More snow is headed for northwest Missouri late tonight and early tomorrow. 

National Weather Service Meteorologist Pamela Pietrycha with the Pleasant Hill office says another quick moving system will impact the area tonight and into tomorrow morning. 

"We are a little bit cooler then we have been the last several days," says Pietrycha. "Temperatures tonight will drop into the teens and upper twenties, so any leftover snow from the previous system that's still on the road. This will accumulate on top of it. Roads will still be relatively slick tomorrow morning."

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for most of the area from 9 p.m. tonight through 6 a.m. Wednesday. Pietrycha warns drivers to be mindful of slick roads during the morning commute. St. Joseph and the surrounding area could see around 1-3 inches of additional snow. Winter weather has already forced school closures yesterday and today.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H has responded to 108 calls for service, 53 stranded motorists, 25 non-injury traffic crashes, one injury traffic accident, and there have not been any fatalities since the snow began yesterday. 

By WHITNEE ICE St. Joseph PostMore snow is headed for northwest Missouri late tonight and early tomorrow. National Weather Service Meteorologist Pamela Pietrycha with the Pleasant Hill office says another quick moving system will impact the area tonight and into tomorrow morning. "We are a little bit cooler then we have been the last several days," says Pietrycha. "Temperatures tonight will drop into the teens and upper twenties, so any leftover snow from the previous system that's still on the road. This will accumulate on top of it. Roads will still be relatively slick tomorrow morning."A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for most of the area from 9 p.m. tonight through 6 a.m. Wednesday. Pietrycha warns drivers to be mindful of slick roads during the morning commute. St. Joseph and the surrounding area could see around 1-3 inches of additional snow. Winter weather has already forced school closures yesterday and today.Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H has responded to 108 calls for service, 53 stranded motorists, 25 non-injury traffic crashes, one injury traffic accident, and there have not been any fatalities since the snow began yesterday.

Another round of snow headed for northwest Missouri Tuesday night, early Wednesday

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced Heather Dawn Thompson's appointment as Director of the Office of Tribal Relations. USDA says Thompson is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a Harvard Law School graduate, and an expert in American Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and rural tribal economic development. 

With Thompson in place, USDA will return the position directly under the Secretary, “restoring the office’s important government-to-government role.” 

A USDA spokesperson says it's "important to have a Director who can serve as a lead voice on tribal issues, relations and economic development within the Office of the Secretary." 

Most recently, Thompson served as a member of the American Indian Law Practice Group, where she worked on federal Indian law and Tribal agriculture. In the private sector, Thompson was previously a partner at Dentons, where she was one of only a handful of Native American partners at an “AmLaw 100” law firm.

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced Heather Dawn Thompson's appointment as Director of the Office of Tribal Relations. USDA says Thompson is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a Harvard Law School graduate, and an expert in American Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and rural tribal economic development. With Thompson in place, USDA will return the position directly under the Secretary, “restoring the office’s important government-to-government role.” A USDA spokesperson says it's "important to have a Director who can serve as a lead voice on tribal issues, relations and economic development within the Office of the Secretary." Most recently, Thompson served as a member of the American Indian Law Practice Group, where she worked on federal Indian law and Tribal agriculture. In the private sector, Thompson was previously a partner at Dentons, where she was one of only a handful of Native American partners at an “AmLaw 100” law firm.

USDA announces Heather Dawn Thompson as director, Office of Tribal Relations

The National FFA Organization will again hold Give FFA Day. In 2020, through generous donations from FFA supporters, students and teachers across the country were able to continue to make a difference.&nbsp; 

Once again, during National FFA Week, individuals will have an opportunity to step up and support FFA and agricultural education through Give FFA Day on Thursday, February 25. This year, the organization has a goal of getting 1,500 donors during the 24-hour period. 

FFA corporate partners will also participate in increasing contributions by matching them dollar-for-dollar on Give FFA Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first $25,000 donated will be matched by Carhartt, and the second $25,000 will be matched by John Deere. 

Other challenges will be announced throughout the day.&nbsp; In addition, former FFA members and FFA alumni are encouraged to donate $19.71 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National FFA Alumni, which was chartered in 1971. To prepare for Give FFA day, visit FFA.org/GiveFFADay.

The National FFA Organization will again hold Give FFA Day. In 2020, through generous donations from FFA supporters, students and teachers across the country were able to continue to make a difference.&nbsp; Once again, during National FFA Week, individuals will have an opportunity to step up and support FFA and agricultural education through Give FFA Day on Thursday, February 25. This year, the organization has a goal of getting 1,500 donors during the 24-hour period. FFA corporate partners will also participate in increasing contributions by matching them dollar-for-dollar on Give FFA Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first $25,000 donated will be matched by Carhartt, and the second $25,000 will be matched by John Deere. Other challenges will be announced throughout the day.&nbsp; In addition, former FFA members and FFA alumni are encouraged to donate $19.71 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National FFA Alumni, which was chartered in 1971. To prepare for Give FFA day, visit FFA.org/GiveFFADay.

Growing the future of agriculture through give FFA day

President Joe Biden spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday in his first call with a foreign official. The leaders discussed combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening economic ties, defense and climate change. 

They also discussed the U.S.-Canada supply chain, along with promoting and protecting the economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada, including bilateral trade and energy commitments. 

Trudeau raised Canada’s disappointment with the United States’ decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, underscoring “the important economic and energy security benefits of our bilateral energy relationship,” as well as his support for energy workers. Biden halted construction on the controversial pipeline via an executive order on his first day in office. 

The White House noted Biden acknowledged the disappointment regarding the decision, adding Biden "reaffirmed his commitment to maintain an active bilateral dialogue and to further deepen cooperation with Canada.” The two leaders agreed to meet next month to continue the dialogue.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday in his first call with a foreign official. The leaders discussed combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening economic ties, defense and climate change. They also discussed the U.S.-Canada supply chain, along with promoting and protecting the economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada, including bilateral trade and energy commitments. Trudeau raised Canada’s disappointment with the United States’ decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, underscoring “the important economic and energy security benefits of our bilateral energy relationship,” as well as his support for energy workers. Biden halted construction on the controversial pipeline via an executive order on his first day in office. The White House noted Biden acknowledged the disappointment regarding the decision, adding Biden "reaffirmed his commitment to maintain an active bilateral dialogue and to further deepen cooperation with Canada.” The two leaders agreed to meet next month to continue the dialogue.&nbsp;

Biden speaks with Canada’s Trudeau

Meatpacker JBS and chicken company Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation say they’ll pay 100 dollars to American workers who voluntarily get the COVID-19 vaccine. Yahoo News Dot Com says thousands of U.S. meatpacking workers were infected last year, so the bonus will hopefully encourage employees to get the inoculations. 

COVID outbreaks temporarily halted most meat production in the spring of 2020, which pushed meat prices higher as supplies tightened up on consumers. Company surveys already show that between 60 and 90 percent of their employees at different facilities were willing to be vaccinated. 

The companies launched educational efforts to promote the vaccine as a positive step for their employees, some of whom are immigrants from around the world. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, food and agricultural workers will receive the vaccine during a later phase of the rollout, after healthcare workers and people over 75 years old. Rival company Tyson Foods said late last week that it will offer the vaccines on-site at its facilities, so employees can get inoculated while they’re at work.

Meatpacker JBS and chicken company Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation say they’ll pay 100 dollars to American workers who voluntarily get the COVID-19 vaccine. Yahoo News Dot Com says thousands of U.S. meatpacking workers were infected last year, so the bonus will hopefully encourage employees to get the inoculations. COVID outbreaks temporarily halted most meat production in the spring of 2020, which pushed meat prices higher as supplies tightened up on consumers. Company surveys already show that between 60 and 90 percent of their employees at different facilities were willing to be vaccinated. The companies launched educational efforts to promote the vaccine as a positive step for their employees, some of whom are immigrants from around the world. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, food and agricultural workers will receive the vaccine during a later phase of the rollout, after healthcare workers and people over 75 years old. Rival company Tyson Foods said late last week that it will offer the vaccines on-site at its facilities, so employees can get inoculated while they’re at work.

JBS offers bonuses to workers who get vaccinated against COVID-19

During the recent National Biodiesel Conference and Expo, the National Biodiesel Board celebrated the industry’s many achievements in the face of adversity. The NBB hosted more than 550 biodiesel and renewable diesel producers, distributors, retailers, and other industry advocates and partners to talk about the direction of the industry. 

The NBB has set a goal of six billion gallons of production by 2030. “Our industry has seen its fair share of challenges over the years, but I am proud to say that the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries never gave up, even in the middle of a pandemic,” says NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen. 

“Our members continually beat expectations year after year, and there’s a lot to be excited about as we move forward.” The group shared updates from each of its core program areas, including federal affairs. 

“Emerging proposals in Washington that would decarbonize the energy and ag sectors, modernize transportation infrastructure, and incentivize research and development can provide new market opportunities for biodiesel,” says Kurt Kovarik, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. 

The group also discussed state programs that are driving demand for a low-carbon future, as well as sustainability, communications, and outreach and development programs.

During the recent National Biodiesel Conference and Expo, the National Biodiesel Board celebrated the industry’s many achievements in the face of adversity. The NBB hosted more than 550 biodiesel and renewable diesel producers, distributors, retailers, and other industry advocates and partners to talk about the direction of the industry. The NBB has set a goal of six billion gallons of production by 2030. “Our industry has seen its fair share of challenges over the years, but I am proud to say that the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries never gave up, even in the middle of a pandemic,” says NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen. “Our members continually beat expectations year after year, and there’s a lot to be excited about as we move forward.” The group shared updates from each of its core program areas, including federal affairs. “Emerging proposals in Washington that would decarbonize the energy and ag sectors, modernize transportation infrastructure, and incentivize research and development can provide new market opportunities for biodiesel,” says Kurt Kovarik, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. The group also discussed state programs that are driving demand for a low-carbon future, as well as sustainability, communications, and outreach and development programs.

Biodiesel industry looking for progress in 2021

Industry insiders tell Reuters that a new form of African swine fever is popping up on Chinese pig farms. The timing is not good for the world’s biggest pork producer that’s still trying to recover from a devastating epidemic. 

Two new strains of African Swine Fever have infected over 1,000 sows on several farms owned by China’s fourth-largest pork producer. It’s also showing up in pigs being fattened for the firm by contract farmers. 

A company spokesperson says the disease isn’t quite the same as the wild African Swine Fever Virus because the new variant doesn’t kill the large number of pigs that China lost in 2018 and 2019. The new strain causes a chronic condition that reduces the number of healthy piglets born to sows. 

But infected pigs are culled from herds to prevent the spread, which makes the disease ultimately fatal. Many Chinese farmers turned to unapproved products to help protect their animals.&nbsp; Chinese experts fear the illicit vaccines created accidental infections that have begun to spread. There’s no approved vaccine for ASF, which is not harmful to humans.

Industry insiders tell Reuters that a new form of African swine fever is popping up on Chinese pig farms. The timing is not good for the world’s biggest pork producer that’s still trying to recover from a devastating epidemic. Two new strains of African Swine Fever have infected over 1,000 sows on several farms owned by China’s fourth-largest pork producer. It’s also showing up in pigs being fattened for the firm by contract farmers. A company spokesperson says the disease isn’t quite the same as the wild African Swine Fever Virus because the new variant doesn’t kill the large number of pigs that China lost in 2018 and 2019. The new strain causes a chronic condition that reduces the number of healthy piglets born to sows. But infected pigs are culled from herds to prevent the spread, which makes the disease ultimately fatal. Many Chinese farmers turned to unapproved products to help protect their animals.&nbsp; Chinese experts fear the illicit vaccines created accidental infections that have begun to spread. There’s no approved vaccine for ASF, which is not harmful to humans.

New Swine Fever Virus affecting chinese herds

Following the executive orders signed by President Joe Biden, a group of Republican Senators announced opposition to the halting of construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. 

The effort was led by Senator Steve Daines of Montana and Republicans from Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma and North Dakota. Several other western senators are expected to sign on to legislation Daines will introduce to authorize the pipeline's continued construction. 

In a statement, the Senators say, “It’s only day one, and with the stroke of a pen, Biden has already taken steps to kill American energy projects.”&nbsp;

The Senators claim revoking the Keystone XL Pipeline will drive up the price of gas at the pump, cost thousands of jobs, crush the energy industry and put the country back on a path to dependence on foreign oil.&nbsp; The pipeline is also a priority for Canada. President Biden is expected to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by phone Friday.

Following the executive orders signed by President Joe Biden, a group of Republican Senators announced opposition to the halting of construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The effort was led by Senator Steve Daines of Montana and Republicans from Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma and North Dakota. Several other western senators are expected to sign on to legislation Daines will introduce to authorize the pipeline's continued construction. In a statement, the Senators say, “It’s only day one, and with the stroke of a pen, Biden has already taken steps to kill American energy projects.”&nbsp;The Senators claim revoking the Keystone XL Pipeline will drive up the price of gas at the pump, cost thousands of jobs, crush the energy industry and put the country back on a path to dependence on foreign oil.&nbsp; The pipeline is also a priority for Canada. President Biden is expected to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by phone Friday.

Republican senators criticize Biden action on Keystone XL Pipeline

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered a temporary block to last-minute small refinery waivers issued by the Trump administration. 

The stay is in response to an emergency motion filed Tuesday evening by the Renewable Fuels Associations. Thursday, the court ordered that the Environmental Protection Agency action to grant three small refinery petitions must be “administratively stayed pending further order of the court.” 

The order prevents EPA from further processing the small refinery exemptions, at least until the court has had “sufficient opportunity to consider the emergency motion for stay.” EPA has until February 3 to respond to the motion, and any replies are due to the court by February 10. 

The stay was issued roughly 36 hours after EPA approved two 2019 waiver petitions and one 2018 petition, which—if allowed to stand—would waive another 260 million gallons of Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says, “We took this action immediately to prevent the agency from doing further economic damage.”

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered a temporary block to last-minute small refinery waivers issued by the Trump administration. The stay is in response to an emergency motion filed Tuesday evening by the Renewable Fuels Associations. Thursday, the court ordered that the Environmental Protection Agency action to grant three small refinery petitions must be “administratively stayed pending further order of the court.” The order prevents EPA from further processing the small refinery exemptions, at least until the court has had “sufficient opportunity to consider the emergency motion for stay.” EPA has until February 3 to respond to the motion, and any replies are due to the court by February 10. The stay was issued roughly 36 hours after EPA approved two 2019 waiver petitions and one 2018 petition, which—if allowed to stand—would waive another 260 million gallons of Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says, “We took this action immediately to prevent the agency from doing further economic damage.”

D.C. Circuit Court stays last-minute EPA waivers

President Joe Biden designated acting leaders to federal agencies to oversee the government until his political appointments are confirmed upon taking office. Biden assigned Kevin Shea as the acting Agriculture Secretary. 

Shea will assume the duties until the Senate confirms Biden’s pick, Tom Vilsack, for the top post at USDA. Shea has been administrator of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service since 2013. Vilsack is well-known to agriculture, serving as the Obama administration’s Agriculture Secretary. 

Biden also appointed Jane Nishida as acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. She is the Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator in the EPA Office of International and Tribal Affairs. 

She will assume the duties until Michael Regan, Biden’s pick to head the EPA, can be confirmed. Regan spent more than nine years working for the EPA under the Clinton and Bush administrations, and eight years at the Environmental Defense Fund. Regen has spent the last four years leading the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

President Joe Biden designated acting leaders to federal agencies to oversee the government until his political appointments are confirmed upon taking office. Biden assigned Kevin Shea as the acting Agriculture Secretary. Shea will assume the duties until the Senate confirms Biden’s pick, Tom Vilsack, for the top post at USDA. Shea has been administrator of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service since 2013. Vilsack is well-known to agriculture, serving as the Obama administration’s Agriculture Secretary. Biden also appointed Jane Nishida as acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. She is the Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator in the EPA Office of International and Tribal Affairs. She will assume the duties until Michael Regan, Biden’s pick to head the EPA, can be confirmed. Regan spent more than nine years working for the EPA under the Clinton and Bush administrations, and eight years at the Environmental Defense Fund. Regen has spent the last four years leading the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Biden names acting federal agency leaders

The Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition for review and an emergency motion to stay the effectiveness of three small refinery exemptions granted Tuesday. 

The Environmental Protection Agency announced the waivers with less than 24 hours remaining in the Trump administration. RFA’s emergency motion says, “EPA’s decision will inflict substantial, immediate, and irreversible harm.” 

Data released by EPA Tuesday evening show that the two 2019 compliance exemptions reduced that year’s RFS standards by 150 million gallons, while one 2018 exemption erased 110 million gallons of renewable fuel requirements. The total eliminated volume of 260 million gallons is equivalent to shutting down three or four ethanol plants for a full year, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. 

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the waivers "are completely without legal merit," adding the organization's request seeks to immediately prevent the agency from doing further economic damage to the ethanol industry.

The Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition for review and an emergency motion to stay the effectiveness of three small refinery exemptions granted Tuesday. The Environmental Protection Agency announced the waivers with less than 24 hours remaining in the Trump administration. RFA’s emergency motion says, “EPA’s decision will inflict substantial, immediate, and irreversible harm.” Data released by EPA Tuesday evening show that the two 2019 compliance exemptions reduced that year’s RFS standards by 150 million gallons, while one 2018 exemption erased 110 million gallons of renewable fuel requirements. The total eliminated volume of 260 million gallons is equivalent to shutting down three or four ethanol plants for a full year, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the waivers "are completely without legal merit," adding the organization's request seeks to immediately prevent the agency from doing further economic damage to the ethanol industry.

RFA files petition and emergency motion to halt last-minute SREs

COVID-19
hospitalizations continue to drop as Mosaic Life Care reports fewer than 30
coronavirus patients in its system for the first time in months.

Mosaic is treating just 24 COVID-19 patients in St. Joseph, with one in Albany and none in Maryville.

Mosaic
reported 94 COVID-19 patients in its system in mid-November.

On Tuesday, St. Joseph health officials report only 18 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County and no new deaths. The county has seen over 96-hundred total cases and 153 deaths.

Andrew
County reports six new cases, bringing its total to 1,901 with 18 deaths. Gentry County reports 15 new cases for a total of 748.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 874 total cases.

Missouri
health officials report 1,079 new cases Tuesday (451,493 total) and 133 new deaths (6,686 total).

In
Kansas, health officials report a total of 269,255 cases resulting in 3,622
deaths.

By BRENT MARTIN and TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostCOVID-19
hospitalizations continue to drop as Mosaic Life Care reports fewer than 30
coronavirus patients in its system for the first time in months.Mosaic is treating just 24 COVID-19 patients in St. Joseph, with one in Albany and none in Maryville.Mosaic
reported 94 COVID-19 patients in its system in mid-November.On Tuesday, St. Joseph health officials report only 18 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County and no new deaths. The county has seen over 96-hundred total cases and 153 deaths.Andrew
County reports six new cases, bringing its total to 1,901 with 18 deaths. Gentry County reports 15 new cases for a total of 748.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 874 total cases.Missouri
health officials report 1,079 new cases Tuesday (451,493 total) and 133 new deaths (6,686 total).In
Kansas, health officials report a total of 269,255 cases resulting in 3,622
deaths.

COVID-19 hospitalizations, new cases dropping locally

The Missouri State Auditor’s office received a whistleblower complaint from the city of St. Joseph last January, alleging several accounting deficiencies and irregularities in the city’s financial systems.

During the initial review, the city contracted with an independent CPA firm, Plante Moran, to provide assessment on the city’s financial functions and to find areas of improvement for efficiency and management practices.

This past June, the state auditor's office informed the city that they'd delay a final decision on performing the audit until they could review the assessment report from Plante Moran, as well as the city's annual financial statement audit.

The state auditor’s office conducted a review of the complaint with both the city and the whistleblower, and was&nbsp;provided the assessment report, from Plante Moran, along with the recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report completed by CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), LLP.

To avoid duplication of efforts by two independent audit firms, and to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars, the state auditor's office thought it best to close the matter and not conduct additional audit work. 

Upon further review, the state auditor concluded that the concerns in the complaint have been addressed, and no additional audit work is required.

"(The city) needed to conclude the private audit that they were doing and make sure that it addressed what needed to be looked at," said Steph Deidrick, who's the state auditor's press secretary. "We don't want to duplicate efforts. Ultimately, it's all taxpayer dollars - whether our office does it or whether the city pays a private entity to do it."

Mayor Bill McMurray was confident in the results and is pleased the matter is now closed.

“The council took the allegations seriously and was committed to an independent firm completing a review of them,” McMurray said in a statement. “Having these independent audits reinforces the efficiency and effectiveness of how we do business, as well as identifies ways in which we can always improve on those functions.”

You can follow St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri State Auditor’s office received a whistleblower complaint from the city of St. Joseph last January, alleging several accounting deficiencies and irregularities in the city’s financial systems.During the initial review, the city contracted with an independent CPA firm, Plante Moran, to provide assessment on the city’s financial functions and to find areas of improvement for efficiency and management practices.This past June, the state auditor's office informed the city that they'd delay a final decision on performing the audit until they could review the assessment report from Plante Moran, as well as the city's annual financial statement audit.The state auditor’s office conducted a review of the complaint with both the city and the whistleblower, and was&nbsp;provided the assessment report, from Plante Moran, along with the recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report completed by CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), LLP.To avoid duplication of efforts by two independent audit firms, and to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars, the state auditor's office thought it best to close the matter and not conduct additional audit work. Upon further review, the state auditor concluded that the concerns in the complaint have been addressed, and no additional audit work is required."(The city) needed to conclude the private audit that they were doing and make sure that it addressed what needed to be looked at," said Steph Deidrick, who's the state auditor's press secretary. "We don't want to duplicate efforts. Ultimately, it's all taxpayer dollars - whether our office does it or whether the city pays a private entity to do it."Mayor Bill McMurray was confident in the results and is pleased the matter is now closed.“The council took the allegations seriously and was committed to an independent firm completing a review of them,” McMurray said in a statement. “Having these independent audits reinforces the efficiency and effectiveness of how we do business, as well as identifies ways in which we can always improve on those functions.”You can follow St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<div><div id="fb-root"></div>
<script async defer crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v9.0" nonce="wYpKhDog"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/stjoemo/posts/10159373374564626" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/stjoemo/posts/10159373374564626" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">Early last year, the Missouri State Auditor’s office received a whistleblower complaint alleging numerous accounting...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stjoemo/">City of St. Joseph, MO Government</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/stjoemo/posts/10159373374564626">Monday, January 25, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>

Whistleblower complaints addressed by city of St. Joseph, per state auditor's office

The Tri-County Health Department in northwest Missouri continues to see a high demand for the COVID-19 vaccine among those who are eligible to receive it.

Due to the high interest, the Department has closed its COVID vaccine waiting list, which now has over 1,400 people on it.

Tri-County Health administrator Teresa McDonald says that patients will soon be able to schedule vaccine appointments on their own, and the wait list would just create more hassle.

"That's going to take us a little bit to get through (the 1,400 people)," McDonald said. "By the time we get through it, we'll have a program coming in where people can just get on there and schedule their own appointments. So really, it'd just be double work for us to continue the list at this point."

Those who are on Tri-County's vaccine waiting list will receive a call once an appointment is available.

Once the 1,400 people on the list are taken care of, Tri-County will then share a link on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept">their Facebook page</a> for people to make their own appointments.

Tri-County was <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/cd94d0a0-7595-45f2-b3ac-9623e4cc21b1">denied a shipment of COVID vaccine</a> from the state last week, but Mosaic Life Care provided them 130 doses to help finish vaccinating those in Phase 1a, particularly first responders in DeKalb, Gentry and Worth counties.

McDonald says Tri-County is now working with Mosaic on a mass vaccination clinic in Albany which is set for Monday, Feb. 1.

"With us only having three vaccinators in office, the collaboration with Mosaic will be essential to us," McDonald said. "With that large clinic, we're looking to vaccinate 540 people on that day."

In addition, Tri-County is receiving an additional 600 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from the state this week, which will help make up for any delays in Phase 1b vaccinations. Phase 1b includes anyone age 65 or older and adults who are considered high-risk.

"I think with all of the factors coming into play, we're going to see things kind of snowball from here," McDonald said, in reference to the number of people getting vaccines. "It's a combination of factors that have made it so slow thus far."

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

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Tri-County Health Department in northwest Missouri continues to see a high demand for the COVID-19 vaccine among those who are eligible to receive it.Due to the high interest, the Department has closed its COVID vaccine waiting list, which now has over 1,400 people on it.Tri-County Health administrator Teresa McDonald says that patients will soon be able to schedule vaccine appointments on their own, and the wait list would just create more hassle."That's going to take us a little bit to get through (the 1,400 people)," McDonald said. "By the time we get through it, we'll have a program coming in where people can just get on there and schedule their own appointments. So really, it'd just be double work for us to continue the list at this point."Those who are on Tri-County's vaccine waiting list will receive a call once an appointment is available.Once the 1,400 people on the list are taken care of, Tri-County will then share a link on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept">their Facebook page</a> for people to make their own appointments.Tri-County was <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/cd94d0a0-7595-45f2-b3ac-9623e4cc21b1">denied a shipment of COVID vaccine</a> from the state last week, but Mosaic Life Care provided them 130 doses to help finish vaccinating those in Phase 1a, particularly first responders in DeKalb, Gentry and Worth counties.McDonald says Tri-County is now working with Mosaic on a mass vaccination clinic in Albany which is set for Monday, Feb. 1."With us only having three vaccinators in office, the collaboration with Mosaic will be essential to us," McDonald said. "With that large clinic, we're looking to vaccinate 540 people on that day."In addition, Tri-County is receiving an additional 600 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from the state this week, which will help make up for any delays in Phase 1b vaccinations. Phase 1b includes anyone age 65 or older and adults who are considered high-risk."I think with all of the factors coming into play, we're going to see things kind of snowball from here," McDonald said, in reference to the number of people getting vaccines. "It's a combination of factors that have made it so slow thus far."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<div><div id="fb-root"></div>
<script async defer crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v9.0" nonce="4R4LbC06"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/posts/3804562006266916" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/posts/3804562006266916" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">We hope everyone is staying safe and warm on this snowy day! We wanted to provide an update on vaccination efforts in...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/">Tri-County Health Department</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/posts/3804562006266916">Monday, January 25, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>

Tri-County Health pauses COVID vaccine waiting list, planning vaccine clinic in Albany

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer is hopeful
mass COVID-19 vaccinations will put the county over the hump in fighting the
coronavirus pandemic.

Mosaic has begun vaccinating residents in Phase 1B, which
includes those 65 or older and any adult considered high-risk due to their health
condition.

Sawyer sees vaccinations as a game changer.

“I’m excited about it,” Sawyer tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “This could really help us get to that horizon we’ve been talking
about with brighter days.”

It could take between 50-and-53,000 Buchanan County residents
to be vaccinated for the county to reach herd immunity against the virus.

The state allocated Buchanan County $10.2 million from the
CARES Act funding approved by Congress for Missouri.

Sawyer says it doesn’t appear the county will receive additional
money even if Congress acts on a proposal by President Joe Biden for more
COVID-19 funding.

“We have not seen anything that would indicate that we would be
getting additional funding,” according to Sawyer. “We just don’t have anything
that has shown that or we haven’t been able to get anything that would lead us
to believe that we would be getting more.”

Sawyer says he is proud of how the County Commission worked to
distribute the money provided it from the CARES Act. The state distributed the
COVID-19 relief funds to counties based on their population. Sawyer says the
commission made sure each school district in the county got funding, that
businesses got some relief, among others.

“We did stuff with the city fire department, helping them. The
police department, their emergency communications center, they didn’t have (an)
ability to separate people with the way they were configured and so we were
able to help with that,” Sawyer says.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer is hopeful
mass COVID-19 vaccinations will put the county over the hump in fighting the
coronavirus pandemic.Mosaic has begun vaccinating residents in Phase 1B, which
includes those 65 or older and any adult considered high-risk due to their health
condition.Sawyer sees vaccinations as a game changer.“I’m excited about it,” Sawyer tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “This could really help us get to that horizon we’ve been talking
about with brighter days.”It could take between 50-and-53,000 Buchanan County residents
to be vaccinated for the county to reach herd immunity against the virus.The state allocated Buchanan County $10.2 million from the
CARES Act funding approved by Congress for Missouri.Sawyer says it doesn’t appear the county will receive additional
money even if Congress acts on a proposal by President Joe Biden for more
COVID-19 funding.“We have not seen anything that would indicate that we would be
getting additional funding,” according to Sawyer. “We just don’t have anything
that has shown that or we haven’t been able to get anything that would lead us
to believe that we would be getting more.”Sawyer says he is proud of how the County Commission worked to
distribute the money provided it from the CARES Act. The state distributed the
COVID-19 relief funds to counties based on their population. Sawyer says the
commission made sure each school district in the county got funding, that
businesses got some relief, among others.“We did stuff with the city fire department, helping them. The
police department, their emergency communications center, they didn’t have (an)
ability to separate people with the way they were configured and so we were
able to help with that,” Sawyer says.

Vaccinations could help turn corner in fight against coronavirus pandemic

Wintry weather should be exiting today after
hanging around this morning. There is a chance of snow overnight, but little
more accumulation is expected.

There is a chance of snow this morning, then cloudy with a
high of 28.

Snow is possible overnight with little accumulation expected a
low of 18.

Cloudy tomorrow, gradually becoming sunny with a high near 25.

Several area schools have canceled classes today.

St. Joseph schools will switch to online learning today, after
canceling in-person classes.

St. Joseph Catholic schools have
canceled classes today as well.

Northwest Missouri State
University will open its Maryville campus at 11 o'clock this morning.

Click <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/569e31a0-9b55-4bc5-a4b4-3bda13d69dac">here</a> for a full list of cancellations.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWintry weather should be exiting today after
hanging around this morning. There is a chance of snow overnight, but little
more accumulation is expected.There is a chance of snow this morning, then cloudy with a
high of 28.Snow is possible overnight with little accumulation expected a
low of 18.Cloudy tomorrow, gradually becoming sunny with a high near 25.Several area schools have canceled classes today.St. Joseph schools will switch to online learning today, after
canceling in-person classes.St. Joseph Catholic schools have
canceled classes today as well.Northwest Missouri State
University will open its Maryville campus at 11 o'clock this morning.Click <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/569e31a0-9b55-4bc5-a4b4-3bda13d69dac">here</a> for a full list of cancellations.

Wintry weather should be leaving area; area schools cancel classes today

ROME (AP) — The Vatican has essentially slapped a retired U.S. bishop on the wrist for “flagrant" imprudent behavior with teenagers, even though a diocesan review board determined a half-dozen allegations of sexual abuse against him were credible.

<a href="https://kcsjcatholic.org/2021/01/update-allegations-bp-hart/">Click here to read </a>a statement from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph on the news.

The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith cleared retired Cheyenne, Wyoming Bishop Joseph Hart of seven accusations abuse, determined that five others couldn’t be proven “with moral certitude” and that two cases involving boys, who were 16 and 17, couldn’t be prosecuted given the Catholic Church didn’t consider them minors at the time of the alleged abuse, the diocese reported Monday. Another allegation wasn’t addressed in the decree.

Hart, 89, had long maintained his innocence and denied all allegations of misconduct.

The Vatican decision clearly disappointed Hart’s successor, Bishop Steven Biegler, who stressed that the Vatican’s findings didn’t mean Hart was innocent, just that the Holy See determined that the high burden of proof hadn’t been met.

Biegler has previously stood by the findings of his review board, and a diocesan statement noted the qualifications of its members: “law enforcement; school administration; a doctor of psychology; a pediatrician; a psychotherapist, who treats sexually abused children; and a judge, who was a criminal prosecutor for 13 years involving crimes against children, primarily child sexual abuse.”

On the other hand, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, or CDF, relies on the judgment of priests and bishop canon lawyers, and ultimately the pope. The Vatican for decades has been blasted by victims’ groups for giving bishops a pass when they have been accused of sexual abuse themselves or of covering it up.

A few exceptions have been made in recent years, most famously in the case of ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was defrocked after the CDF determined he had abused minors as well as adults, including during confession — essentially the same allegations against Hart.

As a result, the sentence showed the arbitrary nature of Vatican’s canonical sex abuse judgments, which aren't public. Hart’s previous diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph reached court settlements years ago with at least 10 victims. But Wyoming criminal prosecutors also decided last year not to proceed with charging Hart.

In its decree, the CDF rebuked Hart “for his flagrant lack of prudence as a priest and bishop for being alone with minors in his private residence and on various trips which could have been potential occasions endangering the ‘obligation to observe continence’ and that would ‘give rise to scandal among the faithful,'” the diocese said.

Hart was also rebuked for failing to observe previous Vatican restrictions prohibiting him from having contact with minors and seminarians and from participating in public engagements, the diocese said, adding that those restrictions remain in place.

“Today, I want the survivors to know that I support and believe you” Biegler said in a statement. “I understand that this announcement will not bring closure to the survivors, their family members, Bishop Hart and all those affected.”

Hart was a priest in Kansas City, Missouri, for 21 years before moving to Wyoming, where he served as auxiliary and then full bishop from 1976 until his retirement in 2001. The first known allegations against Hart dated to the early 1960s and were made in the late 1980s. At least six men came forward in the past few years to say Hart abused them in Wyoming.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584382944581.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) — The Vatican has essentially slapped a retired U.S. bishop on the wrist for “flagrant" imprudent behavior with teenagers, even though a diocesan review board determined a half-dozen allegations of sexual abuse against him were credible.<a href="https://kcsjcatholic.org/2021/01/update-allegations-bp-hart/">Click here to read </a>a statement from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph on the news.The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith cleared retired Cheyenne, Wyoming Bishop Joseph Hart of seven accusations abuse, determined that five others couldn’t be proven “with moral certitude” and that two cases involving boys, who were 16 and 17, couldn’t be prosecuted given the Catholic Church didn’t consider them minors at the time of the alleged abuse, the diocese reported Monday. Another allegation wasn’t addressed in the decree.Hart, 89, had long maintained his innocence and denied all allegations of misconduct.The Vatican decision clearly disappointed Hart’s successor, Bishop Steven Biegler, who stressed that the Vatican’s findings didn’t mean Hart was innocent, just that the Holy See determined that the high burden of proof hadn’t been met.Biegler has previously stood by the findings of his review board, and a diocesan statement noted the qualifications of its members: “law enforcement; school administration; a doctor of psychology; a pediatrician; a psychotherapist, who treats sexually abused children; and a judge, who was a criminal prosecutor for 13 years involving crimes against children, primarily child sexual abuse.”On the other hand, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, or CDF, relies on the judgment of priests and bishop canon lawyers, and ultimately the pope. The Vatican for decades has been blasted by victims’ groups for giving bishops a pass when they have been accused of sexual abuse themselves or of covering it up.A few exceptions have been made in recent years, most famously in the case of ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was defrocked after the CDF determined he had abused minors as well as adults, including during confession — essentially the same allegations against Hart.As a result, the sentence showed the arbitrary nature of Vatican’s canonical sex abuse judgments, which aren't public. Hart’s previous diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph reached court settlements years ago with at least 10 victims. But Wyoming criminal prosecutors also decided last year not to proceed with charging Hart.In its decree, the CDF rebuked Hart “for his flagrant lack of prudence as a priest and bishop for being alone with minors in his private residence and on various trips which could have been potential occasions endangering the ‘obligation to observe continence’ and that would ‘give rise to scandal among the faithful,'” the diocese said.Hart was also rebuked for failing to observe previous Vatican restrictions prohibiting him from having contact with minors and seminarians and from participating in public engagements, the diocese said, adding that those restrictions remain in place.“Today, I want the survivors to know that I support and believe you” Biegler said in a statement. “I understand that this announcement will not bring closure to the survivors, their family members, Bishop Hart and all those affected.”Hart was a priest in Kansas City, Missouri, for 21 years before moving to Wyoming, where he served as auxiliary and then full bishop from 1976 until his retirement in 2001. The first known allegations against Hart dated to the early 1960s and were made in the late 1980s. At least six men came forward in the past few years to say Hart abused them in Wyoming.

Vatican clears former KC Bishop of multiple abuse claims

The St. Joseph City Council
approved the second allocation of CARES Act funding Monday to assist those in the city hit hardest by COVID-19.

The council approved an amount of
just under $370,000 to address the economic, housing and non-housing needs of
low-income residents hit hardest by the pandemic.

This money will be used for rent,
mortgage and utility assistance to be administered by local social service
agencies, primarily CAP St. Joseph, who’s fielded hundreds of calls per day
during the pandemic from people in need of rental assistance.

The
council also appointed Bryan Carter as Interim City Manager until a contract
with a new City Manager becomes effective.

Mayor Bill McMurray hopes to have a
new, full-time city manager by late-May or early June.

Elsehwere in Monday's meeting, St.
Joseph’s Director of Health, Debra Bradley, says there are restrictions at the
state level that hinder vaccination efforts in communities like St. Joseph.&nbsp; 

“We had requested 500 doses to be
received this week and we’re only going to get 200 doses, so they’re cutting
back peoples requests," Bradley said. "I know there are some areas in Northwest Missouri
that their entire request was denied."

Bradley says they're trying to
push the vaccine out as fast as possible.

 Mosaic Life Care currently has enough
vaccine for about 150 people per day. Those eligible to receive the shot includes anyone age 65 or older
and adults with underlying health conditions.

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph City Council
approved the second allocation of CARES Act funding Monday to assist those in the city hit hardest by COVID-19.The council approved an amount of
just under $370,000 to address the economic, housing and non-housing needs of
low-income residents hit hardest by the pandemic.This money will be used for rent,
mortgage and utility assistance to be administered by local social service
agencies, primarily CAP St. Joseph, who’s fielded hundreds of calls per day
during the pandemic from people in need of rental assistance.The
council also appointed Bryan Carter as Interim City Manager until a contract
with a new City Manager becomes effective.Mayor Bill McMurray hopes to have a
new, full-time city manager by late-May or early June.COVID-19 vaccine updateElsehwere in Monday's meeting, St.
Joseph’s Director of Health, Debra Bradley, says there are restrictions at the
state level that hinder vaccination efforts in communities like St. Joseph.&nbsp; “We had requested 500 doses to be
received this week and we’re only going to get 200 doses, so they’re cutting
back peoples requests," Bradley said. "I know there are some areas in Northwest Missouri
that their entire request was denied."Bradley says they're trying to
push the vaccine out as fast as possible. Mosaic Life Care currently has enough
vaccine for about 150 people per day. Those eligible to receive the shot includes anyone age 65 or older
and adults with underlying health conditions.

St. Joseph City Council approves second round of CARES Act funding, appoints interim city manager

School Closings 1/26/2021

The St. Joseph School District Board&nbsp;voted 7-0 Monday night to place a $107 million bond issue before voters on the April 6 ballot.

The proposal would convert Benton &amp; Lafayette High School into middle schools, and keep St. Joseph Central intact.

This would bring the construction of a new high school building, meaning the district would operate two total high schools. A new high school building would take about two years for completion.

The Lafayette and Benton buildings would be renovated, including the upgrade and installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the Central, Lafayette and Benton buildings.

The bond would also include upgrades to athletic facilities and the Hillyard Technical Center, as well as the completion of&nbsp;repairs and improvements to existing facilities in the District.

"If you're going to build a new school, you want to have comparable facilities in your existing school," said St. Joseph superintendent Dr. Doug Van Zyl. "It allows for some of those facilities to be updated and upgraded as well."

Mike Moore, a community member of the district’s Facilities Planning Committee, says this proposal will help students within the district have more equal opportunities.

"We talk about more equal opportunities from school-to-school and we talk about getting the sixth graders out of the elementary schools and into the middle schools," Moore said. "Which, I think is a fantastic idea."

St. Joseph currently has four middle schools. Two of them are grades 6-8 and two are grades 7-8. Van Zyl says this proposal would help the district become more uniform, and also help it take a step forward.

"We'd be able to become a district that's K-5 in elementary, 6-8 in middle school and 9-12 in high school," Van Zyl said. "I also think it's a chance to take a step forward. I think we've been treading water for a long time or maybe taking a step backward when others have been moving forward. This is an opportunity for the community to take a look at how do they really feel about their education."

This proposal would, however, also mean a 29-cent increase in the property tax levy.&nbsp;Taxpayers who own a $150,000 home market value in St. Joseph would pay between $80-85 per year in additional county taxes.

Moore contends, however, that the construction of a new high school and renovation of the District's current buildings would benefit the city long-term.

"It checks the box of not only creating some curb appeal, but also demonstrates that commitment that would allow businesses to recruit to St. Joe in the future," Moore said. "Even more than that, I think it's good for kids." 

We want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on the board's decision Monday? Send an email to Tommy.Rezac@EagleRadio.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611630476447.jpeg" alt="The St. Joseph School District board of education met Monday and approved a $107 million bond issue that goes before voters in April. The bond would mean the construction of a new high school in St. Joseph. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>The St. Joseph School District board of education met Monday and approved a $107 million bond issue that goes before voters in April. The bond would mean the construction of a new high school in St. Joseph. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School District Board&nbsp;voted 7-0 Monday night to place a $107 million bond issue before voters on the April 6 ballot.The proposal would convert Benton &amp; Lafayette High School into middle schools, and keep St. Joseph Central intact.This would bring the construction of a new high school building, meaning the district would operate two total high schools. A new high school building would take about two years for completion.The Lafayette and Benton buildings would be renovated, including the upgrade and installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the Central, Lafayette and Benton buildings.The bond would also include upgrades to athletic facilities and the Hillyard Technical Center, as well as the completion of&nbsp;repairs and improvements to existing facilities in the District."If you're going to build a new school, you want to have comparable facilities in your existing school," said St. Joseph superintendent Dr. Doug Van Zyl. "It allows for some of those facilities to be updated and upgraded as well."Mike Moore, a community member of the district’s Facilities Planning Committee, says this proposal will help students within the district have more equal opportunities."We talk about more equal opportunities from school-to-school and we talk about getting the sixth graders out of the elementary schools and into the middle schools," Moore said. "Which, I think is a fantastic idea."St. Joseph currently has four middle schools. Two of them are grades 6-8 and two are grades 7-8. Van Zyl says this proposal would help the district become more uniform, and also help it take a step forward."We'd be able to become a district that's K-5 in elementary, 6-8 in middle school and 9-12 in high school," Van Zyl said. "I also think it's a chance to take a step forward. I think we've been treading water for a long time or maybe taking a step backward when others have been moving forward. This is an opportunity for the community to take a look at how do they really feel about their education."This proposal would, however, also mean a 29-cent increase in the property tax levy.&nbsp;Taxpayers who own a $150,000 home market value in St. Joseph would pay between $80-85 per year in additional county taxes.Moore contends, however, that the construction of a new high school and renovation of the District's current buildings would benefit the city long-term."It checks the box of not only creating some curb appeal, but also demonstrates that commitment that would allow businesses to recruit to St. Joe in the future," Moore said. "Even more than that, I think it's good for kids." We want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on the board's decision Monday? Send an email to Tommy.Rezac@EagleRadio.net.

Proposal for turning Benton, Lafayette into middle schools heads to April ballot

St. Joseph health officials report two new COVID-19 related deaths in Buchanan County since Friday, putting the county’s death toll at 153.

The latest victims were both women - one in her 80s and another in her 90s. The county has also seen 78 new cases since Friday for a total of 9,587.

As of Saturday, there are 36 patients in the Mosaic Life Care system with 34 patients in St. Joseph, and one in both Maryville and Albany.

Andrew County reports 11 new cases for a total of 1,895.

Statewide, Missouri has seen 4,793 new cases (450,414 total) since Friday along with 26 new deaths (6,553 total).

In Kansas, there have been 2,602 new cases (269,255 total) and 24 new deaths (3,622 total) since Friday. Doniphan County reports 874 cases (+17), Atchison County, KS reports 1,412 cases (+10) and Brown County reports 1,159 cases (+12).

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report two new COVID-19 related deaths in Buchanan County since Friday, putting the county’s death toll at 153.The latest victims were both women - one in her 80s and another in her 90s. The county has also seen 78 new cases since Friday for a total of 9,587.As of Saturday, there are 36 patients in the Mosaic Life Care system with 34 patients in St. Joseph, and one in both Maryville and Albany.Andrew County reports 11 new cases for a total of 1,895.Statewide, Missouri has seen 4,793 new cases (450,414 total) since Friday along with 26 new deaths (6,553 total).In Kansas, there have been 2,602 new cases (269,255 total) and 24 new deaths (3,622 total) since Friday. Doniphan County reports 874 cases (+17), Atchison County, KS reports 1,412 cases (+10) and Brown County reports 1,159 cases (+12).

Two new COVID-19 related deaths reported in Buchanan County

Many schools across northwest Missouri had another snow day Tuesday, forcing further basketball tournament postponements.

Here are the updated brackets that include teams in the KFEQ and St. Joseph Post coverage area.

North Platte tournament (on as scheduled)

Benton vs. Lawson boys will play on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

The Maryville boys will play Chillicothe Tuesday evening at 5:30 in the Cameron middle school gym.

Hamilton tournament - boys and girls

The Hamilton tournament will be played as scheduled with a few modifications:

4:30 Tuesday - East Buchanan vs. Gallatin - girls

5:45 Tuesday - Penney vs. Higginsville - girls

7:00 Tuesday - Penney vs. Gallatin - boys

St. Joseph Christian vs. Union Star will still be Tuesday at 6/7:30 p.m. and Pattonsburg/Princeton will be Saturday at 2/3:30 p.m. It will be a round-robin format. Milan JV @ North Harrison will be played on Wednesday at 6/7:30. East Harrison @ Gilman City will be played Wednesday at 6 and 7:30 as well.

You can follow St. Joseph Post on Twitter @StJosephPost.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMany schools across northwest Missouri had another snow day Tuesday, forcing further basketball tournament postponements.Here are the updated brackets that include teams in the KFEQ and St. Joseph Post coverage area.North Platte tournament (on as scheduled)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tomorrow NP Tournament. At <a href="https://twitter.com/PlattsburgHS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PlattsburgHS</a> Main Gym: Polo vs. Pburg girls at 5 NA vs. Pburg boys at 6:30 Aux Gym MB vs NA girls at 5 MB vs. Polo boys at 6:30 At NP NP vs. WP girls at 4:30 P Valley vs WP boys at 5:45 P Valley vs. MC girls at 7:15 NP vs. MC boys at 8:30&mdash; North Platte Panthers (@PanthersNorth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PanthersNorth/status/1353787291261612033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Northwest Missouri tournament<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611686365233.jpeg" alt="Northwest boys." />
 <figcaption>Northwest boys.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611686380381.jpeg" alt="Northwest girls." />
 <figcaption>Northwest girls.</figcaption>
 </figure>King City tournament - girls<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611686406048.jpeg" alt="King City girls." />
 <figcaption>King City girls.</figcaption>
 </figure>King City tournament - boys<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611686425094.jpeg" alt="King City boys." />
 <figcaption>King City boys.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cameron tournament - boysBenton vs. Lawson boys will play on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.The Maryville boys will play Chillicothe Tuesday evening at 5:30 in the Cameron middle school gym.Updated Cameron girls' bracket<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611689568345.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hamilton tournament - boys and girlsThe Hamilton tournament will be played as scheduled with a few modifications:4:30 Tuesday - East Buchanan vs. Gallatin - girls5:45 Tuesday - Penney vs. Higginsville - girls7:00 Tuesday - Penney vs. Gallatin - boys<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611607052749.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gilman City tournamentSt. Joseph Christian vs. Union Star will still be Tuesday at 6/7:30 p.m. and Pattonsburg/Princeton will be Saturday at 2/3:30 p.m. It will be a round-robin format. Milan JV @ North Harrison will be played on Wednesday at 6/7:30. East Harrison @ Gilman City will be played Wednesday at 6 and 7:30 as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611607517487.png" alt="Gilman 1.png" />
 <figcaption>Gilman 1.png</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611607544225.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow St. Joseph Post on Twitter @StJosephPost.

Basketball tournament update - most area games postponed Tuesday

The Missouri Western men's basketball home game against Northwest Missouri State has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 9 at the MWSU Fieldhouse. The game will tip at 7:00 p.m. and air on KFEQ (680 AM, 95.3 FM). The Griffons and Bearcats were originally scheduled to play Dec. 12, but the game was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols and moved to Jan. 19. That game was also postponed due to COVID. So, the two teams will now play each other twice in a span of four days.

Western will also play its originally scheduled game at Northwest on February 6. That game will start a busy stretch for Missouri Western as they will play six games in 10 days.

Along with the two Northwest games, the Griffons will play a rescheduled home game against Central Oklahoma on February 7, originally scheduled home games against Missouri Southern (Feb. 11) and Pittsburg State (Feb. 13) and a rescheduled home game against Newman on Monday, Feb. 15. Five of the six games during that stretch are at the Fieldhouse. The Griffons, who are 8-2 this season, return to the court this week after pausing team activities last week. Missouri Western heads to Central Missouri (5-8) on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off and then they play at Lincoln (7-3) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missouri Western hasn't played since Jan. 14, when they lost 75-67 at Nebraska-Kearney.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph Post&nbsp;The Missouri Western men's basketball home game against Northwest Missouri State has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 9 at the MWSU Fieldhouse. The game will tip at 7:00 p.m. and air on KFEQ (680 AM, 95.3 FM). The Griffons and Bearcats were originally scheduled to play Dec. 12, but the game was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols and moved to Jan. 19. That game was also postponed due to COVID. So, the two teams will now play each other twice in a span of four days.Western will also play its originally scheduled game at Northwest on February 6. That game will start a busy stretch for Missouri Western as they will play six games in 10 days.Along with the two Northwest games, the Griffons will play a rescheduled home game against Central Oklahoma on February 7, originally scheduled home games against Missouri Southern (Feb. 11) and Pittsburg State (Feb. 13) and a rescheduled home game against Newman on Monday, Feb. 15. Five of the six games during that stretch are at the Fieldhouse. The Griffons, who are 8-2 this season, return to the court this week after pausing team activities last week. Missouri Western heads to Central Missouri (5-8) on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off and then they play at Lincoln (7-3) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;Missouri Western hasn't played since Jan. 14, when they lost 75-67 at Nebraska-Kearney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611685891563.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Missouri Western reschedules men's basketball game against Bearcats

Northwest Missouri State senior forward Ryan Hawkins was named the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;men's basketball athlete of the week Monday. Hawkins averaged 26.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and shot 62.1% from the field, including 64.7% from three-point range, in two Bearcat victories over Newman and Central Oklahoma.

This marks the fifth&nbsp;time in&nbsp;Hawkins's career that he's earned the&nbsp;MIAA's&nbsp;athlete of the week award. Hawkins tallied a season-high 30 points last Thursday against Newman. Hawkins netted his eighth career 30-point game as he drained 11-of-18 field goals and 5-of-9 from deep vs. the Jets. Hawkins then secured his 22nd career double-double with a 23-point, 17-rebound effort vs. Central Oklahoma Saturday. Hawkins made 7-of-11 field goals including 6-of-8 from three-point range. Hawkins is considered among the elite NCAA Division II players in the nation and his name is scattered atop the NCAA's Division II active career leaders in numerous categories. Hawkins Among NCAA Division II Active Career Leaders 1st - Games Played (112) 2nd - Steals (188) 3rd - Rebounds (773) 4th - Field Goals Made (590) 5th - Total Points (1,647) 7th - 3-Point Field Goals Made (227) 9th - Double-Doubles (22) Northwest's 2020-21&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Athlete of the Week Awards Nov. 23 - Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins Dec. 7 - Ryan Hawkins Jan. 18 - Trevor Hudgins Jan. 25 - Ryan Hawkins&nbsp;

St. Joseph PostNorthwest Missouri State senior forward Ryan Hawkins was named the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;men's basketball athlete of the week Monday. Hawkins averaged 26.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and shot 62.1% from the field, including 64.7% from three-point range, in two Bearcat victories over Newman and Central Oklahoma.This marks the fifth&nbsp;time in&nbsp;Hawkins's career that he's earned the&nbsp;MIAA's&nbsp;athlete of the week award. Hawkins tallied a season-high 30 points last Thursday against Newman. Hawkins netted his eighth career 30-point game as he drained 11-of-18 field goals and 5-of-9 from deep vs. the Jets. Hawkins then secured his 22nd career double-double with a 23-point, 17-rebound effort vs. Central Oklahoma Saturday. Hawkins made 7-of-11 field goals including 6-of-8 from three-point range. Hawkins is considered among the elite NCAA Division II players in the nation and his name is scattered atop the NCAA's Division II active career leaders in numerous categories. Hawkins Among NCAA Division II Active Career Leaders 1st - Games Played (112) 2nd - Steals (188) 3rd - Rebounds (773) 4th - Field Goals Made (590) 5th - Total Points (1,647) 7th - 3-Point Field Goals Made (227) 9th - Double-Doubles (22) Northwest's 2020-21&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Athlete of the Week Awards Nov. 23 - Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins Dec. 7 - Ryan Hawkins Jan. 18 - Trevor Hudgins Jan. 25 - Ryan Hawkins&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611610524871.jpeg" alt="Ryan Hawkins." />
 <figcaption>Ryan Hawkins.</figcaption>
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