St. Joseph police report a shooting overnight that caused only
property damage.

Police say two shots were fired into a building in the 1600
block of Buchanan Avenue shortly before one o’clock Friday morning.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police report a shooting overnight that caused only
property damage.Police say two shots were fired into a building in the 1600
block of Buchanan Avenue shortly before one o’clock Friday morning.No one was harmed.No suspect has been arrested.

St. Joseph police report shooting causes only property damage

A horrific, chain-reaction traffic
crash in the southend killed two in St. Joseph Thursday morning.

The St. Joseph Police Department
reports a fully loaded semi tractor-trailer slammed into the rear of a pickup
on the northbound I-229 offramp to U.S. Highway 36 shortly after nine o’clock
Thursday morning. The crash forced the pickup into the back of a fully load
dump truck, causing it to rear-end a commercial boom truck.

The department says the crash caused
catastrophic damage to the pickup and killed a passenger riding in the front
and a passenger riding in the rear. St. Joseph police identify the victims as
Diana Ptomey and Joyce Ptomey. The driver, who had to be extricated from the
pickup, suffered serious injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

St. Joseph police shut down I-229 north of East Lake Boulevard for
hours while officers worked the accident.

St. Joseph received assistance from
the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department as well as the Missouri Department of
Transportation. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Commercial Motor Vehicle
Division responded to the accident. The Missouri Department of Natural
Resources responded, because fluids had spilled at the scene of the crash.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA horrific, chain-reaction traffic
crash in the southend killed two in St. Joseph Thursday morning.The St. Joseph Police Department
reports a fully loaded semi tractor-trailer slammed into the rear of a pickup
on the northbound I-229 offramp to U.S. Highway 36 shortly after nine o’clock
Thursday morning. The crash forced the pickup into the back of a fully load
dump truck, causing it to rear-end a commercial boom truck.The department says the crash caused
catastrophic damage to the pickup and killed a passenger riding in the front
and a passenger riding in the rear. St. Joseph police identify the victims as
Diana Ptomey and Joyce Ptomey. The driver, who had to be extricated from the
pickup, suffered serious injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.St. Joseph police shut down I-229 north of East Lake Boulevard for
hours while officers worked the accident.St. Joseph received assistance from
the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department as well as the Missouri Department of
Transportation. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Commercial Motor Vehicle
Division responded to the accident. The Missouri Department of Natural
Resources responded, because fluids had spilled at the scene of the crash.

Chain-reaction crash in St. Joseph's southend kills two

PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting which occurred just before 2a.m. Thursday on MO Highway 45 Spur near Stilling’s Road in rural Platte County. 

 The shooting occurred at the end of a vehicle pursuit involving members of the Leavenworth, Kansas Police Department, and a domestic violence suspect identified as 25-year-old Jonathan Heath-Taylor of Leavenworth, Kansas, according to&nbsp;Captain Jeffrey Shanks.

EMS transported Heath-Taylor from the scene to an area hospital where he remained in critical condition Thursday night.&nbsp; No officers were injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691671445584.png" alt="The Platte County Sheriff’s Office will oversee the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation and has the support of the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The Platte County Sheriff’s Office will oversee the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation and has the support of the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting which occurred just before 2a.m. Thursday on MO Highway 45 Spur near Stilling’s Road in rural Platte County. The shooting occurred at the end of a vehicle pursuit involving members of the Leavenworth, Kansas Police Department, and a domestic violence suspect identified as 25-year-old Jonathan Heath-Taylor of Leavenworth, Kansas, according to&nbsp;Captain Jeffrey Shanks.EMS transported Heath-Taylor from the scene to an area hospital where he remained in critical condition Thursday night.&nbsp; No officers were injured.

Sheriff IDs Kansas man wounded in officer-shooting in Platte Co

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.

On Wednesday, police arrested Timothy J. Mowry, 35, Kansas City Mo,&nbsp; for aggravated domestic battery in the 1800 block North 2nd, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He remains jailed on a $2500 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691669168192.png" alt="Mowry-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Mowry-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.On Wednesday, police arrested Timothy J. Mowry, 35, Kansas City Mo,&nbsp; for aggravated domestic battery in the 1800 block North 2nd, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He remains jailed on a $2500 bond, according to online jail records.

Mo. man accused of violent attack at Kansas home

A local group of historic preservationists made are looking to continue sharing the history of the St. Joseph’s historic Shakespeare Chateau. 

The Shakespeare Chateau Guild hopes to continue the success that owner Isobel McGowan is having at the downtown bed and breakfast St. Joseph well into the future. 

Board Member Cole Woodbury says to do that fundraising is currently underway for a new project.

"The object is to purchase the properties from her and with her help see it into it's next phase of ownership," Woodbury tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And continue with what she's been doing all these years and add to it and improve upon it."

You can donate to the effort by mailing a check to the Guild at 809 Hall Street or you can donate online by clicking <a href="https://www.shakespearechateau.com/shakespeare-chateau-guild-501c3">HERE</a>.

Woodbury says the art of what it takes to preserve a historic home like the chateau is lost, but in acquiring the home the guild can teach more people the craft

"So we do have some of those craftsman that are here, we can bring in other craftsman, there's innkeeping skills that can be taught," Woodbury explains. "So this can become literally an educational workshop for skills that are needed for restoring homes like this, running bed and breakfasts, innkeeping skills, culinary skills, the list is actually quite endless."

Woodbury says the mission of the guild acquiring the chateau is to show the importance of keeping historic St Joseph homes preserved into the future.

Woodbury says a building like the chateau shows the importance of preserving historic homes to people in St. Joseph and beyond.

"If you don't ever get to see these places you don't get to understand what's here and appreciate the beauty and the artisan and everything that goes into it, you miss out on that," Woodbury says. "So, it's that exposure alone that helps generate and foster new interest and then with the workshops and the educational aspect of it you can take that interest and actually learn something that then can be used in your own restoration project."

Community members have a chance to see the historic chateau this evening from 4 to 6pm as the guild will host an open house to help raise money for the project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691684357109.jpeg" alt="The Shakespeare Chateau Guild is seeking to purchase the historic Shakespeare Chateau at 809 Hall Street in St. Joseph to continue preserving it into the future/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The Shakespeare Chateau Guild is seeking to purchase the historic Shakespeare Chateau at 809 Hall Street in St. Joseph to continue preserving it into the future/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA local group of historic preservationists made are looking to continue sharing the history of the St. Joseph’s historic Shakespeare Chateau. The Shakespeare Chateau Guild hopes to continue the success that owner Isobel McGowan is having at the downtown bed and breakfast St. Joseph well into the future. Board Member Cole Woodbury says to do that fundraising is currently underway for a new project."The object is to purchase the properties from her and with her help see it into it's next phase of ownership," Woodbury tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And continue with what she's been doing all these years and add to it and improve upon it."You can donate to the effort by mailing a check to the Guild at 809 Hall Street or you can donate online by clicking <a href="https://www.shakespearechateau.com/shakespeare-chateau-guild-501c3">HERE</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691684453548.jpeg" alt="Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Woodbury says the art of what it takes to preserve a historic home like the chateau is lost, but in acquiring the home the guild can teach more people the craft"So we do have some of those craftsman that are here, we can bring in other craftsman, there's innkeeping skills that can be taught," Woodbury explains. "So this can become literally an educational workshop for skills that are needed for restoring homes like this, running bed and breakfasts, innkeeping skills, culinary skills, the list is actually quite endless."Woodbury says the mission of the guild acquiring the chateau is to show the importance of keeping historic St Joseph homes preserved into the future.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691684481620.jpeg" alt="Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Woodbury says a building like the chateau shows the importance of preserving historic homes to people in St. Joseph and beyond."If you don't ever get to see these places you don't get to understand what's here and appreciate the beauty and the artisan and everything that goes into it, you miss out on that," Woodbury says. "So, it's that exposure alone that helps generate and foster new interest and then with the workshops and the educational aspect of it you can take that interest and actually learn something that then can be used in your own restoration project."Community members have a chance to see the historic chateau this evening from 4 to 6pm as the guild will host an open house to help raise money for the project.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Local-Guild-hopes-to-show-the-importance-of-preserving-history-e27va8u" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FShakespeareChateauGuild%2Fvideos%2F307875118312827%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691684650389.jpeg" alt="Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>

Group moves to preserve historic Shakespeare Chateau

A few consecutive dry weeks are giving crops in Iowa varying degrees of drought stress. 

An Iowa State University Extension expert says there hasn’t been much measurable rainfall for as many as three weeks in many areas. 

Prior to that dry spell, Iowa had been getting just enough rain at times to get by. 

Much of the dry weather came when corn and soybeans entered their reproductive stages, which is when those crops need rain the most. A corn or soybean crop typically needs 20 inches of moisture from rainfall and subsoil moisture to produce a crop. 

However, ISU expert Gentry Sorenson told Successful Farming, “We had a couple of counties that didn’t get any substantial soil moisture recharge through this year. ” 

Over 17 percent of Iowa’s acres are abnormally dry while 52 percent of the state is in D1 moderate drought. D2 severe drought is impacting 26 percent of the state.

A few consecutive dry weeks are giving crops in Iowa varying degrees of drought stress. An Iowa State University Extension expert says there hasn’t been much measurable rainfall for as many as three weeks in many areas. Prior to that dry spell, Iowa had been getting just enough rain at times to get by. Much of the dry weather came when corn and soybeans entered their reproductive stages, which is when those crops need rain the most. A corn or soybean crop typically needs 20 inches of moisture from rainfall and subsoil moisture to produce a crop. However, ISU expert Gentry Sorenson told Successful Farming, “We had a couple of counties that didn’t get any substantial soil moisture recharge through this year. ” Over 17 percent of Iowa’s acres are abnormally dry while 52 percent of the state is in D1 moderate drought. D2 severe drought is impacting 26 percent of the state.- NAFB

Drought covers 100% of Iowa

China imported more agricultural products in the first six months of 2023 than it did during the same period in 2022 as soybean prices surged higher. 

The value of those agricultural imports in the first half of this year rose over eight percent compared with the same time in 2022. 

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service report says exports overall were relatively flat. 

Soybean imports jumped 11 percent to a value of $30 billion, while volume rose 14 percent to 52.6 million metric tons. Grain import purchases were up seven percent year-over-year to $45.4 billion as volume gained 4.% percent to 83.4 million metric tons. 

The agency says Edible vegetable oils saw the biggest percentage increase as the value of those imports rose 139 percent to $5.3 billion, and volume jumped 79 percent higher to 4.5 million metric tons. Chinese imports of U.S. soybeans. gained 12 percent to almost 20 million metric tons.

China imported more agricultural products in the first six months of 2023 than it did during the same period in 2022 as soybean prices surged higher. The value of those agricultural imports in the first half of this year rose over eight percent compared with the same time in 2022. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service report says exports overall were relatively flat. Soybean imports jumped 11 percent to a value of $30 billion, while volume rose 14 percent to 52.6 million metric tons. Grain import purchases were up seven percent year-over-year to $45.4 billion as volume gained 4.% percent to 83.4 million metric tons. The agency says Edible vegetable oils saw the biggest percentage increase as the value of those imports rose 139 percent to $5.3 billion, and volume jumped 79 percent higher to 4.5 million metric tons. Chinese imports of U.S. soybeans. gained 12 percent to almost 20 million metric tons.- NAFB

China’s ag imports rise so far in 2023

PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in rural Platte County, Missouri.

Just before 1 a.m. Thursday, the Leavenworth Police Department responded to assist EMS and the Fire Department with an incident that occurred at a home in the 900 block of Columbia Street in Leavenworth, according to Police Chief Pat Kitchens

After the preliminary investigation responding Officers issued an alert to locate a 27-year-old male suspect.&nbsp; The event was related to Domestic Violence and he was wanted for Attempted 1st&nbsp;Degree Murder, Kidnapping, Rape, Aggravated Domestic Battery involving Strangulation and Violation of a Protection from Abuse Order.&nbsp; 

The suspect was spotted in his vehicle in Leavenworth and Officers Attempted to stop him but he fled.&nbsp; Officers chased the suspect into the State of Missouri where it ended on Spur 45.&nbsp; The suspect was shot as Officers tried to take him into custody.&nbsp;

The suspect was treated at the scene by Officers and Leavenworth County EMS and transported to a Kansas City area hospital where he is listed in critical condition.&nbsp;

The Platte County Sheriff’s Office will oversee the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation and has the support of the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691671445584.png" alt="The Platte County Sheriff’s Office will oversee the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation and has the support of the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The Platte County Sheriff’s Office will oversee the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation and has the support of the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in rural Platte County, Missouri.Just before 1 a.m. Thursday, the Leavenworth Police Department responded to assist EMS and the Fire Department with an incident that occurred at a home in the 900 block of Columbia Street in Leavenworth, according to Police Chief Pat KitchensAfter the preliminary investigation responding Officers issued an alert to locate a 27-year-old male suspect.&nbsp; The event was related to Domestic Violence and he was wanted for Attempted 1st&nbsp;Degree Murder, Kidnapping, Rape, Aggravated Domestic Battery involving Strangulation and Violation of a Protection from Abuse Order.&nbsp; The suspect was spotted in his vehicle in Leavenworth and Officers Attempted to stop him but he fled.&nbsp; Officers chased the suspect into the State of Missouri where it ended on Spur 45.&nbsp; The suspect was shot as Officers tried to take him into custody.&nbsp;The suspect was treated at the scene by Officers and Leavenworth County EMS and transported to a Kansas City area hospital where he is listed in critical condition.&nbsp;The Platte County Sheriff’s Office will oversee the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation and has the support of the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.&nbsp;

Suspect in Kan. domestic incident shot by officers in Platte Co.

Parties
on the Parkway continues tonight at Corby Pond in St. Joseph.

The
original notice advertised Parties on the Parkway at the Northside Complex this evening, but
it will be held at Corby Pond tonight.

Parties
on the Parkway is free. It will begin this evening at five o’clock. The band
tonight is Run With It.

Parties
on the Parkway continues tonight at Corby Pond in St. Joseph.The
original notice advertised Parties on the Parkway at the Northside Complex this evening, but
it will be held at Corby Pond tonight.Parties
on the Parkway is free. It will begin this evening at five o’clock. The band
tonight is Run With It.

Parties on the Parkway tonight shifts to Corby Pond in St. Joseph

BROWN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Freightliner semi driven by Sukhveer&nbsp;Singh, 23, West Paul, Manitoba, was northbound on U.S. 75 when it drove into the left ditch and overturned.

EMS transported&nbsp;Singh to the hospital in Sabetha. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Freightliner semi driven by Sukhveer&nbsp;Singh, 23, West Paul, Manitoba, was northbound on U.S. 75 when it drove into the left ditch and overturned.EMS transported&nbsp;Singh to the hospital in Sabetha. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns

St. Joseph voters overwhelmingly approve extending the
half-cent sales tax for capital improvements for another five years, with more
than 82% of the voters casting ballots Tuesday in favor of the issue.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee chair Steve McCamy
is more than bit pleased with the results.

“This is the highest percentage it has ever passed at and the
nice thing about that is it just tells me that the citizens of St. Joseph that
did vote liked the projects that the committee came up with and they have
confidence with the CIP program that we’ll follow through on what we say we’re
going to do,” McCamy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

The Buchanan County Clerk’s office reports 10.2% of the
registered voters in the county went to the polls on Tuesday, a total of 5,219
ballots cast.

The half-cent CIP tax won overwhelmingly with 3,588 voting in
favor of the tax and only 772 voting against, according to the unofficial
tally. That is a percentage split of 82.29% to 17.71%.

McCamy credits the work of his committee for the strong
support, reasoning that voters appeared to favor the projects the committee
proposed the tax finance. The vote extends the capital improvement tax, which
raises about $7 million a year, for another five years.

McCamy says the election results keep momentum moving.

“We’re getting a lot more attention now,” McCamy says. “We’ve got
the Chiefs camp here in town. Kansas City’s been here for quite a while now. We’ve
got quite so many things to offer here in St. Joe that people can come and see
while they’re here. We just need to use this kind of tax to continue to improve
our community to make people want to come here, live here, visit here, and shop
here.”

The light voter turnout could be blamed on the sparse ballot.
St. Joseph voters faced only two issues on Tuesday, the half-cent capital
improvement sales tax as well as the Buchanan Count marijuana tax issue. That
issue, authorizing the county to impose a 3% tax on the sale of recreational marijuana,
also breezed to approval on Tuesday.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph voters overwhelmingly approve extending the
half-cent sales tax for capital improvements for another five years, with more
than 82% of the voters casting ballots Tuesday in favor of the issue.Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee chair Steve McCamy
is more than bit pleased with the results.“This is the highest percentage it has ever passed at and the
nice thing about that is it just tells me that the citizens of St. Joseph that
did vote liked the projects that the committee came up with and they have
confidence with the CIP program that we’ll follow through on what we say we’re
going to do,” McCamy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.The Buchanan County Clerk’s office reports 10.2% of the
registered voters in the county went to the polls on Tuesday, a total of 5,219
ballots cast.The half-cent CIP tax won overwhelmingly with 3,588 voting in
favor of the tax and only 772 voting against, according to the unofficial
tally. That is a percentage split of 82.29% to 17.71%.McCamy credits the work of his committee for the strong
support, reasoning that voters appeared to favor the projects the committee
proposed the tax finance. The vote extends the capital improvement tax, which
raises about $7 million a year, for another five years.McCamy says the election results keep momentum moving.“We’re getting a lot more attention now,” McCamy says. “We’ve got
the Chiefs camp here in town. Kansas City’s been here for quite a while now. We’ve
got quite so many things to offer here in St. Joe that people can come and see
while they’re here. We just need to use this kind of tax to continue to improve
our community to make people want to come here, live here, visit here, and shop
here.”The light voter turnout could be blamed on the sparse ballot.
St. Joseph voters faced only two issues on Tuesday, the half-cent capital
improvement sales tax as well as the Buchanan Count marijuana tax issue. That
issue, authorizing the county to impose a 3% tax on the sale of recreational marijuana,
also breezed to approval on Tuesday.

CIP chair sees vote as chance to keep St. Joseph momentum going

Savannah police have identified the suspect who apparently
took his life Tuesday when approached by police officers as 58-year-old Timothy
McLarney of Savannah.

The Savannah Police Department reports officers made contact
with McLarney in his apartment, but he had locked himself inside the bathroom.
McLarney was wanted on outstanding warrants.

Savannah police say that officers responded to the apartment
Tuesday morning. They made contact with McLarney, but he held out in the
bathroom. Eventually, the officers heard a shot from the bathroom.

Members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol along with SWAT
teams from the St. Joseph Police Department and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s
Department responded to the scene. After the shot was heard, the St. Joseph
Police Department deployed its robot to investigate the apartment, which
discovered the body.

McLarney was the lone occupant of the apartment.

Neighboring apartments had been evacuated earlier.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSavannah police have identified the suspect who apparently
took his life Tuesday when approached by police officers as 58-year-old Timothy
McLarney of Savannah.The Savannah Police Department reports officers made contact
with McLarney in his apartment, but he had locked himself inside the bathroom.
McLarney was wanted on outstanding warrants.Savannah police say that officers responded to the apartment
Tuesday morning. They made contact with McLarney, but he held out in the
bathroom. Eventually, the officers heard a shot from the bathroom.Members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol along with SWAT
teams from the St. Joseph Police Department and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s
Department responded to the scene. After the shot was heard, the St. Joseph
Police Department deployed its robot to investigate the apartment, which
discovered the body.McLarney was the lone occupant of the apartment.Neighboring apartments had been evacuated earlier.

Savannah police identify suspect found dead in apartment

Buchanan County residents can access a wealth of
information about taking care of family members during a time of need free of
charge.

The county has used federal coronavirus relief
funds to contract with Trualta.

Former Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee
Sawyer says too often families face a time of crisis with little information on
how best to handle it.

“I’ve done some of it personally with my elderly parents.
I’ve used information available from Trualta to help make sure I’m doing the
right thing,” Sawyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s really good hands-on
information.”

Trualta Care Coach Darci Henry says too often
people don’t seek information until they face a crisis.

“So, we want to be a place where people can come
if they are having a crisis and get the help they need,” says Henry, “but also people
can start to plan and prepare.”

Henry says the Trualta website provides advice on
how best to care for the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, the
developmentally disabled, and even children with special needs.

Henry says county resident simply need to log on
and create an account.

“Once they’re signed up for an account, they can
have access to all of the articles, all the videos, the interactive scenarios, the
community bundle which includes virtual support groups,” according to Henry.

Sawyer says too often people find themselves in a
difficult situation with little to go on.

“All of the sudden, you’re caring for a parent,
who when you were younger cared for you,” Sawyer says. “And then you’re trying
to do the right things, but you maybe have not done this before. I’ve just
found the information to be very helpful.”

Click <a href="https://www.trualta.com/">HERE</a> for the Trualta website.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County residents can access a wealth of
information about taking care of family members during a time of need free of
charge.The county has used federal coronavirus relief
funds to contract with Trualta.Former Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee
Sawyer says too often families face a time of crisis with little information on
how best to handle it.“I’ve done some of it personally with my elderly parents.
I’ve used information available from Trualta to help make sure I’m doing the
right thing,” Sawyer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s really good hands-on
information.”Trualta Care Coach Darci Henry says too often
people don’t seek information until they face a crisis.“So, we want to be a place where people can come
if they are having a crisis and get the help they need,” says Henry, “but also people
can start to plan and prepare.”Henry says the Trualta website provides advice on
how best to care for the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, the
developmentally disabled, and even children with special needs.Henry says county resident simply need to log on
and create an account.“Once they’re signed up for an account, they can
have access to all of the articles, all the videos, the interactive scenarios, the
community bundle which includes virtual support groups,” according to Henry.Sawyer says too often people find themselves in a
difficult situation with little to go on.“All of the sudden, you’re caring for a parent,
who when you were younger cared for you,” Sawyer says. “And then you’re trying
to do the right things, but you maybe have not done this before. I’ve just
found the information to be very helpful.”Click <a href="https://www.trualta.com/">HERE</a> for the Trualta website.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Trualta-helping-out-Buchanan-County-e27vb1d" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Buchanan CO offers resources for those caring for family members in need

Smithfield Foods will close 35 hog farm operations in Missouri, according to a state-required workforce adjustment notification. 

The notice indicated 92 employees would be affected by the closures, slated for August. 

Murphy Brown LLC, a division of Smithfield Foods, is reducing hog farming operations in Missouri and "must reduce its workforce accordingly," a company spokesperson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 

Employees impacted by the closures were offered the chance to relocate to other hog-producing facilities operated by the company. Smithfield Foods is the world's largest pork processor and is owned by Hong Kong's WH Group. The announcement follows Tyson Foods' plans to close four chicken processing plants across the United States. 

Tyson plans to close operations next year at four facilities located in Arkansas, Indiana and Missouri. The U.S. meat industry is facing demand struggles in both pork and poultry thanks to increased prices and inflation, amid higher feed and labor costs.

Smithfield Foods will close 35 hog farm operations in Missouri, according to a state-required workforce adjustment notification. The notice indicated 92 employees would be affected by the closures, slated for August. Murphy Brown LLC, a division of Smithfield Foods, is reducing hog farming operations in Missouri and "must reduce its workforce accordingly," a company spokesperson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Employees impacted by the closures were offered the chance to relocate to other hog-producing facilities operated by the company. Smithfield Foods is the world's largest pork processor and is owned by Hong Kong's WH Group. The announcement follows Tyson Foods' plans to close four chicken processing plants across the United States. Tyson plans to close operations next year at four facilities located in Arkansas, Indiana and Missouri. The U.S. meat industry is facing demand struggles in both pork and poultry thanks to increased prices and inflation, amid higher feed and labor costs.- NAFB

Smithfield Foods closing 35 Missouri hog farms

Ethanol groups welcome efforts by Nebraska and Iowa prompting the Environmental Protection Agency to create regulations to allow for year-round sales of E15 in at least eight Midwest states. 

Earlier this year, the governors of Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio sent letters to EPA calling for parity between E10 and E15 in their states. 

EPA proposed a rule in March to make regulatory changes to implement year-round sales of E15 in those states beginning in the summer of 2024.

EPA issued temporary emergency waivers to allow continued E15 sales this summer and last summer, but the industry seeks a long-term solution. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says, "We're hopeful that the action taken by Iowa and Nebraska today will help break the logjam and cause EPA to complete the process as soon as possible." 

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor adds, “EPA needs to act now so that fuel retailers have the regulatory clarity they need to make investments and expand access to E15.”

Ethanol groups welcome efforts by Nebraska and Iowa prompting the Environmental Protection Agency to create regulations to allow for year-round sales of E15 in at least eight Midwest states. Earlier this year, the governors of Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio sent letters to EPA calling for parity between E10 and E15 in their states. EPA proposed a rule in March to make regulatory changes to implement year-round sales of E15 in those states beginning in the summer of 2024.EPA issued temporary emergency waivers to allow continued E15 sales this summer and last summer, but the industry seeks a long-term solution. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says, "We're hopeful that the action taken by Iowa and Nebraska today will help break the logjam and cause EPA to complete the process as soon as possible." Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor adds, “EPA needs to act now so that fuel retailers have the regulatory clarity they need to make investments and expand access to E15.”- NAFB

States pushing for year-round E15

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged theft.

Just after 3p.m. July 28th a 67-year-old victim reported the theft of a 1999 Harley Davidson motorcycle from the 100 block South 3rd Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 At around 5:30p.m. that day a police officer spotted the stolen motorcycle in the area of 6th and Raven Hill Road. The motorcycle fled from the officer traveling northbound through the city. 

Due to heavy traffic and dangerous conditions the pursuit was terminated. 

The investigation identified 33-year-old Tyler Chalfant of Atchison as the person involved in the theft and the pursuit. 

He was located and taken into custody on Monday on a Municipal Court warrant and booked on Tuesday on the District Court charges. The motorcycle was recovered in Savannah Missouri on July 31, according to Wilson.

Chalfant remains jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;warrants for theft, fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving and no driver’s license.

ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas man with a history of skipping court is back in jail.

On Monday, police arrested 33-year-old Tyler D. Chalfant of&nbsp; Lancaster on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.

In November of 2021, Chalfant was jailed on requested charges of computer crimes, criminal use of a financial card and theft, according to online jail records. He has been jailed on a variety of requested charges over the past two years including aggravated failure to appear.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691501804599.png" alt="Chalfant-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Chalfant-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged theft.Just after 3p.m. July 28th a 67-year-old victim reported the theft of a 1999 Harley Davidson motorcycle from the 100 block South 3rd Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. At around 5:30p.m. that day a police officer spotted the stolen motorcycle in the area of 6th and Raven Hill Road. The motorcycle fled from the officer traveling northbound through the city. Due to heavy traffic and dangerous conditions the pursuit was terminated. The investigation identified 33-year-old Tyler Chalfant of Atchison as the person involved in the theft and the pursuit. He was located and taken into custody on Monday on a Municipal Court warrant and booked on Tuesday on the District Court charges. The motorcycle was recovered in Savannah Missouri on July 31, according to Wilson.Chalfant remains jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;warrants for theft, fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving and no driver’s license.----------------ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas man with a history of skipping court is back in jail.On Monday, police arrested 33-year-old Tyler D. Chalfant of&nbsp; Lancaster on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.In November of 2021, Chalfant was jailed on requested charges of computer crimes, criminal use of a financial card and theft, according to online jail records. He has been jailed on a variety of requested charges over the past two years including aggravated failure to appear.

Kansas man accused of motorcycle theft

A man wanted on outstanding warrants died of an apparent self-inflicted
gunshot wound after police officers arrived at his Savannah apartment.

Savannah police identify the individual as a man in his late
50s from the Savannah area.

Police report officers from the Savannah Police Department arrived
at the apartment complex in the 600 block of Park Avenue Tuesday morning and made
contact with the man who had locked himself in the bathroom. Officers heard a
gunshot.

Officers left the apartment and called for help from the Missouri
State Highway Patrol as well as SWAT teams from the St. Joseph Police
Department and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department. The St. Joseph Police
Department deployed its robot to investigate the apartment, which discovered
the body.

The man was the lone occupant of the apartment.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA man wanted on outstanding warrants died of an apparent self-inflicted
gunshot wound after police officers arrived at his Savannah apartment.Savannah police identify the individual as a man in his late
50s from the Savannah area.Police report officers from the Savannah Police Department arrived
at the apartment complex in the 600 block of Park Avenue Tuesday morning and made
contact with the man who had locked himself in the bathroom. Officers heard a
gunshot.Officers left the apartment and called for help from the Missouri
State Highway Patrol as well as SWAT teams from the St. Joseph Police
Department and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department. The St. Joseph Police
Department deployed its robot to investigate the apartment, which discovered
the body.The man was the lone occupant of the apartment.Neighboring apartments had been evacuated earlier.

Man dies of apparent suicide after officers respond to Savannah apartment

GRUNDY COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Tuesday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Harley Davidson driven by Richard S. Tharp, 56, Spickard, was westbound on Route B four miles east of Spickard.

The motorcycle struck an animal in the road and the driver was ejected.&nbsp; MU air transported Tharp to MU Health in Columbia. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Tuesday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Harley Davidson driven by Richard S. Tharp, 56, Spickard, was westbound on Route B four miles east of Spickard.The motorcycle struck an animal in the road and the driver was ejected.&nbsp; MU air transported Tharp to MU Health in Columbia. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man airlifted to hospital after motorcycle strikes animal

St. Joseph voters gave overwhelming approval to extending the half-cent sales tax for capital improvements for another five years.

Buchanan County voters provided similar results to the marijuana sales tax on the ballot Tuesday.

The Capital Improvement Program half-cent sales tax received 3,588 votes to only 722 in opposition, a split of 82.29% to 17.71% according to unofficial results from the Buchanan County Clerk's office.

As for the county issue, 4,290 Buchanan County voters cast ballots in favor of assessing a 3% tax on the sale of recreational marijuana with only 906 voting against the issue; a 82.56% to 17.44% split.

Slightly more than 10% of the registered voters in Buchanan County went to the polls.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph voters gave overwhelming approval to extending the half-cent sales tax for capital improvements for another five years.Buchanan County voters provided similar results to the marijuana sales tax on the ballot Tuesday.The Capital Improvement Program half-cent sales tax received 3,588 votes to only 722 in opposition, a split of 82.29% to 17.71% according to unofficial results from the Buchanan County Clerk's office.As for the county issue, 4,290 Buchanan County voters cast ballots in favor of assessing a 3% tax on the sale of recreational marijuana with only 906 voting against the issue; a 82.56% to 17.44% split.Slightly more than 10% of the registered voters in Buchanan County went to the polls.

St. Joseph & Buchanan County score big Election Day wins

It's still summer, but the Missouri Department of Transportation is beginning to prepare for snow. &nbsp;

Northwest MoDOT Engineer Greg Bolon says currently the northwest district has about 20 to 25 open positions available for maintenance workers.&nbsp;

Bolon says they hope to fill those positions to get workers ready and trained for snow removal but that's not all MoDOT maintenance workers do.&nbsp;

"You know we do asphalt patching, we do ditching, we do mowing, and it's a year-round job," Bolon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And you're basically outside most of the time, sometimes it's hot and sometimes it's cold, but if you like being outdoors we've got a place for you to work."&nbsp;

Bolon says the need to fill positions comes as the department experiences more turnover than usual.&nbsp;

"We've got some employees who are getting older, and we have people retiring all the time, we've got people who move on whether their wife has a different job, or their husband has a different job, so it's just one of those things that we battle just like everybody else," Bolon explains. "But I think during COVID everybody started competing for the same folks it seems like."&nbsp;

Bolon says MoDOT is looking for energetic people to fill the positions but also people with a good temperament&nbsp;

"Because a lot of times when you're out in the public we're doing our work, but it always seems to inconvenience somebody, so you have to kind of be a little thick skinned because you may get some gestures by different folks," Bolon says.&nbsp;

But, most of all Bolon says the perfect person for the job is a person who likes working outdoors&nbsp;

"You're going to do some manual labor, so you've got to be in pretty good physical shape to do that," Bolon points out.&nbsp;

A hiring fair will be held on Wednesday at the northwest district office in St. Joseph at 3602 North Belt Highway from 10am to 2pm. &nbsp;

A tentative third hiring fair is scheduled for Wednesday August 23rd in Chillicothe.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;It's still summer, but the Missouri Department of Transportation is beginning to prepare for snow. &nbsp;Northwest MoDOT Engineer Greg Bolon says currently the northwest district has about 20 to 25 open positions available for maintenance workers.&nbsp;Bolon says they hope to fill those positions to get workers ready and trained for snow removal but that's not all MoDOT maintenance workers do.&nbsp;"You know we do asphalt patching, we do ditching, we do mowing, and it's a year-round job," Bolon tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And you're basically outside most of the time, sometimes it's hot and sometimes it's cold, but if you like being outdoors we've got a place for you to work."&nbsp;Bolon says the need to fill positions comes as the department experiences more turnover than usual.&nbsp;"We've got some employees who are getting older, and we have people retiring all the time, we've got people who move on whether their wife has a different job, or their husband has a different job, so it's just one of those things that we battle just like everybody else," Bolon explains. "But I think during COVID everybody started competing for the same folks it seems like."&nbsp;Bolon says MoDOT is looking for energetic people to fill the positions but also people with a good temperament&nbsp;"Because a lot of times when you're out in the public we're doing our work, but it always seems to inconvenience somebody, so you have to kind of be a little thick skinned because you may get some gestures by different folks," Bolon says.&nbsp;But, most of all Bolon says the perfect person for the job is a person who likes working outdoors&nbsp;"You're going to do some manual labor, so you've got to be in pretty good physical shape to do that," Bolon points out.&nbsp;A hiring fair will be held on Wednesday at the northwest district office in St. Joseph at 3602 North Belt Highway from 10am to 2pm. &nbsp;A tentative third hiring fair is scheduled for Wednesday August 23rd in Chillicothe.&nbsp;

Help Wanted: MoDOT seeks more than just a snowplow driver

The nation's average price of gasoline rose 7.8 cents last week to $3.79 per gallon, and diesel jumped 14.9 cents to $4.14 per gallon. 

The increases follow the rise in oil prices and pressure from hot weather that impacted refineries. 

However, the pace of increases has started to slow and appears to have peaked over the weekend and is beginning to gently fall, according to GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan. 

The fuel market expert says, “Diesel will likely continue to see upward momentum while gasoline price increases should become more limited.” The price of crude oil has rallied for six straight weeks. 

In recent days, fundamentals have remained solidly in control behind the upward move, as Saudi Arabia continues its severe one million barrel per day production cut, driving prices higher. In addition, government data last week showed the largest weekly decline in U.S. crude oil inventories on record.

The nation's average price of gasoline rose 7.8 cents last week to $3.79 per gallon, and diesel jumped 14.9 cents to $4.14 per gallon. The increases follow the rise in oil prices and pressure from hot weather that impacted refineries. However, the pace of increases has started to slow and appears to have peaked over the weekend and is beginning to gently fall, according to GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan. The fuel market expert says, “Diesel will likely continue to see upward momentum while gasoline price increases should become more limited.” The price of crude oil has rallied for six straight weeks. In recent days, fundamentals have remained solidly in control behind the upward move, as Saudi Arabia continues its severe one million barrel per day production cut, driving prices higher. In addition, government data last week showed the largest weekly decline in U.S. crude oil inventories on record.- NAFB

Gas and diesel prices move higher again

St. Joseph’s major tool to raise money for capital improvement
projects comes up for renewal again.

St. Joseph voters decide today whether to extend the half-cent
Capital Improvement Program sales tax for another five years.

City of St. Joseph spokeswoman Mary Robertson says the tax,
which voters first approved in 1989, is the major source of funding for capital
projects.

“So, it does gives us an infusion of about $7 million per year
that we can use for public infrastructure:&nbsp;
streets, public safety, recreational amenities, economic development;
those large, major capital improvement projects that otherwise really have no
funding source,” Robertson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

A special committee submitted a list of proposed projects to
be funded if St. Joseph voters renew the half-cent sales tax, including a new southside
fire station, renovations to the St. Joseph Fire Department headquarters,
upgrades to Patee Market, improvements to the Civic Arena, repair and renovation
of the Missouri Theater complex, Cook Road improvements, Eastowne Business Park
infrastructure, and more.

[Click <a href="https://www.stjosephmo.gov/560/CIP-Sales-Tax">HERE</a> for more information about the CIP]

Robertson says this tax has a track record of success, because
voters can see what the tax buys.

“Started in 1989 as a two-year, quarter-cent sales tax, (it)
went over very well,” Robertson says. “It was voted again in 1992 as a
five-year, half-cent sales tax. Obviously, with a five-year sunset, we’ve
renewed it successfully every time since 1992.”

Only two issues are on the ballot in St. Joseph today, only
one in Buchanan County. County voters will decide whether the county levies a
three-percent tax on the sale of recreational marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691435079490.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph’s major tool to raise money for capital improvement
projects comes up for renewal again.St. Joseph voters decide today whether to extend the half-cent
Capital Improvement Program sales tax for another five years.City of St. Joseph spokeswoman Mary Robertson says the tax,
which voters first approved in 1989, is the major source of funding for capital
projects.“So, it does gives us an infusion of about $7 million per year
that we can use for public infrastructure:&nbsp;
streets, public safety, recreational amenities, economic development;
those large, major capital improvement projects that otherwise really have no
funding source,” Robertson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.A special committee submitted a list of proposed projects to
be funded if St. Joseph voters renew the half-cent sales tax, including a new southside
fire station, renovations to the St. Joseph Fire Department headquarters,
upgrades to Patee Market, improvements to the Civic Arena, repair and renovation
of the Missouri Theater complex, Cook Road improvements, Eastowne Business Park
infrastructure, and more.[Click <a href="https://www.stjosephmo.gov/560/CIP-Sales-Tax">HERE</a> for more information about the CIP]Robertson says this tax has a track record of success, because
voters can see what the tax buys.“Started in 1989 as a two-year, quarter-cent sales tax, (it)
went over very well,” Robertson says. “It was voted again in 1992 as a
five-year, half-cent sales tax. Obviously, with a five-year sunset, we’ve
renewed it successfully every time since 1992.”Only two issues are on the ballot in St. Joseph today, only
one in Buchanan County. County voters will decide whether the county levies a
three-percent tax on the sale of recreational marijuana.

Extension of CIP tax on ballot in St. Joseph today

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists on Monday filed a court challenge against an initiative petition to legalize abortion.

In the lawsuit, Rep. Hannah Kelly, Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman and activist Kathy Forck argued that the cost estimate that will be provided to voters considering whether to adopt the constitutional amendment is too low.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs wrote in a court brief that the price tag should account for a potential loss of Medicaid funding, as well as the projected number of fewer people born because of abortions and subsequent lost tax revenue.

“These future losses to Missouri from loss of population due to abortion are both absolutely certain (fewer citizens definitely means fewer future taxpayers and laborers) and potentially generational and infinite," the lawsuit argues.

The Missouri Supreme Court last month sided with the abortion-rights campaign in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-attorney-general-voters-initiative-petition-56ef2731480c786c87d1a8e9be191e2b">lawsuit over a similar dispute</a>&nbsp;about the petition’s cost. ACLU of Missouri lawyers represented supporters of the initiative petition in the previous lawsuit.

“This is another attempt by power-obsessed politicians to prevent Missourians from voting on reproductive rights,” American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri spokesman Tom Bastian said in an email. “The bogus lawsuit parrots the already court-rejected claims of the Attorney General.”

The proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-voters-election-0d2fdde552c2478b283937a6fab78cfc">amendment would enshrine in the constitution</a>&nbsp;the individual right to make decisions about abortion, childbirth and birth control.

Abortion-rights supporters proposed the amendment after the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">banned nearly all abortions</a>&nbsp;when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision last summer. The state now allows exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for cases of rape or incest.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists on Monday filed a court challenge against an initiative petition to legalize abortion.In the lawsuit, Rep. Hannah Kelly, Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman and activist Kathy Forck argued that the cost estimate that will be provided to voters considering whether to adopt the constitutional amendment is too low.Attorneys for the plaintiffs wrote in a court brief that the price tag should account for a potential loss of Medicaid funding, as well as the projected number of fewer people born because of abortions and subsequent lost tax revenue.“These future losses to Missouri from loss of population due to abortion are both absolutely certain (fewer citizens definitely means fewer future taxpayers and laborers) and potentially generational and infinite," the lawsuit argues.The Missouri Supreme Court last month sided with the abortion-rights campaign in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-attorney-general-voters-initiative-petition-56ef2731480c786c87d1a8e9be191e2b">lawsuit over a similar dispute</a>&nbsp;about the petition’s cost. ACLU of Missouri lawyers represented supporters of the initiative petition in the previous lawsuit.“This is another attempt by power-obsessed politicians to prevent Missourians from voting on reproductive rights,” American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri spokesman Tom Bastian said in an email. “The bogus lawsuit parrots the already court-rejected claims of the Attorney General.”The proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitution-voters-election-0d2fdde552c2478b283937a6fab78cfc">amendment would enshrine in the constitution</a>&nbsp;the individual right to make decisions about abortion, childbirth and birth control.Abortion-rights supporters proposed the amendment after the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">banned nearly all abortions</a>&nbsp;when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision last summer. The state now allows exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for cases of rape or incest.

Cost of Missouri abortion-rights petition challenged in court again

BUCHANAN COUNTY— One person died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Monday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by Caitlin M. McComas, 21, Easton, was southbound on Mo 31 at U.S. 169 five miles south of Easton.

The car pulled into the path of a northbound 2009 Ford F150 driven by Mark E. Smith, 70, Trimble. The car struck the passenger side of the pickup. After impact the pickup began to skid, overturned and the driver was ejected.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Meierhoffer Funeral Home in St. Joseph. McComas was treated at the scene. Smith was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY— One person died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Monday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by Caitlin M. McComas, 21, Easton, was southbound on Mo 31 at U.S. 169 five miles south of Easton.The car pulled into the path of a northbound 2009 Ford F150 driven by Mark E. Smith, 70, Trimble. The car struck the passenger side of the pickup. After impact the pickup began to skid, overturned and the driver was ejected.Smith was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Meierhoffer Funeral Home in St. Joseph. McComas was treated at the scene. Smith was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man dies after ejected in 2-vehicle Buchanan Co. crash

Missouri Department of Transportation officials are urging awareness with an increased number of construction projects along the roads this summer.  

Northwest Missouri MoDOT Engineer Austin Hibler says the biggest thing you can do to be more aware in work zones is to buckle up, put your phone down, and pay attention. 

"We have crews out mowing and striping crews where they're out on the roadway moving at a relatively slow pace in relation to the rest of the traffic," Hibler tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, when you see lights, you see signs, any of the advance warning, pay attention, if you have the opportunity move over give those folks some space to work, and just slow down and pay attention as you go through those areas."  

Large and small work zones are all across the roadways in Missouri and mowers are also out this summer for MoDOT 

Hibler says while in large work zones drivers have a guide car leading them, in smaller work zoners it's important to pay attention 

"You may have a mower mowing off the shoulder, if they're not impacting the roadway there may not be a follow vehicle or any advanced warning, so just pay attention like I said," Hibler says. "If there's space to move over, if you're on a four-lane highway move on over and give those folks room, if you're on a two lane and you come up on an operation like that there will be a follow vehicle." 

Hibler says over the last several years MoDOT has seen an increased number of work zone accidents and fatalities in part due to distracted driving. 

"You know all the distractions that are out there and available to you as you're on the roadway," Hibler explains. "So, we have our Buckle Up, Phone Down campaign where we just urge folks to put the phone down and pay attention, and certainly as you come up on workers, and lights, and trucks out there that you pay special attention to our folks." 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691425779349.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Missouri Department of Transportation officials are urging awareness with an increased number of construction projects along the roads this summer. Northwest Missouri MoDOT Engineer Austin Hibler says the biggest thing you can do to be more aware in work zones is to buckle up, put your phone down, and pay attention. "We have crews out mowing and striping crews where they're out on the roadway moving at a relatively slow pace in relation to the rest of the traffic," Hibler tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, when you see lights, you see signs, any of the advance warning, pay attention, if you have the opportunity move over give those folks some space to work, and just slow down and pay attention as you go through those areas." Large and small work zones are all across the roadways in Missouri and mowers are also out this summer for MoDOT Hibler says while in large work zones drivers have a guide car leading them, in smaller work zoners it's important to pay attention "You may have a mower mowing off the shoulder, if they're not impacting the roadway there may not be a follow vehicle or any advanced warning, so just pay attention like I said," Hibler says. "If there's space to move over, if you're on a four-lane highway move on over and give those folks room, if you're on a two lane and you come up on an operation like that there will be a follow vehicle." Hibler says over the last several years MoDOT has seen an increased number of work zone accidents and fatalities in part due to distracted driving. "You know all the distractions that are out there and available to you as you're on the roadway," Hibler explains. "So, we have our Buckle Up, Phone Down campaign where we just urge folks to put the phone down and pay attention, and certainly as you come up on workers, and lights, and trucks out there that you pay special attention to our folks." Constructions crews are out all across Missouri with a record number of road and bridge projects happening and mowing crews are also out this summer to be aware of. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691425809388.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>