Northwest Missouri
will be well represented in the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame
next year.

In fact, Northwest
Missouri State University in Maryville will see two veteran broadcasters
inducted.

The voice of the
Northwest Missouri State Bearcats, John Coffey, will enter the Hall in the
2026. But so will longtime Northwest instructor and general manager of the
Northwest radio station KXCV/KRNW, the late Sharon Bonnett.

Coffey remembers
how kind Bonnett was to students and how much she cared about Northwest
broadcast students.

“You knew that she
cared about you and that’s the one thing that really stands out,” Coffey tells
KFEQmmunity. “Over and above from a working relationship or from a student
relationship she just had that caring instinct and that remained in place long
after you graduated from Northwest and the KXCV program.”

Bonnett graduated
from Northwest in 1965. She served as producer, program director, and
eventually general manager of KXCV/KRNW, winning multiple MBA awards as well as
national Corporation for Public Broadcasting Awards. Bonnett died in 2023.
Northwest named its radio studio in her honor.

Coffey actually
nominated Bonnett for the MBA Hall of Fame and received the call that she was
selected. Later, Coffey got another call. This time, he learned he would be
inducted next year.

Coffey enters the
Hall for a number of reasons, but especially for marking the milestone of
broadcasting 500 consecutive Northwest games on the Bearcat Radio Network. Coffey
reached the milestone in a 21-14 Northwest win over Missouri Southern State
University September 20th in Joplin. Coffey graduated from Northwest
in 1982, returning to Maryville to work at KNIM in 1983. He became the voice of
the Bearcats in 1985 and has called all 10 of the Bearcats’ NCAA Division II
national championship contests. Coffey has served as KXCV/KRNW General Manager since
2019.

Coffey says calling
500 consecutive Northwest football games is something he couldn’t imagine when
he started.

“It’s just been a
pleasure to be able to call Northwest games through the years,” Coffey says. “I
guess one thing that really helps as far as getting to that number was the
amount of post season games that Northwest has played. It comes out to about two
or three or four maybe extra seasons of games just from the standpoint of going
into the playoffs as many years in a row as they did. So, that helped get to
the mark a little bit quicker than it ordinarily would.”

Of all the games
he broadcast, including national championships, a 1996 playoff win against the
University of Nebraska-Omaha in icy conditions in Omaha stands out.

“I remember that
game really as the point that you knew that this football program had arrived.
From that point on, Northwest turned into what became a dynasty,” Coffey
recalls. “That game to me stands out as a major one. Of course, the national
championship games all have significance, but that game in particular I think
really stands out for what it meant for the history of the program.”

Northwest defeated
UNO 22-20 on November 23rd of 1996, losing by a point to #15 Northern
Colorado the next round.

Northwest would go
on to win back-to-back national championships under Coach Mel Tjeerdsma in 1998
and 1999. Northwest has won six total NCAA Division II National Championships.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766427552349.jpeg" alt="John Coffey honored for calling his 500th consecutive NWMSU football game/NWMSU photo" />
 <figcaption>John Coffey honored for calling his 500th consecutive NWMSU football game/NWMSU photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINNorthwest Missouri
will be well represented in the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame
next year.In fact, Northwest
Missouri State University in Maryville will see two veteran broadcasters
inducted.The voice of the
Northwest Missouri State Bearcats, John Coffey, will enter the Hall in the
2026. But so will longtime Northwest instructor and general manager of the
Northwest radio station KXCV/KRNW, the late Sharon Bonnett.Coffey remembers
how kind Bonnett was to students and how much she cared about Northwest
broadcast students.“You knew that she
cared about you and that’s the one thing that really stands out,” Coffey tells
KFEQmmunity. “Over and above from a working relationship or from a student
relationship she just had that caring instinct and that remained in place long
after you graduated from Northwest and the KXCV program.”Bonnett graduated
from Northwest in 1965. She served as producer, program director, and
eventually general manager of KXCV/KRNW, winning multiple MBA awards as well as
national Corporation for Public Broadcasting Awards. Bonnett died in 2023.
Northwest named its radio studio in her honor.Coffey actually
nominated Bonnett for the MBA Hall of Fame and received the call that she was
selected. Later, Coffey got another call. This time, he learned he would be
inducted next year.Coffey enters the
Hall for a number of reasons, but especially for marking the milestone of
broadcasting 500 consecutive Northwest games on the Bearcat Radio Network. Coffey
reached the milestone in a 21-14 Northwest win over Missouri Southern State
University September 20th in Joplin. Coffey graduated from Northwest
in 1982, returning to Maryville to work at KNIM in 1983. He became the voice of
the Bearcats in 1985 and has called all 10 of the Bearcats’ NCAA Division II
national championship contests. Coffey has served as KXCV/KRNW General Manager since
2019.Coffey says calling
500 consecutive Northwest football games is something he couldn’t imagine when
he started.“It’s just been a
pleasure to be able to call Northwest games through the years,” Coffey says. “I
guess one thing that really helps as far as getting to that number was the
amount of post season games that Northwest has played. It comes out to about two
or three or four maybe extra seasons of games just from the standpoint of going
into the playoffs as many years in a row as they did. So, that helped get to
the mark a little bit quicker than it ordinarily would.”Of all the games
he broadcast, including national championships, a 1996 playoff win against the
University of Nebraska-Omaha in icy conditions in Omaha stands out.“I remember that
game really as the point that you knew that this football program had arrived.
From that point on, Northwest turned into what became a dynasty,” Coffey
recalls. “That game to me stands out as a major one. Of course, the national
championship games all have significance, but that game in particular I think
really stands out for what it meant for the history of the program.”Northwest defeated
UNO 22-20 on November 23rd of 1996, losing by a point to #15 Northern
Colorado the next round.Northwest would go
on to win back-to-back national championships under Coach Mel Tjeerdsma in 1998
and 1999. Northwest has won six total NCAA Division II National Championships.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Northwest Missouri State will see 2 enter the MBA Hall of Fame

The Missouri Department of Transportation has released its schedule for highway maintenance and construction work in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Dec. 22 - 28, 2025.

To accommodate increased holiday travel, officials say most projects will be suspended beginning at noon Wednesday, Dec. 24. Work is expected to resume as early as 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26.

While most active crews will be off the road during the holiday break, MoDOT warns that some long-term traffic impacts and work zones will remain in place.

Motorists should also be alert for moving operations throughout the region that may not be listed on the formal schedule, which can be found <a href="https://traveler.modot.org/map/">here</a>.

All planned work is subject to change due to inclement weather.

Atchison County:&nbsp;Route F – closed at the Rock Creek Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through January 2026.

Buchannan County:&nbsp;Gene Field Road Bridge will be closed due to damage from being struck by an oversized load. The bridge is scheduled to be let for contractor bidding in January 2026.:&nbsp;

Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;closed from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through the remainder of 2025.

Caldwell County:&nbsp;Route D closed for a bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026.

Carroll County:&nbsp;Route B closed at the Sambo Creek Bridge through mid-January 2026 for a bridge deck replacement project.

Chariton County:&nbsp;Route CC closed at the Yellow Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the <a href="https://www.modot.org/projects/northwest-missouri-design-build-bridge-bundle">Northwest Bridge Bundle</a> through December.

Route PP closed at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Bridge and Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.

Route KK closed at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026. Route KK will also be closed at the Little Chariton River Bridge, north of Glasgow, for a deck replacement project through March 2026.

Route O closed at Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Harrison County:&nbsp;Route W closed for a culvert replacement from 195th Avenue to Route F, Dec. 22, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route W also closed for a culvert replacement from 267th Street to 255th Street, Dec. 23, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mercer County:&nbsp;U.S. Route 136 – Bridge maintenance at the Weldon River Bridge, Dec. 22, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. MoDOT says the bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals to guide motorists through the work zone.

Nodaway County:&nbsp;Route C will see shoulder work from Caravan Road to Route KK heading north out of Elmo, Dec. 22.

Sullivan County:&nbsp;Route T closed at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026.

Worth County:&nbsp;U.S. Route 169 closed for a bridge deck replacement project at the Middle Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.

Route W closed for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.

MoDOT is reminding drivers to buckle up, put your phone down, and slow down and move over in work zones.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704585565260.png" alt="MoDot" />
 <figcaption>MoDot</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Missouri Department of Transportation has released its schedule for highway maintenance and construction work in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Dec. 22 - 28, 2025.To accommodate increased holiday travel, officials say most projects will be suspended beginning at noon Wednesday, Dec. 24. Work is expected to resume as early as 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26.While most active crews will be off the road during the holiday break, MoDOT warns that some long-term traffic impacts and work zones will remain in place.Motorists should also be alert for moving operations throughout the region that may not be listed on the formal schedule, which can be found <a href="https://traveler.modot.org/map/">here</a>. All planned work is subject to change due to inclement weather.Atchison County:&nbsp;Route F – closed at the Rock Creek Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through January 2026.Buchannan County:&nbsp;Gene Field Road Bridge will be closed due to damage from being struck by an oversized load. The bridge is scheduled to be let for contractor bidding in January 2026.:&nbsp;Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;closed from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through the remainder of 2025.Caldwell County:&nbsp;Route D closed for a bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026.Carroll County:&nbsp;Route B closed at the Sambo Creek Bridge through mid-January 2026 for a bridge deck replacement project.Chariton County:&nbsp;Route CC closed at the Yellow Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the <a href="https://www.modot.org/projects/northwest-missouri-design-build-bridge-bundle">Northwest Bridge Bundle</a> through December.Route PP closed at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Bridge and Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.Route KK closed at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026. Route KK will also be closed at the Little Chariton River Bridge, north of Glasgow, for a deck replacement project through March 2026.Route O closed at Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.Harrison County:&nbsp;Route W closed for a culvert replacement from 195th Avenue to Route F, Dec. 22, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route W also closed for a culvert replacement from 267th Street to 255th Street, Dec. 23, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Mercer County:&nbsp;U.S. Route 136 – Bridge maintenance at the Weldon River Bridge, Dec. 22, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. MoDOT says the bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals to guide motorists through the work zone.Nodaway County:&nbsp;Route C will see shoulder work from Caravan Road to Route KK heading north out of Elmo, Dec. 22.Sullivan County:&nbsp;Route T closed at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026.Worth County:&nbsp;U.S. Route 169 closed for a bridge deck replacement project at the Middle Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.Route W closed for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.MoDOT is reminding drivers to buckle up, put your phone down, and slow down and move over in work zones.

Planned MoDOT roadwork for Northwest Missouri

It will not be a white Christmas in the Midland Empire.

Meteorologist Dan Holiday says to expect temperatures to be in the low to mid 60s. "The computer models are showing we should be somewhere around 62 degrees Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day its going to be closer to 64 degrees."

Holiday says travel should not be impacted by the weather. Travelers heading to Southeast Kansas or Central and Southern Missouri could see temperatures closer to 70 degrees.

The warmer weather is expected to last through at least mid-January, however, Holiday notes, "If you get beyond fourteen days, there are just things that can upend the long-range forecast, but for now we can expect well above average temperatures and below-average precipitation."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740600536187.jpg" alt="clouds, heaven, blue, white, nature, summer day, sunny day, sunny, sun, sunbeams, beautiful day, summer, sunny day, sunny day, sunny day, sunny day, sunny day" />
 <figcaption>clouds, heaven, blue, white, nature, summer day, sunny day, sunny, sun, sunbeams, beautiful day, summer, sunny day, sunny day, sunny day, sunny day, sunny day</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHIt will not be a white Christmas in the Midland Empire.Meteorologist Dan Holiday says to expect temperatures to be in the low to mid 60s. "The computer models are showing we should be somewhere around 62 degrees Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day its going to be closer to 64 degrees."Holiday says travel should not be impacted by the weather. Travelers heading to Southeast Kansas or Central and Southern Missouri could see temperatures closer to 70 degrees.The warmer weather is expected to last through at least mid-January, however, Holiday notes, "If you get beyond fourteen days, there are just things that can upend the long-range forecast, but for now we can expect well above average temperatures and below-average precipitation."

Midland Empire can expect unseasonably warm holiday week

Someone seeking a
state audit of a governmental body has the option of calling the Missouri State
Auditor’s whistleblower hotline.

State Auditor
Scott Fitzpatrick urges anyone with concerns to call the hotline.

“So, we encourage
people to contact the Whistleblower Hotline and one of the reasons we like to
talk about audits at the beginning of the audit is so that people listening
know that if they have information that could be useful to us in the audit,
they can get that to us in a variety of ways,” Fitzpatrick tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

And while a
whistleblower doesn’t have to give a reason, those calling the hotline will be
asked about the motivation behind the request.

“No, they don’t
have to give a reason,” Fitzpatrick says. “They generally do give a reason,
because typically the first contact is, hey, we want you to do an audit and the
question that we ask is okay why, what’s the reason for the audit, what are
your concerns with the entity?”

A phone call isn’t
the only way to the Auditor Whistleblower Hotline, but that number is
1-800-347-8597.

You can also go to
the <a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/whistleblowerhotline/form">Auditor’s webpage and request an audit</a>. Email also works at <a href="mailto:moaudit@auditor.mo.gov">moaudit@auditor.mo.gov</a>.

Taxpayers can also
gather signatures on a petition to require the Missouri State Auditor to
conduct an audit. A resident of the St. Joseph School District is circulating a
petition requesting a state audit of the district.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765990064595.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSomeone seeking a
state audit of a governmental body has the option of calling the Missouri State
Auditor’s whistleblower hotline.State Auditor
Scott Fitzpatrick urges anyone with concerns to call the hotline.“So, we encourage
people to contact the Whistleblower Hotline and one of the reasons we like to
talk about audits at the beginning of the audit is so that people listening
know that if they have information that could be useful to us in the audit,
they can get that to us in a variety of ways,” Fitzpatrick tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.And while a
whistleblower doesn’t have to give a reason, those calling the hotline will be
asked about the motivation behind the request.“No, they don’t
have to give a reason,” Fitzpatrick says. “They generally do give a reason,
because typically the first contact is, hey, we want you to do an audit and the
question that we ask is okay why, what’s the reason for the audit, what are
your concerns with the entity?”A phone call isn’t
the only way to the Auditor Whistleblower Hotline, but that number is
1-800-347-8597.You can also go to
the <a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/whistleblowerhotline/form">Auditor’s webpage and request an audit</a>. Email also works at <a href="mailto:moaudit@auditor.mo.gov">moaudit@auditor.mo.gov</a>.Taxpayers can also
gather signatures on a petition to require the Missouri State Auditor to
conduct an audit. A resident of the St. Joseph School District is circulating a
petition requesting a state audit of the district.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Concerned about a body's finances? Call the Whistleblower Hotline

The students of Alpha Psi Omega (APO), Northwest Missouri State University’s theatre honor society, are preparing for their winter tour to perform “The Day the Crayons Quit: An Unofficial Adaptation” at area elementary schools. 

The play, which is based on the book by Drew Daywalt and adapted by Patt Collings, is about a girl who discovers her beloved crayons have gone on strike, airing their grievances through colorful letters.

The core message of the performance is about communication and empathy. Mara Mondt, a sophomore speech and theatre education major and the play’s lead actress, explained the theme: “The show is about listening to and compromising with the people you love. Duncan loves all of her crayons, but the way she shows her love isn’t really working for the crayons. She listens to them and their complaints and finds a way to compromise that works for everyone.”

The APO cast will first perform the play for the public at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 14th, in the Studio Theater at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is free. As a charitable effort, APO will be accepting donations of canned food from the audience to give to local food pantries.

Following the public show, the cast will take the production on the road from December 14th through the 19th. Their tour includes performances for elementary schools in Maryville and St. Joseph in Missouri, as well as Council Bluffs, Iowa. Director Madi Richter, a junior speech and theatre education major, highly encourages the community to attend the public showing: “Not only do you help support our actors in a completely different and unique role, but you also provide to the community. We encourage people to bring canned goods, so we can donate them to local shelters.”

T he APO tour schedule includes performances on several days between December 15th and 19th. On Monday, December 15th, the cast will have two performances: one at 10 a.m. at Hopewell Elementary and a second at 3 p.m. at Hawthorn Elementary, both located in Kansas City within the Park Hill School District. The tour continues on Wednesday, December 17th, with a 9 a.m. performance at Northeast Nodaway in Ravenwood, which is part of the Northeast Nodaway R-V School District. 

On Thursday, December 18th, the group will perform at 9:30 a.m. at Pershing Elementary in the St. Joseph School District. The tour concludes on Friday, December 19th, with an 8 a.m. performance at Helena Elementary in the Savannah R-III School District.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760456105736.jpg" alt="stage, curtain, theatre, red, stage, stage, stage, stage, stage, curtain, curtain, theatre" />
 <figcaption>stage, curtain, theatre, red, stage, stage, stage, stage, stage, curtain, curtain, theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe students of Alpha Psi Omega (APO), Northwest Missouri State University’s theatre honor society, are preparing for their winter tour to perform “The Day the Crayons Quit: An Unofficial Adaptation” at area elementary schools. The play, which is based on the book by Drew Daywalt and adapted by Patt Collings, is about a girl who discovers her beloved crayons have gone on strike, airing their grievances through colorful letters.The core message of the performance is about communication and empathy. Mara Mondt, a sophomore speech and theatre education major and the play’s lead actress, explained the theme: “The show is about listening to and compromising with the people you love. Duncan loves all of her crayons, but the way she shows her love isn’t really working for the crayons. She listens to them and their complaints and finds a way to compromise that works for everyone.”The APO cast will first perform the play for the public at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 14th, in the Studio Theater at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is free. As a charitable effort, APO will be accepting donations of canned food from the audience to give to local food pantries.Following the public show, the cast will take the production on the road from December 14th through the 19th. Their tour includes performances for elementary schools in Maryville and St. Joseph in Missouri, as well as Council Bluffs, Iowa. Director Madi Richter, a junior speech and theatre education major, highly encourages the community to attend the public showing: “Not only do you help support our actors in a completely different and unique role, but you also provide to the community. We encourage people to bring canned goods, so we can donate them to local shelters.”T he APO tour schedule includes performances on several days between December 15th and 19th. On Monday, December 15th, the cast will have two performances: one at 10 a.m. at Hopewell Elementary and a second at 3 p.m. at Hawthorn Elementary, both located in Kansas City within the Park Hill School District. The tour continues on Wednesday, December 17th, with a 9 a.m. performance at Northeast Nodaway in Ravenwood, which is part of the Northeast Nodaway R-V School District. On Thursday, December 18th, the group will perform at 9:30 a.m. at Pershing Elementary in the St. Joseph School District. The tour concludes on Friday, December 19th, with an 8 a.m. performance at Helena Elementary in the Savannah R-III School District.

Northwest Theatre Students Take Educational Performance to Area Schools

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.

<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.

<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

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