The Missouri Highway Patrol reports a minimal number of fatalities during the New Year's holiday counting period. &nbsp;

Statewide the Highway Patrol reports two fatalities and 75 injuries in 243 traffic crashes.&nbsp;&nbsp; There were zero boating accidents or drownings. Both fatalities occurred in the Troop E region in the southeastern part of the state near the Poplar Bluff area. &nbsp;

104 drivers were arrested for drunk driving.&nbsp;

The two fatalities mark an increase of one from last year, with one fatality and 331 injuries in 1,045 traffic crashes.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Highway Patrol reports a minimal number of fatalities during the New Year's holiday counting period. &nbsp;Statewide the Highway Patrol reports two fatalities and 75 injuries in 243 traffic crashes.&nbsp;&nbsp; There were zero boating accidents or drownings. Both fatalities occurred in the Troop E region in the southeastern part of the state near the Poplar Bluff area. &nbsp;104 drivers were arrested for drunk driving.&nbsp;The two fatalities mark an increase of one from last year, with one fatality and 331 injuries in 1,045 traffic crashes.&nbsp;

New Years holiday sees less traffic crashes than last year, one more fatality 

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a vehicle theft and continue searching for a suspect.

Just after&nbsp;6:30p.m. on Sunday police recovered a stolen vehicle in the 900 block George Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The 1994 Ford Thunderbird had been reported stolen in Platte County Missouri on December 26th. 

Officers had responded to a vehicle on fire in the 900 block George and found there was a fire under the hood and the driver had fled from the area.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a vehicle theft and continue searching for a suspect.Just after&nbsp;6:30p.m. on Sunday police recovered a stolen vehicle in the 900 block George Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The 1994 Ford Thunderbird had been reported stolen in Platte County Missouri on December 26th. Officers had responded to a vehicle on fire in the 900 block George and found there was a fire under the hood and the driver had fled from the area.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Police found reported stolen car on fire, suspect fled the area

After serving four years as Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner, Lee Sawyer is stepping away from the office. &nbsp;

Sawyer says as he reflects on everything that's been done over his four years it feels good in some ways and nostalgic in others. Overall, though, he's grateful for the support he's received over his terms.&nbsp;

"I can say I've been very fortunate that the taxpayers have had confidence in me and what I've tried to do, and I've had a lot of really good support," Sawyer tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And I would be remiss to not thank my wife Toni who has been such a great supporter of mine, and when you get ready to run for something like this you do need that support at home because they're going to be involved."&nbsp;

Sawyer, who decided to not run for re-election to the office, says he feels that in four years the county accomplished a lot&nbsp;

"I feel like we've got a lot of good things done and some of the real kinds of basic blocking and tackling things we got done," Sawyer says. "And then we had some big curveballs thrown at us with COVID and all kinds of things, so I'm really proud of our track record and what we've gotten done."&nbsp;

Sawyer says he feels great about how the county managed through a pandemic, the 2019 flood, and also through key issues like increasing law enforcement pay. &nbsp;

Sawyer says he's proud of the voters that helped increase a financial commitment to the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;

"We really needed it, we did a study on kind of where we needed to be financially and we'd fallen behind, and we were having trouble keeping officers and there's multiple reasons for that and that's kind of a thing that's going on around the country," Sawyer explains. "But we knew that we had to be competitive regionally if we were going to attract and keep our top folks."&nbsp;

Also, through the commitment has been the increase in pay to St. Joseph police officers, as well as more scholarship opportunities at the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy. &nbsp;

Former St. Joseph Dentist Scott Nelson has been shadowing Sawyer since he was elected to succeed him in the November Election.&nbsp; He will take over as the Presiding Commissioner.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672748795546.jpeg" alt="Lee Sawyer speaks during the groundbreaking of the Children's Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph.&nbsp; Sawyer served four years as the Buchanan County Presiding Commisioner" />
 <figcaption>Lee Sawyer speaks during the groundbreaking of the Children's Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph.&nbsp; Sawyer served four years as the Buchanan County Presiding Commisioner</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;After serving four years as Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner, Lee Sawyer is stepping away from the office. &nbsp;Sawyer says as he reflects on everything that's been done over his four years it feels good in some ways and nostalgic in others. Overall, though, he's grateful for the support he's received over his terms.&nbsp;"I can say I've been very fortunate that the taxpayers have had confidence in me and what I've tried to do, and I've had a lot of really good support," Sawyer tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And I would be remiss to not thank my wife Toni who has been such a great supporter of mine, and when you get ready to run for something like this you do need that support at home because they're going to be involved."&nbsp;Sawyer, who decided to not run for re-election to the office, says he feels that in four years the county accomplished a lot&nbsp;"I feel like we've got a lot of good things done and some of the real kinds of basic blocking and tackling things we got done," Sawyer says. "And then we had some big curveballs thrown at us with COVID and all kinds of things, so I'm really proud of our track record and what we've gotten done."&nbsp;Sawyer says he feels great about how the county managed through a pandemic, the 2019 flood, and also through key issues like increasing law enforcement pay. &nbsp;Sawyer says he's proud of the voters that helped increase a financial commitment to the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;"We really needed it, we did a study on kind of where we needed to be financially and we'd fallen behind, and we were having trouble keeping officers and there's multiple reasons for that and that's kind of a thing that's going on around the country," Sawyer explains. "But we knew that we had to be competitive regionally if we were going to attract and keep our top folks."&nbsp;Also, through the commitment has been the increase in pay to St. Joseph police officers, as well as more scholarship opportunities at the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy. &nbsp;Former St. Joseph Dentist Scott Nelson has been shadowing Sawyer since he was elected to succeed him in the November Election.&nbsp; He will take over as the Presiding Commissioner.&nbsp;

Lee Sawyer thankful for the support as he leaves office

St. Joseph welcomed in its first baby of the new year on Sunday afternoon Mosaic Life Care officials announced. 

Baby Oliver Shane made his debut to the world around 4:21pm on Sunday, weighing in at eight pounds and six ounces and measuring 21 inches long according to officials. 

His parents are Alyssa Deming and Michael Admire Jr.&nbsp; Hospital officials say mother and baby are doing fine

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672747715473.jpeg" alt="Baby Oliver Shane made his debut Sunday afternoon becoming the first baby born in 2023 in St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of Mosaic Life Care" />
 <figcaption>Baby Oliver Shane made his debut Sunday afternoon becoming the first baby born in 2023 in St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of Mosaic Life Care</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph welcomed in its first baby of the new year on Sunday afternoon Mosaic Life Care officials announced. Baby Oliver Shane made his debut to the world around 4:21pm on Sunday, weighing in at eight pounds and six ounces and measuring 21 inches long according to officials. His parents are Alyssa Deming and Michael Admire Jr.&nbsp; Hospital officials say mother and baby are doing fine

It's a boy! St. Joseph welcomes first baby born in 2023

ATCHISON COUNTY— One person died and three  were injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Monday in Atchison County.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, an&nbsp;officer on patrol observed a 2002 Mini Cooper driving recklessly at 6th and U.S.59 Highway. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle and the vehicle fled north on 4th Street. 

The officer lost sight of the vehicle but subsequently located the vehicle which had left and road and landed on its top in a residential in 900 block North 4th Street.

One passenger identified as&nbsp; Jacey Paris, 20, Atchison, died in the accident, according to Wilson.

&nbsp;EMS transported the driver of the vehicle, Brandon Mann, 22, Atchison, and two passengers, age 15 and 16, to area hospitals.  Mann and Paris were not wearing seat belts, according to the Kansas Kansas Highway.

ATCHISON COUNTY— One person died and three were injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Monday in Atchison County.According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, an&nbsp;officer on patrol observed a 2002 Mini Cooper driving recklessly at 6th and U.S.59 Highway. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle and the vehicle fled north on 4th Street. The officer lost sight of the vehicle but subsequently located the vehicle which had left and road and landed on its top in a residential in 900 block North 4th Street.One passenger identified as&nbsp; Jacey Paris, 20, Atchison, died in the accident, according to Wilson.&nbsp;EMS transported the driver of the vehicle, Brandon Mann, 22, Atchison, and two passengers, age 15 and 16, to area hospitals. Mann and Paris were not wearing seat belts, according to the Kansas Kansas Highway.

1 dead, 3 injured after crash while fleeing Kansas officer

ANDREW COUNTY—Five St. Joseph teenagers were injured, four seriously, in a one-car crash just west of Savannah late Friday night.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports a 17-year-old St. Joseph boy lost control of his car while driving west at the intersection of U.S. 59 and U.S. 71 two miles west of Savannah around 11 o'clock Friday night.

The car crossed the center of the road, traveled off the south side of U.S. 59, down an embankment, and struck a traffic sign. The car returned to the road, began to slide, went of the south side of the highway again, and down an embankment, turning over on the driver's side.

Buchanan County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. Andrew County EMS transported three 17-year-old St. Joseph boys and a 15-year-old St. Joseph girl to Mosaic. 

Three of the boys and the girl suffered serious injuries, according to the patrol with the driver, the only one wearing a seat belt, suffering moderate injuries.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol does not release the identity of juveniles.

This article has been updated since first published.

ANDREW COUNTY—Five St. Joseph teenagers were injured, four seriously, in a one-car crash just west of Savannah late Friday night.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports a 17-year-old St. Joseph boy lost control of his car while driving west at the intersection of U.S. 59 and U.S. 71 two miles west of Savannah around 11 o'clock Friday night.The car crossed the center of the road, traveled off the south side of U.S. 59, down an embankment, and struck a traffic sign. The car returned to the road, began to slide, went of the south side of the highway again, and down an embankment, turning over on the driver's side.Buchanan County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. Andrew County EMS transported three 17-year-old St. Joseph boys and a 15-year-old St. Joseph girl to Mosaic. Three of the boys and the girl suffered serious injuries, according to the patrol with the driver, the only one wearing a seat belt, suffering moderate injuries.The Missouri State Highway Patrol does not release the identity of juveniles.This article has been updated since first published.

Five St. Joseph teens hospitalized after violent crash

Some people may celebrate the new year a little harder than others and should get home safely this holiday weekend. &nbsp;

Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H of the Missouri Highway Patrol in St. Joseph says if you are at a party with alcohol this new year's, practice precaution getting home.&nbsp;

"By all means reach out and make sure you have a sober designated driver, there's a lot of services provided for you even around the St. Joe area there's Ubers, Lyfts, things like that taxi service," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, just make sure you always have a plan in place before you do start your celebration."&nbsp;

Hux says if you find yourself driving behind someone who seems impaired to dial star 55 on your phone to call your local highway patrol office.&nbsp;

"That doesn't necessarily mean that person is impaired, they could be sleepy, there's a lot of factors that go into play there," Hux says. "But if they see something like that draws their attention, and they think they're a hazard to the roadway safety, yeah call *55 on your cell phone, get to the nearest troop headquarters, and we'll get a trooper out there to make sure everything's ok."&nbsp;

Hux says if your plans do involve alcohol to make sure to have a plan ahead of your celebrations and find a designated driver or use one of the many ride sharing services available.&nbsp;

Hux says the top priority of the patrol is traffic safety and encourages everyone to follow the traffic laws.&nbsp;

"So, as you're traveling to and from your destination or location you're going to, always obey the traffic laws, make sure the driver and all passengers are properly restrained in that vehicle," Hux says. "And get to your destination safely and bring in the new year, that's the ultimate goal."&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Some people may celebrate the new year a little harder than others and should get home safely this holiday weekend. &nbsp;Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H of the Missouri Highway Patrol in St. Joseph says if you are at a party with alcohol this new year's, practice precaution getting home.&nbsp;"By all means reach out and make sure you have a sober designated driver, there's a lot of services provided for you even around the St. Joe area there's Ubers, Lyfts, things like that taxi service," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, just make sure you always have a plan in place before you do start your celebration."&nbsp;Hux says if you find yourself driving behind someone who seems impaired to dial star 55 on your phone to call your local highway patrol office.&nbsp;"That doesn't necessarily mean that person is impaired, they could be sleepy, there's a lot of factors that go into play there," Hux says. "But if they see something like that draws their attention, and they think they're a hazard to the roadway safety, yeah call *55 on your cell phone, get to the nearest troop headquarters, and we'll get a trooper out there to make sure everything's ok."&nbsp;Hux says if your plans do involve alcohol to make sure to have a plan ahead of your celebrations and find a designated driver or use one of the many ride sharing services available.&nbsp;Hux says the top priority of the patrol is traffic safety and encourages everyone to follow the traffic laws.&nbsp;"So, as you're traveling to and from your destination or location you're going to, always obey the traffic laws, make sure the driver and all passengers are properly restrained in that vehicle," Hux says. "And get to your destination safely and bring in the new year, that's the ultimate goal."&nbsp;

Don't drink and drive this New Year's Eve

WORTH COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Thursday in Worth County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1991 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Billie F. Wake, 99, Grant City, was westbound on MO 246 three miles east of Sheridan.

The car struck a pedestrian identified as Brit L. Fisher, 28, Sheridan, who was walking with traffic in the westbound lane.

Fisher was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Andrews Hann Funeral Home. Wake was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

WORTH COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Thursday in Worth County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1991 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Billie F. Wake, 99, Grant City, was westbound on MO 246 three miles east of Sheridan.The car struck a pedestrian identified as Brit L. Fisher, 28, Sheridan, who was walking with traffic in the westbound lane.Fisher was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Andrews Hann Funeral Home. Wake was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Car driven by 99-year-old strikes, kills Missouri woman

DAVIESS COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Dodge Nitro driven by&nbsp; Morgan R. Lewallen, 33, Kidder, was northbound on 210th at Unity Avenue twelve miles southwest of Gallatin.

The car traveled off the road, overturned, slid down the embankment and struck several boulders.

Daviess County ambulance transported Lewallen to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Dodge Nitro driven by&nbsp; Morgan R. Lewallen, 33, Kidder, was northbound on 210th at Unity Avenue twelve miles southwest of Gallatin.The car traveled off the road, overturned, slid down the embankment and struck several boulders.Daviess County ambulance transported Lewallen to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after car slides down embankment

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a home burglary have made an arrest.

On November 3 police officers investigated an unlawful entry that had been made into a vacant residence in the 600 block South 4th Street in Atchison and an identification card was taken, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Just after 4:30a.m. Thursday, police arrested 49-year-old Jesse D. Cox of Atchison&nbsp;in the 500 block U.S.73 on a warrant for burglary and theft.

He remains jailed on a $30,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672328006534.png" alt="Cox-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Cox-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a home burglary have made an arrest.On November 3 police officers investigated an unlawful entry that had been made into a vacant residence in the 600 block South 4th Street in Atchison and an identification card was taken, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Just after 4:30a.m. Thursday, police arrested 49-year-old Jesse D. Cox of Atchison&nbsp;in the 500 block U.S.73 on a warrant for burglary and theft.He remains jailed on a $30,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of taking ID card during home burglary

Local law enforcement was shaken by the sudden death of one of their own.  

Director of the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy Joseph King died at age 51 on Christmas Eve.  

King served 30 years in law enforcement between the St. Joseph Police Department and Buchanan and Platte County Sheriff offices.  

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says King was a very meticulous and hardworking man at everything he did.  

"Whenever Joe was given a new assignment, he would immerse himself in that and become an expert in that," Puett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, he never wanted too not be fully knowledgeable 

 or not be able to deliver the utmost services to the citizens or whoever he was serving at the time." 

King took over as the director of the academy in June of last year, and oversaw one of the largest classes in the academy's history.  

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says while many are shaken by King's death, he's also seen a massive amount of respect for all he did for newer officers.  

"How much his dedication and training gave to helping them start their career and those types of things," Puett says. "So, they're very appreciative for all the work that he gave to get them started." 

Puett says King will be someone who is greatly missed in the community.  

"He had a passion for law enforcement and a passion for his family so he will be greatly missed by a lot of people, he was a good man dedicated to serving our citizens and making our officers better," Puett says. 

King's career in law enforcement began as a dispatcher for the St. Joseph Police Department before he worked his way up to the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office.  

He became captain at the Platte County Sheriff's Office.  King retired at the rank of captain before becoming director of the academy in June of 2021. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672338123406.jpeg" alt="Joseph King/ Photo courtesy of Casey King via GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Joseph King/ Photo courtesy of Casey King via GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Local law enforcement was shaken by the sudden death of one of their own. Director of the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy Joseph King died at age 51 on Christmas Eve. King served 30 years in law enforcement between the St. Joseph Police Department and Buchanan and Platte County Sheriff offices. Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says King was a very meticulous and hardworking man at everything he did. "Whenever Joe was given a new assignment, he would immerse himself in that and become an expert in that," Puett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, he never wanted too not be fully knowledgeable or not be able to deliver the utmost services to the citizens or whoever he was serving at the time." King took over as the director of the academy in June of last year, and oversaw one of the largest classes in the academy's history. Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says while many are shaken by King's death, he's also seen a massive amount of respect for all he did for newer officers. "How much his dedication and training gave to helping them start their career and those types of things," Puett says. "So, they're very appreciative for all the work that he gave to get them started." Puett says King will be someone who is greatly missed in the community. "He had a passion for law enforcement and a passion for his family so he will be greatly missed by a lot of people, he was a good man dedicated to serving our citizens and making our officers better," Puett says. King's career in law enforcement began as a dispatcher for the St. Joseph Police Department before he worked his way up to the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office. He became captain at the Platte County Sheriff's Office. King retired at the rank of captain before becoming director of the academy in June of 2021.

Buchanan County Sheriff remembers hardworking Officer Joseph King

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Thursday in Atchison County.

A 2021 Kia passenger car driven by Pamela Williamson, 72, Atchison, was northbound in the 500 block U.S.73, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The vehicle left the roadway, struck a drainage culvert, went airborne, and landed on the roadway in the 900 block Spring Street. 

EMS transported Williamson, the only occupant in the vehicle, to Amberwell Hospital for treatment.&nbsp; Wilson released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672344870606.png" alt="Photo Police Chief Mike Wilson" />
 <figcaption>Photo Police Chief Mike Wilson</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Thursday in Atchison County.A 2021 Kia passenger car driven by Pamela Williamson, 72, Atchison, was northbound in the 500 block U.S.73, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.The vehicle left the roadway, struck a drainage culvert, went airborne, and landed on the roadway in the 900 block Spring Street. EMS transported Williamson, the only occupant in the vehicle, to Amberwell Hospital for treatment.&nbsp; Wilson released no additional details.

Kansas woman hospitalized after violent crash

The St. Joseph Board of Education is looking forward to the future of the school district after being presented the plan from the Vision Forward committee. &nbsp;

The board approved the plan brought forward from the committee during last week's monthly school board meeting. &nbsp;

Superintendent Gabe Edgar says the plan brought forward from the committee aligned right along with his goals for the school district. &nbsp;

"It did a very good job of focusing on what my goals are on the academic side, it talked a lot about improving academics pre-K through 12, it talked a lot about expansion of early learning, it talked a lot about discipline, which are three of my goals," Edgar tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And so, it has easy to tie into that."&nbsp;

Edgar says the committee did a very good job of navigating topics with the community and gearing the plan towards St. Joseph.&nbsp;

The School Board is composed of many different committees aimed at school improvement.&nbsp; Edgar says the Vision Forward plan added a need for two new committees&nbsp;

"There were two things that came out of Vision Forward that were not part of the committee structure and so right after we approved the plan, then we approved an implementation plan to put in two more committees, one of those wrapping around school culture and the other one wrapping around recruiting and retaining quality staff," Edgar says.&nbsp;

Edgar says normally committees will meet every month; however, he says the committee focused on teacher recruitment will meet at designated periods when needed. &nbsp;

Along with the passage of Vision Forward, was the passage of the Pathway to Teaching program.&nbsp; Edgar says this is similar to the build your own program&nbsp;

"Right now, we have a grow your own program for high school kids but this will be for internal people, and actually maybe even external people it probably needs to grow to that," Edgar explains. "We have to do more of that type of stuff thinking outside the box in order to recruit quality staff."&nbsp;

The program aims to recruit people in St. Joseph with a teaching degree to come teach at St. Joseph schools. Edgar says the goal currently is to hire 10 new teachers.&nbsp;

"So, we're going to start out with 10 and I think that will probably grow, we identified 16 or 17 staff members that we have now, and they don't all want to become teachers, but some of them do," Edgar says.&nbsp;

Edgar says currently the program is only aimed internally, but in thinking outside the box it could eventually go external to recruit teachers from other jobs.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The St. Joseph Board of Education is looking forward to the future of the school district after being presented the plan from the Vision Forward committee. &nbsp;The board approved the plan brought forward from the committee during last week's monthly school board meeting. &nbsp;Superintendent Gabe Edgar says the plan brought forward from the committee aligned right along with his goals for the school district. &nbsp;"It did a very good job of focusing on what my goals are on the academic side, it talked a lot about improving academics pre-K through 12, it talked a lot about expansion of early learning, it talked a lot about discipline, which are three of my goals," Edgar tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And so, it has easy to tie into that."&nbsp;Edgar says the committee did a very good job of navigating topics with the community and gearing the plan towards St. Joseph.&nbsp;The School Board is composed of many different committees aimed at school improvement.&nbsp; Edgar says the Vision Forward plan added a need for two new committees&nbsp;"There were two things that came out of Vision Forward that were not part of the committee structure and so right after we approved the plan, then we approved an implementation plan to put in two more committees, one of those wrapping around school culture and the other one wrapping around recruiting and retaining quality staff," Edgar says.&nbsp;Edgar says normally committees will meet every month; however, he says the committee focused on teacher recruitment will meet at designated periods when needed. &nbsp;Along with the passage of Vision Forward, was the passage of the Pathway to Teaching program.&nbsp; Edgar says this is similar to the build your own program&nbsp;"Right now, we have a grow your own program for high school kids but this will be for internal people, and actually maybe even external people it probably needs to grow to that," Edgar explains. "We have to do more of that type of stuff thinking outside the box in order to recruit quality staff."&nbsp;The program aims to recruit people in St. Joseph with a teaching degree to come teach at St. Joseph schools. Edgar says the goal currently is to hire 10 new teachers.&nbsp;"So, we're going to start out with 10 and I think that will probably grow, we identified 16 or 17 staff members that we have now, and they don't all want to become teachers, but some of them do," Edgar says.&nbsp;Edgar says currently the program is only aimed internally, but in thinking outside the box it could eventually go external to recruit teachers from other jobs.&nbsp;

Vision of the future now more clear for the St. Joseph School District

Director of the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy and long tenured law enforcement officer Joseph N King has died.&nbsp;

King served as a law enforcement officer for 30 years with the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, the St. Joseph Police Department, and the Platte County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp; Most recently King became the director of the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy when he became the director in 2021.

In a statement from Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy, Kennedy notes the impact King had on the Law Enforcement Academy in his tenure.&nbsp;

"In his brief tenure, Commander King had a huge impact. Recent LEA classes were larger than they have been in years, with more than 50 law enforcement officers beginning their career in the last year and a half."

The family of Joseph King is currently sharing a go fund me that can be found <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/cover-unexpected-medical-and-funeral-expenses?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_content=undefined&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer&amp;utm_term=undefined">HERE</a>.&nbsp; King was 51 years old.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632165355197.jpeg" alt="Joseph King/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Joseph King/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostDirector of the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy and long tenured law enforcement officer Joseph N King has died.&nbsp;King served as a law enforcement officer for 30 years with the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, the St. Joseph Police Department, and the Platte County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp; Most recently King became the director of the Missouri Western Law Enforcement Academy when he became the director in 2021.In a statement from Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy, Kennedy notes the impact King had on the Law Enforcement Academy in his tenure.&nbsp;"In his brief tenure, Commander King had a huge impact. Recent LEA classes were larger than they have been in years, with more than 50 law enforcement officers beginning their career in the last year and a half."The family of Joseph King is currently sharing a go fund me that can be found <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/cover-unexpected-medical-and-funeral-expenses?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_content=undefined&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer&amp;utm_term=undefined">HERE</a>.&nbsp; King was 51 years old.

Director of Missouri Western Law Academy has died

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford Edge driven by Debra A. Tilley, 58, Bethany, was westbound on U.S. 136 two miles east of Albany.

The vehicle crossed the center line, traveled off the south side of the road into a ditch and struck a concrete culvert. Grand River EMS transported Tilley to Mosaic in Albany. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford Edge driven by Debra A. Tilley, 58, Bethany, was westbound on U.S. 136 two miles east of Albany.The vehicle crossed the center line, traveled off the south side of the road into a ditch and struck a concrete culvert. Grand River EMS transported Tilley to Mosaic in Albany. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after SUV strikes concrete culvert

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on new charges after an arrest.

On Tuesday, police arrested 28-year-old&nbsp;Kattibrie D. Lynch, 28, Atchison, on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police arrested her on a similar charge in October.

On Sept. 5, police investigated a burglary of a vehicle that was parked in the 500 block Unity in Atchison, according to Wilson.&nbsp;

The suspect took cash from the vehicle. An investigation led to the arrest of Lynch on a District Court warrant for burglary of a vehicle and theft.&nbsp;

In August she was jailed on a city warrant, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663162815583.png" alt="Lynch-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Lynch-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on new charges after an arrest.On Tuesday, police arrested 28-year-old&nbsp;Kattibrie D. Lynch, 28, Atchison, on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Police arrested her on a similar charge in October.On Sept. 5, police investigated a burglary of a vehicle that was parked in the 500 block Unity in Atchison, according to Wilson.&nbsp;The suspect took cash from the vehicle. An investigation led to the arrest of Lynch on a District Court warrant for burglary of a vehicle and theft.&nbsp;In August she was jailed on a city warrant, according to online jail records.

Kansas woman accused in burglary is back in jail

There is the perception that crime has increased in St.
Joseph. Then, there is reality.

Buchanan County Prosecutor Ron Holliday says there is little
evidence to back the premise that crime is increasing in St. Joseph. But
Holliday acknowledges St. Joseph has seen an increase in violent crime.

“There has been an increase in gun-related violence,” Holliday
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview. “2017, I believe, there were eight
murders; 2018, five murders. There has been an increase in gun-related crime.”

Holliday says nearly all the violent crime the city has seen
the past few years, including murders, is related to the drug trade. Statistics
released by the St. Joseph Police Department indicate a drop in crime, overall.
The crime statistics compiled from 2021 indicate robberies and burglaries
dropped off dramatically. Violent crime, though, rose.

Holliday says the prosecutor’s office has only a limited role
in fighting crime. He says that rests mostly on the shoulders of the men and
women who serve in law enforcement, St. Joseph police officers and Buchanan
County deputies.

That has become increasingly difficult, according to Holliday.

“One of my disappointments, if you want to call it a disappointment,
has been the gradual decline in the number of law enforcement officers that we
have,” Holliday says.

Holliday says there aren’t as many life-long veteran
detectives on the St. Joseph police force.

“I’ve seen a general decline in the amount of law enforcement that
we have and the experience we have in the police department,” Holliday says.

That is most evident in the drop in what Holliday calls
self-initiated arrests, because officers simply don’t have the time.

Holliday served as a police officer in Overland Park, Kansas
before deciding to go to law school at the University of Missouri. He worked as
an assistant prosecutor for Jackson County and served as Andrew County Prosecuting
Attorney before coming to the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s Office, first as an
assistant, then as prosecutor.

Holliday is hopeful moves by the city and voter-approval of a
police pay plan will help St. Joseph fill vacancies in its police force and,
perhaps, lure veteran officers back to the city. St. Joseph voters approved a
sales tax increase to fund a police pay plan. The St. Joseph Police Department
reports more than 20 vacancies in a police force authorized for 138
commissioned officers.

High-profile police abuse cases have undermined respect for
officers in general, according to Holliday, who says he has seen a decline in
respect for the legal system as a whole.

Holliday says there has always been rogue cops, but social
media makes it seem that the problem is rampant.

“If there’s a police officer in Daytona Beach, Florida that
did something very bad yesterday, we all know about it within 24 hours,”
Holliday says. “What is not told are the thousands and thousands and thousands of
good things that law enforcement officers do daily. I think that’s part of the
fallout from our 24-hour news cycle that we have now and social media.”

Holliday is stepping down as Buchanan County Prosecuting
Attorney. He will continue to practice law in a limited capacity. Voters
elected Assistant Prosecutor Michelle Davidson prosecutor in November. Davidson
was Holliday’s first hire as prosecutor and believes though she will have to
cope with personnel changes in the office, she will do a good job.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671820370887.jpeg" alt="Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Holliday/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Holliday/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThere is the perception that crime has increased in St.
Joseph. Then, there is reality.Buchanan County Prosecutor Ron Holliday says there is little
evidence to back the premise that crime is increasing in St. Joseph. But
Holliday acknowledges St. Joseph has seen an increase in violent crime.“There has been an increase in gun-related violence,” Holliday
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview. “2017, I believe, there were eight
murders; 2018, five murders. There has been an increase in gun-related crime.”Holliday says nearly all the violent crime the city has seen
the past few years, including murders, is related to the drug trade. Statistics
released by the St. Joseph Police Department indicate a drop in crime, overall.
The crime statistics compiled from 2021 indicate robberies and burglaries
dropped off dramatically. Violent crime, though, rose.This is the second of a two-part series.Holliday says the prosecutor’s office has only a limited role
in fighting crime. He says that rests mostly on the shoulders of the men and
women who serve in law enforcement, St. Joseph police officers and Buchanan
County deputies.That has become increasingly difficult, according to Holliday.“One of my disappointments, if you want to call it a disappointment,
has been the gradual decline in the number of law enforcement officers that we
have,” Holliday says.Holliday says there aren’t as many life-long veteran
detectives on the St. Joseph police force.“I’ve seen a general decline in the amount of law enforcement that
we have and the experience we have in the police department,” Holliday says.That is most evident in the drop in what Holliday calls
self-initiated arrests, because officers simply don’t have the time.Holliday served as a police officer in Overland Park, Kansas
before deciding to go to law school at the University of Missouri. He worked as
an assistant prosecutor for Jackson County and served as Andrew County Prosecuting
Attorney before coming to the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s Office, first as an
assistant, then as prosecutor.Holliday is hopeful moves by the city and voter-approval of a
police pay plan will help St. Joseph fill vacancies in its police force and,
perhaps, lure veteran officers back to the city. St. Joseph voters approved a
sales tax increase to fund a police pay plan. The St. Joseph Police Department
reports more than 20 vacancies in a police force authorized for 138
commissioned officers.High-profile police abuse cases have undermined respect for
officers in general, according to Holliday, who says he has seen a decline in
respect for the legal system as a whole.Holliday says there has always been rogue cops, but social
media makes it seem that the problem is rampant.“If there’s a police officer in Daytona Beach, Florida that
did something very bad yesterday, we all know about it within 24 hours,”
Holliday says. “What is not told are the thousands and thousands and thousands of
good things that law enforcement officers do daily. I think that’s part of the
fallout from our 24-hour news cycle that we have now and social media.”Holliday is stepping down as Buchanan County Prosecuting
Attorney. He will continue to practice law in a limited capacity. Voters
elected Assistant Prosecutor Michelle Davidson prosecutor in November. Davidson
was Holliday’s first hire as prosecutor and believes though she will have to
cope with personnel changes in the office, she will do a good job.

As he exits, Holliday sees a decline in respect for the legal system

ATCHISON COUNTY, MO.—One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Ram 1500 driven by a 16-year-old Rock Port boy was northbound on U.S. 136 two miles west of Tarkio. The driver lost control on the ice covered road.&nbsp;

 The pickup traveled into the path of an eastbound 2007 Chevy Tahoe driven by Chris J. Miller, 35, Tarkio.

A private vehicle transported a 15-year-old Rock Port girl from the Ram 1500 to Fairfax Community Hospital. The drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY, MO.—One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Ram 1500 driven by a 16-year-old Rock Port boy was northbound on U.S. 136 two miles west of Tarkio. The driver lost control on the ice covered road.&nbsp; The pickup traveled into the path of an eastbound 2007 Chevy Tahoe driven by Chris J. Miller, 35, Tarkio.A private vehicle transported a 15-year-old Rock Port girl from the Ram 1500 to Fairfax Community Hospital. The drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

15-year-old Missouri girl injured after pickup, SUV crash 

As the blood supply remains low the American Red Cross is now dealing with donations being down as people travel for the holidays. &nbsp;

Executive Director for the Greater Kansas City Norhtwest region of the Red Cross JoAnn Woody says now is traditionally the time where blood donations are down.&nbsp;

Woody says it's all about finding a balance between traveling and donating blood.&nbsp;

"Donating blood tends to fall off the radar, it is extremely simple to find a blood drive near you and that's one thing we like to tell folks," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "If you're traveling, if you're visiting somewhere, look for a blood drive close to you it's very easy, you can go to redcross.org and look for a blood drive or you can even download the blood donor app that Red Cross has."&nbsp;

Woody says with those resources it's easy to not only find blood donation opportunities where you live, but also where you might be traveling this holiday season.&nbsp;

However, over the entire year donations have been good, following down years during the COVID pandemic. &nbsp;

Woody says donations remained steady during the pandemic, thanks to precautions being taken, but are seeing them pick back up again. &nbsp;

"Every so often we'll run into one where the attendance is low and it's just a matter of, we cannot take our eye off the prize and we've got to maintain that vigilance of how we promote them, how we talk about them, and keep that need very much at the forefront of folks consideration," Woody says. &nbsp;

Woody says all blood types need to be donated, the most important being the "universal" O negative and O positive blood.&nbsp;

While a steady flow of returning donors are donating blood, Red Cross officials are also encouraging people who haven't donated before to come and donate. &nbsp;

Woody says donations are getting stronger again following the coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;

But Woody says they are working hard to encourage more new people to come out and donate, saying it's the new donors they need to find. &nbsp;

"We really need more blood donors who identify as black or African American because of the potential for them to have a unique trait in their blood makeup that makes their donation much more appropriate for individuals fighting sickel cell disease," Woody explains. "And that's just one example of the need for diverse blood donors."&nbsp;

Woody says the Red Cross is always looking for new ways to get into more diverse communities to attract those donors.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;As the blood supply remains low the American Red Cross is now dealing with donations being down as people travel for the holidays. &nbsp;Executive Director for the Greater Kansas City Norhtwest region of the Red Cross JoAnn Woody says now is traditionally the time where blood donations are down.&nbsp;Woody says it's all about finding a balance between traveling and donating blood.&nbsp;"Donating blood tends to fall off the radar, it is extremely simple to find a blood drive near you and that's one thing we like to tell folks," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "If you're traveling, if you're visiting somewhere, look for a blood drive close to you it's very easy, you can go to redcross.org and look for a blood drive or you can even download the blood donor app that Red Cross has."&nbsp;Woody says with those resources it's easy to not only find blood donation opportunities where you live, but also where you might be traveling this holiday season.&nbsp;However, over the entire year donations have been good, following down years during the COVID pandemic. &nbsp;Woody says donations remained steady during the pandemic, thanks to precautions being taken, but are seeing them pick back up again. &nbsp;"Every so often we'll run into one where the attendance is low and it's just a matter of, we cannot take our eye off the prize and we've got to maintain that vigilance of how we promote them, how we talk about them, and keep that need very much at the forefront of folks consideration," Woody says. &nbsp;Woody says all blood types need to be donated, the most important being the "universal" O negative and O positive blood.&nbsp;While a steady flow of returning donors are donating blood, Red Cross officials are also encouraging people who haven't donated before to come and donate. &nbsp;Woody says donations are getting stronger again following the coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;But Woody says they are working hard to encourage more new people to come out and donate, saying it's the new donors they need to find. &nbsp;"We really need more blood donors who identify as black or African American because of the potential for them to have a unique trait in their blood makeup that makes their donation much more appropriate for individuals fighting sickel cell disease," Woody explains. "And that's just one example of the need for diverse blood donors."&nbsp;Woody says the Red Cross is always looking for new ways to get into more diverse communities to attract those donors.&nbsp;

With holiday travel top of mind, number of blood donations is low

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

On Monday, police arrested 29-year-old Colton J. Dunaway of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 He remains in custody on a Jackson County Kansas warrant on requested charges of forgery and theft.&nbsp;

Dunaway was jailed for a series of crimes from 2016-2018 including failure to appear, giving worthless checks and driving with a suspended license, according ton online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672150302369.png" alt="Dunaway-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Dunaway-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged financial crimes.On Monday, police arrested 29-year-old Colton J. Dunaway of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. He remains in custody on a Jackson County Kansas warrant on requested charges of forgery and theft.&nbsp;Dunaway was jailed for a series of crimes from 2016-2018 including failure to appear, giving worthless checks and driving with a suspended license, according ton online jail records.

Kansas man accused of forgery and theft

The St. Joseph Health Department has suspended all services today due to a water line break and subsequent flooding at Patee Market.&nbsp;

Services impacted by the closure include WIC, pregnancy testing and&nbsp;case management, TB services, immunization services, lead poison prevention services, HIV/STD testing, vital statistics (including issuance of Missouri birth and death certificates), health education and environmental services. 

The Social Welfare Board is not impacted by this closure.&nbsp; The plan is for the clinic to re-open tomorrow, Wednesday December 28th, however you should call the clinic before coming it because it is unknown how long cleanup will take and what equipment has been affected by the flooding.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Health Department has suspended all services today due to a water line break and subsequent flooding at Patee Market.&nbsp;Services impacted by the closure include WIC, pregnancy testing and&nbsp;case management, TB services, immunization services, lead poison prevention services, HIV/STD testing, vital statistics (including issuance of Missouri birth and death certificates), health education and environmental services. The Social Welfare Board is not impacted by this closure.&nbsp; The plan is for the clinic to re-open tomorrow, Wednesday December 28th, however you should call the clinic before coming it because it is unknown how long cleanup will take and what equipment has been affected by the flooding.

St. Joseph Health Department closed today due to water line break

Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Holliday is stepping
down after serving in the office since 2005, first as an assistant, then as
prosecuting attorney.

Holliday says he has enjoyed the work, especially the major
cases, especially murder cases.

“Not only murder cases. I’ve worked on serious shooting cases,
serious assault cases, all kinds of cases,” Holliday tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post
in an interview. “But, it’s those trials, the most serious crimes, that stick
in your memory, that wake you up at three o’clock in the morning, thinking
about them.”

Holliday is 72 and has decided to retire, for the most part.
He will continue to practice law, but in a limited capacity.

Holliday began his career as an Overland Park, Kansas police
officer. After receiving his law degree from the University of Missouri, Holliday
became an assistant prosecutor in Jackson County. He served as Andrew County
Prosecuting Attorney from 1983 to 1990 and has served as city attorney for
Savannah and Country Club Village.

Holliday came to the Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney’s
Office in 2005 when then-Prosecutor Dwight Scroggins recruited Holliday to
serve as his First Assistant Prosecutor.

Holliday was elected Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney in
2018.

Holliday says a prosecutor faces many pressures, but there is
one primary pressure that stands above all others.

“The most difficult task that a prosecutor has is determining
if a charge should be filed and, if so, what kind of charge?”

Holliday says his office files only about half the cases
referred to it. Holliday says the office simply cannot file all the cases
brought to it and acknowledges that causes a clash with law enforcement at
times.

Holliday has seen an increase in crimes involving guns the
past few years, with nearly all the violent crime related to the drug trade.

“We’ve had a lot of very serious crime since 2005 that are
related to gangs fighting with each other, people trying to rip off other drug
dealers with guns and gun fire erupts,” Holliday says.

This is the first part of a two-part series with Holliday. We
discuss changes he has seen over the years in part two tomorrow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671813462232.jpeg" alt="Buchanan County Prosecutor Ron Holliday/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Buchanan County Prosecutor Ron Holliday/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Holliday is stepping
down after serving in the office since 2005, first as an assistant, then as
prosecuting attorney.Holliday says he has enjoyed the work, especially the major
cases, especially murder cases.“Not only murder cases. I’ve worked on serious shooting cases,
serious assault cases, all kinds of cases,” Holliday tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post
in an interview. “But, it’s those trials, the most serious crimes, that stick
in your memory, that wake you up at three o’clock in the morning, thinking
about them.”Holliday is 72 and has decided to retire, for the most part.
He will continue to practice law, but in a limited capacity.Holliday began his career as an Overland Park, Kansas police
officer. After receiving his law degree from the University of Missouri, Holliday
became an assistant prosecutor in Jackson County. He served as Andrew County
Prosecuting Attorney from 1983 to 1990 and has served as city attorney for
Savannah and Country Club Village.Holliday came to the Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney’s
Office in 2005 when then-Prosecutor Dwight Scroggins recruited Holliday to
serve as his First Assistant Prosecutor.Holliday was elected Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney in
2018.Holliday says a prosecutor faces many pressures, but there is
one primary pressure that stands above all others.“The most difficult task that a prosecutor has is determining
if a charge should be filed and, if so, what kind of charge?”Holliday says his office files only about half the cases
referred to it. Holliday says the office simply cannot file all the cases
brought to it and acknowledges that causes a clash with law enforcement at
times.Holliday has seen an increase in crimes involving guns the
past few years, with nearly all the violent crime related to the drug trade.“We’ve had a lot of very serious crime since 2005 that are
related to gangs fighting with each other, people trying to rip off other drug
dealers with guns and gun fire erupts,” Holliday says.This is the first part of a two-part series with Holliday. We
discuss changes he has seen over the years in part two tomorrow.

Buchanan County Prosecutor Holliday looks back as he prepares to leave office

Learn about the majesty of the owls of Missouri as the Remington Nature Center will present two varieties of Missouri owls. &nbsp;

Naturalist Shelly Cox says someone's first experience seeing an owl can be awe inspiring. &nbsp;

"I think there's a lot of myth and mystery abou them because they're nocturnal you don't really see them very often, we tend to be sleeping when they're awake, and so if you're lucky enough to spot one it's a wonderful experience," Cox tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And I think that's kind of the same way for me just having those intermittent experiences throughout life where you see one and you're just fascinated by that."&nbsp;

The Remington Nature Center will welcome two common Missouri owls from the Lakeside Nature Center in Kansas City.&nbsp;

Cox says one owl that will be present will be a Great Horned Owl which is one of the largest species of owl found in the state. &nbsp;

"And they are the largest of the owls in Missouri, there's only one other owl larger in North America and that's the great grey owl, so to be able to see just how large they are up close is going to be I think a really unique and special experience for people," Cox says. "And they're kind of the representation of all owls."&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Learn about the majesty of the owls of Missouri as the Remington Nature Center will present two varieties of Missouri owls. &nbsp;Naturalist Shelly Cox says someone's first experience seeing an owl can be awe inspiring. &nbsp;"I think there's a lot of myth and mystery abou them because they're nocturnal you don't really see them very often, we tend to be sleeping when they're awake, and so if you're lucky enough to spot one it's a wonderful experience," Cox tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And I think that's kind of the same way for me just having those intermittent experiences throughout life where you see one and you're just fascinated by that."&nbsp;The Remington Nature Center will welcome two common Missouri owls from the Lakeside Nature Center in Kansas City.&nbsp;Cox says one owl that will be present will be a Great Horned Owl which is one of the largest species of owl found in the state. &nbsp;"And they are the largest of the owls in Missouri, there's only one other owl larger in North America and that's the great grey owl, so to be able to see just how large they are up close is going to be I think a really unique and special experience for people," Cox says. "And they're kind of the representation of all owls."&nbsp;Cox says when you think of a "hoot" owl you are most likely picturing a Great Horned Owl.&nbsp; &nbsp;Cox says also at the presentation will be one of the smallest species, the screech owl. &nbsp;"There's a few other smaller throughout the country, there's one other that is smaller that comes into Missouri in the winter the saw whet owl, which I think is like everybody's goal bird, the one that they want to see that adorable little saw whet owl that fits in the palm of your hand," Cox explains. "I've yet to see one in person but maybe one day."&nbsp;Presentations will be held at 5 and 6pm. If inclement weather forces a cancellation of the event, the presentation will be back after the new year on January 12th.&nbsp;