A Democrat who ran unsuccessfully for state representative in
northwest Missouri has died.

The family of Lois Pontius announced that she died Wednesday of
a head injury suffered in a fall.

Pontius, who was from Ridgeway, lost the Missouri Second State
Representative District race to Republican Mazzie Boyd of Hamilton November 8th.

“What a life. And she got to kind of go out on a high note
(running a campaign),” Boyd tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “She sent me a really
nice email after the election and I thought that was super classy of her, because
she was always so kind during the campaign.” 

Boyd remembers an opponent who always treated her with
respect.

“And I think that has a lot to say in this day and age when
mostly Republicans and Democrats really can’t even be in the same room,” Boyd
says. “Lois was always very nice. She said very nice things about me. She never
said anything negative.”

Boyd says she had heard Pontius suffered a fall, but had hoped
she would recover.

“I’m sad for her family. I am praying for them. I hope that they
will find peace in this time.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670009442701.jpeg" alt="Lois J. Pontius/Photo courtesy of Bethany Memorial Chapel" />
 <figcaption>Lois J. Pontius/Photo courtesy of Bethany Memorial Chapel</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Democrat who ran unsuccessfully for state representative in
northwest Missouri has died.The family of Lois Pontius announced that she died Wednesday of
a head injury suffered in a fall.Pontius, who was from Ridgeway, lost the Missouri Second State
Representative District race to Republican Mazzie Boyd of Hamilton November 8th.Boyd remembers Pontius fondly.“What a life. And she got to kind of go out on a high note
(running a campaign),” Boyd tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “She sent me a really
nice email after the election and I thought that was super classy of her, because
she was always so kind during the campaign.” Boyd remembers an opponent who always treated her with
respect.“And I think that has a lot to say in this day and age when
mostly Republicans and Democrats really can’t even be in the same room,” Boyd
says. “Lois was always very nice. She said very nice things about me. She never
said anything negative.”Boyd says she had heard Pontius suffered a fall, but had hoped
she would recover.“I’m sad for her family. I am praying for them. I hope that they
will find peace in this time.”Lois Pontius was 81.

Unsuccessful northwest Missouri state rep. candidate dies after fall

CALDWELL COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Suburban driven by a 17-year-old Gallatin boy was northbound on Winchester Road just south of Kerr Drive five miles southeast of Cameron.

The driver lost control of the SUV as it began to slide on the gravel roadway. The Suburban traveled off the road and overturned.&nbsp;

Caldwell County EMS transported the driver to Wright Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Friday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Suburban driven by a 17-year-old Gallatin boy was northbound on Winchester Road just south of Kerr Drive five miles southeast of Cameron.The driver lost control of the SUV as it began to slide on the gravel roadway. The Suburban traveled off the road and overturned.&nbsp;Caldwell County EMS transported the driver to Wright Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen hospitalized after SUV overturns

A vice president with the United States Chamber of Commerce
gives a less-than-optimistic look at Congress during a St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce event.

Ron Eidshaug, who lobbies Congress on behalf of
the Chamber, says he’s not totally pessimistic about Capitol Hill and the
coming divided government.

“The good news is that Republicans and Democrats are going to
have to work together to get something done,” Eidshaug tells reporters afterward.
“So that’s at least a cause for optimism.”

Eidshaug says divided government has some benefits.

“So, the big benefit to divided government is we’re not going
to see anything like the Build Back Better, Inflation Reduction (Act), massive
tax increases on the business community coming through,” according to Eidshaug.
“Divided government is going to force Republicans and Democrats to come up with
bipartisan solutions to solve problems for Americans, for American businesses,
for American families.”

Republicans have retaken the House, while Democrats remain in
control of the Senate and the White House.

Eidshaug says the slim majority in the House will present
likely Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California with some problems keeping his
caucus together to ensure passage of legislation.

Eidshaug says it’s a little too early to envision what the
next session of Congress might be like.

“Certainly, I think the Republicans have indicated they want
to be very aggressive in terms of their oversight approach, but in terms of
legislation, I think we’re going to have to wait and see on some of that stuff.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670007119494.jpeg" alt="U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ron Eidshaug speaks to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce breakfast/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President Ron Eidshaug speaks to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce breakfast/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA vice president with the United States Chamber of Commerce
gives a less-than-optimistic look at Congress during a St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce event.Ron Eidshaug, who lobbies Congress on behalf of
the Chamber, says he’s not totally pessimistic about Capitol Hill and the
coming divided government.“The good news is that Republicans and Democrats are going to
have to work together to get something done,” Eidshaug tells reporters afterward.
“So that’s at least a cause for optimism.”Eidshaug says divided government has some benefits.“So, the big benefit to divided government is we’re not going
to see anything like the Build Back Better, Inflation Reduction (Act), massive
tax increases on the business community coming through,” according to Eidshaug.
“Divided government is going to force Republicans and Democrats to come up with
bipartisan solutions to solve problems for Americans, for American businesses,
for American families.”Republicans have retaken the House, while Democrats remain in
control of the Senate and the White House.Eidshaug says the slim majority in the House will present
likely Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California with some problems keeping his
caucus together to ensure passage of legislation.Eidshaug says it’s a little too early to envision what the
next session of Congress might be like.“Certainly, I think the Republicans have indicated they want
to be very aggressive in terms of their oversight approach, but in terms of
legislation, I think we’re going to have to wait and see on some of that stuff.”

Chamber executive sees benefits in divided government

Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner easily won
re-election this year, his first re-election bid. LaTurner, a Republican who
left the Kansas state Treasurer’s Office to run for Congress two years ago,
says this year’s campaign differed from his first.

“The biggest difference is just knowing the district better
than you did to start with,” LaTurner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Obviously
you campaign hard the first time and get to know folks and get to know the
district, but when you’ve represented the area for a couple of years you really
have a good sense of where people are on the issues. You understand what unique
challenges different parts of the district face.”

Redistricting changed the district a bit, but LaTurner
continues to represent northeast Kansas, as well as all of eastern Kansas
outside the Kansas City, Kansas metro area.

LaTurner hopes to land a spot on the House Appropriations
Committee. He points out a member of the Kansas Congressional delegation served
on the Appropriations Committee for more than 20 years, until 2018.

LaTurner won 55% of the vote two years ago in a hotly
contested contest that drew a lot of national money. LaTurner, though, found
himself in a difficult position when he took office.

“I was a freshman in the minority. And a freshman in the
minority, you’re not able to get a ton of legislative wins, because the
majority controls the schedule, they control the calendar, they control what
bills come to the floor,” according to LaTurner. “And so we were able to pass
legislation, being in the minority, but it’s very difficult to do.”

LaTurner says finding himself in the minority party in the
United States House forced a shift in priorities in which his office
concentrated on providing constituent services.

“Making sure that if you’re a veteran out there, if you have
an issue with Social Security, if you have an issue with your passport,
whatever the case may be when the federal government’s not treating you quite
right, we have been able to really work with our staff making sure that we are doing
that part really well and I think that’s important,” LaTurner says.

LaTurner says constituent services will remain a priority in
his second term. But, now in the majority, LaTurner hopes to have more say on
spending issues as well as agricultural policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670001782814.jpeg" alt="Jake LaTurner Election Night 2020/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Jake LaTurner Election Night 2020/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWhat a difference two years makes.Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner easily won
re-election this year, his first re-election bid. LaTurner, a Republican who
left the Kansas state Treasurer’s Office to run for Congress two years ago,
says this year’s campaign differed from his first.“The biggest difference is just knowing the district better
than you did to start with,” LaTurner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Obviously
you campaign hard the first time and get to know folks and get to know the
district, but when you’ve represented the area for a couple of years you really
have a good sense of where people are on the issues. You understand what unique
challenges different parts of the district face.”Redistricting changed the district a bit, but LaTurner
continues to represent northeast Kansas, as well as all of eastern Kansas
outside the Kansas City, Kansas metro area.LaTurner hopes to land a spot on the House Appropriations
Committee. He points out a member of the Kansas Congressional delegation served
on the Appropriations Committee for more than 20 years, until 2018.LaTurner won 55% of the vote two years ago in a hotly
contested contest that drew a lot of national money. LaTurner, though, found
himself in a difficult position when he took office.“I was a freshman in the minority. And a freshman in the
minority, you’re not able to get a ton of legislative wins, because the
majority controls the schedule, they control the calendar, they control what
bills come to the floor,” according to LaTurner. “And so we were able to pass
legislation, being in the minority, but it’s very difficult to do.”LaTurner says finding himself in the minority party in the
United States House forced a shift in priorities in which his office
concentrated on providing constituent services.“Making sure that if you’re a veteran out there, if you have
an issue with Social Security, if you have an issue with your passport,
whatever the case may be when the federal government’s not treating you quite
right, we have been able to really work with our staff making sure that we are doing
that part really well and I think that’s important,” LaTurner says.LaTurner says constituent services will remain a priority in
his second term. But, now in the majority, LaTurner hopes to have more say on
spending issues as well as agricultural policy.

Congressman LaTurner finds himself in a different position after re-election

MERCER COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Thursday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Jeep Wrangler driven by Hannah S. Bruse, 19, Princeton, was east bound on Elliot Road five miles northwest of Princeton.

The driver swerved to avoid a deer. The Jeep traveled off the road, struck an embankment and overturned. A private vehicle transported Bruse to Decatur Co. Hospital in Leon, Iowa. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

MERCER COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Thursday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Jeep Wrangler driven by Hannah S. Bruse, 19, Princeton, was east bound on Elliot Road five miles northwest of Princeton. The driver swerved to avoid a deer. The Jeep traveled off the road, struck an embankment and overturned. A private vehicle transported Bruse to Decatur Co. Hospital in Leon, Iowa. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after she swerves to avoid a deer

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;

The pilot has come in for a landing. In this case, the pilot is the famous aviator Amelia Earhart (or her replica in the form of a bronze statue), and her landing place isn’t an airport — it’s the nation’s capitol.&nbsp;

Amelia Earhart was recently honored by the State of Kansas by having her statue placed in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol building.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Statuary Hall is that area of the capitol that displays statues depicting people representing all 50 states. Each state is authorized to send two statues to this collection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas recently replaced one of its statues with one of Amelia Earhart, who captured the world’s attention as a pioneer in aviation.&nbsp;

With support from the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation, her statue was unveiled in the National Statuary Collection in July, 2022.&nbsp;

Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison on July 24, 1897. She must have been quite the adventurous child.&nbsp;&nbsp;One time she and friends built a homemade roller coaster by greasing boards with lard and suspending them from the top of a toolshed. Amelia made the trial run on this roller coaster in a wooden crate and crashed part way down.&nbsp;

She came up with a torn dress and split lip but a big smile, proclaiming, "Oh! It's just like flying!"&nbsp;

During World War I, she worked as a nurse’s aid at a military hospital and heard the military pilots talk about their flights. Amelia’s interest grew when she attended an airshow in Canada.&nbsp;

In 1921, Amelia Earhart took her first flying lessons. Six months later, she bought her first plane.&nbsp;

Amelia went on to make history: She was the first president of the Ninety-Nines, a women's aviation organization; the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic; first woman to fly solo coast-to-coast; and the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the mainland.&nbsp;

Through her husband, a publisher, she published several books and articles. She designed fashion clothing and had her own luggage line. She received many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, before disappearing on an ill-fated attempt to fly around the globe.&nbsp;

So what is Statuary Hall and how did Amelia Earhart come to land there? Statuary Hall goes back to the 1860s when a south wing was added to the U.S. Capitol building. The House of Representatives moved into its new chamber where it still meets today.&nbsp;

The House was debating what should be done with the former chamber that it had vacated. A suggestion came from Rep. Justin Morrill of Vermont. (This was the same congressman who authored the Morrill Act that authorized land grants for public higher education and under which Kansas State University became the nation’s first operational land grant university.)&nbsp;

Morrill suggested that the former House chamber become a place to display statues from each state. His suggestion was adopted. Every state was allowed to have two statues.&nbsp;

One might ask, who were the two statues from Kansas? Would you guess, George Glick and John J. Ingalls? When I led capitol tours years ago, our visitors would ask,&nbsp;&nbsp;“Who are those guys?&nbsp;&nbsp;Never heard of them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

I learned that George Glick was a one-term governor of Kansas and John J. Ingalls was a long-time Senator during the late 1800s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2003, Kansas became the first state to change its two representative statues. The Kansas Legislature voted to replace Glick and Ingalls with statues depicting Dwight D. Eisenhower and Amelia Earhart, provided the statues were funded with private money.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ike was placed there in 2003 and Amelia followed in 2022.&nbsp;

The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation paid for the statue of Amelia. The foundation is also working toward opening an aviation museum in her honor. That would be a wonderful addition to the rural community of Atchison, population 10,885 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/foundation">www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/foundation</a>.&nbsp;

This pilot has come in for a landing – that is, landing a spot in the Statuary Hall collection in Washington DC.&nbsp;

We commend the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation for making a difference by honoring her legacy. I hope Amelia’s ideals keep flying high.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669815891320.png" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;The pilot has come in for a landing. In this case, the pilot is the famous aviator Amelia Earhart (or her replica in the form of a bronze statue), and her landing place isn’t an airport — it’s the nation’s capitol.&nbsp;Amelia Earhart was recently honored by the State of Kansas by having her statue placed in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol building.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Statuary Hall is that area of the capitol that displays statues depicting people representing all 50 states. Each state is authorized to send two statues to this collection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas recently replaced one of its statues with one of Amelia Earhart, who captured the world’s attention as a pioneer in aviation.&nbsp;With support from the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation, her statue was unveiled in the National Statuary Collection in July, 2022.&nbsp;Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison on July 24, 1897. She must have been quite the adventurous child.&nbsp;&nbsp;One time she and friends built a homemade roller coaster by greasing boards with lard and suspending them from the top of a toolshed. Amelia made the trial run on this roller coaster in a wooden crate and crashed part way down.&nbsp;She came up with a torn dress and split lip but a big smile, proclaiming, "Oh! It's just like flying!"&nbsp;During World War I, she worked as a nurse’s aid at a military hospital and heard the military pilots talk about their flights. Amelia’s interest grew when she attended an airshow in Canada.&nbsp;In 1921, Amelia Earhart took her first flying lessons. Six months later, she bought her first plane.&nbsp;Amelia went on to make history: She was the first president of the Ninety-Nines, a women's aviation organization; the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic; first woman to fly solo coast-to-coast; and the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the mainland.&nbsp;Through her husband, a publisher, she published several books and articles. She designed fashion clothing and had her own luggage line. She received many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, before disappearing on an ill-fated attempt to fly around the globe.&nbsp;So what is Statuary Hall and how did Amelia Earhart come to land there? Statuary Hall goes back to the 1860s when a south wing was added to the U.S. Capitol building. The House of Representatives moved into its new chamber where it still meets today.&nbsp;The House was debating what should be done with the former chamber that it had vacated. A suggestion came from Rep. Justin Morrill of Vermont. (This was the same congressman who authored the Morrill Act that authorized land grants for public higher education and under which Kansas State University became the nation’s first operational land grant university.)&nbsp;Morrill suggested that the former House chamber become a place to display statues from each state. His suggestion was adopted. Every state was allowed to have two statues.&nbsp;One might ask, who were the two statues from Kansas? Would you guess, George Glick and John J. Ingalls? When I led capitol tours years ago, our visitors would ask,&nbsp;&nbsp;“Who are those guys?&nbsp;&nbsp;Never heard of them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;I learned that George Glick was a one-term governor of Kansas and John J. Ingalls was a long-time Senator during the late 1800s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2003, Kansas became the first state to change its two representative statues. The Kansas Legislature voted to replace Glick and Ingalls with statues depicting Dwight D. Eisenhower and Amelia Earhart, provided the statues were funded with private money.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ike was placed there in 2003 and Amelia followed in 2022.&nbsp;The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation paid for the statue of Amelia. The foundation is also working toward opening an aviation museum in her honor. That would be a wonderful addition to the rural community of Atchison, population 10,885 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/foundation">www.ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/foundation</a>.&nbsp;This pilot has come in for a landing – that is, landing a spot in the Statuary Hall collection in Washington DC.&nbsp;We commend the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation for making a difference by honoring her legacy. I hope Amelia’s ideals keep flying high.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Amelia Earhart 

A Maysville business owner is calling for a state audit of the
Maysville School District.

Paul Hamby claims a number of questions have been circulating
in the community and says answers have been hard to find.

“It could be that it’s just (the) appearance of things not
being right or maybe there are things that shouldn’t be happening, but the only
way to know is to have an audit from an independent third party,” Hamby tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Hamby further claims district officials have not been
cooperative when he has asked for information.

“And really this kind of came to a head a few months ago when
I tried to find minutes of the school board meetings and in September I tried
to find when the next school board meeting was. None of that information was
readily available,” Hamby says. “I left a message at the superintendent’s
office and the call was never returned.”

Maysville School Superintendent Chris Heslinga says there isn’t
any evidence that Hamby reached out to his office.

“As far as the allegation Paul saying that he called the
school, we have no record (of it),” Heslinga says in an interview with KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “We don’t screen our calls. We do not have caller ID. And so, we
don’t have any record that Paul has called here or anything like that. So,
again, those are allegations.”

Heslinga adds all school board minutes are posted on the district
website as well as posted in the high school cafeteria. Heslinga does say if
the district has to undergo a state audit, he will embrace the process.

“Every community member has the right to call for one,”
Heslinga replies when asked about Hamby’s push for a state audit. “It is
unusual since our school district and all other school districts in the state
of Missouri (have) an outside firm that does their audit.” 

Heslinga says Clevenger and Associates of Chillicothe conducts
the audits of the school district.

Hamby questions the decision to build a new concession stand
at a cost of approximately $300,000, stating it could have been completed for
half that cost. Hamby says he has been told the Maysville School District is
saving a substantial amount of money, likely to finance a new building to
replace the aging Junior High-High School Building.

“One of the questions is:&nbsp;
is it better to build a new building or is it better to repair the old
building? But if the old building is being neglected and not taken care of properly
then that gives a perception that the only choice is to build a new building,”
according to Hamby

Maysville school officials have been conducting tours of the
school buildings and Superintendent Chris Heslinga says the community will
decide whether to upgrade or build new.

“But when you have a building that’s 90-years-old, we need to
decide what is best 20, 30, 40 years down the road,” Heslinga says “So that’s
kind of where we’re at.”

A citizen can request a state audit if they gather the
required number of signatures. Hamby estimates he will need a bit more than 300
signatures from registered voters in the district to make the request to the
Missouri State Auditor.

If the state conducts an audit, the district would be required
to pay its cost, estimated to be between $40,000 and $60,000.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Maysville business owner is calling for a state audit of the
Maysville School District.Paul Hamby claims a number of questions have been circulating
in the community and says answers have been hard to find.“It could be that it’s just (the) appearance of things not
being right or maybe there are things that shouldn’t be happening, but the only
way to know is to have an audit from an independent third party,” Hamby tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Hamby further claims district officials have not been
cooperative when he has asked for information.“And really this kind of came to a head a few months ago when
I tried to find minutes of the school board meetings and in September I tried
to find when the next school board meeting was. None of that information was
readily available,” Hamby says. “I left a message at the superintendent’s
office and the call was never returned.”Maysville School Superintendent Chris Heslinga says there isn’t
any evidence that Hamby reached out to his office.“As far as the allegation Paul saying that he called the
school, we have no record (of it),” Heslinga says in an interview with KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “We don’t screen our calls. We do not have caller ID. And so, we
don’t have any record that Paul has called here or anything like that. So,
again, those are allegations.”Heslinga adds all school board minutes are posted on the district
website as well as posted in the high school cafeteria. Heslinga does say if
the district has to undergo a state audit, he will embrace the process.“Every community member has the right to call for one,”
Heslinga replies when asked about Hamby’s push for a state audit. “It is
unusual since our school district and all other school districts in the state
of Missouri (have) an outside firm that does their audit.” Heslinga says Clevenger and Associates of Chillicothe conducts
the audits of the school district.Hamby questions the decision to build a new concession stand
at a cost of approximately $300,000, stating it could have been completed for
half that cost. Hamby says he has been told the Maysville School District is
saving a substantial amount of money, likely to finance a new building to
replace the aging Junior High-High School Building.“One of the questions is:&nbsp;
is it better to build a new building or is it better to repair the old
building? But if the old building is being neglected and not taken care of properly
then that gives a perception that the only choice is to build a new building,”
according to HambyMaysville school officials have been conducting tours of the
school buildings and Superintendent Chris Heslinga says the community will
decide whether to upgrade or build new.“But when you have a building that’s 90-years-old, we need to
decide what is best 20, 30, 40 years down the road,” Heslinga says “So that’s
kind of where we’re at.”A citizen can request a state audit if they gather the
required number of signatures. Hamby estimates he will need a bit more than 300
signatures from registered voters in the district to make the request to the
Missouri State Auditor.If the state conducts an audit, the district would be required
to pay its cost, estimated to be between $40,000 and $60,000.

Maysville business owner pushing for state audit of school district

With Republicans capturing the majority in the United States
House, northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves is in line to become the chair
of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Graves, now the ranking Republican on the committee, says the
top task of the committee in the upcoming Congress is overseeing how the Biden
administration handles the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Congress approved.

“We will be responsible for doling out a lot of the money in
the infrastructure bill,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We’ll be
responsible for oversight to make sure that the administration is following the
letter of the law and making sure that the administration is not trying to
change the law through rule-making authority.”

Graves says the Transportation Committee is mostly bipartisan,
with the exception of how the two parties split on the massive infrastructure
bill. Republicans had pushed for a smaller, more targeted infrastructure measure.

Graves says Republicans will keep an eye on how the Biden
administration spends the money.

“Because we know that many of the bureaucrats in the
administration are trying to change the letter of the law when it comes to
pushing that money out,” according to Graves. “There’s also the potential for a
lot of waste and fraud. When you’re putting $1.2 trillion out and you’re
pushing it out as fast as you possibly can, there’s a tremendous amount of opportunity
for waste. We want to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Graves says he wants to grant states more flexibility in how
to spend the funds.

“The administration is trying to push people into mass transit,”
Graves says. “Well, that just doesn’t work in places like rural Missouri and
places like rural America. It simply doesn’t work. You need more capacity on
the roads in more traditional ways. And so, the administration is trying to
change that through rule making and so we’re going to be pushing back on that
to make sure that that doesn’t happen.”

Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives
during the midterm elections. It appears their majority will be slim, similar
to the small majority Democrats enjoy in the current session of Congress.

Graves says that while his top priority as chair will be
oversight, the committee will also be handling FAA reauthorization, renewal of
the Pipeline Safety Bill as well as the Water Resources Bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669820767471.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWith Republicans capturing the majority in the United States
House, northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves is in line to become the chair
of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.Graves, now the ranking Republican on the committee, says the
top task of the committee in the upcoming Congress is overseeing how the Biden
administration handles the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Congress approved.“We will be responsible for doling out a lot of the money in
the infrastructure bill,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We’ll be
responsible for oversight to make sure that the administration is following the
letter of the law and making sure that the administration is not trying to
change the law through rule-making authority.”Graves says the Transportation Committee is mostly bipartisan,
with the exception of how the two parties split on the massive infrastructure
bill. Republicans had pushed for a smaller, more targeted infrastructure measure.Graves says Republicans will keep an eye on how the Biden
administration spends the money.“Because we know that many of the bureaucrats in the
administration are trying to change the letter of the law when it comes to
pushing that money out,” according to Graves. “There’s also the potential for a
lot of waste and fraud. When you’re putting $1.2 trillion out and you’re
pushing it out as fast as you possibly can, there’s a tremendous amount of opportunity
for waste. We want to make sure that doesn’t happen.”Graves says he wants to grant states more flexibility in how
to spend the funds.“The administration is trying to push people into mass transit,”
Graves says. “Well, that just doesn’t work in places like rural Missouri and
places like rural America. It simply doesn’t work. You need more capacity on
the roads in more traditional ways. And so, the administration is trying to
change that through rule making and so we’re going to be pushing back on that
to make sure that that doesn’t happen.”Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives
during the midterm elections. It appears their majority will be slim, similar
to the small majority Democrats enjoy in the current session of Congress.Graves says that while his top priority as chair will be
oversight, the committee will also be handling FAA reauthorization, renewal of
the Pipeline Safety Bill as well as the Water Resources Bill.

Congressman Graves set to become chair of House Transportation Committee

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating the theft of cash and blank business checks from the Human Society in the 100 North 21st in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The theft occurred sometime between November 23 and November 28. Police released no additional details.&nbsp; The Humane Society issued a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HumaneSocietyOfAtchison/posts/pfbid025vCoTQoXD8uiPUwoPPdoyf6vbEkhaWhrwQATyfKLUjSviow8sEYkSkLyZAQ4GXpzl">wish list </a>to help them due to the loss.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669820505446.png" alt="photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating the theft of cash and blank business checks from the Human Society in the 100 North 21st in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The theft occurred sometime between November 23 and November 28. Police released no additional details.&nbsp; The Humane Society issued a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HumaneSocietyOfAtchison/posts/pfbid025vCoTQoXD8uiPUwoPPdoyf6vbEkhaWhrwQATyfKLUjSviow8sEYkSkLyZAQ4GXpzl">wish list </a>to help them due to the loss.

Police: Cash, blank business checks taken from Humane Society

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of bond violations earlier this year was back in jail on Monday.

David W. Chapman, 52, Lancaster, was arrested on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In November of last year he was accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to online jail records. He is no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669730424605.png" alt="Chapman-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Chapman-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of bond violations earlier this year was back in jail on Monday.David W. Chapman, 52, Lancaster, was arrested on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In November of last year he was accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to online jail records. He is no longer in custody.

Kan. man jailed numerous times is accused of failure to appear

County and city officials are pinning a lot of hopes on
creation of the Children’s Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph.

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says
creation of the Children’s Discovery Center will give the area an attraction
once only available in much larger cities.

Sawyer says he’s excited about the plans the Mosaic Life Care
Foundation has for the Discovery Center just now under construction in the
Plymouth Building.

“There are just so many reasons to believe that this is going
to be a big shot in the arm for downtown,” Sawyer tells host Barry Birr during
a recent visit on the KFEQ Hotline. “It’s going to be a great opportunity for
our young people who will have a chance to work in these interactive learning
environments that these kinds of facilities nowadays have. It’s really
remarkable stuff.”

Construction should take about two years.

Sawyer says the Discovery Center will be comparable to similar
centers in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska as well as in Kansas City.

Sawyer is excited about the promise of the discovery center
brings.

“I think the community deserves this. I think it’s perfect for
us and I think it’s a difference maker going forward,” Sawyer says.

The project is a
collaboration between the Mosaic Life Care Foundation, Mosaic Life Care,
Buchanan County, and the City of St. Joseph. County and city officials set aside
federal money given as part of coronavirus pandemic economic relief to help finance construction of the center.

St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter points out the city has
purchased a lot at 513 Felix Street near the Discovery Center as part of the revival
of the corridor that includes the Civic Arena.

“Discovery Center can be an anchor for really bringing a whole
lot of activity right back in there,” Carter tells Birr during his stint on the
KFEQ Hotline.

Carter says the city council purchased the lot at 513 Felix as
part of its efforts to revive the corridor between the Civic Arena and the
Discovery Center.

“We have a parking garage there that we’re looking for
solutions on,” Carter says. “It needs some work. We’re looking for ways to get
that work done. But that garage and then that link between that garage and the
Discovery Center will be critically important and 513 Felix was one those
pieces of that link.”

Carter says the Discovery Center could prove to help
revitalize a portion of downtown St. Joseph that has been stagnant for some
time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669147497399.jpeg" alt="Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostCounty and city officials are pinning a lot of hopes on
creation of the Children’s Discovery Center in downtown St. Joseph.Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says
creation of the Children’s Discovery Center will give the area an attraction
once only available in much larger cities.Sawyer says he’s excited about the plans the Mosaic Life Care
Foundation has for the Discovery Center just now under construction in the
Plymouth Building.“There are just so many reasons to believe that this is going
to be a big shot in the arm for downtown,” Sawyer tells host Barry Birr during
a recent visit on the KFEQ Hotline. “It’s going to be a great opportunity for
our young people who will have a chance to work in these interactive learning
environments that these kinds of facilities nowadays have. It’s really
remarkable stuff.”Construction should take about two years.Sawyer says the Discovery Center will be comparable to similar
centers in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska as well as in Kansas City.Sawyer is excited about the promise of the discovery center
brings.“I think the community deserves this. I think it’s perfect for
us and I think it’s a difference maker going forward,” Sawyer says.The project is a
collaboration between the Mosaic Life Care Foundation, Mosaic Life Care,
Buchanan County, and the City of St. Joseph. County and city officials set aside
federal money given as part of coronavirus pandemic economic relief to help finance construction of the center.St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter points out the city has
purchased a lot at 513 Felix Street near the Discovery Center as part of the revival
of the corridor that includes the Civic Arena.“Discovery Center can be an anchor for really bringing a whole
lot of activity right back in there,” Carter tells Birr during his stint on the
KFEQ Hotline.Carter says the city council purchased the lot at 513 Felix as
part of its efforts to revive the corridor between the Civic Arena and the
Discovery Center.“We have a parking garage there that we’re looking for
solutions on,” Carter says. “It needs some work. We’re looking for ways to get
that work done. But that garage and then that link between that garage and the
Discovery Center will be critically important and 513 Felix was one those
pieces of that link.”Carter says the Discovery Center could prove to help
revitalize a portion of downtown St. Joseph that has been stagnant for some
time.

Officials believe St. Joseph Children's Discovery Center could be a game changer

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.

Early Saturday police were called report of a burglary at a home in the 2200 Block of Millwood Drive in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Just after 5a.m., police arrested 19-year-old Micah R. Turner of Atchison on requested charges of aggravated burglary, theft and unlawfully entering a home occupied by persons known to him.&nbsp;

He remains in custody on a $15,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669655851228.png" alt="Turner-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Turner-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.Early Saturday police were called report of a burglary at a home in the 2200 Block of Millwood Drive in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Just after 5a.m., police arrested 19-year-old Micah R. Turner of Atchison on requested charges of aggravated burglary, theft and unlawfully entering a home occupied by persons known to him.&nbsp;He remains in custody on a $15,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of weekend burglary, theft

Republicans had a disappointing showing in the mid-term
elections.

But northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says his party
had some surprising successes. Graves says, overall, Republicans are
disappointed the party didn’t gain more seats in the United States House of
Representatives.

“But we did pick up seats in New York we didn’t expect to. We
picked up seats in Florida. We picked up seats in California,” Graves tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, that was a little bit of a surprise, the number of
seats for instance that we picked up in New York.”

Graves says the party failed to play better defense, losing
some seats Republicans had gained in the last election.

Graves says the priorities will change when Republicans take
control in January.

“We’ll be working very hard to try to get a handle on slowing
down this spending so we can get our arms around inflation,” Graves says. “We
want to make the United States energy-independent again. That’s something that
is vitally important.”

Republicans hold only a slight majority in the House. Once all
the elections have been settled, it appears Republicans will hold the slim
majority Democrats did with only about eight seats separating the two parties
in the U.S. House.

Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner, who won his first
re-election bid, says that razor-thin majority means Republicans need to choose
their fights wisely.

“So, for example, I think one of the fights that we should be
willing to have is to defund 87,000 IRS agents,” LaTurner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “I don’t recall anyone across the district telling me that we need more IRS
agents. I think that’s a fight worth having.”

LaTurner also agrees Congress must get spending under control.

“We are $31 trillion in debt and counting,” Turner states. “We
have to have a solution for that. We have to live within our means. We have to
actually pass budgets. We’ve got to stop the trillions of dollars in
out-of-control spending that’s happened over the last two years that has really
contributed to inflation.”

LaTurner adds that since the party will enjoy only a slight
majority in the House, Republicans need to stick together.

“In order to get anything done, we’re going to have to stick
together,” according to LaTurner. “Of course, we’re going to have disagreements
internally, but we would do best to keep those disagreements internal.”

Graves agrees it’s important for the House Republican Caucus
to be united when the new Congress convenes at the beginning of the New Year.

“Obviously, what’s good for urban California is not
necessarily good for rural Missouri,” Graves says. “So, you do have some
differences when it comes to geography and some philosophical differences in
many respects. But we are a united conference and we’re walking through the
process of transition right now.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRepublicans had a disappointing showing in the mid-term
elections.But northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says his party
had some surprising successes. Graves says, overall, Republicans are
disappointed the party didn’t gain more seats in the United States House of
Representatives.“But we did pick up seats in New York we didn’t expect to. We
picked up seats in Florida. We picked up seats in California,” Graves tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, that was a little bit of a surprise, the number of
seats for instance that we picked up in New York.”Graves says the party failed to play better defense, losing
some seats Republicans had gained in the last election.Graves says the priorities will change when Republicans take
control in January.“We’ll be working very hard to try to get a handle on slowing
down this spending so we can get our arms around inflation,” Graves says. “We
want to make the United States energy-independent again. That’s something that
is vitally important.”Republicans hold only a slight majority in the House. Once all
the elections have been settled, it appears Republicans will hold the slim
majority Democrats did with only about eight seats separating the two parties
in the U.S. House.Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner, who won his first
re-election bid, says that razor-thin majority means Republicans need to choose
their fights wisely.“So, for example, I think one of the fights that we should be
willing to have is to defund 87,000 IRS agents,” LaTurner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. “I don’t recall anyone across the district telling me that we need more IRS
agents. I think that’s a fight worth having.”LaTurner also agrees Congress must get spending under control.“We are $31 trillion in debt and counting,” Turner states. “We
have to have a solution for that. We have to live within our means. We have to
actually pass budgets. We’ve got to stop the trillions of dollars in
out-of-control spending that’s happened over the last two years that has really
contributed to inflation.”LaTurner adds that since the party will enjoy only a slight
majority in the House, Republicans need to stick together.“In order to get anything done, we’re going to have to stick
together,” according to LaTurner. “Of course, we’re going to have disagreements
internally, but we would do best to keep those disagreements internal.”Graves agrees it’s important for the House Republican Caucus
to be united when the new Congress convenes at the beginning of the New Year.“Obviously, what’s good for urban California is not
necessarily good for rural Missouri,” Graves says. “So, you do have some
differences when it comes to geography and some philosophical differences in
many respects. But we are a united conference and we’re walking through the
process of transition right now.”

Congressmen Graves & LaTurner want a united GOP Caucus under a new Congress

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Monday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Expedition driven by Sarah J. Germann, 41, Council Bluffs, Iowa, was northbound on U.S. 71 at Galazy Road five miles north of Marysville.&nbsp;

The SUV rear-ended a 2014 Toyota Highlander driven by Leeta K. Yoder, 25, Maryville, who had slowed to make a left turn.

A private vehicle transported Yoder to Mullock Clinic. Nodaway County EMS transported Germann to Mosaic in Maryville. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Monday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Expedition driven by Sarah J. Germann, 41, Council Bluffs, Iowa, was northbound on U.S. 71 at Galazy Road five miles north of Marysville.&nbsp; The SUV rear-ended a 2014 Toyota Highlander driven by Leeta K. Yoder, 25, Maryville, who had slowed to make a left turn.A private vehicle transported Yoder to Mullock Clinic. Nodaway County EMS transported Germann to Mosaic in Maryville. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 injured after Nodaway County rear-end crash

With lows expected to drop well below freezing again later this week, it's important to make sure water pipes in your home are protected from the temperatures.&nbsp;

Spokeswoman for Missouri American Water Christie Barnhart says every year Missouri American Water puts out tips of ways to protect your pipes.&nbsp;

"They're just some easy things that can be done at an individual's place of residence that can prevent what can result in being a very costly problem to have and also one that's inconvenience," Barnhart tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Because not only are you looking at expenses if pipes burst, you also don't have water."&nbsp;

Barnart says some simple tips to remember to keep your pipes from freezing are to keep cabinet doors open at night and to keep a small trickle running from the faucet. &nbsp;

Barnhart adds everyone should also know where the main shut off valve is in the case of pipes freezing, to avoid the expense of burst pipes flooding your home.&nbsp;

Barnhart says it's common when pipes freeze for people to think it's an issue with the water company.&nbsp;

"We do get phone calls quite often from people that experience this," Barnhart explains. "And a lot of times they don't have water and they think that there's something happened with the water company when in reality it's just their own pipes frozen."&nbsp;

She says if there are no water main breaks in your area and you have no water, more than likely it's because your pipes froze. &nbsp;

You can check Missouri American Waters website for tips to help prevent pipes from freezing during the night with the colder temperatures.&nbsp;

The colder weather could also bring snow this winter, which in most people's minds could contribute even more to pipes becoming frozen. &nbsp;

But Barnhart says actually packed snow around your water meter, could do more good&nbsp;than it does harm, as it provides insulation for the water.&nbsp;

"And a lot of times we have people that want to go check their meter or remove snow from their meter lid, and that's actually the last thing, and probably the worst thing, a person can do," Barnhart says. "Because the snow is actually insulating and if they remove the snow from the meter, or even lift the lid, that exposes that meter to that cold air which can cause a meter to bust."&nbsp;

Barnhart says Missouri American does have a significant problem with people messing with the meter and lifting the lid, and reminds everyone again to leave it alone, and if you have issues to call the water company&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;With lows expected to drop well below freezing again later this week, it's important to make sure water pipes in your home are protected from the temperatures.&nbsp;Spokeswoman for Missouri American Water Christie Barnhart says every year Missouri American Water puts out tips of ways to protect your pipes.&nbsp;"They're just some easy things that can be done at an individual's place of residence that can prevent what can result in being a very costly problem to have and also one that's inconvenience," Barnhart tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Because not only are you looking at expenses if pipes burst, you also don't have water."&nbsp;Barnart says some simple tips to remember to keep your pipes from freezing are to keep cabinet doors open at night and to keep a small trickle running from the faucet. &nbsp;Barnhart adds everyone should also know where the main shut off valve is in the case of pipes freezing, to avoid the expense of burst pipes flooding your home.&nbsp;Barnhart says it's common when pipes freeze for people to think it's an issue with the water company.&nbsp;"We do get phone calls quite often from people that experience this," Barnhart explains. "And a lot of times they don't have water and they think that there's something happened with the water company when in reality it's just their own pipes frozen."&nbsp;She says if there are no water main breaks in your area and you have no water, more than likely it's because your pipes froze. &nbsp;You can check Missouri American Waters website for tips to help prevent pipes from freezing during the night with the colder temperatures.&nbsp;The colder weather could also bring snow this winter, which in most people's minds could contribute even more to pipes becoming frozen. &nbsp;But Barnhart says actually packed snow around your water meter, could do more good&nbsp;than it does harm, as it provides insulation for the water.&nbsp;"And a lot of times we have people that want to go check their meter or remove snow from their meter lid, and that's actually the last thing, and probably the worst thing, a person can do," Barnhart says. "Because the snow is actually insulating and if they remove the snow from the meter, or even lift the lid, that exposes that meter to that cold air which can cause a meter to bust."&nbsp;Barnhart says Missouri American does have a significant problem with people messing with the meter and lifting the lid, and reminds everyone again to leave it alone, and if you have issues to call the water company&nbsp;

With the cold nights back this week, make sure you protect your pipes

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on new charges after a holiday-weekend arrest.

On Thanksgiving Day,&nbsp;Devaries T. Smith, 37, Atchison, was arrested on&nbsp; on a U.S. Marshal’s Service warrant for an alleged probation violation, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He remains in custody and is being held with no bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669634090846.png" alt="Smith-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on new charges after a holiday-weekend arrest.On Thanksgiving Day,&nbsp;Devaries T. Smith, 37, Atchison, was arrested on&nbsp; on a U.S. Marshal’s Service warrant for an alleged probation violation, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He remains in custody and is being held with no bond, according to online jail records.

Thanksgiving Day arrest on U.S. Marshal's Service warrant

A disruption in the supply chain has already had negative
ripple effects through the economy.

A possible rail strike looms after another railroad union
rejected an agreement brokered by the Biden administration.

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, the ranking
Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, says there
is a very good chance Congress will have to intervene to prevent a rail strike
that could cripple the economy.

“It does worry me with Christmas coming on and what we’re
seeing,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We are still under Speaker Pelosi,
her leadership, up until January 3rd and she’s going to have to make
a decision.”

The possibility of a rail strike grew earlier this week when
one of the biggest rail unions rejected the compromise, joining three other
unions that contend rail freight companies haven’t agreed to ease demanding
schedules and offer paid sick time.

Unions could call for a strike as early as December 9th.

Congress has stepped in before. A strike in 1992 lasted all of
two days before Congress imposed a contract. A 1926 law governing rail
negotiations makes it very difficult for rail workers to go on strike.

Railroads
haul about 40% of the nation's freight each year. Railroads estimate a strike
would cost the national economy $2 billion a day. Trucking would not be able to
pick up the slack if railroads shut down.

Graves says the timing couldn’t be much worse with the
Christmas shopping season underway. Graves says Congress might be forced to
intervene.

“It would be nice if they could come to an agreement, but if
they won’t, then Congress needs to intervene, because it could cripple the
country,” Graves says.

Also, a
freight rail shutdown would nearly bring passenger rail to a halt. Around half
of all commuter trains run over tracks owned by freight railroads. Nearly all
long-distance Amtrak routes run over freight tracks.

Nationally, retailers appear set for this Christmas, but that
doesn’t mean they don’t have concerns about a possible rail strike.

“We
don’t see, you know, canceling Christmas and that kind of narrative,” Jess
Dankert, the vice president for supply chain at the Retail Industry Leaders
Association, Dankert said. “But I think we will see the generalized disruption
of really anything that moves by rail.”

David
Garfield, a managing director with the consulting firm AlixPartners, said a
rail strike could still impact holiday items shipped to stores later in
December, and would definitely hamper stocking of next season’s goods.

Retailers
are also concerned about online orders. Shippers like FedEx and UPS use rail
cars that hold roughly 2,000 packages in each car.

Associated
Press Writers David Pitt in Des Moines, Iowa, and Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit
contributed to this report.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA disruption in the supply chain has already had negative
ripple effects through the economy.It could get worse.A possible rail strike looms after another railroad union
rejected an agreement brokered by the Biden administration.Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, the ranking
Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, says there
is a very good chance Congress will have to intervene to prevent a rail strike
that could cripple the economy.“It does worry me with Christmas coming on and what we’re
seeing,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We are still under Speaker Pelosi,
her leadership, up until January 3rd and she’s going to have to make
a decision.”The possibility of a rail strike grew earlier this week when
one of the biggest rail unions rejected the compromise, joining three other
unions that contend rail freight companies haven’t agreed to ease demanding
schedules and offer paid sick time.Unions could call for a strike as early as December 9th.Congress has stepped in before. A strike in 1992 lasted all of
two days before Congress imposed a contract. A 1926 law governing rail
negotiations makes it very difficult for rail workers to go on strike.Railroads
haul about 40% of the nation's freight each year. Railroads estimate a strike
would cost the national economy $2 billion a day. Trucking would not be able to
pick up the slack if railroads shut down.Graves says the timing couldn’t be much worse with the
Christmas shopping season underway. Graves says Congress might be forced to
intervene.“It would be nice if they could come to an agreement, but if
they won’t, then Congress needs to intervene, because it could cripple the
country,” Graves says.Also, a
freight rail shutdown would nearly bring passenger rail to a halt. Around half
of all commuter trains run over tracks owned by freight railroads. Nearly all
long-distance Amtrak routes run over freight tracks.Nationally, retailers appear set for this Christmas, but that
doesn’t mean they don’t have concerns about a possible rail strike.“We
don’t see, you know, canceling Christmas and that kind of narrative,” Jess
Dankert, the vice president for supply chain at the Retail Industry Leaders
Association, Dankert said. “But I think we will see the generalized disruption
of really anything that moves by rail.”David
Garfield, a managing director with the consulting firm AlixPartners, said a
rail strike could still impact holiday items shipped to stores later in
December, and would definitely hamper stocking of next season’s goods.Retailers
are also concerned about online orders. Shippers like FedEx and UPS use rail
cars that hold roughly 2,000 packages in each car.Associated
Press Writers David Pitt in Des Moines, Iowa, and Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit
contributed to this report.

Congressman Graves:  Congress might have to intervene to prevent rail strike

The Christmas spirit will flow through downtown St. Joseph this weekend as the lights come on and even Santa will make an appearance.  

Downtown Liaison Christy George with Mosaic Life Care says the festivities in downtown St. Joseph will begin on Saturday with Small Business Saturday. 

"We want people to come downtown and shop local, really support the local merchants, not only the shops but the restaurants, and then take in the fun activities that we have planned for the lighting ceremony downtown," George tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. 

The lights will be turned on at 5:30pm tomorrow and there will be live music and fireworks following. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be there for the lighting as well. 

There will also be a chance to ride in the iconic carriages that come to downtown once again.  

Movie producer Jason Hudson says riding in the carriages brings a special feeling. 

"It's not just one small little carriage, we're talking the big Cinderella carriage, if you've never been in a Cinderella carriage it's actually a great romance night," Hudson jokes. "So, guys, get your gals downtown and win some brownie points." 

The carriage rides will run from 5 to 8pm every Saturday night starting tomorrow and running through December 17th in downtown St. Joseph.   

George says this Saturday isn't the only time things will be going on in downtown St. Joseph though during the Christmas season. 

"And we have something going on every weekend, so like starting Saturday is Small Business Saturday and the lighting ceremony," George explains. "And then the following weekend we'll have the winter princess inside the gazebo." 

George says Santa will also make an appearance in the gazebo for people to take pictures. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669240213655.jpeg" alt="Downtown St. Joseph will be lit up and the iconic carriages will return again this weekend/ Photo courtesy of the city of St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Downtown St. Joseph will be lit up and the iconic carriages will return again this weekend/ Photo courtesy of the city of St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Christmas spirit will flow through downtown St. Joseph this weekend as the lights come on and even Santa will make an appearance. Downtown Liaison Christy George with Mosaic Life Care says the festivities in downtown St. Joseph will begin on Saturday with Small Business Saturday. "We want people to come downtown and shop local, really support the local merchants, not only the shops but the restaurants, and then take in the fun activities that we have planned for the lighting ceremony downtown," George tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. The lights will be turned on at 5:30pm tomorrow and there will be live music and fireworks following. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be there for the lighting as well. There will also be a chance to ride in the iconic carriages that come to downtown once again. Movie producer Jason Hudson says riding in the carriages brings a special feeling. "It's not just one small little carriage, we're talking the big Cinderella carriage, if you've never been in a Cinderella carriage it's actually a great romance night," Hudson jokes. "So, guys, get your gals downtown and win some brownie points." The carriage rides will run from 5 to 8pm every Saturday night starting tomorrow and running through December 17th in downtown St. Joseph. George says this Saturday isn't the only time things will be going on in downtown St. Joseph though during the Christmas season. "And we have something going on every weekend, so like starting Saturday is Small Business Saturday and the lighting ceremony," George explains. "And then the following weekend we'll have the winter princess inside the gazebo." George says Santa will also make an appearance in the gazebo for people to take pictures.

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