Kansas currently holds the highest number of confirmed bird flu infections in the United States, with recent outbreaks in two northeast counties pushing the state’s total to more than 400,000 affected birds.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the surge in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has impacted four commercial operations and six backyard flocks across the state. The most significant loss occurred in Pottawatomie County, where a commercial egg-laying facility reported 380,000 birds affected by the virus.

In neighboring Nemaha County, officials recently confirmed the virus in a commercial gamebird flock of more than 4,000 birds. The USDA reports that 65 flocks have been impacted nationwide as the virus continues to spread through migratory bird patterns.

Despite the high number of poultry infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that the risk to the general public remains low. While the federal government has recorded 71 human cases of bird flu across the country, none have been identified in Kansas.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation, advising poultry owners to implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent further spread between commercial and wild populations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652221835.jpeg" alt="Avian Influenza Bird Flu (MO Agriculture)" />
 <figcaption>Avian Influenza Bird Flu (MO Agriculture)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHKansas currently holds the highest number of confirmed bird flu infections in the United States, with recent outbreaks in two northeast counties pushing the state’s total to more than 400,000 affected birds.According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the surge in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has impacted four commercial operations and six backyard flocks across the state. The most significant loss occurred in Pottawatomie County, where a commercial egg-laying facility reported 380,000 birds affected by the virus.In neighboring Nemaha County, officials recently confirmed the virus in a commercial gamebird flock of more than 4,000 birds. The USDA reports that 65 flocks have been impacted nationwide as the virus continues to spread through migratory bird patterns.Despite the high number of poultry infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that the risk to the general public remains low. While the federal government has recorded 71 human cases of bird flu across the country, none have been identified in Kansas.Health officials continue to monitor the situation, advising poultry owners to implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent further spread between commercial and wild populations.

Northeast Kansas bird flu outbreaks push state to highest infection rate in U.S.

Maryville resident Ashley Marie Farrell, 33, is facing a Class D Stealing charge in Nodaway County Court for allegedly taking cash, lottery tickets, and alcohol from an establishment between January 1, 2025, and September 28, 2024. The Probable Cause Statement revealed that Farrell was caught on video leaving with three bank bags but only deposited two at the bank, claiming one was lost. Approximately $1,100 worth of Missouri Lottery scratch-off tickets were also reported stolen. An internal investigation uncovered missing cashed-out lottery tickets and alcohol beverages. Farrell's bond was set at $10,000.

Maryville resident Ashley Marie Farrell, 33, is facing a Class D Stealing charge in Nodaway County Court for allegedly taking cash, lottery tickets, and alcohol from an establishment between January 1, 2025, and September 28, 2024. The Probable Cause Statement revealed that Farrell was caught on video leaving with three bank bags but only deposited two at the bank, claiming one was lost. Approximately $1,100 worth of Missouri Lottery scratch-off tickets were also reported stolen. An internal investigation uncovered missing cashed-out lottery tickets and alcohol beverages. Farrell's bond was set at $10,000.

Missing Bank Bag and $1,100 in Lottery Tickets Lead to Felony Charges for Maryville Woman

1587 Prime, a restaurant in Kansas City, has been falsely claiming to serve products from local vendors such as Shatto Milk Company and Betty Rae's ice cream. 

Despite initial agreements, the restaurant stopped using Shatto butter shortly after opening due to pricing issues. Betty Rae's continued supplying ice cream but was asked to lower prices, leading to the termination of their partnership in October. 

The restaurant has been accused of misleading customers by using local vendors' names for marketing purposes, even after cutting ties with them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719263786927.jpg" alt="steak, pan, rosemary" />
 <figcaption>steak, pan, rosemary</figcaption>
 </figure>1587 Prime, a restaurant in Kansas City, has been falsely claiming to serve products from local vendors such as Shatto Milk Company and Betty Rae's ice cream. Despite initial agreements, the restaurant stopped using Shatto butter shortly after opening due to pricing issues. Betty Rae's continued supplying ice cream but was asked to lower prices, leading to the termination of their partnership in October. The restaurant has been accused of misleading customers by using local vendors' names for marketing purposes, even after cutting ties with them.

Kansas City’s 1587 Prime accused of falsely claiming partnerships with local food vendors

Volunteers are needed once again to read at St. Joseph elementary schools as part of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph's Reading Adventures program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After tackling seven St. Joseph elementary schools last fall, United Way will send volunteers into the other schools in the winter to read to students starting later this month.&nbsp;

Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says the program is&nbsp;a great way&nbsp;to connect and encourage literacy and reading in students&nbsp;

“All kids need help with reading, all kids could use support,” Flurry tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;“And we recognize&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;just a drop in the bucket when it comes to literacy, but if we can get kids excited about reading then&nbsp;they’re&nbsp;more likely to read on their own as well.”&nbsp;

Flurry says the program also gives students a chance to show&nbsp;off for&nbsp;volunteers, and volunteers to see the excitement and how hard students are working in the classroom setting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starting later this month, United Way will partner with Carden Park, Coleman, Hosea, Lindbergh, Parkway,&nbsp;Pershing&nbsp;and Pickett elementary schools to connect children with a&nbsp;reading volunteer through the program.&nbsp;

Flurry says volunteers have an impact on students by helping spread a love of reading teaching literacy&nbsp;

"For some of the programs we’re reading to kindergarteners, so you’re reading to the kiddo, because they can’t read yet, but they’re listening to the cadence, they’re listening to the words, they’re understanding how a story flows, and those are concepts that help build up to literacy and actually reading on their own,” Flurry explains.&nbsp;

Flurry says many love this program,&nbsp;a simple way&nbsp;to volunteer, and anyone and everyone have shown up in years past&nbsp;

“We’ve had parents, we’ve had college students, we’ve had retirees, and everybody in between, because maybe your kids are grown&nbsp;and now you’re a grandparent, or you’re&nbsp;just&nbsp;a young adult and you want to give back to the community and you’ve got an hour to spare, this is a great way to do it” Flurry says. &nbsp;“We’ve had&nbsp;a service fraternity from Missouri Western come out and volunteer for this before, and&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;awesome to see those young adults engaging with the kids,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;so much fun.”&nbsp;

If you are interested in volunteering, contact the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.&nbsp; You can also donate new or gently used books to send home with students.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768324826794.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely reading with students as part of United Way of Greater St. Joseph's Reading Adventure's Program.&nbsp; Volunteers are needed to read in schools, starting later this month/ Photo courtesy of United Way of Greater St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely reading with students as part of United Way of Greater St. Joseph's Reading Adventure's Program.&nbsp; Volunteers are needed to read in schools, starting later this month/ Photo courtesy of United Way of Greater St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostVolunteers are needed once again to read at St. Joseph elementary schools as part of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph's Reading Adventures program.&nbsp;&nbsp;After tackling seven St. Joseph elementary schools last fall, United Way will send volunteers into the other schools in the winter to read to students starting later this month.&nbsp;Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says the program is&nbsp;a great way&nbsp;to connect and encourage literacy and reading in students&nbsp;“All kids need help with reading, all kids could use support,” Flurry tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;“And we recognize&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;just a drop in the bucket when it comes to literacy, but if we can get kids excited about reading then&nbsp;they’re&nbsp;more likely to read on their own as well.”&nbsp;Flurry says the program also gives students a chance to show&nbsp;off for&nbsp;volunteers, and volunteers to see the excitement and how hard students are working in the classroom setting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Starting later this month, United Way will partner with Carden Park, Coleman, Hosea, Lindbergh, Parkway,&nbsp;Pershing&nbsp;and Pickett elementary schools to connect children with a&nbsp;reading volunteer through the program.&nbsp;Flurry says volunteers have an impact on students by helping spread a love of reading teaching literacy&nbsp;"For some of the programs we’re reading to kindergarteners, so you’re reading to the kiddo, because they can’t read yet, but they’re listening to the cadence, they’re listening to the words, they’re understanding how a story flows, and those are concepts that help build up to literacy and actually reading on their own,” Flurry explains.&nbsp;Flurry says many love this program,&nbsp;a simple way&nbsp;to volunteer, and anyone and everyone have shown up in years past&nbsp;“We’ve had parents, we’ve had college students, we’ve had retirees, and everybody in between, because maybe your kids are grown&nbsp;and now you’re a grandparent, or you’re&nbsp;just&nbsp;a young adult and you want to give back to the community and you’ve got an hour to spare, this is a great way to do it” Flurry says. &nbsp;“We’ve had&nbsp;a service fraternity from Missouri Western come out and volunteer for this before, and&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;awesome to see those young adults engaging with the kids,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;so much fun.”&nbsp;If you are interested in volunteering, contact the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.&nbsp; You can also donate new or gently used books to send home with students.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Volunteers needed to read with St. Joseph students through United Way program

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Exam stations will reopen for normal hours Tuesday, Jan. 20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655835798603.png" alt="MSHP" />
 <figcaption>MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Missouri State Highway Patrol says driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.Exam stations will reopen for normal hours Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Driver exam stations to close for MLK Day

North Central Missouri College’s spring semester began Monday, Jan 12, with six new full-time members of the faculty and staff.

New to the college are Blaine Dunkin, Custodian; Len Grayson, Custodian; Jennifer Hughes, Custodian; Tara Sanchez, Assistant Athletic Trainer; Drew Skinner, Nursing Instructor; and Aaron Young, Maintenance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768315127637.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of NCMC" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of NCMC</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHNorth Central Missouri College’s spring semester began Monday, Jan 12, with six new full-time members of the faculty and staff.New to the college are Blaine Dunkin, Custodian; Len Grayson, Custodian; Jennifer Hughes, Custodian; Tara Sanchez, Assistant Athletic Trainer; Drew Skinner, Nursing Instructor; and Aaron Young, Maintenance.

NCMC welcomes new faculty and staff

 The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum has been nominated for the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Award in the Best History Museum category. This marks the third consecutive year the museum has received a nomination for the national honor.

Voting opened Monday, Jan. 12 and will continue through Feb. 9. Supporters are permitted to vote once daily via the 10Best website. The museum is among 20 nominees selected by a panel of travel experts, with the final winners determined by public vote.

Mindi Love Pendergraft, the museum’s executive director, said the nomination serves as a testament to the institution's global reach.

"We are thrilled to be nominated for the third consecutive year," Pendergraft said. "This national recognition of our museum’s quality is invaluable and attracts visitors from all over the world."

Pendergraft noted that the museum has welcomed guests from all 50 U.S. states and 37 countries, citing the enduring mystery and legacy of the legendary aviator as a primary draw for tourism.

The museum utilizes a blend of interactive storytelling and STEM-based learning to chronicle the life of Earhart. A trailblazer in aviation, Earhart was the first woman to fly solo and nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout her career, she used her platform to advocate for gender equality and the advancement of the aviation industry.

The centerpiece of the collection is "Muriel," the world’s last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E. The aircraft is identical to the one Earhart flew during her final flight and is one of only 14 ever built. It was named in honor of Earhart's younger sister, Grace Muriel Earhart Morrissey.

Earhart disappeared in July 1937 while attempting to circumnavigate the globe along the equator. She vanished over the Pacific Ocean near Howland Island with only three stops remaining in her 29,000-mile journey. Nearly a century later, the disappearance remains one of the world's greatest unsolved mysteries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740761579484.jpeg" alt="courtesy of the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum" />
 <figcaption>courtesy of the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITH The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum has been nominated for the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Award in the Best History Museum category. This marks the third consecutive year the museum has received a nomination for the national honor.Voting opened Monday, Jan. 12 and will continue through Feb. 9. Supporters are permitted to vote once daily via the 10Best website. The museum is among 20 nominees selected by a panel of travel experts, with the final winners determined by public vote.Mindi Love Pendergraft, the museum’s executive director, said the nomination serves as a testament to the institution's global reach."We are thrilled to be nominated for the third consecutive year," Pendergraft said. "This national recognition of our museum’s quality is invaluable and attracts visitors from all over the world."Pendergraft noted that the museum has welcomed guests from all 50 U.S. states and 37 countries, citing the enduring mystery and legacy of the legendary aviator as a primary draw for tourism.The museum utilizes a blend of interactive storytelling and STEM-based learning to chronicle the life of Earhart. A trailblazer in aviation, Earhart was the first woman to fly solo and nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout her career, she used her platform to advocate for gender equality and the advancement of the aviation industry.The centerpiece of the collection is "Muriel," the world’s last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E. The aircraft is identical to the one Earhart flew during her final flight and is one of only 14 ever built. It was named in honor of Earhart's younger sister, Grace Muriel Earhart Morrissey.Earhart disappeared in July 1937 while attempting to circumnavigate the globe along the equator. She vanished over the Pacific Ocean near Howland Island with only three stops remaining in her 29,000-mile journey. Nearly a century later, the disappearance remains one of the world's greatest unsolved mysteries.

Ready for takeoff: Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum seeks top spot in national '10Best' ranking

The Gene Field Road Bridge over I-29 is one step closer to reopening.

Monday, the Missouri Department of Transportation awarded a contract worth $5, 564,370.23 to Clarkson Construction Company, of Kansas City.

MoDOT is now working with Clarkson to create a project timeline. The notice to proceed date, the earliest day work can begin, is this Friday, January 16th.

More information can be found from MoDOT <a href="https://www.modot.org/projects/gene-field-road-bridge-replacement-over-interstate-29-buchanan-county">here</a>.

By JIM FARISThe Gene Field Road Bridge over I-29 is one step closer to reopening.Monday, the Missouri Department of Transportation awarded a contract worth $5, 564,370.23 to Clarkson Construction Company, of Kansas City.MoDOT is now working with Clarkson to create a project timeline. The notice to proceed date, the earliest day work can begin, is this Friday, January 16th.More information can be found from MoDOT <a href="https://www.modot.org/projects/gene-field-road-bridge-replacement-over-interstate-29-buchanan-county">here</a>.

MoDOT contracts repairs for Gene Field Road Bridge

Here is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Jan. 12 - 18.

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

Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;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&nbsp;from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through early 2026.&nbsp;

Route D –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026.&nbsp;

Route CC –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from County Road 250 to County Road 260, Jan. 12, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Route W – Brush cutting from Route T to U.S. Route 65, Jan. 12-16, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. The road will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;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 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026.

Route O –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Little Chariton River Bridge, north of Glasgow, for a deck replacement project through March 2026.

Route 11 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Badger Creek Bridge, north of New Boston, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route 139 -&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Parson Creek Bridge, north of Meadville, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route 136 – Bridge maintenance at the bridge over Weldon River, Jan. 12-13. The bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals in place to guide motorists through the work zone.

Route A – Shoulder work/edge rut repair from U.S. Route 71 to the Holt County line, Jan. 12-16, 7am to 3 p.m. daily. The road will be narrowed to one lane at various locations with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.

Route U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for shoulder work/ditching from Route N to Keystone Road, Jan. 12-13, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

U.S. Route 136 – Pothole patching both directions from U.S. Route 71 to Route YY, Jan. 13-14.

U.S. Route 71 – Pothole patching both directions from the Iowa State line to Route FF, Jan. 14-15.

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle.&nbsp;

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

Route W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704585565260.png" alt="MoDot" />
 <figcaption>MoDot</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHHere is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Jan. 12 - 18.Atchison CountyRoute F –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Rock Creek Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through January 2026.Buchanan CountyGene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;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&nbsp;from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through early 2026.&nbsp;Caldwell CountyRoute D –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026.&nbsp;Carroll CountyRoute CC –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from County Road 250 to County Road 260, Jan. 12, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Route W – Brush cutting from Route T to U.S. Route 65, Jan. 12-16, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. The road will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.Chariton CountyRoute PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;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 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026.Route O –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Little Chariton River Bridge, north of Glasgow, for a deck replacement project through March 2026.Linn CountyRoute 11 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Badger Creek Bridge, north of New Boston, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.Route 139 -&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Parson Creek Bridge, north of Meadville, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.Mercer CountyRoute 136 – Bridge maintenance at the bridge over Weldon River, Jan. 12-13. The bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals in place to guide motorists through the work zone.Nodaway CountyRoute A – Shoulder work/edge rut repair from U.S. Route 71 to the Holt County line, Jan. 12-16, 7am to 3 p.m. daily. The road will be narrowed to one lane at various locations with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.Route U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for shoulder work/ditching from Route N to Keystone Road, Jan. 12-13, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.U.S. Route 136 – Pothole patching both directions from U.S. Route 71 to Route YY, Jan. 13-14.U.S. Route 71 – Pothole patching both directions from the Iowa State line to Route FF, Jan. 14-15.Sullivan CountyRoute T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle.&nbsp;Worth CountyU.S. Route 169 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge deck replacement project at the Middle Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.Route W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.

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