<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575660847799.jpeg">Sandbagging during the March flooding at Craig/Photo by Brent Martin By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post Missouri’s Congressional delegation is pressing federal officials to be more responsive to northwest Missouri flood victims. Reports have emerged from Washington of the Federal Emergency Management Agency demanding some flood victims return assistance checks, because their damage was determined to have occurred during the period between two presidential disaster declarations. Congressman Sam Graves says the Missouri delegation wants FEMA to revisit thosecases. “Because we have this gap in the state of Missouri in April, it’s a 15-day gap, and FEMA has denied assistance to folks that they determine or they think the flooding came in that 15 days,” Graves tells St. Joseph Post. “When you have water moving down south from significant rain events, you can’t pick and choose what day your levee is going to break and what’s going to happen. It’s still a flood. It’s still a disaster.” The Kansas City Star reported FEMA asked Larry Whetsel to return $12,400 it provided the Craig resident after the federal agency determined the damage to Whetsel’s house didn’t occurred during the two periods covered in the presidential disaster proclamations. The damage fell in that 15-day gap. Graves doesn’t put on the blame of FEMA. He says some of the problem was created by how Missouri made its disaster declaration request. Nevertheless, Graves says FEMA needs to be more sensitive to residents who have lost everything. He says they have been rigid and hard-nosed in their assessment of flood damage. FEMA has been listening, according to the Congressman. “So, we’re trying to change that,” Graves says. “We sent a delegation letter just last week. The entire Missouri delegation is unified on this, Democrats and Republicans, to get this fixed. So, we’re working on it. We’re trying to get that solved. But, that’s probably the biggest complaint coming right now. FEMA is being a little more open about this, but we haven’t gotten them all the way there, yet.” Flooding wrecked the Missouri River levee system. Graves says the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to make repairs. “We’re seeing dirt being moved. We’re seeing holes being closed. It’s happening,” according to Graves. “It’s just the sheer amount of devastation that we had and the number of levee breaches that we have had on the Missouri River, from Omaha south to Kansas City, is just overwhelming.” Graves says the Corps has taken into consideration local input on levee repair. Local officials say it would make more sense to not repair some levees, but rather build new levees in locations which might provide better flood protection. Graves work on some levees must wait until the Missouri River level drops low enough to fully assess the damage. The Army Corps of Engineers has been reducing water releases from Gavins Point Dam, preparing for lower releases during the winter. That has allowed the Missouri River to drop enough to be below flood stage for the first time since March.

Floodwaters recede, but issues remain

CLINTON COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Sunday in Clinton County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford Taurus driven by Ellen M. Butts, 83, Cameron, was westbound on Route BB at CR 19 two miles east of Cameron. The vehicle traveled off the road, struck a fiber optics post and came to rest in a field. Cameron EMS transported Butts to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

83-year-old Missouri woman hospitalized after crash

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 Dec. 9 – 15. Though not listed below, some routes remain closed due to flooding. View all route closed due to flooding at&nbsp;<a href="http://traveler.modot.org/map/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">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.All work is weather permitting and subject to change. Andrew CountyRoute B – Roadside work at County Road 95, Dec. 9U.S. Business Route 71 – Roadside work north of Tuscany Lake Drive, Dec. 10 Atchison CountyRoute 111 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Mill Creek Bridge near Corning. The bridge will remain closed until spring 2020. Buchanan CountyRoute E –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Johnson Road to Route H, Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.I-229 – Bridge maintenance over Poulin Street, Dec. 9 – 13. This will include overnight lane closures. Carroll CountyRoute C –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at the Branch of Turkey Creek Bridge due to damage from flooding. A project to replace the bridge is scheduled to be a part of the February 2020 letting.U.S. Route 65 – Bridge maintenance at the Shootman Creek Bridge and Mound Creek Bridge, Dec. 9 – 13Route V – Bridge maintenance at the Miami Station Branch Bridge, Dec. 9 – 13 Chariton CountyU.S. Route 24 – Bridge replacement project at the Mussel Fork River and Overflow Bridges west of Keytesville through early 2020. Traffic is being diverted over a one-lane, signalized bypass during the replacement of the Mussel Fork River Overflow Bridge. A 10-foot width restriction is in place.U.S. Route 24 – Bridge replacement project at the Middle Fork Chariton River and Overflow bridges through early 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. Daviess CountyRoute B –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for bridge reconstruction at the I-35 overpass through late December. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/clinton-and-daviess-county-bridge-deck-replacements-over-i-35" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.modot.org/clinton-and-daviess-county-bridge-deck-replacements-over-i-35</a> Harrison CountyRoute 46 – Pothole patching from Route NN to Route HH, Dec. 10 – 11 Holt CountyRoute 111 – Resurfacing project from Route T to U.S. Route 59 through late DecemberRoute T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at Mill Bluff Road due to roadway damage Nodaway CountyRoute UU –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Bluebird Trail to 120th&nbsp;Street, Dec. 9 – 10, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. dailyU.S. Route 136 – Pothole patching from Maryville to Route J, Dec. 9 – 13Route 46 – Shoulder work from Route 113 to Maryville, Dec. 9 – 13Route 246 – Shoulder work from Route 148 to the east city limits of Hopkins, Dec. 9 – 13Route Y – Pothole patching, Dec. 9 – 13Route WW – Pothole patching, Dec. 9 – 13Route 246 – Pothole patching from Route E to Route 46 (Worth County), Dec. 12 – 13 Sullivan 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 is currently scheduled for replacement in fiscal year 2020. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">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" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.modot.org/worth-county-route-yy-bridge-replacement-over-middle-fork-grand-river</a>Route C – Pothole patching from Route 46 to Route M, Dec. 9Route 246 – Pothole patching from Route 46 to Route E (Nodaway County), Dec. 10 – 11

Planned road work for northwest Missouri, Dec. 9 - 15

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LIVINGSTON COUNTY&nbsp;— One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Livingston County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Volvo semi driven by Cliffon A. Brown, 41, Forney, TX, was eastbound on U.S. 36 four miles east of Chillicothe. The vehicle rear-ended a 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by Courtney A. Westcott, 22, Chula, that had slowed to make a left turn at County Road 255.&nbsp; Livington County Ambulance transported Wescott to Hedrick Medical Center. Brown was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after semi rear-ends pickup

ANDREW COUNTY &nbsp;— One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Saturday in Andrew County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1990 Ford Ranger driven by Randy B. Tannehill, 54, Union Star, was southbound on Route M and U.S. 169. The driver failed to yield. A northbound 2017 GMC Sierra driven by Carl M. McDaniel, 71, Union Star struck the passenger side of the Ford. DeKalb County EMS transported McDaniel to Mosaic. Tannehill was not injured.&nbsp;Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after Andrew County crash

Law enforcement made 13 arrests during an overnight operation targeting crime and fleeing vehicles in the St. Joseph area. According to St. Joseph Police Capt. Jeff Wilson, the police department, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Buchanan County Drug Strike Force worked together during the operation which included 50 car stops, seven subject checks, 31 citations, 21 warnings, 22 verbal warnings, 13 arrests including four city charges, one state DWI, four state warrants and three city warrants and 13 investigative charges including resisting arrest, drug possession and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Thirteen arrests made during overnight operation in St. Joseph area

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post A state senator who represents St. Joseph has pre-filed legislation seeking to crack down on violent crime, an issue which has captured the attention of the legislature and the governor’s office. Senator Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville says the growing problem of violent, often gun-related, crime in St. Louis and Kansas City as well as Springfield, Columbia, and St. Joseph is a statewide issue. “These pieces of legislation that I filed are aimed at deterring violent offenders from committing those offenses in the first place and to make sure those people who commit those offenses are locked up and handled appropriately as opposed to being granted probation and being put back on the streets where, most likely, we know they are going to reoffend at some point,” Luetkemeyer tells St. Joseph Post. One proposal would prevent probation from being given to many repeat offenders. It also would deny probation for those convicted of the most dangerous felonies, such as murder or rape. Luetkemeyer says Missouri law allows probation to most felons, including those sentenced for second-degree murder. Another measure sponsored by Luetkemeyer would make armed criminal action a more serious charge. Armed criminal action in Missouri is a companion charge in felony cases in which a weapon is used. Judges often allow the sentence for armed criminal action to run at the same time as the sentence for the primary felony conviction. “What my bill does, when you have an armed criminal action charge, you must run that sentence consecutive with the underlying felony charge,” Luetkemeyer says. “So, this means longer prison sentences for people who are using guns to commit violent actions.” Gov. Mike Parson has made reducing violent crime a priority. He has attended meetings with local officials in both St. Louis and Kansas City. Parson issued an executive order earlier this year directing the Missouri State Highway Patrol to allocate more troopers and resources to fighting crime in the St. Louis area. Some leading Democrats in St. Louis are pushing for tougher gun control measures.Luetkemeyer of Parkville says such measures miss the point. “If we want to get tough on violent offenders who use guns to commit crimes, the message should be we’re going to more severely punish armed offenders who commit violent crimes, not punishing people who are law-abiding gun owners,” according to Luetkemeyer. “And I think that’s the solution, that’s the reason that I decided to target the armed criminal action statute.” The 2020 legislative session begins at the Capitol in Jefferson City January 8th.

Luetkemeyer unveils anti-crime legislative package

A cold front brought cooler temperatures and breezy conditions to the area this morning. By afternoon, temperatures will reach the upper 30s to lower 40s with winds gradually decreasing through sunset. Temperatures will climb into the 50s through the weekend with plenty of sunshine anticipated Saturday. Clouds will move back in Sunday ahead of the next cloud front which will allow temperatures to drop through the day Monday. We could see a few rain showers that may transition over to light snow as the colder temperatures push in, but little if any accumulation is expected. However, most locations will likely see no rain or snow at all. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 40. North wind 6 to 11 mph. Tonight: Clear, with a low around 25. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 51. South wind 6 to 13 mph. Saturday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 39. South wind 7 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. South southwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 31. Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 16. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 37.

Cooler temps in the 40s today

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575632350274.png">MODOT photo of the flooding in Holt County JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The washer and dryer are still in Larry Whetsel's living room, where they landed after floating out of his kitchen. The water line left by the Missouri River, across the warped, cracked walls, is level with his shoulders. Pieces of furniture, some made by his father, lay in a jumble in the dining room. Luckily his long johns, stored at the bottom of a chest, soaked up the flood water, saving a military burial flag nestled on top. A calendar remains on the month of March, the last time the retired northwest Missouri mailman lived there, reported&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article237837154.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 125, 165);">The Kansas City Star</a>. Considering the condition of his 100-year-old house in Craig, Whetsel, 70, wasn't too surprised when a $12,400 check from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) appeared in the mail in July. The money was for the time he spent displaced from his home, and to help with repairs. Months later, however, Whetsel was incredulous. He learned FEMA, which inspected his home and saw the destruction, wanted him to pay the money back or face garnished Social Security checks. The agency's reason? His home was not damaged by the flood. FEMA came to this finding despite a March 22 photo from the New York Times website that shows Whetsel in chest-deep water trying to get through his back door. "If that wasn't it, then tell me: what was it?" he said, standing on the barren floors of his living room where he has ripped up the mildewed carpets. And the kicker: Local emergency management officials say Whetsel's debt, should he not pay FEMA back, could have only been fully erased through a presidential pardon. Whetsel is one of a handful of Missouri flood survivors caught in the bureaucratic tangle caused by two different disaster declarations. In March the river, already riding high, spread out over miles of northwest Missouri after snow melt from the upper basin broke through dams and punched holes in levees. The town of Craig in Holt County, where Whetsel lived, was encouraged to evacuate. The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) the state-level disaster responder, applied to FEMA for assistance to help residents of five counties flooded out between March 11 and April 16. That claim was denied, along with an appeal. "After a thorough review of all the information contained in the initial request and appeal, we reaffirm our original findings that the impact to the individuals and households from this event was not of the severity and magnitude to warrant implementation of the Individual Assistance program," Pete Gaynor, FEMA's acting administrator, wrote in a two-paragraph denial letter. FEMA did, however, pay out $8.7 million in federal flood insurance claims covering that time period from Atchison and Holt counties. Whetsel said he didn't carry such insurance because his house had never been flooded and he considered the annual payment too expensive to make in one lump sum. The flooding continued through the spring, adding to the first wave of devastation. Rain and more snowmelt poured into the Missouri and parts of the Mississippi. Half of the state was under water at one point. FEMA later approved an application for the period covering April 29 to July 5 for residents of the northwest Missouri counties, and several others, to receive aid from the individual assistance program. But by April 29, the only standing water in Whetsel's home was in the storm cellar, he said. That's because after the first flood, Craig residents built a berm to keep the river from surging back in. On his application to FEMA, he entered March 20 as the date he was flooded out. "I'm not going to lie and I shouldn't have to lie," Whetsel said. Local officials and lawmakers said FEMA's criteria for individual assistance are ridiculously opaque. That's not the case with the public assistance program, which pays for governmental costs such as infrastructure repair. It required Missouri to show $9 million in statewide damage to be eligible, a threshold it met. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, Missouri's junior senator, asked Gaynor at a November hearing to explain how FEMA determines which areas are eligible for individual assistance. "This is a question I get at home all the time and frankly one Missourians want to hear about," Hawley said. Gaynor told Hawley FEMA assesses every disaster "on its own merits" in order to be "fair and objective." According to state officials, FEMA looks at the number of uninsured homes and private residences that sustained damage when evaluating eligibility for individual assistance. What exact number of homes FEMA is looking for, or what percentage, is a mystery, according to SEMA Director Ron Walker. "Trust me, I wish I knew (the number)," Walker said in an interview. In 2018, Congress passed a law that allows FEMA to give greater consideration to local impact, allowing those living in sparsely populated rural areas like northwest Missouri a better chance of receiving individual assistance. The entire Missouri Congressional delegation sent a letter to FEMA last week, asking how it was implementing the new law. "With these difficulties in mind, we ask for FEMA to provide detailed information into how 'greater consideration to severe local impact or recent multiple disasters' in accordance with (the new law) is objectively defined and measured," the delegation wrote. In early November, Rhonda Wiley, the Atchison County emergency management director, said she hoped Whetsel wouldn't have to pay FEMA back for what she considers its error. Sitting in Wiley's Atchison County office with a stack of letters from FEMA in front of him, Whetsel pets Wiley's dog, an energetic brown Deutsch Drahthaar named Peach. A mailman who served the county for decades, he's a favorite among the dogs that remember his treats. Wiley told him that under the 2018 law, the president of the United States can waive any debt if the money was mistakenly paid out by FEMA, as long as the matter is contested within 3 years. She recognized a presidential pardon to be novel and untested. "If this is what we have to do get Larry help, I'll go all the way to the White House," Wiley said, at the time. However, Whetsel couldn't afford to take a chance. He had all but drained his savings to buy a new house on higher ground, further away from the river, in Fairfax. On Friday morning, he put a $12,400 check in the mail to FEMA. "I had no choice," Whetsel said. "I can't afford the penalties." Whetsel now needs to decide how to move forward with his destroyed home. It's been in his family since he was five years old. Though most of the ruined walls are bare, a framed saying his mother hung after his father died still remains in the living room: "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." Floods are expected next year, and though he often chuckles through his struggles, the past year has worn him out. "This has been the year from hell," he said. He plans to spend the next couple of months tearing his Craig home to the ground by hand. The only help the 70-year-old can afford is himself.___

FEMA takes $12K check back from Missouri flood victim

DAVIESS COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Thursday in Daviess County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy 1500 driven by Jeanie A. Little, 44, Trenton, was northbound on U.S. 69 six miles north of Cameron. The vehicle rear-ended a 1988 Ford E 150 driven by Allan E. Reed, 62, Cameron, that had slowed to make a left turn. Daviess County Ambulance transported Reed to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Little was not injured.&nbsp;The MSHP had incomplete information on seat belt usage.

NW Missouri man hospitalized after rear-end crash

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri reached an agreement Sunday with Eliah Drinkwitz to take over the Tigers’ once-proud football program, a person with knowledge of the hiring told The Associated Press, making Appalachian State’s successful coach the second-youngest in a Power Five conference. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract was still being drawn up and the school had not made an announcement. Drinkwitz was also being pursued by SEC rival Arkansas for its head-coaching vacancy. Tigers athletic director Jim Sterk said he wanted to move swiftly in hiring a replacement for Barry Odom, the former player and assistant coach who went 25-25 in four seasons leading the program. Odom was fired after the Tigers finished an underwhelming 6-6, which would have been good enough for a bowl berth had the school not been slapped with a postseason ban by the NCAA following an incident involving a rogue tutor. Drinkwitz will inherit a program that also must deal with scholarship and recruiting restrictions as part of the fallout. When asked what he was searching for in the next coach, Sterk replied: “I think someone that brings a lot of energy and experience to the program, a leader, quality individual that has had success in leading a program or as a coordinator at a high level. Those are some of the some of the qualities.” The 36-year-old coach is a considerable gamble for Missouri because of his scant head-coaching experience. Drinkwitz worked under Gene Chizik and Gus Malzahn at Auburn, Bryan Harsin at Arkansas State and Dave Doeren at North Carolina State, giving him plenty of experience from some of the best in the business. But his lone year in charge of a program — at any level, including high school — was this past season with the Mountaineers. Still, the season was a spectacular success. Appalachian State (12-1) rolled through its first seven games, beating North Carolina on the road, before stumbling against Georgia Southern. That wound up being the Mountaineers’ lone loss after they ripped off five straight wins, including one at South Carolina, and capped the run with a victory over Louisiana in the Sun Belt championship game. It’s unclear whether Drinkwitz will coach the Mountaineers against UAB in the New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 21. He had signed a five-year deal with Appalachian State that paid him $750,000 this past season plus considerable performance incentives. The contract states that he will owe $425,000 for each year remaining if he leaves for another job, meaning a buyout of $1.7 million will be due to Appalachian State. Odom signed an extension through 2024 last December that increased his base salary this past season to $3.05 million. “We’re very excited about what we’re doing at App State,” Drinkwitz said after the Sun Belt title game, “but at the same time every opportunity, you know, I owe it to the family — my family — for my family to see what’s something that we’re interested in. But I’m not in any hurry to leave. I feel strongly that we’re building something special here.” Most of the questions Drinkwitz fielded Saturday had to do with Arkansas, and for good reason: He went to Arkansas Tech, started his coaching career at a pair of Arkansas high schools, and later coached two seasons at Arkansas State. “I don’t have a lot of answers for you right now,” he said. “I’m trying to process winning the first conference championship of my career, processing doing something that’s never been done before, and I understand that you all got jobs to do, and it’s going to be a crazy time, but the most important thing for me is just to enjoy the moment right now, and then we’ll figure it all out.” Earlier Sunday, the Razorbacks hired Georgia assistant Sam Pittman to be its head coach. Drinkwitz, widely considered a creative offensive mind, should stoke some passion from a Missouri fanbase that has grown tired of mediocrity to the point that attendance started to plummet this past season. And his hiring comes after reports that Sterk was interested in a series of candidates that included Army’s Jeff Monken, Louisiana Tech’s Skip Holtz and Arkansas State’s Blake Andreson — all with head coaching experience but none with what could be considered a high profile. Odom was hired four seasons ago to replace beloved coach Gary Pinkel, who had not only built Missouri into a consistent winner but helped carry that success into the SEC. He appeared to be on the right track, too, taking the Tigers to a couple of bowl games. But things began to fall apart with a season-opening loss to Wyoming, and Sterk said upon Odom’s firing that the program had lost the “momentum” that had been built with a recent stadium renovation project. Now, the Tigers are led by the second-youngest Power Five coach behind only Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley, and can turn their attention to rebuilding a program and fan base that has grown weary of scratching just to make bowl games. --- Associated Press ---

AP Source: Missouri hiring Appalachian State's Eli Drinkwitz

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Patrick Mahomes got some help from the Chiefs defense to hold off the New England Patriots and wrap up the division title. Kansas City clinched the AFC West when Bashaud Breeland knocked away Tom Brady's fourth-down pass attempt to Julian Edelman in the end zone and the Chiefs beat New England 23-16 win on Sunday. After building a 20-7 lead, the Chiefs survived a series of mistakes and questionable officiating to hold off a late rally by the defending Super Bowl champions. Combined with Oakland's loss to Tennessee, the Chiefs (9-4) clinched the AFC West. The loss ended the Patriots' 21-game home win streak in the regular season and playoffs, which was tied for the longest in team history. It also was the third-longest string in NFL history. Mahomes was 26 of 40 for 283 yards, a touchdown and interception, playing through a hand injury he suffered during Kansas City's second offensive series. Tight end Travis Kelce added a 4-yard TD run. Mahomes now is the third quarterback this season to earn his first win against the Patriots, joining Baltimore's Lamar Jackson and Houston's Deshaun Watson. All three were previously 0-2. "You want to beat the best. You want to go out and play against the best and give your best effort, "Mahomes said. "It wasn't pretty the whole time. It was just a tough, hard-fought win. He said he got creative after his injury. "I let the trainers look at it. They gave me to good to go," Mahomes said. "I went out there, battled and figured out ways to throw the ball across the middle. Maybe not shoot those long shots I usually throw. But enough to get them back and still score touchdowns." New England (10-3) has lost two in a row. Tom Brady was under pressure all game and finished 19 of 36 for 169 yards, a touchdown and interception. the 169 yards are his second-fewest passing yards this season. He spoke after the game with his right elbow heavily wrapped. "They threw a lot of different defenses at us," Brady said. "Some we handled well and some we didn't." Trailing 23-16, New England got the ball back on its 32 with 5:04 to play. The Patriots immediately gained 35 yards on a pass from halfback James White to Jakobi Meyers to get into Kansas City territory. Officials appeared to miss a pass interference call on a deep pass to Phillip Dorsett and the Chiefs forced a fourth-and-6 at the 29. But the 42-year-old Brady got free and scrambled 17 yards for a first down. The Patriots couldn't get into the end zone, however, losing the rematch of January's AFC title game in Kansas City. The Chiefs led 23-7 in the third quarter before they committed multiple miscues that helped the Patriots close the gap. First, Patriots special teamer Nate Ebner blocked Dustin Colquitt's punt, which rolled out of bounds at the Chiefs 19. It set up a 10-yard run by Brandon Bolden that made it 23-13, but James White was stopped short on his 2-point conversion run attempt. The Chiefs gave the Patriots another opportunity late in the third quarter. Kelce caught a pass and was hit by Devin McCourty, forcing a fumble and recovery by Stephon Gilmore, who had a clear path the the end zone. The play was blown dead, though, with Kelce ruled down by contact. It prompted an immediate challenge by Patriots coach Bill Belichick, which resulted in the call being overturned and the ball awarded to New England. The Patriots quickly drove to the Kansas City 15 and Brady found N'Keal Harry with a short pass. Harry weaved through multiple defenders and appeared to stretch the ball over the pylon. Yet he was ruled to have stepped out of bounds at the 3. "Yeah, I mean, it's -- yeah. Doesn't happen very often.," Brady said of the ruling. "So, it happened. We still had a chance and wish we could have scored there at the end." Brady was sacked three plays later and the Patriots kicked a field goal to close within 23-16. Referee Jerome Boger told a pool reporter after the game that the covering official on the Harry play was blocked out by defenders. "The downfield official who was on the goal line and looking back toward the field of play had that he stepped out at the 3-yard line," Boger said. "So, they got together and conferred on that. The final ruling was that he was out of bounds at the 3-yard line." The Chiefs were without two of their leading rushers, Damien Williams (rib injury) and Darrel Williams (placed on injured reserve Thursday with a hamstring injury). It left the rushing duties primarily in the hands of LeSean McCoy, with support from Darwin Thompson and Spencer Ware. They didn't get much traction in the run game other than from McCoy, who finished with 11 rushes for 39 yards. But after a slow start, Kansas City's receivers were able to find space and passing lanes for Mahomes. One notable example came early in the second quarter. Mecole Hardman got behind Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones and Mahomes withstood pressure to deliver a deep pass off his back foot for a 48-yard touchdown to put the Chiefs in front 10-7. Brady was intercepted by Breeland on the first play of the Patriots' ensuing drive and Kansas City went right back to work. Taking over on the New England 39, Mahomes found Kelce in the middle of the field for a 20-yard gain to get the Chiefs inside the 5. Two plays later Kelce took a direct snap and ran it in for a 4-yard TD. INJURIES Chiefs: LG Andrew Wiley left in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. Patriots: Harry left in the fourth quarter with a hip injury. TRICKERY The Patriots received the game's opening kickoff and needed just five plays to drive 83 yards and take 7-0 lead on a 37-yard flea-flicker from Brady to Edelman. The series was aided by a pair of third-down pass interference penalties called on Chiefs cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Breeland. BLOCKED Ebner's punt block in the third quarter was the Patriots fourth of 2019, setting a franchise record for a season. With one more they will tie the 1990 Chiefs for the most blocked punts in a season in NFL history MISSING EQUIPMENT The Kansas City Chiefs needed a police escort to get their equipment to Foxborough, Massachusetts, in time for kickoff. Chiefs spokesman Ted Crews confirmed that some of the gear was sent to the wrong place and had to be rushed to the stadium. It arrived about two hours before kickoff. The Massachusetts State Police tweeted that they helped the equipment get to the stadium from Logan Airport. UP NEXT Chiefs: host Broncos next Sunday. Patriots: visit Bengals next Sunday. --- Associated Press ---

Chiefs hold off Patriots rally for 23-16 win

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Coming off an 8-4 regular season under first-year head coach Chris Klieman, K-State Nation is heading to Memphis as Kansas State officials announced Sunday that the Wildcats have accepted an invitation to play Navy in the 61st Annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Tuesday, December 31.&nbsp;It will be Kansas State's second appearance in the Liberty Bowl, the first being after the 2015 season. K-State and Navy will square off for the first time in school history inside Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium with kickoff slated for 2:45 p.m., shown to a nationwide television audience on ESPN.&nbsp;"We are excited to accept an invitation to play in the Liberty Bowl," said Klieman. "I am really proud of our team, especially our seniors, and our staff for continuing to work hard day after day and collectively getting better throughout the season. The story of the 2019 Wildcats still has one game left, and we look forward to spending the holidays in Memphis and preparing for a great Navy team in what will be an exciting Liberty Bowl."&nbsp;The Wildcats (8-4) will be playing in their 22nd bowl game in school history and are back in postseason play after a one-year hiatus. The Wildcats have won two-straight bowls and three of their last five. They will be in search of winning three-straight bowl games for the first time in school history.&nbsp;"I want to congratulate Coach Klieman and our football team and staff on a great regular season and getting our program back to a bowl game," said Athletics Director Gene Taylor. "We look forward to showcasing our football program and Kansas State University in the Liberty Bowl, and I know our fans are excited to show their outstanding support in Memphis while our football student-athletes, coaches and staff are provided a great experience."&nbsp;K-State, which was predicted to finish ninth in the Big 12, ended the year in a tie for third place in the league standings, the biggest jump from a preseason poll since 2014 (TCU). The Wildcats also claimed the only victory among the four College Football Playoff teams this year when they upended No. 4 Oklahoma.&nbsp;Kansas State raced out to a 3-0 start, highlighted by a 31-24 victory at Mississippi State, the Wildcats' first win inside an SEC venue in 12 tries. Following a pair of losses to open up Big 12 play, K-State came back with three more wins – a 24-17 triumph over TCU, a 48-41 upset of then-No. 5 and now College Football Playoff participant Oklahoma, and a convincing 38-10 win at Kansas.&nbsp;The victory over the Sooners was the Wildcats' first over a top-five team in 13 seasons and the first over OU in Manhattan since 1996. K-State's win in Lawrence was its 11th-straight Sunflower Showdown victory to tie the Wildcats' own record for the longest winning streak in by either team in the series.&nbsp;A pair of losses to Texas and West Virginia by a combined seven points – including one on a field goal on the final play of the game in Austin – preceded a pair of wins to close out the regular season as K-State won at Texas Tech, 30-27, before a 27-17 triumph over Iowa State on Senior Night, the Wildcats' seventh-straight home win over the Cyclones.&nbsp;Navy, K-State's Liberty Bowl opponent, holds a 9-2 record prior to the annual Army-Navy Game this Saturday in Philadelphia. The Midshipmen, who were ranked No. 24 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25, finished with a 7-1 mark in the American Athletic Conference to tie for first in the West Division. It will be the first meeting between K-State and Navy, the sixth for the Wildcats against a service academy and the first since hosting Army in 1987. Kansas State is 3-2 all-time against service academies, going 3-0 against Air Force and 0-2 against Army.&nbsp;--- K-State Sports ---

K-State to play Navy in Auto Zone Liberty Bowl

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– Mizzou Women’s Basketball (3-7, 0-0 SEC) dropped a close road contest to Kansas City, 59-56, on Sunday afternoon at the Swinney Recreation Center. Mizzou grew a 10-point lead in the game’s opening quarter, but was outscored by eight in the second half to drop its seventh game of the season.&nbsp;Mizzou had three players score in double figures, led by senior guard&nbsp;Amber Smith&nbsp;(Shreveport, La.) and freshman forward&nbsp;Hayley Frank&nbsp;(Strafford, Mo.), who each had 12 points to pace the Tigers. Freshman guard&nbsp;Aijha Blackwell&nbsp;(Berkeley, Mo.) joined the duo in double figures with 11 points, her third consecutive game in double figures.&nbsp;TURNING POINT&nbsp;In the fourth quarter, Mizzou held a 6-point advantage at 51-46 with 4:56 remaining the game, but the Roos were able to close the game on a 13-5 run to complete the comeback victory. Kansas City hit two timely three-pointers during the run, and Mizzou was unable to regain the lead after the second triple gave the Roos a 55-53 lead with 1:43 left in the game.&nbsp;TOP TIGERS·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blackwell stuffed the stat sheet once again for the Tigers, as she scored 11 points and set new career highs in rebounds (seven) and assists (six).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Smith led Mizzou in scoring with 12 points while also recording four rebounds, two assists and two steals.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Frank also chipped in 12 points for the Tigers, marking her eighth consecutive game in double figures.NOTES·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the loss, Mizzou falls to 13-2 all-time against Kansas City. It is the first time Kansas City has defeated Mizzou in Kansas City.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With 11 points, Blackwell scored in double figures for the third consecutive game and the fourth time in her career.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blackwell also recorded career highs in rebounds with seven and assists with six, and matched her career high in blocks with two.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Frank scored in double figures for the eighth consecutive game with 12 points. Over her eight game stretch, Frank is averaging 15.8 points per game.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Tiger freshman drained one shot from beyond the arc in the game, continuing her streak of making at least one three-pointer in every game this season. Frank is the first freshman in program history to mark 1+ three-pointer in her first 10 games, passing Kassie Drew, who made one three-pointer in her first nine games in 2004-05.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior guard&nbsp;Jordan Chavis&nbsp;(Lexington, N.C.) set a career high in steals with five, and matched a career high in rebounds with six.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Redshirt senior forward&nbsp;Hannah Schuchts&nbsp;(Tallahassee, Fla.) recorded three blocks in the game, marking the third time this season and the 13th&nbsp;time in her career she has recorded at least three blocks.UP NEXT&nbsp;Next, Mizzou will head to Springfield to face Missouri State on Sunday, Dec. 15. Tipoff from Springfield is slated for 3:00 p.m. --- Mizzou Athletics ---

Mizzou women lose at Kansas City 59-56

TEXARKANA, Ark. –&nbsp;The 300th&nbsp;all-time win for Missouri Western football came in the final game of its 50th&nbsp;season. The Griffons (9-3) trounced Henderson State (9-3) in the Agent Barry Live United Bowl to reach nine wins for the first time since 2012 and break a program record with its 11th&nbsp;straight win away from St. Joseph.&nbsp;Missouri Western controlled the line of scrimmage throughout and turned in one of its best defensive performances of the season.&nbsp;Anthony Williams&nbsp;intercepted the Reddies' second play from scrimmage, setting the tone for the Griffon defense early.&nbsp;Markel Smith&nbsp;gave MWSU a 7-0 lead with 2:38 left in the first quarter after both teams showed some rust early in the game. Missouri Western elected to twice go for it on fourth down inside the Henderson State red zone and failed to convert either time, allowing Henderson State to tie the game with 5:04 left in the first half.&nbsp;Blake Burau&nbsp;capped an 11-play, 68-yard drive that took 4:23 off the clock with a four-yard touchdown catch from&nbsp;Wyatt Steigerwald. Burau's TD put MWSU up 14-7 with 34 seconds left in the half. MWSU scored on its first four possessions of the second half. The final touchdown was a 16-yard pass to&nbsp;Luke Vang. The Griffons originally lined up to kick a field goal on 4th&nbsp;and two from the Henderson State 16, but kicker&nbsp;Sam Aviles&nbsp;motioned out as a receiver and Steigerwald to his quarterback position before hitting a wide open Vang to put MWSU up 35-14.&nbsp;NOTABLES<ul><li>Missouri Western became the first team to ever win the Live United Bowl twice.</li><li>Trey Vaval&nbsp;was named MVP after breaking the Live United Bowl record with 225 return yards. The freshman returned four punts for 143 yards and three kicks for 82. He actually broke the record in the first half and became the second Griffon specialist to win MVP of the game in as many years.&nbsp;Tyler Basch&nbsp;was named MVP as the team's kicker in 2018.</li><li>The Griffons out-gained Henderson State 463-263 even with Vaval's returns often setting the Griffs up with great field position.</li><li>Missouri Western had the ball for more than 39 minutes.</li><li>Henderson State was held to just 73 rushing yards on 24 carries.</li><li>Two Reddie quarterbacks were limited to 10 completions on 37 attempts for 290 yards. The Griffon defense also had three sacks.</li><li>MWSU rushed for 287 yards with&nbsp;Markel Smith&nbsp;(136) and&nbsp;Shamar Griffith&nbsp;(110) both going over 100.</li><li>The Griffons were 11 for 18 on third down.</li><li>Steigerwald threw two touchdown passes in a game for the 10th&nbsp;time in 2019.</li><li>Both touchdown passes were to tight ends, giving the position group 15 on the season.</li></ul> --- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffons roll past Henderson State 35-14 to win Live United Bowl

BIG RAPIDS, Michigan – The Northwest Missouri State Bearcat football team saw its 2019 season come to an end as the No. 2-ranked Ferris State Bulldogs posted a 25-3 victory in the quarterfinals of the 2019 NCAA Division II playoffs. The first half featured two turnovers from both squads and the only scoring play was a 35-yard field goal from Ferris State's Jackson Dieterle with 9:02 left in the second quarter. In addition to the pair of turnovers forced, the Bearcat defense came up with a pair of fourth-down stops in Ferris State's red zone. The last stop came at the one-yard line with :19 left in the opening half when Sam Roberts stuffed FSU's Marvin Campbell on a 4th-and-goal from the two. The Bulldogs were held to 1-of-9 on third-down conversions in the first half. Ferris State took the second-half kickoff and marched 76 yards on eight plays that was capped by a Travis Russell three-yard touchdown run. The Bulldog score gave the home squad a 10-0 lead with 11:44 left in the third quarter. Northwest inserted backup quarterback Jadyn Kowalski and he led the first Bearcat scoring drive of the game. Kowalski guided the offense on an eight-play, 57-yard drive that culminated in a 27-yard field goal by Parker Sampson. The key play on the drive was a 19-yard pass play from Kowalski to Alec Tatum on a 3rd-and-4 that put the ball at the FSU 18-yard line. For Sampson it was his 10th straight make of a field goal attempt from less than 50 yards this season. Ferris State hit the biggest play of the game on a 3rd-and-15 from its own 24 yard line. FSU quarterback Travis Russell hit Jevon Shaw on a wide receiver screen for a 69-yard gain to the Northwest 7-yard line. The Bearcat defense stiffened and held the Bulldogs to a 20-yard field goal by Dieterle after the long pass play. The field goal gave Ferris State a 13-3 lead with 10:34 to play in the game. The Bulldogs extended the lead to 16-3 on a 31-yard field goal by Dieterle. The Bulldogs took over at the Bearcat 15-yard line following a failed fake punt attempt by Mike Hohensee. Dieterle's third field goal of the game came with 6:28 left in the fourth quarter. Ferris State added a safety when Austin Edwards sacked Kowalski in the end zone with 3:03 left in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs would ultimately add another score with 1:26 to play on a 32-yard touchdown run by Campbell. The run capped Campbell's game where he rushed 27 times for 149 yards. Northwest finishes the 2019 season with a mark of 12-2 overall. Ferris State improves to 12-0 overall. NOTES: Senior safety Jacob Gassman recorded his third interception of the season and fourth of his quarter in the second quarter … Northwest has intercepted 24 passes this season … four different Bearcats threw passes in the game (Braden Wright, Jadyn Kowalski, Mike Hohensee and LaTroy Harper) … Hohensee tied a Northwest single-game record with 10 punts (Jeff LeBlanc vs. Nebraska-Omaha, Sept. 4, 1999; Matt Thorman vs. Central Missouri, Sept. 30, 2017; Matt Thorman vs. Fort Hays State, Nov. 4, 2017) … Justin Rankin led Northwest with 47 yards on the ground … Alec Tatum had a team-high five receptions for 55 yards … Braden Wright passed 6-of-16 for 54 yards … Jadyn Kowalski passed 5-of-11 for 44 yards … Blake Bayer tallied a game-high 16 tackles … Jackson Barnes notched 15 tackles. --- Northwest Athletics ---

Bearcats' season ends at Ferris State in the NCAA Quarterfinals 25-3

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575895211895.png">Robert Shinneman photo courtesy<a href="https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=robert-d-shinneman&amp;pid=193981799&amp;fhid=6339"> Park Lawn Northland Chapel</a> JACKSON COUNTY— A Missouri man has been charged with murder after authorities say a person he was with during a home invasion was fatally shot. Richard Saettone, 39, of Independence, stands charged with felony murder and second-degree burglary, according to a media release from the Jackson County Attorney's office. Police said Saettone told officers he and 45-year-old Robert Shinneman went to an apartment in September to steal drugs and money when a resident shot and killed Shinneman. The resident told police he was watching television at the apartment when he heard his windows rattling. Believing someone was trying to break in, he said he pulled back the drapes and announced he had a gun. The resident said he then heard someone behind him and saw a person wearing a mask and holding a gun. The resident fired one shot, and the person fell to the floor. Police later identified the masked man as Shinneman. Police said they were tipped to Saettone’s alleged involvement in the break-in by a confidential informant. Saettone remains in federal custody, according to the release.

Confidential informant led to arrest of Missouri murder suspect

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575651717705.png">Simms photo Clay County LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City area man has been sentenced to life in prison plus 107 years for killing his girlfriend and is awaiting trial on charges that he strangled a fellow inmate. Marcus Simms, 36, of Lee's Summit, was sentenced Thursday for first-degree murder, armed criminal action and tampering with a vehicle in the 2014 death of 31-year-old Michele Boldridge. Police found her body while responding to reports that a bloody, naked man was running around a northern Kansas City apartment complex. Police say Boldridge died from a snapped neck and had multiple stab wounds, along with a missing eye. Court records say the naked man, later identified by police as Simms, drove to a school bus parking lot, where a driver told him to go away. But Simms yelled: “You don’t understand. Someone just killed my girlfriend!” Simms was arrested after driving a stolen minivan off a road, according to prosecutors. In a car parked in the area, police found Simms’ DNA as well as a human eyeball. Simms is scheduled to be tried in June in the 2017 strangulation death of 26-year-old Brian Parisi, who was killed while jailed in Clay County on a drug charge.

Nude KC killer sentenced for girlfriend's violent murder

DETROIT (AP) — Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 262,000 heavy-duty pickup trucks in the U.S. and Canada because the tailgates can open unexpectedly. The recall covers F-250, F-350 and F-450 trucks from the 2017 through 2019 model years. All the trucks have electric tailgate latch release switches in the tailgate handle.Ford says water can get into the electrical wiring and cause a short circuit, activating the switches and releasing the latches. That could allow loose cargo to fall onto the road.The company says it has no reports of crashes or injuries. Trucks with mechanical tailgate latches are not affected. Dealers will fix the tailgate frame wiring harnesses and install a new tailgate handle release switch. Owners will be notified by mail during the week of Jan. 20.

Ford recalls big pickups; tailgates can open unexpectedly

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City no longer will provide suspects with a written copy of their rights and instead will give them a verbal Miranda warning as part of changes aimed at tackling violent crime. Two Los Angeles murder investigation experts recommended the change, arguing that written warnings could deter suspects from talking to police, public radio station KCUR-FM reported.The experts noted that keeping suspects talking is key because "confessions may occur, but admissions, lies or false alibis, can also be important." At least 134 people have been murdered in Kansas City so far this year, up from about 121 at this time last year, according to police reports. Homicides are also up in St. Louis and Springfield, and the killings of close to two dozen children in St. Louis put intense pressure on officials to act.But it's unclear how much of an impact the change to Miranda warnings will have. "It hasn't made a significant change, but we're hoping to see more of that over time," Kansas City police Deputy Chief Roger Lewis, who commands criminal investigations, told KCUR.City District Public Defender Ruth Petsch warned that “it puts you at risk of eroding your right to remain silent." She said a written waiver, in contrast, clearly shows that the Miranda warning was given. National Association of Police Organizations Executive Director Bill Johnson told The Associated Press that police often read Miranda warnings to suspects while in the field and also provide written copies during more formal interviews. Johnson, a former police officer and prosecutor, said verbal warnings ensure that suspects who struggle reading are still properly informed of their rights. But either way, Johnson said most people are already aware of their right to remain silent because of the phrase's popularity in crime shows and movies. He added that suspects often don’t take time to more deeply reflect on their rights after being arrested or while being interviewed by police, regardless of how they’re informed. The consultant's report also called for Kansas City police to increase staffing. The agency in response plans to end its mounted division and shift eight officers to homicide starting in January.

Kansas City Police end written miranda warning for suspects

CRAWFORD COUNTY &nbsp;— One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Saturday in Crawford County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Buick Century driven by Matthew C. Miavez, 39, Cuba, was southbound on South Outer road just west of Highway H.&nbsp;The vehicle struck a pedestrian identified as Melissa A. Stricklin, 36, Leasburg.&nbsp; She was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Hudson Funeral home.

36-year-old Missouri woman struck, killed on highway

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575630530707.png">Montgomery County Courthouse google image By ROXANA HEGEMAN, Associated Press&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. — A foul-mouthed Kansas judge accused of bigotry and racism who cursed at courthouse employees so often that a trial clerk kept a "swear journal" documenting his obscene outbursts is facing complaints that his conduct violates the central judicial canons of independence, integrity and impartiality. The Kansas Commission on Judicial Qualifications will next week consider whether Montgomery County Judge F. William Cullins performs his duties with sufficient competence and diligence that he can continue on the bench. According to a filing, Cullins is accused of mistreating employees; fostering a hostile relationship with the county attorney's office; lacking patience and decorum; exhibiting disdain toward attorneys; and treating some bondsmen with hostility. Other allegations purport he showed bias or prejudice in the courtroom based on race, sex, socioeconomic status or political affiliation, and denied some defendants or their lawyers the right to be heard. Cullins has acknowledged that he needs "a more effective management style," according to the judicial panel's pretrial order. Cullins declined to comment to The Associated Press on the upcoming proceedings, referring the call to his attorney, Christopher Joseph, who also declined to comment . Several attorneys and others who practice before the judge either didn't return calls or refused to talk about Cullins' behavior. Court documents detail instances in which Cullins directed foul, derogatory language at women, as well as specific allegations of racism. In one instance, Cullins was recorded referring to an out-of-state black athlete as "not even a Kansas boy" and telling a black male resident, "you're a Kansas boy" — language that could be considered demeaning to an African American man. Cullins argued in a filing that this was not a manifestation of racial bias and said the attorney who raised objections has since testified that it appeared no racial connotation was intended.The judge has acknowledged that he curses frequently and "bitches at people to try to get them to correct their ways." As his relationship with Montgomery County Attorney Larry Markle deteriorated, Cullins wrote expletives on documents sent to Markle's office and he allegedly belittled the prosecutor before law enforcement officials in open court. Cullins has acknowledged in court filings that his communications indicate his frustration with Markle's office, but denies that his emotions affected his rulings. He contends that the county attorney's office has failed to file charges in a timely manner against jailed defendants and misused subpoenas. Markle also declined to comment to The Associated Press on the upcoming proceedings against Cullins or his dealings with the judge. Cullins was elected in 2006 to the bench in Montgomery County, a mostly rural area dotted by small towns that is home to slightly more than 32,300 people. Cullins served as the county's chief judge from 2015 until last year and remains on the bench. Before his election to the judgeship, he was in private practice for more than a decade and was the city prosecutor for Independence and city attorney for the small community of Cherryvale. The five-day public hearing is scheduled to start Monday in Topeka, and could feature as many as 37 witnesses and more than 58 exhibits that lay bare the tumultuous justice system in the rural southeast Kansas county. If the judges and lawyers on the panel find the charges are proven, they can admonish Cullins, issue a cease-and-desist order or recommend the Kansas Supreme Court discipline the judge or require him to retire. Discipline can include public censure, suspension or removal from office. Three former court employees said Cullins' demeanor contributed to their decisions to quit their jobs. One of them, Lance Carter, was the clerk who kept the swear journal that is now an exhibit. Cullins argues that his speech is protected by the First Amendment and that his cursing does not diminish his integrity or keep him from performing his judicial duties with impartiality and competence. Joni Pratt said she left her job as a courthouse clerk for a new position elsewhere at a lower salary. After she resigned, as she walked from the judge's office, Pratt said Cullins "shouted 'yahoo' or 'yippee' (or some similar expression) loud enough for others in the courthouse to hear." The filings do not identify who filed the original complaints against Cullins, but only those allegations that investigators determined merit further action will be included in the formal proceedings. <img src="http://assets.bounceexchange.com/assets/uploads/clients/1682/ads/e0dd2acd3574679864cd76965aa5dce2.png">

Kansas judge accused of bigotry, profanities in courthouse

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575762384564.png">Kaiser photo KDOC TOPEKA —Kansas offender Joshua Kaiser, 44, died early Saturday at the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF), according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;Joshua Kaiser recently paroled to a consecutive determinate sentence of 32 months out of Reno County Kansas for Aggravated Battery. Kaiser's criminal history includes the following convictions from Shawnee County, Kansas: Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Kidnapping, Sale/Manufacturing/Purchase/Possession/Carry Unlawful Firearm and Murder 1st.&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigates all KDOC offender deaths. Mr. Kaiser's cause of death is considered pending at this time, based on the results of this investigation and autopsy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Inmate dies at Kansas prison

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A University of Missouri student has died after being hit by a vehicle while trying to cross at city street, police in Columbia said. Police said in news release that Logan Warnecke, 21, of Columbia, was running across College Avenue around 7 p.m. Friday when he was hit by a sport utility vehicle. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died. Police say the 21-year-old driver of the SUV was not hurt.Officials say no arrests have been made or charges brought in the case. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Student jogging across street in Columbia hit, killed

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575745979378.png">First responders on the scene Friday photo<a href="https://www.wvtm13.com/article/naval-air-station-pensacola-deadly-shooting-suspect-saudi-terror-investigation/30148653"> courtesy WTVM</a> PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP) —&nbsp;The Saudi student who fatally shot three people at a U.S. naval base in Florida hosted a dinner party earlier in the week where he and three others watched videos of mass shootings, a U.S. official told The Associated Press on Saturday. One of the three students who attended the dinner party videotaped outside the building while the shooting was taking place at Naval Air Station Pensacola on Friday, said the U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity after being briefed by federal authorities. Two other Saudi students watched from a car, the official said. The official said 10 Saudi students were being held on the base Saturday while several others were unaccounted for.U.S. officials had previously told the AP they were investigating possible links to terrorism. The student opened fire in a classroom at the base Friday morning, killing three people. A U.S. official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Friday identified the shooter as Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani. The official wasn’t authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The official also said the FBI was examining social media posts and investigating whether he acted alone or was connected to any broader group. The assault, which prompted a massive law enforcement response and base lockdown, ended when a sheriff’s deputy killed the attacker. Eight people were hurt in the attack, including the deputy and a second deputy who was with him. Family members on Saturday identified one of the victims as a 23-year-old recent graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who alerted first responders to where the shooter was even after he had been shot several times. “Joshua Kaleb Watson saved countless lives today with his own,” Adam Watson wrote on Facebook. “He died a hero and we are beyond proud but there is a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.” Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott issued a scathing statement calling the shooting — the second on a U.S. Naval base this week — an act of terrorism “whether this individual was motivated by radical Islam or was simply mentally unstable.”During a news conference Friday night, the FBI declined to release the shooter’s identity and wouldn’t comment on his possible motivations. “There are many reports circulating, but the FBI deals only in facts,” said Rachel L. Rojas, the FBI’s special agent in charge of the Jacksonville Field Office.

Official: Suspect watched shooting videos before U.S. navy base attack

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's minimum wage is set to increase again as part of a voter-approved plan to gradually hike pay.The minimum wage rate will hit $9.45 an hour beginning Jan. 1, up from the current $8.60 an hour mandated by the state.Voters in 2018 approved a plan to raise wages for some of the state's lowest-paid workers. The plan requires wages to go up by 85 cents an hour every year until the minimum wage rate hits $12 an hour in 2023.<a href="https://www.apnews.com/5a60e204d2584982949dd0d4bca3fca2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 125, 165);">New minimum wage requirements took effect in 20 states</a>&nbsp;and nearly two dozen cities at the start of 2019, affecting millions of workers. The state wage hikes range from an extra nickel per hour in Alaska to a $1-an-hour bump in Maine, Massachusetts and for California employers with more than 25 workers.

Missouri minimum wage rate set to increase

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — More than 3,000 sexual assaults were reported during U.S. Uber rides in 2018, the company said in a long-awaited safety report. That figure includes 229 rapes across the company's 1.3 billion rides. Uber noted that drivers and riders were both attacked, and that some assaults occurred between riders. In 2017, the company said 2,936 sexual assaults were reported.Uber and competitor Lyft have faced a backlash for not doing enough to protect the safety of its riders and drivers. In 2017, the company said 2,936 sexual assaults were reported. Uber bases its numbers on reports from riders and drivers - meaning the actual numbers could be much higher. Sexual assaults commonly go unreported.“I suspect many people will be surprised at how rare these incidents are; others will understandably think they’re still too common,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi tweeted about the report. “Some people will appreciate how much we’ve done on safety; others will say we have more work to do. They will all be right.”Uber's share price dropped more than 1% in after-hours trading.Uber and competitor Lyft have faced a backlash for not doing enough to protect the safety of its riders and drivers. Dozens of women are suing Lyft, claiming the company should have done more to protect them from driver assaults. A Connecticut woman sued Uber last month, claiming she was sexually assaulted by her driver. Uber's safety report is the first of its kind, the company said.“Keeping this information in the dark doesn’t make anyone safer,” Uber said in a statement announcing the report. It plans to release its safety report every two years going forward. Lyft said last year it would also release a safety report. A company spokeswoman confirmed Thursday that it "remained committed" to releasing a report, but did not say when. Mike Bomberger, a lawyer representing more than 100 victims of sexual assault in lawsuits against Uber and Lyft, said he applauds Uber for releasing the numbers. “One of the problems with both of these companies is that they have hidden and have tried to conceal the number of sexual assaults that occur in their vehicles,” he said. Bomberger said he believes 80% to 90% of the assaults in the Uber report could have been prevented by measures such as cameras in the cars recording rides and the companies reporting each assault it learns of to the police. The Rape, Abuse &amp; Incest National Network said it appreciated Uber's transparency. "This is an issue that affects every institution in America," RAINN press secretary Emily Robinson said in a statement. She added that organizations in every industry, including education, should "make a similar effort to track and analyze sexual misconduct within their communities.” There were 107 deaths from crashes in 2017 and 2018, from 97 crashes reported to Uber. Uber says this represents about half of the national rate for fatal crashes. Sexual assault in the report is defined broadly into categories including non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part, attempted non-consensual sexual penetration, non-consensual touching of a sexual body part, non consensual kissing of a sexual body part and non-consensual sexual penetration.The company also said Uber rides were involved nine murders during 2018. Uber noted that the vast majority - 99.9% - of rides did not have any reported safety issues.

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