United Fiber, a subsidiary of United Electric
Cooperatives which began in Savannah, is now expanding into St. Joseph.

Niki Dalton with United Fiber says the company
will likely spend more than $50 million to offer high-speed fiber broadband to
36,000 homes in St. Joseph.

“We’ve had a lot of demand and we’ve built out a
lot of other communities,” Dalton tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We are ready to
take on this big of a project.”

United Fiber currently has 26,000 customers, both
residential and business in 40 communities.

Dalton says United Fiber had been moving into
fringes of the St. Joseph area for a while.

“Mind you, we already have Country Club built out,”
Dalton says. “We’ve already got some other areas built out, but all of those
areas that we are building will encompass around 36,000 homes.”

United Fiber will establish an office in St.
Joseph. It has offices in Savannah, Maryville, Smithville, Cameron, and
Excelsior Springs.

Dalton says United Fiber will add 10 jobs and
perhaps more in the future.

“It definitely could be more, because as we
expanded for the market and our customer growth increases, so will the need for
jobs,” according to Dalton. “So, I foresee probably customer service workers,
installers, maybe sales, more marketing.”

United Fiber began in Savannha in 2013, serving
members of the United Electric Cooperative, which has been operating in
northwest Missouri for more than 80 years. United Fiber offers high-speed
Internet, TV, and phone services. This project greatly expands the company. 

“It would be our largest project we’ve ever
undertaken,” Dalton says. “But we think we’re ready to do it, because we have
lots of experience with building out other communities and we’re ready to take
on something of that size.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667407895608.png" alt="Photo courtesy of United Fiber" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of United Fiber</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostUnited Fiber, a subsidiary of United Electric
Cooperatives which began in Savannah, is now expanding into St. Joseph.Niki Dalton with United Fiber says the company
will likely spend more than $50 million to offer high-speed fiber broadband to
36,000 homes in St. Joseph.“We’ve had a lot of demand and we’ve built out a
lot of other communities,” Dalton tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We are ready to
take on this big of a project.”United Fiber currently has 26,000 customers, both
residential and business in 40 communities.Dalton says United Fiber had been moving into
fringes of the St. Joseph area for a while.“Mind you, we already have Country Club built out,”
Dalton says. “We’ve already got some other areas built out, but all of those
areas that we are building will encompass around 36,000 homes.”United Fiber will establish an office in St.
Joseph. It has offices in Savannah, Maryville, Smithville, Cameron, and
Excelsior Springs.Dalton says United Fiber will add 10 jobs and
perhaps more in the future.“It definitely could be more, because as we
expanded for the market and our customer growth increases, so will the need for
jobs,” according to Dalton. “So, I foresee probably customer service workers,
installers, maybe sales, more marketing.”United Fiber began in Savannha in 2013, serving
members of the United Electric Cooperative, which has been operating in
northwest Missouri for more than 80 years. United Fiber offers high-speed
Internet, TV, and phone services. This project greatly expands the company. “It would be our largest project we’ve ever
undertaken,” Dalton says. “But we think we’re ready to do it, because we have
lots of experience with building out other communities and we’re ready to take
on something of that size.”

United Fiber to expand into St. Joseph

St. Joseph School District officials hope to bring back a popular summer school program.&nbsp;

Superintendent Gabe Edgar says he has completed contract negotiations with Catapult Learning to bring back the program which incentivizes student attendance.&nbsp;

Edgar says the experience working with Catapult over the last two years has been a positive one.&nbsp;

"It's been a good experience, it was a good experience for our kids, and a lot of them need that remediation time," Edgar tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And they do a parent survey and a staff survey and one thing that I can tell you from the first year to the second year it was very, very well received from the staff and parent side, the parents are really supportive of what's going on."&nbsp;

The St. Joseph School Board is set to consider the contract in its meeting later this month.&nbsp;

Edgar says the program helps cut down on the amount of catch-up time that students usually go through in September. &nbsp;

"I think it fills that gap and obviously the last couple of years with the challenges that we had just keeping kids in school from a COVID standpoint that gap has grown, Edgar says. "And so, this is just a piece to try to put that back together."&nbsp;

Edgar says the program is offered to about 4-thousand students in the district and incentivizes attendance by giving students 100 dollars for perfect attendance throughout the program.&nbsp;

And that's not the only good news coming out of the St. Joseph School District according to Edgar&nbsp;

After four years of regression St. Joseph School District officials are seeing a growth in the number of enrolled students. &nbsp;

Edgar says the district has seen an increase of 27 students enrolled this school year. &nbsp;

Edgar says while 27 may not seem like a big number, it's a step in the right direction after constant regression over his five years in the district.&nbsp;

"And then we declined 186 kids to 2019, declined another 267 to 2020, declined another 166 to 2021, and then now we're up 27 students," Edgar says. "So, if you look at that trend, you know, we were an average of 200 kids going backwards."&nbsp;

Edgar says he's not certain what has attributed to the rise in enrollment, but is hopeful the number of students will continue to rise.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;St. Joseph School District officials hope to bring back a popular summer school program.&nbsp;Superintendent Gabe Edgar says he has completed contract negotiations with Catapult Learning to bring back the program which incentivizes student attendance.&nbsp;Edgar says the experience working with Catapult over the last two years has been a positive one.&nbsp;"It's been a good experience, it was a good experience for our kids, and a lot of them need that remediation time," Edgar tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And they do a parent survey and a staff survey and one thing that I can tell you from the first year to the second year it was very, very well received from the staff and parent side, the parents are really supportive of what's going on."&nbsp;The St. Joseph School Board is set to consider the contract in its meeting later this month.&nbsp;Edgar says the program helps cut down on the amount of catch-up time that students usually go through in September. &nbsp;"I think it fills that gap and obviously the last couple of years with the challenges that we had just keeping kids in school from a COVID standpoint that gap has grown, Edgar says. "And so, this is just a piece to try to put that back together."&nbsp;Edgar says the program is offered to about 4-thousand students in the district and incentivizes attendance by giving students 100 dollars for perfect attendance throughout the program.&nbsp;And that's not the only good news coming out of the St. Joseph School District according to Edgar&nbsp;After four years of regression St. Joseph School District officials are seeing a growth in the number of enrolled students. &nbsp;Edgar says the district has seen an increase of 27 students enrolled this school year. &nbsp;Edgar says while 27 may not seem like a big number, it's a step in the right direction after constant regression over his five years in the district.&nbsp;"And then we declined 186 kids to 2019, declined another 267 to 2020, declined another 166 to 2021, and then now we're up 27 students," Edgar says. "So, if you look at that trend, you know, we were an average of 200 kids going backwards."&nbsp;Edgar says he's not certain what has attributed to the rise in enrollment, but is hopeful the number of students will continue to rise.&nbsp;

Brighter days might be ahead for the St. Joseph School District

Hy-Vee announced Tuesday that its more than 285 retail locations will be closed for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, so that the company’s more than 80,000 employees across its eight-state region can enjoy the holiday with their friends and family, according to a media release from the retailer.

This is the first time in Hy-Vee’s 92-year history that its stores will close on Thanksgiving, reflecting Hy-Vee’s commitment to be the best place to work in America. All Hy-Vee grocery stores, Dollar Fresh Markets, Hy-Vee Fast &amp; Fresh locations, Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits locations, and Hy-Vee Wine &amp; Spirits locations will be closed. Customers will still be able to pay at the pump for fuel at all Hy-Vee Fast &amp; Fresh locations on Thanksgiving Day.

“Thanksgiving Day is about gratitude. The last several years have been some of the most challenging our employees have experienced and this is our way of showing our appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis to serve our customers,” said Jeremy Gosch, CEO and president of Hy-Vee. “By closing our stores on Thanksgiving Day, we can give back to our employees by providing them time to focus on their own celebrations.”

Customers who purchase holiday meal packs will be able to schedule a time to pick up their order in-store prior to the Thanksgiving holiday or via curbside pickup from 8 – 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day at Hy-Vee grocery stores. Customers can order holiday meal packs by calling their local Hy-Vee store or by ordering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hy-vee.com/shop/Holiday-Meals-C42.aspx">online</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583950135186.png" alt="google image" />
 <figcaption>google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Hy-Vee announced Tuesday that its more than 285 retail locations will be closed for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, so that the company’s more than 80,000 employees across its eight-state region can enjoy the holiday with their friends and family, according to a media release from the retailer.This is the first time in Hy-Vee’s 92-year history that its stores will close on Thanksgiving, reflecting Hy-Vee’s commitment to be the best place to work in America. All Hy-Vee grocery stores, Dollar Fresh Markets, Hy-Vee Fast &amp; Fresh locations, Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits locations, and Hy-Vee Wine &amp; Spirits locations will be closed. Customers will still be able to pay at the pump for fuel at all Hy-Vee Fast &amp; Fresh locations on Thanksgiving Day.“Thanksgiving Day is about gratitude. The last several years have been some of the most challenging our employees have experienced and this is our way of showing our appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis to serve our customers,” said Jeremy Gosch, CEO and president of Hy-Vee. “By closing our stores on Thanksgiving Day, we can give back to our employees by providing them time to focus on their own celebrations.”Customers who purchase holiday meal packs will be able to schedule a time to pick up their order in-store prior to the Thanksgiving holiday or via curbside pickup from 8 – 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day at Hy-Vee grocery stores. Customers can order holiday meal packs by calling their local Hy-Vee store or by ordering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hy-vee.com/shop/Holiday-Meals-C42.aspx">online</a>.

Hy-Vee stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day

A new state representative will take the new 2nd
Missouri House District seat after the November 8th General
Election.

Political newcomer Mazzie Boyd of Hamilton upset incumbent
State Rep. Randy Railsback in the Republican primary. Boyd says she wants to
cut taxes.

“One of the things I’m really passionate about is reducing
personal property taxes. I think right now, especially in our economy, it is
dire that we start reducing taxes for people,” Boyd tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline. “Also, when it comes to home-based businesses with child care
facilities, we need to make sure that we’re reducing red tape.”

The legislature in special session did cut the top state
income tax rate from 5.3% to 4.95%. That top rate could drop lower if state
revenue meets certain thresholds.

That tax cut missed the mark, according to Democrat Lois
Pontius of Ridgeway.

“That only gives tax breaks to, well, the higher your income,
the better the tax break you get there,” Pontius tells Birr during a phone
interview on the KFEQ Hotline. “I want to do just the opposite. I want to give
the tax breaks to the lower income and the Middle Class and actually make the
highest income ones make up for that.”

In the legislation cutting the top income tax rate, the
legislature also eliminated the bottom rate. Missouri residents making less
than $13,000 will no longer pay state income taxes. Couples making less than
$26,000 will be exempt from the state income tax. Also, the first $1,000 earned
will no longer be taxed.

Boyd says Missouri needs to improve its schools.

“Good teachers deserve to be paid better. I think that is
something that is super important,” Boyd says. “I know a lot of great teachers
have felt like they haven’t been heard. But also, at the end of the day,
education is about students, it’s about trying to make sure that they have the
best education possible.”

As for Pontius, she says she’s worried about the direction of
state government under the control of Republicans.

“I’ve been concerned about the direction that Missouri has
been going the last several years,” Pontius says. “I remember a time when the Missouri
legislature spoke for the people. It was representing the people.”

Pontius also pushes back on the notion that Democrats want to
defund the police.

“Now, the Democrats have been accused of wanting to defund the
police,” Pontius says. “There were some individual protestors who were yelling,
‘Defund the police,’ but that’s not the stance of the Democrat Party.”

Pontius says Democrats just want police better trained.

“Law enforcement is one of the most important aspects to our
community, because they protect us. They protect your brothers, your sisters.
They are vital,” according to Boyd. “And it has been so upsetting to see how
disrespected they are, day in and day out, and how they aren’t getting paid
well.”

Boyd says Missouri needs to demonstrate its support of law enforcement.

Redistricting reshaped the 2nd state representative
district. It now covers Worth, Harrison, Grundy, Daviess, and Caldwell Counties,
making it one of the largest state representative districts in Missouri.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA new state representative will take the new 2nd
Missouri House District seat after the November 8th General
Election.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667325378434.jpeg" alt="Mazzie Boyd/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Mazzie Boyd/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Political newcomer Mazzie Boyd of Hamilton upset incumbent
State Rep. Randy Railsback in the Republican primary. Boyd says she wants to
cut taxes.“One of the things I’m really passionate about is reducing
personal property taxes. I think right now, especially in our economy, it is
dire that we start reducing taxes for people,” Boyd tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline. “Also, when it comes to home-based businesses with child care
facilities, we need to make sure that we’re reducing red tape.”The legislature in special session did cut the top state
income tax rate from 5.3% to 4.95%. That top rate could drop lower if state
revenue meets certain thresholds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667325417325.jpeg" alt="Lois Pontius/Photo courtesy of the Missouri Democratic Party" />
 <figcaption>Lois Pontius/Photo courtesy of the Missouri Democratic Party</figcaption>
 </figure>That tax cut missed the mark, according to Democrat Lois
Pontius of Ridgeway.“That only gives tax breaks to, well, the higher your income,
the better the tax break you get there,” Pontius tells Birr during a phone
interview on the KFEQ Hotline. “I want to do just the opposite. I want to give
the tax breaks to the lower income and the Middle Class and actually make the
highest income ones make up for that.”In the legislation cutting the top income tax rate, the
legislature also eliminated the bottom rate. Missouri residents making less
than $13,000 will no longer pay state income taxes. Couples making less than
$26,000 will be exempt from the state income tax. Also, the first $1,000 earned
will no longer be taxed.Boyd says Missouri needs to improve its schools.“Good teachers deserve to be paid better. I think that is
something that is super important,” Boyd says. “I know a lot of great teachers
have felt like they haven’t been heard. But also, at the end of the day,
education is about students, it’s about trying to make sure that they have the
best education possible.”As for Pontius, she says she’s worried about the direction of
state government under the control of Republicans.“I’ve been concerned about the direction that Missouri has
been going the last several years,” Pontius says. “I remember a time when the Missouri
legislature spoke for the people. It was representing the people.”Pontius also pushes back on the notion that Democrats want to
defund the police.“Now, the Democrats have been accused of wanting to defund the
police,” Pontius says. “There were some individual protestors who were yelling,
‘Defund the police,’ but that’s not the stance of the Democrat Party.”Pontius says Democrats just want police better trained.Boyd says she backs the police.“Law enforcement is one of the most important aspects to our
community, because they protect us. They protect your brothers, your sisters.
They are vital,” according to Boyd. “And it has been so upsetting to see how
disrespected they are, day in and day out, and how they aren’t getting paid
well.”Boyd says Missouri needs to demonstrate its support of law enforcement.Redistricting reshaped the 2nd state representative
district. It now covers Worth, Harrison, Grundy, Daviess, and Caldwell Counties,
making it one of the largest state representative districts in Missouri.

Newly shaped 2nd Missouri House District to get new representation

Two candidates for Buchanan County Presiding
Commissioner offer different visions for economic development.

Republican Scott Nelson says the county cannot
promise one new company or one new job.

“And if someone promises you that then I would
walk away, because you can’t promise it,” Nelson says during a recent candidate
forum sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. “But what we can promise
is to look at every proposal and most proposals come through the Chamber. They have
an arm. They’re the kind of advertising role. But to look at those proposals
and see if they’re viable for the county.”

Democrat Andrew Gibson suggests support of the arts
and culture will promote economic growth.

“The other thing that I think you would bring up
is the fact that we would have to strengthen our school districts,” Gibson
tells the forum held at Stoney Creek Hotel and broadcast on KFEQ. “We have to look
at the fact that they are struggling and when businesses that would be willing
to come in to St. Joseph or Buchanan County, they look at those school districts
that are subpar and that plays a factor when they think about bringing their
production facilities here.”

Nelson faces Gibson on the November 8th
ballot to succeed Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer, who decided not to run for
re-election.

The two don’t even agree on the biggest issue
facing the county.

Gibson points to mental health reform, especially
in light of the growing opioid crisis. For Nelson, public safety is the county’s
number one issue, stating that the commission needs to back the sheriff’s
department.

Both addressed the shortage of officers in the
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department.

Nelson says he will work with the sheriff’s
department in its effort to attract quality candidates, a problem that he says
is not unique to Buchanan County.

“We attract them with supporting them number one,
trying to keep them safe and, at the same time, funding them as much as we can,
as much as possible, to increase their pay, protect them, give them all the
things they need to be protected, so they can keep us safe,” Nelson says.

As for Gibson, he says it is important for the
sheriff’s department to understand it has an ally in the presiding
commissioner’s office.

“Obviously, funding would be my main thing,” Gibson
says. “Letting people understand that there is a firm community behind those
people when you come here. Keeping your family safe would be a top priority.
And then anyone that might be coming from somewhere else, let them understand
the great things that Buchanan County has to offer to their family.”

The two candidates suggest different approaches
to upgrading county roads and bridges.

Gibson says the county needs to conduct a survey
of its infrastructure.

“As soon as you’re getting nice enough weather,
you got out, you survey your bridges, your roads, and one of my things is
making sure that all of our county roads are clearly labeled so we know if
there’s a situation happening beyond any of our community borders in the county,
that we know where they’re at and you can find them easier,” according to
Gibson.

Yet, Nelson says he would defer to the Eastern
and Western District Commissioners on how best to approach road and bridge
work.

“That’s what they’re elected to do, to take care
of roads and bridges in our county,” Nelson says. “Andrew brought up a good
point as far as identifying county roads. The GIS or the IT guys up in the
courthouse are working with the city and the country in order to get that to
happen.”

Buchanan County voters decide the race November 8th.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTwo candidates for Buchanan County Presiding
Commissioner offer different visions for economic development.Republican Scott Nelson says the county cannot
promise one new company or one new job.“And if someone promises you that then I would
walk away, because you can’t promise it,” Nelson says during a recent candidate
forum sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. “But what we can promise
is to look at every proposal and most proposals come through the Chamber. They have
an arm. They’re the kind of advertising role. But to look at those proposals
and see if they’re viable for the county.”Democrat Andrew Gibson suggests support of the arts
and culture will promote economic growth.“The other thing that I think you would bring up
is the fact that we would have to strengthen our school districts,” Gibson
tells the forum held at Stoney Creek Hotel and broadcast on KFEQ. “We have to look
at the fact that they are struggling and when businesses that would be willing
to come in to St. Joseph or Buchanan County, they look at those school districts
that are subpar and that plays a factor when they think about bringing their
production facilities here.”Nelson faces Gibson on the November 8th
ballot to succeed Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer, who decided not to run for
re-election.The two don’t even agree on the biggest issue
facing the county.Gibson points to mental health reform, especially
in light of the growing opioid crisis. For Nelson, public safety is the county’s
number one issue, stating that the commission needs to back the sheriff’s
department.Both addressed the shortage of officers in the
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department.Nelson says he will work with the sheriff’s
department in its effort to attract quality candidates, a problem that he says
is not unique to Buchanan County.“We attract them with supporting them number one,
trying to keep them safe and, at the same time, funding them as much as we can,
as much as possible, to increase their pay, protect them, give them all the
things they need to be protected, so they can keep us safe,” Nelson says.As for Gibson, he says it is important for the
sheriff’s department to understand it has an ally in the presiding
commissioner’s office.“Obviously, funding would be my main thing,” Gibson
says. “Letting people understand that there is a firm community behind those
people when you come here. Keeping your family safe would be a top priority.
And then anyone that might be coming from somewhere else, let them understand
the great things that Buchanan County has to offer to their family.”The two candidates suggest different approaches
to upgrading county roads and bridges.Gibson says the county needs to conduct a survey
of its infrastructure.“As soon as you’re getting nice enough weather,
you got out, you survey your bridges, your roads, and one of my things is
making sure that all of our county roads are clearly labeled so we know if
there’s a situation happening beyond any of our community borders in the county,
that we know where they’re at and you can find them easier,” according to
Gibson.Yet, Nelson says he would defer to the Eastern
and Western District Commissioners on how best to approach road and bridge
work.“That’s what they’re elected to do, to take care
of roads and bridges in our county,” Nelson says. “Andrew brought up a good
point as far as identifying county roads. The GIS or the IT guys up in the
courthouse are working with the city and the country in order to get that to
happen.”Buchanan County voters decide the race November 8th.

Two Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner candidates offer different visions

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man in connection with domestic battery again.

On Saturday, police arrested 21-year-old&nbsp;Jadeyn M. Corkins of Atchison on a requested charges of domestic battery in the 1200 block North 4th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp;

This is his second arrest for domestic battery within five years, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667224739343.png" alt="Corkins-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Corkins-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man in connection with domestic battery again.On Saturday, police arrested 21-year-old&nbsp;Jadeyn M. Corkins of Atchison on a requested charges of domestic battery in the 1200 block North 4th Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp;This is his second arrest for domestic battery within five years, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of domestic battery a second time

Little witches and goblins
will be out and about hunting for candy tonight, and the Missouri Highway
Patrol wants everyone to be safe this Halloween.

Sgt. Shane Hux with Troop H
in St. Joseph says all children while out trick or treating should be with an adult.

"So they always need to
make sure that they have an adult with them," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. "And then go to houses where the porch light is on, and do not just
run out across the street, just follow the regular safety protocols for those,
make sure you cross as a group."

Hux says smaller children
should also not try to run between cars to cross the street, because that makes
it more difficult for drivers to spot them.

Hux says drivers should be
on the lookout for children and parents as they cross the streets tonight.

"Avoid distractions,
you know not a good time as any to be on your cell phone, because you never
know when these youngsters are going to dash out in front of you, come out
between parked cars," Hux says.

Hux says it's important for
trick or treaters to carry a flashlight or glowstick while out getting candy
tonight.

"A lot of the trick or
treaters will start, especially the little kids, when it's daylight outside but
then it will turn to darkness and having that flashlight or a glowstick, a lot
of the kids are carrying glowsticks, so that's always a great idea," Hux
says. "And also, if your costume does not have reflective material on
that, highly recommended that you buy some and add some to that."

For both trick-or-treaters
and drivers, it’s important to stay alert and watch for children who might be
running back and forth across the street.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostLittle witches and goblins
will be out and about hunting for candy tonight, and the Missouri Highway
Patrol wants everyone to be safe this Halloween.Sgt. Shane Hux with Troop H
in St. Joseph says all children while out trick or treating should be with an adult."So they always need to
make sure that they have an adult with them," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post. "And then go to houses where the porch light is on, and do not just
run out across the street, just follow the regular safety protocols for those,
make sure you cross as a group."Hux says smaller children
should also not try to run between cars to cross the street, because that makes
it more difficult for drivers to spot them.Hux says drivers should be
on the lookout for children and parents as they cross the streets tonight."Avoid distractions,
you know not a good time as any to be on your cell phone, because you never
know when these youngsters are going to dash out in front of you, come out
between parked cars," Hux says.Hux says it's important for
trick or treaters to carry a flashlight or glowstick while out getting candy
tonight."A lot of the trick or
treaters will start, especially the little kids, when it's daylight outside but
then it will turn to darkness and having that flashlight or a glowstick, a lot
of the kids are carrying glowsticks, so that's always a great idea," Hux
says. "And also, if your costume does not have reflective material on
that, highly recommended that you buy some and add some to that."For both trick-or-treaters
and drivers, it’s important to stay alert and watch for children who might be
running back and forth across the street.

Make Halloween safe:  be on the lookout for all those trick-or-treaters

NODAWAY COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Toyota Avalon driven by Lareena L. Amlong, 58, Maryville, was eastbound on U.S. 136 two miles east of Maryville.

The car rear-ended a 2022 Honda Passport driven by Katheryn A. Miller, 62, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Nodaway County EMS transported both drivers and a passenger in the Honda Kyle J. Miller, 33, Maryville, to Mosaic in Maryville. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Toyota Avalon driven by Lareena L. Amlong, 58, Maryville, was eastbound on U.S. 136 two miles east of Maryville.The car rear-ended a 2022 Honda Passport driven by Katheryn A. Miller, 62, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.Nodaway County EMS transported both drivers and a passenger in the Honda Kyle J. Miller, 33, Maryville, to Mosaic in Maryville. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

3 hospitalized after Nodaway County rear-end crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 6a.m. Friday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 GMC 1500 driven by Montana R. Akers, 19, Chillicothe, was northbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Cameron.

The pickup traveled off the road, struck the mile marker post, an embankment, hit the ground, rolled and the driver was ejected.

Cameron ambulance transported Akers to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 6a.m. Friday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 GMC 1500 driven by Montana R. Akers, 19, Chillicothe, was northbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Cameron.The pickup traveled off the road, struck the mile marker post, an embankment, hit the ground, rolled and the driver was ejected.Cameron ambulance transported Akers to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen hospitalized after ejected in rollover crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A northeastern Kansas man is facing a felony charge of threatening to kill one of the state's congressmen. But his trial has been postponed indefinitely so that a federal judge can decide whether he is too mentally ill to help his lawyers or follow what's going on in court.

Federal prosecutors contend in court documents that Chase Neill, 31, from Lawrence, developed a fixation on Republican Rep. Jake LaTurner, who represents an eastern Kansas district. Neill is accused of threatening to kill LaTurner in a June 5 voicemail message left at LaTurner's office and continuing to make threatening calls the following day.

A magistrate said later that month in ordering Neill to remain in custody that he had threatened other members of Congress. The others have not been named, and Neill is charged only with threatening LaTurner.

A hearing is scheduled in the case for Nov. 8, Election Day. Neill's trial initially was set to start in September, but U.S. District Judge Holly Teeter granted a request from both sides to have Neill's mental health examined.

“There is reasonable cause to believe that Mr. Neill has a mental disease and that the mental disease renders him unable to assist properly in his defense,” Teeter wrote in her two-page order.

LaTurner was a Kansas state senator and state treasurer before winning his U.S. House seat in 2020.

Threats to lawmakers are at an all-time high almost two years after the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. In San Francisco early Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paul-pelosi-assaulted-156ece77186eb11b97260af3c5122f67">an intruder attacked</a>&nbsp;and severely beat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer in their home while searching for the Democratic leader and shouting: “Where is Nancy, where is Nancy?”

In the Kansas case, neither the U.S. attorney's office for the state nor Neill's defense attorneys would comment Friday. LaTurner's office also wouldn't discuss the case. It was not clear whether Neill's examination is complete.

"Rep. LaTurner’s office will continue to cooperate with local and federal law enforcement on this matter,” spokesperson Mike Howard said in an email.

One pretrial report on Neill said he believes he is “the Messiah,” and prosecutors have said in court documents that he believes he was “obligated by God” to warn “certain public figures” and detail the results of not heeding his warnings.

U.S. Magistrate Rachel Schwartz cited the pretrial report in refusing a request from Neill in August to be released from custody. She said in her order that he had $150,000 in student loan debt but no income.

Schwartz said in her order that Neill suffered a head injury four or five years ago, “characterized as a head fracture.”

The pretrial report said that in March 2018, Lawrence police had reports that Neill, who was living with his mother there, was delusional and paranoid and accused one officer of trying to steal his “unicorn business idea.” Neill was sentenced to six months in jail in February 2019 on a domestic battery charge, the report said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604489595623.png" alt="Rep. Jake Laturner- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Jake Laturner- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A northeastern Kansas man is facing a felony charge of threatening to kill one of the state's congressmen. But his trial has been postponed indefinitely so that a federal judge can decide whether he is too mentally ill to help his lawyers or follow what's going on in court.Federal prosecutors contend in court documents that Chase Neill, 31, from Lawrence, developed a fixation on Republican Rep. Jake LaTurner, who represents an eastern Kansas district. Neill is accused of threatening to kill LaTurner in a June 5 voicemail message left at LaTurner's office and continuing to make threatening calls the following day.A magistrate said later that month in ordering Neill to remain in custody that he had threatened other members of Congress. The others have not been named, and Neill is charged only with threatening LaTurner.A hearing is scheduled in the case for Nov. 8, Election Day. Neill's trial initially was set to start in September, but U.S. District Judge Holly Teeter granted a request from both sides to have Neill's mental health examined.“There is reasonable cause to believe that Mr. Neill has a mental disease and that the mental disease renders him unable to assist properly in his defense,” Teeter wrote in her two-page order.LaTurner was a Kansas state senator and state treasurer before winning his U.S. House seat in 2020.Threats to lawmakers are at an all-time high almost two years after the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. In San Francisco early Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paul-pelosi-assaulted-156ece77186eb11b97260af3c5122f67">an intruder attacked</a>&nbsp;and severely beat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer in their home while searching for the Democratic leader and shouting: “Where is Nancy, where is Nancy?”In the Kansas case, neither the U.S. attorney's office for the state nor Neill's defense attorneys would comment Friday. LaTurner's office also wouldn't discuss the case. It was not clear whether Neill's examination is complete."Rep. LaTurner’s office will continue to cooperate with local and federal law enforcement on this matter,” spokesperson Mike Howard said in an email.One pretrial report on Neill said he believes he is “the Messiah,” and prosecutors have said in court documents that he believes he was “obligated by God” to warn “certain public figures” and detail the results of not heeding his warnings.U.S. Magistrate Rachel Schwartz cited the pretrial report in refusing a request from Neill in August to be released from custody. She said in her order that he had $150,000 in student loan debt but no income.Schwartz said in her order that Neill suffered a head injury four or five years ago, “characterized as a head fracture.”The pretrial report said that in March 2018, Lawrence police had reports that Neill, who was living with his mother there, was delusional and paranoid and accused one officer of trying to steal his “unicorn business idea.” Neill was sentenced to six months in jail in February 2019 on a domestic battery charge, the report said.

Man prosecuted for death threat against Kansas Rep. LaTurner

Just as fast as the St. Joseph animal shelter is getting pets adopted, the pens are filling back up again with cats and dogs. &nbsp;

So once again, Friends of the Animal Shelter is helping out with another adoption drive. &nbsp;

Friends of the Animal Shelters Melanie Barnes says this one is going to be themed for the Halloween season.&nbsp;

"It's the Adoption Spooktacular so we're going Halloween themed, Halloween is right around the corner and it's kind of frightening how many pets are down at the shelter and available," Barnes tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, if you guys are thinking about adding one to your home, there's many, many pets down at the shelter looking for their forever homes through the adoption spooktacular."&nbsp;

Barnes says while pets are getting adopted, it feels like as fast as they get adopted the shelters fill back up again.&nbsp;

"We have, I feel like as a member of Friends of the Animal Shelter, been running special, after special, financial incentives, education around adopting pets to try to get pets in their forever homes, and I feel like it's an uphill battle," Barnes says.&nbsp;

Barnes says though Friends of the Animal Shelter has received much support from the community in their efforts to get more pets adopted. &nbsp;

Barnes says while she's not for sure why kennels all over the world are overflowing with pets, she has an idea of some of the reasons. &nbsp;

" Definitely&nbsp;people going back to work is one, two inflation costs are going up, availability to veterinary care is becoming more and more challenging because of the increased number of pets in homes," Barnes explains. "So, a combination of higher prices and harder to get in care, I do wonder if the spay and neuter rate has gone down, so now we have more, potentially more, puppies' kittens that are adults now."&nbsp;

Friends of the Animal Shelter is currently holding an Adoption Spooktacular event through tomorrow.&nbsp; Adoption cost on all pets is $25.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Just as fast as the St. Joseph animal shelter is getting pets adopted, the pens are filling back up again with cats and dogs. &nbsp;So once again, Friends of the Animal Shelter is helping out with another adoption drive. &nbsp;Friends of the Animal Shelters Melanie Barnes says this one is going to be themed for the Halloween season.&nbsp;"It's the Adoption Spooktacular so we're going Halloween themed, Halloween is right around the corner and it's kind of frightening how many pets are down at the shelter and available," Barnes tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, if you guys are thinking about adding one to your home, there's many, many pets down at the shelter looking for their forever homes through the adoption spooktacular."&nbsp;Barnes says while pets are getting adopted, it feels like as fast as they get adopted the shelters fill back up again.&nbsp;"We have, I feel like as a member of Friends of the Animal Shelter, been running special, after special, financial incentives, education around adopting pets to try to get pets in their forever homes, and I feel like it's an uphill battle," Barnes says.&nbsp;Barnes says though Friends of the Animal Shelter has received much support from the community in their efforts to get more pets adopted. &nbsp;Barnes says while she's not for sure why kennels all over the world are overflowing with pets, she has an idea of some of the reasons. &nbsp;" Definitely&nbsp;people going back to work is one, two inflation costs are going up, availability to veterinary care is becoming more and more challenging because of the increased number of pets in homes," Barnes explains. "So, a combination of higher prices and harder to get in care, I do wonder if the spay and neuter rate has gone down, so now we have more, potentially more, puppies' kittens that are adults now."&nbsp;Friends of the Animal Shelter is currently holding an Adoption Spooktacular event through tomorrow.&nbsp; Adoption cost on all pets is $25.&nbsp;

Frightening number of pets still available at the St. Joseph Animal Shelter

After several open burning days were canceled during April, St. Joseph residents will get a second chance in November. &nbsp;

From the start of November through the end, residents will be able to burn yard waste between 8am and 6pm. &nbsp;

Fire Inspector Steve Henrichson says open burning period is the time to burn dry yard waste generated on your property. &nbsp;

"So, twigs, leaves, things like that, you can't haul it in from somewhere else to burn it, but that's the limitations, no construction materials, no trash things like that those are always illegal to burn," Henrichson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;

Henrichson says any burning must happen in one burn barrel up to 55 gallons and while someone is on the property and able to put the fire out if need be. &nbsp;

Open burning can be canceled at any time by the Fire Chief due to high winds.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Many days in April were canceled due to high winds. Fire inspector Steve Henrichson says it's difficult to predict the weather and know if that will be the case in November.&nbsp;

"This is the Midwest and as we saw last week, we went from snow to 80's, so it can change in a matter of minutes," Henrichson says. "It's just a matter of what the weather wants to do and like this week it's supposed to be wet, rainy, and windy."&nbsp;

Henrichson says that mostly the only cause for cancellation of open burning is high winds, but it could also be cancelled if conditions become too dry. &nbsp;

Officials from the St. Joseph Health Department also encourage seeking other alternatives to burning your yard waste&nbsp;

Henrichson says some of those recommended alternative methods include taking your yard waste to the landfill for composting.&nbsp;

"You've got a lot of people in town with asthma and the smoke can irritate them, so if you're worried about your neighbors," Henrichson explains. "That's probably a majority of the calls we get during open burning is people that are in the immediate area that have their windows open and the smokes coming into their house."&nbsp;

Henrichson says, in those cases, there isn't much the fire department can do but come out and make sure what people are burning is appropriate.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;After several open burning days were canceled during April, St. Joseph residents will get a second chance in November. &nbsp;From the start of November through the end, residents will be able to burn yard waste between 8am and 6pm. &nbsp;Fire Inspector Steve Henrichson says open burning period is the time to burn dry yard waste generated on your property. &nbsp;"So, twigs, leaves, things like that, you can't haul it in from somewhere else to burn it, but that's the limitations, no construction materials, no trash things like that those are always illegal to burn," Henrichson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;Henrichson says any burning must happen in one burn barrel up to 55 gallons and while someone is on the property and able to put the fire out if need be. &nbsp;Open burning can be canceled at any time by the Fire Chief due to high winds.&nbsp; &nbsp;Many days in April were canceled due to high winds. Fire inspector Steve Henrichson says it's difficult to predict the weather and know if that will be the case in November.&nbsp;"This is the Midwest and as we saw last week, we went from snow to 80's, so it can change in a matter of minutes," Henrichson says. "It's just a matter of what the weather wants to do and like this week it's supposed to be wet, rainy, and windy."&nbsp;Henrichson says that mostly the only cause for cancellation of open burning is high winds, but it could also be cancelled if conditions become too dry. &nbsp;Officials from the St. Joseph Health Department also encourage seeking other alternatives to burning your yard waste&nbsp;Henrichson says some of those recommended alternative methods include taking your yard waste to the landfill for composting.&nbsp;"You've got a lot of people in town with asthma and the smoke can irritate them, so if you're worried about your neighbors," Henrichson explains. "That's probably a majority of the calls we get during open burning is people that are in the immediate area that have their windows open and the smokes coming into their house."&nbsp;Henrichson says, in those cases, there isn't much the fire department can do but come out and make sure what people are burning is appropriate.&nbsp;

Open burning gives residents chance to get rid of those sticks and leaves in November

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves is optimistic
Republicans will win back the United States House of Representatives. He isn’t
so sure about the Senate.

Graves, a Republican running his own re-election campaign,
says the matrix is good for Republicans going into the mid-term elections.

“The president; his approval numbers are in the tank on all
issues. And, you look at the candidates across the country; we have an
incredibly good bunch of candidates running for the House,” Graves tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “I do think Republicans are going to take the majority in the
House of Representatives. The Senate’s even harder to figure out.”

Traditionally the mid-term elections go poorly for the party
in the White House.

This year should prove interesting, if for nothing else than
the slim majorities Democrats hold in Congress. Democrats hold a very slim
majority in the U.S. House with 220 seats to 212 for Republicans. There are
three vacancies in the House.

Technically, Democrats don’t even have the majority in the
Senate. There are 48 Democrats in the U.S. Senate and 50 Republicans. But, the
two independents in the Senate caucus with the Democrats and since the Vice
President is a Democrat, the party holds the deciding vote in any split
decision.

National polls indicate voters are leaning Republican as
concerns about the economy rise to the surface.

Graves says it appears Republicans are in a strong position
going into the mid-term elections on November 8th.

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” Graves says. “We’ll wait and see and,
in the meantime, I’m obviously going to concentrate on my race and do what I
do, make sure that I can get out and talk to folks and get their ideas and their
thoughts and concerns, same thing I’ve always done. Overall, I think things are
looking good.”

Graves, who is from Tarkio, first won election to Congress in
2000, after serving in the Missouri General Assembly, both as a representative
and senator. He is being challenged this year by Democrat Henry Martin of
Kansas City and Libertarian Edward “Andy” Maidment of Kearney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666966536152.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves is optimistic
Republicans will win back the United States House of Representatives. He isn’t
so sure about the Senate.Graves, a Republican running his own re-election campaign,
says the matrix is good for Republicans going into the mid-term elections.“The president; his approval numbers are in the tank on all
issues. And, you look at the candidates across the country; we have an
incredibly good bunch of candidates running for the House,” Graves tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “I do think Republicans are going to take the majority in the
House of Representatives. The Senate’s even harder to figure out.”Traditionally the mid-term elections go poorly for the party
in the White House.This year should prove interesting, if for nothing else than
the slim majorities Democrats hold in Congress. Democrats hold a very slim
majority in the U.S. House with 220 seats to 212 for Republicans. There are
three vacancies in the House.Technically, Democrats don’t even have the majority in the
Senate. There are 48 Democrats in the U.S. Senate and 50 Republicans. But, the
two independents in the Senate caucus with the Democrats and since the Vice
President is a Democrat, the party holds the deciding vote in any split
decision.National polls indicate voters are leaning Republican as
concerns about the economy rise to the surface.Graves says it appears Republicans are in a strong position
going into the mid-term elections on November 8th.“I’m cautiously optimistic,” Graves says. “We’ll wait and see and,
in the meantime, I’m obviously going to concentrate on my race and do what I
do, make sure that I can get out and talk to folks and get their ideas and their
thoughts and concerns, same thing I’ve always done. Overall, I think things are
looking good.”Graves, who is from Tarkio, first won election to Congress in
2000, after serving in the Missouri General Assembly, both as a representative
and senator. He is being challenged this year by Democrat Henry Martin of
Kansas City and Libertarian Edward “Andy” Maidment of Kearney.

Congressman Graves optimistic about GOP chances November 8th

People living with disabilities want to live as independently as everyone else, and that's where MERIL tries to help. 

Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living, or MERIL, has been in northwest Missouri since 1994 providing these services to help people live independently. 

Executive Director and CEO Rob Honan says while MERIL does not house people with disabilities, they provide the resources to help them do so.

"We do that basically through three different programs," Honan tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "One is our independent living program, that is a program that we have a state grant through vocational rehabilitation to provide five core services to people with disabilities."

Honan says MERIL does that through three different programs, including its state funded independent living program, which provides five core services.

"So, those core services are advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support, information referral, and transition services which includes youth as well as transition out of nursing homes and back into the community," Honan explains.

Honan says the other two programs provided are consumer directed services as well as in home PCA services.  MERIL has offices in St. Joseph and Maryville for more information.

Honan says his staff helps a variety of people living with disabilities live in their homes and communities independently.

"I mean, we have individuals who maybe have a spinal cord injury as a result of an accident perhaps, or we have individuals who are getting older and their health situations are changing and they need assistance," Honan says. "We also have individuals who are born with certain conditions, maybe like cerebral palsy or fibromyalgia, whatever there's all kinds of mixture in there."

Honan says the number of people that MERIL serves can vary from month to month, with people leaving the program or coming to the program, but estimates they serve around 30 to 50 people in the independent living program alone.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostPeople living with disabilities want to live as independently as everyone else, and that's where MERIL tries to help. Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living, or MERIL, has been in northwest Missouri since 1994 providing these services to help people live independently. Executive Director and CEO Rob Honan says while MERIL does not house people with disabilities, they provide the resources to help them do so."We do that basically through three different programs," Honan tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "One is our independent living program, that is a program that we have a state grant through vocational rehabilitation to provide five core services to people with disabilities."Honan says MERIL does that through three different programs, including its state funded independent living program, which provides five core services."So, those core services are advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support, information referral, and transition services which includes youth as well as transition out of nursing homes and back into the community," Honan explains.Honan says the other two programs provided are consumer directed services as well as in home PCA services. MERIL has offices in St. Joseph and Maryville for more information.Honan says his staff helps a variety of people living with disabilities live in their homes and communities independently."I mean, we have individuals who maybe have a spinal cord injury as a result of an accident perhaps, or we have individuals who are getting older and their health situations are changing and they need assistance," Honan says. "We also have individuals who are born with certain conditions, maybe like cerebral palsy or fibromyalgia, whatever there's all kinds of mixture in there."Honan says the number of people that MERIL serves can vary from month to month, with people leaving the program or coming to the program, but estimates they serve around 30 to 50 people in the independent living program alone.

MERIL continues to help disabled live independently

PLATTE COUNTY— The inmate who escaped from custody Wednesday has been taken back into custody, according to the Platte County Sheriff's office. Just after 2:30p.m, 38-year-old Jacob Meineker escaped from custody&nbsp; from Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road.

An extensive search by members of the Platte County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas City Police Department took place over the next several hours. 

Just after&nbsp; 9:30p.m., officers took Meineker was taken into custody near Green Hills Road and North Shore Drive further incident. Meineker is currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center on the original charge of possession of a controlled substance and a new requested charge for his escape from custody, according to online jail records.

PLATTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking for help to locate 38-year-old Jacob Meineker.

Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, Meineker escaped from custody from Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road, according to the Platte County Sheriff.

Meineker was last seen wearing blue hospital pants with no shirt and no shoes. The sheriff released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666829286821.png" alt="Meineker-photo Platte Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Meineker-photo Platte Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY— The inmate who escaped from custody Wednesday has been taken back into custody, according to the Platte County Sheriff's office. Just after 2:30p.m, 38-year-old Jacob Meineker escaped from custody&nbsp; from Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road. An extensive search by members of the Platte County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas City Police Department took place over the next several hours. Just after&nbsp; 9:30p.m., officers took Meineker was taken into custody near Green Hills Road and North Shore Drive further incident. Meineker is currently being held in the Platte County Detention Center on the original charge of possession of a controlled substance and a new requested charge for his escape from custody, according to online jail records.-----------------PLATTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are asking for help to locate 38-year-old Jacob Meineker.Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, Meineker escaped from custody from Saint Luke’s Hospital on Barry Road, according to the Platte County Sheriff.Meineker was last seen wearing blue hospital pants with no shirt and no shoes. The sheriff released no additional details.

Sheriff: Man who escaped from custody at KC hospital captured

While shopping for the holidays, a local promotion encourages shoppers to not go online but to shop local instead.&nbsp;

The Shop St. Joseph holiday promotion, held by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, will return soon, giving people a chance to win money, by shopping locally. &nbsp;

Chamber President and CEO Natalie Redmond says local businesses or restaurants are encouraged to sign up for the program.&nbsp;

"We'll be really kicking that off the first part of November and it will run through December really just right up to Christmas time," Redmond tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And for every dollar you spend in that participating merchants store or restaurant you receive a ticket, that ticket has a number on it, and if you win the drawing, you will win $10,000 from the shop St. Joe program."&nbsp;

Redmond admits it might be time to up the grand prize money, but says research shows that $10,000 is enough to skew a person's shopping decisions and make them want to shop locally.&nbsp;

"We really at first, when we started this program, were doing it to keep you from going to Kansas City during the holidays and to pull maybe that person in Cameron to come to St. Joe versus North Kansas City for their holiday shopping," Redmond explains. "And now it's become a fight against internet, you know, I'm sorry but Amazon doesn't need your Christmas money, but the residents that have the local store in downtown St. Joe do."&nbsp;

Redmond says this year, more than ever, local small businesses need shoppers to remember to shop local.&nbsp;

"With the cost of inflation, with the cost of their prices, with the workforce shortages, you know the small businesses are really concerned about this holiday season," Redmond says. "And it's now our time, St. Joe does a great job of rallying around support local, and I would just encourage you they need you now more than ever."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666730873919.jpeg" alt="Shoppers that shop local this holiday season could win $10,000 during the Shop St. Joe program/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Shoppers that shop local this holiday season could win $10,000 during the Shop St. Joe program/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;While shopping for the holidays, a local promotion encourages shoppers to not go online but to shop local instead.&nbsp;The Shop St. Joseph holiday promotion, held by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, will return soon, giving people a chance to win money, by shopping locally. &nbsp;Chamber President and CEO Natalie Redmond says local businesses or restaurants are encouraged to sign up for the program.&nbsp;"We'll be really kicking that off the first part of November and it will run through December really just right up to Christmas time," Redmond tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And for every dollar you spend in that participating merchants store or restaurant you receive a ticket, that ticket has a number on it, and if you win the drawing, you will win $10,000 from the shop St. Joe program."&nbsp;Redmond admits it might be time to up the grand prize money, but says research shows that $10,000 is enough to skew a person's shopping decisions and make them want to shop locally.&nbsp;"We really at first, when we started this program, were doing it to keep you from going to Kansas City during the holidays and to pull maybe that person in Cameron to come to St. Joe versus North Kansas City for their holiday shopping," Redmond explains. "And now it's become a fight against internet, you know, I'm sorry but Amazon doesn't need your Christmas money, but the residents that have the local store in downtown St. Joe do."&nbsp;Redmond says this year, more than ever, local small businesses need shoppers to remember to shop local.&nbsp;"With the cost of inflation, with the cost of their prices, with the workforce shortages, you know the small businesses are really concerned about this holiday season," Redmond says. "And it's now our time, St. Joe does a great job of rallying around support local, and I would just encourage you they need you now more than ever."&nbsp;

Shop local, earn a chance at prizes during Shop St. Joseph

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.

On Monday, police arrested 37-year-old Douglas J. Followill of Atchison on a District Court warrant for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He is being held on a $20,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666703917694.png" alt="Followill-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Followill-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.On Monday, police arrested 37-year-old Douglas J. Followill of Atchison on a District Court warrant for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He is being held on a $20,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of meth possession 

An armed graduate of a St. Louis high school killed one
student and a teacher Monday morning before police shot and killed him.

Seven other students were shot and wounded at Central Visual
and Performing Arts High School.

A deadly shooting so close to home worries any school
administrator. And St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar says that worry
deepens because of the difficulty of preventing such random violence.

“I don’t know that there’s any way that you can completely
stop anybody from doing something like this,” Edgar tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline.

Edgar says the St. Joseph School District has upgraded school
building entrances at all levels:&nbsp;
elementary, middle, and high schools.

“A lot of our buildings were older and a lot of them did not
have very secure entrances and a lot of them were challenging to make them
secure,” Edgar says.

St. Joseph School District voters in 2019 approved a 61-cent
levy increase with a portion of the $6.5 million raised annually to be spent on
school security. In addition to securing school building entrances, communication
methods have been upgraded and security officers added.

Edgar says school building security once wasn’t a concern for
school administrators.

“When I started my education career in 1997, we didn’t talk
about things like this,” Edgar says. “It’s very unfortunate, but I do think its
twofold. There is a school safety, school security issue, but there’s also a
mental health issue that needs to be addressed, not only in the state of Missouri,
but in the United States of America and probably across the world.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666723611625.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn armed graduate of a St. Louis high school killed one
student and a teacher Monday morning before police shot and killed him.Seven other students were shot and wounded at Central Visual
and Performing Arts High School.A deadly shooting so close to home worries any school
administrator. And St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar says that worry
deepens because of the difficulty of preventing such random violence.“I don’t know that there’s any way that you can completely
stop anybody from doing something like this,” Edgar tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline.Edgar says the St. Joseph School District has upgraded school
building entrances at all levels:&nbsp;
elementary, middle, and high schools.“A lot of our buildings were older and a lot of them did not
have very secure entrances and a lot of them were challenging to make them
secure,” Edgar says.St. Joseph School District voters in 2019 approved a 61-cent
levy increase with a portion of the $6.5 million raised annually to be spent on
school security. In addition to securing school building entrances, communication
methods have been upgraded and security officers added.Edgar says school building security once wasn’t a concern for
school administrators.“When I started my education career in 1997, we didn’t talk
about things like this,” Edgar says. “It’s very unfortunate, but I do think its
twofold. There is a school safety, school security issue, but there’s also a
mental health issue that needs to be addressed, not only in the state of Missouri,
but in the United States of America and probably across the world.”St. Louis police say Central Visual was secured, the doors
locked. Still, the armed graduate of the St. Louis high school walked in with a
rifle fully visible. He also carried plenty of ammunition in firearm magazines.
The death toll could have been much worse.Edgar says such incidents shock everyone in the education
community.“We just pray for the people that were in the situation in St.
Louis,” Edgar says. “You never want to take for granted that it’s never going
to happen to you or here, those types of things. It’s a constant communication.
We’re continuing to talk about it every single day.”The school shooting in St.
Louis shortly after nine o’clock Monday morning sent students in the school scrambling to
barricade doors and huddle in classroom corners. Some jumped from windows.
Others ran out of the building. One terrorized girl said she was eye-to-eye
with the shooter before his gun apparently jammed and she was able to escape.The shooter, identified as 19-year-old
Orlando Harris, was shot and killed in a gunfire exchange with police.The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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