The AFL-CIO Adopt-A-Family Christmas program is in its 42nd year and is seeking donations to help area families this holiday season.

Executive Director of AFL-CIO Community Services, Nichi Seckinger, says there are plenty of families who have already applied to be adopted. "We have over 880 families in the system as of right now. Of those families, 385 have already been adopted."

Those seeking adoption have until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 to pick up applications or download them. Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. to be considered for adoption. Seckinger says no applications will be taken after that deadline.

Applications can be found at <a href="https://www.helpmenow.org/adopt-a-family">helpmenow.org/adopt-a-family</a>.

Seckinger says, "People were pretty proactive this year and turned in applications early. With the time remaining, we're expecting to see over 900 families who qualify for adoption."

For anyone who would like to adopt a family, Seckinger says, "A good portion of the families provide lists of what they need. A lot are basic needs like clothing for the kids, undergarments and diapers."

According to Seckinger, seniors and disabled adults who have applied for the program often need hygiene items and cleaning supplies, such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, and paper towels.

For families with children, Seckinger recommends donations of toys and books.

Information from AFL-CIO indicates the estimated cost to adopt one child under 5 is $50; $75 - $80 for children age 5 - 12; and $75 - $100 is common for teens.

Adopters are asked to provide at least one new gift per child. Any additonal items for the children and gifts for the parents are at the adopter's discretion. 

Monetary donations are also needed and the agency uses the money to purchase gift cards and food vouchers to help supplement those families who are not chosen for public adoption. 

Seckinger says AFL-CIO also hosts a gift room, "About a third of our families are not publically adopted and they can shop in the gift room from Dec. 17 till Christmas Eve. We serve families right up to the very end."

AFL-CIO serves eighteen counties throughout Missouri and Doniphan County in Kansas. Seckinger says each year the program helps about 3,000 people. "We've been doing this 1983, and we keep track of the numbers. After this year, we are on track to have helped over 100,000 people."

Anyone who would like to adopt a family can stop by AFL-CIO office located at 1203 North 6th Street in St. Joseph. Hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. The office is also open Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20 from 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. For more information, call the agency at 816-341-1131.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763636013732.jpeg" alt="child with christmas gift pixabay.jpg" />
 <figcaption>child with christmas gift pixabay.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe AFL-CIO Adopt-A-Family Christmas program is in its 42nd year and is seeking donations to help area families this holiday season.Executive Director of AFL-CIO Community Services, Nichi Seckinger, says there are plenty of families who have already applied to be adopted. "We have over 880 families in the system as of right now. Of those families, 385 have already been adopted."Those seeking adoption have until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 to pick up applications or download them. Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. to be considered for adoption. Seckinger says no applications will be taken after that deadline.Applications can be found at <a href="https://www.helpmenow.org/adopt-a-family">helpmenow.org/adopt-a-family</a>.Seckinger says, "People were pretty proactive this year and turned in applications early. With the time remaining, we're expecting to see over 900 families who qualify for adoption."For anyone who would like to adopt a family, Seckinger says, "A good portion of the families provide lists of what they need. A lot are basic needs like clothing for the kids, undergarments and diapers."According to Seckinger, seniors and disabled adults who have applied for the program often need hygiene items and cleaning supplies, such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, and paper towels.For families with children, Seckinger recommends donations of toys and books.Information from AFL-CIO indicates the estimated cost to adopt one child under 5 is $50; $75 - $80 for children age 5 - 12; and $75 - $100 is common for teens.Adopters are asked to provide at least one new gift per child. Any additonal items for the children and gifts for the parents are at the adopter's discretion. Monetary donations are also needed and the agency uses the money to purchase gift cards and food vouchers to help supplement those families who are not chosen for public adoption. Seckinger says AFL-CIO also hosts a gift room, "About a third of our families are not publically adopted and they can shop in the gift room from Dec. 17 till Christmas Eve. We serve families right up to the very end."AFL-CIO serves eighteen counties throughout Missouri and Doniphan County in Kansas. Seckinger says each year the program helps about 3,000 people. "We've been doing this 1983, and we keep track of the numbers. After this year, we are on track to have helped over 100,000 people."Anyone who would like to adopt a family can stop by AFL-CIO office located at 1203 North 6th Street in St. Joseph. Hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. The office is also open Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20 from 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. For more information, call the agency at 816-341-1131.

AFL-CIO Adopt-A-Family Christmas program seeking donations

A 55-year-old
Gallatin woman, reported missing for days, has been found dead in the Grand
River.

The Daviess County
Sheriff’s Office reports a water rescue operation recovered the body of Julie
Vyrostek from the Grand River early Monday afternoon.

The office says
the family reported Vyrostek missing on November 26th and expressed
concern about her well-being. A search began. It included a Facebook post
requesting help from the public. Her vehicle was found on a field access road
outside of Gallatin, near the Grand River.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol and the Missouri Department of Conservation joined the search,
which included searching the river and the land around the river.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764848338403.jpeg" alt="Julie Vyrostek/Daviess County Sheriff's Office photo" />
 <figcaption>Julie Vyrostek/Daviess County Sheriff's Office photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINA 55-year-old
Gallatin woman, reported missing for days, has been found dead in the Grand
River.The Daviess County
Sheriff’s Office reports a water rescue operation recovered the body of Julie
Vyrostek from the Grand River early Monday afternoon.The office says
the family reported Vyrostek missing on November 26th and expressed
concern about her well-being. A search began. It included a Facebook post
requesting help from the public. Her vehicle was found on a field access road
outside of Gallatin, near the Grand River.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol and the Missouri Department of Conservation joined the search,
which included searching the river and the land around the river.The investigation
continues.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Gallatin woman reported missing found dead in Grand River

For the first time ever, all six classes of high school football, along with 8-man, will battle for a championship in St. Joseph at Spratt Stadium on the Missouri Western State University campus. 

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esley says there will be a high level of football played this weekend, and says look no further than down the road in Platte City 

"They play in the Class 5 championship game at 7’o clock Friday night, they play Carthage another very good team, 13-0 against 12-1,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “Their quarterback is a division one signee in Rocco Marriott.” 

Marriott originally signed with James Madison, but just last week flipped his commitment, signing with UCF in the Big 12. 

"That’s all to say very, very high-level talent that will be here in St. Joseph and at Spratt Stadium at Missouri Western this coming week,” Esely says.  “And Rocco’s story is just one of a number of student athlete’s that will compete here this week.” 

Esely says it's exciting to have teams coming from all over the state. 

"They come from anywhere as close as our 8-man teams in Rock Port and Worth County which will be a great championship game on Thursday night, to Platte County which is right down the road, to Kearney, to Lift for Life Academy which is in St. Louis, to Carthage, to Tipton, to Seneca, to Hannibal,” Esely explains.  “So, this championship really encompasses all facets, all areas of the state that will come to St. Joe the spotlight will be on here.” 

The championships had been hosted in Columbia at the home of the Missouri Tigers, Faurot Field, for the last decade, after leaving St. Louis.  

Esely, says the event will bring 14 of the best teams from across the state to Missouri Western to compete 

"I know we have a lot of people in this community who like football, that support high school football, that travel to watch high school football,” Esely says.  “Uh, you don’t have to travel anywhere to watch high school football this weekend, the best seven games are right here beginning this Thursday.” 

The football championships kickoff with the 8-man championship game tomorrow (THU) between Worth County and Rock Port. 

Kickoff is at 7pm.  We will have the game streamed on St. Joseph Post and Maryville Post.  Matt Pike and Nathan Stuedle will be on the call with pregame at 6pm. 

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFor the first time ever, all six classes of high school football, along with 8-man, will battle for a championship in St. Joseph at Spratt Stadium on the Missouri Western State University campus. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esley says there will be a high level of football played this weekend, and says look no further than down the road in Platte City "They play in the Class 5 championship game at 7’o clock Friday night, they play Carthage another very good team, 13-0 against 12-1,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show. “Their quarterback is a division one signee in Rocco Marriott.” Marriott originally signed with James Madison, but just last week flipped his commitment, signing with UCF in the Big 12. "That’s all to say very, very high-level talent that will be here in St. Joseph and at Spratt Stadium at Missouri Western this coming week,” Esely says. “And Rocco’s story is just one of a number of student athlete’s that will compete here this week.” Esely says it's exciting to have teams coming from all over the state. "They come from anywhere as close as our 8-man teams in Rock Port and Worth County which will be a great championship game on Thursday night, to Platte County which is right down the road, to Kearney, to Lift for Life Academy which is in St. Louis, to Carthage, to Tipton, to Seneca, to Hannibal,” Esely explains. “So, this championship really encompasses all facets, all areas of the state that will come to St. Joe the spotlight will be on here.” The championships had been hosted in Columbia at the home of the Missouri Tigers, Faurot Field, for the last decade, after leaving St. Louis. Esely, says the event will bring 14 of the best teams from across the state to Missouri Western to compete "I know we have a lot of people in this community who like football, that support high school football, that travel to watch high school football,” Esely says. “Uh, you don’t have to travel anywhere to watch high school football this weekend, the best seven games are right here beginning this Thursday.” The football championships kickoff with the 8-man championship game tomorrow (THU) between Worth County and Rock Port. Kickoff is at 7pm. We will have the game streamed on St. Joseph Post and Maryville Post. Matt Pike and Nathan Stuedle will be on the call with pregame at 6pm. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph ready to host MSHSAA high school championship football

Gov. Mike Kehoe is
hopeful Missouri’s incentives for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals will
prove to be enough to keep the teams on the Missouri side of the state line.

The Chiefs
reportedly have asked Kansas to submit a proposal for a 65,000-seat domed
stadium on the Kansas side of the metro area, likely next to the Kansas
Speedway at the Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas.

Kehoe was asked
during a visit to St. Joseph if he’s worried that the Chiefs have asked for a proposal
from Kansas.

“Well, I have two
pieces of that answer,” Kehoe tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp; “As Missouri governor, I hate that they’re
doing that. I mean, we want them to stay on the Missouri side. As a business
person, I understand that they have to have their options on the table. Even
though I don’t like it, as a business person I do understand that they’re
looking at what their options could be.”

Kehoe says he expects
state and local incentives to be enough to keep the Chiefs in a renovated
Arrowhead, the home of the Chiefs since 1972.

“I think our
proposal, our economic development proposal, is very good and I’m hoping that
Jackson County with the new leadership of Mr. LeVota, can put together a piece
of the puzzle that really helps us make sure the Chiefs stay where they belong
here in Missouri,” Kehoe says.

Jackson County
voters recalled Executive Frank White, who has been seen as a roadblock to
reaching a deal with both professional sports franchises. Kansas City attorney,
Phil LeVota, is serving as interim executive.

Kehoe says while
the Royals are a separate issue, he does believe state incentives will prove to
be enough to keep the team in Missouri. Kehoe expects the Royals to choose
either to relocate to downtown Kansas City or in Clay County.

“They’re obviously
looking at the Star Bond proposal that Kansas has on their side,” Kehoe says. “Again,
as a business person and finance people have told me, Star Bonds have a lot of
problems associated with them that I hope the ownership groups look at very
closely. Our offer for both of those teams, and in this case the Royals, doesn’t
care where they locate as long as it’s in Missouri.”

Jackson County
voters rejected a sales tax extension to pay for renovations to Arrowhead and help
finance a new downtown stadium for the Royals. Missouri lawmakers put together
an incentive package during a special legislative session in an effort to keep
the two teams on the Missouri side of the metroplex.

The ownership group
of the Kansas City Royals has sent out a survey to its fans asking for comments
on three possible locations for a new stadium:&nbsp;
downtown Kansas City, Clay County, or Overland Park, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764785437708.jpeg" alt="Arrowhead Stadium/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Arrowhead Stadium/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINGov. Mike Kehoe is
hopeful Missouri’s incentives for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals will
prove to be enough to keep the teams on the Missouri side of the state line.The Chiefs
reportedly have asked Kansas to submit a proposal for a 65,000-seat domed
stadium on the Kansas side of the metro area, likely next to the Kansas
Speedway at the Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas.Kehoe was asked
during a visit to St. Joseph if he’s worried that the Chiefs have asked for a proposal
from Kansas.“Well, I have two
pieces of that answer,” Kehoe tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp; “As Missouri governor, I hate that they’re
doing that. I mean, we want them to stay on the Missouri side. As a business
person, I understand that they have to have their options on the table. Even
though I don’t like it, as a business person I do understand that they’re
looking at what their options could be.”Kehoe says he expects
state and local incentives to be enough to keep the Chiefs in a renovated
Arrowhead, the home of the Chiefs since 1972.“I think our
proposal, our economic development proposal, is very good and I’m hoping that
Jackson County with the new leadership of Mr. LeVota, can put together a piece
of the puzzle that really helps us make sure the Chiefs stay where they belong
here in Missouri,” Kehoe says.Jackson County
voters recalled Executive Frank White, who has been seen as a roadblock to
reaching a deal with both professional sports franchises. Kansas City attorney,
Phil LeVota, is serving as interim executive.Kehoe says while
the Royals are a separate issue, he does believe state incentives will prove to
be enough to keep the team in Missouri. Kehoe expects the Royals to choose
either to relocate to downtown Kansas City or in Clay County.“They’re obviously
looking at the Star Bond proposal that Kansas has on their side,” Kehoe says. “Again,
as a business person and finance people have told me, Star Bonds have a lot of
problems associated with them that I hope the ownership groups look at very
closely. Our offer for both of those teams, and in this case the Royals, doesn’t
care where they locate as long as it’s in Missouri.”Jackson County
voters rejected a sales tax extension to pay for renovations to Arrowhead and help
finance a new downtown stadium for the Royals. Missouri lawmakers put together
an incentive package during a special legislative session in an effort to keep
the two teams on the Missouri side of the metroplex.The ownership group
of the Kansas City Royals has sent out a survey to its fans asking for comments
on three possible locations for a new stadium:&nbsp;
downtown Kansas City, Clay County, or Overland Park, Kansas.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Gov. Kehoe optimistic Chiefs and Royals will stay in Missouri

A junior at Northwest Missouri State University has received a $500 scholarship named in memory of a Savannah native.

Kiara Schaub, of Savannah, Missouri, is currently studying agronomy with a focus on crop science.&nbsp;She is the daughter of Clint and Shelly Schaub.

The Matthew White Memorial Scholarship is an endowed scholarship awarded to a continuing student at Northwest in an agriculture-related major. 

Information from the university says a scholarship of at least $500 is awarded with preference to graduates of Savannah High School, North Andrew High School in Rosendale and students from Missouri or Iowa.&nbsp;

Matthew White was a student at the university who completed his sophomore year as an agriculture business major when he died in an automobile crash in 2005. White's parents, Steve and Julie, of Savannah, established the scholarship in 2006. Both parents are alumni of Northwest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764781042921.jpeg" alt="KiaraSchaub - courtesy of NWMSU" />
 <figcaption>KiaraSchaub - courtesy of NWMSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHA junior at Northwest Missouri State University has received a $500 scholarship named in memory of a Savannah native.Kiara Schaub, of Savannah, Missouri, is currently studying agronomy with a focus on crop science.&nbsp;She is the daughter of Clint and Shelly Schaub.The Matthew White Memorial Scholarship is an endowed scholarship awarded to a continuing student at Northwest in an agriculture-related major. Information from the university says a scholarship of at least $500 is awarded with preference to graduates of Savannah High School, North Andrew High School in Rosendale and students from Missouri or Iowa.&nbsp;Matthew White was a student at the university who completed his sophomore year as an agriculture business major when he died in an automobile crash in 2005. White's parents, Steve and Julie, of Savannah, established the scholarship in 2006. Both parents are alumni of Northwest.

Northwest Missouri State University student receives scholarship in memory of Savannah native

Three people died,
82 suffered injuries in more than 300 traffic wrecks in Missouri during the
long Thanksgiving holiday counting period. Among those killed, a 44-year-old Union
woman who died in a rollover accident on I-29 in extreme northwest Missouri
Thanksgiving Day.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol has issued preliminary numbers for the longest holiday counting
period of the year, which started Wednesday evening and ended at midnight
Sunday.

State highway
patrol troopers worked 304 crashes during that period and made 87 drunk driving
arrests.

Last year, the
patrol reported 462 traffic crashes which resulted in six fatalities and 158
injuries.

This year, two fatalities
occurred on Thanksgiving Day, one in central Missouri that took the life of a
40-year-old Branson woman. The second on I-29 in Atchison County killed the
woman from Union who lost control of her car on I-29 a mile north of Watson.
The vehicle went into a skid, ran off the northbound lanes of the interstate,
overturned in the median, and came to rest in the southbound lanes.

An 11-year-old O’Fallon
girl died in a crash in St. Charles County Friday.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol reports the results are preliminary and subject to change.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThree people died,
82 suffered injuries in more than 300 traffic wrecks in Missouri during the
long Thanksgiving holiday counting period. Among those killed, a 44-year-old Union
woman who died in a rollover accident on I-29 in extreme northwest Missouri
Thanksgiving Day.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol has issued preliminary numbers for the longest holiday counting
period of the year, which started Wednesday evening and ended at midnight
Sunday.State highway
patrol troopers worked 304 crashes during that period and made 87 drunk driving
arrests.Last year, the
patrol reported 462 traffic crashes which resulted in six fatalities and 158
injuries.This year, two fatalities
occurred on Thanksgiving Day, one in central Missouri that took the life of a
40-year-old Branson woman. The second on I-29 in Atchison County killed the
woman from Union who lost control of her car on I-29 a mile north of Watson.
The vehicle went into a skid, ran off the northbound lanes of the interstate,
overturned in the median, and came to rest in the southbound lanes.An 11-year-old O’Fallon
girl died in a crash in St. Charles County Friday.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol reports the results are preliminary and subject to change.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Three die in Thanksgiving travel in Missouri, including NW Missouri rollover

Click on the link for the winter weather cancelations:

<a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/</a>

Click on the link for the winter weather cancelations:<a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/</a>

Winter weather cancelations for today

President Trump plans to pay bonuses to
air traffic controllers who had perfect attendance during the federal
government shutdown and has threatened docking the pay of those who didn’t.

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves,
the House Transportation Committee chair, says he understands the president’s
frustration, but is hesitant to endorse punishing controllers who called in
sick during the shutdown.

“The problem with something like that is
that you really don’t know the circumstances, the folks, that may not be
eligible for these bonuses,” Graves tells KFEQ. “They may have
actually been sick.”

Graves says air traffic controllers have
a high-stress job and not getting paid during the shutdown didn’t help.

“You know, we’ve got to be careful,
because you just don’t know what the circumstances are,” Graves says.

Graves says a high stress job became even
more stressful during the federal government shutdown as air traffic
controllers had to come to work without getting a paycheck.

“You also can’t fault somebody who’s
trying to make a car payment and a mortgage payment. You don’t know what the
personal circumstance is and they had to go out and get another job for the
time being to try to make ends meet,” Graves says. “I can see both sides of
this to be quite honest with you. I can absolutely see both sides of this.”

Graves says you cannot dismiss the
worries that pile up when the bills come due.

“Whether that’s a car payment or a
mortgage payment or whatever your obligation may be and not getting paid for
two pay cycles. That creates even more stress and more hardship and it just
makes it worse,” according to Graves. “ I think it’s very hard for most folks
to really understand the true gravity of what took place.”

The Trump administration has announced it
will give a bonus to air traffic controllers who had perfect attendance during
the shutdown. Those who came to work each day of the shutdown will receive $10,000
bonuses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764341272423.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINPresident Trump plans to pay bonuses to
air traffic controllers who had perfect attendance during the federal
government shutdown and has threatened docking the pay of those who didn’t.Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves,
the House Transportation Committee chair, says he understands the president’s
frustration, but is hesitant to endorse punishing controllers who called in
sick during the shutdown.“The problem with something like that is
that you really don’t know the circumstances, the folks, that may not be
eligible for these bonuses,” Graves tells KFEQ. “They may have
actually been sick.”Graves says air traffic controllers have
a high-stress job and not getting paid during the shutdown didn’t help.“You know, we’ve got to be careful,
because you just don’t know what the circumstances are,” Graves says.Graves says a high stress job became even
more stressful during the federal government shutdown as air traffic
controllers had to come to work without getting a paycheck.“You also can’t fault somebody who’s
trying to make a car payment and a mortgage payment. You don’t know what the
personal circumstance is and they had to go out and get another job for the
time being to try to make ends meet,” Graves says. “I can see both sides of
this to be quite honest with you. I can absolutely see both sides of this.”Graves says you cannot dismiss the
worries that pile up when the bills come due.“Whether that’s a car payment or a
mortgage payment or whatever your obligation may be and not getting paid for
two pay cycles. That creates even more stress and more hardship and it just
makes it worse,” according to Graves. “ I think it’s very hard for most folks
to really understand the true gravity of what took place.”The Trump administration has announced it
will give a bonus to air traffic controllers who had perfect attendance during
the shutdown. Those who came to work each day of the shutdown will receive $10,000
bonuses.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Congressman Graves hesitant on plan to punish some air traffic controllers

Mosaic Life Care
has broken ground on a new women’s health clinic in Maryville.

More than 100
attended the groundbreaking ceremony hosted by Mosaic Medical Center –
Maryville and Mosaic Life Care – Philanthropy. Mosaic states in a news release
the clinic will offer preventive care, obstetrics, gynecology and wellness
support.

Mosaic Medical
Center – Maryville also announced it has received a $100,000 Rural Planning
Grant from Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program, which
is funded by the Health Resources &amp; Services Administration (HRSA). Through
this grant, outreach clinics have already been set up in Bedford and Albany to
offer OB patients greater access to care.

The Maryville
clinic will offer services that women in northwest Missouri have had to drive long
distances to receive.

“I see the
disparities in women’s healthcare in this region and across the state. Women’s
health care is expensive and difficult to deliver, which is why so many near us
have closed their maternity unit doors,” Megan Jennings, director of
development for the St. Francis Foundation said. “Today, I am so proud to say
through the efforts and dedication of many, we aren’t saying when we close, but
rather, let’s grow, let’s extend our arm to other communities, let’s be the
solution.”

&nbsp;The new clinic, made possible by community
support through the St. Francis Foundation and a significant investment from
Mosaic Life Care, is set to open in late summer of 2026. 

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763577055948.jpeg" alt="Groundbreaking of women's clinic at Mosaic - Maryville/Photo courtesy of Mosaic Life Care" />
 <figcaption>Groundbreaking of women's clinic at Mosaic - Maryville/Photo courtesy of Mosaic Life Care</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINMosaic Life Care
has broken ground on a new women’s health clinic in Maryville.More than 100
attended the groundbreaking ceremony hosted by Mosaic Medical Center –
Maryville and Mosaic Life Care – Philanthropy. Mosaic states in a news release
the clinic will offer preventive care, obstetrics, gynecology and wellness
support.Mosaic Medical
Center – Maryville also announced it has received a $100,000 Rural Planning
Grant from Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program, which
is funded by the Health Resources &amp; Services Administration (HRSA). Through
this grant, outreach clinics have already been set up in Bedford and Albany to
offer OB patients greater access to care.The Maryville
clinic will offer services that women in northwest Missouri have had to drive long
distances to receive.“I see the
disparities in women’s healthcare in this region and across the state. Women’s
health care is expensive and difficult to deliver, which is why so many near us
have closed their maternity unit doors,” Megan Jennings, director of
development for the St. Francis Foundation said. “Today, I am so proud to say
through the efforts and dedication of many, we aren’t saying when we close, but
rather, let’s grow, let’s extend our arm to other communities, let’s be the
solution.”&nbsp;The new clinic, made possible by community
support through the St. Francis Foundation and a significant investment from
Mosaic Life Care, is set to open in late summer of 2026. You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Mosaic breaks ground on new Maryville women's clinic

Compromise
legislation approved in the United States Senate to end the federal government
shutdown has the support of northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, a Republican.

“I’m going to
support the compromise that the Senate is sending over. I’m glad it’s finally
over. You know, in a shutdown like this, nobody wins.&nbsp; Republicans don’t win. Democrats don’t win. And
it’s extraordinarily frustrating,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And who
loses is the American public.”

Graves, though,
does have one concern about the House considering the Senate bill.

“We have the votes
in the House on the Republican side to pass it, but I think we’ll get, it will
be bipartisan, I really do,” Graves says. “The biggest problem to be quite
honest with you is everyone coming back and how the flight delays and the cancelations
are going to affect people being on the floor. That’s going to be a bigger problem
than anything else.”

Graves doesn’t
expect it to take long for the federal government to become fully operational
again once the legislature is signed.

“The government
will get up and running right away. It will take a little bit longer for our
flight service to get back to normal. The airlines have got to ramp back up
again,” Graves says. “I think it will be pretty much back to normal by the
holiday season, by Thanksgiving.”

Graves does expect
some Democrats to vote for the measure.

If the House
approves the measure, it would go to President Trump who has indicated he will
sign it.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostCompromise
legislation approved in the United States Senate to end the federal government
shutdown has the support of northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, a Republican.“I’m going to
support the compromise that the Senate is sending over. I’m glad it’s finally
over. You know, in a shutdown like this, nobody wins.&nbsp; Republicans don’t win. Democrats don’t win. And
it’s extraordinarily frustrating,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And who
loses is the American public.”Graves, though,
does have one concern about the House considering the Senate bill.“We have the votes
in the House on the Republican side to pass it, but I think we’ll get, it will
be bipartisan, I really do,” Graves says. “The biggest problem to be quite
honest with you is everyone coming back and how the flight delays and the cancelations
are going to affect people being on the floor. That’s going to be a bigger problem
than anything else.”Graves doesn’t
expect it to take long for the federal government to become fully operational
again once the legislature is signed.“The government
will get up and running right away. It will take a little bit longer for our
flight service to get back to normal. The airlines have got to ramp back up
again,” Graves says. “I think it will be pretty much back to normal by the
holiday season, by Thanksgiving.”Graves does expect
some Democrats to vote for the measure.If the House
approves the measure, it would go to President Trump who has indicated he will
sign it.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Graves supports legislation that would reopen the federal government

The Northwest
Missouri Labor Council has elected Zack Dunn as President.

The council also
elected Daniel Robinson as Vice President, stating the elections usher in a new
era of leadership focused on rebuilding worker power and strengthening the
voice of organized labor across northwest Missouri.

The elections come
after the death of Mike Veale in August. Veale served as President of the
Northwest Missouri Labor Council for the last 11 years.

“Mike was a
courageous leader who stood shoulder to shoulder with members of the community.
He never hesitated to jump in and offer his help whenever the need arose. Mike
was a kind man and a strong leader,” Jake Hummel, President of the Missouri
AFL-CIO, said in a written statement. “Mike has left big shoes to fill and I’m
confident Zack’s leadership will carry that commitment forward.”

Dunn now serves as
Government Affairs Director for the Missouri and Kansas Laborers District
Council of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). Dunn, a
Savannah native, began his career in 2018 as Regional Field Director during
Missouri’s historic campaign to defeat “right-to-work” legislation. Under his
leadership, Northwest Missouri organized 200 volunteers who knocked on more
than 15,000 doors and delivered victories in 16 of 17 counties on Election Day.

“This is about
rebuilding strength from the ground up,” Dunn said in a written statement.
“Northwest Missouri has always had a proud union history. From the men and
women who built our roads, bridges, and schools to the workers who keep our
communities running today. We’re going to honor that legacy by building an
organization that fights for all working people, union and non-union alike.”

&nbsp;The Northwest Missouri Labor Council, an
affiliate of the Missouri AFL-CIO, represents union members across eleven
counties. The Council brings together labor unions, trade organizations, and
community allies who collectively advocate for fair wages, strong benefits, and
the dignity of work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762802085185.jpeg" alt="Zack Dunn/Photo courtesy of NW Missouri Labor Council" />
 <figcaption>Zack Dunn/Photo courtesy of NW Missouri Labor Council</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINThe Northwest
Missouri Labor Council has elected Zack Dunn as President.The council also
elected Daniel Robinson as Vice President, stating the elections usher in a new
era of leadership focused on rebuilding worker power and strengthening the
voice of organized labor across northwest Missouri.The elections come
after the death of Mike Veale in August. Veale served as President of the
Northwest Missouri Labor Council for the last 11 years.“Mike was a
courageous leader who stood shoulder to shoulder with members of the community.
He never hesitated to jump in and offer his help whenever the need arose. Mike
was a kind man and a strong leader,” Jake Hummel, President of the Missouri
AFL-CIO, said in a written statement. “Mike has left big shoes to fill and I’m
confident Zack’s leadership will carry that commitment forward.”Dunn now serves as
Government Affairs Director for the Missouri and Kansas Laborers District
Council of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). Dunn, a
Savannah native, began his career in 2018 as Regional Field Director during
Missouri’s historic campaign to defeat “right-to-work” legislation. Under his
leadership, Northwest Missouri organized 200 volunteers who knocked on more
than 15,000 doors and delivered victories in 16 of 17 counties on Election Day.“This is about
rebuilding strength from the ground up,” Dunn said in a written statement.
“Northwest Missouri has always had a proud union history. From the men and
women who built our roads, bridges, and schools to the workers who keep our
communities running today. We’re going to honor that legacy by building an
organization that fights for all working people, union and non-union alike.”&nbsp;The Northwest Missouri Labor Council, an
affiliate of the Missouri AFL-CIO, represents union members across eleven
counties. The Council brings together labor unions, trade organizations, and
community allies who collectively advocate for fair wages, strong benefits, and
the dignity of work.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Dunn elected president of Northwest Missouri Labor Council

Maximize Northwest
Missouri has received national recognition.

Communities of
Excellence and Resilience [C.O.R.E.], a national nonprofit organization,
recently awarded bronze recognition to Maximize NWMO, the regional vitality
initiative of The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri. 

West Kendall, Florida
and Coral Springs, Florida earned silver. Coral Gables, Florida received gold
recognition.

“These communities
exemplify what happens when people come together across sectors to create
shared systems for improvement,” Stephanie Norling, President and CEO of
C.O.R.E. aid in a written statement. “Each one shows us that resilience and
excellence are not separate goals – they’re what make communities stronger over
time.”

The communities
participated in C.O.R.E.’s Assessment and Recognition Program, where
cross-sector teams describe their processes, partnerships, and key results
using The C.O.R.E. Guide’s criteria of questions on leadership, strategy,
residents and other stakeholders, data measurement and management, people
resources, operations, and culture.

The communities
were recognized during the annual Fall Conference in Denver.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762796763366.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINMaximize Northwest
Missouri has received national recognition.Communities of
Excellence and Resilience [C.O.R.E.], a national nonprofit organization,
recently awarded bronze recognition to Maximize NWMO, the regional vitality
initiative of The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri. West Kendall, Florida
and Coral Springs, Florida earned silver. Coral Gables, Florida received gold
recognition.“These communities
exemplify what happens when people come together across sectors to create
shared systems for improvement,” Stephanie Norling, President and CEO of
C.O.R.E. aid in a written statement. “Each one shows us that resilience and
excellence are not separate goals – they’re what make communities stronger over
time.”The communities
participated in C.O.R.E.’s Assessment and Recognition Program, where
cross-sector teams describe their processes, partnerships, and key results
using The C.O.R.E. Guide’s criteria of questions on leadership, strategy,
residents and other stakeholders, data measurement and management, people
resources, operations, and culture.Maximize NWMO servers
18 counties.The communities
were recognized during the annual Fall Conference in Denver.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Maximize NWMO earns national recognition

Water releases
into the Missouri River from the Gavins Point Dam will soon be reduced.

The United States
Army Corps of Engineers reports releases will be reduced late this month as
navigation along the Missouri comes to an end. Releases are currently 25,500
cubic feet per second (cfs).

“We will continue
to make releases from Gavins Point Dam to provide flow support at a level 4,500
cfs less than full service, through the end of the navigation flow support
season, which ends on Dec. 1 at the mouth of the Missouri River,” John Remus,
chief of the USACE, Missouri River Water Management Division, said in a written
statement released by the Corps.

The Army Corps of
Engineers will begin reducing flows from Gavins Point around November 22nd.
The Corps plans to reduce releases by 3,000 cfs each day until reaching a rate
of 15,000 cfs. The Corps says the rate of reduction will then slow to 1,000 cfs
every five days until reaching the winter release.

“Based on the
Sept. 1 Mainstem Reservoir System storage check, releases from Gavins Point Dam
for the 2025-2026 winter will be at the minimum rate of 12,000 cfs,” said
Remus.

The Corps reports October
runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 1.1
million-acre-feet (MAF), which is 89% of average. Runoff was below average in
the Fort Peck, Garrison, and Fort Randall reaches and above normal for the
remaining reaches. Based on the most recent Drought Monitor, about 54% of the
Basin is currently in abnormally dry or drought conditions. 

Reservoir studies
indicate System storage will be below the base of the Flood Control Zone at the
start of the 2026 runoff season, according to the Corps.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762795078348.jpeg" alt="Gavins Point Dam/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Gavins Point Dam/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINWater releases
into the Missouri River from the Gavins Point Dam will soon be reduced.The United States
Army Corps of Engineers reports releases will be reduced late this month as
navigation along the Missouri comes to an end. Releases are currently 25,500
cubic feet per second (cfs).“We will continue
to make releases from Gavins Point Dam to provide flow support at a level 4,500
cfs less than full service, through the end of the navigation flow support
season, which ends on Dec. 1 at the mouth of the Missouri River,” John Remus,
chief of the USACE, Missouri River Water Management Division, said in a written
statement released by the Corps.The Army Corps of
Engineers will begin reducing flows from Gavins Point around November 22nd.
The Corps plans to reduce releases by 3,000 cfs each day until reaching a rate
of 15,000 cfs. The Corps says the rate of reduction will then slow to 1,000 cfs
every five days until reaching the winter release.“Based on the
Sept. 1 Mainstem Reservoir System storage check, releases from Gavins Point Dam
for the 2025-2026 winter will be at the minimum rate of 12,000 cfs,” said
Remus.The Corps reports October
runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 1.1
million-acre-feet (MAF), which is 89% of average. Runoff was below average in
the Fort Peck, Garrison, and Fort Randall reaches and above normal for the
remaining reaches. Based on the most recent Drought Monitor, about 54% of the
Basin is currently in abnormally dry or drought conditions. Reservoir studies
indicate System storage will be below the base of the Flood Control Zone at the
start of the 2026 runoff season, according to the Corps.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Releases from Gavins Point Dam to be reduced later this month

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves says the national Rails to Trails movement has broken
the promise made to landowners when the railroads first purchased the rights of
way to lay track.

Graves sponsors
legislation that would require property owners be compensated when adjoining
railroad rights of way are turned into trails. Graves says too few trails have
properly compensated the landowner and too many have failed to property
maintain the land.

“If they do put in
a trail and they do compensate landowners, then I believe that they also ought
to maintain that property and we have seen that become a very big problem, if
the property is not being properly maintained,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “And so, what this does is ensure that it is if it does become a trail.”

Graves sponsors
the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act. Rails to Trails allows the federal
government to hand over former railroad corridors to be converted into trails.

Graves says the
federal law runs roughshod over the original agreements between railroads and
landowners, which promised the land would revert back to the property owner if
the railway is abandoned.

“I think if the
land does not revert back to the landowner or the family, whatever the case may
be, then they should be compensated for it,” Graves says. “That’s the bottom
line.”

Another provision
in Graves’ legislation would require trails to be maintained as they had been
by the railroads. Graves says he has heard complaints from landowners about
weeds and trash along the trails.

Graves says it
doesn’t matter if the legislation would hamper the Rails to Trails movement.

“There’s nothing
that is more frustrating than having a farm that a railroad went through and
you basically cut it in half and then have the railroad go out and you can’t
get that land back when your agreement stated that it was to revert back to you,”
according to Graves. “That is a very frustrating component of this and I hope
it hampers it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762194428507.jpeg" alt="Katy Trail State Park/ Missouri State Parks photo" />
 <figcaption>Katy Trail State Park/ Missouri State Parks photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINNorthern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves says the national Rails to Trails movement has broken
the promise made to landowners when the railroads first purchased the rights of
way to lay track.Graves sponsors
legislation that would require property owners be compensated when adjoining
railroad rights of way are turned into trails. Graves says too few trails have
properly compensated the landowner and too many have failed to property
maintain the land.“If they do put in
a trail and they do compensate landowners, then I believe that they also ought
to maintain that property and we have seen that become a very big problem, if
the property is not being properly maintained,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “And so, what this does is ensure that it is if it does become a trail.”Graves sponsors
the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act. Rails to Trails allows the federal
government to hand over former railroad corridors to be converted into trails.Graves says the
federal law runs roughshod over the original agreements between railroads and
landowners, which promised the land would revert back to the property owner if
the railway is abandoned.“I think if the
land does not revert back to the landowner or the family, whatever the case may
be, then they should be compensated for it,” Graves says. “That’s the bottom
line.”Another provision
in Graves’ legislation would require trails to be maintained as they had been
by the railroads. Graves says he has heard complaints from landowners about
weeds and trash along the trails.Graves says it
doesn’t matter if the legislation would hamper the Rails to Trails movement.“There’s nothing
that is more frustrating than having a farm that a railroad went through and
you basically cut it in half and then have the railroad go out and you can’t
get that land back when your agreement stated that it was to revert back to you,”
according to Graves. “That is a very frustrating component of this and I hope
it hampers it.”You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Graves wants landowners protected in Rails to Trails movement

Missouri Gov. Mike
Kehoe has appointed Dr. Rolfe McCoy, a dentist from Chillicothe, to the
Missouri Dental Board.

McCoy is a partner
at McCoy Samples Mattingly Dental Clinic. McCoy also serves as the chairman and
a trainer of the Missouri Dental Association's Expanded Function Dental
Assistant program and teaches for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior
Services (DHSS) Office of Dental Health pilot program in long-term care facilities.

McCoy serves on
the Chillicothe Arts Council, the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce, the
Chillicothe Board of Public Works, and is a member of the Chillicothe Rotary
Club.

McCoy earned his
Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree
from Washington University in St. Louis.

By BRENT MARTINMissouri Gov. Mike
Kehoe has appointed Dr. Rolfe McCoy, a dentist from Chillicothe, to the
Missouri Dental Board.McCoy is a partner
at McCoy Samples Mattingly Dental Clinic. McCoy also serves as the chairman and
a trainer of the Missouri Dental Association's Expanded Function Dental
Assistant program and teaches for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior
Services (DHSS) Office of Dental Health pilot program in long-term care facilities.McCoy serves on
the Chillicothe Arts Council, the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce, the
Chillicothe Board of Public Works, and is a member of the Chillicothe Rotary
Club.McCoy earned his
Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree
from Washington University in St. Louis.

Gov. Kehoe appoints Chillicothe dentist to Missouri Dental Board

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves lays the blame for the extended federal government
shutdown directly on Senate Democrats.

“It’s a dangerous
game that they’re playing,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp; “They’re playing chicken with people’s benefits,
with people’s paychecks, they’re livelihoods, national security, you name it.
You know, it’s funny, that Sen. Schumer voted 13 times for a clean CR, continuing
resolution, under the Biden administration, now all of the sudden he’s decided
he doesn’t want to.”

Graves, a Republican,
is especially harsh on the top Democrat in the Senate, Chuck Schumer of New
York, for refusing to vote for an extension of current spending. Senate
Democrats want Republicans to extend additional Affordable Care Act tax credits
before agreeing to reopen the government. The shutdown soon will enter its
second month.

Graves insists
Democrats need to reopen the government for negotiations on the issue to begin.
And Graves claims Democrats are being disingenuous when they insist ACA tax
credits must be extended first.

“They had every
opportunity when they had the majority and the presidency; they had every
opportunity to make those permanent at the time and they didn’t do it. And now,
all of the sudden, they want to do it,” Graves says. “But the bottom line is we
need to pass a clean CR, get the government open, then we can negotiate these
things.”

Some federal
workers will not get paid; food stamps won’t be extended if the shutdown
continues much longer.

Graves asserts negotiations
over that main sticking point, extension of ACA tax credits, cannot begin until
the government shutdown ends.

“I mean, this is
so easy and it’s so ridiculous,” Graves says. “That’s what we do is negotiate spending
bills. We have to get to the table to be able to do that and the only way to
get to the table to do that is to keep the government open.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761854316412.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINNorthern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves lays the blame for the extended federal government
shutdown directly on Senate Democrats.“It’s a dangerous
game that they’re playing,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp; “They’re playing chicken with people’s benefits,
with people’s paychecks, they’re livelihoods, national security, you name it.
You know, it’s funny, that Sen. Schumer voted 13 times for a clean CR, continuing
resolution, under the Biden administration, now all of the sudden he’s decided
he doesn’t want to.”Graves, a Republican,
is especially harsh on the top Democrat in the Senate, Chuck Schumer of New
York, for refusing to vote for an extension of current spending. Senate
Democrats want Republicans to extend additional Affordable Care Act tax credits
before agreeing to reopen the government. The shutdown soon will enter its
second month.Graves insists
Democrats need to reopen the government for negotiations on the issue to begin.
And Graves claims Democrats are being disingenuous when they insist ACA tax
credits must be extended first.“They had every
opportunity when they had the majority and the presidency; they had every
opportunity to make those permanent at the time and they didn’t do it. And now,
all of the sudden, they want to do it,” Graves says. “But the bottom line is we
need to pass a clean CR, get the government open, then we can negotiate these
things.”Some federal
workers will not get paid; food stamps won’t be extended if the shutdown
continues much longer.Graves asserts negotiations
over that main sticking point, extension of ACA tax credits, cannot begin until
the government shutdown ends.“I mean, this is
so easy and it’s so ridiculous,” Graves says. “That’s what we do is negotiate spending
bills. We have to get to the table to be able to do that and the only way to
get to the table to do that is to keep the government open.”You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Graves claims Democrats are playing dangerous game during shutdown

Former longtime KFEQ
salesman, Ken Gabler, has died.

Gabler was born in
St. Louis November 24th of 1930.

Gabler served as a
salesman for KFEQ Radio for years, often voicing commercials.

After retiring
from the station, Gabler took up several hobbies and spent time with his family.
Gabler and his wife, the former Helen Isaacs, were married for 68 years and had
three children.

Gabler was a
member of the Barbershop Quartet and Chorus and performed for the U.S. troops
on a U.S.O. Tour.

Farewell services
and public livestream will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 28th, at the Ashland
United Methodist Church; interment at Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family suggests
memorial contributions to Ashland United Methodist Church.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761584883903.jpeg" alt="Ken Gabler" />
 <figcaption>Ken Gabler</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFormer longtime KFEQ
salesman, Ken Gabler, has died.Gabler was born in
St. Louis November 24th of 1930.Gabler served as a
salesman for KFEQ Radio for years, often voicing commercials.After retiring
from the station, Gabler took up several hobbies and spent time with his family.
Gabler and his wife, the former Helen Isaacs, were married for 68 years and had
three children.Gabler was a
member of the Barbershop Quartet and Chorus and performed for the U.S. troops
on a U.S.O. Tour.Farewell services
and public livestream will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 28th, at the Ashland
United Methodist Church; interment at Memorial Park Cemetery.The family suggests
memorial contributions to Ashland United Methodist Church.Ken Gabler was 94.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Former longtime KFEQ salesman, Ken Gabler, dies at age 94

Missouri’s Great Northwest Winefest
returns Saturday to Mound City.

The event is the main fundraiser for Northwest
Missouri Enterprise Facilitation, a nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs and
small businesses in six counties.

Event Coordinator, Amanda Griffin, says Northwest
Missouri Enterprise Facilitation provides a wide range of services for
businesses.

“We want to make sure that these businesses
are here to stay, sticking it out through thick and thin,” Griffin tells
KFEQmmunity. “If they need business coaching, we send somebody out to chat with
them and we’ll brainstorm different ways to just help them, help them compete
in this ever-changing market.”

Missouri’s Great Northwest Winefest
begins at 11:30am Saturday in the North Griffith Park in Mound City.

Griffin says the Great Northwest Winefest
offers something for everyone.

“But you can check out over 60 artisans
and food vendors that are available and listen all day long. We’ll have live
music from 11:30 to 7 when we go ahead and close the festival out. But it’s
going to be a fantastic day,” Griffin says. “If you’re into wineries and
breweries and all of that stuff, it’s wonderful. But even if you’re not into
that kind of stuff there’s plenty to do for everyone.”

This the 16th annual Missouri’s
Great Northwest Winefest. Griffin says the event hit a hiccup during the
coronavirus pandemic, but has come back strong as residents look to invest in
experiences.

“They’re not investing in things any more
so much, but they want that experience,” Griffin says. “Because they realized
during that time (the pandemic) that their time is precious. And so, when they
come here and they take time out with friends and family at this festival, that’s
an experience that they’ll have forever and they’re realizing that. So, I’m
pretty excited. And I think that’s the key to the growth for us.”

There will be more than 60 artists,
drink, and food vendors at the Great Northwest Winefest in Mound City, including
local vendors as well as regional. Four live acts will play on the stage: Angie
Kelim, Ben Johnson as both young and old Elvis, The Curtis Stroud Band, and Josie
Watkins.

The event runs from 11:30am to 7pm. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for designated drivers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760118962884.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINMissouri’s Great Northwest Winefest
returns Saturday to Mound City.The event is the main fundraiser for Northwest
Missouri Enterprise Facilitation, a nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs and
small businesses in six counties.Event Coordinator, Amanda Griffin, says Northwest
Missouri Enterprise Facilitation provides a wide range of services for
businesses.“We want to make sure that these businesses
are here to stay, sticking it out through thick and thin,” Griffin tells
KFEQmmunity. “If they need business coaching, we send somebody out to chat with
them and we’ll brainstorm different ways to just help them, help them compete
in this ever-changing market.”Missouri’s Great Northwest Winefest
begins at 11:30am Saturday in the North Griffith Park in Mound City.Griffin says the Great Northwest Winefest
offers something for everyone.“But you can check out over 60 artisans
and food vendors that are available and listen all day long. We’ll have live
music from 11:30 to 7 when we go ahead and close the festival out. But it’s
going to be a fantastic day,” Griffin says. “If you’re into wineries and
breweries and all of that stuff, it’s wonderful. But even if you’re not into
that kind of stuff there’s plenty to do for everyone.”This the 16th annual Missouri’s
Great Northwest Winefest. Griffin says the event hit a hiccup during the
coronavirus pandemic, but has come back strong as residents look to invest in
experiences.“They’re not investing in things any more
so much, but they want that experience,” Griffin says. “Because they realized
during that time (the pandemic) that their time is precious. And so, when they
come here and they take time out with friends and family at this festival, that’s
an experience that they’ll have forever and they’re realizing that. So, I’m
pretty excited. And I think that’s the key to the growth for us.”There will be more than 60 artists,
drink, and food vendors at the Great Northwest Winefest in Mound City, including
local vendors as well as regional. Four live acts will play on the stage: Angie
Kelim, Ben Johnson as both young and old Elvis, The Curtis Stroud Band, and Josie
Watkins.The event runs from 11:30am to 7pm. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for designated drivers.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Missouri’s Great Northwest Winefest enters 16th year in Mound City

North Central
Missouri College in Trenton celebrates throughout this year its 100th
anniversary.

North Central
President, Lenny Klaver, says the college has been on a growth spurt, pointing
in particular to its partnership with Missouri Western State University on the
Houlne Center for Convergent Technology on the St. Joseph campus.

“We took a risk to
do this and it is the first two-year, four-year partnership in the state where
we have combined on a facility to meet workforce needs,” Klaver tells
KFEQmmunity. “And I think when you consider that St. Joseph is the third
largest exporter in the state of manufactured goods and industry, if all things
go well, we’ll be continuing to ramp up as the years go forward.”

Based in Trenton,
North Central Missouri College serves a 17-county region of north-northwest
Missouri. It all began 100 years ago in the third floor of the Trenton High
School with only 57 students. Enrollment at North Central continues to inch
upward. This fall, NCMC saw a 2% increase in enrollment with a record number of
students enroll:&nbsp; 1,987.

Klaver says a
foray into the western part of its service area has helped North Central. The
college recently remodeled at old car dealership to open a branch in Savannah.

“It’s worked very
well. Our growth in Savannah has been tremendous. We’ve had great support from
the community,” according to Klaver. “We’ve continued to grow in enrollment,
overall, with a large part of that growth in Savannah.”

Klaver says the
key to growth over the years and growth in the future is a focus on the
individual student, what the college calls the uncommon attention it gives its
students.

“And that we meet
the needs in the terms of the technical and career areas, whether it’s
agriculture, industry, health care, nursing, etc.,” Klaver says. “We need to
keep our ear to the ground on what’s going on in the regional economy and we
need to continue to meet that in terms of the programs we offer and the quality
of the programs we offer.”

Klaver says it’s
all about staying current.

“We need to be
able to adapt on the fly. We need to be able to continue to offer quality; the
affordable, accessible opportunity for students to get a college education that
otherwise they may not have.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758649032741.jpeg" alt="As part of its centennial celebration, North Central Missouri College unearthed a time capsule buried during its 75th anniversary./Photo courtesy of NCMC" />
 <figcaption>As part of its centennial celebration, North Central Missouri College unearthed a time capsule buried during its 75th anniversary./Photo courtesy of NCMC</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINNorth Central
Missouri College in Trenton celebrates throughout this year its 100th
anniversary.North Central
President, Lenny Klaver, says the college has been on a growth spurt, pointing
in particular to its partnership with Missouri Western State University on the
Houlne Center for Convergent Technology on the St. Joseph campus.“We took a risk to
do this and it is the first two-year, four-year partnership in the state where
we have combined on a facility to meet workforce needs,” Klaver tells
KFEQmmunity. “And I think when you consider that St. Joseph is the third
largest exporter in the state of manufactured goods and industry, if all things
go well, we’ll be continuing to ramp up as the years go forward.”Based in Trenton,
North Central Missouri College serves a 17-county region of north-northwest
Missouri. It all began 100 years ago in the third floor of the Trenton High
School with only 57 students. Enrollment at North Central continues to inch
upward. This fall, NCMC saw a 2% increase in enrollment with a record number of
students enroll:&nbsp; 1,987.Klaver says a
foray into the western part of its service area has helped North Central. The
college recently remodeled at old car dealership to open a branch in Savannah.“It’s worked very
well. Our growth in Savannah has been tremendous. We’ve had great support from
the community,” according to Klaver. “We’ve continued to grow in enrollment,
overall, with a large part of that growth in Savannah.”Klaver says the
key to growth over the years and growth in the future is a focus on the
individual student, what the college calls the uncommon attention it gives its
students.“And that we meet
the needs in the terms of the technical and career areas, whether it’s
agriculture, industry, health care, nursing, etc.,” Klaver says. “We need to
keep our ear to the ground on what’s going on in the regional economy and we
need to continue to meet that in terms of the programs we offer and the quality
of the programs we offer.”Klaver says it’s
all about staying current.“We need to be
able to adapt on the fly. We need to be able to continue to offer quality; the
affordable, accessible opportunity for students to get a college education that
otherwise they may not have.”You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

North Central MO College celebrates 100 years, expansion & growing enrollment

An Amber Alert for
two 12-year-old Rock Port girls has been canceled after both were safely
recovered in Indiana.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol issued the cancellation, but made no mention of the suspect, a
California man who goes by the name of Alex or Alec.

The two girls were
reported taken from the Rock Port high school last night.

The patrol reports
Emily Harrington and Emma Sue Hale have been found, safe.

An Amber Alert has
been issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol for two 12-year-old girls
abducted from Rock Port late Friday night.

The patrol reports
12-year-old Emily Harrington and 12-year-old Emma Sue Hale were taken from 600
South Nebraska Street in Rock Port, the location of the high school, at 8:40 Friday evening. The suspect is a
white male who goes by the name of Alex or Alec.

Emily Harrington
is described as a 12-year-old white girl with brown hair, 5 feet, 4 inches
tall, weighing 135 pounds. She often wears her hair in a bun and has a
birthmark on the front of her neck. Emily was last seen wearing a brown
t-shirt, light colored leggings, and cowboy boots.

Emma Sue Hale is
described as a 12-year-old white girl with dark blue hair, 5 feet, 2 inches
tall, weighing 120 pounds. She has very long hair and was last seen wearing a
red Chiefs hooded sweatshirt and black leggings.

Call 911 or the
Atchison County Sheriff’s Department at 660-744-6271 with any information to
help located the two girls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758377370178.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE:An Amber Alert for
two 12-year-old Rock Port girls has been canceled after both were safely
recovered in Indiana.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol issued the cancellation, but made no mention of the suspect, a
California man who goes by the name of Alex or Alec.The two girls were
reported taken from the Rock Port high school last night.The patrol reports
Emily Harrington and Emma Sue Hale have been found, safe.---------------------By BRENT MARTINAn Amber Alert has
been issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol for two 12-year-old girls
abducted from Rock Port late Friday night.The patrol reports
12-year-old Emily Harrington and 12-year-old Emma Sue Hale were taken from 600
South Nebraska Street in Rock Port, the location of the high school, at 8:40 Friday evening. The suspect is a
white male who goes by the name of Alex or Alec.Emily Harrington
is described as a 12-year-old white girl with brown hair, 5 feet, 4 inches
tall, weighing 135 pounds. She often wears her hair in a bun and has a
birthmark on the front of her neck. Emily was last seen wearing a brown
t-shirt, light colored leggings, and cowboy boots.Emma Sue Hale is
described as a 12-year-old white girl with dark blue hair, 5 feet, 2 inches
tall, weighing 120 pounds. She has very long hair and was last seen wearing a
red Chiefs hooded sweatshirt and black leggings.Call 911 or the
Atchison County Sheriff’s Department at 660-744-6271 with any information to
help located the two girls.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Amber Alert canceled; two 12-year-old Rock Port girls are safe

The St. Louis Cardinals had won as many games as they needed to in order to make a win streak, winning two games in a row, but the mini streak was snapped on Tuesday evening at Busch Stadium as the Colorado Rockies shutout the Redbirds 3-0.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe St. Louis Cardinals had won as many games as they needed to in order to make a win streak, winning two games in a row, but the mini streak was snapped on Tuesday evening at Busch Stadium as the Colorado Rockies shutout the Redbirds 3-0.&nbsp;Hunter Goodman's two run home run in the fourth inning put Colorado up first, scoring Ezequiel Tovar.&nbsp; The Rockies extended the lead the very next inning, adding the only other run they needed in the victory, Kyle Farmer singling home Brenton Doyle.&nbsp; Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland held the Cardinals to five hits over 7 1/3 innings while striking out two and walking two in the win.&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore took the loss for St. Louis, falling to 6-10 on the season, pitching four innings and giving up all three runs on four hits and striking out three while walking just one.&nbsp; At the plate, of the Cardinals six hits, Brendan Donovan was 2-for-4.&nbsp; Nolan Gorman was 1-for-2 with a double after coming on as a defensive replacement for Willson Contreras in the sixth inning.&nbsp;St. Louis and Colorado wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael McGreevy (4-2, 4.40 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against former Cardinal Austin Gomber (0-6, 6.52 ERA) for the Rockies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm with coverage being joined around 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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