A new partnership was put in place at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Winter Policy Conference. 

NASDA, the USDA, the National Pork Board, and the National Pork Producers Council are working together to enhance coordination and preparedness to prevent and protect the United States from African swine fever. 

“When you bring together state, federal, and industry groups with different strengths to take on challenges, you see a united force of resilience on all fronts,” says NASDA CEO Ted McKinney. 

“This collaboration will lead to better response to outbreaks and better animal health and welfare across the country.” African swine fever hasn’t currently crossed into the U.S. but being prepared to respond and coordinate prevention methods at all levels better ensures the protection of America’s swine herds. 

“We all play an important role in keeping American agriculture safe and working together enhances our efforts,” says NPPC President Terry Wolters.

A new partnership was put in place at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Winter Policy Conference. NASDA, the USDA, the National Pork Board, and the National Pork Producers Council are working together to enhance coordination and preparedness to prevent and protect the United States from African swine fever. “When you bring together state, federal, and industry groups with different strengths to take on challenges, you see a united force of resilience on all fronts,” says NASDA CEO Ted McKinney. “This collaboration will lead to better response to outbreaks and better animal health and welfare across the country.” African swine fever hasn’t currently crossed into the U.S. but being prepared to respond and coordinate prevention methods at all levels better ensures the protection of America’s swine herds. “We all play an important role in keeping American agriculture safe and working together enhances our efforts,” says NPPC President Terry Wolters.

Partnership to protect the U.S. from African Swine Fever

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says USDA is investing $63 million to bring high-speed internet access to people living and working in rural areas of Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, and Mississippi. 

“Investing in high-speed internet is a fundamental part of our partnership with rural communities,” he says. 

“Connecting rural Americans with reliable internet brings new and innovative ideas to the rest of our country.” 

The $63 million in grants comes from the third round of funding under the ReConnect Program, in which USDA has invested a total of $1.7 billion. Since the program’s beginning, the agency has invested $3.2 billion to bring high-speed internet access to people in rural communities. 

The funds will be used for one project in each of the four states. To be eligible for ReConnect Program funding, an applicant must serve an area that lacks access to service speeds of 100 megabits per second downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says USDA is investing $63 million to bring high-speed internet access to people living and working in rural areas of Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, and Mississippi. “Investing in high-speed internet is a fundamental part of our partnership with rural communities,” he says. “Connecting rural Americans with reliable internet brings new and innovative ideas to the rest of our country.” The $63 million in grants comes from the third round of funding under the ReConnect Program, in which USDA has invested a total of $1.7 billion. Since the program’s beginning, the agency has invested $3.2 billion to bring high-speed internet access to people in rural communities. The funds will be used for one project in each of the four states. To be eligible for ReConnect Program funding, an applicant must serve an area that lacks access to service speeds of 100 megabits per second downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads.

USDA invests $63 million in high-speed internet for rural Americans

KFEQ Radio adapted over the past 100 years, always striving to
inform its audience and entertain as well.

This is the final segment of our five-part series

No longer a music station, KFEQ now offers agricultural, news,
talk, and sports programming.

Former News Director Barry Birr continues to host the KFEQ
Hotline even in retirement, a program he started in 1992, after KFEQ became a
Rush Limbaugh affiliate.

“That’s a national program,” Birr tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post
in an interview. “What if we had a local program that addressed issues in the
news and took calls?”

Never did the Hotline format prove its worth more than during
the 2007 ice storm, a storm so severe it knocked other broadcasters off the air
for days.

“For quite a while we were the only broadcast facility that
was operating,” Birr says.

Soon after the storm created widespread power outages
throughout the St. Joseph area, it became apparent to Birr and others that KFEQ
needed to expand the Hotline, take calls, and serve the community more
directly.

“This became a kind of place where ideas were exchanged,” Birr
says. “People would share information about, well you can get water here;
different things at different places. And here’s what it’s like in my
neighborhood.”

Former General Manager Gene Millard says KFEQ stepped up to
serve its community in a very personal way.

“People didn’t have power. The ice storm knocked down all the
power,” Millard tells us. “But we had a generator that kept us on the air. And
it was people calling in, saying I’ve got power now, no I don’t have power now.
Everybody giving their personal reports. And that went on all night long. I
mean, that was a service that nobody else could perform except this radio
station; couldn’t be done.”

KFEQ kept operating, powered by a generator and even those
without power could tune in with battery operated radios.

Retired Eagle St. Joseph General Manager Gary Exline remembers
it well.

“We were it. A battery radio was all people had for
communication,” Exline tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, we thought it was our
job to be the clearinghouse for KCP&amp;L at that time, because the number one
question everyone wanted to know was when’s my power coming back on?”

It wasn’t the first disaster that proved the value of the KFEQ
Hotline and its news department.

Birr remembers well the 1993 Flood when the Missouri River
swelled to new heights.

“We got into the upper 20s on the river level,” Birr says. “We
never thought we’d ever see 30 feet. And, we got to 30, and then 31, and then
32. And then the levee on the Elwood side breached.”

KFEQ opened its phone lines and news reporters covered the
flood and its aftermath. The same can be said for the 2011 and 2019 Missouri
River floods.

A huge decision came for Eagle Communications in 2009, when a
farmer mowing the pasture ground around the four-tower KFEQ configuration off
I-29 in Andrew County clipped a guy wire and brought down one of the towers.

“So, when you get the call, I laughed, because you think, boy,
a farm station gets taken off the air by a farmer doing what farmers do,” Eagle
Communications chairman Gary Shorman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And, it’s
never a good day. It turned out to be a better day long-term, because we now
have a brand-new tower system.”

Eagle, which has owned KFEQ since 1969, spent $1.1 million to
repair and upgrade KFEQ’s four-tower configuration.

Former KFEQ newsman and recently retired Senior Pastor of
Wyatt Park Christian Church, Scott Killgore, says throughout its history, KFEQ
has been flexible.

“It’s still serving farm families in northwest Missouri and
northeast Kansas, southwest Iowa, and southeast Nebraska,” Killgore tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s been doing that a hundred years and that, to me, is
an amazing accomplishment.”

Millard, the former KFEQ General Manager, says that can
continue if KFEQ continues to adapt.

“I think radio has had a major part of making people’s lives
better and I think it can continue to do that, but it’s going to have to be
very flexible,” Millard says.

KFEQ, the voice of St. Joseph and the Midland Empire, now 100
years old, one of the earliest radio stations in the United States.

“Oak, Nebraska, one of the earliest radio stations. Who would
have guessed?”

Who would have guessed, Derrick Drohman, that that radio
station begun in the back of a bank building in Oak would be going strong 100
years later?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676578445250.jpeg" alt="KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr interviews many city and regional leaders on the KFEQ Hotline that began in 1992. Here he is interviewing then-City Manager Bruce Woody/file photo" />
 <figcaption>KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr interviews many city and regional leaders on the KFEQ Hotline that began in 1992. Here he is interviewing then-City Manager Bruce Woody/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKFEQ Radio adapted over the past 100 years, always striving to
inform its audience and entertain as well.This is the final segment of our five-part seriesNo longer a music station, KFEQ now offers agricultural, news,
talk, and sports programming.Former News Director Barry Birr continues to host the KFEQ
Hotline even in retirement, a program he started in 1992, after KFEQ became a
Rush Limbaugh affiliate.“That’s a national program,” Birr tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post
in an interview. “What if we had a local program that addressed issues in the
news and took calls?”Never did the Hotline format prove its worth more than during
the 2007 ice storm, a storm so severe it knocked other broadcasters off the air
for days.“For quite a while we were the only broadcast facility that
was operating,” Birr says.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676576957656.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Soon after the storm created widespread power outages
throughout the St. Joseph area, it became apparent to Birr and others that KFEQ
needed to expand the Hotline, take calls, and serve the community more
directly.“This became a kind of place where ideas were exchanged,” Birr
says. “People would share information about, well you can get water here;
different things at different places. And here’s what it’s like in my
neighborhood.”Former General Manager Gene Millard says KFEQ stepped up to
serve its community in a very personal way.“People didn’t have power. The ice storm knocked down all the
power,” Millard tells us. “But we had a generator that kept us on the air. And
it was people calling in, saying I’ve got power now, no I don’t have power now.
Everybody giving their personal reports. And that went on all night long. I
mean, that was a service that nobody else could perform except this radio
station; couldn’t be done.”KFEQ kept operating, powered by a generator and even those
without power could tune in with battery operated radios.Retired Eagle St. Joseph General Manager Gary Exline remembers
it well.“We were it. A battery radio was all people had for
communication,” Exline tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, we thought it was our
job to be the clearinghouse for KCP&amp;L at that time, because the number one
question everyone wanted to know was when’s my power coming back on?”It wasn’t the first disaster that proved the value of the KFEQ
Hotline and its news department.Birr remembers well the 1993 Flood when the Missouri River
swelled to new heights.“We got into the upper 20s on the river level,” Birr says. “We
never thought we’d ever see 30 feet. And, we got to 30, and then 31, and then
32. And then the levee on the Elwood side breached.”KFEQ opened its phone lines and news reporters covered the
flood and its aftermath. The same can be said for the 2011 and 2019 Missouri
River floods.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676578764186.jpeg" alt="2019 Missouri River flood/file photo" />
 <figcaption>2019 Missouri River flood/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A huge decision came for Eagle Communications in 2009, when a
farmer mowing the pasture ground around the four-tower KFEQ configuration off
I-29 in Andrew County clipped a guy wire and brought down one of the towers.“So, when you get the call, I laughed, because you think, boy,
a farm station gets taken off the air by a farmer doing what farmers do,” Eagle
Communications chairman Gary Shorman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And, it’s
never a good day. It turned out to be a better day long-term, because we now
have a brand-new tower system.”Eagle, which has owned KFEQ since 1969, spent $1.1 million to
repair and upgrade KFEQ’s four-tower configuration.That move kept KFEQ on the air.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676578837249.jpeg" alt="Scott Killgore/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Scott Killgore/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Former KFEQ newsman and recently retired Senior Pastor of
Wyatt Park Christian Church, Scott Killgore, says throughout its history, KFEQ
has been flexible.“It’s still serving farm families in northwest Missouri and
northeast Kansas, southwest Iowa, and southeast Nebraska,” Killgore tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s been doing that a hundred years and that, to me, is
an amazing accomplishment.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676578553745.jpeg" alt="Gene Millard/Photo by Drew Ames" />
 <figcaption>Gene Millard/Photo by Drew Ames</figcaption>
 </figure>Millard, the former KFEQ General Manager, says that can
continue if KFEQ continues to adapt.“I think radio has had a major part of making people’s lives
better and I think it can continue to do that, but it’s going to have to be
very flexible,” Millard says.KFEQ, the voice of St. Joseph and the Midland Empire, now 100
years old, one of the earliest radio stations in the United States.It all began in Oak, Nebraska.“Oak, Nebraska, one of the earliest radio stations. Who would
have guessed?”Who would have guessed, Derrick Drohman, that that radio
station begun in the back of a bank building in Oak would be going strong 100
years later?<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-100-Journal-2172023---Part-Five-And-now--talk-radio-where-we-are-today-e1v35dg" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ innovates, adapts over its 100 years

The St. Joseph School District has canceled classes today. The
closing includes all elementary, middle, and high schools as well as the
Virtual Academy, Hillyard Technical Center, Webster,
Keatley’s Adult Education classes, and the Early Learning Center.

Savannah R3 has called off classes today.

Classes throughout the Midland Empire have canceled classes today.

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a list of closings.

The St. Joseph School District has canceled classes today. The
closing includes all elementary, middle, and high schools as well as the
Virtual Academy, Hillyard Technical Center, Webster,
Keatley’s Adult Education classes, and the Early Learning Center.Savannah R3 has called off classes today.Classes throughout the Midland Empire have canceled classes today.Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a list of closings.

St. Joseph schools, schools throughout region cancel classes today

Extremely cold overnight with the low dipping down to 8
degrees in St. Joseph, prompting widespread school closings again throughout
the area.

St. Joseph Public Schools have canceled classes today. The
closing includes all elementary, middle, and high schools as well as the
Virtual Academy, Hillyard Technical Center, Webster,
Keatley’s Adult Education classes, and the Early Learning Center.

There are school closings throughout the region.
School officials mostly cite road conditions for the reason to call off
classes.

In fact, the temperature will warm throughout today under
sunny skies with a high forecast to be 41.

Mostly clear and 28 overnight with a high of 50 for Saturday.

The forecast for sunny is for sunny skies and a high of 50.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostExtremely cold overnight with the low dipping down to 8
degrees in St. Joseph, prompting widespread school closings again throughout
the area.St. Joseph Public Schools have canceled classes today. The
closing includes all elementary, middle, and high schools as well as the
Virtual Academy, Hillyard Technical Center, Webster,
Keatley’s Adult Education classes, and the Early Learning Center.Savannah has called off classes today.There are school closings throughout the region.
School officials mostly cite road conditions for the reason to call off
classes.Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a list of closings.A warming trend begins today.In fact, the temperature will warm throughout today under
sunny skies with a high forecast to be 41.Mostly clear and 28 overnight with a high of 50 for Saturday.The forecast for sunny is for sunny skies and a high of 50.

Bitter cold, road conditions cause widespread school cancellations

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Volkswagen bug driven by Ashley J. Murphy, 31, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 29 at U.S. 36 in St. Joseph.

The car traveled off the road into the median and struck an embankment. Buchanan County EMS transported Murphy to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Volkswagen bug driven by Ashley J. Murphy, 31, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 29 at U.S. 36 in St. Joseph.The car traveled off the road into the median and struck an embankment. Buchanan County EMS transported Murphy to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph woman injured after car strikes embankment

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Buick LeSabre driven by Sophia A. Ferguson, 18, Maryville, was westbound on MO 46 at Hawk Road.&nbsp;

The driver lost control on the icy road. The car traveled off the north side of the road, struck a tree and fence.

Nodaway County EMS transported Ferguson to Mosaic in Maryville. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Buick LeSabre driven by Sophia A. Ferguson, 18, Maryville, was westbound on MO 46 at Hawk Road.&nbsp;The driver lost control on the icy road. The car traveled off the north side of the road, struck a tree and fence.Nodaway County EMS transported Ferguson to Mosaic in Maryville. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen hospitalized after car strikes tree, fence

ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas man with a history of jail time is back in custody.

On Wednesday, police arrested 29-year-old Jordan R. Bush of&nbsp; Atchison, on a District Court warrant for theft, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In September, police arrested Bush on requested charges of theft and battery and for an alleged bond violation, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police also booked him for an alleged bond violation in November and December.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676548003861.png" alt="Bush-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Bush-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas man with a history of jail time is back in custody.On Wednesday, police arrested 29-year-old Jordan R. Bush of&nbsp; Atchison, on a District Court warrant for theft, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In September, police arrested Bush on requested charges of theft and battery and for an alleged bond violation, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police also booked him for an alleged bond violation in November and December.&nbsp;He remains in custody on a $2500 bond, according to online jail records.

Wanted Kansas theft suspect captured

St. Joseph Police are encouraging people to not carry their guns in the car, as they are seeing an increase of guns being stolen from vehicles. &nbsp;

Interim Police Chief Dave Hart says guns being stolen from vehicles has become an issue they've seen, and it all goes back to something the department has said time and time again.&nbsp;

"First of all, don't leave anything of value in a car that is not secured, it's a glass box on the side of the street, and definitely don't leave a gun in the car" Hart tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "The number of guns that are getting taken out of cars and are now out on the street, it's really mind boggling at this point."&nbsp;

Hart says a number of stolen guns have popped up all around the nation that were stolen from St. Joseph&nbsp;

"We've had guns recovered in Chicago that were used in homicides, that were stolen out of vehicles in St. Joseph, Missouri," Hart says. "We've had gun recovered on the west coast, that were stolen from cars in St. Joseph, Missouri."&nbsp;

Hart says he's not blaming the victims of these thefts, but.&nbsp;

"There has to be some accountability when you have a deadly weapon like that, that you should be responsible enough to lock it up," Hart explains.&nbsp;

Hart says it's important to lock up your guns, saying that as much as he wishes everyone was good hearted, that's not the reality we live in.&nbsp;

"We have to take those steps to harden ourselves to make it more difficult for these thieves," Hart says. "Because at the end of the day the last thing you want is to get a phone call, and hey we recovered your gun but it was used in a homicide, that's not a good day."&nbsp;

Hart says it's important to lock your cars, especially if you keep a firearm inside it, to make it more difficult for thieves to break into the car.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;St. Joseph Police are encouraging people to not carry their guns in the car, as they are seeing an increase of guns being stolen from vehicles. &nbsp;Interim Police Chief Dave Hart says guns being stolen from vehicles has become an issue they've seen, and it all goes back to something the department has said time and time again.&nbsp;"First of all, don't leave anything of value in a car that is not secured, it's a glass box on the side of the street, and definitely don't leave a gun in the car" Hart tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "The number of guns that are getting taken out of cars and are now out on the street, it's really mind boggling at this point."&nbsp;Hart says a number of stolen guns have popped up all around the nation that were stolen from St. Joseph&nbsp;"We've had guns recovered in Chicago that were used in homicides, that were stolen out of vehicles in St. Joseph, Missouri," Hart says. "We've had gun recovered on the west coast, that were stolen from cars in St. Joseph, Missouri."&nbsp;Hart says he's not blaming the victims of these thefts, but.&nbsp;"There has to be some accountability when you have a deadly weapon like that, that you should be responsible enough to lock it up," Hart explains.&nbsp;Hart says it's important to lock up your guns, saying that as much as he wishes everyone was good hearted, that's not the reality we live in.&nbsp;"We have to take those steps to harden ourselves to make it more difficult for these thieves," Hart says. "Because at the end of the day the last thing you want is to get a phone call, and hey we recovered your gun but it was used in a homicide, that's not a good day."&nbsp;Hart says it's important to lock your cars, especially if you keep a firearm inside it, to make it more difficult for thieves to break into the car.&nbsp;

St. Joseph police say gun thefts are up, stolen guns appearing across the nation

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Sherry Vinton has been confirmed as the director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, making her the first woman to head the agency.

Vinton, of Whitman, is a fifth-generation rancher with a family operation in the Nebraska Sandhills.

She was appointed as director by Gov. Jim Pillen last month and confirmed Wednesday by the Nebraska Legislature, replacing Steve Wellman, who held the post under former Gov. Pete Ricketts starting in 2017.

Vinton has served on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Nebraska Environmental Trust board. Starting in 2019, Vinton served as vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau and served on its board for six years.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Sherry Vinton has been confirmed as the director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, making her the first woman to head the agency.Vinton, of Whitman, is a fifth-generation rancher with a family operation in the Nebraska Sandhills.She was appointed as director by Gov. Jim Pillen last month and confirmed Wednesday by the Nebraska Legislature, replacing Steve Wellman, who held the post under former Gov. Pete Ricketts starting in 2017.Vinton has served on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Nebraska Environmental Trust board. Starting in 2019, Vinton served as vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau and served on its board for six years.

Sherry Vinton becomes first woman to be Nebraska Ag Director 

Building on 80 years of partnership, John Deere announced a donation of $1 million to the National FFA Organization. 

The donation will support the growth of future leaders, feed agriculture's talent pipeline, and honor the organization's community service efforts. 

John Deere is the longest-running sponsor of the National FFA Organization and continues to advocate for FFA, its members, and advisors. 

National FFA Foundation President Molly Ball says, "For more than&nbsp; 80 years, they've been unwavering in their support and continue to see the potential leaders in each one of our members and our advisors.” 

In addition to supporting the organization financially, John Deere also has many employees who are former FFA members or supporters of the organization. 

As a result, they have one of the country's largest FFA Alumni &amp; Supporters chapters. The chapter will be involved during FFA Week, offering members opportunities to participate in activities promoting FFA and supporting local chapters.

Building on 80 years of partnership, John Deere announced a donation of $1 million to the National FFA Organization. The donation will support the growth of future leaders, feed agriculture's talent pipeline, and honor the organization's community service efforts. John Deere is the longest-running sponsor of the National FFA Organization and continues to advocate for FFA, its members, and advisors. National FFA Foundation President Molly Ball says, "For more than&nbsp; 80 years, they've been unwavering in their support and continue to see the potential leaders in each one of our members and our advisors.” In addition to supporting the organization financially, John Deere also has many employees who are former FFA members or supporters of the organization. As a result, they have one of the country's largest FFA Alumni &amp; Supporters chapters. The chapter will be involved during FFA Week, offering members opportunities to participate in activities promoting FFA and supporting local chapters.

John Deere continues 80-year FFA partnership with $1 million donation

KFEQ might have featured farm markets from the beginning, but
it also established itself as a music station from the start.

This is the fourth in our five-part series on the history of KFEQ.

John Scroggin recruited his wife, Artha, to play the piano and
gathered local musicians from Nebraska and Kansas to play on KFEQ in Oak prior
to records. KFEQ kept the tradition going in St. Joseph, employing between 35
and 40 entertainers, mostly musicians, a few for its soap operas.

Entertainers included The Bohemian Orchestra, the Prairie
Serenaders, the West Siters, Kentucky Jess and His Gang, among others. There
was the Little Jane Breakfast Food Team. KFEQ, in the early days, was called
“The Hillbilly Station.”

Announcers included Dee D. Denver, Charles Niles, Rose Herzog,
Harry Packard, Paul Roscoe, and Dward Moore.

Live entertainers would be featured on KFEQ until 1956 when
the last of the live acts would leave the station.

Live would switch to records, music would continue to be
featured.

Former Program Director Bob Orf came to KFEQ in 1975, retiring
at the end of 2013.

“I think about playing music,” Orf recollects during an
interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I think about 45 rpm records back in the
day. We played a lot of music. We got a lot of results from that music. A lot
of people listened to the station. I always think of the old days, the old
times, and how good it was.”

Orf and his staff created the KFEQ play list, listening to
country music, deciding what went on the air.

“We’d listen to anything that came in, any record we got;
could be an independent label or could be a big label, RCA, Capitol, whatever
it is, Decca Records,” Orf says. “We listened to the song and say, you know, it’s
a good song, let’s play this song. Didn’t matter if it was a bigtime company or
not.”

One of KFEQ’s former DJs, Bill Price, went by “The Roadmaster,”
which came to him as he went to get into his 1950 Buick Roadmaster Special.

“I walked out the door and I saw that and it just went through
my mind,” Price recalls in an interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I didn’t
speak it, but it went through my mind, Roadmaster Special. And I said, hey,
Roadmaster Special, that’s a good name for my show.”

While KFEQ’s night pattern might not have been good for
agriculture, Price used it to his benefit, talking with truckers up and down
I-29 with the Figure 8 nighttime pattern covering a surprising distance.

“A lady that used to live in St. Joe called me periodically
from Galveston, Texas. She said, ‘Hi, Roadmaster, I’m getting lonesome, home
sick, I thought I’d call you and see if you would play a record for me.’”

Gallopin’ Gill, Galen Johnson, who worked for KFEQ from 1977
until 2014, credits Price with creating KFEQ’s Country sound.

“He interviewed a lot of famous artists and we all got to interview
some of the great country acts,” Johnson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Stonewall
Jackson stopped by, driving through, and I interviewed him. David Allan Coe
stopped on his bus right in front of KFEQ and Bill Price took him to a motorcycle
shop. Bob Orf and I once emceed a show in Atchison, Kansas with Jack Green,
Jeannie Seely, Tommy Jennies, Hal Cochran, and some of the pickers from the He
Haw TV show.”

Retired DJ Brother Brent Harmon remembers the call that led to
him coming to KFEQ in 1977.

“I was amazed,” Harmon says. “I was working in a little town
in Nebraska, Falls City. I had been there a couple of years and got a call from
a guy I had went to college with at Northwest (Missouri State University) and
said they’ve got an opening. I said, oh yeah, I’m going to go for that. It was
the all-night show. I was thrilled.”

Harmon worked at Eagle St. Joseph from 1977 until retiring in
2022. Harmon worked at KFEQ from 1977
until 1999, then switched to become a mainstay on KFEQ’s sister radio station,
Q-Country.

John “Flatbush” Christopher worked at KFEQ from 1980 to 1994
and says it was the people that made KFEQ special.

“KFEQ, I would say, is the best radio group that I have ever
worked for,” Christopher tells us. “And it was because of our closeness, because
of our chemistry, and there was a certain freedom allowed me that I’ve never
experienced in any other radio outfit.”

Music along with farm and news programming created a
following, but it was a change in ownership that provided stability.

Scroggin retained ownership when KFEQ moved from Oak to St.
Joseph, selling 51% of his share in 1935 to Barton Pitts and Associates. A year
later, Scroggin would sell his remaining shares to the St. Joseph News Press.
Pitts bought out the newspaper in 1947 to become sole owner. Other owners came
and went.

The Federal Communications Commission created a shakeup that
eventually led to stable ownership of the radio station.

The FCC ruled a single person or entity could not own both the
only radio station and the only television station in a market. KFEQ had
flirted with a FM signal before dropping it to put KFEQ-TV on the air on
September 27, 1953.

When the FCC forced the split of the television and radio
station in 1969, Ross Beach and Bob Schmidt, acting as KAYS, Incorporated out
of Hays, Kansas, bought KFEQ radio. They were the founders of Eagle Radio,
which continues to own KFEQ.

Former General Manager Gene Millard says Eagle brought a new
energy.

“What it is, we focus on radio,” Millard says. “We focused on
who we are and where we are and what we can do that nobody else can do.”

KFEQ is still here, after 100 years, but the programming has
changed, that tomorrow as we conclude our series on the radio station’s 100th
birthday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676483838501.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKFEQ might have featured farm markets from the beginning, but
it also established itself as a music station from the start.This is the fourth in our five-part series on the history of KFEQ.John Scroggin recruited his wife, Artha, to play the piano and
gathered local musicians from Nebraska and Kansas to play on KFEQ in Oak prior
to records. KFEQ kept the tradition going in St. Joseph, employing between 35
and 40 entertainers, mostly musicians, a few for its soap operas.Entertainers included The Bohemian Orchestra, the Prairie
Serenaders, the West Siters, Kentucky Jess and His Gang, among others. There
was the Little Jane Breakfast Food Team. KFEQ, in the early days, was called
“The Hillbilly Station.”Announcers included Dee D. Denver, Charles Niles, Rose Herzog,
Harry Packard, Paul Roscoe, and Dward Moore.Live entertainers would be featured on KFEQ until 1956 when
the last of the live acts would leave the station.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676483885244.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Live would switch to records, music would continue to be
featured.Former Program Director Bob Orf came to KFEQ in 1975, retiring
at the end of 2013.“I think about playing music,” Orf recollects during an
interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I think about 45 rpm records back in the
day. We played a lot of music. We got a lot of results from that music. A lot
of people listened to the station. I always think of the old days, the old
times, and how good it was.”Orf and his staff created the KFEQ play list, listening to
country music, deciding what went on the air.“We’d listen to anything that came in, any record we got;
could be an independent label or could be a big label, RCA, Capitol, whatever
it is, Decca Records,” Orf says. “We listened to the song and say, you know, it’s
a good song, let’s play this song. Didn’t matter if it was a bigtime company or
not.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676581352556.jpeg" alt="Bill "The Roadmaster" Price/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Bill "The Roadmaster" Price/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>One of KFEQ’s former DJs, Bill Price, went by “The Roadmaster,”
which came to him as he went to get into his 1950 Buick Roadmaster Special.“I walked out the door and I saw that and it just went through
my mind,” Price recalls in an interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I didn’t
speak it, but it went through my mind, Roadmaster Special. And I said, hey,
Roadmaster Special, that’s a good name for my show.”Price worked at KFEQ from 1973 to 1996.While KFEQ’s night pattern might not have been good for
agriculture, Price used it to his benefit, talking with truckers up and down
I-29 with the Figure 8 nighttime pattern covering a surprising distance.“A lady that used to live in St. Joe called me periodically
from Galveston, Texas. She said, ‘Hi, Roadmaster, I’m getting lonesome, home
sick, I thought I’d call you and see if you would play a record for me.’”Gallopin’ Gill, Galen Johnson, who worked for KFEQ from 1977
until 2014, credits Price with creating KFEQ’s Country sound.“He interviewed a lot of famous artists and we all got to interview
some of the great country acts,” Johnson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Stonewall
Jackson stopped by, driving through, and I interviewed him. David Allan Coe
stopped on his bus right in front of KFEQ and Bill Price took him to a motorcycle
shop. Bob Orf and I once emceed a show in Atchison, Kansas with Jack Green,
Jeannie Seely, Tommy Jennies, Hal Cochran, and some of the pickers from the He
Haw TV show.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676485161791.jpeg" alt="A mini KFEQ reunion - (Left to right) former KFEQ Ag Dir. Mike Railsback, KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr, former KFEQ Program Dir. Bob Orf, Brother Brent Harmon, Galen Johnson, and John "Flatbush" Christopher/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>A mini KFEQ reunion - (Left to right) former KFEQ Ag Dir. Mike Railsback, KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr, former KFEQ Program Dir. Bob Orf, Brother Brent Harmon, Galen Johnson, and John "Flatbush" Christopher/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Retired DJ Brother Brent Harmon remembers the call that led to
him coming to KFEQ in 1977.“I was amazed,” Harmon says. “I was working in a little town
in Nebraska, Falls City. I had been there a couple of years and got a call from
a guy I had went to college with at Northwest (Missouri State University) and
said they’ve got an opening. I said, oh yeah, I’m going to go for that. It was
the all-night show. I was thrilled.”Harmon worked at Eagle St. Joseph from 1977 until retiring in
2022. Harmon worked at KFEQ from 1977
until 1999, then switched to become a mainstay on KFEQ’s sister radio station,
Q-Country.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676581269892.jpeg" alt="Mike Railsback tells a story to the gang (from left to right), Bob Orf, Galen Johnson, Brent Harmon, John Christopher, and Barry Birr/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Mike Railsback tells a story to the gang (from left to right), Bob Orf, Galen Johnson, Brent Harmon, John Christopher, and Barry Birr/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>John “Flatbush” Christopher worked at KFEQ from 1980 to 1994
and says it was the people that made KFEQ special.“KFEQ, I would say, is the best radio group that I have ever
worked for,” Christopher tells us. “And it was because of our closeness, because
of our chemistry, and there was a certain freedom allowed me that I’ve never
experienced in any other radio outfit.”Music along with farm and news programming created a
following, but it was a change in ownership that provided stability.Scroggin retained ownership when KFEQ moved from Oak to St.
Joseph, selling 51% of his share in 1935 to Barton Pitts and Associates. A year
later, Scroggin would sell his remaining shares to the St. Joseph News Press.
Pitts bought out the newspaper in 1947 to become sole owner. Other owners came
and went.The Federal Communications Commission created a shakeup that
eventually led to stable ownership of the radio station.The FCC ruled a single person or entity could not own both the
only radio station and the only television station in a market. KFEQ had
flirted with a FM signal before dropping it to put KFEQ-TV on the air on
September 27, 1953.When the FCC forced the split of the television and radio
station in 1969, Ross Beach and Bob Schmidt, acting as KAYS, Incorporated out
of Hays, Kansas, bought KFEQ radio. They were the founders of Eagle Radio,
which continues to own KFEQ.Former General Manager Gene Millard says Eagle brought a new
energy.“What it is, we focus on radio,” Millard says. “We focused on
who we are and where we are and what we can do that nobody else can do.”KFEQ is still here, after 100 years, but the programming has
changed, that tomorrow as we conclude our series on the radio station’s 100th
birthday.<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-100-Journal-2162023--Part-Four-KFEQ-the-music-station-e1v1ce9" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/3QyaoI26-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Join a mini KFEQ reunion" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>

🎥: From Hillbilly to Country, KFEQ once played music

Farmers and ranchers still have time to be counted in the 2022 Census of Agriculture, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

Although the deadline for submitting the ag census just passed, NASS will continue to accept completed census questionnaires through the spring to ensure all farmers and ranchers take advantage of the opportunity to be represented in the widely used data. 

NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer says, "We want all producers to use their voices to help shape the future of American agriculture." 

NASS will continue to follow up with producers through the spring with mailings, phone calls, and personal visits. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to complete their ag census online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail as soon as possible. 

Federal law mandates that everyone who received the 2022 Census of Agriculture questionnaire complete and return it. The same law requires NASS to keep all submissions confidential. NASS will release the results of the ag census in early 2024.

Farmers and ranchers still have time to be counted in the 2022 Census of Agriculture, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Although the deadline for submitting the ag census just passed, NASS will continue to accept completed census questionnaires through the spring to ensure all farmers and ranchers take advantage of the opportunity to be represented in the widely used data. NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer says, "We want all producers to use their voices to help shape the future of American agriculture." NASS will continue to follow up with producers through the spring with mailings, phone calls, and personal visits. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to complete their ag census online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail as soon as possible. Federal law mandates that everyone who received the 2022 Census of Agriculture questionnaire complete and return it. The same law requires NASS to keep all submissions confidential. NASS will release the results of the ag census in early 2024.

Still time to respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture

A winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service
remains in effect until three o’clock this afternoon with snow and mixed
precipitation expected with some strong winds.

The winter storm has forced widespread school closings.

The St. Joseph School District has canceled classes today.
This includes all elementary, middle, and high schools. It also includes the
Virtual Academy, Hillyard Technical Center, Webster, Keatley’s Adult Education
classes, and the Early Learning Center.

District employees should refer to the district’s inclement
weather policy, Scenario B,
regarding their work schedule.

Missouri Western State University has closed its St. Joseph campus today. Online courses will be taught as normal. In-person classes may be taught virtually at the instructor's discretion. Students are urged to check their Missouri Western email and Canvas to instructions and assignments.

The St. Joseph Catholic Academy has closed campuses today for
Cathedral, St. Francis, St. James, and Bishop LeBlond today due to the winter
storm. The St. Joseph Catholic Academy does say to watch for notices regarding
St. Gianna, which will open if staffing is available.

The Savannah R3 School District has canceled classes today.

Kansas Riverside and Kansas Troy have canceled classes today.

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of school closings.

The forecast for today calls for snow, possibly mixed with
freezing rain and sleet this morning. All this is expected to change into snow
early this afternoon before tapering off. The high today is forecast to be 28.

Conditions improve overnight, though it will be very cold.
Mostly clear with a low of 10.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service
remains in effect until three o’clock this afternoon with snow and mixed
precipitation expected with some strong winds.The winter storm has forced widespread school closings.The St. Joseph School District has canceled classes today.
This includes all elementary, middle, and high schools. It also includes the
Virtual Academy, Hillyard Technical Center, Webster, Keatley’s Adult Education
classes, and the Early Learning Center.District employees should refer to the district’s inclement
weather policy, Scenario B,
regarding their work schedule.Missouri Western State University has closed its St. Joseph campus today. Online courses will be taught as normal. In-person classes may be taught virtually at the instructor's discretion. Students are urged to check their Missouri Western email and Canvas to instructions and assignments.The St. Joseph Catholic Academy has closed campuses today for
Cathedral, St. Francis, St. James, and Bishop LeBlond today due to the winter
storm. The St. Joseph Catholic Academy does say to watch for notices regarding
St. Gianna, which will open if staffing is available.The Savannah R3 School District has canceled classes today.Kansas Riverside and Kansas Troy have canceled classes today.Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of school closings.The forecast for today calls for snow, possibly mixed with
freezing rain and sleet this morning. All this is expected to change into snow
early this afternoon before tapering off. The high today is forecast to be 28.Conditions improve overnight, though it will be very cold.
Mostly clear with a low of 10.Sunny tomorrow, 38.

Winter storm hits area, closes St. Joseph schools, others

Click the link below for a full list of closings:

<a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/</a>

Click the link below for a full list of closings:<a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/</a>

Go here for a link to a full list of school closings

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas sex offender on new charges after

Shortly after midnight on Monday night an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle in the the 100 block South 4th in Atchison for not having a vehicle license tag, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The officer subsequently found the driver, Danny Groshong, to be in possession of controlled substances.

Police arrested 32-year-old Danny E. Groshong of Atchison, on requested charges of no vehicle tag, no vehicle insurance, driving without a license, and possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

He has previous convictions for rape of a child under the age of 14 and aggravated indecent liberties. He's been listed as a registered offender since 2011, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676430078346.png" alt="Groshong photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Groshong photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas sex offender on new charges afterShortly after midnight on Monday night an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle in the the 100 block South 4th in Atchison for not having a vehicle license tag, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The officer subsequently found the driver, Danny Groshong, to be in possession of controlled substances.Police arrested 32-year-old Danny E. Groshong of Atchison, on requested charges of no vehicle tag, no vehicle insurance, driving without a license, and possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;He has previous convictions for rape of a child under the age of 14 and aggravated indecent liberties. He's been listed as a registered offender since 2011, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. sex offender jailed after drugs found during traffic stop

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Missouri public school teachers would be required to tell parents if their children question their gender identity under&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=44406">a bill</a>&nbsp;advanced Tuesday in the state Senate.

K-12 school staff would be required to notify parents if students “express discomfort or confusion” about their gender identity under the bill, which passed a Senate education committee. One Republican joined Democrats in voting against it.

K-12 school staff would also have to inform students' guardians within a day if students ask to use different pronouns.

The bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-missouri-state-government-sex-education-florida-mike-moon-5f0a24af8e7428e63e59f19560a74d50">originally would have banned teachers who are not licensed mental health providers from talking about being gay or discussing LGBTQ issues with students</a>&nbsp;without first getting parents' permission. That provision, which went farther than a Florida law dubbed by critics as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-lifestyle-education-florida-ron-desantis-322e0a40da909f48954b8b1bd9190750">Don’t Say Gay,</a>&nbsp;” was stripped from the bill in committee.

Under the revised Missouri bill, teachers would be outlawed from calling students by their preferred names unless they get parents' permission.

School staff also could not encourage minors to “adopt a gender identity or sexual orientation,” wear certain clothes, get specialized therapy or get gender-affirming medical treatments without parent permission.

Districts would be required to try to revoke or suspend teachers' licenses for knowingly violating the law. Parents could also file civil lawsuits over alleged violations.

The measure is aimed at stopping schools from “indoctrinating kids,” as Republican committee leader Sen. Andrew Koenig described it.

Republican Sen. Rick Brattin said it's not schools' role “to force an ideology upon them or to aid and abet" behind parents' backs.

Democratic Sen. Greg Razer, the only openly gay Missouri state senator, said children might be “terrified” to tell their parents and, in some cases, risk being kicked out.

“What this bill does is say, ‘Kids, if you have questions, keep your mouth shut,’" Razer said. "'Just sit there, fall into a depression, do not go to anyone that's an adult in the school you can trust.'”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Missouri public school teachers would be required to tell parents if their children question their gender identity under&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=44406">a bill</a>&nbsp;advanced Tuesday in the state Senate.K-12 school staff would be required to notify parents if students “express discomfort or confusion” about their gender identity under the bill, which passed a Senate education committee. One Republican joined Democrats in voting against it.K-12 school staff would also have to inform students' guardians within a day if students ask to use different pronouns.The bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-missouri-state-government-sex-education-florida-mike-moon-5f0a24af8e7428e63e59f19560a74d50">originally would have banned teachers who are not licensed mental health providers from talking about being gay or discussing LGBTQ issues with students</a>&nbsp;without first getting parents' permission. That provision, which went farther than a Florida law dubbed by critics as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-lifestyle-education-florida-ron-desantis-322e0a40da909f48954b8b1bd9190750">Don’t Say Gay,</a>&nbsp;” was stripped from the bill in committee.Under the revised Missouri bill, teachers would be outlawed from calling students by their preferred names unless they get parents' permission.School staff also could not encourage minors to “adopt a gender identity or sexual orientation,” wear certain clothes, get specialized therapy or get gender-affirming medical treatments without parent permission.Districts would be required to try to revoke or suspend teachers' licenses for knowingly violating the law. Parents could also file civil lawsuits over alleged violations.The measure is aimed at stopping schools from “indoctrinating kids,” as Republican committee leader Sen. Andrew Koenig described it.Republican Sen. Rick Brattin said it's not schools' role “to force an ideology upon them or to aid and abet" behind parents' backs.Democratic Sen. Greg Razer, the only openly gay Missouri state senator, said children might be “terrified” to tell their parents and, in some cases, risk being kicked out.“What this bill does is say, ‘Kids, if you have questions, keep your mouth shut,’" Razer said. "'Just sit there, fall into a depression, do not go to anyone that's an adult in the school you can trust.'”

Bill would compel teachers to tell parents about gender talk

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 66 airport projects across the state have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for planning, constructing, or rehabilitating public-use general aviation airports.

“Whether it be airplane manufacturing, a link in the supply chain logistics, or travel, the Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These grants ensure the safety and longevity of Kansas airports, all while contributing to economic growth and job creation.”

The aviation industry represents over $20.6 billion in economic impact across a broad spectrum of supply chain and manufacturing industries in Kansas.

“Every mode of transportation is a link to the state’s economic vitality,”&nbsp;said Calvin Reed, Secretary of Transportation.&nbsp;“These airport improvements are a few of many important efforts to empower the aviation industry across Kansas.”

The KAIP typically receives $5 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and requires airport sponsors to participate in project costs by paying a minimum of 5% of the total project. This year, the program awarded more than $11 million to 66 approved projects, with a total project value of nearly $14.4 million.

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 153 applications seeking a combined total project value of more than $66 million for this round of KAIP grants. Projects were scored according to impact on flight safety, economic growth, and regional benefit.

“We’re grateful to satisfy 22% of the total airport improvements requested this year,”said Bob Brock, Director of the Division of Aviation, Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp;“We look forward to new and ongoing partnerships with aviation stakeholders to achieve stronger aviation infrastructure for the future.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Approved 2023 Kansas Airport Improvement Program projects:

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 66 airport projects across the state have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for planning, constructing, or rehabilitating public-use general aviation airports.“Whether it be airplane manufacturing, a link in the supply chain logistics, or travel, the Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These grants ensure the safety and longevity of Kansas airports, all while contributing to economic growth and job creation.”The aviation industry represents over $20.6 billion in economic impact across a broad spectrum of supply chain and manufacturing industries in Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676484171029.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Every mode of transportation is a link to the state’s economic vitality,”&nbsp;said Calvin Reed, Secretary of Transportation.&nbsp;“These airport improvements are a few of many important efforts to empower the aviation industry across Kansas.”The KAIP typically receives $5 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and requires airport sponsors to participate in project costs by paying a minimum of 5% of the total project. This year, the program awarded more than $11 million to 66 approved projects, with a total project value of nearly $14.4 million.The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 153 applications seeking a combined total project value of more than $66 million for this round of KAIP grants. Projects were scored according to impact on flight safety, economic growth, and regional benefit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676484208235.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We’re grateful to satisfy 22% of the total airport improvements requested this year,”said Bob Brock, Director of the Division of Aviation, Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp;“We look forward to new and ongoing partnerships with aviation stakeholders to achieve stronger aviation infrastructure for the future.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Approved 2023 Kansas Airport Improvement Program projects:<ul>
 <li>Allen County&nbsp;– Replace Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), $153,000; taxiway rehabilitation, $157,500</li><li>Amelia Earhart, City of Atchison– Construct automated gate, $42,075</li><li>Chanute&nbsp;– North apron reconstruction, $424,570; perimeter fencing, $180,000</li><li>Cheyenne County&nbsp;– Replace AWOS system, $153,000</li><li>Coffeyville –&nbsp;Crack seal and remark runway, $42,750 design, $229,500 construct</li><li>Colonel James Jabara, Wichita – Relocate/widen taxiway, $114,000 design, $800,160 construct</li><li>Comanche&nbsp;County&nbsp;– Preserve concrete runway, $19,000 design, $225,000 construct</li><li>Cook Airfield, Rose Hill – Used Jet A truck, $30,000; electric hose reel for MOGAS pump, $3,000; Parking ramp, $148,500; pavement repairs, $18,000</li><li>Jack Thomas Memorial, El Dorado – Replace fuel system, $10,800</li><li>Elkhart Morton County&nbsp;– Rehabilitate terminal building, $29,750</li><li>Fort Scott Municipal&nbsp;– Taxiway rehabilitation, $57,600</li><li>Gardner&nbsp;– Taxiway, $47,500 design, $99,000 construct</li><li>Garnett&nbsp;– Replace fuel system, $90,000; terminal rehabilitation, $15,300</li><li>Great Bend Municipal&nbsp;– Replace primary wind cone, $5,588</li><li>Harper Municipal&nbsp;– Replace fuel farm card reader, $21,250</li><li>Hays Regional&nbsp;– Pavement repair materials, $25,500; upgrade security and access gates, $21,250; ARFF station gate automation, $17,000</li><li>Hugoton Municipal&nbsp;– AWOS update, $5,700 design; $165,600 construct; fuel dispenser, $4,750 design, $40,950 construct</li><li>Hutchinson Regional&nbsp;– Install wildlife dig barrier for perimeter fence, $32,504</li><li>Independence Municipal&nbsp;– Airport rotating beacon/tower, $23,750 design, $112,500 construct</li><li>Johnson County Executive&nbsp;– Pavement maintenance materials, $13,600; southwest fence, $129,600; north fence, $156,150</li><li>Kinsley Municipal&nbsp;– Fuel farm card reader, $13,500</li><li>Lawrence Regional&nbsp;– Airport master plan update, $360,000; apron rehabilitation, $130,500 design, $800,000 construct; runway extension, $99,750 design</li><li>Lyons-Rice County Municipal&nbsp;– Fuel system. $23,750 design, $282,600 construct</li><li>Mark Hoard Memorial, Leoti – AWOS III, $163,764</li><li>Medicine Lodge&nbsp;– AWOS update, $5,700 design, $165,600 construct</li><li>Montezuma Municipal&nbsp;– Seal, patch, overlay and stripe runway, $792,700</li><li>Moundridge Municipal&nbsp;– Resurface runway, $720,000</li><li>New Century Air Center,&nbsp;Johnson County– Airfield electrical vault building, $89,300 design, $338,400 construct; rehabilitation of central portion of the west apron, $133,000 design, $800,000 construct; maintenance materials, $13,600</li><li>Norton Municipal&nbsp;– Replace and relocate AWOS, $153,000</li><li>Oakley Municipal&nbsp;– Replace rotating beacon and tower, $76,500</li><li>Pratt Regional&nbsp;– Apron and hangar area rehabilitation, $59,850 design, $653,400 construct</li><li>Shalz Field, Colby – Card station for self-serve fuel pumps, $16,200</li><li>Syracuse-Hamilton County&nbsp;– Replace fuel system, $66,500, design, $486,000 construct; replace AWOS, $121,500</li><li>Tribune Municipal&nbsp;– Remove telecom tower to mitigate runway obstruction, $72,000</li><li>Wamego Municipal&nbsp;– Airport development plan/master plan (phase II), $66,500; reconstruct apron and connecting taxiway, $468,000</li>
 </ul>###

Gov. announces $11 million  for 66 Kan. airport improvement projects

Several area restaurants will participate in St. Joseph Restaurant week as it kicks off this week.&nbsp;

The third-year aims to get people out to restaurants that they might normally eat at. &nbsp;

Owner of Hazels coffee shop in St. Joseph Heather Mitchell says it's been kind of a slow start for her stores in getting newer customers in.&nbsp;

"40% new customers, 60% our regular patrons that are trying out new menu items, but hopefully we win over some of those 40% that do come in and try out things," Mitchell tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, like this year we have a new gluten free breakfast item that's a meal that we're offering, just to try it out and see if people enjoy it and it's worth putting on the menu regularly."&nbsp;

Mitchell says Hazels will also offer a bundle box that includes multiple pastries and a pound of coffee as the 30-dollar offering. &nbsp;

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce hosts the event and for the second year a charity aspect will accompany the event, with people having an opportunity to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. &nbsp;

Mitchell says the donations to charity are one reason she loves participating in Restaurant Week.&nbsp;

"I mean it just makes you feel good, you know you're doing a good thing, and it helps the community all around," Mitchell says. "You're putting money into a small business and then the small business is also promoting and supporting this charity as well.'&nbsp;

People that go out to restaurants will be able to donate to Second Harvest by scanning a QR code.&nbsp; Chamber of Commerce officials report that Altec will match up to $20,000 in donations.

The event runs Thursday, February 16th, through February 26th.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The annual event intended to draw more people to local restaurants begins on Thursday, and it will begin with a big kickoff event at Hazels Coffee Shop&nbsp;

Mitchell says there will be events held all throughout Restaurant Week, and Hazels was asked to kick it off with a coffee and scone flight&nbsp;

"From 8:30 (AM) until about 11:30 you can come in and try three different coffees that's on the selected flight as well as three different pastries for $15," Mitchell explains. "So, it's just a great way for everyone to get together, try things out, and if you don't like coffee or if you haven't tried it and don't know if you like it, it's a great way to experience it."&nbsp;

Mitchell says the hope it will last three hours, but the event will run until Hazels runs out of supplies. &nbsp;

You can find out more about the events throughout Restaurant Week, as well as participating restaurants <a href="https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676479365003.jpeg" alt="Customers enjoy some of the Restaurant Week offerings at Hazels during last years St. Joseph Restaurant Week/ Photo provided by Heather Mitchell" />
 <figcaption>Customers enjoy some of the Restaurant Week offerings at Hazels during last years St. Joseph Restaurant Week/ Photo provided by Heather Mitchell</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Several area restaurants will participate in St. Joseph Restaurant week as it kicks off this week.&nbsp;The third-year aims to get people out to restaurants that they might normally eat at. &nbsp;Owner of Hazels coffee shop in St. Joseph Heather Mitchell says it's been kind of a slow start for her stores in getting newer customers in.&nbsp;"40% new customers, 60% our regular patrons that are trying out new menu items, but hopefully we win over some of those 40% that do come in and try out things," Mitchell tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, like this year we have a new gluten free breakfast item that's a meal that we're offering, just to try it out and see if people enjoy it and it's worth putting on the menu regularly."&nbsp;Mitchell says Hazels will also offer a bundle box that includes multiple pastries and a pound of coffee as the 30-dollar offering. &nbsp;The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce hosts the event and for the second year a charity aspect will accompany the event, with people having an opportunity to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. &nbsp;Mitchell says the donations to charity are one reason she loves participating in Restaurant Week.&nbsp;"I mean it just makes you feel good, you know you're doing a good thing, and it helps the community all around," Mitchell says. "You're putting money into a small business and then the small business is also promoting and supporting this charity as well.'&nbsp;People that go out to restaurants will be able to donate to Second Harvest by scanning a QR code.&nbsp; Chamber of Commerce officials report that Altec will match up to $20,000 in donations.The event runs Thursday, February 16th, through February 26th.&nbsp; &nbsp;The annual event intended to draw more people to local restaurants begins on Thursday, and it will begin with a big kickoff event at Hazels Coffee Shop&nbsp;Mitchell says there will be events held all throughout Restaurant Week, and Hazels was asked to kick it off with a coffee and scone flight&nbsp;"From 8:30 (AM) until about 11:30 you can come in and try three different coffees that's on the selected flight as well as three different pastries for $15," Mitchell explains. "So, it's just a great way for everyone to get together, try things out, and if you don't like coffee or if you haven't tried it and don't know if you like it, it's a great way to experience it."&nbsp;Mitchell says the hope it will last three hours, but the event will run until Hazels runs out of supplies. &nbsp;You can find out more about the events throughout Restaurant Week, as well as participating restaurants <a href="https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

Local