Click&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

St. Joseph Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="http://stjoeobits@eagleradio.net">stjoeobits@eagleradio.net</a>.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.St. Joseph Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="http://stjoeobits@eagleradio.net">stjoeobits@eagleradio.net</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576519735668.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Recent obituaries

This week,&nbsp; St. Joseph Animal Shelter Humane Educator Jennifer Lockwood talks about the&nbsp;Doggie Door Dash program and how the animal shelter is setting up appointments for pet adoptions since they are closed to the public.

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fvideos%2F2665000766955957%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>This week,&nbsp; St. Joseph Animal Shelter Humane Educator Jennifer Lockwood talks about the&nbsp;Doggie Door Dash program and how the animal shelter is setting up appointments for pet adoptions since they are closed to the public.

🎥 Tuesdays Around Town: St. Joseph Animal Shelter

Missouri Western State University President Matt Wilson says
the university began looking closely at its finances long before the
coronavirus dealt a body blow to the economy.

Wilson will receive recommendations in a couple of weeks for dropping
majors and cutting expenses to close a $2-to-3 million annual budget gap.

“Even before the coronavirus I mean this really was a
difficult time for higher education,” Wilson tells St. Joseph Post. “If you
look around the country, literally on a daily basis you have universities that
are cutting faculty, eliminating programs.&nbsp;
You’ve got universities that are going out of business in many states.
The states themselves have started to look at merging institutions.”

Wilson says the states of Georgia and Wisconsin are considering
college mergers. Connecticut is discussing integrating community colleges into
four-year institutions. 

“And so, what we’re experiencing at Missouri Western is very
typical with what you see around the country,” according to Wilson.

A proposal to slash majors in 20 different disciplines is now
open for discussion on the St. Joseph campus. Wilson is to receive a final
proposal on the 15th. He will make his final recommendation to the
Board of Governors at the end of the month.

Wilson says while the university plans to make cuts, it also looks
to add courses and faculty to some high-demand programs, such as nursing.
Wilson points out the nursing program has 50 students now with the potential of
growing to 60 soon.

“The demand is there. The workforce pathway is there. Why not
go out and invest in areas like that? You will see us as we’re transforming
investing in nursing, investing in business, likely investing in engineering
technologies,” Wilson says.

Many of the majors being dropped are in the Humanities. Under
the recommendation, Missouri Western would no longer offer a major in history
or in philosophy. Fewer majors will be offered in the arts, music, and
communications.

Wilson says Missouri Western has been spending millions more
than the revenue it pulls in each year for the past few years, failing to adjust
to changes in higher education.

“You look across the state, even before coronavirus, and we
were talking about universities needing to make adjustments,” Wilson says. “Missouri
Western, we just have not done that over the course of the last 10 years. So,
the need and the demand, I guess the necessity more accurately, has built up. We
can’t waste any time. We need to more forward and need to do it now.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586282801026.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western State University President Matt Wilson/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western State University President Matt Wilson/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University President Matt Wilson says
the university began looking closely at its finances long before the
coronavirus dealt a body blow to the economy.Wilson will receive recommendations in a couple of weeks for dropping
majors and cutting expenses to close a $2-to-3 million annual budget gap.“Even before the coronavirus I mean this really was a
difficult time for higher education,” Wilson tells St. Joseph Post. “If you
look around the country, literally on a daily basis you have universities that
are cutting faculty, eliminating programs.&nbsp;
You’ve got universities that are going out of business in many states.
The states themselves have started to look at merging institutions.”Wilson says the states of Georgia and Wisconsin are considering
college mergers. Connecticut is discussing integrating community colleges into
four-year institutions. “And so, what we’re experiencing at Missouri Western is very
typical with what you see around the country,” according to Wilson.A proposal to slash majors in 20 different disciplines is now
open for discussion on the St. Joseph campus. Wilson is to receive a final
proposal on the 15th. He will make his final recommendation to the
Board of Governors at the end of the month.Wilson says while the university plans to make cuts, it also looks
to add courses and faculty to some high-demand programs, such as nursing.
Wilson points out the nursing program has 50 students now with the potential of
growing to 60 soon.“The demand is there. The workforce pathway is there. Why not
go out and invest in areas like that? You will see us as we’re transforming
investing in nursing, investing in business, likely investing in engineering
technologies,” Wilson says.Many of the majors being dropped are in the Humanities. Under
the recommendation, Missouri Western would no longer offer a major in history
or in philosophy. Fewer majors will be offered in the arts, music, and
communications.Wilson says Missouri Western has been spending millions more
than the revenue it pulls in each year for the past few years, failing to adjust
to changes in higher education.“You look across the state, even before coronavirus, and we
were talking about universities needing to make adjustments,” Wilson says. “Missouri
Western, we just have not done that over the course of the last 10 years. So,
the need and the demand, I guess the necessity more accurately, has built up. We
can’t waste any time. We need to more forward and need to do it now.”

Missouri Western Pres. Wilson says proposed cuts predated COVID-19

Federal
officials have fined an Oklahoma company more than $400,000 for
safety violations in connection with the death of an employee in St. Joseph.

The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found Skinner Tank Company
failed to provide fall protection when 56-year-old Tony Wilson fell to his
death in the October 2019.

Wilson
worked for Skinner Tank Company of Yale, Oklahoma when he fell 57 feet from the
top of a tank. Skinner Tank was working as a contractor at the AG Processing
plant on Lower Lake Road in St. Joseph.

OSHA
has fined Skinner Tank $415,204 for two willful and 11 serious safety
violations. OSHA also has placed Skinner Tank on its Severe
Violator Enforcement Program.

OSHA says in a news release the company
violated federal fall protection standards by allowing employees to work at
heights over 25 feet above ground without sufficient fall protection. OSHA also
claims Skinner Tank permitted employees to use damaged fall protection
equipment and failed to train employees on fall protection hazards and safety
precautions. 

Skinner Tank also has been cited for
multiple violations of safe crane operation standards.

“Falls are consistently one of OSHA’s
most cited hazards and they can be prevented by complying with training
requirements and using appropriate fall protection,” Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt said in a
written statement released by OSHA.

Skinner Tank has 15 business days to contest
the findings.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFederal
officials have fined an Oklahoma company more than $400,000 for
safety violations in connection with the death of an employee in St. Joseph.The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found Skinner Tank Company
failed to provide fall protection when 56-year-old Tony Wilson fell to his
death in the October 2019.Wilson
worked for Skinner Tank Company of Yale, Oklahoma when he fell 57 feet from the
top of a tank. Skinner Tank was working as a contractor at the AG Processing
plant on Lower Lake Road in St. Joseph.OSHA
has fined Skinner Tank $415,204 for two willful and 11 serious safety
violations. OSHA also has placed Skinner Tank on its Severe
Violator Enforcement Program.OSHA says in a news release the company
violated federal fall protection standards by allowing employees to work at
heights over 25 feet above ground without sufficient fall protection. OSHA also
claims Skinner Tank permitted employees to use damaged fall protection
equipment and failed to train employees on fall protection hazards and safety
precautions. Skinner Tank also has been cited for
multiple violations of safe crane operation standards.“Falls are consistently one of OSHA’s
most cited hazards and they can be prevented by complying with training
requirements and using appropriate fall protection,” Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt said in a
written statement released by OSHA.Skinner Tank has 15 business days to contest
the findings.

OSHA levies fine against Oklahoma company

St.
Joseph city officials report the first death in Buchanan County from complications
brought on by COVID-19; the former St. Joseph state prisoner transferred to Kansas
City.

The Missouri
Department of Corrections has reported the prisoner transferred to Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in St. Joseph
from Cameron has died of complications from the coronavirus.

St. Joseph city officials say the prisoner was
transferred to St. Joseph for an unrelated illness that required isolation,
which the prison in Cameron could not accommodate. The prisoner was actually
diagnosed with COVID-19 when transferred to a Kansas City area hospital March
19th. Though he later tested negative twice for coronavirus, he
remained hospitalized for other medical conditions.

Corrections
officials say he was the first prisoner diagnosed with the virus.

The prisoner had been isolated in a negative airflow chamber
at Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in St. Joseph since
March 4th after being monitored for a suspected respiratory condition. No other
prisoner had contact with the inmate. No staff has reported symptoms.

Corrections officials say medical and custody staff followed
all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. All rooms and vehicles
the offender occupied were immediately sanitized, according to the Department
of Corrections. All staff who came into contact with the infected prisoners
have been notified.

Missouri has reported nearly 3,000 COVID-19 cases with 39
deaths.

Kansas has reported 845 cases with 25 deaths.

Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph reports it has tested 412
individuals in its network with 13 testing positive. Ten of those are outpatients
of the St. Joseph facility with two admitted to the St. Joseph hospital. There
is one patient being treated at Mosaic in Albany. Results from 64 tests are pending.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph city officials report the first death in Buchanan County from complications
brought on by COVID-19; the former St. Joseph state prisoner transferred to Kansas
City.The Missouri
Department of Corrections has reported the prisoner transferred to Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in St. Joseph
from Cameron has died of complications from the coronavirus.St. Joseph city officials say the prisoner was
transferred to St. Joseph for an unrelated illness that required isolation,
which the prison in Cameron could not accommodate. The prisoner was actually
diagnosed with COVID-19 when transferred to a Kansas City area hospital March
19th. Though he later tested negative twice for coronavirus, he
remained hospitalized for other medical conditions.Corrections
officials say he was the first prisoner diagnosed with the virus.The prisoner had been isolated in a negative airflow chamber
at Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in St. Joseph since
March 4th after being monitored for a suspected respiratory condition. No other
prisoner had contact with the inmate. No staff has reported symptoms.Corrections officials say medical and custody staff followed
all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. All rooms and vehicles
the offender occupied were immediately sanitized, according to the Department
of Corrections. All staff who came into contact with the infected prisoners
have been notified.Missouri has reported nearly 3,000 COVID-19 cases with 39
deaths.Kansas has reported 845 cases with 25 deaths.Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph reports it has tested 412
individuals in its network with 13 testing positive. Ten of those are outpatients
of the St. Joseph facility with two admitted to the St. Joseph hospital. There
is one patient being treated at Mosaic in Albany. Results from 64 tests are pending.

Former St. Joseph state prisoner dies of COVID-19 complications

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese has added a 25th name to its list of clergy credibily accused of sexual abuse of minors.

The diocese said<a href="https://kcsjcatholic.org/2020/04/notice-of-credible-allegation/"> on its website Sunday</a> that allegations against the late Rev. Peter Clement Vatter were substantiated by the diocesan ombudsman, the diocese’s independent review board and Bishop James V. Johnston Jr.

Vatter was pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Moberly in the late 1940s when the abuse occurred. The parish was renamed St. Pius X Parish in 1955. Vatter died on Nov. 29, 1950.

In September, the diocese released a list of 24 priests it said had been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor from 1956 to the present.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese has added a 25th name to its list of clergy credibily accused of sexual abuse of minors.The diocese said<a href="https://kcsjcatholic.org/2020/04/notice-of-credible-allegation/"> on its website Sunday</a> that allegations against the late Rev. Peter Clement Vatter were substantiated by the diocesan ombudsman, the diocese’s independent review board and Bishop James V. Johnston Jr.Vatter was pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Moberly in the late 1940s when the abuse occurred. The parish was renamed St. Pius X Parish in 1955. Vatter died on Nov. 29, 1950.In September, the diocese released a list of 24 priests it said had been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor from 1956 to the present.

Kansas City-St. Joseph adds priest's name to abuser list

A comprehensive academic review recommends Missouri Western
State University drop some majors to shore up the university’s finances and to focus
on core classes.

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Doug Davenport
led the Academic Review Board which recommends eliminating majors in history
and philosophy as well as reducing majors offered in arts, music, and
communication.

Davenport calls it a difficult proposal to make.

“I would say its gut-wrenching. It’s terrible. It is not easy,”
Davenport tells St. Joseph Post. “It’s extremely difficult and, because you
know that no matter how you look at numbers, behind those numbers are people.
So, we know that in any recommendation, you’re affecting students and faculty
and other employees.”

In all, the board recommends dropping both majors and minors
in 20 different disciplines.

A comment period is now open before Davenport finalizes the
recommendation to forward to Missouri Western President Matt Wilson by April 15th.
Wilson will ultimately bring his final recommendation to the Board of Governors.

Wilson has stated that for the past four to five years,
Missouri Western State University has had expenses $2-to-3 million higher than
revenue each year and has failed to address the shortfall.

Davenport hopes the university will become stronger through
focusing on core classes.

“I think we will be a different institution,” according to
Davenport, “and it is absolutely my hope and desire that we do become a
stronger institution, even though we are not offering a comprehensive and exhaustive
set of options in terms of degrees.”

Still, Davenport reiterates it is a difficult recommendation
to make.

“I never want to lose sight of the fact that it is the people that
are being affected, not just an institution,” Davenport says. “I hope that at
the end of the day everyone understands that we’re going to do the very best
that we can to make the best decision in what is obviously a very bad situation.”

The Missouri Western Board of Governors is scheduled to meet
April 29th when it will consider the recommendations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586204182040.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western State University/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western State University/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA comprehensive academic review recommends Missouri Western
State University drop some majors to shore up the university’s finances and to focus
on core classes.Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Doug Davenport
led the Academic Review Board which recommends eliminating majors in history
and philosophy as well as reducing majors offered in arts, music, and
communication.Davenport calls it a difficult proposal to make.“I would say its gut-wrenching. It’s terrible. It is not easy,”
Davenport tells St. Joseph Post. “It’s extremely difficult and, because you
know that no matter how you look at numbers, behind those numbers are people.
So, we know that in any recommendation, you’re affecting students and faculty
and other employees.”In all, the board recommends dropping both majors and minors
in 20 different disciplines.A comment period is now open before Davenport finalizes the
recommendation to forward to Missouri Western President Matt Wilson by April 15th.
Wilson will ultimately bring his final recommendation to the Board of Governors.Wilson has stated that for the past four to five years,
Missouri Western State University has had expenses $2-to-3 million higher than
revenue each year and has failed to address the shortfall.Davenport hopes the university will become stronger through
focusing on core classes.“I think we will be a different institution,” according to
Davenport, “and it is absolutely my hope and desire that we do become a
stronger institution, even though we are not offering a comprehensive and exhaustive
set of options in terms of degrees.”Still, Davenport reiterates it is a difficult recommendation
to make.“I never want to lose sight of the fact that it is the people that
are being affected, not just an institution,” Davenport says. “I hope that at
the end of the day everyone understands that we’re going to do the very best
that we can to make the best decision in what is obviously a very bad situation.”The Missouri Western Board of Governors is scheduled to meet
April 29th when it will consider the recommendations.

Missouri Western would drop majors under proposal

BUCHANAN COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Sunday in Buchanan&nbsp; County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported Buchanan County Deputies were northbound on MO 371 at Young Street in pursuit of a 2006 Honda passenger vehicle driven by Haley M. Kraus, 21, Independence.

The vehicle crossed the center line and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and struck a guard rail.

Buchanan County EMS transported Kraus to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The agency did not indicate what prompted the chase.

BUCHANAN COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Sunday in Buchanan&nbsp; County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported Buchanan County Deputies were northbound on MO 371 at Young Street in pursuit of a 2006 Honda passenger vehicle driven by Haley M. Kraus, 21, Independence.The vehicle crossed the center line and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and struck a guard rail.Buchanan County EMS transported Kraus to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The agency did not indicate what prompted the chase.

Missouri woman hospitalized after crash during chase

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly says it
appears business is cooperating with the city shelter-in-place emergency order,
though compliance is costly to the bottom line.

Lilly says the business community has embraced the need for
only essential businesses to remain open.

“I’ve really not gotten any calls in recent days relative to
should they be complying or are they complying, so on and so forth,” Lilly
tells St. Joseph Post. “So, I would say, again, that I think we’re seeing good
compliance in the community.”

Now, the entire state is under a shelter-in-place order after
Gov. Mike Parson issued an emergency order Friday.

St. Joseph city officials say they are doing a lot of
education to try to garner voluntary compliance. One Environmental Public Health
Specialist went out Friday to visit with some businesses. The city reports he
has issued some written notices for noncompliance, requesting the businesses
either come into compliance or appeal the finding that they are not in
compliance with the city emergency order.

Lilly says business owners understand the reason for the city order
and are doing their best to ensure they can re-open when restrictions are
lifted.

“I think some of those businesses likely will not survive,”
Lilly says. “I don’t think certainly that’s unique to St. Joseph. I think you can
say that about most communities across the country.”

Lilly says the Chamber is attempting to keep businesses
connected with customers. He does hope the federal disaster aid approved by
Congress might be enough to help some businesses survive.

Lilly says some businesses might not survive and need help to
make it.

“The federal government certainly has put forward a
significant relief package to help businesses and certainly that’ll be an opportunity
for many of the businesses in St. Joseph to take advantage of and hopefully in
the next days and weeks they’ll have that opportunity and we’ll see some
benefit from that.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly says it
appears business is cooperating with the city shelter-in-place emergency order,
though compliance is costly to the bottom line.Lilly says the business community has embraced the need for
only essential businesses to remain open.“I’ve really not gotten any calls in recent days relative to
should they be complying or are they complying, so on and so forth,” Lilly
tells St. Joseph Post. “So, I would say, again, that I think we’re seeing good
compliance in the community.”Now, the entire state is under a shelter-in-place order after
Gov. Mike Parson issued an emergency order Friday.St. Joseph city officials say they are doing a lot of
education to try to garner voluntary compliance. One Environmental Public Health
Specialist went out Friday to visit with some businesses. The city reports he
has issued some written notices for noncompliance, requesting the businesses
either come into compliance or appeal the finding that they are not in
compliance with the city emergency order.Lilly says business owners understand the reason for the city order
and are doing their best to ensure they can re-open when restrictions are
lifted.“I think some of those businesses likely will not survive,”
Lilly says. “I don’t think certainly that’s unique to St. Joseph. I think you can
say that about most communities across the country.”Lilly says the Chamber is attempting to keep businesses
connected with customers. He does hope the federal disaster aid approved by
Congress might be enough to help some businesses survive.Lilly says some businesses might not survive and need help to
make it.“The federal government certainly has put forward a
significant relief package to help businesses and certainly that’ll be an opportunity
for many of the businesses in St. Joseph to take advantage of and hopefully in
the next days and weeks they’ll have that opportunity and we’ll see some
benefit from that.”

St. Joseph city hopes to coax business compliance with COVID-19 order

An employee of the Living Community of St. Joseph has tested
positive for COVID-19.

The Living Community made the announcement on its website,
stating the staff member showed no signs of the virus at the beginning of the
shift and only worked on one floor of the building. The staff member worked for
five hours and wore a mask the entire shift, according to the Living Community
website, before becoming ill.

The Living Community says it is tracking the health of
everyone who came into close contract with the staff member. Residents and
employees are being monitored for symptoms.

Living Community officials say visitors can only enter the
facility for essential health care services and compassionate end-of-life care.
Visitors must be screened and free of symptoms before allowed in the building.

Benedictine Health System operates the Living Community of St.
Joseph features 49 independent living apartments, 32 assisted-living
residences, and a 96-bed skilled nursing facility.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn employee of the Living Community of St. Joseph has tested
positive for COVID-19.The Living Community made the announcement on its website,
stating the staff member showed no signs of the virus at the beginning of the
shift and only worked on one floor of the building. The staff member worked for
five hours and wore a mask the entire shift, according to the Living Community
website, before becoming ill.The Living Community says it is tracking the health of
everyone who came into close contract with the staff member. Residents and
employees are being monitored for symptoms.Living Community officials say visitors can only enter the
facility for essential health care services and compassionate end-of-life care.
Visitors must be screened and free of symptoms before allowed in the building.Benedictine Health System operates the Living Community of St.
Joseph features 49 independent living apartments, 32 assisted-living
residences, and a 96-bed skilled nursing facility.

Living Community employee tests positive for COVID-19

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of April 6 – 12.

All road closures for roadwork, incidents, and ongoing flooding can be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at&nbsp;<a href="http://traveler.modot.org/map/" target="_blank">http://traveler.modot.org/map/</a>.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region such as pothole patching, striping, signal work, etc., in addition to the work mentioned below.

Interstate 29 – Bridge replacement project over Hopkins Creek and Route T (mile marker 58-60) through January 2021. Median crossovers being built. Traffic will move head-to-head in mid-April.

Route E – Drainage work from Banyon Street to U.S. Business Route 71, April 4 – 10

Route 111 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Mill Creek Bridge near Corning. The bridge will remain closed through mid-April.

Route U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge rehabilitation project south of Phelps City through the end of May. This bridge is a part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program.

Route B – Drainage work from Route 275 to I-29, April 6 – 10

U.S. Route 136 – Bridge maintenance at the East Fork Little Tarkio Creek and Little Tarkio Creek bridges, April 8

Route 116 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over I-29 through May 2020. There may be periodic lane closures northbound and southbound on I-29. Motorists can expect delays. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/buchanan-route-116-bridge-over-i-29-bridge-now-closed" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/buchanan-route-116-bridge-over-i-29-bridge-now-closed</a>

Route 6 – Resurfacing project from just east of Route AC (Riverside Road) to Route 31 (DeKalb County) through September

U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) – Resurfacing project from I-29 (Exit 50) to Route FF. Begins April 3 and continues through August. Project will include single-lane closures on the Belt Highway and complete closures of some side streets.

Karnes Road –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;to the east of the Belt Highway for a resurfacing project, April 8 – 21. This will be an around-the-clock closure.

Route HH – Culvert replacement 1 mile west of Route JJ, April 7

Route V – Chip seal from Route V to the Platte County line, April 8

Route 6 (Frederick Avenue) – Bridge maintenance over I-29, April 9 – 10

U.S. Route 36 – Resurfacing project in the westbound lanes only from the Livingston County line to Route 13 through mid-April

Route J – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 36 to Route 6 (Daviess County) through mid-April. There is a 10-foot width restriction in place.

Route 13 – Pothole patching from U.S. Route 36 to the Ray County line, April 6 – 8

Route 116 – Pothole patching from Route D to Route A, April 8 – 10

Route C –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at the Branch of Turkey Creek Bridge due to damage from flooding. The project to replace the bridge was part of the March 2019 letting and was awarded to Gene Haile Excavating, Inc. The project schedule has not yet been determined.

U.S. Route 65 – Bridge rehabilitation 2 mile north of the Missouri River through mid-May. Traffic will be down to one lane with a 17-foot width restriction and temporary signals are in place to guide motorists through the work zone.

Route Z –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route T to Route C, April 7 – 9, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily

U.S. Route 24 – Bridge replacement project at the Mussel Fork River and Overflow bridges west of Keytesville through April

I-35 – Resurfacing project from the Clinton/Clay County line to just north of Route 116 through mid-July

U.S. Route 69 – Concrete replacement from 4th Street to Cornhill Road, April 6 – 8

Route J – Resurfacing project from Route 6 to U.S. Route 36 (Caldwell County) through mid-April. There is a 10-foot width restriction in place.

Route 6 – Bridge maintenance over Route MM and I-35, April 6

Route B – Pothole patching, April 6 – 10

Route B – Bridge maintenance at the Hickory Creek and Cypress Creek bridges, April 7

Route RA – Bridge maintenance at the East Brushy Creek Bridge, April 7

Route A –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over the North Fork of Lost Creek through June. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/dekalb-county-route-north-fork-lost-creek-bridge" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/dekalb-county-route-north-fork-lost-creek-bridge</a>

Route 6 – Resurfacing project from Route 31 to just east of Route AC (Riverside Road, Buchanan County) through September

Route W – Pothole patching, April 6 – 10

Route N – Bridge maintenance over I-35, April 6 – 10

I-35 – Bridge maintenance at the East Fork Big Creek Bridge (mile marker 94.2), April 9

U.S. Route 136 – Bridge maintenance at the Sampson Creek Bridge in New Hampton, April 9

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at Mill Bluff Road due to roadway damage. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job</a>.&nbsp;The project to replace the bridge was part of the March 2019 letting and was awarded to Amino Bros. Co., Inc. The project schedule has not yet been determined.

U.S. Route 159 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over the Little Tarkio Creek through the end of May. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/little-tarkio-creek-bridge-replacement-holt-county-us-route-159" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/little-tarkio-creek-bridge-replacement-holt-county-us-route-159</a>

U.S. Route 159 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over I-29 (Exit 79) near Mound City through the end of May. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/penny-slu-bridge-replacement-and-i-29-overpass-redeck-project" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/penny-slu-bridge-replacement-and-i-29-overpass-redeck-project</a>

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge rehabilitation project over Spring Creek through April. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program.

I-29 – Bridge deck replacement project over Route E and Kimsey Creek through August. These bridges are a part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. A 16-foot width restriction is in place.

Route E –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;to through traffic for a culvert replacement, April 6 – 10, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily

U.S. Route 59 – Shoulder work from Oregon to I-29, April 6 – 10

Route 139 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Arbor Road to Argo Road, April 6, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route 139 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Afton Road to Route DD, April 7, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route E –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route 139 to Atom Drive, April 9, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

U.S. Route 36 – Concrete replacement from Route TT to Route 11, April 6 – 7

U.S. Route 36 – Concrete replacement from Route 11 to Route F, April 7 – 9

U.S. Route 36 – Concrete replacement from Route F to Route 5, April 9 – 10

U.S. Route 65 – Bridge rehabilitation project over the Grand River through November. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a>

Route 190 – Bridge rehabilitation project over the Thompson River through November. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. A 10-foot width restriction is in place. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a>

U.S. Route 65 – Bridge maintenance at the Shoal Creek Overflow Bridge, April 6 – 9. Temporary traffic signals will guide motorists through the work zone.

Route JJ –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Fairway Road to Festival Road, April 6, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

U.S. Route 71 – Bridge maintenance northbound over the White Cloud Creek Bridge, April 6 – 7

Route FF – Pothole patching from U.S. Route 71 to Route B, April 6 – 7

Route 246 – Drainage work in the Hopkins city limits, April 6 – 10

U.S. Route 136 – Bridge maintenance over at the Nodaway River and Mill Creek bridges, April 8

U.S. Route 71 – Bridge maintenance at the Nodaway River Bridge, April 8

Route 148 – Pavement repair just north of U.S. Route 71, April 8 – 9

Route YY – Pothole patching from Route C to U.S. Route 136, April 9

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the East Medicine Creek Bridge through early July. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge</a>

Route 139 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route 6 to Tucson Road, April 8, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route YY –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Middle Fork of the Grand River through early May. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/worth-county-route-yy-bridge-replacement-over-middle-fork-grand-river" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/worth-county-route-yy-bridge-replacement-over-middle-fork-grand-river</a>

Route W – Drainage work west of Route B, April 6 – 10

Route W – Shoulder work, April 7 – 10

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1561994575899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of April 6 – 12.All road closures for roadwork, incidents, and ongoing flooding can be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at&nbsp;<a href="http://traveler.modot.org/map/" target="_blank">http://traveler.modot.org/map/</a>.Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region such as pothole patching, striping, signal work, etc., in addition to the work mentioned below.Andrew CountyInterstate 29 – Bridge replacement project over Hopkins Creek and Route T (mile marker 58-60) through January 2021. Median crossovers being built. Traffic will move head-to-head in mid-April.Route E – Drainage work from Banyon Street to U.S. Business Route 71, April 4 – 10Atchison CountyRoute 111 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Mill Creek Bridge near Corning. The bridge will remain closed through mid-April.Route U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge rehabilitation project south of Phelps City through the end of May. This bridge is a part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program.Route B – Drainage work from Route 275 to I-29, April 6 – 10U.S. Route 136 – Bridge maintenance at the East Fork Little Tarkio Creek and Little Tarkio Creek bridges, April 8Buchanan CountyRoute 116 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over I-29 through May 2020. There may be periodic lane closures northbound and southbound on I-29. Motorists can expect delays. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/buchanan-route-116-bridge-over-i-29-bridge-now-closed" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/buchanan-route-116-bridge-over-i-29-bridge-now-closed</a>Route 6 – Resurfacing project from just east of Route AC (Riverside Road) to Route 31 (DeKalb County) through SeptemberU.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) – Resurfacing project from I-29 (Exit 50) to Route FF. Begins April 3 and continues through August. Project will include single-lane closures on the Belt Highway and complete closures of some side streets.Karnes Road –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;to the east of the Belt Highway for a resurfacing project, April 8 – 21. This will be an around-the-clock closure.Route HH – Culvert replacement 1 mile west of Route JJ, April 7Route V – Chip seal from Route V to the Platte County line, April 8Route 6 (Frederick Avenue) – Bridge maintenance over I-29, April 9 – 10Caldwell CountyU.S. Route 36 – Resurfacing project in the westbound lanes only from the Livingston County line to Route 13 through mid-AprilRoute J – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 36 to Route 6 (Daviess County) through mid-April. There is a 10-foot width restriction in place.Route 13 – Pothole patching from U.S. Route 36 to the Ray County line, April 6 – 8Route 116 – Pothole patching from Route D to Route A, April 8 – 10Carroll CountyRoute C –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at the Branch of Turkey Creek Bridge due to damage from flooding. The project to replace the bridge was part of the March 2019 letting and was awarded to Gene Haile Excavating, Inc. The project schedule has not yet been determined.U.S. Route 65 – Bridge rehabilitation 2 mile north of the Missouri River through mid-May. Traffic will be down to one lane with a 17-foot width restriction and temporary signals are in place to guide motorists through the work zone.Route Z –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route T to Route C, April 7 – 9, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. dailyChariton CountyU.S. Route 24 – Bridge replacement project at the Mussel Fork River and Overflow bridges west of Keytesville through AprilClinton CountyI-35 – Resurfacing project from the Clinton/Clay County line to just north of Route 116 through mid-JulyU.S. Route 69 – Concrete replacement from 4th Street to Cornhill Road, April 6 – 8Daviess CountyRoute J – Resurfacing project from Route 6 to U.S. Route 36 (Caldwell County) through mid-April. There is a 10-foot width restriction in place.Route 6 – Bridge maintenance over Route MM and I-35, April 6Route B – Pothole patching, April 6 – 10Route B – Bridge maintenance at the Hickory Creek and Cypress Creek bridges, April 7Route RA – Bridge maintenance at the East Brushy Creek Bridge, April 7DeKalb CountyRoute A –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over the North Fork of Lost Creek through June. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/dekalb-county-route-north-fork-lost-creek-bridge" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/dekalb-county-route-north-fork-lost-creek-bridge</a>Route 6 – Resurfacing project from Route 31 to just east of Route AC (Riverside Road, Buchanan County) through SeptemberGrundy CountyRoute W – Pothole patching, April 6 – 10Harrison CountyRoute N – Bridge maintenance over I-35, April 6 – 10I-35 – Bridge maintenance at the East Fork Big Creek Bridge (mile marker 94.2), April 9U.S. Route 136 – Bridge maintenance at the Sampson Creek Bridge in New Hampton, April 9Holt CountyRoute T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at Mill Bluff Road due to roadway damage. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job</a>.&nbsp;The project to replace the bridge was part of the March 2019 letting and was awarded to Amino Bros. Co., Inc. The project schedule has not yet been determined.U.S. Route 159 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over the Little Tarkio Creek through the end of May. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/little-tarkio-creek-bridge-replacement-holt-county-us-route-159" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/little-tarkio-creek-bridge-replacement-holt-county-us-route-159</a>U.S. Route 159 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over I-29 (Exit 79) near Mound City through the end of May. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/penny-slu-bridge-replacement-and-i-29-overpass-redeck-project" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/penny-slu-bridge-replacement-and-i-29-overpass-redeck-project</a>Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge rehabilitation project over Spring Creek through April. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program.I-29 – Bridge deck replacement project over Route E and Kimsey Creek through August. These bridges are a part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. A 16-foot width restriction is in place.Route E –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;to through traffic for a culvert replacement, April 6 – 10, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. dailyU.S. Route 59 – Shoulder work from Oregon to I-29, April 6 – 10Linn CountyRoute 139 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Arbor Road to Argo Road, April 6, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route 139 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Afton Road to Route DD, April 7, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route E –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route 139 to Atom Drive, April 9, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.U.S. Route 36 – Concrete replacement from Route TT to Route 11, April 6 – 7U.S. Route 36 – Concrete replacement from Route 11 to Route F, April 7 – 9U.S. Route 36 – Concrete replacement from Route F to Route 5, April 9 – 10Livingston CountyU.S. Route 65 – Bridge rehabilitation project over the Grand River through November. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a>Route 190 – Bridge rehabilitation project over the Thompson River through November. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. A 10-foot width restriction is in place. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a>U.S. Route 65 – Bridge maintenance at the Shoal Creek Overflow Bridge, April 6 – 9. Temporary traffic signals will guide motorists through the work zone.Nodaway CountyRoute JJ –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Fairway Road to Festival Road, April 6, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.U.S. Route 71 – Bridge maintenance northbound over the White Cloud Creek Bridge, April 6 – 7Route FF – Pothole patching from U.S. Route 71 to Route B, April 6 – 7Route 246 – Drainage work in the Hopkins city limits, April 6 – 10U.S. Route 136 – Bridge maintenance over at the Nodaway River and Mill Creek bridges, April 8U.S. Route 71 – Bridge maintenance at the Nodaway River Bridge, April 8Route 148 – Pavement repair just north of U.S. Route 71, April 8 – 9Route YY – Pothole patching from Route C to U.S. Route 136, April 9Sullivan CountyRoute PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the East Medicine Creek Bridge through early July. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge</a>Route 139 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route 6 to Tucson Road, April 8, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Worth CountyRoute YY –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Middle Fork of the Grand River through early May. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/worth-county-route-yy-bridge-replacement-over-middle-fork-grand-river" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/worth-county-route-yy-bridge-replacement-over-middle-fork-grand-river</a>Route W – Drainage work west of Route B, April 6 – 10Route W – Shoulder work, April 7 – 10

Planned road work for northwest Missouri, April 6 - 12

The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting some uncharted waters for businesses to navigate, but there is a lifeline through a disaster loan program.

Rebecca Lobina is the Regional Director at the Small Business Development Center at Northwest Missouri State University.

Lobina says the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program was approved for businesses to apply for on March 21st. Lobina adds there have been disaster loans through the SBA in the past.

“But they’ve always been for very localized disasters like a flood or a hurricane or a tornado,” Lobina  tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “This is very different because this is our first nationwide declared disaster.”

Lobina says the disaster loan funds are intended to be used for operating capital such as rent, payroll or marketing.&nbsp;

“Any of the expenses that are listed on your Profit and Loss Statement, you can use these monies for,” Lobina says. “They are not intended to be used for purchasing assets, but they are very much so intended to keep you afloat during this time with COVID-19.”

For profit businesses and non-profit organizations can apply except for casinos, gambling establishments, charities or religious organizations.&nbsp;

Lobina says businesses can apply through the <a href="https://www.sba.gov/">SBA website</a> and she encourages anyone with questions about the process to contact her through the <a href="https://www.nwmissouri.edu/services/sbdc/contact.htm">Small Business Development Center</a> at (816) 364-4105 or lobina@nwmissouri.edu.

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostThe COVID-19 pandemic is presenting some uncharted waters for businesses to navigate, but there is a lifeline through a disaster loan program.Rebecca Lobina is the Regional Director at the Small Business Development Center at Northwest Missouri State University.Lobina says the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program was approved for businesses to apply for on March 21st. Lobina adds there have been disaster loans through the SBA in the past.“But they’ve always been for very localized disasters like a flood or a hurricane or a tornado,” Lobina tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “This is very different because this is our first nationwide declared disaster.”Lobina says the disaster loan funds are intended to be used for operating capital such as rent, payroll or marketing.&nbsp;“Any of the expenses that are listed on your Profit and Loss Statement, you can use these monies for,” Lobina says. “They are not intended to be used for purchasing assets, but they are very much so intended to keep you afloat during this time with COVID-19.”For profit businesses and non-profit organizations can apply except for casinos, gambling establishments, charities or religious organizations.&nbsp;Lobina says businesses can apply through the <a href="https://www.sba.gov/">SBA website</a> and she encourages anyone with questions about the process to contact her through the <a href="https://www.nwmissouri.edu/services/sbdc/contact.htm">Small Business Development Center</a> at (816) 364-4105 or lobina@nwmissouri.edu.

Economic Injury Loan Program offers a lifeline for small businesses

As Missouri Western State University students are spread out around the world, they still find ways to learn, connect and cook with each other.

Students joined in on a virtual event this past week using Zoom, a video conference program, and there were students representing Nigeria, India, Australia, Sweden and more. 

Fumi Matsumoto Cheever is the Director of International Student Services at Missouri Western's Global Center. Cheever says there are so many more ways now to connect with family and friends as an international student.

"I was an international student 20 years ago. Only way to communicate with family was by phone, but that's not the case these days," Cheever says. "We have so many different way to share the experience and communicate (with) each other."

Cheever says out of the 62 international Missouri Western students, about 25 to 30 stayed in town and the rest traveled to be with family after <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5e72c094afae0f4d5f5d7f79">Missouri Western announced classes would be online for the rest of the semester</a>. Cheever says some students had to make quick decisions as some countries were closing their borders.

"It was very challenging... Packing everything and bringing everything with them or leaving something behind waiting for them to come back in the fall semester," Cheever says.&nbsp;"Some community members offered some help so... if (students) could not keep their belongings on campus housing, they offered some space for them to keep their boxes until they come back."

In meeting with students virtually, Cheever says they discussed how they are all busy with homework and what they’re doing in their spare time. Cheever says since many of them talked about enjoying cooking while in quarantine, she’s thinking about hosting a virtual cooking event.

"We do something like that on campus... a student from a different country teaches us how to cook some homemade dish," Cheever says. "The Korean students were planning to teach us how to make Korean sushi... but it didn't happen this semester so maybe we can move to Zoom so students can film it or can make it so we can watch and (they can) share it with us too."

For more information about the Global Center and their virtual events open to the public, visit <a href="https://www.missouriwestern.edu/global/">Missouri Western's website</a>.

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostAs Missouri Western State University students are spread out around the world, they still find ways to learn, connect and cook with each other.Students joined in on a virtual event this past week using Zoom, a video conference program, and there were students representing Nigeria, India, Australia, Sweden and more. Fumi Matsumoto Cheever is the Director of International Student Services at Missouri Western's Global Center. Cheever says there are so many more ways now to connect with family and friends as an international student."I was an international student 20 years ago. Only way to communicate with family was by phone, but that's not the case these days," Cheever says. "We have so many different way to share the experience and communicate (with) each other."Cheever says out of the 62 international Missouri Western students, about 25 to 30 stayed in town and the rest traveled to be with family after <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5e72c094afae0f4d5f5d7f79">Missouri Western announced classes would be online for the rest of the semester</a>. Cheever says some students had to make quick decisions as some countries were closing their borders."It was very challenging... Packing everything and bringing everything with them or leaving something behind waiting for them to come back in the fall semester," Cheever says.&nbsp;"Some community members offered some help so... if (students) could not keep their belongings on campus housing, they offered some space for them to keep their boxes until they come back."In meeting with students virtually, Cheever says they discussed how they are all busy with homework and what they’re doing in their spare time. Cheever says since many of them talked about enjoying cooking while in quarantine, she’s thinking about hosting a virtual cooking event."We do something like that on campus... a student from a different country teaches us how to cook some homemade dish," Cheever says. "The Korean students were planning to teach us how to make Korean sushi... but it didn't happen this semester so maybe we can move to Zoom so students can film it or can make it so we can watch and (they can) share it with us too."For more information about the Global Center and their virtual events open to the public, visit <a href="https://www.missouriwestern.edu/global/">Missouri Western's website</a>.

Virtual events connect Missouri Western students around the world

DONIPHAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Friday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Uplander driven by Kala A. Goff, 30, St. Joseph, was eastbound on U.S. 36 at 165th street.

The driver lost control of vehicle due to slushy roads.&nbsp; The vehicle left the road and entered the center median.

EMS transported Goff to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

DONIPHAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Friday in Doniphan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Uplander driven by Kala A. Goff, 30, St. Joseph, was eastbound on U.S. 36 at 165th street.The driver lost control of vehicle due to slushy roads.&nbsp; The vehicle left the road and entered the center median.EMS transported Goff to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Woman from St. Joseph hospitalized after van slides on slushy road

Local
and state officials are pushing the importance of the Census, even as the
nation struggles to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

In
fact, officials say the pandemic demonstrates the importance of the Census,
because the emergency funding Missouri receives is based on population data.

St.
Joseph Interim City Planner Patrick Ruiz says response to the Census is lagging
with just a 36% response rate nationally, 38% statewide, and slightly under 38%
in Buchanan County as this week started.

“So,
right now, the state and the county are doing better nationally, but we still
have a lot of people to respond and get those results as accurate as possible,”
Ruiz tells St. Joseph Post.

Residents
can take the census online. Or, if they prefer, they can call or mail in a
form. If there is no response, census takers will visit homes in an effort to
complete the count.

“The
Census takers will interview households in person that have not responded
online or by phone or by mail and this will occur May 28th through
August 14th.”

A
lot rides on the Census count. The federal government uses the numbers to
distribute money from several federal programs, including disaster assistance.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson emphasized its importance this week, saying response
to the 2020 Census is more important than ever, pointing out federal aid to
respond to COVID-19 is being distributed for the most part according to
population.

Ruiz
says an accurate census count ensures Missouri gets the federal disaster
assistance it deserves.

“I
feel like this is very important for the city, the county, and the state to get
these accurate so we know where the allocated funds can go to each government appropriately,”
Ruiz says.

Also,
representation in Congress is based on each state’s population. Membership in
the United States House will be apportioned according to the 2020 Census count.

Though
the COVID-19 response has thrown the census a curve, it also could end up being
beneficial, according to Ruiz.

“I
feel like this is a great opportunity to get this done, though, since we should
be social distancing and we have a lot of time on our hands so we can respond
to it online.”

Ruiz
urges residents to complete the census online. He says residents don’t even
have to have the 12-digit code sent in the mail to complete the form at the
2020 Census website, My2020Census.gov.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostLocal
and state officials are pushing the importance of the Census, even as the
nation struggles to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.In
fact, officials say the pandemic demonstrates the importance of the Census,
because the emergency funding Missouri receives is based on population data.St.
Joseph Interim City Planner Patrick Ruiz says response to the Census is lagging
with just a 36% response rate nationally, 38% statewide, and slightly under 38%
in Buchanan County as this week started.“So,
right now, the state and the county are doing better nationally, but we still
have a lot of people to respond and get those results as accurate as possible,”
Ruiz tells St. Joseph Post.Residents
can take the census online. Or, if they prefer, they can call or mail in a
form. If there is no response, census takers will visit homes in an effort to
complete the count.“The
Census takers will interview households in person that have not responded
online or by phone or by mail and this will occur May 28th through
August 14th.”A
lot rides on the Census count. The federal government uses the numbers to
distribute money from several federal programs, including disaster assistance.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson emphasized its importance this week, saying response
to the 2020 Census is more important than ever, pointing out federal aid to
respond to COVID-19 is being distributed for the most part according to
population.Ruiz
says an accurate census count ensures Missouri gets the federal disaster
assistance it deserves.“I
feel like this is very important for the city, the county, and the state to get
these accurate so we know where the allocated funds can go to each government appropriately,”
Ruiz says.Also,
representation in Congress is based on each state’s population. Membership in
the United States House will be apportioned according to the 2020 Census count.Though
the COVID-19 response has thrown the census a curve, it also could end up being
beneficial, according to Ruiz.“I
feel like this is a great opportunity to get this done, though, since we should
be social distancing and we have a lot of time on our hands so we can respond
to it online.”Ruiz
urges residents to complete the census online. He says residents don’t even
have to have the 12-digit code sent in the mail to complete the form at the
2020 Census website, My2020Census.gov.

2020 Census count continues despite coronavirus

Unions in Missouri and Kansas have merged to form a new
Missouri and Kansas Laborers’ District.

The Eastern and Western Missouri District Councils of the
Laborers International Union of North America have merged, affecting members in
Local 264 in the Kansas City Metro, Local 663 in 35 western Missouri counties
(offices in Kansas City and Clever), Local 579 in the St. Joseph area, Local
1290 for all of Kansas and Local 1290 PE covering many public employees in the
Kansas City metropolitan area.

The new District Council will have offices in both the Kansas
City and St. Louis areas.

“Our members’ relationship with each local hasn’t changed,”
Tim Bell, Secretary-Treasurer for the Missouri and Kansas Laborers’ District
Council, said in a written statement issued by the council. “While some smaller
locals have merged into nearby halls, overall operations and jurisdictions
remain the same.”

The newly formed Missouri and Kansas Laborers District Council
represents more than 13,000 LIUNA members in 14 locals. Leaders of the two
former councils approved the merger on March 9th. The new district council
executive board consists of members from both former districts.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostUnions in Missouri and Kansas have merged to form a new
Missouri and Kansas Laborers’ District.The Eastern and Western Missouri District Councils of the
Laborers International Union of North America have merged, affecting members in
Local 264 in the Kansas City Metro, Local 663 in 35 western Missouri counties
(offices in Kansas City and Clever), Local 579 in the St. Joseph area, Local
1290 for all of Kansas and Local 1290 PE covering many public employees in the
Kansas City metropolitan area.The new District Council will have offices in both the Kansas
City and St. Louis areas.“Our members’ relationship with each local hasn’t changed,”
Tim Bell, Secretary-Treasurer for the Missouri and Kansas Laborers’ District
Council, said in a written statement issued by the council. “While some smaller
locals have merged into nearby halls, overall operations and jurisdictions
remain the same.”The newly formed Missouri and Kansas Laborers District Council
represents more than 13,000 LIUNA members in 14 locals. Leaders of the two
former councils approved the merger on March 9th. The new district council
executive board consists of members from both former districts.&nbsp;“This change creates a
singular, unified voice in Missouri politics and greatly increases our
organizing abilities throughout Missouri and Kansas. This merger is a benefit
to our members and strengthens our union.” Brandon Flinn, Business Manager for
the new Missouri and Kansas Laborers’ District Council, said in a written
statement. “This merger will make it easier, more seamless, to do business with
us. Now that we are administering our business with a united, two-state
approach to better serve the members; we will be more effective politically at
the state and local levels, and more effective in organizing as a united
front.”Business Manager: Brandon Flinn; Secretary-Treasurer: Tim
Bell; President: Patrick Pryor; Vice-President: Reginald Thomas; Executive
Board: Sam Simmons, Jason Mendenhall, Ian Bedell, Jason Estes, Brad Turner,
Mitch Rowley, and Don Willey; Auditor: Jeremy Hendrickson, Trent Ely, Tim
Borneman; Sergeant-At-Arms: Ricky Kline.&nbsp;