House Agriculture Chairman Glenn GT Thompson recently announced subcommittee Chairs and jurisdictions for the 118th Congress. 

The Pennsylvania Republican says of the subcommittee chairs, “Their expertise and partnership are essential to fulfilling this Committee’s mandate of delivering certainty and prosperity to American agriculture and its entire value chain. 

Representative Austin Scott of Georgia will serve as the Vice Chair of the Full Committee, and chair of the General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee. 

California's Dough LaMalfa will chair the Subcommittee on Forestry, and Indiana's Jim Baird is chair of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology. Meanwhile, Minnesota's Brad Finstad was appointed Chair of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture. 

Finally, Tracey Mann of Kansas was appointed chair of the Livestock Subcommittee, and South Dakota's Dusty Johnson is Chair of the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

House Agriculture Chairman Glenn GT Thompson recently announced subcommittee Chairs and jurisdictions for the 118th Congress. The Pennsylvania Republican says of the subcommittee chairs, “Their expertise and partnership are essential to fulfilling this Committee’s mandate of delivering certainty and prosperity to American agriculture and its entire value chain. Representative Austin Scott of Georgia will serve as the Vice Chair of the Full Committee, and chair of the General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee. California's Dough LaMalfa will chair the Subcommittee on Forestry, and Indiana's Jim Baird is chair of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology. Meanwhile, Minnesota's Brad Finstad was appointed Chair of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture. Finally, Tracey Mann of Kansas was appointed chair of the Livestock Subcommittee, and South Dakota's Dusty Johnson is Chair of the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

House Ag committee announces subcommittee chairs

Despite a large number of pets being taken in last year, the St. Joseph Animal Shelter also saw a large number of pets get adopted as well. &nbsp;

Friends of the Animal Shelters Melanie Barnes says a large number of adoptions came thanks to the puppies for parole program. &nbsp;

Barnes says the program helps out the shelter tremendously with space.&nbsp;

"It frees up kennels for other pets that end up coming through the shelter, like I said they live with the inmates 24/7, there are two inmates assigned to every dog so that way they can take turns there's a primary and then a backup," Barnes tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And while they're there they have goals; they go through goals to try and train the puppies for canine good citizenship."&nbsp;

Puppies for Parole started in 2010 and has helped prepare over 6,000 dogs for adoption.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Barnes says the program is helpful in getting more dogs adopted because many adopters are drawn to those that have been through the program&nbsp;

"Maybe there's adopters who don't want a puppy or a very rambunctious dog or they want to know more about that dog before they adopt them," Barnes explains. "So, this is a great way&nbsp;

Barnes says the program was also helpful in getting more pets adopted this past year, which helped reduce the number of pets in kennels that were already overcrowded&nbsp;

St. Joseph's prison is one of those that participates in the program which helps teach dogs 10 basic skills that they should know.&nbsp;

Barnes says the program helping dogs learn those skills is a big help to the animal shelter&nbsp;

"Because the dogs then become more adoptable, they're behaved, they're crate trained, they're potty trained, and the inmates because they live with them, they know so much more about their bios," Barnes says. "And so, they can build a nice bio on, you know, what does Fluffy like to do and maybe this dog loves to play fetch."&nbsp;

Barnes says not only does it help with the adoption rate of dogs, but it also helps provide inmates that help with a positive experience and a purpose of taking care of the pets.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675699843627.jpeg" alt="Puppies for Parole has been around since 2010 helping prepare puppies for adoption/ Photo courtesy of David Owens" />
 <figcaption>Puppies for Parole has been around since 2010 helping prepare puppies for adoption/ Photo courtesy of David Owens</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Despite a large number of pets being taken in last year, the St. Joseph Animal Shelter also saw a large number of pets get adopted as well. &nbsp;Friends of the Animal Shelters Melanie Barnes says a large number of adoptions came thanks to the puppies for parole program. &nbsp;Barnes says the program helps out the shelter tremendously with space.&nbsp;"It frees up kennels for other pets that end up coming through the shelter, like I said they live with the inmates 24/7, there are two inmates assigned to every dog so that way they can take turns there's a primary and then a backup," Barnes tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And while they're there they have goals; they go through goals to try and train the puppies for canine good citizenship."&nbsp;Puppies for Parole started in 2010 and has helped prepare over 6,000 dogs for adoption.&nbsp; &nbsp;Barnes says the program is helpful in getting more dogs adopted because many adopters are drawn to those that have been through the program&nbsp;"Maybe there's adopters who don't want a puppy or a very rambunctious dog or they want to know more about that dog before they adopt them," Barnes explains. "So, this is a great way&nbsp;Barnes says the program was also helpful in getting more pets adopted this past year, which helped reduce the number of pets in kennels that were already overcrowded&nbsp;St. Joseph's prison is one of those that participates in the program which helps teach dogs 10 basic skills that they should know.&nbsp;Barnes says the program helping dogs learn those skills is a big help to the animal shelter&nbsp;"Because the dogs then become more adoptable, they're behaved, they're crate trained, they're potty trained, and the inmates because they live with them, they know so much more about their bios," Barnes says. "And so, they can build a nice bio on, you know, what does Fluffy like to do and maybe this dog loves to play fetch."&nbsp;Barnes says not only does it help with the adoption rate of dogs, but it also helps provide inmates that help with a positive experience and a purpose of taking care of the pets.&nbsp;

Pet adoptions up in 2022 in large part thanks to statewide program

The February FAO Food Price Index averaged 131.2 points in January 2023, down 1.1 points, or 0.8 percent, from December, marking the 10th consecutive monthly decline. 

With this latest decline, the index has fallen 28.6 points, 17.9 percent, from its peak in March 2022. 

The Cereal Price Index averaged 147.4 points in January, up fractionally from December and 6.7 points above its level one year ago. 

The Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 140.4 points in January, down 2.9 percent month-on-month and nearly 25 percent below its level a year ago. The Dairy Price Index averaged 136.2 points in January, down 1.4 percent from December, hitting its lowest level in 12 months. 

The decline in January reflected lower international prices of butter and milk powders. The Meat Price Index averaged 113.6 points in January, down marginally in December, continuing the decline for the seventh consecutive month, but it still stood 1.3 percent above its year-earlier level. Finally, the Sugar Price Index averaged 115.8 points in January, down 1.1 percent from December.

The February FAO Food Price Index averaged 131.2 points in January 2023, down 1.1 points, or 0.8 percent, from December, marking the 10th consecutive monthly decline. With this latest decline, the index has fallen 28.6 points, 17.9 percent, from its peak in March 2022. The Cereal Price Index averaged 147.4 points in January, up fractionally from December and 6.7 points above its level one year ago. The Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 140.4 points in January, down 2.9 percent month-on-month and nearly 25 percent below its level a year ago. The Dairy Price Index averaged 136.2 points in January, down 1.4 percent from December, hitting its lowest level in 12 months. The decline in January reflected lower international prices of butter and milk powders. The Meat Price Index averaged 113.6 points in January, down marginally in December, continuing the decline for the seventh consecutive month, but it still stood 1.3 percent above its year-earlier level. Finally, the Sugar Price Index averaged 115.8 points in January, down 1.1 percent from December.

FAO Food Price Index continues to decline

A Buchanan County jail inmate killed himself, though deputies
and medical staff attempted to save his life.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett reports in a news release
that jail personnel discovered 31-year-old William T. McGaughy attempting to
kill himself Saturday evening around 7:20. Puett reports deputies and medical
staff began lifesaving measures until emergency medical service personnel
arrived who continued lifesaving measures. All attempts proved unsuccessful,
according to Puett, and McGaughy died.

McGaughy was jailed on a charge of 1st Degree
Robbery. He was in a cell alone.

An autopsy has been ordered. An investigation continues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675630432169.jpeg" alt="William T. McGaughy/Photo courtesy of Buchanan County Sheriff's Dept." />
 <figcaption>William T. McGaughy/Photo courtesy of Buchanan County Sheriff's Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Buchanan County jail inmate killed himself, though deputies
and medical staff attempted to save his life.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett reports in a news release
that jail personnel discovered 31-year-old William T. McGaughy attempting to
kill himself Saturday evening around 7:20. Puett reports deputies and medical
staff began lifesaving measures until emergency medical service personnel
arrived who continued lifesaving measures. All attempts proved unsuccessful,
according to Puett, and McGaughy died.McGaughy was jailed on a charge of 1st Degree
Robbery. He was in a cell alone.An autopsy has been ordered. An investigation continues.

Buchanan County jail inmate kills himself

ANDREW COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Saturday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Cavalier driven by Chyleen K. Pauesick, 75, Kansas City, Kansas, was eastbound on Route T one half mile west of Savannah.

The car traveled off the road and struck an embankment. Andrew County EMS transported Pauesick to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Saturday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Cavalier driven by Chyleen K. Pauesick, 75, Kansas City, Kansas, was eastbound on Route T one half mile west of Savannah.The car traveled off the road and struck an embankment. Andrew County EMS transported Pauesick to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Kansas woman injured after car strikes embankment

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Jeep Wrangler driven by Sage C. Scanlan, 20, Bolckow, was northbound on U.S. 71 five and one half miles south of Maryville.&nbsp;

The Jeep rear-ended a 2003 Chevy Blazer driven by Galen L. Gregory, 72, Guilford. After impact, the SUV traveled off the, struck an embankment, overturned and struck a sign.

Nodaway County ambulance transported Gregory and a passenger Marsha K. Gregory, 66, Guilford, to Mosaic in Maryville. Scanlan was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Jeep Wrangler driven by Sage C. Scanlan, 20, Bolckow, was northbound on U.S. 71 five and one half miles south of Maryville.&nbsp;The Jeep rear-ended a 2003 Chevy Blazer driven by Galen L. Gregory, 72, Guilford. After impact, the SUV traveled off the, struck an embankment, overturned and struck a sign.Nodaway County ambulance transported Gregory and a passenger Marsha K. Gregory, 66, Guilford, to Mosaic in Maryville. Scanlan was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri couple hospitalized after rear-end crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of burglaries and thefts have a suspect in custody.

On Thursday police took 45-year-old&nbsp;&nbsp;Walter Hugh Taylor of Atchison into custody, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He is accused of a burglary of a residence in the 300 block North 3rd that occurred on December 24 and the theft of items from that residence.

He is also accused in a burglary of a business in the 1600 block Main Street in Atchison and the theft of a 2007 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck that was taken from outside that business on January 22, 2023.

He is accused of possession of a stolen 1994 Ford Thunderbird that police found on fire in the 900 block George Street on the evening of January 1, 2023. The vehicle had been stolen in Platte County Missouri, according to Wilson. 

He also faces requested charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon that occurred on January 1 and a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp; He is being held without bond. Taylor has previous convictions for trafficking contraband and possession of drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675437074812.png" alt="Taylor-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Taylor-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of burglaries and thefts have a suspect in custody.On Thursday police took 45-year-old&nbsp;&nbsp;Walter Hugh Taylor of Atchison into custody, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He is accused of a burglary of a residence in the 300 block North 3rd that occurred on December 24 and the theft of items from that residence.He is also accused in a burglary of a business in the 1600 block Main Street in Atchison and the theft of a 2007 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck that was taken from outside that business on January 22, 2023.He is accused of possession of a stolen 1994 Ford Thunderbird that police found on fire in the 900 block George Street on the evening of January 1, 2023. The vehicle had been stolen in Platte County Missouri, according to Wilson. He also faces requested charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon that occurred on January 1 and a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp; He is being held without bond. Taylor has previous convictions for trafficking contraband and possession of drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. felon accused of Christmas Eve burglary, other crimes

The Grain Belt Express project has proven contentious across northern Missouri where the transmission line is planned, but a new plan hopes to garner more support. 

Originally, the line from Ford County, Kansas would send 500 megawatts of power from alternative wind energy to Missouri.

Director of Transmission and Business Development Kevin Chandler says under the new phase of the project Missouri will receive even more

"But since Invenergy Transmission purchased the project in 2019, we're actually proposing to expand the delivery into Missouri to five times that original amount," Chandler tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Chandler says after much contention, people are beginning to come around to the idea of the project due to discussions with landowners.

"Understand their concerns and to provide information about the project itself," Chandler says. "And we work really hard to develop positive relationships with landowners in our host communities." 

Chandler says 86 percent of the landowners in phase one of the project have voluntarily agreed to use of land for the project.

Chandler says many of the changes made to the project were a result of discussions with landowners.

"Listening to those concerns we have redesigned the project and are proposing to deliver that extra power into the state," Chandler explains. "I think that's very much a result of some of the feedback that we've heard from people here in the state."

An open house was held in St. Joseph on Thursday to hear concerns from landowners and to be able to discuss parts of the project that might be misunderstood.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675437243257.jpeg" alt="Representatives from the Grain Belt Express project met with residents at an open house Thursday at the Fairview Golf Course/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Representatives from the Grain Belt Express project met with residents at an open house Thursday at the Fairview Golf Course/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Grain Belt Express project has proven contentious across northern Missouri where the transmission line is planned, but a new plan hopes to garner more support. Originally, the line from Ford County, Kansas would send 500 megawatts of power from alternative wind energy to Missouri.Director of Transmission and Business Development Kevin Chandler says under the new phase of the project Missouri will receive even more"But since Invenergy Transmission purchased the project in 2019, we're actually proposing to expand the delivery into Missouri to five times that original amount," Chandler tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Chandler says after much contention, people are beginning to come around to the idea of the project due to discussions with landowners."Understand their concerns and to provide information about the project itself," Chandler says. "And we work really hard to develop positive relationships with landowners in our host communities." Chandler says 86 percent of the landowners in phase one of the project have voluntarily agreed to use of land for the project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675437275977.jpeg" alt="Representatives with the Grain Belt Express project meet with residents that could be affected by the project. / Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Representatives with the Grain Belt Express project meet with residents that could be affected by the project. / Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Chandler says many of the changes made to the project were a result of discussions with landowners."Listening to those concerns we have redesigned the project and are proposing to deliver that extra power into the state," Chandler explains. "I think that's very much a result of some of the feedback that we've heard from people here in the state."An open house was held in St. Joseph on Thursday to hear concerns from landowners and to be able to discuss parts of the project that might be misunderstood.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675437301633.jpeg" alt="Map of phase one of the Grainbelt Express project showing where power will flow into from Ford County, Kansas./ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Map of phase one of the Grainbelt Express project showing where power will flow into from Ford County, Kansas./ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/232023-Journal--Grain-Belt-Express-project-enters-next-phase-with-redesigned-project-e1udlbd" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Grain Belt Express project moves into new phase; Missouri gets more power

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Toyota Corolla driven by Nicholas D. Austin, 49, Altamont, was eastbound on U.S. 36 one mile west of Stewartsville.

The car traveled off the road into the median, struck a culvert, crossed the crossover and overturned.&nbsp; Clinton-DeKalb ambulance transported Austin to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Toyota Corolla driven by Nicholas D. Austin, 49, Altamont, was eastbound on U.S. 36 one mile west of Stewartsville.The car traveled off the road into the median, struck a culvert, crossed the crossover and overturned.&nbsp; Clinton-DeKalb ambulance transported Austin to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after car overturns

A
Shawnee, Kansas man has been sentenced for sex trafficking two teenage victims,
including one from St. Joseph.

The
U.S. Attorney’s Office of Western Missouri reports 40-year-old Antonia Flemming
has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison, plus another 15 on supervised
release. Flemming will be required to register as a sex offender.

Flemming
pleaded guilty last year to two counts of sex trafficking a child. Flemming
confessed to recruiting a 16-year-old from St. Joseph as well as a 16-year-old
from Kansas City, Missouri to be prostitutes in early 2019.

Lenexa,
Kansas police arrested Flemming with an unidentified woman leaving a local
hotel with one of the victims. Investigators report Flemming and the woman
dropped off one of the victims at the victim's home, then drove to St. Joseph to pick
up the other victim to meet with a client at a Lenexa hotel. When the client
failed to show, Flemming had sex with the victim in the hotel room. Police
stopped them when they left the hotel together.

Both
of the victims told investigators Flemming recruited them to perform massages
for clients, then learned that actually meant having sex with them. One of the
victims told investigators she saw clients approximately five to six times a
day, three times a week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675371987559.png" alt="Flemming from a 2019 arrest in Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Flemming from a 2019 arrest in Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA
Shawnee, Kansas man has been sentenced for sex trafficking two teenage victims,
including one from St. Joseph.The
U.S. Attorney’s Office of Western Missouri reports 40-year-old Antonia Flemming
has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison, plus another 15 on supervised
release. Flemming will be required to register as a sex offender.Flemming
pleaded guilty last year to two counts of sex trafficking a child. Flemming
confessed to recruiting a 16-year-old from St. Joseph as well as a 16-year-old
from Kansas City, Missouri to be prostitutes in early 2019.Lenexa,
Kansas police arrested Flemming with an unidentified woman leaving a local
hotel with one of the victims. Investigators report Flemming and the woman
dropped off one of the victims at the victim's home, then drove to St. Joseph to pick
up the other victim to meet with a client at a Lenexa hotel. When the client
failed to show, Flemming had sex with the victim in the hotel room. Police
stopped them when they left the hotel together.Both
of the victims told investigators Flemming recruited them to perform massages
for clients, then learned that actually meant having sex with them. One of the
victims told investigators she saw clients approximately five to six times a
day, three times a week.

Kansas man sentenced for sex trafficking, including St. Joseph teen

The city of St. Joseph is seeking public input, as the city gets ready to try and renew the Capital Improvement Program half-cent sales tax.

The CIP half-cent sales tax, which has been voted on and approved every five years since 1989, generates about $7 million annually and is a major source of funding for public projects.

Mary Robertson, the city's public information officer, says any project requests that are made are better off coming from a group of people rather than an individual.

"It would be better served, while it is a public request, if the (requests) are associated with a group or organization," Robertson said. "For example, The Wyeth Tootle Mansion is a great public request that we had. The Chamber of Commerce has submitted proposals in the past."

Any project request submitted by the public must be for a public facility and it can be anything from roads, bridges, sewers and the like. Anyone who's interested in submitting a public project for consideration can access a form on the city’s website. The deadline for submission is February 23.

Robertson says the more thought and detail that goes into a project suggestion, the better.

"It has to come with the form that has been filled out," she said. "Thought has to have gone into it and something that is ideally maybe in another community. Like the Swim Club. They go out of town to swim meets. They think the city of St. Joseph needs to have its own swim club."

Past projects funded through the CIP sales tax include the building of three new fire stations, reconstruction of the Riverside Road and Gene Field intersection, the new splash park at Hyde Park, city street maintenance and other things.

Any project request submitted must be for a public facility, and that can be anything from roads, bridges, sewers and the like.

Robertson says once all of the project submissions are in, the city council will take the next steps.

"We have on the city council agenda for Monday night a resolution to approve a citizen's committee," she said. "That committee will begin meeting in late February and they will review all of the projects that have been submitted, including the public proposals and ones that other departments (in city hall) have submitted as well."

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe city of St. Joseph is seeking public input, as the city gets ready to try and renew the Capital Improvement Program half-cent sales tax.The CIP half-cent sales tax, which has been voted on and approved every five years since 1989, generates about $7 million annually and is a major source of funding for public projects.Mary Robertson, the city's public information officer, says any project requests that are made are better off coming from a group of people rather than an individual."It would be better served, while it is a public request, if the (requests) are associated with a group or organization," Robertson said. "For example, The Wyeth Tootle Mansion is a great public request that we had. The Chamber of Commerce has submitted proposals in the past."Any project request submitted by the public must be for a public facility and it can be anything from roads, bridges, sewers and the like. Anyone who's interested in submitting a public project for consideration can access a form on the city’s website. The deadline for submission is February 23.Robertson says the more thought and detail that goes into a project suggestion, the better."It has to come with the form that has been filled out," she said. "Thought has to have gone into it and something that is ideally maybe in another community. Like the Swim Club. They go out of town to swim meets. They think the city of St. Joseph needs to have its own swim club."Past projects funded through the CIP sales tax include the building of three new fire stations, reconstruction of the Riverside Road and Gene Field intersection, the new splash park at Hyde Park, city street maintenance and other things.Any project request submitted must be for a public facility, and that can be anything from roads, bridges, sewers and the like.Robertson says once all of the project submissions are in, the city council will take the next steps."We have on the city council agenda for Monday night a resolution to approve a citizen's committee," she said. "That committee will begin meeting in late February and they will review all of the projects that have been submitted, including the public proposals and ones that other departments (in city hall) have submitted as well."

City of St. Joseph taking public CIP project suggestions

President Joe Biden has informed Congress his administration
plans to end COVID-19 emergency measures as of May 11th, nearly
three years after the coronavirus pandemic began.

Mosaic Life Care CEO Mike Poore says Mosaic supports the move.

“From 0ur perspective, I think that is appropriate,” Moore
tells reporters when asked about the move. “We still have coronavirus
throughout the United States and in our service area, but it’s really
normalizing in the fact that it’s just like many of the other diseases that we
take care of on a daily basis.”

Poore says the numbers have dropped dramatically.

Mosaic has been seeing as many as 20 COVID-19 patients in a
given week, but rarely does the St. Joseph hospital have to treat more than a
single patient in its ICU.

Mosaic was treating nearly 100 coronavirus patients on any
given day at the end of 2020.

“I mean, it’s sort of like the flu now. We don’t tell a lot of
difference. There’s not much of a trend that we’ve seen,” Poore says. “It’s a
lot less severe when we see those patients.”

The Biden administration move to end the national emergency and
public health emergency declarations would formally restructure the federal
coronavirus response to treat the virus as an endemic threat to public health
that can be managed through agencies' normal authorities.

Legislators did extend for another two years telehealth
flexibilities that were introduced as COVID-19 hit, leading health care systems
around the country to regularly deliver care by smartphone or computer.

The Biden administration had previously considered ending the
emergency last year, but held off amid concerns about a potential “winter
surge” in cases and to provide adequate time for providers, insurers, and
patients to prepare for its end.

Poore says Mosaic has shifted how it
manages COVID patients.

“It is something that we’re going to have to live with as a
society, just like flu and other ailments that we get that come through the
community,” Moore says. “Get your vaccine, just like your flu vaccine can help
and especially for those populations that are more at risk.”

The administration of President Donald Trump first declared a
public health emergency at the end of January 2020. Trump declared the COVID-19
pandemic a national emergency that March. President Biden has extended the
emergencies ever since.

More than 1.1 million people in the U.S. have died from COVID-19
since 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
including about 3,700 last week.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostPresident Joe Biden has informed Congress his administration
plans to end COVID-19 emergency measures as of May 11th, nearly
three years after the coronavirus pandemic began.Mosaic Life Care CEO Mike Poore says Mosaic supports the move.“From 0ur perspective, I think that is appropriate,” Moore
tells reporters when asked about the move. “We still have coronavirus
throughout the United States and in our service area, but it’s really
normalizing in the fact that it’s just like many of the other diseases that we
take care of on a daily basis.”Poore says the numbers have dropped dramatically.Mosaic has been seeing as many as 20 COVID-19 patients in a
given week, but rarely does the St. Joseph hospital have to treat more than a
single patient in its ICU.Mosaic was treating nearly 100 coronavirus patients on any
given day at the end of 2020.“I mean, it’s sort of like the flu now. We don’t tell a lot of
difference. There’s not much of a trend that we’ve seen,” Poore says. “It’s a
lot less severe when we see those patients.”The Biden administration move to end the national emergency and
public health emergency declarations would formally restructure the federal
coronavirus response to treat the virus as an endemic threat to public health
that can be managed through agencies' normal authorities.Legislators did extend for another two years telehealth
flexibilities that were introduced as COVID-19 hit, leading health care systems
around the country to regularly deliver care by smartphone or computer.The Biden administration had previously considered ending the
emergency last year, but held off amid concerns about a potential “winter
surge” in cases and to provide adequate time for providers, insurers, and
patients to prepare for its end.Poore says Mosaic has shifted how it
manages COVID patients.“It is something that we’re going to have to live with as a
society, just like flu and other ailments that we get that come through the
community,” Moore says. “Get your vaccine, just like your flu vaccine can help
and especially for those populations that are more at risk.”The administration of President Donald Trump first declared a
public health emergency at the end of January 2020. Trump declared the COVID-19
pandemic a national emergency that March. President Biden has extended the
emergencies ever since.More than 1.1 million people in the U.S. have died from COVID-19
since 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
including about 3,700 last week.<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/222023-Journal--Covid-Emergency-move-sees-positive-response-from-Mosaic-Life-Care-e1udl5t" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Mosaic agrees with Biden administration move to end COVID emergency

City officials are currently seeking options of how to renovate and remodel the currently closed lap pool at the aquatic park in St. Joseph. &nbsp;

Originally, the city designated eight million dollars of capital improvement money towards the project. &nbsp;

City Manager Bryan Carter says though the city began to consider the cost of maintaining an outdoor pool.&nbsp;

"When it came time to look at that, the decision was made that eight million dollars on something that's used three months a year because it's an outdoor pool has a limited availability for its season, eight million dollars was a lot of money," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. &nbsp;

Carter says the city is currently forming a long-term plan, that could potentially end with a new indoor pool facility. &nbsp;

While St. Joseph city officials are formulating a plan of what to do with the old Aquatic Park lap pool there is a plan in the short term.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The city has had an agreement with Missouri Western State University since 2014 for limited use of its indoor pool. &nbsp;

Carter says the city is currently working to shift ownership of the pool though to the city and its aquatic manager&nbsp;

"Where we could keep it open longer hours, we could keep it open more days, possibly keep it open through some of the school closures, so when the school closes the pool closes, we could keep it open through that," Carter says. "We've worked with Missouri Western, they're very receptive to doing that, we're doing some preliminary due diligence now."&nbsp;

Carter says the city currently needs to evaluate the long-term viability of the Missouri Western option to see if it fits the city long term plan.&nbsp;

Carter says the city is working on a long-term plan with dreams of building a new indoor pool facility. &nbsp;

"What we know is an indoor facility is going to cost, we've heard as low as $20 million in money from a few years ago, which is a whole different thing from money from today," Carter explains. "We're hearing today $25 to $30 million, of course you can't build a $25 million pool with $8 million."&nbsp;

Carter says the city is evaluating many different options for a lap pool facility in St. Joseph.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;City officials are currently seeking options of how to renovate and remodel the currently closed lap pool at the aquatic park in St. Joseph. &nbsp;Originally, the city designated eight million dollars of capital improvement money towards the project. &nbsp;City Manager Bryan Carter says though the city began to consider the cost of maintaining an outdoor pool.&nbsp;"When it came time to look at that, the decision was made that eight million dollars on something that's used three months a year because it's an outdoor pool has a limited availability for its season, eight million dollars was a lot of money," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. &nbsp;Carter says the city is currently forming a long-term plan, that could potentially end with a new indoor pool facility. &nbsp;While St. Joseph city officials are formulating a plan of what to do with the old Aquatic Park lap pool there is a plan in the short term.&nbsp; &nbsp;The city has had an agreement with Missouri Western State University since 2014 for limited use of its indoor pool. &nbsp;Carter says the city is currently working to shift ownership of the pool though to the city and its aquatic manager&nbsp;"Where we could keep it open longer hours, we could keep it open more days, possibly keep it open through some of the school closures, so when the school closes the pool closes, we could keep it open through that," Carter says. "We've worked with Missouri Western, they're very receptive to doing that, we're doing some preliminary due diligence now."&nbsp;Carter says the city currently needs to evaluate the long-term viability of the Missouri Western option to see if it fits the city long term plan.&nbsp;Carter says the city is working on a long-term plan with dreams of building a new indoor pool facility. &nbsp;"What we know is an indoor facility is going to cost, we've heard as low as $20 million in money from a few years ago, which is a whole different thing from money from today," Carter explains. "We're hearing today $25 to $30 million, of course you can't build a $25 million pool with $8 million."&nbsp;Carter says the city is evaluating many different options for a lap pool facility in St. Joseph.&nbsp;

St. Joseph weighing options on replacing Aquatic Park pool 

By Patricia Jones, Alliance (Neb.) Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

Now that January has ended, we should have all the forms we need to file our federal and state income taxes. One of the biggest changes in our federal 2022 taxes is the Child Tax Credit, which is claimed by tens of millions of Americans every year.

As a response to the economic problems created by COVID, for 2021 Congress changed the child tax credit so it was higher and fully refundable. Their goal was to reduce child poverty in the United States.

And it worked! Combined with other relief efforts, the expansion helped lower child poverty by more than 40 percent between 2020 and 2021, from 9.7% to a record low of 5.2%, according to the Census Bureau. This meant 3.7 million children were lifted out of poverty in 2021.

What were the changes? The amount of the credit was $3,000 per child, $3,600 if they were under age 6. 17-year-olds were included. For July through December, the credit was paid out monthly: $250 per month for each qualifying child age 6 to 17, $300 per month for each qualifying child under age 6. This enabled families to budget and spend the money as it was needed.

Those changes all ended in December, 2021, for taxes filed by April, 2022.

The rules reverted back to those that were in place for filing 2020 returns. The amount of the credit is $2,000 per child through age 16. There were no early payments last year.

According to the IRS, you can claim the 2022 Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child, meaning

· Be under age 17 at the end of the year

· Be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, or a descendant of one of these (grandchild, niece or nephew)

· Provide no more than half of their own financial support during the year

· Have lived with you for more than half the year

· Be properly claimed as your dependent on your tax return

· Have been a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien

You qualify for the full amount of the 2022 Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child if you meet all eligibility factors and your annual income is not more than $200,000 ($400,000 if filing a joint return). Parents and guardians with higher incomes may be eligible to claim a partial credit.

Last year households could claim the credit even if they hadn't earned income from a job or didn't owe any income taxes. Instead, only up to $1,500 of the Child Tax Credit is refundable for some lower-income individuals with children. You must have at least $2,500 of earned income to even qualify for this partial refund.

You have to file a tax return to get any of the Child Tax Credit refund. You must file Schedule 8812 to figure the amount of the credit.

Families who qualify for the Child Tax Credit might also qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, Adoption Credit, or Education credits.

The IRS asks that, if possible, people file electronically rather than mailing in paper forms. The library has public computers that anyone can use. Log in using your library card number. If you aren’t a patron of the library, you can use a guest pass if you provide a current photo ID. You can print from the computer for 25¢ a page.

The library will print blank tax forms for patrons at no cost at their request. This does not include the tax instruction booklets, just the blank tax forms.

The IRS is generally promising refunds within 21 days of filing of electronic returns. This would be true for people who file online, make no errors on their return, and request that their refund be directly deposited into their bank account.

If you qualify for tax credits and are getting a refund, file your income taxes soon!

By Patricia Jones, Alliance (Neb.) Community Task Force: Creating OpportunityNow that January has ended, we should have all the forms we need to file our federal and state income taxes. One of the biggest changes in our federal 2022 taxes is the Child Tax Credit, which is claimed by tens of millions of Americans every year.As a response to the economic problems created by COVID, for 2021 Congress changed the child tax credit so it was higher and fully refundable. Their goal was to reduce child poverty in the United States.And it worked! Combined with other relief efforts, the expansion helped lower child poverty by more than 40 percent between 2020 and 2021, from 9.7% to a record low of 5.2%, according to the Census Bureau. This meant 3.7 million children were lifted out of poverty in 2021.What were the changes? The amount of the credit was $3,000 per child, $3,600 if they were under age 6. 17-year-olds were included. For July through December, the credit was paid out monthly: $250 per month for each qualifying child age 6 to 17, $300 per month for each qualifying child under age 6. This enabled families to budget and spend the money as it was needed.Those changes all ended in December, 2021, for taxes filed by April, 2022.The rules reverted back to those that were in place for filing 2020 returns. The amount of the credit is $2,000 per child through age 16. There were no early payments last year.According to the IRS, you can claim the 2022 Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child, meaningyour dependent must:· Be under age 17 at the end of the year· Be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, or a descendant of one of these (grandchild, niece or nephew)· Provide no more than half of their own financial support during the year· Have lived with you for more than half the year· Be properly claimed as your dependent on your tax return· Have been a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien· Have a valid Social Security NumberYou qualify for the full amount of the 2022 Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child if you meet all eligibility factors and your annual income is not more than $200,000 ($400,000 if filing a joint return). Parents and guardians with higher incomes may be eligible to claim a partial credit.Last year households could claim the credit even if they hadn't earned income from a job or didn't owe any income taxes. Instead, only up to $1,500 of the Child Tax Credit is refundable for some lower-income individuals with children. You must have at least $2,500 of earned income to even qualify for this partial refund.You have to file a tax return to get any of the Child Tax Credit refund. You must file Schedule 8812 to figure the amount of the credit.Families who qualify for the Child Tax Credit might also qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, Adoption Credit, or Education credits.The IRS asks that, if possible, people file electronically rather than mailing in paper forms. The library has public computers that anyone can use. Log in using your library card number. If you aren’t a patron of the library, you can use a guest pass if you provide a current photo ID. You can print from the computer for 25¢ a page.The library will print blank tax forms for patrons at no cost at their request. This does not include the tax instruction booklets, just the blank tax forms.The IRS is generally promising refunds within 21 days of filing of electronic returns. This would be true for people who file online, make no errors on their return, and request that their refund be directly deposited into their bank account.If you qualify for tax credits and are getting a refund, file your income taxes soon!

Getting Ahead: Child tax credit 2022

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Focus driven by Travis W. Evans, 32, Osburn, was southbound on Route K and failed to yield at U.S. 36.

An eastbound 2018 Freightliner semi driven by Abdykerim Oskombaev,&nbsp; 25, New York, NY, struck the Ford in the passenger side.

DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported Evans to Mosaic Life Care. Oskombaev was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Focus driven by Travis W. Evans, 32, Osburn, was southbound on Route K and failed to yield at U.S. 36.An eastbound 2018 Freightliner semi driven by Abdykerim Oskombaev,&nbsp; 25, New York, NY, struck the Ford in the passenger side.DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported Evans to Mosaic Life Care. Oskombaev was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after crash with a semi

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4:30a.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford Windstar driven by Kayla A.&nbsp; Drumheller, 30, Lamoni, Iowa, was southbound on Interstate 35 just south of the Iowa state line. 

The van traveled off the road, struck an embankment at the emergency crossover, went airborne and rolled onto its top.

North Harrison County ambulance transported Druheller to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, acording to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4:30a.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford Windstar driven by Kayla A.&nbsp; Drumheller, 30, Lamoni, Iowa, was southbound on Interstate 35 just south of the Iowa state line. The van traveled off the road, struck an embankment at the emergency crossover, went airborne and rolled onto its top.North Harrison County ambulance transported Druheller to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, acording to the MSHP.

Driver hospitalized after van rollover accident

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a car theft and have made an arrest.

Just after noon Tuesday, a&nbsp;29 year old victim reported the theft of a 1992 Mercury passenger car from a parking lot in the 700 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

&nbsp;Police recovered the vehicle on Wednesday morning in a parking lot in the 400 block Main Street. They took Leanna M. Michaels, 59, Atchison, into custody on a requested charge of theft of the vehicle.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675273750296.png" alt="Michaels-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Michaels-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a car theft and have made an arrest.Just after noon Tuesday, a&nbsp;29 year old victim reported the theft of a 1992 Mercury passenger car from a parking lot in the 700 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp;Police recovered the vehicle on Wednesday morning in a parking lot in the 400 block Main Street. They took Leanna M. Michaels, 59, Atchison, into custody on a requested charge of theft of the vehicle.&nbsp;

Police arrested Kansas woman for alleged car theft

Though Human Trafficking Awareness month has come to an end, the problem hasn’t gone away as federal officials remind a St. Joseph audience.

Federal officials from the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations unit from Kansas City made a presentation in St. Joseph on Tuesday at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce offices.

Unit Supervisor Scott Titus says one sign people may see in youth that are being trafficked is a disconnection from family.&nbsp;

"More recently disconnected from family, sudden changes in behaviorisms, if they go from doing exceptionally well in school to not being related to school or kind of disconnecting from friends as well," Titus tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Often times we'll find unexplainable bruising on the arms, neck, legs, places that bruising just shouldn't normally occur."&nbsp;

Titus says victims will also not be in charge of their own passport or even financials and can be seen looking to their trafficker for confirmation on financial decisions. &nbsp;

Acting Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho says when people hear about trafficking, they think about it happening in continents such as Africa or Southeast Asia&nbsp;

"However, this happens in the United States, we just don't see it, it's normally out of sight out of mind," Cho says. "Because this is such a threat, not only to public safety, but really national security because transnational criminal organizations, the cartels, are taking part in this illegal activity."&nbsp;

Cho says the involvement of the cartels and other criminal organizations is what makes his department a part of investigating these instances of trafficking.&nbsp;

The growing problem of human trafficking can happen anywhere, no matter the size of the town.&nbsp; &nbsp;

While Kansas City is ranked the fifth largest spot for occurrences of trafficking, cases are also being seen in small towns like Harrisonville, Missouri. &nbsp;

Titus says cases of human trafficking are happening anywhere and everywhere.&nbsp;

"It's not necessarily that it's more common in a small town, with that being said, you typically have more eyes in larger towns constantly watching for it, more training, more resources readily available," Titus explains. "In smaller towns those resources aren't nearly as available, not as many opportunities for federal law enforcement training or state local assistant training, so it's not as readily watched."&nbsp;

Federal officials made a presentation to St. Joseph business owners and residents on the signs to look for of human trafficking and how best to respond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675267292440.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State University Small Business Development Center director Rebecca Lobina (in red) looks on during a presentation on human trafficking by the Department of Homeland Security/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State University Small Business Development Center director Rebecca Lobina (in red) looks on during a presentation on human trafficking by the Department of Homeland Security/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Though Human Trafficking Awareness month has come to an end, the problem hasn’t gone away as federal officials remind a St. Joseph audience.Federal officials from the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations unit from Kansas City made a presentation in St. Joseph on Tuesday at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce offices.Unit Supervisor Scott Titus says one sign people may see in youth that are being trafficked is a disconnection from family.&nbsp;"More recently disconnected from family, sudden changes in behaviorisms, if they go from doing exceptionally well in school to not being related to school or kind of disconnecting from friends as well," Titus tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Often times we'll find unexplainable bruising on the arms, neck, legs, places that bruising just shouldn't normally occur."&nbsp;Titus says victims will also not be in charge of their own passport or even financials and can be seen looking to their trafficker for confirmation on financial decisions. &nbsp;Acting Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho says when people hear about trafficking, they think about it happening in continents such as Africa or Southeast Asia&nbsp;"However, this happens in the United States, we just don't see it, it's normally out of sight out of mind," Cho says. "Because this is such a threat, not only to public safety, but really national security because transnational criminal organizations, the cartels, are taking part in this illegal activity."&nbsp;Cho says the involvement of the cartels and other criminal organizations is what makes his department a part of investigating these instances of trafficking.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675267278616.jpeg" alt="Rebecca Lobina introduces federal agents to a group of St. Joseph business leaders and community leaders/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Rebecca Lobina introduces federal agents to a group of St. Joseph business leaders and community leaders/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>The growing problem of human trafficking can happen anywhere, no matter the size of the town.&nbsp; &nbsp;While Kansas City is ranked the fifth largest spot for occurrences of trafficking, cases are also being seen in small towns like Harrisonville, Missouri. &nbsp;Titus says cases of human trafficking are happening anywhere and everywhere.&nbsp;"It's not necessarily that it's more common in a small town, with that being said, you typically have more eyes in larger towns constantly watching for it, more training, more resources readily available," Titus explains. "In smaller towns those resources aren't nearly as available, not as many opportunities for federal law enforcement training or state local assistant training, so it's not as readily watched."&nbsp;Federal officials made a presentation to St. Joseph business owners and residents on the signs to look for of human trafficking and how best to respond.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675267452976.jpeg" alt="The area covered by Homeland Security&nbsp; Investigations Kansas City division/ Photo courtesy of Taekuk Cho" />
 <figcaption>The area covered by Homeland Security&nbsp; Investigations Kansas City division/ Photo courtesy of Taekuk Cho</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/212023-Journal--Federal-officials-visit-St--Joseph-with-message-on-human-trafficking-e1ualpj" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Federal officials bring human trafficking message to St. Joseph

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford Fiesta driven by Teena R. Hines, 56, Shawnee, Kansas, was westbound on Old Route 190 three miles west of Chillicothe.

The car struck a pile of asphalt, traveled off the road and struck a pile of dirt. Chillicothe EMS transported her to Hedrick Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford Fiesta driven by Teena R. Hines, 56, Shawnee, Kansas, was westbound on Old Route 190 three miles west of Chillicothe.The car struck a pile of asphalt, traveled off the road and struck a pile of dirt. Chillicothe EMS transported her to Hedrick Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Kansas woman injured after car strikes pile of asphalt, dirt

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Kia K5 driven by Michelle L. Ray, 42, St. Joseph, was northbound on MO 31 at Route V file miles north of Clarksdale.

The driver lost control of the car. It traveled off the west side of the road and struck a tree.

DeKalb County Ambulance transported Ray and a passenger Michael A. Siler, 45, St. Joseph, to. Mosaic Life Care. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Kia K5 driven by Michelle L. Ray, 42, St. Joseph, was northbound on MO 31 at Route V file miles north of Clarksdale.The driver lost control of the car. It traveled off the west side of the road and struck a tree.DeKalb County Ambulance transported Ray and a passenger Michael A. Siler, 45, St. Joseph, to. Mosaic Life Care. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 from St. Joseph hospitalized after car strikes a tree

Mosaic Life Care plans to have a new 18-bed rehabilitation
unit operating by mid-summer.

Mosaic CEO Mike Poore says the unit will be located on the
third floor of the St. Joseph hospital, offering various rehabilitation
services to those coming off neurosurgery or other serious operations.

“Some patients could be heart attack patients that take a
longer time to do recovery,” Moore tells reporters during a news conference. “And,
in the past, these patients have had to travel to Kansas City to get the same
care. So, we’re excited about having this in place.”

Poore says the unit should be in operation by July 1st.
The unit will provide a variety of services, such as physical therapy,
occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Lifepoint Hospital Rehabilitation Services will manage the unit
for Mosaic.

“There are no rehab units between here, Iowa, Nebraska, and
Kansas north of Kansas City,” Poore says. “So, this will be fairly unique.”

Poore says the unit will seek to help patients recover from
serious surgeries and get back home. Poore says Lifepoint will provide the services
needed.

“It’s pretty specialized,” Moore says. “Finding the right
people to do this type of care, to get people back to their homes, back to
their way of life is very important to us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675196943416.jpeg" alt="Mosaic CEO Mike Poore/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Mosaic CEO Mike Poore/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care plans to have a new 18-bed rehabilitation
unit operating by mid-summer.Mosaic CEO Mike Poore says the unit will be located on the
third floor of the St. Joseph hospital, offering various rehabilitation
services to those coming off neurosurgery or other serious operations.“Some patients could be heart attack patients that take a
longer time to do recovery,” Moore tells reporters during a news conference. “And,
in the past, these patients have had to travel to Kansas City to get the same
care. So, we’re excited about having this in place.”Poore says the unit should be in operation by July 1st.
The unit will provide a variety of services, such as physical therapy,
occupational therapy, and speech therapy.Lifepoint Hospital Rehabilitation Services will manage the unit
for Mosaic.Poore says the unit will fill a void.“There are no rehab units between here, Iowa, Nebraska, and
Kansas north of Kansas City,” Poore says. “So, this will be fairly unique.”Poore says the unit will seek to help patients recover from
serious surgeries and get back home. Poore says Lifepoint will provide the services
needed.“It’s pretty specialized,” Moore says. “Finding the right
people to do this type of care, to get people back to their homes, back to
their way of life is very important to us.”

Mosaic Life Care to open new rehabilitation unit

St. Joseph Restaurant Week will return in February giving people the opportunity to try out some new places to eat in town.&nbsp;

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Natalie Redmond says winter is typically a slower time for restaurants.&nbsp;

"So, it's designed to kind of drive some economy to them," Redmond tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675188642497.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Restaurant Week gives everyone the chance to get out and try some new restaurants/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Restaurant Week gives everyone the chance to get out and try some new restaurants/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;St. Joseph Restaurant Week will return in February giving people the opportunity to try out some new places to eat in town.&nbsp;St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Natalie Redmond says winter is typically a slower time for restaurants.&nbsp;"So, it's designed to kind of drive some economy to them," Redmond tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. &nbsp;During last year’s restaurant week, a charity component was added with the Open-Door Food Kitchen. &nbsp;Redmond says that will return this year as well, with donations benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank.&nbsp;"So, if you go to a restaurant, you can click on the QR code and give a donation to support Second Harvest," Redmond explains. "And if we raise $20,000, we have a match for $20,000 to support Second Harvest, our local community food bank." &nbsp;Redmond says the week is designed to get people to try some new restaurants they might normally not.&nbsp;"Now support your favorites as well, but it's designed to be like oh I haven't been to this cafe' downtown, I'm going to go check them out and try them," Redmond says.&nbsp;Redmond says the event also asks restaurant owners to make a special menu, which gives owners a chance to experiment with new items.&nbsp;"For example, Belle Epoque wanted to try a vegan menu because they weren't sure if that would go over well," Redmond points out. "So, restaurant week gives them an opportunity to try something that they maybe wouldn't normally try to see if there's a market for it."&nbsp;Redmond says following restaurant week Belle Epoque did end up adding those items due to its success.&nbsp;Registration is currently underway for the event, which will run February 16th through the 26th. &nbsp;Redmond says the event is held in February, because this is a time of year that’s normally hard on restaurants. &nbsp;Redmond says in these colder months, restaurant week provides a great amenity to the community. &nbsp;"It gives you something fun to go do on a gloomy winter day," Redmond says.&nbsp;Redmond says on days that are grey and cold, it's hard to motivate yourself to get out of the house&nbsp;"You don't want to go out and do anything, you can't go to the park, or go spend time outside," Redmond says. "So, you might as well go try a new restaurant."&nbsp;A full list of restaurants will be available before the start of the event.&nbsp; You can view that list when its available at Stjrestaurantweek.com&nbsp;

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