Missouri Western
State University President, Elizabeth Kennedy, remembers well the COVID-19
pandemic.

Mostly, because
Kennedy was plunged into the pandemic immediately upon become president of the
university.

“So, my very first
day in the office, I’m driving with some cabinet members up to Northwest to
meet Gov. Parson to talk about the university’s COVID response,” Kennedy tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, you talk about like things hitting you fast and furious,
yep, that was me. That was me.”

Kennedy says
Missouri Western responded quickly, relying on the infection specialist it had
on campus.

“I think as a
campus it really showed that we could come together pretty quickly to deal with
something so enormous and potentially so overwhelmed,” Kennedy says. “But you
know what, we never closed the building(s). We never canceled classes, anything
like that.”

Kennedy says she
had to become accustomed to uncertainty.

“But I will tell
you, one of the things I talked about a lot with our campus is when you don’t
know what’s going on, you don’t know what’s happening, and you don’t understand
it, it really tests your tolerance for ambiguity,” Kennedy says. “Because
sometimes in life, you can’t know. You just have to make the best-informed
decision and keep moving forward but also paying attention to what’s going on beside
you.”

While Kennedy says
Missouri Western relied on its experts, weekly community calls helped as well.
Each week, members of Missouri Western, Mosaic, the St. Joseph Health
Department, the City of St. Joseph, and Buchanan County held a conference call
with the latest statistics and to coordinate the local response. Kennedy is
proud that the St. Joseph campus never shut down or canceled classes during the
pandemic.

Kennedy says the
pandemic became a defining moment, whether people wanted it to or not.

“You know, when you’re
in it, you’re just trying to get through it,” Kennedy says. “And now it’s kind
of like that light bulb moment for people. When you think about an event, is it
something that happened before the pandemic or after the pandemic?”

Kennedy says
assessment of how the pandemic unfolded and how the university handled it
continue to this day. 

“It always takes a
little bit of time in the future to look back on the past and really appreciate
it,” according to Kennedy. “But, God willing, we never have to go through
anything like that again.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767121547538.jpeg" alt="MWSU President Elizabeth Kennedy/file photo" />
                        <figcaption>MWSU President Elizabeth Kennedy/file photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By BRENT MARTIN</p><p><i>St. Joseph Post</i></p><p>Missouri Western
State University President, Elizabeth Kennedy, remembers well the COVID-19
pandemic.</p><p>Mostly, because
Kennedy was plunged into the pandemic immediately upon become president of the
university.</p><p>“So, my very first
day in the office, I’m driving with some cabinet members up to Northwest to
meet Gov. Parson to talk about the university’s COVID response,” Kennedy tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, you talk about like things hitting you fast and furious,
yep, that was me. That was me.”</p><p>Kennedy says
Missouri Western responded quickly, relying on the infection specialist it had
on campus.</p><p>“I think as a
campus it really showed that we could come together pretty quickly to deal with
something so enormous and potentially so overwhelmed,” Kennedy says. “But you
know what, we never closed the building(s). We never canceled classes, anything
like that.”</p><p>Kennedy says she
had to become accustomed to uncertainty.</p><p>“But I will tell
you, one of the things I talked about a lot with our campus is when you don’t
know what’s going on, you don’t know what’s happening, and you don’t understand
it, it really tests your tolerance for ambiguity,” Kennedy says. “Because
sometimes in life, you can’t know. You just have to make the best-informed
decision and keep moving forward but also paying attention to what’s going on beside
you.”</p><p>While Kennedy says
Missouri Western relied on its experts, weekly community calls helped as well.
Each week, members of Missouri Western, Mosaic, the St. Joseph Health
Department, the City of St. Joseph, and Buchanan County held a conference call
with the latest statistics and to coordinate the local response. Kennedy is
proud that the St. Joseph campus never shut down or canceled classes during the
pandemic.</p><p>Kennedy says the
pandemic became a defining moment, whether people wanted it to or not.</p><p>“You know, when you’re
in it, you’re just trying to get through it,” Kennedy says. “And now it’s kind
of like that light bulb moment for people. When you think about an event, is it
something that happened before the pandemic or after the pandemic?”</p><p>Kennedy says
assessment of how the pandemic unfolded and how the university handled it
continue to this day. </p><p>“It always takes a
little bit of time in the future to look back on the past and really appreciate
it,” according to Kennedy. “But, God willing, we never have to go through
anything like that again.”</p>

MWSU Pres. Kennedy says pandemic taught how to handle ambiguity 

<p>By RYAN SKAITH</p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4D9MwlBJAIXw75fHBW3MRF?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 News 01/06/2026

Both GameStop locations in St. Joseph are permanently closing this week, marking the end of the retailer’s physical presence in the city. According to flyers posted at the Shoppes at North Village and the 3302 South Belt Highway storefronts, the final full day of business for both branches will be Wednesday, Jan. 7. 

In the wake of these closures, the company has announced that all active customer reservations and pre-orders are being automatically transferred to a Kansas City location. Customers can manage or pick up their items at the GameStop situated at 8602 North Boardwalk Ave, Suite 32.

To incentivize customers to visit other nearby locations, the retailer is offering a 20% trade-in bonus on games and accessories. 

To take advantage of this promotion, which runs from January 11 - January 31, customers are encouraged to take a photograph of the closing signs at either St. Joseph location to present at another store.

Both St. Joseph locations will officially shutter Jan. 8. A reason for the closure was not immediately available.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767611828325.png" alt="Google image" />
                        <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By RYAN SKAITH</p><p>Both GameStop locations in St. Joseph are permanently closing this week, marking the end of the retailer’s physical presence in the city. According to flyers posted at the Shoppes at North Village and the 3302 South Belt Highway storefronts, the final full day of business for both branches will be Wednesday, Jan. 7. </p><p>In the wake of these closures, the company has announced that all active customer reservations and pre-orders are being automatically transferred to a Kansas City location. Customers can manage or pick up their items at the GameStop situated at 8602 North Boardwalk Ave, Suite 32.</p><p>To incentivize customers to visit other nearby locations, the retailer is offering a 20% trade-in bonus on games and accessories. </p><p>To take advantage of this promotion, which runs from January 11 - January 31, customers are encouraged to take a photograph of the closing signs at either St. Joseph location to present at another store.</p><p>Both St. Joseph locations will officially shutter Jan. 8. A reason for the closure was not immediately available.</p>

St. Joseph GameStop locations to close this week

<b>By&nbsp;TIM CARPENTER</b><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/18/kansas-board-of-regents-works-to-incorporate-critique-of-tenure-workforce-policy-changes/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a>

Dissenters point to ‘rigid’ post-tenure reviews, short timeline for making improvement

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents agreed to weigh feedback from professors, administrators and legislators before voting on systemwide faculty tenure and workload policies designed to bring accountability and transparency to academic personnel decisions at the state’s six public universities.

Since the Board of Regents released drafts of the policies in November, complaints surfaced that allowing the firing of university professors after two consecutive unsatisfactory annual evaluations was “overly rigid” and didn’t take into account “extenuating circumstances,” such as an employee’s personal crisis.

In addition, concern was expressed the workload policy conflicted with standards of the American Association of University Professors or with academic program accreditation guidelines.

Objections were raised about membership of post-tenure review committees and whether the university committee deciding to place a faculty member on a one-year improvement plan would be the same group that performed the follow-up evaluation. Another issue was that one year could be an unrealistic period of time for a faculty member to correct deficiencies in research productivity, officials said.

“We’re appreciative of that input because it is beneficial and helpful as we look at trying to stand up this policy,” said Board of Regents member Alysia Johnston, who has a background in community college administration.

She said the goal was implementation of umbrella policies applicable to the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and Emporia State University.

The Board of Regents engaged in general discussion of the draft policies Wednesday and could take formal action on both in January.

During the past few years, members of the Legislature have taken greater interest in university workload and tenure decisions. In 2024, a Kansas House committee welcomed to the Capitol a tenured faculty member at Emporia State who recommended retroactive elimination of tenure at state universities. The idea was opposed by K-State president Richard Linton and KU chancellor Doug Girod.

Rusty Monhollon, vice president of academic affairs for the Board of Regents, said the systemwide tenure and workload policies were the result of persistent calls for greater transparency and accountability regarding faculty appointments.

“It’s my own sense that very few faculty would be opposed to greater accountability because the work they do is good. They are very productive and they would stand up under scrutiny,” he said.

Monhollon, a former executive director of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, said tenure was awarded to faculty following extensive vetting of each person’s teaching, research and service performance over a period of years. Tenure was mistakenly viewed by the public as a lifetime appointment, he said.

Academic freedom, a pivotal component of faculty tenure across the United States, was essential to success of colleges or universities, he said.

“Tenure is there to protect faculty to pursue research or to take on topics that are controversial,” Monhollon said. “If those protections aren’t in place for faculty, I think we lose that ability of faculty to take on difficult challenges, maybe pursue paths that are a bit unconventional, that many times bear the kind of results that really advance society and benefit all of us.”

Matt Crocker, a Manhattan businessman appointed to the Board of Regents in October, said changes to workload and tenure expectations at state universities should recognize the value in making certain taxpayers received proper return on public investments in higher education. He serves as CEO of SPS Companies, which includes Steel and Pipe Supply Co.

He said Monhollon’s comments about protecting academic freedom raised the question: “Protect them from whom?”

“If an individual’s not working in line with the mission of the university, I’m not sure that’s really something we want to protect,” Crocker said. “I don’t think we want to mix a lot of concepts together inadvertently as we look through these policies.”

Under the proposed reforms, the Board of Regents would adopt academic workload expectations and require post-tenure review of faculty at research-centered KU, WSU and K-State and the regional universities in Pittsburg, Emporia and Hays. The core obligation of all faculty in the system would be teaching, research and service, but instruction of students would be the most significant factor in assessments.

Faculty at K-State, WSU and KU would be expected to have teaching loads ranging from 40% to 55%. The three regional universities would have teaching loads of 60% to 75%. Research expectations for tenured professors would be specific to each discipline.

The faculty would have personalized work plans that were revised annually. Tenured faculty would be reviewed by a university committee every five years. Proponents of reform say collection of data on faculty would serve to better identify professors who excelled and those who fell short. The process could replace subjective elements of faculty evaluations with tangible evidence of research, teaching and service.

Each university would retain control of post-tenure faculty reviews and the provisions of self-improvement programs for faculty. Individuals could be placed in one-year remediation programs. The policy would enable universities to dismiss faculty who failed the follow-up review.

The universities would submit to the Board of Regents annual reports on tenure that included information on tenure awards and denials, the number of faculty placed on improvement plans as well as faculty resignations and dismissals. Biennial reports prepared for the Board of Regents would document faculty credit hour production, graduation rates, publications and research funding.

Johnston, who chairs the Board of Regents’ academic affairs committee, said she anticipated reports on tenure and workload to prove state universities in Kansas maintained high expectations of tenured faculty.

“I hope, with greater transparency, the data will prove just that,” she said. “I believe it will show that this is a rigorous process.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766432718726.jpeg" alt="Matt Crocker, a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, says faculty tenure and workforce policies under consideration for the state’s six public universities must take into account the necessity of guaranteeing the public receives proper return on investments in higher education. Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector" />
                        <figcaption>Matt Crocker, a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, says faculty tenure and workforce policies under consideration for the state’s six public universities must take into account the necessity of guaranteeing the public receives proper return on investments in higher education. Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>By&nbsp;TIM CARPENTER</b><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/18/kansas-board-of-regents-works-to-incorporate-critique-of-tenure-workforce-policy-changes/"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><h2>Dissenters point to ‘rigid’ post-tenure reviews, short timeline for making improvement</h2><p>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents agreed to weigh feedback from professors, administrators and legislators before voting on systemwide faculty tenure and workload policies designed to bring accountability and transparency to academic personnel decisions at the state’s six public universities.</p><p>Since the Board of Regents released drafts of the policies in November, complaints surfaced that allowing the firing of university professors after two consecutive unsatisfactory annual evaluations was “overly rigid” and didn’t take into account “extenuating circumstances,” such as an employee’s personal crisis.</p><p>In addition, concern was expressed the workload policy conflicted with standards of the American Association of University Professors or with academic program accreditation guidelines.</p><p>Objections were raised about membership of post-tenure review committees and whether the university committee deciding to place a faculty member on a one-year improvement plan would be the same group that performed the follow-up evaluation. Another issue was that one year could be an unrealistic period of time for a faculty member to correct deficiencies in research productivity, officials said.</p><p>“We’re appreciative of that input because it is beneficial and helpful as we look at trying to stand up this policy,” said Board of Regents member Alysia Johnston, who has a background in community college administration.</p><p>She said the goal was implementation of umbrella policies applicable to the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and Emporia State University.</p><p>The Board of Regents engaged in general discussion of the draft policies Wednesday and could take formal action on both in January.</p><p>During the past few years, members of the Legislature have taken greater interest in university workload and tenure decisions. In 2024, a Kansas House committee welcomed to the Capitol a tenured faculty member at Emporia State who recommended retroactive elimination of tenure at state universities. The idea was opposed by K-State president Richard Linton and KU chancellor Doug Girod.</p><h2>Return on investment</h2><p>Rusty Monhollon, vice president of academic affairs for the Board of Regents, said the systemwide tenure and workload policies were the result of persistent calls for greater transparency and accountability regarding faculty appointments.</p><p>“It’s my own sense that very few faculty would be opposed to greater accountability because the work they do is good. They are very productive and they would stand up under scrutiny,” he said.</p><p>Monhollon, a former executive director of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, said tenure was awarded to faculty following extensive vetting of each person’s teaching, research and service performance over a period of years. Tenure was mistakenly viewed by the public as a lifetime appointment, he said.</p><p>Academic freedom, a pivotal component of faculty tenure across the United States, was essential to success of colleges or universities, he said.</p><p>“Tenure is there to protect faculty to pursue research or to take on topics that are controversial,” Monhollon said. “If those protections aren’t in place for faculty, I think we lose that ability of faculty to take on difficult challenges, maybe pursue paths that are a bit unconventional, that many times bear the kind of results that really advance society and benefit all of us.”</p><p>Matt Crocker, a Manhattan businessman appointed to the Board of Regents in October, said changes to workload and tenure expectations at state universities should recognize the value in making certain taxpayers received proper return on public investments in higher education. He serves as CEO of SPS Companies, which includes Steel and Pipe Supply Co.</p><p>He said Monhollon’s comments about protecting academic freedom raised the question: “Protect them from whom?”</p><p>“If an individual’s not working in line with the mission of the university, I’m not sure that’s really something we want to protect,” Crocker said. “I don’t think we want to mix a lot of concepts together inadvertently as we look through these policies.”</p><h2>Revised expectations</h2><p>Under the proposed reforms, the Board of Regents would adopt academic workload expectations and require post-tenure review of faculty at research-centered KU, WSU and K-State and the regional universities in Pittsburg, Emporia and Hays. The core obligation of all faculty in the system would be teaching, research and service, but instruction of students would be the most significant factor in assessments.</p><p>Faculty at K-State, WSU and KU would be expected to have teaching loads ranging from 40% to 55%. The three regional universities would have teaching loads of 60% to 75%. Research expectations for tenured professors would be specific to each discipline.</p><p>The faculty would have personalized work plans that were revised annually. Tenured faculty would be reviewed by a university committee every five years. Proponents of reform say collection of data on faculty would serve to better identify professors who excelled and those who fell short. The process could replace subjective elements of faculty evaluations with tangible evidence of research, teaching and service.</p><p>Each university would retain control of post-tenure faculty reviews and the provisions of self-improvement programs for faculty. Individuals could be placed in one-year remediation programs. The policy would enable universities to dismiss faculty who failed the follow-up review.</p><p>The universities would submit to the Board of Regents annual reports on tenure that included information on tenure awards and denials, the number of faculty placed on improvement plans as well as faculty resignations and dismissals. Biennial reports prepared for the Board of Regents would document faculty credit hour production, graduation rates, publications and research funding.</p><p>Johnston, who chairs the Board of Regents’ academic affairs committee, said she anticipated reports on tenure and workload to prove state universities in Kansas maintained high expectations of tenured faculty.</p><p>“I hope, with greater transparency, the data will prove just that,” she said. “I believe it will show that this is a rigorous process.”</p>

Kansas Board of Regents works to incorporate critique of tenure, workforce policy changes

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today provided guidance on the “No Tax on Car Loan Interest” provision enacted under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fpublic-inspection%2F2025-24154%2Fcar-loan-interest-deduction/1/0100019b74d957c6-156be576-39fc-4344-85a0-c84a772c0b3f-000000/dB0mXREam7-XDhS7x6XI0t7I-AudUZncyTvQ62Gz3xU=438">The proposed regulations</a>&nbsp;issued today relate to a new deduction for interest paid on vehicle loans incurred after Dec. 31, 2024, to purchase new made-in-America vehicles for personal use. This new tax benefit applies to both taxpayers who take the standard deduction and those who itemize deductions.&nbsp;

Who can take a deduction for interest on car loans

To help taxpayers take advantage of this new tax benefit, today’s guidance addresses important eligibility criteria, including:

The IRS previously announced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Ftreasury-irs-provide-transition-relief-for-2025-for-businesses-reporting-car-loan-interest-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill/1/0100019b74d957c6-156be576-39fc-4344-85a0-c84a772c0b3f-000000/Rzf5D9WG-l-HcgT3A0ewB_nBVIsuenf9DgMoglCBH1g=438">transition guidance</a>&nbsp;for certain lenders and other taxpayers receiving&nbsp;interest&nbsp;for vehicle loans in 2025. In general, those persons&nbsp;must file information returns with the IRS to report interest received during the tax year and other information related to the loan. These information returns enable taxpayers to claim the benefits of the vehicle loan interest deduction. To help lenders implement these information reporting requirements, the proposed regulations clarify:

Treasury and IRS invite comments from the public on these proposed regulations by Feb. 2, 2026. Comments can be submitted through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.regulations.gov%2F/1/0100019b74d957c6-156be576-39fc-4344-85a0-c84a772c0b3f-000000/dIJJwTPdwsY8DD9x2R5dVqOZZBM0y19T5JMcphjkDQ8=438">Regulations.gov</a>&nbsp;and instructions can be found in the proposed regulations.

For more information, see&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Fone-big-beautiful-bill-provisions/1/0100019b74d957c6-156be576-39fc-4344-85a0-c84a772c0b3f-000000/FP_nte4n1yCQiTPpk-AT8X3TXDzwOsolmrR7tmqrRp4=438">One, Big, Beautiful Bill provisions</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740609345748.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p><i>IRS</i></p><p>WASHINGTON —&nbsp;The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today provided guidance on the “No Tax on Car Loan Interest” provision enacted under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fpublic-inspection%2F2025-24154%2Fcar-loan-interest-deduction/1/0100019b74d957c6-156be576-39fc-4344-85a0-c84a772c0b3f-000000/dB0mXREam7-XDhS7x6XI0t7I-AudUZncyTvQ62Gz3xU=438">The proposed regulations</a>&nbsp;issued today relate to a new deduction for interest paid on vehicle loans incurred after Dec. 31, 2024, to purchase new made-in-America vehicles for personal use. This new tax benefit applies to both taxpayers who take the standard deduction and those who itemize deductions.&nbsp;</p><h2>Who can take a deduction for interest on car loans</h2><p>To help taxpayers take advantage of this new tax benefit, today’s guidance addresses important eligibility criteria, including:</p><ul>
                        <li>Providing rules relating to new vehicles eligible for the deduction, including for determining if the final assembly of a vehicle occurred in the United States;</li><li>Providing rules for determining which vehicle loans qualify and the amount of interest paid on a loan that may be deductible;</li><li>Providing rules for determining if a new vehicle is purchased for personal use; and</li><li>Identifying taxpayers who can take the deduction and clarifying the $10,000 annual deduction limit.</li>
                    </ul><h2>What lenders need to know</h2><p>The IRS previously announced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Ftreasury-irs-provide-transition-relief-for-2025-for-businesses-reporting-car-loan-interest-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill/1/0100019b74d957c6-156be576-39fc-4344-85a0-c84a772c0b3f-000000/Rzf5D9WG-l-HcgT3A0ewB_nBVIsuenf9DgMoglCBH1g=438">transition guidance</a>&nbsp;for certain lenders and other taxpayers receiving&nbsp;interest&nbsp;for vehicle loans in 2025. In general, those persons&nbsp;must file information returns with the IRS to report interest received during the tax year and other information related to the loan. These information returns enable taxpayers to claim the benefits of the vehicle loan interest deduction. To help lenders implement these information reporting requirements, the proposed regulations clarify:</p><ul>
                        <li>Which lenders and other interest recipients are required to report and the time and manner for this reporting; and</li><li>What information must be included on the form provided to&nbsp;the&nbsp;IRS and to taxpayers.</li>
                    </ul><h2>More information</h2><p>Treasury and IRS invite comments from the public on these proposed regulations by Feb. 2, 2026. Comments can be submitted through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.regulations.gov%2F/1/0100019b74d957c6-156be576-39fc-4344-85a0-c84a772c0b3f-000000/dIJJwTPdwsY8DD9x2R5dVqOZZBM0y19T5JMcphjkDQ8=438">Regulations.gov</a>&nbsp;and instructions can be found in the proposed regulations.</p><p>For more information, see&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Fone-big-beautiful-bill-provisions/1/0100019b74d957c6-156be576-39fc-4344-85a0-c84a772c0b3f-000000/FP_nte4n1yCQiTPpk-AT8X3TXDzwOsolmrR7tmqrRp4=438">One, Big, Beautiful Bill provisions</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.</p>

Treasury, IRS provide guidance on the new deduction for car loan interest

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 10:30.m. on Saturday an officer on patrol stopped a Saturn Ion in the 600 block South 7th Street in Atchison for a traffic violation, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 During the stop the driver, 25-year-old Carly Helton, was found to be in possession of controlled substances.&nbsp; &nbsp;In addition to drug and traffic charges she was also accused of interference with law enforcement for providing false information as to her identity.

She was booked into the Atchison County Jail on requested charges of driving while suspended, misuse of state tag, interference with law enforcement, and possession of cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767572073926.png" alt="Helton photo Atchison County" />
                        <figcaption>Helton photo Atchison County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.</p><p>Just before 10:30.m. on Saturday an officer on patrol stopped a Saturn Ion in the 600 block South 7th Street in Atchison for a traffic violation, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.</p><p> During the stop the driver, 25-year-old Carly Helton, was found to be in possession of controlled substances.&nbsp; &nbsp;In addition to drug and traffic charges she was also accused of interference with law enforcement for providing false information as to her identity.</p><p>She was booked into the Atchison County Jail on requested charges of driving while suspended, misuse of state tag, interference with law enforcement, and possession of cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;</p>

Police: Mo. drug suspect gave officers a fake name

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Saturday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; 2015 Chevy Impala driven by a 23-year-old Hamilton woman was eastbound on U.S. 36 just west of Center Road three miles east of Cameron.&nbsp; The driver was distracted by an electronic device. The car rear-ended a 1995 GMC Yukon driven b a 34-year-old Cameron man who was slowing to make left turn at the median crossover.

Cameron ambulance transported the 23-year-old driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The SUV driver was not wearing a seat belt but not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<p>CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Saturday in Caldwell County.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; 2015 Chevy Impala driven by a 23-year-old Hamilton woman was eastbound on U.S. 36 just west of Center Road three miles east of Cameron.&nbsp; The driver was distracted by an electronic device. The car rear-ended a 1995 GMC Yukon driven b a 34-year-old Cameron man who was slowing to make left turn at the median crossover.</p><p>Cameron ambulance transported the 23-year-old driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The SUV driver was not wearing a seat belt but not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.</p>

MSHP: Distracted Mo. driver injured after rear-end crash

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford F150 pulling a small trailer and driven by 49-year-old Maryville man was southbound on Icon Road four miles north of Maryville. The pickup crossed the center of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle crossed the center of the road three additional times and eventually traveled off the east side of the road. It struck an embankment, a tree and overturned. The trailer detached and came to rest off the east side of the road.

Nodaway County ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic in Maryville. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the mSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<p>NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford F150 pulling a small trailer and driven by 49-year-old Maryville man was southbound on Icon Road four miles north of Maryville. The pickup crossed the center of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle crossed the center of the road three additional times and eventually traveled off the east side of the road. It struck an embankment, a tree and overturned. The trailer detached and came to rest off the east side of the road.</p><p>Nodaway County ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic in Maryville. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the mSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.</p>

Mo. man hospitalized in Maryville after rollover accident

The United States successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country, according to the White House. "This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. " Missouri lawmakers and other members of Congress are expressing opinions on the news.&nbsp;

<p>The United States successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country, according to the White House. "This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. " Missouri lawmakers and other members of Congress are expressing opinions on the news.&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nicolas Maduro, a ruthless Communist dictator, has been engaged in narco-terrorism for years, flooding our country with deadly drugs and killing our kids. Because of President Trump&#39;s decisive action, Maduro will finally face justice for his crimes. Thank you to our courageous…</p>&mdash; Rep. Sam Graves (@RepSamGraves) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepSamGraves/status/2007494422078898606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The president’s reckless decision to put our servicemembers in harm’s way by attacking a sovereign nation without a coherent rationale or approval from Congress is unconstitutional, destabilizing to the region, and deeply damaging to America’s reputation around the world.<br><br>My…</p>&mdash; Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (@repcleaver) <a href="https://twitter.com/repcleaver/status/2007514631879971186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We strongly support President Trump and the administration’s bold actions to take illegitimate Venezuelan President and narco terrorist Nicolas Maduro into U.S. custody.<br><br>Venezuelan drugs have poisoned our communities for far too long and we look forward to Maduro facing swift…</p>&mdash; Rep. Mark Alford (@RepMarkAlford) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkAlford/status/2007468215635444039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump did exactly what he said he was going to do — enhance our national security and defend America from bad actors.<br><br>Leaders around the world are finally understanding that those weren&#39;t empty promises. <a href="https://t.co/obD45JfjGy">pic.twitter.com/obD45JfjGy</a></p>&mdash; Senator Eric Schmitt (@SenEricSchmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenEricSchmitt/status/2007301057303720422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump made a promise to the American people that he would secure our borders from chaos and cut off threats to us and our children at the source. Venezuela ignored the call to stop running lethal drugs to the America.<br><br>Our children are safer at home because of bold…</p>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/2007453825255264758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There is no justification for the United States to be at war with Venezuela.<br><br>I lived through the consequences of an illegal war sold to the American people with lies. We swore we would never repeat those mistakes. Yet here we are again.<br><br>The American people did not ask for this,…</p>&mdash; Senator Ruben Gallego (@SenRubenGallego) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenRubenGallego/status/2007433155477717121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a>, and the brave members of our military who led the operation that successfully CAPTURED narco-terrorist Nicolás Maduro.<br><br>A new day is here for Venezuela and Latin America. The United States and our hemisphere are safer because of President… <a href="https://t.co/VL4bnsbGVZ">https://t.co/VL4bnsbGVZ</a></p>&mdash; Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenRickScott/status/2007399340457775262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The president offered multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says. <br><br>Kudos to our brave… <a href="https://t.co/b1fqkdbB4x">pic.twitter.com/b1fqkdbB4x</a></p>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/2007447083909841398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The White House is confirming U.S. military operations in Venezuela tonight. Let us be clear: these strikes are illegal. The President does not have the authority to declare war or undertake large-scale military operations without Congress. Congress must act to rein him in.… <a href="https://t.co/KsbxS6TbSp">pic.twitter.com/KsbxS6TbSp</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Melanie Stansbury (@Rep_Stansbury) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rep_Stansbury/status/2007385713818714191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Without authorization from Congress, and with the vast majority of Americans opposed to military action, Trump just launched an unjustified, illegal strike on Venezuela.<br><br>He says we don’t have enough money for healthcare for Americans—but somehow we have unlimited funds for war??</p>&mdash; Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMcGovern/status/2007381598912819213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess…</p>&mdash; Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2007428087143686611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bold move by ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>⁩ taking out convicted NARCO TERRORIST and DICTATOR of Venezuela Maduro. <a href="https://t.co/JGFtpq5GG4">pic.twitter.com/JGFtpq5GG4</a></p>&mdash; Tim Burchett (@timburchett) <a href="https://twitter.com/timburchett/status/2007443476900671516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If this action were constitutionally sound, the Attorney General wouldn’t be tweeting that they’ve arrested the President of a sovereign country and his wife for possessing guns in violation of a 1934 U.S. firearm law.</p>&mdash; Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepThomasMassie/status/2007469970364539092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Maduro and his predecessor took Venezuela from the richest to the poorest country in South America, and destroyed its democracy. The operations last night are great for the future of Venezuelans and the region. My main concern is now Russia will use this to justify their illegal…</p>&mdash; Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸✈️🏍️⭐️🎖️ (@RepDonBacon) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDonBacon/status/2007462335242289166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I have spoken in the last several hours with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> Hegseth, and the nation will hear from <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> in his address at 11am ET.<br><br>Today’s military action in Venezuela was a decisive and justified operation that will protect American lives.<br><br>Nicolas Maduro is…</p>&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/2007468765718384961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Mo. lawmakers react to U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader

ATCHISON COUNTY —Police are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after he fled a traffic stop.

Just before 11a.m. on New Year's Eve, an officer on patrol observed a Mazda pickup truck speeding in the 900 block Unity Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. 

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver failed to stop and fled from the officer until finally stopping at K-7 and Harper Drive. The 19-year-old driver&nbsp;Caden J. Hetherington of Roach, Missouri, was taken into custody on requested charges including fleeing and attempting to elude, speeding, interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended, violation of tinted windows, and no proof of vehicle insurance.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767366410036.png" alt="Hetherington photo Atchison Co." />
                        <figcaption>Hetherington photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>ATCHISON COUNTY —Police are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after he fled a traffic stop.</p><p>Just before 11a.m. on New Year's Eve, an officer on patrol observed a Mazda pickup truck speeding in the 900 block Unity Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. </p><p>The officer attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver failed to stop and fled from the officer until finally stopping at K-7 and Harper Drive. The 19-year-old driver&nbsp;Caden J. Hetherington of Roach, Missouri, was taken into custody on requested charges including fleeing and attempting to elude, speeding, interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended, violation of tinted windows, and no proof of vehicle insurance.</p>

Missouri man jailed in Kansas after he fled traffic stop

A benefit bike ride tomorrow in St. Joseph will help raise money to aid in expenses for a local family whose adopted son is fighting Stage 4 liver cancer.

The Polar Bear Benefit Ride , sponsored by Bikers for Christ, will support the Stephenson Family.&nbsp; There will be several bike clubs from St Joseph and the surrounding areas gathering in support to help this family with expenses. With some weather expected, a couple of area businesses will also donate services such as coffee and hot cocoa. 

The ride tomorrow will begin at Green Valley Church in St. Joseph, located at 3110 Cook Rd, beginning at noon and ending at the Fire House in Savannah at 107 S Highway 71 where there will be a walk through parade in the firehouse viewing of all the bikes and vehicles that participated in the ride.&nbsp; A love offering will also taken at the fire house. 

Public is welcome as well to support this family. For more information you can contact Elder Brett "Sleeves" Kennedy of the Bikers for Christ St Joseph Chapter at 816-387-6798.

<i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.</i>

<p>By MATT PIKE</p><p>A benefit bike ride tomorrow in St. Joseph will help raise money to aid in expenses for a local family whose adopted son is fighting Stage 4 liver cancer.</p><p>The Polar Bear Benefit Ride , sponsored by Bikers for Christ, will support the Stephenson Family.&nbsp; There will be several bike clubs from St Joseph and the surrounding areas gathering in support to help this family with expenses. With some weather expected, a couple of area businesses will also donate services such as coffee and hot cocoa. </p><p>The ride tomorrow will begin at Green Valley Church in St. Joseph, located at 3110 Cook Rd, beginning at noon and ending at the Fire House in Savannah at 107 S Highway 71 where there will be a walk through parade in the firehouse viewing of all the bikes and vehicles that participated in the ride.&nbsp; A love offering will also taken at the fire house. </p><p>Public is welcome as well to support this family. For more information you can contact Elder Brett "Sleeves" Kennedy of the Bikers for Christ St Joseph Chapter at 816-387-6798.</p><p><i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.</i></p>

Polar Bear Benefit Ride to raise funds to help local family

A local youth sports organization is doing its part to give those who might not be able to afford to play athletics, a way to begin playing sports.  

Mo Family Sports, operated by Ky Turner owner of the St. Joseph Mustangs, began in 2020 as simply a way to provide more athletic opportunities to kids around St. Joseph.  

Now, Turner says the organization has kickstart a new venture with the Mo Family Sports Family Assist Fund 

“Through this fund we’re going to be able to sponsor up to 100 families in the St. Joseph School District, and basically the only qualification is if your family is on free or reduced lunch, then you qualify potentially to have your membership fees waived, sponsored,” Turner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

Turner says this is a need in our community with kids who want to play and adds hearing feedback from families that they were able to help shows how much it's meant. 

“We heard so many wonderful things, whether it’s a family that said I have multiple children and we just couldn’t afford it for the family or now instead of paying for the registration fee I was able to go out and buy m y child new shoes so that they felt like they fit in with everyone else,” Turner explains.  “I mean, there was a lot of neat stuff that was done through this, and so we hope to continue this and grow.” 

Turner says it's important for kids to be involved in athletics, because while it isn't who someone is, it does help contribute to their identity 

"In the number of friendships that you can make or the confidence that you can gain from that or the discipline, there’s just so many positive things that can come from it,” Turner says.  “Now it is delicate, you can lose confidence in sports, but learning the ability to come back from something, or a bad situation, it just lends itself.” 

To help aid in the fund, Mo Family Sports will host its annual Champions for a Cause basketball tournament later this month, where all proceeds will go directly to the Family Assist Fund. 

For more information on the fund and the organization, you can click <a href="https://www.mofamilysports.com/">HERE</a>.

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

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767374817416.jpeg" alt="Mo Family Sports has launched the Mo Family Sports Assist Fund to help pay for registration fees for up to 100 kids to play youth basketball/ Photo courtesy of Mo Family Sports Facebook page" />
                        <figcaption>Mo Family Sports has launched the Mo Family Sports Assist Fund to help pay for registration fees for up to 100 kids to play youth basketball/ Photo courtesy of Mo Family Sports Facebook page</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By MATT PIKE</p><p><i>St. Joseph Post</i></p><p>A local youth sports organization is doing its part to give those who might not be able to afford to play athletics, a way to begin playing sports.  </p><p>Mo Family Sports, operated by Ky Turner owner of the St. Joseph Mustangs, began in 2020 as simply a way to provide more athletic opportunities to kids around St. Joseph.  </p><p>Now, Turner says the organization has kickstart a new venture with the Mo Family Sports Family Assist Fund </p><p>“Through this fund we’re going to be able to sponsor up to 100 families in the St. Joseph School District, and basically the only qualification is if your family is on free or reduced lunch, then you qualify potentially to have your membership fees waived, sponsored,” Turner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. </p><p>Turner says this is a need in our community with kids who want to play and adds hearing feedback from families that they were able to help shows how much it's meant. </p><p>“We heard so many wonderful things, whether it’s a family that said I have multiple children and we just couldn’t afford it for the family or now instead of paying for the registration fee I was able to go out and buy m y child new shoes so that they felt like they fit in with everyone else,” Turner explains.  “I mean, there was a lot of neat stuff that was done through this, and so we hope to continue this and grow.” </p><p>Turner says it's important for kids to be involved in athletics, because while it isn't who someone is, it does help contribute to their identity </p><p>"In the number of friendships that you can make or the confidence that you can gain from that or the discipline, there’s just so many positive things that can come from it,” Turner says.  “Now it is delicate, you can lose confidence in sports, but learning the ability to come back from something, or a bad situation, it just lends itself.” </p><p>To help aid in the fund, Mo Family Sports will host its annual Champions for a Cause basketball tournament later this month, where all proceeds will go directly to the Family Assist Fund. </p><p>For more information on the fund and the organization, you can click <a href="https://www.mofamilysports.com/">HERE</a>.</p><p><i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost</i>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

St. Joseph youth sports organization giving kids in need opportunity to play

The lights and decorations are still on display at two St. Joseph parks for one more weekend so visitors can enjoy a bit more of the holiday season.

Holiday Park (Krug Park) and South Pole (Hyde Park) are open nightly from 6:00 - 10:00 through Sunday, January 4 for visitors.&nbsp;

The City of St. Joseph notes those hours are weather dependent.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669047640950.jpeg" alt="Holiday Park- St. Joseph parks and rec.jpg" />
                        <figcaption>Holiday Park- St. Joseph parks and rec.jpg</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By RYAN SKAITH</p><p>The lights and decorations are still on display at two St. Joseph parks for one more weekend so visitors can enjoy a bit more of the holiday season.</p><p>Holiday Park (Krug Park) and South Pole (Hyde Park) are open nightly from 6:00 - 10:00 through Sunday, January 4 for visitors.&nbsp;</p><p>The City of St. Joseph notes those hours are weather dependent.</p>

Holiday Park and South Pole still open for last minute visitors

Blood donations are needed in all parts of the country, and Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri, Joann Woody, says that donations slow down during the colder months, marking a need for increased support

"Whenever we move into the winter season, we see a dip in blood donations which puts a strain on the blood supply across the country."

Woody emphasizes that only three percent of the eligible population donates blood and that simply isn't enough to keep up with the demand. "We know that one in seven people who walks into a hospital is going to need a blood transfusion for something, whether its surgery, or treatment for cancer, or other chronic illness."

Area residents interested in donating blood are encouraged to find a nearby blood drive by downloading the American Red Cross app or visit the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoq6lpQPxlHRXReH-aCP3vuFoR-wju4BJgn6dq0KhOgUrCQNw1_p">Red Cross website</a>.

Anyone who donates blood between now and Jan. 5 will receive a free long-sleeve blood donor shirt. Woody notes that anyone who donates blood from Jan. 5 through Jan. 31 will be entered into a drawing to win two tickets to the Super Bowl.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687900222536.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy American Red Cross of Greater Kansas" />
                        <figcaption>Image Courtesy American Red Cross of Greater Kansas</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By RYAN SKAITH</p><p>Blood donations are needed in all parts of the country, and Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri, Joann Woody, says that donations slow down during the colder months, marking a need for increased support</p><p>"Whenever we move into the winter season, we see a dip in blood donations which puts a strain on the blood supply across the country."</p><p>Woody emphasizes that only three percent of the eligible population donates blood and that simply isn't enough to keep up with the demand. "We know that one in seven people who walks into a hospital is going to need a blood transfusion for something, whether its surgery, or treatment for cancer, or other chronic illness."</p><p>Area residents interested in donating blood are encouraged to find a nearby blood drive by downloading the American Red Cross app or visit the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoq6lpQPxlHRXReH-aCP3vuFoR-wju4BJgn6dq0KhOgUrCQNw1_p">Red Cross website</a>.</p><p>Anyone who donates blood between now and Jan. 5 will receive a free long-sleeve blood donor shirt. Woody notes that anyone who donates blood from Jan. 5 through Jan. 31 will be entered into a drawing to win two tickets to the Super Bowl.</p>

Red Cross in need of blood donations this winter

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged vandalism in Brown and asking the public for help to identify suspets.

Just after 2:30 p.m. December 27, two individuals were caught on surveillance camera vandalizing a vehicle belonging to USD #430 in Everest, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

The windshield was broken due to rock or objects being intentionally thrown at the vehicle as well as verbage scratched into the paint.&nbsp;

Sheriff Merchant is asking the public to help identify these individuals.&nbsp; If you are related to one or both of these individuals or if they are known to you,&nbsp; you are obligated to contact the Sheriff's office at once so this type of behavior doesn't escalate into something more serious. 

The sheriff office contact information is 785-742-7125

<p>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged vandalism in Brown and asking the public for help to identify suspets.</p><p>Just after 2:30 p.m. December 27, two individuals were caught on surveillance camera vandalizing a vehicle belonging to USD #430 in Everest, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.</p><p>The windshield was broken due to rock or objects being intentionally thrown at the vehicle as well as verbage scratched into the paint.&nbsp;</p><p>Sheriff Merchant is asking the public to help identify these individuals.&nbsp; If you are related to one or both of these individuals or if they are known to you,&nbsp; you are obligated to contact the Sheriff's office at once so this type of behavior doesn't escalate into something more serious. </p><p>The sheriff office contact information is 785-742-7125</p>

Sheriff asks for help to ID suspects in school district vandalism

<p>By MATT PIKE</p><p><i>St. Joseph Post</i></p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7n8M4DaqmIxLOvKENc85jw?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 

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to Ty Masterson, president of the Kansas Senate on the Chiefs relocation to Kansas.</i>

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bMNfIwSIp7c?si=0dCZWycB8dBye4LE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to Ty Masterson, president of the Kansas Senate on the Chiefs relocation to Kansas.</i></p>

🎙 Forward Ever: Kan. Senate president Ty Masterson on Chiefs move to Kansas

Eastern Kansas
Congressman, Derek Schmidt, says legislation approved by Congress should help
federal authorities crack down on child exploitation.

Schmidt
co-sponsored the Protect Our Children Reauthorization Act, which provides more
money for and gives more power to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task
Force.

“And it is a
dedicated, specially trained group of professionals whose mission is to focus
on the exploitation of children online, the use of the Internet to commit
crimes against kids,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Schmidt, the
former Kansas Attorney General, says the legislation updates the national
strategy to prevent child exploitation online.

The Protect Our
Children Reauthorization Act of 2025 was one of three public safety measures
co-sponsored by Schmidt and approved by Congress. All are expected to be signed
into law by the president.

Another bill,
Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025, expands the federal public safety officers
benefit program to include retired officers killed or disabled in targeted attacks.

Another public
safety measure co-sponsored by Schmidt and approved by Congress would change
the presumption of a firefighter or any public safety officer diagnosed with cancer.

Schmidt points out
current law requires the firefighter to prove his cancer was caused by
work-related exposure to toxins. Schmidt says that is unfair.

“How do you prove
that the cancer was caused by your exposure over a period of time in many
different instances to those sorts of chemicals?” Schmidt asks. “We flipped the
presumption. The presumption is, if you’re a firefighter and you come down with
certain types of cancer, it is presumed that the cause was your professional
work unless the evidence shows otherwise.”

The change in
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would allow public safety officers to more
easily qualify for disability benefits or allow their family to benefit from
survivor benefits.

<p>By BRENT MARTIN</p><p><i>St. Joseph Post</i></p><p>Eastern Kansas
Congressman, Derek Schmidt, says legislation approved by Congress should help
federal authorities crack down on child exploitation.</p><p>Schmidt
co-sponsored the Protect Our Children Reauthorization Act, which provides more
money for and gives more power to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task
Force.</p><p>“And it is a
dedicated, specially trained group of professionals whose mission is to focus
on the exploitation of children online, the use of the Internet to commit
crimes against kids,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.</p><p>Schmidt, the
former Kansas Attorney General, says the legislation updates the national
strategy to prevent child exploitation online.</p><p>The Protect Our
Children Reauthorization Act of 2025 was one of three public safety measures
co-sponsored by Schmidt and approved by Congress. All are expected to be signed
into law by the president.</p><p>Another bill,
Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025, expands the federal public safety officers
benefit program to include retired officers killed or disabled in targeted attacks.</p><p>Another public
safety measure co-sponsored by Schmidt and approved by Congress would change
the presumption of a firefighter or any public safety officer diagnosed with cancer.</p><p>Schmidt points out
current law requires the firefighter to prove his cancer was caused by
work-related exposure to toxins. Schmidt says that is unfair.</p><p>“How do you prove
that the cancer was caused by your exposure over a period of time in many
different instances to those sorts of chemicals?” Schmidt asks. “We flipped the
presumption. The presumption is, if you’re a firefighter and you come down with
certain types of cancer, it is presumed that the cause was your professional
work unless the evidence shows otherwise.”</p><p>The change in
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would allow public safety officers to more
easily qualify for disability benefits or allow their family to benefit from
survivor benefits.</p>

Schmidt-backed public safety measures pass Congress

<p>By RYAN SKAITH</p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5GPOASEGd6HSqf7BPducRf?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 News 01/02/2026

Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph welcomed the first baby of 2026 on Thursday and it is a boy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Faylynn Graham and Kaiden Unl's gave birth to a son Theo, Mosaic Life Care announced.&nbsp; Theo weighs 7 pounds, 1 ounce and is 19 inches long.

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

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767345532701.jpeg" alt="Baby Theo/ Photo courtesy of Mosaic Life Care" />
                        <figcaption>Baby Theo/ Photo courtesy of Mosaic Life Care</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By MATT PIKE</p><p><i>St. Joseph Post</i></p><p>Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph welcomed the first baby of 2026 on Thursday and it is a boy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Faylynn Graham and Kaiden Unl's gave birth to a son Theo, Mosaic Life Care announced.&nbsp; Theo weighs 7 pounds, 1 ounce and is 19 inches long.</p><p><i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost</i>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Mosaic Life Care welcomes first baby of 2026

&nbsp;The Wichita Police Department reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 86-year-old Linda Holle was located in South Dakota, and is now safe.

The statewide silver alert is canceled.&nbsp;

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation issued a statewide silver alert for a missing Kansas woman.

The whereabouts of 86-year-old Linda Holle of Wichita are unknown, and public assistance is requested to help locate her, according to a media release from the KBI.

Holle is likely driving a blue 2007 Ford Expedition bearing Kansas tag 1054ADS.&nbsp; She was last believed to be in St. Joseph, Missouri on Dec. 31, at approximately 11:20 p.m.

Holle is a white female who is around 5-foot-3 inches tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds. She has blonde and gray hair, brown eyes and wears glasses.

If you see Holle, or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the Wichita Police Department at (316) 268-4111.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767282639484.png" alt="Photo KBI" />
                        <figcaption>Photo KBI</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>&nbsp;The Wichita Police Department reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 86-year-old Linda Holle was located in South Dakota, and is now safe.</p><p>The statewide silver alert is canceled.&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767284978010.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>---------------</p><p>The Kansas Bureau of Investigation issued a statewide silver alert for a missing Kansas woman.</p><p>The whereabouts of 86-year-old Linda Holle of Wichita are unknown, and public assistance is requested to help locate her, according to a media release from the KBI.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767282624135.png" alt="Linda Holle photo KBI" />
                        <figcaption>Linda Holle photo KBI</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Holle is likely driving a blue 2007 Ford Expedition bearing Kansas tag 1054ADS.&nbsp; She was last believed to be in St. Joseph, Missouri on Dec. 31, at approximately 11:20 p.m.</p><p>Holle is a white female who is around 5-foot-3 inches tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds. She has blonde and gray hair, brown eyes and wears glasses.</p><p>If you see Holle, or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the Wichita Police Department at (316) 268-4111.</p>

Silver Alert: Kan. woman last seen in St. Joseph found in South Dakota

It was another great year for the Shop St. Joseph program.  

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says the number of tickets given away during the program continues to grow year over year 

“We almost gave out 2 million tickets, so it’s hard to believe that 19 years ago when we started this program how much has changed” Hawn says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “So, 19 years ago we were giving out about 140,000 tickets when we started, now we’re giving out almost 2 million.” 

Hawn says the program was developed 19 years ago as a way to keep shoppers from traveling to Kansas City to do their holiday shopping. 

“And now it’s to keep people from buying online, it’s so funny how much things change, but they stay the same,” Hawn explains.  “Still a great program, still a great motivator, still gets people excited about shopping local, but it’s funny how trends do change over time.” 

This year's winner received their ticket from the Narrative Home.  Hawn says the idea to implement the Small Business Bonus came three years ago. . . 

“Since then, every one of the $10,000 winners has come from a small business, which is really cool,” Hawn says.  “So, the last three years both the $10,000 and the $2,500 have not been the same store, but they’ve both been small businesses, which is really fun.”  

Hawn says since the winner was announced, she's heard from the owner of Narrative Home about the number of customers who came in, who heard of the store thanks to Shop St. Joe 

“So that’s why we do this, we do this to really remind people to shop local, to shop strategically, because those are the stores that make our community unique,” Hawn says. 

Jackie Miller, a local teacher, took home the $10,000 prize.  Billie Sue Wall won the $2,500 Small Business Bonus, shopping at Quality Hearing &amp; Audiology Center. 

<p>By MATT PIKE</p><p><i>St. Joseph Post</i></p><p>It was another great year for the Shop St. Joseph program.  </p><p>St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says the number of tickets given away during the program continues to grow year over year </p><p>“We almost gave out 2 million tickets, so it’s hard to believe that 19 years ago when we started this program how much has changed” Hawn says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “So, 19 years ago we were giving out about 140,000 tickets when we started, now we’re giving out almost 2 million.” </p><p>Hawn says the program was developed 19 years ago as a way to keep shoppers from traveling to Kansas City to do their holiday shopping. </p><p>“And now it’s to keep people from buying online, it’s so funny how much things change, but they stay the same,” Hawn explains.  “Still a great program, still a great motivator, still gets people excited about shopping local, but it’s funny how trends do change over time.” </p><p>This year's winner received their ticket from the Narrative Home.  Hawn says the idea to implement the Small Business Bonus came three years ago. . . </p><p>“Since then, every one of the $10,000 winners has come from a small business, which is really cool,” Hawn says.  “So, the last three years both the $10,000 and the $2,500 have not been the same store, but they’ve both been small businesses, which is really fun.”  </p><p>Hawn says since the winner was announced, she's heard from the owner of Narrative Home about the number of customers who came in, who heard of the store thanks to Shop St. Joe </p><p>“So that’s why we do this, we do this to really remind people to shop local, to shop strategically, because those are the stores that make our community unique,” Hawn says. </p><p>Jackie Miller, a local teacher, took home the $10,000 prize.  Billie Sue Wall won the $2,500 Small Business Bonus, shopping at Quality Hearing &amp; Audiology Center. </p><p><i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost</i>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

St. Joseph Chamber sees Shop St. Joe continue to grow year over year

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Honda CRV driven by a 17-year-old Agency girl was southbound on Route FF at Prescher Road in Agency. The Honda struck a pedestrian identified as a 36-year-old Kansas City, Missouri, man was was walking southbound in the southbound lane of travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Buchanan County EMS transported the pedestrian to Mosaic Life Care. The teen driver was properly restrained and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<p>BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Honda CRV driven by a 17-year-old Agency girl was southbound on Route FF at Prescher Road in Agency. The Honda struck a pedestrian identified as a 36-year-old Kansas City, Missouri, man was was walking southbound in the southbound lane of travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Buchanan County EMS transported the pedestrian to Mosaic Life Care. The teen driver was properly restrained and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.</p>

Mo. teen driver struck man walking on the roadway

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Polaris Ranger driven by a 15-year-old Easton boy was northbound on 85th Road at U.S. 36 three miles east of St. Joseph.

The UTV crossed into the path of a westbound 2013 Chevy Traverse driven by a 37-year-old Calhoun man. The UTV struck the drivers side of the SUV. After impact the UTV overturned and came to rest on the north shoulder of U.S. 36. The SUV traveled off the north side of the road and came to rest in a field.

Buchanan County EMS transported the UTV driver and a 16-year-old St. Joseph boy to Mosaic Life Care. A private vehicle transported a 13-year-old Easton boy to Mosaic. The teens were passengers on the UTV.&nbsp; The SUV driver was properly restrained and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<p>BUCHANAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Polaris Ranger driven by a 15-year-old Easton boy was northbound on 85th Road at U.S. 36 three miles east of St. Joseph.</p><p>The UTV crossed into the path of a westbound 2013 Chevy Traverse driven by a 37-year-old Calhoun man. The UTV struck the drivers side of the SUV. After impact the UTV overturned and came to rest on the north shoulder of U.S. 36. The SUV traveled off the north side of the road and came to rest in a field.</p><p>Buchanan County EMS transported the UTV driver and a 16-year-old St. Joseph boy to Mosaic Life Care. A private vehicle transported a 13-year-old Easton boy to Mosaic. The teens were passengers on the UTV.&nbsp; The SUV driver was properly restrained and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.</p>

3 teens injured after UTV, SUV crash in Buchanan County

The St. Joseph Police department is taking advantage of advancing technology and combatting crime in a more focused way.  

Police Chief Paul Luster says the department is focused on what is called precision policing, using data to help drive how officers focus on crime 

"What I call we go fishing with a spear not a net, so we have a scenario violent crime pop up in a neighborhood, well let’s really look at our data, let’s do our research, and lets what I call laser focus, pinpoint on the people or the person, let’s pinpoint the location, and then let’s be precise on how we’re going to handle that issue,” Luster says on the KFEQmunnity show. 

Luster says the process helps officers go into an issues laser focused on how to combat the crime with a precise approach 

“We know we’re having a problem, this is our problem house, these are the people associated with the house, let’s get our partners on board, let’s get out there in the community and not only deal with that house but let’s attempt to bolster relationships with the neighborhood, let them know we’re here and we’re working on it, maybe get some information if we can, encourage them to call in with information,” Luster explains. 

Luster says that extends to bi-weekly meetings with law enforcement partners, including the prosecutor's office, to go over the cases that are shown in the data. 

Luster says the data help determine hotspots of where certain crimes are happening  

“Map of the city and we may put in the criteria, of let’s just say we put in aggravated assaults, and we plug that in and that grabs data from our reporting system and then it will put heat spots on that map,” Luster says.  “And it may go from a light color to glowing hot on that map, so that shows us ok we’re having problems in this neighborhood and maybe this neighborhood.” 

Luster points to a recent community engagement in the College Hill Park neighborhood where there were some hotspots.  The engagement ended up resolving some cases and getting community engagement while working in that area. 

<p>By MATT PIKE</p><p><i>St. Joseph Post</i></p><p>The St. Joseph Police department is taking advantage of advancing technology and combatting crime in a more focused way.  </p><p>Police Chief Paul Luster says the department is focused on what is called precision policing, using data to help drive how officers focus on crime </p><p>"What I call we go fishing with a spear not a net, so we have a scenario violent crime pop up in a neighborhood, well let’s really look at our data, let’s do our research, and lets what I call laser focus, pinpoint on the people or the person, let’s pinpoint the location, and then let’s be precise on how we’re going to handle that issue,” Luster says on the KFEQmunnity show. </p><p>Luster says the process helps officers go into an issues laser focused on how to combat the crime with a precise approach </p><p>“We know we’re having a problem, this is our problem house, these are the people associated with the house, let’s get our partners on board, let’s get out there in the community and not only deal with that house but let’s attempt to bolster relationships with the neighborhood, let them know we’re here and we’re working on it, maybe get some information if we can, encourage them to call in with information,” Luster explains. </p><p>Luster says that extends to bi-weekly meetings with law enforcement partners, including the prosecutor's office, to go over the cases that are shown in the data. </p><p>Luster says the data help determine hotspots of where certain crimes are happening  </p><p>“Map of the city and we may put in the criteria, of let’s just say we put in aggravated assaults, and we plug that in and that grabs data from our reporting system and then it will put heat spots on that map,” Luster says.  “And it may go from a light color to glowing hot on that map, so that shows us ok we’re having problems in this neighborhood and maybe this neighborhood.” </p><p>Luster points to a recent community engagement in the College Hill Park neighborhood where there were some hotspots.  The engagement ended up resolving some cases and getting community engagement while working in that area. </p><p><i>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost</i>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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