they try to follow the rules and do all the things they're supposed to be doing and so bad people, scammers, will use that against them," Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "These people are very polished, they have a script, they know exactly what to say and how to threaten."Puett says they've received several calls reporting a recent scam where calls were supposedly from the sheriff's office. At least one person was victimized for $3,500. Puett says places such as the sheriff's office or IRS will never&nbsp;call and threaten you or demand money over the phone."We have a warrant program where we'll call and say, 'Hey you have a warrant for your arrest, you have a couple weeks to get it taken care of, if not, then the deputies will be out looking for you.' We initiated that here awhile back," Puett says. "But we don't say, 'Hey, you can pay your bond over the phone,' that's something you would have to do at the court, we don't ask for any money."Puett says don't answer calls if you don't recognize the number, but if you do answer and someone is demanding money, remember to never give out personal information over the phone and to hang up and verify the information or call law enforcement.&nbsp;He adds that the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Buchanan-County-MO-Sheriffs-Office-459115294278734/">Buchanan County Sheriff's Office</a> and other law enforcement departments will often post information to their social media warning residents of any recent phone or email scams. For more on tax scams, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts">click here</a>.

Buchanan Co. Sheriff warns residents to be aware of tax season scams

Tuesdays Around Town: Joint Citizen's Law Enforcement Academy

A group of entrepreneurs will celebrate five years of meeting and sharing ideas.

Cup of Joe started as a way to showcase entrepreneurs in St. Joseph and provide networking opportunities.&nbsp;The weekly meeting has hosted more than 480 entrepreneurs presenters over the past five years.&nbsp;

Jeremy Eaton of The Jeremy Eaton Yoga has been one of those presenters and says it's helped him with his business.

“I’ve spoken at Cup of Joe three times now and every time I leave with something that I didn’t see before or I pilot an idea that I have, just to get it in front of a group of people and see what the reaction is," Eaton tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Sometimes you get really good suggestions about ways that you don’t normally see or that you’re blind to (when) running the business, so people offer suggestions on how to reach more people or how to bring in more revenue."

Miu Sutton with Card My Yard says Cup of Joe helped her as a new business owner and entrepreneur.

“This has become a group of supporters for me, a group of family, entrepreneurs that support entrepreneurs,” Sutton says. “So if I have any questions or I need to reach out to somebody, I can always come to Cup of Joe and ask them questions, pick their brain.”

To celebrate its five year anniversary, Cup of Joe will bring back some of the presenters from the past year to share an update. Those include Isaac Collins from Serv Nutrition, Bill Becker of MK Minerals, Heidi Klamm of Baked by Heidi, Joe Lane with Joetown Mini Golf, Jessica Estes with AR Workshop and Matt Wieners and Bruce Baker of Axe Factor.

Cup of Joe begins at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the St. Joseph Public Library by the East Hills Mall. <a href="http://cupofjoe-sj.com/">Click here to visit Cup of Joe's website</a>.

by Sarah Thomack/St. Joseph Post staffA group of entrepreneurs will celebrate five years of meeting and sharing ideas.Cup of Joe started as a way to showcase entrepreneurs in St. Joseph and provide networking opportunities.&nbsp;The weekly meeting has hosted more than 480 entrepreneurs presenters over the past five years.&nbsp;Jeremy Eaton of The Jeremy Eaton Yoga has been one of those presenters and says it's helped him with his business.“I’ve spoken at Cup of Joe three times now and every time I leave with something that I didn’t see before or I pilot an idea that I have, just to get it in front of a group of people and see what the reaction is," Eaton tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Sometimes you get really good suggestions about ways that you don’t normally see or that you’re blind to (when) running the business, so people offer suggestions on how to reach more people or how to bring in more revenue."Miu Sutton with Card My Yard says Cup of Joe helped her as a new business owner and entrepreneur.“This has become a group of supporters for me, a group of family, entrepreneurs that support entrepreneurs,” Sutton says. “So if I have any questions or I need to reach out to somebody, I can always come to Cup of Joe and ask them questions, pick their brain.”To celebrate its five year anniversary, Cup of Joe will bring back some of the presenters from the past year to share an update. Those include Isaac Collins from Serv Nutrition, Bill Becker of MK Minerals, Heidi Klamm of Baked by Heidi, Joe Lane with Joetown Mini Golf, Jessica Estes with AR Workshop and Matt Wieners and Bruce Baker of Axe Factor.Cup of Joe begins at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the St. Joseph Public Library by the East Hills Mall. <a href="http://cupofjoe-sj.com/">Click here to visit Cup of Joe's website</a>.

Cup of Joe celebrates five years of connecting entrepreneurs

Tuesdays Around Town: Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter

A Maryville angler set a new state record while fishing at a pond in Nodaway County.

According to a Missouri&nbsp;Department of Conservation (MDC) press release,&nbsp;Tyler Halley of Maryville caught a new state-record yellow perch. Halley was fishing on a private pond in Nodaway County when he caught the 1-pound, 14-ounce fish using the pole-and-line method. The previous record was a 1-pound, 11-ounce fish caught in 2009.

Halley was fishing with his uncle and family friends Jan. 24 when he felt something give his line a good tug.

“I literally dove into the water and gave the fish a bear hug so it wouldn’t get away,” recalled Halley. “It was freezing! I had to go sit in the truck to warm up after that.”

Halley said the plunge into the water was worth it to hold a state-record. MDC staff verified the fish’s weight using a certified scale in Maryville. It’s the first state-record fish of 2020.

“It feels pretty nice to have a state record,” said Halley. “I’m going to get a replica made of it. We kept the fish alive in an aerated cooler because we wanted to get it certified. We ended up releasing it back into another pond.”

“Missouri is on the very southern range for the yellow perch,” said MDC Fisheries Programs Specialist Andrew Branson. “So, new records for this species are not very common.”

Missouri state-record fish are recognized in two categories: pole-and-line and alternative methods. Alternative methods include: throwlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, archery, and atlatl.

For more information on state record fish, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAyMDcuMTY4MzAzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vYml0Lmx5LzJlZnExdmwifQ.cwaH9JDQm2pFGvkZYwpN8AQMFChf24uak0kuWiVJ4Ko/br/74806985885-l" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2efq1vl</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581112803815.jpeg" alt="Tyler Halley of Maryville is now a state-record-holder after catching a 1-pound, 14-ounce yellow perch on a private pond in Nodaway County Jan. 24. Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation." />
 <figcaption>Tyler Halley of Maryville is now a state-record-holder after catching a 1-pound, 14-ounce yellow perch on a private pond in Nodaway County Jan. 24. Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation.</figcaption>
 </figure>A Maryville angler set a new state record while fishing at a pond in Nodaway County.According to a Missouri&nbsp;Department of Conservation (MDC) press release,&nbsp;Tyler Halley of Maryville caught a new state-record yellow perch. Halley was fishing on a private pond in Nodaway County when he caught the 1-pound, 14-ounce fish using the pole-and-line method. The previous record was a 1-pound, 11-ounce fish caught in 2009.Halley was fishing with his uncle and family friends Jan. 24 when he felt something give his line a good tug.“I literally dove into the water and gave the fish a bear hug so it wouldn’t get away,” recalled Halley. “It was freezing! I had to go sit in the truck to warm up after that.”Halley said the plunge into the water was worth it to hold a state-record. MDC staff verified the fish’s weight using a certified scale in Maryville. It’s the first state-record fish of 2020.“It feels pretty nice to have a state record,” said Halley. “I’m going to get a replica made of it. We kept the fish alive in an aerated cooler because we wanted to get it certified. We ended up releasing it back into another pond.”“Missouri is on the very southern range for the yellow perch,” said MDC Fisheries Programs Specialist Andrew Branson. “So, new records for this species are not very common.”Missouri state-record fish are recognized in two categories: pole-and-line and alternative methods. Alternative methods include: throwlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, archery, and atlatl.For more information on state record fish, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAyMDcuMTY4MzAzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vYml0Lmx5LzJlZnExdmwifQ.cwaH9JDQm2pFGvkZYwpN8AQMFChf24uak0kuWiVJ4Ko/br/74806985885-l" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2efq1vl</a>.

Maryville angler catches new state-record yellow perch

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City Chiefs fan said he took a “professional NFL hit" when he slammed into a parking meter while trying to catch a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the team's Super Bowl victory parade.

Forty-three-year-old LaRue Bell, whose collision was caught on video, said that the pass was intended for him but that the defender/parking meter denied him the opportunity Wednesday.

“That was my Super Bowl," said Bell, who acknowledged he was feeling a little sore when he arrived Thursday at his job with National Beef Leathers in St. Joseph, where he noticed coworkers laughing at the video of the failed pass on social media.

He soon learned millions of others also were watching it on social media. Even Mahomes checked in on Twitter, asking “Yo is the dude who hit the parking meter okay."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581089627333.png" alt="Larue Bell just after running into the parking meter-image courtesy Frank Caliendo" />
 <figcaption>Larue Bell just after running into the parking meter-image courtesy Frank Caliendo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City Chiefs fan said he took a “professional NFL hit" when he slammed into a parking meter while trying to catch a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the team's Super Bowl victory parade.Forty-three-year-old LaRue Bell, whose collision was caught on video, said that the pass was intended for him but that the defender/parking meter denied him the opportunity Wednesday.“That was my Super Bowl," said Bell, who acknowledged he was feeling a little sore when he arrived Thursday at his job with National Beef Leathers in St. Joseph, where he noticed coworkers laughing at the video of the failed pass on social media.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yo is the dude who hit the parking meter okay? <a href="https://t.co/Kzs9uNIwFG">https://t.co/Kzs9uNIwFG</a>&mdash; Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1225319368478859265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He soon learned millions of others also were watching it on social media. Even Mahomes checked in on Twitter, asking “Yo is the dude who hit the parking meter okay."

Chiefs fan says he took 'NFL hit' in parking meter collision

It might be cold, but fans of
the Kansas City Chiefs are shaking off the effects of the weather to celebrate
their Super Bowl victory.

It is estimated more than a
million people are lining the parade route in downtown Kansas City and attending
the rally at Union Station as the Chiefs have returned from Miami with the Lombardi
Trophy.

The Chiefs defeated the San
Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Miami to win their first Super Bowl in 50 years.

Quick action by Kansas City
police kept the celebration from being marred by an apparently impaired driver
taking a “joy ride” along the Chiefs' Super Bowl parade route in downtown
Kansas City. Police put the driver into a forced spin and arrested at gunpoint
before the parade began. Mayor Quinton Lucas told TV station WDAF that the
arrest about three hours before the Wednesday morning&nbsp;parade was scheduled
to begin was for an inebriated “joy ride” and wasn't terrorism-related. No one
was injured in the incident.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580929297396.jpeg" alt="Thousands line the streets of downtown Kansas City prior to the Super Bowl parade/Photo by Nancy Lewis" />
 <figcaption>Thousands line the streets of downtown Kansas City prior to the Super Bowl parade/Photo by Nancy Lewis</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt might be cold, but fans of
the Kansas City Chiefs are shaking off the effects of the weather to celebrate
their Super Bowl victory.It is estimated more than a
million people are lining the parade route in downtown Kansas City and attending
the rally at Union Station as the Chiefs have returned from Miami with the Lombardi
Trophy.The Chiefs defeated the San
Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Miami to win their first Super Bowl in 50 years.Quick action by Kansas City
police kept the celebration from being marred by an apparently impaired driver
taking a “joy ride” along the Chiefs' Super Bowl parade route in downtown
Kansas City. Police put the driver into a forced spin and arrested at gunpoint
before the parade began. Mayor Quinton Lucas told TV station WDAF that the
arrest about three hours before the Wednesday morning&nbsp;parade was scheduled
to begin was for an inebriated “joy ride” and wasn't terrorism-related. No one
was injured in the incident.The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Chiefs Super Bowl celebration underway in downtown Kansas City

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The project to replace the Interstate 29 overpass on Route 116 between Faucett and Dearborn may slow drivers today and tomorrow. 

According to a Missouri Department of Transportation news release, in order to work safely on the bridge project, contractors from Clarkson Construction Company will close one lane of I-29 at the bridge site just north of mile marker 32 on Tuesday and Wednesday. The northbound passing lane is already closed and will remain closed until noon. The southbound driving lane will be close from 6 a.m. until noon on Wednesday.

One northbound lane and&nbsp;one southbound lane&nbsp;are expected to remain open during the times listed above.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The project to replace the Interstate 29 overpass on Route 116 between Faucett and Dearborn may slow drivers today and tomorrow. According to a Missouri Department of Transportation news release, in order to work safely on the bridge project, contractors from Clarkson Construction Company will close one lane of I-29 at the bridge site just north of mile marker 32 on Tuesday and Wednesday. The northbound passing lane is already closed and will remain closed until noon. The southbound driving lane will be close from 6 a.m. until noon on Wednesday.One northbound lane and&nbsp;one southbound lane&nbsp;are expected to remain open during the times listed above.

Single-lane closures planned this week as I-29 overpass project continues 

A winter break for
farmers and ranchers awaits at the Kansas City American Royal Complex as the
2020 Western Farm Show kicks off this weekend.

Western Farm Show
Manager Ken Dean says new implements, tractors, trucks, and every conceivable
piece of equipment used on the farm will be spread out over the 400-Thousand square
feet of exhibit space. Dean says it’s a great opportunity for farmers and
ranchers who have felt cooped up this winter to get out.

“What a great
opportunity in the American Royal building, which is pretty big and we fill
that with exhibitors,” Dean tells St. Joseph Post. “So, as a farmer or a
rancher, you have an opportunity to see probably anything and everything that’s
available to you that, whether you’re making a purchase or not, you have a
chance to see it, maybe find out what’s out there that you weren’t aware of.”

Dean says it is a
great chance to speak with representatives of the various products.

Dean says FFA Day
will be held Friday, adding that has had an impact over generations.

“I hear every
year, an adult at the farm show will tell me, you know, my first experience was
22 years ago and I was in Bethany, Missouri and I came down on the bus with all
the kids and I was a sophomore and I saw everything you had at your show and my
eyes were wide open,” Dean says. “That’s what we want. We want the students to
come. We want the families to come, the professionals to come.”

Dean says the show
not only displays the latest in equipment and implements, but serves an
educational role as well.

“I think as you
walk through the show and there’s a lot to see there, that’s the great
opportunity, is you can visit with those people, find out from them, pick their
brains, they’re there, find out what you can pick up from them, take it back to
the farm or ranch, and hopefully get better at what you’re doing.”

This is the 59th
Western Farm Show, produced by the Western Equipment Dealers Association. It
opens Friday morning at the American Royal at 9 o’clock. Show hours Friday and
Saturday at 9am 5pm and 9am to 4pm on Sunday.

The Western Farm
Show doesn’t such display the latest equipment, it host numerous exhibits and
demonstrations, such as the&nbsp; Stockmanship
and Stewardship Low-Stress Livestock Handling Demonstration, sponsored by MFA
Incorporated, held Saturday, both at 10:30am and 2pm in the Scott Pavilion adjacent
to the American Royal.

Health, including
mental health issues, is the focus of the Heath and Safety Roundup, with interactive
and educational health and safety exhibits. Free health care screenings will
include blood pressure and hearing tests, tetanus shots, vision screening,
glaucoma testing and children’s eye screening (infants to six years).
Cholesterol screenings will also be offered for a nominal fee.

Attendees can shop
for clothing, crafts, home décor, and food at the Family Living Center on the
upper level of the American Royals building

A food drive will
be hosted by the FFA Friday, a show tradition on FFA Day, which attracts 3,000
FFA students from Missouri and Kansas. Food donations are given to Harvesters —
The Community Food Network, a regional food bank serving a&nbsp;26-county
area&nbsp;of northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas.

For more information, click
<a href="http://westernfarmshow.com/">here</a> to visit the Western Farm
Show website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581970103215.jpeg" alt="Western Farm Show / Photo courtesy of Western Farm Show" />
 <figcaption>Western Farm Show / Photo courtesy of Western Farm Show</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp; BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA winter break for
farmers and ranchers awaits at the Kansas City American Royal Complex as the
2020 Western Farm Show kicks off this weekend.Western Farm Show
Manager Ken Dean says new implements, tractors, trucks, and every conceivable
piece of equipment used on the farm will be spread out over the 400-Thousand square
feet of exhibit space. Dean says it’s a great opportunity for farmers and
ranchers who have felt cooped up this winter to get out.“What a great
opportunity in the American Royal building, which is pretty big and we fill
that with exhibitors,” Dean tells St. Joseph Post. “So, as a farmer or a
rancher, you have an opportunity to see probably anything and everything that’s
available to you that, whether you’re making a purchase or not, you have a
chance to see it, maybe find out what’s out there that you weren’t aware of.”Dean says it is a
great chance to speak with representatives of the various products.Dean says FFA Day
will be held Friday, adding that has had an impact over generations.“I hear every
year, an adult at the farm show will tell me, you know, my first experience was
22 years ago and I was in Bethany, Missouri and I came down on the bus with all
the kids and I was a sophomore and I saw everything you had at your show and my
eyes were wide open,” Dean says. “That’s what we want. We want the students to
come. We want the families to come, the professionals to come.”Dean says the show
not only displays the latest in equipment and implements, but serves an
educational role as well.“I think as you
walk through the show and there’s a lot to see there, that’s the great
opportunity, is you can visit with those people, find out from them, pick their
brains, they’re there, find out what you can pick up from them, take it back to
the farm or ranch, and hopefully get better at what you’re doing.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581970260670.jpeg" alt="Farm Show - Low Stress Livestock Demonstration/Photo courtesy of Western Farm Show" />
 <figcaption>Farm Show - Low Stress Livestock Demonstration/Photo courtesy of Western Farm Show</figcaption>
 </figure>This is the 59th
Western Farm Show, produced by the Western Equipment Dealers Association. It
opens Friday morning at the American Royal at 9 o’clock. Show hours Friday and
Saturday at 9am 5pm and 9am to 4pm on Sunday.The Western Farm
Show doesn’t such display the latest equipment, it host numerous exhibits and
demonstrations, such as the&nbsp; Stockmanship
and Stewardship Low-Stress Livestock Handling Demonstration, sponsored by MFA
Incorporated, held Saturday, both at 10:30am and 2pm in the Scott Pavilion adjacent
to the American Royal.Health, including
mental health issues, is the focus of the Heath and Safety Roundup, with interactive
and educational health and safety exhibits. Free health care screenings will
include blood pressure and hearing tests, tetanus shots, vision screening,
glaucoma testing and children’s eye screening (infants to six years).
Cholesterol screenings will also be offered for a nominal fee.Attendees can shop
for clothing, crafts, home décor, and food at the Family Living Center on the
upper level of the American Royals buildingA food drive will
be hosted by the FFA Friday, a show tradition on FFA Day, which attracts 3,000
FFA students from Missouri and Kansas. Food donations are given to Harvesters —
The Community Food Network, a regional food bank serving a&nbsp;26-county
area&nbsp;of northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas.For more information, click
<a href="http://westernfarmshow.com/">here</a> to visit the Western Farm
Show website.

A winter break for farmers:  the Western Farm Show in KC

By JIM MCLEAN, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-gov-kelly-says-her-highway-plan-restores-states-roads-without-tax-hike#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s transportation plan isn’t as bold as those that came before it.

Since
 the 1990s, Kansas has spent tens of billions of dollars on three 
successive 10-year programs. Each required a tax increase and launched 
with a commitment to complete a long list of new building projects.

But
 Kelly, a Democrat who won election on a promise to restore the state’s 
finances, isn’t proposing a bunch of new projects. And she isn’t seeking
 a tax increase to help pay for her plan.

Instead, she’s pledging
 to stop taking money from the Kansas Department of Transportation — and
 asking lawmakers to do the same — so that the agency can rebuild roads 
and bridges suffering from years of lax maintenance. She’s also 
promising to complete all but one of the 21 projects abandoned during a 
budget crisis that followed tax cuts passed under Republican Sam 
Brownback when he was governor.

Half of the $10 billion Kelly proposes spending over the next 10 years is earmarked for maintenance work.

“We
 must close the ‘Bank of KDOT’ and make sure that funding for 
transportation is spent on transportation,” Kelly said last when 
announcing the program.

That means no more raids on the pool of money earmarked for transportation.

Those
 raids were commonplace during the Brownback administration. With tax 
revenues plummeting, Brownback and lawmakers diverted about $2 billion 
to plug gaping holes in the state budget.

Kelly has slowed the transfers and pledged to end them by 2023.

Breaking
 with precedent, Kelly isn’t committing to a set list of highway 
projects. Instead, said KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz, a handful of 
projects will be selected every two years based on what the agency 
concludes are the most urgent needs.

Doing that, she said, will 
give the agency the flexibility it needs to respond to emerging issues 
and “make good investments that stand the test of time.”

At the 
moment, Lorenz said, nothing is more urgent than expanding a section of 
U.S. 69 that cuts through the Johnson County community of Overland Park.
 It’s the busiest stretch of four-lane highway in the state. More than 
80,000 daily commuters regularly transform it into a virtual parking lot
 during the morning and evening rush hours.

“In terms of 
congestion on a four-lane highway, it’s the worst in the state,” Lorenz 
said. “It gets a grade of ‘F’ today and it gets worse in the future if 
we don’t do something about it.”

Engineering a solution isn’t a problem, finding a way to pay for it is, said Carl Gerlach, the mayor of Overland Park.

Adding
 express lanes that motorists would have to pay to use is likely the 
only way to get the proposed $300 million project done quickly, he said.

“If
 we don’t do something unique and different like tolling, we may have to
 wait ten,13,14 years before we get U.S. 69 expanded,” Gerlach said. 
“Can we do that? I don’t think so.”

The express lanes would 
likely be built in between the existing northbound and southbound lanes.
 Drivers would use electronic gadgets like those that automatically 
record their tolls on the Kansas Turnpike.

Express lanes have a 
mixed record. Still, research done by the Institute of Transportation 
Studies at the University of California-Los Angeles found that toll 
lanes can be a cost-effective way to reduce traffic congestion. They’re 
more effective than simply adding more “free” lanes to existing roads or
 expanding mass transit.

“Pricing reduces congestion,” ITS researchers said in a <a href="http://www.its.ucla.edu/for-the-press/traffic-congestion/" target="_blank">recent report</a>. “Nothing else does.”

Under Kansas law, you can’t charge tolls on existing highways. Just new ones.

To
 add express lanes on U.S. 69, state and local officials would have to 
produce a study that they would both ease congestion and partially pay 
for themselves.

Lorenz thinks the project can be finished more 
quickly by putting it on a regulatory and logistical fast-track. So, she
 wants to start construction while engineers are still working on the 
design, rather than waiting until all the blueprints get drafted and 
approved.

KDOT used that process for the first time on a massive 
interchange in Johnson County finished in 2017. It connects Interstates 
35 and 435 with Kansas 10.

“We shaved a year off that schedule and we got 12% more project … for the dollars,” she said.

Using the faster process to deliver the U.S. 69 project, Lorenz said, would save more than money.

“For every year that we delay in building your project, folks sit in traffic five million hours,” she said.

While
 many of the state’s most pressing transportation needs are in urban and
 suburban centers, Lorenz said there’s also money in the plan for road 
projects in rural Kansas. But, she said, not enough to satisfy the 
desire for four-lane highways everywhere local officials are clamoring 
for them.

Southwest Kansas is a case in point. Residents there 
say heavy truck traffic to massive meatpacking facilities in Garden 
City, Dodge City and Liberal have made existing roads unsafe.

“If
 you travel on Highway 83, you … would not believe all the trucks,” said
 Beth Tedrow, a Garden City Community College trustee, at a <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/rural-kansans-ask-lawmakers-fix-slow-internet-bad-highways-are-holding-them-back" target="_blank">meeting with state lawmakers</a> from the region just prior to the state of the 2020 legislative session.

Officials
 in the region can make a case for a four-lane highway, Lorenz said, but
 the state simply doesn’t have the money to build one unless communities
 in the region can cover a substantial portion of the cost.

“So, I’m working hard to sell passing lanes,” Lorenz said.

In addition to being cheaper to build and maintain, she said, passing lanes “provide an enormous safety benefit.”

A
 recent KDOT study that evaluated the effectiveness of the passing lanes
 along a section of U.S. 400 in southeast Kansas showed they reduced 
crashes by 32%.

If a community that wants a four-lane is willing 
to accept passing lanes as an intermediate step, that increases the 
chances for state funding, Lorenz said.

“We will give them bonus points, if you will, additional consideration,” she said.

Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service is a 
collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public 
Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy. You can reach him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a>&nbsp;or email jim@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581949850709.jpeg" alt=" U.S. 69 in Overland Park at dawn, as traffic quickly fills up a highway that clogs nearly every rush hour. Scott Canon / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> U.S. 69 in Overland Park at dawn, as traffic quickly fills up a highway that clogs nearly every rush hour. Scott Canon / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM MCLEAN, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-gov-kelly-says-her-highway-plan-restores-states-roads-without-tax-hike#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s transportation plan isn’t as bold as those that came before it.Since
 the 1990s, Kansas has spent tens of billions of dollars on three 
successive 10-year programs. Each required a tax increase and launched 
with a commitment to complete a long list of new building projects.But
 Kelly, a Democrat who won election on a promise to restore the state’s 
finances, isn’t proposing a bunch of new projects. And she isn’t seeking
 a tax increase to help pay for her plan.Instead, she’s pledging
 to stop taking money from the Kansas Department of Transportation — and
 asking lawmakers to do the same — so that the agency can rebuild roads 
and bridges suffering from years of lax maintenance. She’s also 
promising to complete all but one of the 21 projects abandoned during a 
budget crisis that followed tax cuts passed under Republican Sam 
Brownback when he was governor.Half of the $10 billion Kelly proposes spending over the next 10 years is earmarked for maintenance work.“We
 must close the ‘Bank of KDOT’ and make sure that funding for 
transportation is spent on transportation,” Kelly said last when 
announcing the program.That means no more raids on the pool of money earmarked for transportation.Those
 raids were commonplace during the Brownback administration. With tax 
revenues plummeting, Brownback and lawmakers diverted about $2 billion 
to plug gaping holes in the state budget.Kelly has slowed the transfers and pledged to end them by 2023.<h2>Limited money for big projects</h2>Breaking
 with precedent, Kelly isn’t committing to a set list of highway 
projects. Instead, said KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz, a handful of 
projects will be selected every two years based on what the agency 
concludes are the most urgent needs.Doing that, she said, will 
give the agency the flexibility it needs to respond to emerging issues 
and “make good investments that stand the test of time.”At the 
moment, Lorenz said, nothing is more urgent than expanding a section of 
U.S. 69 that cuts through the Johnson County community of Overland Park.
 It’s the busiest stretch of four-lane highway in the state. More than 
80,000 daily commuters regularly transform it into a virtual parking lot
 during the morning and evening rush hours.“In terms of 
congestion on a four-lane highway, it’s the worst in the state,” Lorenz 
said. “It gets a grade of ‘F’ today and it gets worse in the future if 
we don’t do something about it.”Engineering a solution isn’t a problem, finding a way to pay for it is, said Carl Gerlach, the mayor of Overland Park.Adding
 express lanes that motorists would have to pay to use is likely the 
only way to get the proposed $300 million project done quickly, he said.“If
 we don’t do something unique and different like tolling, we may have to
 wait ten,13,14 years before we get U.S. 69 expanded,” Gerlach said. 
“Can we do that? I don’t think so.”The express lanes would 
likely be built in between the existing northbound and southbound lanes.
 Drivers would use electronic gadgets like those that automatically 
record their tolls on the Kansas Turnpike.Express lanes have a 
mixed record. Still, research done by the Institute of Transportation 
Studies at the University of California-Los Angeles found that toll 
lanes can be a cost-effective way to reduce traffic congestion. They’re 
more effective than simply adding more “free” lanes to existing roads or
 expanding mass transit.“Pricing reduces congestion,” ITS researchers said in a <a href="http://www.its.ucla.edu/for-the-press/traffic-congestion/" target="_blank">recent report</a>. “Nothing else does.”Under Kansas law, you can’t charge tolls on existing highways. Just new ones.To
 add express lanes on U.S. 69, state and local officials would have to 
produce a study that they would both ease congestion and partially pay 
for themselves.Lorenz thinks the project can be finished more 
quickly by putting it on a regulatory and logistical fast-track. So, she
 wants to start construction while engineers are still working on the 
design, rather than waiting until all the blueprints get drafted and 
approved.KDOT used that process for the first time on a massive 
interchange in Johnson County finished in 2017. It connects Interstates 
35 and 435 with Kansas 10.“We shaved a year off that schedule and we got 12% more project … for the dollars,” she said.Using the faster process to deliver the U.S. 69 project, Lorenz said, would save more than money.“For every year that we delay in building your project, folks sit in traffic five million hours,” she said.<h2>Balancing urban and rural needs</h2>While
 many of the state’s most pressing transportation needs are in urban and
 suburban centers, Lorenz said there’s also money in the plan for road 
projects in rural Kansas. But, she said, not enough to satisfy the 
desire for four-lane highways everywhere local officials are clamoring 
for them.Southwest Kansas is a case in point. Residents there 
say heavy truck traffic to massive meatpacking facilities in Garden 
City, Dodge City and Liberal have made existing roads unsafe.“If
 you travel on Highway 83, you … would not believe all the trucks,” said
 Beth Tedrow, a Garden City Community College trustee, at a <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/rural-kansans-ask-lawmakers-fix-slow-internet-bad-highways-are-holding-them-back" target="_blank">meeting with state lawmakers</a> from the region just prior to the state of the 2020 legislative session.Officials
 in the region can make a case for a four-lane highway, Lorenz said, but
 the state simply doesn’t have the money to build one unless communities
 in the region can cover a substantial portion of the cost.“So, I’m working hard to sell passing lanes,” Lorenz said.In addition to being cheaper to build and maintain, she said, passing lanes “provide an enormous safety benefit.”A
 recent KDOT study that evaluated the effectiveness of the passing lanes
 along a section of U.S. 400 in southeast Kansas showed they reduced 
crashes by 32%.If a community that wants a four-lane is willing 
to accept passing lanes as an intermediate step, that increases the 
chances for state funding, Lorenz said.“We will give them bonus points, if you will, additional consideration,” she said.Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service is a 
collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public 
Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy. You can reach him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a>&nbsp;or email jim@kcur.org.

Kansas gov. says her plan restores state's roads without a tax hike 

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Monday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Chevy Suburban driven by Edwin J. Makings, 34, Maryville, was eastbound on 220th three miles north of Maryville.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve at Imperial Road. The SUV traveled through the intersection, over an embankment and struck a fence.

A private vehicle transported a passenger Salina K. Deardoff, 20, Maryville, to Mosaic in Maryville.&nbsp; Makings was not injured. Deardoff was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Monday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Chevy Suburban driven by Edwin J. Makings, 34, Maryville, was eastbound on 220th three miles north of Maryville.The driver failed to negotiate a curve at Imperial Road. The SUV traveled through the intersection, over an embankment and struck a fence.A private vehicle transported a passenger Salina K. Deardoff, 20, Maryville, to Mosaic in Maryville.&nbsp; Makings was not injured. Deardoff was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Woman from Maryville hospitalized after SUV struck a fence

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

St. Joseph Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="http://stjoeobits@eagleradio.net">stjoeobits@eagleradio.net</a>.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.St. Joseph Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="http://stjoeobits@eagleradio.net">stjoeobits@eagleradio.net</a>.<figure>
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Recent obituaries

A decision by the Kansas City
Chiefs will reverberate throughout St. Joseph.

The Chiefs have signed a three-year
agreement to return to Missouri Western State University for training camp
later this year. The Chiefs have been holding training camp on the St. Joseph
campus for the past 10 years, but the initial contract had expired after the
Chiefs broke camp this year.

The three-year deal has
options for the next two years. It will require Missouri Western double seating
for fans, from 2,500 to 5,000, as well as make upgrades to Scanlon Hall, the
dorm the Chiefs use during training camp. Improvements will likely cost a bit
more than a million dollars.

It is more than worth it,
according to Missouri Western and area officials.

Missouri Western President
Matt Wilson says the school knew it had competition for the training camp of
the Super Bowl champions.

“They made it very clear
during last training camp that with the 10-year agreement expiring that they
were going to look around at all of their options,” Wilson tells those gathered
for the announcement at Spratt Stadium. “And I truly think that it’s a
testament to our organization that the Chiefs would go and they would look far
and wide and high and low and they would come back and they would select us as
a long-term partner.”

It is hard to underestimate
the impact Chiefs training camp has on St. Joseph.

“Name me another event that’s
going to bring 65,000 folks into our community for an activity or event,”
Wilson asks, saying the training camp is a highlight of the summer.&nbsp;&nbsp; “As we have done this every year, and I hope
that we will continue to do it, it really makes this just an event. And,
really, if you think in the summer where do you want to be, you should be here
in St. Joseph.”

Missouri Western Athletic
Director Josh Looney felt confident the Chiefs enjoyed their time in St.
Joseph.

“I knew that we concluded
2019 putting out best foot forward and really that’s been St. Joseph and
Missouri Western since 2010 when they got here,” Looney says.

Looney says he understands
St. Joseph is proud to be the home of Chiefs training camp.

“The eyeball test this (past)
year is unbelievable,” Looney says. “You saw red all over the city; the red
rally downtown that kicked things off. Our restaurants were packed for those
lunch crowds. You saw the hotels packed this year as well and that red didn’t stop.
It stayed through St. Joseph throughout the season. Now you’re probably seeing
just as much if not more after they’ve been Super Bowl champions.”

This is a real plum for the
community, according to Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer.

“There has always been such a
following of the Chiefs, year in and year out, and with the success that they’ve
had, and to be able to re-up for a three-year (agreement), plus a possible two more
years, there’s no question it’s fabulous for Buchanan County,” Sawyer tells St.
Joseph Post.

Sawyer admits to anxiety
about whether the Chiefs would return.

“Oh, sure, we were worried,” Sawyer
says. “But we were all talking and trying to figure out what we could do
collectively, whether it’s the county, the city, Missouri Western, our
legislative folks to see what we could do to make it happen.”

Each entity is pitching in a
little bit. Buchanan County is paying for the fuel used in the construction
equipment creating the new berm to expand fan seating.

St. Joseph Mayor Bill
McMurray is excited for the Chiefs to return and excited for a new season.

“Oh, it means all the
economic development opportunities and it means a great spirit, as the
president said a spirit of excellence, and it means the Chiefs are going to
come here again this next summer and they’re going to win the Super Bowl again
next year,” McMurray says with a chuckle. “And the mayor has said so, so it’s going
to happen.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581957818074.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western State University AD Josh Looney speaks at the news conference as MWSU President Matt Wilson looks on./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western State University AD Josh Looney speaks at the news conference as MWSU President Matt Wilson looks on./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA decision by the Kansas City
Chiefs will reverberate throughout St. Joseph.The Chiefs have signed a three-year
agreement to return to Missouri Western State University for training camp
later this year. The Chiefs have been holding training camp on the St. Joseph
campus for the past 10 years, but the initial contract had expired after the
Chiefs broke camp this year.The three-year deal has
options for the next two years. It will require Missouri Western double seating
for fans, from 2,500 to 5,000, as well as make upgrades to Scanlon Hall, the
dorm the Chiefs use during training camp. Improvements will likely cost a bit
more than a million dollars.It is more than worth it,
according to Missouri Western and area officials.Missouri Western President
Matt Wilson says the school knew it had competition for the training camp of
the Super Bowl champions.“They made it very clear
during last training camp that with the 10-year agreement expiring that they
were going to look around at all of their options,” Wilson tells those gathered
for the announcement at Spratt Stadium. “And I truly think that it’s a
testament to our organization that the Chiefs would go and they would look far
and wide and high and low and they would come back and they would select us as
a long-term partner.”It is hard to underestimate
the impact Chiefs training camp has on St. Joseph.“Name me another event that’s
going to bring 65,000 folks into our community for an activity or event,”
Wilson asks, saying the training camp is a highlight of the summer.&nbsp;&nbsp; “As we have done this every year, and I hope
that we will continue to do it, it really makes this just an event. And,
really, if you think in the summer where do you want to be, you should be here
in St. Joseph.”Missouri Western Athletic
Director Josh Looney felt confident the Chiefs enjoyed their time in St.
Joseph.“I knew that we concluded
2019 putting out best foot forward and really that’s been St. Joseph and
Missouri Western since 2010 when they got here,” Looney says.Looney says he understands
St. Joseph is proud to be the home of Chiefs training camp.“The eyeball test this (past)
year is unbelievable,” Looney says. “You saw red all over the city; the red
rally downtown that kicked things off. Our restaurants were packed for those
lunch crowds. You saw the hotels packed this year as well and that red didn’t stop.
It stayed through St. Joseph throughout the season. Now you’re probably seeing
just as much if not more after they’ve been Super Bowl champions.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581957894567.jpeg" alt="Construction is already underway on creating a new berm at the Chiefs training camp to accommodate larger crowds./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Construction is already underway on creating a new berm at the Chiefs training camp to accommodate larger crowds./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>This is a real plum for the
community, according to Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer.“There has always been such a
following of the Chiefs, year in and year out, and with the success that they’ve
had, and to be able to re-up for a three-year (agreement), plus a possible two more
years, there’s no question it’s fabulous for Buchanan County,” Sawyer tells St.
Joseph Post.Sawyer admits to anxiety
about whether the Chiefs would return.“Oh, sure, we were worried,” Sawyer
says. “But we were all talking and trying to figure out what we could do
collectively, whether it’s the county, the city, Missouri Western, our
legislative folks to see what we could do to make it happen.”Each entity is pitching in a
little bit. Buchanan County is paying for the fuel used in the construction
equipment creating the new berm to expand fan seating.St. Joseph Mayor Bill
McMurray is excited for the Chiefs to return and excited for a new season.“Oh, it means all the
economic development opportunities and it means a great spirit, as the
president said a spirit of excellence, and it means the Chiefs are going to
come here again this next summer and they’re going to win the Super Bowl again
next year,” McMurray says with a chuckle. “And the mayor has said so, so it’s going
to happen.”

Chiefs' decision is a big win for Missouri Western and St. Joseph

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Feb. 17 – 23.

Though not listed below, some routes remain closed due to flooding. View routes closed due to flooding, as well as roadwork projects at&nbsp;<a href="http://traveler.modot.org/map/" target="_blank">http://traveler.modot.org/map/</a>.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region such as pothole patching, striping, signal work, etc., in addition to the work mentioned below.

Routes C, E, O, V, and Z – Pothole patching, Feb. 18 – 21

Route H – Roadside work south of Fillmore, Feb. 19

Route 111 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Mill Creek Bridge near Corning. The bridge will remain closed through spring 2020.

Route 116 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over I-29 through May 2020. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/buchanan-route-116-bridge-over-i-29" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/buchanan-route-116-bridge-over-i-29</a>

U.S. Route 36 – Ramps&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for bridge maintenance: I-229 southbound to U.S. Route 36 eastbound, U.S. Route 36 eastbound exit ramp to 10th&nbsp;Street, and 9th&nbsp;Street on ramp to U. S. Route 36 eastbound, Feb. 18 – 21 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily

Route C –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at the Branch of Turkey Creek Bridge due to damage from flooding.

U.S. Route 24 – Bridge replacement project at the Mussel Fork River and Overflow Bridges west of Keytesville through spring 2020. Traffic is being diverted over a one-lane, signalized bypass during the replacement of the Mussel Fork River Overflow Bridge.

U.S. Route 24 – Bridge replacement project at the Middle Fork Chariton River and Overflow bridges through March 2020. These bridges are part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. Traffic will be directed through the work zone with temporary traffic signals. A 10-foot width restriction is in place.

Route 116 – Pavement repairs from SW Shaver Road to Route K, Feb. 17 – 18

Route 116 – Pavement repairs from Route K to U.S. Route 169, Feb. 19 – 21. Traffic signals will be in place to guide motorists through the work zone.

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at Mill Bluff Road due to roadway damage

U.S. Route 159 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over the Little Tarkio Creek through spring 2020. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/little-tarkio-creek-bridge-replacement-holt-county-us-route-159" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/little-tarkio-creek-bridge-replacement-holt-county-us-route-159</a>

Route N –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route U to Route VV, Feb. 18 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route N – Drainage work from Route U to Route VV, Feb. 19

Route J – Drainage work from 360th&nbsp;Road to 370th&nbsp;Road, Feb. 20

U.S. Route 136 – Drainage work eastbound from Wilson Industrial Road to Jet Road, Feb. 21

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at the East Medicine Creek Bridge after a regularly scheduled inspection revealed critical deterioration to the structure. The bridge was part of the January 2020 letting and a contract was awarded to Widel, Inc. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge</a>

Route YY –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Middle Fork of the Grand River. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. The bridge will remain closed until spring 2020. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/worth-county-route-yy-bridge-replacement-over-middle-fork-grand-river" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/worth-county-route-yy-bridge-replacement-over-middle-fork-grand-river</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1561994575899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Feb. 17 – 23.Though not listed below, some routes remain closed due to flooding. View routes closed due to flooding, as well as roadwork projects at&nbsp;<a href="http://traveler.modot.org/map/" target="_blank">http://traveler.modot.org/map/</a>.Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region such as pothole patching, striping, signal work, etc., in addition to the work mentioned below.Andrew CountyRoutes C, E, O, V, and Z – Pothole patching, Feb. 18 – 21Route H – Roadside work south of Fillmore, Feb. 19Atchison CountyRoute 111 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Mill Creek Bridge near Corning. The bridge will remain closed through spring 2020.Buchanan CountyRoute 116 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over I-29 through May 2020. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/buchanan-route-116-bridge-over-i-29" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/buchanan-route-116-bridge-over-i-29</a>U.S. Route 36 – Ramps&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for bridge maintenance: I-229 southbound to U.S. Route 36 eastbound, U.S. Route 36 eastbound exit ramp to 10th&nbsp;Street, and 9th&nbsp;Street on ramp to U. S. Route 36 eastbound, Feb. 18 – 21 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. dailyCarroll CountyRoute C –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at the Branch of Turkey Creek Bridge due to damage from flooding.Chariton CountyU.S. Route 24 – Bridge replacement project at the Mussel Fork River and Overflow Bridges west of Keytesville through spring 2020. Traffic is being diverted over a one-lane, signalized bypass during the replacement of the Mussel Fork River Overflow Bridge.U.S. Route 24 – Bridge replacement project at the Middle Fork Chariton River and Overflow bridges through March 2020. These bridges are part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. Traffic will be directed through the work zone with temporary traffic signals. A 10-foot width restriction is in place.Clinton CountyRoute 116 – Pavement repairs from SW Shaver Road to Route K, Feb. 17 – 18Route 116 – Pavement repairs from Route K to U.S. Route 169, Feb. 19 – 21. Traffic signals will be in place to guide motorists through the work zone.Holt CountyRoute T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at Mill Bluff Road due to roadway damageU.S. Route 159 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over the Little Tarkio Creek through spring 2020. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/little-tarkio-creek-bridge-replacement-holt-county-us-route-159" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/little-tarkio-creek-bridge-replacement-holt-county-us-route-159</a>Nodaway CountyRoute N –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route U to Route VV, Feb. 18 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route N – Drainage work from Route U to Route VV, Feb. 19Route J – Drainage work from 360th&nbsp;Road to 370th&nbsp;Road, Feb. 20U.S. Route 136 – Drainage work eastbound from Wilson Industrial Road to Jet Road, Feb. 21Sullivan CountyRoute PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at the East Medicine Creek Bridge after a regularly scheduled inspection revealed critical deterioration to the structure. The bridge was part of the January 2020 letting and a contract was awarded to Widel, Inc. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge</a>Worth CountyRoute YY –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Middle Fork of the Grand River. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. The bridge will remain closed until spring 2020. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/worth-county-route-yy-bridge-replacement-over-middle-fork-grand-river" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/worth-county-route-yy-bridge-replacement-over-middle-fork-grand-river</a>

Planned road work for northwest Missouri, Feb. 17 - 23

A new center on the Missouri Western State University campus will bring together international admissions, student services and study abroad opportunities.

University President Matt Wilson says the Global Center will encompass several things including showcasing all the international opportunities available right here in St. Joseph.

“We’re putting extra strength and manpower into our Global Center so students can have an international experience on our campus, in terms of courses, activities,” Wilson says. “So what do you do along those lines to make sure we’re building bridges, we’re introducing our students to cultures around the world.”

The Global Center on campus will hold its grand opening next week.

“We’ll be introducing the staff of the Global Center, we’ll be talking about the mission, some of the opportunities that are there, have the opportunity to meet some of our international students that are on campus as well,” Wilson says. “Really it’s more of a meet, greet, introduction, talking about the benefits of international education and the things we do at Missouri Western.”

The Global Center grand opening will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18th in Eder Hall, Room 101 on the Missouri Western campus.

by Sarah Thomack/St. Joseph Post staffA new center on the Missouri Western State University campus will bring together international admissions, student services and study abroad opportunities.University President Matt Wilson says the Global Center will encompass several things including showcasing all the international opportunities available right here in St. Joseph.“We’re putting extra strength and manpower into our Global Center so students can have an international experience on our campus, in terms of courses, activities,” Wilson says. “So what do you do along those lines to make sure we’re building bridges, we’re introducing our students to cultures around the world.”The Global Center on campus will hold its grand opening next week.“We’ll be introducing the staff of the Global Center, we’ll be talking about the mission, some of the opportunities that are there, have the opportunity to meet some of our international students that are on campus as well,” Wilson says. “Really it’s more of a meet, greet, introduction, talking about the benefits of international education and the things we do at Missouri Western.”The Global Center grand opening will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18th in Eder Hall, Room 101 on the Missouri Western campus.

MWSU to open center showcasing international opportunities

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms on a three-year deal that would make Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, the home of Chiefs training camp through the 2022 season. The agreement includes an option to extend the partnership an additional two years after 2022.

As part of the new agreement, Missouri Western is making a number of updates to better serve fans, the club, the community and Missouri Western students. Most notably, this includes the development of a new seating area on the north end of the existing practice fields to better accommodate Chiefs fans who are viewing practices. These improvements are already underway and are being completed through a collaboration with the city of St. Joseph and Buchanan County. In addition, the university is taking steps and working with others to renovate Scanlon Hall in preparation for housing Chiefs players, coaches and staff. These updates will benefit both the club and university students. 

“We are thrilled to announce that we will return to Missouri Western State University and the St. Joseph community this summer, and that we will remain there for the foreseeable future,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “Our team researched and reviewed a number of viable options over the past six months.  Through those meetings and discussions, we unanimously decided to return to St. Joseph. I want to thank President Matt Wilson and Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Josh Looney for their leadership throughout this process and we look forward to starting our 2020 season at Missouri Western again this summer.”

“Missouri Western is elated to welcome the champions back home to our campus,” Wilson said. “Working together with the Chiefs over the past decade has clearly been beneficial for the club, the university, our community partners and the state of Missouri.”

“The Chiefs magical Super Bowl season kicked off at Missouri Western, and we hope to see similar results in the future,” Looney said. “We continue to have a tremendously positive relationship with the Chiefs and appreciate the club’s interest in our world-class facilities and beautiful campus. After another outstanding season, we anticipate that excitement will be at an all-time high.” 

The Chiefs have held training camp on the campus of Missouri Western State University every year since 2010, when the club returned its training camp to the state of Missouri for the first time in 20 years. The 2020 edition of Chiefs training camp will mark the 11th-consecutive year at the home of the Griffons. Of the five total training camp sites used throughout franchise history, the 11-year tenure in St. Joseph is the third-longest at any one location.

Dates and additional details for 2020 Chiefs training camp will be announced on www.chiefs.com in mid-June.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms on a three-year deal that would make Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, the home of Chiefs training camp through the 2022 season. The agreement includes an option to extend the partnership an additional two years after 2022.As part of the new agreement, Missouri Western is making a number of updates to better serve fans, the club, the community and Missouri Western students. Most notably, this includes the development of a new seating area on the north end of the existing practice fields to better accommodate Chiefs fans who are viewing practices. These improvements are already underway and are being completed through a collaboration with the city of St. Joseph and Buchanan County. In addition, the university is taking steps and working with others to renovate Scanlon Hall in preparation for housing Chiefs players, coaches and staff. These updates will benefit both the club and university students. “We are thrilled to announce that we will return to Missouri Western State University and the St. Joseph community this summer, and that we will remain there for the foreseeable future,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “Our team researched and reviewed a number of viable options over the past six months. Through those meetings and discussions, we unanimously decided to return to St. Joseph. I want to thank President Matt Wilson and Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Josh Looney for their leadership throughout this process and we look forward to starting our 2020 season at Missouri Western again this summer.”“Missouri Western is elated to welcome the champions back home to our campus,” Wilson said. “Working together with the Chiefs over the past decade has clearly been beneficial for the club, the university, our community partners and the state of Missouri.”“The Chiefs magical Super Bowl season kicked off at Missouri Western, and we hope to see similar results in the future,” Looney said. “We continue to have a tremendously positive relationship with the Chiefs and appreciate the club’s interest in our world-class facilities and beautiful campus. After another outstanding season, we anticipate that excitement will be at an all-time high.” The Chiefs have held training camp on the campus of Missouri Western State University every year since 2010, when the club returned its training camp to the state of Missouri for the first time in 20 years. The 2020 edition of Chiefs training camp will mark the 11th-consecutive year at the home of the Griffons. Of the five total training camp sites used throughout franchise history, the 11-year tenure in St. Joseph is the third-longest at any one location.Dates and additional details for 2020 Chiefs training camp will be announced on www.chiefs.com in mid-June.--- Chiefs Press Release ---

Super Bowl Champs agree to three-year deal to return to MWSU for training camp

BOYS Lafayette 57 (13-9) Mid-Buchanan 41 GIRLS Central 54 (13-10, 5-5 Suburban) Park Hill South 20 Bishop LeBlond 47 (12-11) West Platte 22

BOYS Lafayette 57 (13-9) Mid-Buchanan 41 GIRLS Central 54 (13-10, 5-5 Suburban) Park Hill South 20 Bishop LeBlond 47 (12-11) West Platte 22

City High School Basketball Scores - Monday, February 17

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Devon Dotson had watched Iowa State torch the nets in Allen Fieldhouse long enough, so the do-everything Kansas guard began raining down 3-pointers and getting to the rim in what started out as a one-man scoring showcase.

The rest of the third-ranked Jayhawks eventually followed his lead.

Dotson finished with six 3-pointers and 29 points, but he wound up being just one of five Kansas players in double-figures scoring, helping the Jayhawks to a 91-71 victory over the Cyclones on Monday night to keep pace in the Big 12 race.

"When they're hitting shots like they did, I mean, yeah, we've got to respond," Dotson said. "I think every game we try to knock down our shots, but this game, people were rolling."

Ochai Agbaji finished with 14 points, Udoka Azubuike and Christian Braun scored 13 apiece, and David McCormack had 10 points to send the Jayhawks (23-3, 12-1 Big 12) into a pivotal rematch with No. 1 Baylor with some serious momentum.

The Bears (23-1, 12-0) visit Oklahoma on Tuesday night before facing the Jayhawks at Ferrell Center on Saturday. Kansas hasn't lost since the two teams met at Allen Fieldhouse in mid-January.

"We have a couple days to get rested for obviously the biggest game of the year," Jayhawks coach Bill Self said.

Prentiss Nixon scored 20 points, Matt Jacobson had 13 and Rasir Bolton 12 for the slumping Cyclones (11-15, 4-9), who have lost 14 of their last 15 games at the Phog and still have not won a road game this season.

Their frustrating season was summed up by the first half, when they did just about everything right and still trailed 50-40.

Iowa State was 9 of 12 from beyond the arc in a torrid display of shooting, and at one point connected on 3-pointers on three consecutive trips down floor. The Cyclones committed nine turnovers but generally held onto the ball well, and they also hung tough on the glass against a team with a massive advantage in both size and depth.

Maybe a little better defense would have helped.

As good as the Cyclones were on offense, the Jayhawks were even better. They kept pounding the ball inside to the 7-foot Azubuike, who dunked his way toward 10 first-half points, and that opened things up outside. Dotson had 15 points by the break, and Braun came off the bench to hit a trio of 3-pointers and score 13 points in just 12 minutes.

"The first half I thought offensively we gave ourselves a chance to be in the game," Cyclones coach Steve Prohm said. "You get 40 in a half at this place you'd think you're in pretty good shape."

Iowa State tried to mount a comeback in the second half by getting the ball to Solomon Young, who spent most of the first half on the bench with two fouls. But the big forward was hounded every time he touched the ball and never seemed to get an open look, and that forced the Cyclones into launching up another barrage of 3-pointers.

They also slapped on a full-court press, but crisp passing and Dotson's smooth ball-handling easily broke it down.

The league's leading scorer snuffed out any chance of a comeback midway through the second half. Dotson knocked down a bucket, stripped Nixon near mid-court and took it to the rim for a three-point play, then curled in a 3-pointer from right in front of the Kansas bench to make it 78-55 with just over nine minutes to go.

"We put 40 minutes together we're really good," Nixon said, "but when we play in spurts it's not in our favor. It showed in our performance tonight."

Iowa State was playing its third game without starting guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is out the rest of the season with a fractured wrist. His absence was especially apparent against Dotson, who sliced up the Cyclones' backup guards all night.

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Devon Dotson had watched Iowa State torch the nets in Allen Fieldhouse long enough, so the do-everything Kansas guard began raining down 3-pointers and getting to the rim in what started out as a one-man scoring showcase.The rest of the third-ranked Jayhawks eventually followed his lead.Dotson finished with six 3-pointers and 29 points, but he wound up being just one of five Kansas players in double-figures scoring, helping the Jayhawks to a 91-71 victory over the Cyclones on Monday night to keep pace in the Big 12 race."When they're hitting shots like they did, I mean, yeah, we've got to respond," Dotson said. "I think every game we try to knock down our shots, but this game, people were rolling."Ochai Agbaji finished with 14 points, Udoka Azubuike and Christian Braun scored 13 apiece, and David McCormack had 10 points to send the Jayhawks (23-3, 12-1 Big 12) into a pivotal rematch with No. 1 Baylor with some serious momentum.The Bears (23-1, 12-0) visit Oklahoma on Tuesday night before facing the Jayhawks at Ferrell Center on Saturday. Kansas hasn't lost since the two teams met at Allen Fieldhouse in mid-January."We have a couple days to get rested for obviously the biggest game of the year," Jayhawks coach Bill Self said.Prentiss Nixon scored 20 points, Matt Jacobson had 13 and Rasir Bolton 12 for the slumping Cyclones (11-15, 4-9), who have lost 14 of their last 15 games at the Phog and still have not won a road game this season.Their frustrating season was summed up by the first half, when they did just about everything right and still trailed 50-40.Iowa State was 9 of 12 from beyond the arc in a torrid display of shooting, and at one point connected on 3-pointers on three consecutive trips down floor. The Cyclones committed nine turnovers but generally held onto the ball well, and they also hung tough on the glass against a team with a massive advantage in both size and depth.Maybe a little better defense would have helped.As good as the Cyclones were on offense, the Jayhawks were even better. They kept pounding the ball inside to the 7-foot Azubuike, who dunked his way toward 10 first-half points, and that opened things up outside. Dotson had 15 points by the break, and Braun came off the bench to hit a trio of 3-pointers and score 13 points in just 12 minutes."The first half I thought offensively we gave ourselves a chance to be in the game," Cyclones coach Steve Prohm said. "You get 40 in a half at this place you'd think you're in pretty good shape."Iowa State tried to mount a comeback in the second half by getting the ball to Solomon Young, who spent most of the first half on the bench with two fouls. But the big forward was hounded every time he touched the ball and never seemed to get an open look, and that forced the Cyclones into launching up another barrage of 3-pointers.They also slapped on a full-court press, but crisp passing and Dotson's smooth ball-handling easily broke it down.The league's leading scorer snuffed out any chance of a comeback midway through the second half. Dotson knocked down a bucket, stripped Nixon near mid-court and took it to the rim for a three-point play, then curled in a 3-pointer from right in front of the Kansas bench to make it 78-55 with just over nine minutes to go."We put 40 minutes together we're really good," Nixon said, "but when we play in spurts it's not in our favor. It showed in our performance tonight."BIG PICTUREIowa State was playing its third game without starting guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is out the rest of the season with a fractured wrist. His absence was especially apparent against Dotson, who sliced up the Cyclones' backup guards all night.Kansas rolled to its 800th win in Allen Fieldhouse, which will celebrate its 65th birthday on March 1. The Jayhawks have only lost 114 times in the building. Of those wins, 54 of them have come in 64 games against the Cyclones.RAISING TO THE RAFTERMarcus Morris had his No. 22 jersey added to the jerseys that hang over the south stands of the Phog during a halftime ceremony. Morris was a second-team All-American and Big 12 player of the year during his junior season in 2011 and, with twin brother Markieff Morris, helped the Jayhawks win three regular-season conference titles."This is a big honor for my family," Marcus Morris said. "Coming from Philadelphia, never in our wildest dreams did we think this was possible. Even when we got here, I didn't think it was possible. When I look at the jersey going up there, it represents us both, because without `Kieff it would't have been possible for me either. We accomplished a lot together."UP NEXTIowa State begins a two-game homestand against Texas Tech on Saturday night.Kansas gets a couple extra days before its showdown with the Bears.--- Associated Press ---

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