The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce opened the doors to show off a new space in downtown to help entrepreneurs get their business ideas off the ground.  

The Launch Pad opened officially at the beginning of this year, after a soft launch in December, giving business owners a co-working space in northwest Missouri.  

Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says there's already been successes, with the building nearly full, including with an exciting tech start up 

"That was really just officing out of what space he could find, if it was Parkway or a coffee shop or Smooth Endings, and we were able to really get him an office space,” Hawn tells reporters.  “And he’s already gone from one office space to three, plus additional cubicles, he's added three employees since he started here and he relocated one of those employees from Los Angeles.” 

Hawn says that type of synergy is exactly what is being looked for in the space downtown.  It also offers several resources to entrepreneurs to get their businesses started.  

Hawn says the space is available to all of northwest Missouri, and provides whatever business owners might be looking for 

"We’re having classes come up on how to prepare for World Cup, we just had a class on how to learn AI, how to code, how to make an app in a day,” Hawn explains.  “So, I think no matter where you are on that journey, we’ll have a resource for you.” 

Hawn says the space is also going to be adding several other resources for people, such as a podcast studio, to continue adding opportunities for people to be able to utilize the Launch Pad.  

Jamie Donaldson, co-owner of Juniper Lane in St. Joseph, says having the resources to know how to start a business in one space is convenient for entrepreneurs. 

"Instead of having to do all the Googling and being like well how am I supposed to start a business, you have one spot to go, you know you’re getting answers from somebody who understands running a business, operating a business, and can send you in the right direction without feeling like you’re having to do all that leg work yourself and then wondering if you found the right answers to begin with,” Donaldson says. 

Donaldson also points to the collaboration at the space being huge for business owners, with the space giving entrepreneurs the space to work together closely and become more of a unit. 

(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769647384732.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn speaks to a crowd gathered at the Launch Pad following the ribbon cutting/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn speaks to a crowd gathered at the Launch Pad following the ribbon cutting/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>(By MATT PIKE)The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce opened the doors to show off a new space in downtown to help entrepreneurs get their business ideas off the ground. The Launch Pad opened officially at the beginning of this year, after a soft launch in December, giving business owners a co-working space in northwest Missouri. Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says there's already been successes, with the building nearly full, including with an exciting tech start up "That was really just officing out of what space he could find, if it was Parkway or a coffee shop or Smooth Endings, and we were able to really get him an office space,” Hawn tells reporters. “And he’s already gone from one office space to three, plus additional cubicles, he's added three employees since he started here and he relocated one of those employees from Los Angeles.” Hawn says that type of synergy is exactly what is being looked for in the space downtown. It also offers several resources to entrepreneurs to get their businesses started. Hawn says the space is available to all of northwest Missouri, and provides whatever business owners might be looking for "We’re having classes come up on how to prepare for World Cup, we just had a class on how to learn AI, how to code, how to make an app in a day,” Hawn explains. “So, I think no matter where you are on that journey, we’ll have a resource for you.” Hawn says the space is also going to be adding several other resources for people, such as a podcast studio, to continue adding opportunities for people to be able to utilize the Launch Pad. Jamie Donaldson, co-owner of Juniper Lane in St. Joseph, says having the resources to know how to start a business in one space is convenient for entrepreneurs. "Instead of having to do all the Googling and being like well how am I supposed to start a business, you have one spot to go, you know you’re getting answers from somebody who understands running a business, operating a business, and can send you in the right direction without feeling like you’re having to do all that leg work yourself and then wondering if you found the right answers to begin with,” Donaldson says. Donaldson also points to the collaboration at the space being huge for business owners, with the space giving entrepreneurs the space to work together closely and become more of a unit. (You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)

Launch Pad officially opens to help business owners get off the ground and running

WATCH: St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce hosts Mayor Candidate forum

Missouri Western State University Workforce Development is coming up with several new programs this year to help business owners and enhance workers.  

Director Rebecca Lobina says many of the programs announced this year come from the needs within the community in helping the ever-changing workforce.  

Lobina says one such program is this Friday as they will host a program about artificial intellegence, teaching people all its different uses as well as all the types of AI 

"What makes the most sense for you to use if you’re in graphic design, or if you’re in communications, or if you’re in advertising, or if you’re in manufacturing, or if you’re in healthcare, which AI app really will help the most for you?” Lobina says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “And then, the most important part of it I think, is just understanding the legalities behind AI.” 

Lobina adds this is designed as a beginner's course, so it's good for those possibly just starting a business as well.  The program is on Friday.  You can register online if spots are available. 

Programs range from this course on the uses of AI, to finances, to leadership training helping develop all different areas of need within the workforce in the region.  

Lobina says many of the trainings coming from listening to the needs within the community 

"We go out and we talk to the different industries that are out there and we say hey, what are you not getting, what do you need, what are the skill gaps that you’re seeing within your own workforce?” Lobina explains.  “Are they technical skills like AI are they soft skills like you need leadership, we have a leadership series, our next one comes up in March.” 

Lobina says the results of these trainings speak for themselves, but her department always seeks feedback from participants of the programs 

"We want to know that MoWest is providing quality trainings, quality education and that it's relevant, and the way that we find that out is just by directly asking those who are involved,” Lobina says.  “And so, we have done that, and we will continue to do that, and the feedback has been very positive, and we have had some information that has come back and said hey you know we think this course should be longer.” 

Lobina says that feedback often results in changes to programs, such as making them longer or shorter, or adding more.  

To view available trainings, you can visit MoWest Workforce Development online. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767893697564.jpeg" alt="File photo/ By Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>File photo/ By Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>(By MATT PIKE)Missouri Western State University Workforce Development is coming up with several new programs this year to help business owners and enhance workers. Director Rebecca Lobina says many of the programs announced this year come from the needs within the community in helping the ever-changing workforce. Lobina says one such program is this Friday as they will host a program about artificial intellegence, teaching people all its different uses as well as all the types of AI "What makes the most sense for you to use if you’re in graphic design, or if you’re in communications, or if you’re in advertising, or if you’re in manufacturing, or if you’re in healthcare, which AI app really will help the most for you?” Lobina says on the KFEQmunnity show. “And then, the most important part of it I think, is just understanding the legalities behind AI.” Lobina adds this is designed as a beginner's course, so it's good for those possibly just starting a business as well. The program is on Friday. You can register online if spots are available. Programs range from this course on the uses of AI, to finances, to leadership training helping develop all different areas of need within the workforce in the region. Lobina says many of the trainings coming from listening to the needs within the community "We go out and we talk to the different industries that are out there and we say hey, what are you not getting, what do you need, what are the skill gaps that you’re seeing within your own workforce?” Lobina explains. “Are they technical skills like AI are they soft skills like you need leadership, we have a leadership series, our next one comes up in March.” Lobina says the results of these trainings speak for themselves, but her department always seeks feedback from participants of the programs "We want to know that MoWest is providing quality trainings, quality education and that it's relevant, and the way that we find that out is just by directly asking those who are involved,” Lobina says. “And so, we have done that, and we will continue to do that, and the feedback has been very positive, and we have had some information that has come back and said hey you know we think this course should be longer.” Lobina says that feedback often results in changes to programs, such as making them longer or shorter, or adding more. To view available trainings, you can visit MoWest Workforce Development online. (You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

New programs enhanced MoWest Workforce Development's efforts

By MATT PIKE<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5XEqNZTVmBXxNHkyBf4YSR?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By RYAN SKAITH<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5QNXNvr3JUiRJe2ctfLKiH?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ News 01/28/2026

The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced that the Tarkio River Bridge on Holt County Route 111, located west of Craig, will be closed beginning Monday, Feb. 2. 

Bridge crews will be conducting core drilling at the site to gather essential data for an upcoming reconstruction project.

The closure will follow a specific schedule over several days. On Monday, Feb. 2, the bridge will be closed from noon to 5 p.m. Following the initial start, the bridge will remain closed daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, through Thursday, Feb. 5.

Motorists who normally travel this route will need to plan ahead and find an alternate path, as the bridge will be impassable during these working hours. 

This preliminary work is being done in advance of a full bridge replacement, which is currently slated for the 2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766522483065.jpeg" alt="Road Closed Sign" />
 <figcaption>Road Closed Sign</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Missouri Department of Transportation has announced that the Tarkio River Bridge on Holt County Route 111, located west of Craig, will be closed beginning Monday, Feb. 2. Bridge crews will be conducting core drilling at the site to gather essential data for an upcoming reconstruction project.The closure will follow a specific schedule over several days. On Monday, Feb. 2, the bridge will be closed from noon to 5 p.m. Following the initial start, the bridge will remain closed daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, through Thursday, Feb. 5.Motorists who normally travel this route will need to plan ahead and find an alternate path, as the bridge will be impassable during these working hours. This preliminary work is being done in advance of a full bridge replacement, which is currently slated for the 2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

MoDOT to close Route 111 Tarkio River Bridge for core drilling starting Feb. 2

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The sponsor, Rep. Peggy McGaugh, said she will seek to put the primary language back in bill, which would also extend ‘no-excuse absentee’ voting to four weeks

The push to reinstate Missouri’s presidential primary suffered a defeat Tuesday when the House Elections Committee voted to remove it from a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1871" target="_blank">wide-ranging elections bill</a>.

On a voice vote, the committee removed the provision from the bill. The measure also&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/13/bill-would-ban-missouri-politicians-from-using-recurring-donations-to-fund-campaigns/">extends the period</a>&nbsp;for “no-excuse absentee” voting from two to four weeks.

The committee then voted 13-1, with two abstentions, to send the bill to the full House for debate.

The primary is unpopular with well-organized groups who prefer the caucus system traditionally used to select Missouri’s delegates to presidential nominating conventions, said the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Peggy McGaugh, a Republican from Carrollton.&nbsp;

A caucus is easier to control than the primary, she said. Even though Missouri’s primary is just a popularity contest — no delegates are pledged based on the result — opponents don’t want evidence they are not the majority of their party’s voters, she said.

“You can see from the people who either voted no or present that there’s a super right wing

faction that would prefer to continue doing it the caucus way,” McGaugh said in an interview after the vote.

McGaugh said she will try to restore the primary through an amendment to the bill when it reaches the House floor.&nbsp;

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-backs-return-to-presidential-primary/">approved a bill</a>&nbsp;re-establishing the primary last year but it died in the state Senate.

Missouri conducted its first presidential primary in 1988 but did not have a regular primary until 2000. The law authorizing the primary was repealed in 2022.

In 2024, Republicans met in caucuses to select the delegates that renominated Donald Trump, while the Democratic Party held a private primary on a Saturday morning to start the process that nominated Kamala Harris.

Under the caucus system, adherents to a party must attend a meeting where voters are grouped based on the candidate they prefer. In the Republican Party, a majority of the meeting can choose all the delegates; at Democratic Party caucuses, every candidate with 15% or more of the voters gets a share of the delegates elected at that level.

While Missouri’s primary has, at times, determined the delegate pledges, by 2012, when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2012/02/07/missouri-primary" target="_blank">former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum won</a>, it was only a popularity contest.

State Rep. John Voss, a Republican from Cape Girardeau, sponsored the amendment that stripped the primary from the bill. He said the reinstatement may be lost in the bill that makes several other changes to election procedure at the request of local election authorities.

“It should be something as a standalone piece of legislation,” Voss said. “I’m also concerned with the $9 million fiscal notes that’s attached to that, given our&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/20/missouri-discovers-250m-budget-mistake-but-officials-warn-spending-squeeze-remains/">current financial situation</a>.”

State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat, accused unnamed opponents of “browbeating individuals” on the committee to remove the primary.

The primary was repealed in a big elections bill in 2022, Smith said, and many legislators didn’t even know it was in the bill.&nbsp;

“I didn’t like how that was handled then and I was glad to see that we were putting it back in,” Smith said. “And I’m again, disappointed that it’s being kind of muscled out of here.”

While he voted against Voss’ amendment, Smith voted for the final version of the bill.

The committee also removed another provision in the bill which would have moved the line protecting voters from solicitations like last-minute candidate appeals or petition signature gathering from 25 feet to 50 feet from the entrance to polling stations.

The bill would also change where a small number of voters, eligible under federal law to register on election day, must report to cast a ballot. Instead of a local polling station, the bill would change the location to offices of the election authority.

The clerks wanted that change for better election management and they wanted to extend the no-excuse absentee, or early, voting period, McGaugh said.

The ability to cast a ballot anytime in the weeks prior to Election Day gives clerks the chance to help voters with issues in their registration or other problems that could prevent voting, said McGaugh, who is a former clerk.

The early voting period was included in the 2022 bill that ended the presidential primary. That law also required voters to show a government-issued ID card, with photo, date of birth and an expiration date, prior to voting.&nbsp;

Republicans at the time opposed early voting and wrote the bill to end it if a court struck down the identification requirement. It was upheld&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/27/challenge-to-voter-id-law-heading-for-appeal-to-missouri-supreme-court/">by a Cole County judge</a>&nbsp;in November 2024 but the decision was appealed and a ruling is pending from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/19/missouri-supreme-court-reviews-voter-id-mandate-ban-on-paid-registration-efforts/">the Missouri Supreme Court</a>.

McGaugh’s bill would not remove the link between the provisions of law.

The early voting period has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/30/increasing-every-day-voters-line-up-across-missouri-for-chance-to-cast-ballot-early/">proven immensely popular</a>, with thousands of voters daily taking advantage of the convenience.&nbsp;

The presidential primary occurs just weeks before April municipal elections. Clerks were willing to support it if it was on a convenient date and lawmakers extended the no-excuse absentee period to four weeks, McGaugh said.

“They asked me to put it as part of the bill in exchange for the additional weeks of no excuse, which has been an absolute win,” McGaugh said. “It stretches out the days for people, the voters loved it, and so I was happy to have the bill for them.”

This article was updated at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 27 to clarify that the extended early voting period remained in the bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769600045309.png" alt="State Rep. Peggy McGaugh, a Carrollton Republican, wants to reinstate Missouri's presidential primary (Tim Bommell/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Peggy McGaugh, a Carrollton Republican, wants to reinstate Missouri's presidential primary (Tim Bommell/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>The sponsor, Rep. Peggy McGaugh, said she will seek to put the primary language back in bill, which would also extend ‘no-excuse absentee’ voting to four weeks</h2>The push to reinstate Missouri’s presidential primary suffered a defeat Tuesday when the House Elections Committee voted to remove it from a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1871" target="_blank">wide-ranging elections bill</a>.On a voice vote, the committee removed the provision from the bill. The measure also&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/13/bill-would-ban-missouri-politicians-from-using-recurring-donations-to-fund-campaigns/">extends the period</a>&nbsp;for “no-excuse absentee” voting from two to four weeks.The committee then voted 13-1, with two abstentions, to send the bill to the full House for debate.The primary is unpopular with well-organized groups who prefer the caucus system traditionally used to select Missouri’s delegates to presidential nominating conventions, said the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Peggy McGaugh, a Republican from Carrollton.&nbsp;A caucus is easier to control than the primary, she said. Even though Missouri’s primary is just a popularity contest — no delegates are pledged based on the result — opponents don’t want evidence they are not the majority of their party’s voters, she said.“You can see from the people who either voted no or present that there’s a super right wingfaction that would prefer to continue doing it the caucus way,” McGaugh said in an interview after the vote.McGaugh said she will try to restore the primary through an amendment to the bill when it reaches the House floor.&nbsp;The House&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-backs-return-to-presidential-primary/">approved a bill</a>&nbsp;re-establishing the primary last year but it died in the state Senate.Missouri conducted its first presidential primary in 1988 but did not have a regular primary until 2000. The law authorizing the primary was repealed in 2022.In 2024, Republicans met in caucuses to select the delegates that renominated Donald Trump, while the Democratic Party held a private primary on a Saturday morning to start the process that nominated Kamala Harris.Under the caucus system, adherents to a party must attend a meeting where voters are grouped based on the candidate they prefer. In the Republican Party, a majority of the meeting can choose all the delegates; at Democratic Party caucuses, every candidate with 15% or more of the voters gets a share of the delegates elected at that level.While Missouri’s primary has, at times, determined the delegate pledges, by 2012, when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2012/02/07/missouri-primary" target="_blank">former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum won</a>, it was only a popularity contest.State Rep. John Voss, a Republican from Cape Girardeau, sponsored the amendment that stripped the primary from the bill. He said the reinstatement may be lost in the bill that makes several other changes to election procedure at the request of local election authorities.“It should be something as a standalone piece of legislation,” Voss said. “I’m also concerned with the $9 million fiscal notes that’s attached to that, given our&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/20/missouri-discovers-250m-budget-mistake-but-officials-warn-spending-squeeze-remains/">current financial situation</a>.”State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat, accused unnamed opponents of “browbeating individuals” on the committee to remove the primary.The primary was repealed in a big elections bill in 2022, Smith said, and many legislators didn’t even know it was in the bill.&nbsp;“I didn’t like how that was handled then and I was glad to see that we were putting it back in,” Smith said. “And I’m again, disappointed that it’s being kind of muscled out of here.”While he voted against Voss’ amendment, Smith voted for the final version of the bill.The committee also removed another provision in the bill which would have moved the line protecting voters from solicitations like last-minute candidate appeals or petition signature gathering from 25 feet to 50 feet from the entrance to polling stations.The bill would also change where a small number of voters, eligible under federal law to register on election day, must report to cast a ballot. Instead of a local polling station, the bill would change the location to offices of the election authority.The clerks wanted that change for better election management and they wanted to extend the no-excuse absentee, or early, voting period, McGaugh said.The ability to cast a ballot anytime in the weeks prior to Election Day gives clerks the chance to help voters with issues in their registration or other problems that could prevent voting, said McGaugh, who is a former clerk.The early voting period was included in the 2022 bill that ended the presidential primary. That law also required voters to show a government-issued ID card, with photo, date of birth and an expiration date, prior to voting.&nbsp;Republicans at the time opposed early voting and wrote the bill to end it if a court struck down the identification requirement. It was upheld&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/27/challenge-to-voter-id-law-heading-for-appeal-to-missouri-supreme-court/">by a Cole County judge</a>&nbsp;in November 2024 but the decision was appealed and a ruling is pending from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/19/missouri-supreme-court-reviews-voter-id-mandate-ban-on-paid-registration-efforts/">the Missouri Supreme Court</a>.McGaugh’s bill would not remove the link between the provisions of law.The early voting period has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/30/increasing-every-day-voters-line-up-across-missouri-for-chance-to-cast-ballot-early/">proven immensely popular</a>, with thousands of voters daily taking advantage of the convenience.&nbsp;The presidential primary occurs just weeks before April municipal elections. Clerks were willing to support it if it was on a convenient date and lawmakers extended the no-excuse absentee period to four weeks, McGaugh said.“They asked me to put it as part of the bill in exchange for the additional weeks of no excuse, which has been an absolute win,” McGaugh said. “It stretches out the days for people, the voters loved it, and so I was happy to have the bill for them.”This article was updated at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 27 to clarify that the extended early voting period remained in the bill.

House committee kills plan to reinstate Missouri presidential primary

HOLT COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m.&nbsp; Tuesday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ram 2500 driven by a 52-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man was northbound on Interstate 29 four miles south of Mound City. The driver lost control of the vehicles towed unit and he overcorrected. The pickup&nbsp; traveled off the east side of the road, jackknifed, traveled down an embankment.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HOLT COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m.&nbsp; Tuesday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ram 2500 driven by a 52-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man was northbound on Interstate 29 four miles south of Mound City. The driver lost control of the vehicles towed unit and he overcorrected. The pickup&nbsp; traveled off the east side of the road, jackknifed, traveled down an embankment.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man hospitalized after pickup, trailer jackknifed

Whether you love it, or hate it, artificial intelligence is becoming more common place in businesses, and now also to help city officials.  

St. Joseph Public Works Director Abe Forney says the city is now using a program called Road AI to determine street projects.  

Forney says what formerly happened to find these projects was a worker from the city traveling roads and scoring them to pick out road repairs each year 

“This Road AI is basically a phone that attaches in the car that this gentleman will drive around in and it scores and analyzes our streets, it’ll do our signage, and it really is AI,” Forney says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “It’s technology that’s going to get our roads analyzed and we can use that data to figure out what streets we’re going to repair first.” 

Forney says the program looks for everything from cracking in the roads to potholes, and then assigns that road a score 

"This road scores at a 20, and this road scores at a 90, so obviously the 20 needs to be repaired before you go to the 90,” Forney explains.  “And then we can help put in the amount of traffic that goes on.” 

Forney says this AI program is just another tool that workers now have to help.  

"Our guys have done a really good job of grading the streets, but it just takes it out of human error, takes that human factor out of there,” Forney says.  “So, it just analyzes the street and then gives us that information that we can use.” 

Forney says the program will also cut down on the time it takes to evaluate the streets, taking about half the time that it currently does with workers grading streets. 

(By MATT PIKE)Whether you love it, or hate it, artificial intelligence is becoming more common place in businesses, and now also to help city officials. St. Joseph Public Works Director Abe Forney says the city is now using a program called Road AI to determine street projects. Forney says what formerly happened to find these projects was a worker from the city traveling roads and scoring them to pick out road repairs each year “This Road AI is basically a phone that attaches in the car that this gentleman will drive around in and it scores and analyzes our streets, it’ll do our signage, and it really is AI,” Forney says on the KFEQmunnity show. “It’s technology that’s going to get our roads analyzed and we can use that data to figure out what streets we’re going to repair first.” Forney says the program looks for everything from cracking in the roads to potholes, and then assigns that road a score "This road scores at a 20, and this road scores at a 90, so obviously the 20 needs to be repaired before you go to the 90,” Forney explains. “And then we can help put in the amount of traffic that goes on.” Forney says this AI program is just another tool that workers now have to help. "Our guys have done a really good job of grading the streets, but it just takes it out of human error, takes that human factor out of there,” Forney says. “So, it just analyzes the street and then gives us that information that we can use.” Forney says the program will also cut down on the time it takes to evaluate the streets, taking about half the time that it currently does with workers grading streets. (You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

AI helping St. Joseph officials determine road work projects

The Junior League of St. Joseph will is set to host its 3rd annual St. Joseph Women’s Forum on March 7 at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art.

 This signature event is designed to bring together local female leaders and community members for a day of networking, resource-sharing, and personal growth. By creating a space for self-discovery, the forum aims to provide women with the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

The highlight of the event will be a keynote address by Elisabeth Wykert, followed by a discussion featuring a panel of community leaders. Panelists include Deborah White, Stacia Studer, Brandi Dredge, LaVell Rucker, and Tori Blevins. This group of women will share their experiences and encourage attendees to set concrete goals for improving the quality of life for women throughout the St. Joseph area.

Community members interested in attending the forum can register for $50. To ensure a spot at this year’s gathering, participants must complete their registration by the February 16 deadline. 

The event represents an opportunity for women to connect with mentors and peers while contributing to the ongoing empowerment of the local community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746559044234.jpeg" alt="Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art" />
 <figcaption>Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Junior League of St. Joseph will is set to host its 3rd annual St. Joseph Women’s Forum on March 7 at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. This signature event is designed to bring together local female leaders and community members for a day of networking, resource-sharing, and personal growth. By creating a space for self-discovery, the forum aims to provide women with the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally.The highlight of the event will be a keynote address by Elisabeth Wykert, followed by a discussion featuring a panel of community leaders. Panelists include Deborah White, Stacia Studer, Brandi Dredge, LaVell Rucker, and Tori Blevins. This group of women will share their experiences and encourage attendees to set concrete goals for improving the quality of life for women throughout the St. Joseph area.Community members interested in attending the forum can register for $50. To ensure a spot at this year’s gathering, participants must complete their registration by the February 16 deadline. The event represents an opportunity for women to connect with mentors and peers while contributing to the ongoing empowerment of the local community.

Local female leaders to headline 3rd annual St. Joseph Women’s Forum at Albrecht-Kemper

The Missouri Department of Transportation is thanking citizens for their cooperation during this weekend’s winter storm, noting that traffic volumes were 75 - 80% lower than normal. This significant reduction in drivers allowed road crews to respond more quickly and safely, leading to a substantial decrease in serious incidents across the state.

MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger expressed his gratitude, stating that the public’s decision to stay home was the single most important factor in the progress made so far. He noted that crews have been working continuously in extreme cold, and while progress is being made, he urged Missourians to continue planning ahead and delaying travel whenever possible.

The storm brought measurable snow to the entire state followed by dangerously cold temperatures. Because of the extreme cold, MoDOT warns that snow and ice will likely remain on surfaces throughout the week, particularly on less-traveled secondary routes.

As of Monday morning, MoDOT crews had already logged more than 1 million miles in clearing efforts across the state. Despite the severity of the weather, Missouri recorded only one weather-related traffic fatality—a figure well below the average for a storm of this size and even lower than a typical weekend in the state.

MoDOT will remain active around the clock over the next few days. While major highways are expected to remain mostly clear, secondary roads may still be covered. Drivers who must head out are encouraged to check road conditions at traveler.modot.org and carry essential emergency supplies, such as blankets, water, and phone chargers.

Finally, officials remind motorists to drive slowly and give snowplows and emergency vehicles plenty of room. If a vehicle slides off the road, the safest course of action is to remain inside the car with the seat belt fastened until help arrives. For further assistance, the public can call 888-ASK-MODOT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736170723183.jpeg" alt="snow_plowI [MODOT]" />
 <figcaption>snow_plowI [MODOT]</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Missouri Department of Transportation is thanking citizens for their cooperation during this weekend’s winter storm, noting that traffic volumes were 75 - 80% lower than normal. This significant reduction in drivers allowed road crews to respond more quickly and safely, leading to a substantial decrease in serious incidents across the state.MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger expressed his gratitude, stating that the public’s decision to stay home was the single most important factor in the progress made so far. He noted that crews have been working continuously in extreme cold, and while progress is being made, he urged Missourians to continue planning ahead and delaying travel whenever possible.The storm brought measurable snow to the entire state followed by dangerously cold temperatures. Because of the extreme cold, MoDOT warns that snow and ice will likely remain on surfaces throughout the week, particularly on less-traveled secondary routes.As of Monday morning, MoDOT crews had already logged more than 1 million miles in clearing efforts across the state. Despite the severity of the weather, Missouri recorded only one weather-related traffic fatality—a figure well below the average for a storm of this size and even lower than a typical weekend in the state.MoDOT will remain active around the clock over the next few days. While major highways are expected to remain mostly clear, secondary roads may still be covered. Drivers who must head out are encouraged to check road conditions at traveler.modot.org and carry essential emergency supplies, such as blankets, water, and phone chargers.Finally, officials remind motorists to drive slowly and give snowplows and emergency vehicles plenty of room. If a vehicle slides off the road, the safest course of action is to remain inside the car with the seat belt fastened until help arrives. For further assistance, the public can call 888-ASK-MODOT.

MoDOT credits record low traffic for safe storm recovery

 A 33-year old Savannah man was sentenced to prison Monday for child sex trafficking involving two minors.

Ross Rutherford received the sentence in Andrew County Court after pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree child trafficking.

According to court documents, a judge sentenced Rutherford to 30 years in the Department of Corrections for the first count and 10 years for the second.

In a plea statement, Rutherford admitted to exchanging money for "suggestive pictures" from a victim under the age of 18 in May 2024. He also acknowledged requesting nude photos from a second minor in January 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769539454808.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Andrew County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Andrew County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure> A 33-year old Savannah man was sentenced to prison Monday for child sex trafficking involving two minors.Ross Rutherford received the sentence in Andrew County Court after pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree child trafficking.According to court documents, a judge sentenced Rutherford to 30 years in the Department of Corrections for the first count and 10 years for the second.In a plea statement, Rutherford admitted to exchanging money for "suggestive pictures" from a victim under the age of 18 in May 2024. He also acknowledged requesting nude photos from a second minor in January 2025.

Savannah man sentenced to prison for child sex trafficking

The Missouri Department of Revenue has officially begun accepting electronically filed state tax returns for the 2025 tax year. 

As the season kicks off, officials are providing resources to help taxpayers navigate the process efficiently and avoid common pitfalls associated with traditional filing methods.

Missouri Director of Revenue Trish Vincent strongly recommends electronic filing to ensure the fastest processing times. She issued a specific warning for those planning to mail their returns: relying on a post office drop box for a same-day postmark is no longer a guarantee. Due to recent changes in the postal system, mail deposited in a slot may not be processed until the following day. To avoid issues with time-sensitive documents, taxpayers should review current U.S. Postal Service rules regarding postmarking.

Chief Tax Officer with Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, Mark Steber, says filing taxes can be daunting, but a simple way to get organized is to collect all your documents in one place. "It doesn't have to be elaborate. A large envelope or a shoe box works. That's a simple way to get started to having a complete and accurate tax return."

Beyond avoiding mailing delays, e-filing is recognized as a more accurate and secure method for submitting tax data. The DOR encourages citizens to combine electronic filing with the direct deposit option to further accelerate the refund process. Generally, those who file electronically receive their money significantly faster than those who submit paper forms.

Many Missourians may be eligible to file both their federal and state returns at no cost. Through the Free File Alliance, eligible taxpayers can access approved software to complete their taxes for free. Detailed information on these programs can be found on the IRS Free File website or the DOR’s Online Filing resource page.

Steber says about 100-million people are expected to receive a tax refund.

The deadline to file 2025 individual income tax return is April 15, 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769362810725.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Missouri Department of Revenue has officially begun accepting electronically filed state tax returns for the 2025 tax year. As the season kicks off, officials are providing resources to help taxpayers navigate the process efficiently and avoid common pitfalls associated with traditional filing methods.Missouri Director of Revenue Trish Vincent strongly recommends electronic filing to ensure the fastest processing times. She issued a specific warning for those planning to mail their returns: relying on a post office drop box for a same-day postmark is no longer a guarantee. Due to recent changes in the postal system, mail deposited in a slot may not be processed until the following day. To avoid issues with time-sensitive documents, taxpayers should review current U.S. Postal Service rules regarding postmarking.Chief Tax Officer with Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, Mark Steber, says filing taxes can be daunting, but a simple way to get organized is to collect all your documents in one place. "It doesn't have to be elaborate. A large envelope or a shoe box works. That's a simple way to get started to having a complete and accurate tax return."Beyond avoiding mailing delays, e-filing is recognized as a more accurate and secure method for submitting tax data. The DOR encourages citizens to combine electronic filing with the direct deposit option to further accelerate the refund process. Generally, those who file electronically receive their money significantly faster than those who submit paper forms.Many Missourians may be eligible to file both their federal and state returns at no cost. Through the Free File Alliance, eligible taxpayers can access approved software to complete their taxes for free. Detailed information on these programs can be found on the IRS Free File website or the DOR’s Online Filing resource page.Steber says about 100-million people are expected to receive a tax refund.The deadline to file 2025 individual income tax return is April 15, 2026.&nbsp;

Missouri tax filing season opens

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce is launching its 2026 Public Affairs Coffee series with a Mayoral Forum on Jan. 28 at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, which will feature candidates Larry Miller, Jonathan McClain, Kenneth Reeder, and incumbent Mayor John Josendale.

The forum takes place from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

The event will be moderated by Kevin Walkman and broadcast on 680 KFEQ the next day. 

Additional forums for St. Joseph School District Board of Education and City Council candidates will be held in March. Registration and fees are required for attendance, with Chamber members paying $15 and the general public $25. The price includes a full breakfast.

Interested individuals can register on the <a href="https://saintjoseph.com/">Chamber's website</a>.

The Mayoral Forum is presented by Farmers State Bank.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562339472284.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce is launching its 2026 Public Affairs Coffee series with a Mayoral Forum on Jan. 28 at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, which will feature candidates Larry Miller, Jonathan McClain, Kenneth Reeder, and incumbent Mayor John Josendale.The forum takes place from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.The event will be moderated by Kevin Walkman and broadcast on 680 KFEQ the next day. Additional forums for St. Joseph School District Board of Education and City Council candidates will be held in March. Registration and fees are required for attendance, with Chamber members paying $15 and the general public $25. The price includes a full breakfast.Interested individuals can register on the <a href="https://saintjoseph.com/">Chamber's website</a>.The Mayoral Forum is presented by Farmers State Bank.

Meet the Candidates: St. Joseph Mayoral Forum set for Jan. 28

A local organization, Persisterhood - St. Joseph, will host an "Ice Out NOW" peaceful vigil/rally in protest of the recent fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis. 

The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 31, from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. in St. Joseph at the intersection of Belt Hwy and Frederick Ave. Attendees are encouraged to bring signs and flags.

This will be the ninth peaceful protest organized by Persisterhood-St. Joseph since March 2025 and the second focused on the actions of ICE officers.

The rally will include speakers and a moment of silence to honor those killed by ICE agents or in DHS detention facilities in the past year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769528153409.png" alt="Courtesy of KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHA local organization, Persisterhood - St. Joseph, will host an "Ice Out NOW" peaceful vigil/rally in protest of the recent fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis. The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 31, from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. in St. Joseph at the intersection of Belt Hwy and Frederick Ave. Attendees are encouraged to bring signs and flags.This will be the ninth peaceful protest organized by Persisterhood-St. Joseph since March 2025 and the second focused on the actions of ICE officers.The rally will include speakers and a moment of silence to honor those killed by ICE agents or in DHS detention facilities in the past year.

Second Persisterhood-St. Joseph ICE protest set for Saturday

Area residents who would like to take the plunge into icy cold water in order to benefit Special Olympics Missouri have the opportunity to do so in February.

There are several Polar Plunge events throughout the region, including Kansas City, Chillicothe, Kirksville and Maryville.

Each year, the Buchannan County Sheriff's Department travels to Maryville to take part in the fundraiser. Sheriff Bill Puett says, "Right now we have put together a four-person to go up and take the Polar Plunge."

Special Olympics Missouri supports about 12,000 Special Olympic athletes throughout The Show Me state. 

Puett says the sheriff's department looks forward to helping out. "Anything we can do to help Special Olympics is extremely important. We try to help where we can and if anyone would like to donate and help Special Olympic athletes, its greatly appreciated."

The Maryville Polar Plunge takes place Feb. 21 at Mozingo Lake. To register or donate, visit <a href="https://support.somo.org/event/2026-polar-plunge-maryville/e730939">here</a>.

Participants are encouraged to wear costumes to the event. Kansas City will host the plunge Jan. 31, while the Chillicothe Polar Plunge takes place Feb. 7. There is another event in Kirksville on Feb. 28.

The Polar Plunge is the biggest fundraising event of the year for Special Olympics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739469993605.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Polar Plunge" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Polar Plunge</figcaption>
 </figure>(By RYAN SKAITH)Area residents who would like to take the plunge into icy cold water in order to benefit Special Olympics Missouri have the opportunity to do so in February.There are several Polar Plunge events throughout the region, including Kansas City, Chillicothe, Kirksville and Maryville.Each year, the Buchannan County Sheriff's Department travels to Maryville to take part in the fundraiser. Sheriff Bill Puett says, "Right now we have put together a four-person to go up and take the Polar Plunge."Special Olympics Missouri supports about 12,000 Special Olympic athletes throughout The Show Me state. Puett says the sheriff's department looks forward to helping out. "Anything we can do to help Special Olympics is extremely important. We try to help where we can and if anyone would like to donate and help Special Olympic athletes, its greatly appreciated."The Maryville Polar Plunge takes place Feb. 21 at Mozingo Lake. To register or donate, visit <a href="https://support.somo.org/event/2026-polar-plunge-maryville/e730939">here</a>.Participants are encouraged to wear costumes to the event. Kansas City will host the plunge Jan. 31, while the Chillicothe Polar Plunge takes place Feb. 7. There is another event in Kirksville on Feb. 28.The Polar Plunge is the biggest fundraising event of the year for Special Olympics.

Buchannan Co Sheriff's Dept to take part in Maryville Polar Plunge

By MATT PIKE<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5GmIANZOYjrqgc45NOn2Yn?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By RYAN SKAITH<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4E0c9GPYnixXWrpmUuDCDz?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ News 01/27/2026

PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage shooting in a Kansas City suburb.

&nbsp;The shooting happened at approximately 9 a.m. Monday in Parkville, involving a Parkville Special Road District snowplow and a black SUV, according to a statement from the city.

Shots were fired during the incident in the Thousand Oaks subdivision, with no injuries reported. The SUV driver fled Parkville following the incident and was later located in Kansas City, Missouri. Sgt. Sean Allwood, Parkville detective interviewed the suspect, who admitted to firing the weapon.

&nbsp;Parkville Police Department did release the name of the suspect or the possible requested charges the suspect faces.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769514808898.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage shooting in a Kansas City suburb.&nbsp;The shooting happened at approximately 9 a.m. Monday in Parkville, involving a Parkville Special Road District snowplow and a black SUV, according to a statement from the city.Shots were fired during the incident in the Thousand Oaks subdivision, with no injuries reported. The SUV driver fled Parkville following the incident and was later located in Kansas City, Missouri. Sgt. Sean Allwood, Parkville detective interviewed the suspect, who admitted to firing the weapon.&nbsp;Parkville Police Department did release the name of the suspect or the possible requested charges the suspect faces.

Road rage: Driver admits shooting at snow plow driver

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, Inc. has announced that Scholar-Link, its centralized online scholarship application, is officially open for the 2026 season. 

Starting January 15, the platform began accepting applications from graduating high school seniors and current college students seeking financial aid for the upcoming academic year.

These scholarship opportunities are versatile, supporting students planning to attend two-year or four-year colleges and universities, as well as those enrolling in vocational and technical schools. Currently, the Community Foundation administers 92 distinct scholarship funds specifically designated for students across 18 counties in Northwest Missouri and beyond.

To begin the application process, interested students should visit cfnwmo.org and click on the Scholar-Link logo. It was noted that students are urged to complete all requirements early, as the final deadline for submission is March 2, 2026.

For more information or assistance, students can consult their high school counselor. Additionally, the Foundation office is available to answer questions by calling 816-232-2022 or through email at info@cfnwmo.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698847115777.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, Inc. has announced that Scholar-Link, its centralized online scholarship application, is officially open for the 2026 season. Starting January 15, the platform began accepting applications from graduating high school seniors and current college students seeking financial aid for the upcoming academic year.These scholarship opportunities are versatile, supporting students planning to attend two-year or four-year colleges and universities, as well as those enrolling in vocational and technical schools. Currently, the Community Foundation administers 92 distinct scholarship funds specifically designated for students across 18 counties in Northwest Missouri and beyond.To begin the application process, interested students should visit cfnwmo.org and click on the Scholar-Link logo. It was noted that students are urged to complete all requirements early, as the final deadline for submission is March 2, 2026.For more information or assistance, students can consult their high school counselor. Additionally, the Foundation office is available to answer questions by calling 816-232-2022 or through email at info@cfnwmo.org.

Scholarship applications now open: 2026 Scholar-Link for Northwest Missouri students

PLATTE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Tuesday in Platte County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Sonic driven by a Kansas City, Missouri, man was northbound on Interstate 29 at the 11.8 mile marker. The vehicle began skidding, traveled off the right side of the road and struck a concrete barrier. A 2012 Jeep Liberty driven by a 20-year-old Kansas City, Kansas, man struck the drivers side of the Chevy.

KC Fire transported a female passenger in the Chevy to North Kansas City Hospital. The drivers were not injured. The female passenger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

PLATTE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Tuesday in Platte County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Sonic driven by a Kansas City, Missouri, man was northbound on Interstate 29 at the 11.8 mile marker. The vehicle began skidding, traveled off the right side of the road and struck a concrete barrier. A 2012 Jeep Liberty driven by a 20-year-old Kansas City, Kansas, man struck the drivers side of the Chevy.KC Fire transported a female passenger in the Chevy to North Kansas City Hospital. The drivers were not injured. The female passenger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after car strikes concrete barrier

BROWN COUNTY—Several scams are circulating throughout northeast Kansas regarding law enforcement.

According to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, residents are&nbsp; receiving calls from computer generated&nbsp; numbers and areasking for donations to "Back the Blue".&nbsp; The caller has a heavy foreign accent.&nbsp; Residents&nbsp; have reported that the caller is very demanding and insistent that donations be made to this fund.&nbsp;

 When the caller is not getting anywhere with the resident, the caller then becomes belligerent and threatening.&nbsp; "This is a scam and in no way would any donation to this fund be on the up and up," according to Sheriff Merchant.

If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.

Several other residents have received calls from an organization that is establishing a monetary raffle to be given to local law enforcement.&nbsp; The caller is telling residents that donations received will be distributed to local law enforcement and their families in appreciation for their service.

Again, this caller has been reported to have a very heavy foreign accent. The caller is also very demanding and becomes belligerent when no donation is received.

These scammers&nbsp; appear to be preying on honest hard working individuals who are very loyal to law enforcement and are trying to pressure people into giving out their hard earned money.&nbsp; If you receive any call of this type, please hang up immediately. 

If you feel that you have been made a victim of this or any other scam, notify your local law enforcement immediately.

BROWN COUNTY—Several scams are circulating throughout northeast Kansas regarding law enforcement.According to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, residents are&nbsp; receiving calls from computer generated&nbsp; numbers and areasking for donations to "Back the Blue".&nbsp; The caller has a heavy foreign accent.&nbsp; Residents&nbsp; have reported that the caller is very demanding and insistent that donations be made to this fund.&nbsp; When the caller is not getting anywhere with the resident, the caller then becomes belligerent and threatening.&nbsp; "This is a scam and in no way would any donation to this fund be on the up and up," according to Sheriff Merchant.If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.Several other residents have received calls from an organization that is establishing a monetary raffle to be given to local law enforcement.&nbsp; The caller is telling residents that donations received will be distributed to local law enforcement and their families in appreciation for their service.Again, this caller has been reported to have a very heavy foreign accent. The caller is also very demanding and becomes belligerent when no donation is received.These scammers&nbsp; appear to be preying on honest hard working individuals who are very loyal to law enforcement and are trying to pressure people into giving out their hard earned money.&nbsp; If you receive any call of this type, please hang up immediately. If you feel that you have been made a victim of this or any other scam, notify your local law enforcement immediately.

Sheriff: New scam calls mention area law enforcement

The Buchanan County Commission has announced that a bridge replacement project at the intersection of southeast Mason Road and southeast Ajax Road is coming next week.&nbsp;

Construction on the bridge is set to begin on Monday, February 2 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of April 2026, weather permitting. During that time, there will be no access across the bridge at this location.

Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes and allow additional travel time. The County will provide updates should the project schedule change.

(By MATT PIKE)The Buchanan County Commission has announced that a bridge replacement project at the intersection of southeast Mason Road and southeast Ajax Road is coming next week.&nbsp;Construction on the bridge is set to begin on Monday, February 2 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of April 2026, weather permitting. During that time, there will be no access across the bridge at this location.Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes and allow additional travel time. The County will provide updates should the project schedule change.(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bridge at Mason and Ajax Road in Buchanan County set to be replaced

The Dance Arts Center Performing Company will put on a performance of the Wizard of Oz this Saturday at the Historic Missouri Theatre.  

Dance Arts Center director Marla Heeler says this is a brand-new show the company is putting on, which takes a lot of work to put together 

"The costumes and all of that, there is a great orchestrated version that has been used by several professional companies and so we are able to use that music, but it’s not the music that people would think they would hear like in the movie, it is orchestrated music that is specific,” Heeler says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “It still helps to tell the story, but yeah there’s a lot that goes into building a brand-new show.” 

Heeler says the show is the same story everyone loves, paired down to around an hour so everyone of any age can enjoy it 

"We manage to get the story done in just over an hour,” Heeler says.  “We had a run through last weekend and one of our young teachers brought her daughter whose only five, and she was my real test market right, to see if the five-year-old would sit through the performance in the studio and she did, she was riveted, so that makes me very excited that I think anyone would really enjoy the show.”

Heeler says many of the students that join into the company almost enjoy these performances more than the annual dance recitals 

"They’re just great kids and they’re a really great crew,” Heeler explains.  “I think this year we have a really special crew of kids who just are there for one another, they’re helping when we’re in rehearsal and somebody says they’re going to need help with that quick change it’s not crickets, it’s somebody being like oh yup I got it no problem, I’ve got time I can do it, and they’re asking really good questions, they’re getting into the story.” 

There will be two performances on Saturday, one at 2pm and another at 7pm.  Tickets can be purchased online, or at the box office on the day of the show. for $15 or $20.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769448844025.jpeg" alt="The main cast of The Dance Arts Center's Wizard of Oz production, which can be seen Saturday at the historic Missouri Theatre/ Photo courtesy of Marla Heeler" />
 <figcaption>The main cast of The Dance Arts Center's Wizard of Oz production, which can be seen Saturday at the historic Missouri Theatre/ Photo courtesy of Marla Heeler</figcaption>
 </figure>(By MATT PIKE)The Dance Arts Center Performing Company will put on a performance of the Wizard of Oz this Saturday at the Historic Missouri Theatre. Dance Arts Center director Marla Heeler says this is a brand-new show the company is putting on, which takes a lot of work to put together "The costumes and all of that, there is a great orchestrated version that has been used by several professional companies and so we are able to use that music, but it’s not the music that people would think they would hear like in the movie, it is orchestrated music that is specific,” Heeler says on the KFEQmunnity show. “It still helps to tell the story, but yeah there’s a lot that goes into building a brand-new show.” Heeler says the show is the same story everyone loves, paired down to around an hour so everyone of any age can enjoy it "We manage to get the story done in just over an hour,” Heeler says. “We had a run through last weekend and one of our young teachers brought her daughter whose only five, and she was my real test market right, to see if the five-year-old would sit through the performance in the studio and she did, she was riveted, so that makes me very excited that I think anyone would really enjoy the show.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769448918033.jpeg" alt="The flying monkey's rehearse their dance routine in the Dance Arts studio ahead of the production of the Wizard of Oz/ Photo courtesy of Marla Heeler" />
 <figcaption>The flying monkey's rehearse their dance routine in the Dance Arts studio ahead of the production of the Wizard of Oz/ Photo courtesy of Marla Heeler</figcaption>
 </figure>Heeler says many of the students that join into the company almost enjoy these performances more than the annual dance recitals "They’re just great kids and they’re a really great crew,” Heeler explains. “I think this year we have a really special crew of kids who just are there for one another, they’re helping when we’re in rehearsal and somebody says they’re going to need help with that quick change it’s not crickets, it’s somebody being like oh yup I got it no problem, I’ve got time I can do it, and they’re asking really good questions, they’re getting into the story.” There will be two performances on Saturday, one at 2pm and another at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased online, or at the box office on the day of the show. for $15 or $20.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769448990731.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Marla Heeler" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Marla Heeler</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769447786011.jpeg" alt="The Dance Arts Center Performing Company will put on a performance of the Wizard of Oz on Saturday at the Historic Missouri Theatre/ Photo courtesy of The Dance Arts Center" />
 <figcaption>The Dance Arts Center Performing Company will put on a performance of the Wizard of Oz on Saturday at the Historic Missouri Theatre/ Photo courtesy of The Dance Arts Center</figcaption>
 </figure>(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Travel to Oz with the Dance Arts Center this weekend at the Missouri Theatre

A 20-year-old man from Cameron, MO, was arrested for making a bomb threat at the Cameron Walmart on Friday night. 

Police responded to the incident and detained the man after a struggle. A search of the man, identified as Tucker James Craft, revealed drug paraphernalia and stolen electronic devices from the store. 

Craft had allegedly made the bomb threat after being denied service for presenting an expired driver's license. He faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges for the incident including 2nd degree terrorist threat, resisting arrest, stealing, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769449786644.png" alt="Craft. photo Daviess-DeKalb jail" />
 <figcaption>Craft. photo Daviess-DeKalb jail</figcaption>
 </figure>A 20-year-old man from Cameron, MO, was arrested for making a bomb threat at the Cameron Walmart on Friday night. Police responded to the incident and detained the man after a struggle. A search of the man, identified as Tucker James Craft, revealed drug paraphernalia and stolen electronic devices from the store. Craft had allegedly made the bomb threat after being denied service for presenting an expired driver's license. He faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges for the incident including 2nd degree terrorist threat, resisting arrest, stealing, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance, according to online jail records.