GRUNDY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Explorer driven by a 16-year-old Trenton boy was eastbound on NE 20th Street one mile north of Trenton.

The SUV began to skid. The driver overcorrected, the SUV traveled off the road and overturned.

A private vehicle transported a 15-year-old passenger to Wright Memorial Hospital. The driver was not injured. Both teens were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Explorer driven by a 16-year-old Trenton boy was eastbound on NE 20th Street one mile north of Trenton.The SUV began to skid. The driver overcorrected, the SUV traveled off the road and overturned.A private vehicle transported a 15-year-old passenger to Wright Memorial Hospital. The driver was not injured. Both teens were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen injured after SUV overturns in Grundy County

A 29-year-old St. Joseph man has been charged in the shooting of his father.&nbsp;

Documents filed in Buchanan County Court report Richard Watkins has been charged with the unlawful use of a weapon while intoxicated. The probable cause statement alleges Watkins shot his father late Thursday morning in the residence they shared on the 400 block of North 16th Street.&nbsp;

Police responded to the neighborhood after receiving a call of shots fired. Officers found the victim down the street from the residence with gunshot wounds to both legs. The victim is reported to be in critical condition at Mosaic Life Care hospital.&nbsp;

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 29-year-old St. Joseph man has been charged in the shooting of his father.&nbsp;Documents filed in Buchanan County Court report Richard Watkins has been charged with the unlawful use of a weapon while intoxicated. The probable cause statement alleges Watkins shot his father late Thursday morning in the residence they shared on the 400 block of North 16th Street.&nbsp;Police responded to the neighborhood after receiving a call of shots fired. Officers found the victim down the street from the residence with gunshot wounds to both legs. The victim is reported to be in critical condition at Mosaic Life Care hospital.&nbsp;

St. Joseph man faces charges in the shooting of his father

Bitter cold temperatures formed ice jams on the Missouri River earlier this winter, dropping the river’s level.&nbsp;

Missouri River Basin Water Management Chief John Remus says that prompted the U.S. Corps of Engineers to increase water releases from Gavins Point Dam from the minimum of 12-thousand cubic feet per second to mitigate the effects of the sudden extreme cold.&nbsp;

But now, Remus says things are getting back to normal.&nbsp;

"We just this week began to reduce releases as the ice cover and the associated impacts began to stabilize," Remus tells a monthly conference call held by the Corps of Engineers for members of Congress, state officials in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa as well as the news media. "We will continue to monitor the river conditions and weather forecast, and make operational adjustments to the extent possible."&nbsp;

Remus says the runoff from the Upper River basin this year is forecast to be below average, running possibly even longer than this year.&nbsp;

Runoff into the Upper Missouri River basin could be below average for some time officials with the US Army Corps of Engineers say. &nbsp;

Remus says it doesn’t appear the drought affecting Upper Missouri River Basin states will end any time soon.&nbsp;

"We are anticipating continuing our water conservation measures into 2023 and possibly longer," Remus says. "Conservation measures are reduced, low support to navigation, and minimal winter releases."&nbsp;

Remus says the Corps understands the importance of the river providing water for irrigation and industrial uses, and hopes to keep the Missouri River levels high enough to serve all the communities that rely on the river.&nbsp;

The Missouri Army Corps of Engineers reports it had to increase water releases from Gavins Point Dam after the extreme cold formed ice jams on the Missouri River.&nbsp;

During the Corps conference call, Hydrologist Kevin Low with the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill says the bitter cold snap had an effect all along the lower Missouri River basin. &nbsp;

"One in the Nebraska/Iowa reach and the other in the reach below Kansas City, neither of those resulted in flooding but both of those resulted in record low stages in the stretches of the Missouri below those two respective dams," Low says.&nbsp;

Low says looking ahead there is a better than 50-50 chance of seeing some flooding between now and March, according to the National Weather Service’s 90-day outlook of the Missouri River.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Bitter cold temperatures formed ice jams on the Missouri River earlier this winter, dropping the river’s level.&nbsp;Missouri River Basin Water Management Chief John Remus says that prompted the U.S. Corps of Engineers to increase water releases from Gavins Point Dam from the minimum of 12-thousand cubic feet per second to mitigate the effects of the sudden extreme cold.&nbsp;But now, Remus says things are getting back to normal.&nbsp;"We just this week began to reduce releases as the ice cover and the associated impacts began to stabilize," Remus tells a monthly conference call held by the Corps of Engineers for members of Congress, state officials in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa as well as the news media. "We will continue to monitor the river conditions and weather forecast, and make operational adjustments to the extent possible."&nbsp;Remus says the runoff from the Upper River basin this year is forecast to be below average, running possibly even longer than this year.&nbsp;Runoff into the Upper Missouri River basin could be below average for some time officials with the US Army Corps of Engineers say. &nbsp;Remus says it doesn’t appear the drought affecting Upper Missouri River Basin states will end any time soon.&nbsp;"We are anticipating continuing our water conservation measures into 2023 and possibly longer," Remus says. "Conservation measures are reduced, low support to navigation, and minimal winter releases."&nbsp;Remus says the Corps understands the importance of the river providing water for irrigation and industrial uses, and hopes to keep the Missouri River levels high enough to serve all the communities that rely on the river.&nbsp;The Missouri Army Corps of Engineers reports it had to increase water releases from Gavins Point Dam after the extreme cold formed ice jams on the Missouri River.&nbsp;During the Corps conference call, Hydrologist Kevin Low with the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill says the bitter cold snap had an effect all along the lower Missouri River basin. &nbsp;"One in the Nebraska/Iowa reach and the other in the reach below Kansas City, neither of those resulted in flooding but both of those resulted in record low stages in the stretches of the Missouri below those two respective dams," Low says.&nbsp;Low says looking ahead there is a better than 50-50 chance of seeing some flooding between now and March, according to the National Weather Service’s 90-day outlook of the Missouri River.&nbsp;

Missouri River returns to normal after cold drops levels

An investigation continues after the Buchanan County Drug
Strike Force made two methamphetamine busts last week, taking meth off the
street valued at an estimated $1.25 million.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says members of the strike
force first seized 25 pounds of meth as well as guns in the first bust and five
more pounds in a follow up bust.

“Our guys have been really aggressive and very busy,” Puett tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “They’ve had some other substantial
investigations that are ongoing involving opiates and pills and those types of
things.”

Puett says the Drug Strike Force recently received a grant
that allowed the county to hire three more strike force members, including one
with a drug dog. The grant also paid for a prosecutor dedicated to dealing with
illegal drug prosecutions.

The county has applied for a supplemental grant that would pay
for two more investigators.

Puett says while this latest seizure has an estimated value of
more than one million dollars, the cost of the illegal drug trade is harder to
calculate.

“There’s a tremendous cost that we pay as taxpayers for this
problem, but there’s a human cost when we see loved ones that become involved
and addicted,” according to Puett.

Supply chain problems have disrupted the economy, but they
don’t seem to be slowing down the drug trade.

“You may have trouble getting eggs, but I don’t think you’re
going to have trouble getting meth,” Puett says he doesn’t mean to make a joke
out of it. “It is disheartening to think that common, everyday things that we
need and use we have supply chain issues and problems, but when it comes to illegal
narcotics, they seem to be very abundant.”

Puett says he is limited to how much he can say about the meth
busts, because the investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673619849887.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn investigation continues after the Buchanan County Drug
Strike Force made two methamphetamine busts last week, taking meth off the
street valued at an estimated $1.25 million.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says members of the strike
force first seized 25 pounds of meth as well as guns in the first bust and five
more pounds in a follow up bust.“Our guys have been really aggressive and very busy,” Puett tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “They’ve had some other substantial
investigations that are ongoing involving opiates and pills and those types of
things.”Puett says the Drug Strike Force recently received a grant
that allowed the county to hire three more strike force members, including one
with a drug dog. The grant also paid for a prosecutor dedicated to dealing with
illegal drug prosecutions.The county has applied for a supplemental grant that would pay
for two more investigators.Puett says while this latest seizure has an estimated value of
more than one million dollars, the cost of the illegal drug trade is harder to
calculate.“There’s a tremendous cost that we pay as taxpayers for this
problem, but there’s a human cost when we see loved ones that become involved
and addicted,” according to Puett.Supply chain problems have disrupted the economy, but they
don’t seem to be slowing down the drug trade.“You may have trouble getting eggs, but I don’t think you’re
going to have trouble getting meth,” Puett says he doesn’t mean to make a joke
out of it. “It is disheartening to think that common, everyday things that we
need and use we have supply chain issues and problems, but when it comes to illegal
narcotics, they seem to be very abundant.”Puett says he is limited to how much he can say about the meth
busts, because the investigation is ongoing.

Investigation continues in million dollar Buchanan County meth busts

One person suffered a wound to the leg in a shooting in St.
Joseph.

St. Joseph police report the shooting took place late Thursday
morning at a residence in the 400-block of North 16th Street. Police
found one person wounded. Emergency responders rushed the victim to the
hospital.

An investigation continues. One person gave up to police, but
there has been no indication yet whether that person is a suspect in the
shooting.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostOne person suffered a wound to the leg in a shooting in St.
Joseph.St. Joseph police report the shooting took place late Thursday
morning at a residence in the 400-block of North 16th Street. Police
found one person wounded. Emergency responders rushed the victim to the
hospital.An investigation continues. One person gave up to police, but
there has been no indication yet whether that person is a suspect in the
shooting.

One wounded in St. Joseph shooting

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a couple arrested in October for alleged burglary on new allegations.

Just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 32-year-old&nbsp;Mary C. McDonald and 30-year-old Jacob Camp of Atchison in the 900 block Unity on a Community Corrections detain order and a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

They also face a requested charg of interference with law enforcement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On August 24, police investigated a theft of a financial card from a residence in the 400 block Mound in Atchison, according to Mike Wilson.

On Oct. 11, police arrested McDonald and Camp in connection with the crime.

McDonald was accused of unlawful entry into that residence and taking a financial card belonging to a 70-year-old victim.

Camp was held on requested charge that involved unlawfully using that financial card at several area retail stores in amounts totaling around $850.&nbsp;She was held on a District Court warrant for aggravated burglary and a requested charge of theft by deception, according to Wilson.

In 2016 and in July of 2020, police arrested her on requested charges of domestic battery and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665416860919.png" alt="McDonald-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>McDonald-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a couple arrested in October for alleged burglary on new allegations.Just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 32-year-old&nbsp;Mary C. McDonald and 30-year-old Jacob Camp of Atchison in the 900 block Unity on a Community Corrections detain order and a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665417972139.png" alt="Camp-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Camp-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>They also face a requested charg of interference with law enforcement.&nbsp;&nbsp;On August 24, police investigated a theft of a financial card from a residence in the 400 block Mound in Atchison, according to Mike Wilson.On Oct. 11, police arrested McDonald and Camp in connection with the crime.McDonald was accused of unlawful entry into that residence and taking a financial card belonging to a 70-year-old victim.Camp was held on requested charge that involved unlawfully using that financial card at several area retail stores in amounts totaling around $850.&nbsp;She was held on a District Court warrant for aggravated burglary and a requested charge of theft by deception, according to Wilson.In 2016 and in July of 2020, police arrested her on requested charges of domestic battery and interference with law enforcement.

Kan. couple accused of ID theft, burglary jailed on new allegations

A fairly new St. Joseph organization is focused on its piece of the pie in helping with development of buildings in downtown St. Joseph. &nbsp;

Main Street St. Joseph is modeled after the Main Street America program, focused on historic preservation and revitalization.&nbsp;

President of Main Street Dana Massin says the Main Street model has been successful across the United States and to follow that model the organization has to report several milestones to Main Street America. &nbsp;

"We have to report to them quarterly about the number of new businesses, the number of businesses we've lost, among many, many, other points of data, so it's a really data driven organization," Massin tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, we're, as a local organization we're two years old, we're still learning that model to some extent."&nbsp;

Massin says what this means for the organization is to learn that nationally proven main street model and apply it into the community, while working with other local organizations.&nbsp;

Main Street St. Joseph began in 2021, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; Massin says while it had its challenges, there was no better time to start the Main Streed model than when the organization did. &nbsp;

"Because it's helping people come together, we've had a couple of different town halls, we're having numerous community small group meetings where we're talking about what does revitalize downtown look like," Massin says. "How does it reflect the culture that has been percolating these last many years and how do we amplify that?"&nbsp;

Massin says the world has changed quite a bit since 2019 and we're all looking for ways to reconnect with each other and redefine quality of life, which made it a great time to start the organization. &nbsp;

Massin says the Main Street program is a very data driven system.&nbsp; And that's why Massin says one project that Main Street St. Joseph has developed over its time has been a database of all St. Joseph buildings.&nbsp;

"This database is going to be a huge help to us in the years moving forward for planning," Massin explains. "It will allow us to demonstrate to our city council and to potential investors what it costs our community to have a vacant building."&nbsp;

Massin says the database, while something the community won't have visibility to, provides something that gives them clarity of what to work on. &nbsp;

Massin says the organization is also proud of the number of town halls they've held to work with the community and the outreach it has had.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673544425667.jpeg" alt="Downtown St. Joseph/ Courtesy of the St. Joseph Conventions and Visitors Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Downtown St. Joseph/ Courtesy of the St. Joseph Conventions and Visitors Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA fairly new St. Joseph organization is focused on its piece of the pie in helping with development of buildings in downtown St. Joseph. &nbsp;Main Street St. Joseph is modeled after the Main Street America program, focused on historic preservation and revitalization.&nbsp;President of Main Street Dana Massin says the Main Street model has been successful across the United States and to follow that model the organization has to report several milestones to Main Street America. &nbsp;"We have to report to them quarterly about the number of new businesses, the number of businesses we've lost, among many, many, other points of data, so it's a really data driven organization," Massin tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, we're, as a local organization we're two years old, we're still learning that model to some extent."&nbsp;Massin says what this means for the organization is to learn that nationally proven main street model and apply it into the community, while working with other local organizations.&nbsp;Main Street St. Joseph began in 2021, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; Massin says while it had its challenges, there was no better time to start the Main Streed model than when the organization did. &nbsp;"Because it's helping people come together, we've had a couple of different town halls, we're having numerous community small group meetings where we're talking about what does revitalize downtown look like," Massin says. "How does it reflect the culture that has been percolating these last many years and how do we amplify that?"&nbsp;Massin says the world has changed quite a bit since 2019 and we're all looking for ways to reconnect with each other and redefine quality of life, which made it a great time to start the organization. &nbsp;Massin says the Main Street program is a very data driven system.&nbsp; And that's why Massin says one project that Main Street St. Joseph has developed over its time has been a database of all St. Joseph buildings.&nbsp;"This database is going to be a huge help to us in the years moving forward for planning," Massin explains. "It will allow us to demonstrate to our city council and to potential investors what it costs our community to have a vacant building."&nbsp;Massin says the database, while something the community won't have visibility to, provides something that gives them clarity of what to work on. &nbsp;Massin says the organization is also proud of the number of town halls they've held to work with the community and the outreach it has had.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673544292650.png" alt="Main Street St. Joseph rack card/ Courtesy of Dana Massin" />
 <figcaption>Main Street St. Joseph rack card/ Courtesy of Dana Massin</figcaption>
 </figure>

New group hope to revive historic St. Joseph buildings

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.

A Honda SUV driven by Emma Isenhower, 74, Atchison, struck a parked vehicle in the&nbsp;&nbsp;1400 block North 3rd Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

A private vehicle transported&nbsp; her to the hospital. Police released no additional details.

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.A Honda SUV driven by Emma Isenhower, 74, Atchison, struck a parked vehicle in the&nbsp;&nbsp;1400 block North 3rd Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.A private vehicle transported&nbsp; her to the hospital. Police released no additional details.

Kansas woman injured after SUV strikes parked vehicle

BROWN COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, and the Horton Police Department are investigating a suspicious death after a man was found dead Tuesday afternoon in rural Horton, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a woman requesting law enforcement assistance at 1435 K-20 Highway, in Horton.

 Upon arrival, Brown County deputies discovered a man’s body in the attic of the home. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The man has been identified as Gene A.&nbsp; Dunlap, 56. Dunlap lived at the residence where he was found. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.&nbsp;

BROWN COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, and the Horton Police Department are investigating a suspicious death after a man was found dead Tuesday afternoon in rural Horton, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a woman requesting law enforcement assistance at 1435 K-20 Highway, in Horton. Upon arrival, Brown County deputies discovered a man’s body in the attic of the home. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.The man has been identified as Gene A.&nbsp; Dunlap, 56. Dunlap lived at the residence where he was found. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.&nbsp;

KBI: Deputies found man's body in attic of Kansas home

St. Joseph Museums is offering a unique opportunity to stay after hours inside a potentially haunted museum. &nbsp;

Glore After Hours will be held on Saturday at the Glore Psychiatric Museum from starting at 7pm.&nbsp;

Group Tours Director Kami Jones says after doing Glore Overnight over the years, they thought of a way they could make that event shorter and more affordable for people. &nbsp;

"We do kind of an abridged tour of the museum for you, take you around and show you everything, and then it's complete lights out," Jones tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Kathy Parks, who is the head of the Boo Crew out of Kansas City, comes up with her whole team and we break out into separate little groups and go around and do a full paranormal investigation throughout the entire museum and it ends at 1am."&nbsp;

Jones says many people have claimed to have experienced the paranormal within the museum.&nbsp;

"We have had, they've gotten lots of EVP's (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) here, they have gotten a lot of audio and visual things that have happened here," Jones explains. "We've been on several different television shows for our paranormal experiences, if you go on YouTube there's about 5,000 videos of Glore Paranormal that has been done here."&nbsp;

Overall, though, everyone who has attended Overnight at the Glore, has had a blast, Jones says.&nbsp;

"It's just, it's a lot of fun and it's not something you get to do every day," Jones says.&nbsp;

Jones says this will be a different experience from the one given during Overnight at the Glore.&nbsp;

"With the full overnight you get a full tour, you get a little bit more one on one time with going over question and answer of things that actually happened at the hospital and stories from the hospital," Jones explains. "Plus, there's a full catered dinner and breakfast with the overnight and you also get to sleep wherever you want to."&nbsp;

"So, none of those things are included in the shorter version, the shorter version is focused just on the paranormal investigation."&nbsp;

Jones says people that have experienced the longer event have enjoyed such a unique experience. &nbsp;

Tickets are still available in a limited supply for the event and can be purchased online.&nbsp; Jones says they plan to hold another event like this in March at the Wyeth Tootle Mansion.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;St. Joseph Museums is offering a unique opportunity to stay after hours inside a potentially haunted museum. &nbsp;Glore After Hours will be held on Saturday at the Glore Psychiatric Museum from starting at 7pm.&nbsp;Group Tours Director Kami Jones says after doing Glore Overnight over the years, they thought of a way they could make that event shorter and more affordable for people. &nbsp;"We do kind of an abridged tour of the museum for you, take you around and show you everything, and then it's complete lights out," Jones tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Kathy Parks, who is the head of the Boo Crew out of Kansas City, comes up with her whole team and we break out into separate little groups and go around and do a full paranormal investigation throughout the entire museum and it ends at 1am."&nbsp;Jones says many people have claimed to have experienced the paranormal within the museum.&nbsp;"We have had, they've gotten lots of EVP's (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) here, they have gotten a lot of audio and visual things that have happened here," Jones explains. "We've been on several different television shows for our paranormal experiences, if you go on YouTube there's about 5,000 videos of Glore Paranormal that has been done here."&nbsp;Overall, though, everyone who has attended Overnight at the Glore, has had a blast, Jones says.&nbsp;"It's just, it's a lot of fun and it's not something you get to do every day," Jones says.&nbsp;Jones says this will be a different experience from the one given during Overnight at the Glore.&nbsp;"With the full overnight you get a full tour, you get a little bit more one on one time with going over question and answer of things that actually happened at the hospital and stories from the hospital," Jones explains. "Plus, there's a full catered dinner and breakfast with the overnight and you also get to sleep wherever you want to."&nbsp;"So, none of those things are included in the shorter version, the shorter version is focused just on the paranormal investigation."&nbsp;Jones says people that have experienced the longer event have enjoyed such a unique experience. &nbsp;Tickets are still available in a limited supply for the event and can be purchased online.&nbsp; Jones says they plan to hold another event like this in March at the Wyeth Tootle Mansion.&nbsp;

Stay after hours, you just might experience the paranormal at the Glore Psychiatric Museum

St. Joseph residents were told to avoid the area of 102 North Woodbine road early this morning as the St. Joseph Fire Department handled a structure fire. 

Officials report the call of the large structure fire came in around 4'o clock this morning. 

Officials confirm the building was unoccupied and the fire, which appears to have been on the Optimum property, was caught early enough to be handled properly. 

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph residents were told to avoid the area of 102 North Woodbine road early this morning as the St. Joseph Fire Department handled a structure fire. Officials report the call of the large structure fire came in around 4'o clock this morning. Officials confirm the building was unoccupied and the fire, which appears to have been on the Optimum property, was caught early enough to be handled properly.

Early morning fire causes property damage

St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale sees an attitude change in St.
Joseph.

Josendale says he has heard the old drumbeat that St. Joseph
as a community has a negative attitude.

“Well, you can actually say that about anywhere,” Josendale
tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline, “because anytime you go in to a
location there are going to be pluses and minuses.”

Josendale, who won election in April of last year, perceives a
change in attitude due to several new faces in key leadership roles, from
president of Missouri Western State University, Elizabeth Kennedy, to the work of
Natalie Redmond as the new president of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.

Josendale also praises the work of City Manager Bryan Carter
and the staff at City Hall, who he says are taking on the challenges facing the
city.

Josendale says St. Joseph doesn’t face any unsolvable
problems.

“There’s always a solution,” according to Josendale. “In some cases,
it may not be the perfect solution to everything, but what you want to try to
do is work through and remember the goal is to do what’s best for the majority
of the people and not necessarily the small group.”

Josendale points to passage of the police sales tax as an
indication of a changing attitude among St. Joseph residents. He says that
signals residents see a problem and seek to address it. Josendale adds it doesn’t
really matter whether perception is reality when it comes to crime.

“The crime rate seemed (high), whether it did or didn’t, I
mean you can look at statistics and people will say one thing, you can look at
the other and say it’s absolutely worse,” Josendale says. “The point is we’ve
got to fix whatever it was that was there, because it wasn’t working. And I
feel like we’ve got a better attitude, we’ve got the right direction moving
forward.”

Josendale says voter approval of the police sales tax gives
the city council the money needed to raise police officer salaries in the fight
against crime.

The St. Joseph Police Department has had trouble filling more
than 20 vacancies on the force.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673447594172.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Mayor John Josendale sees an attitude change in St.
Joseph.Josendale says he has heard the old drumbeat that St. Joseph
as a community has a negative attitude.“Well, you can actually say that about anywhere,” Josendale
tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline, “because anytime you go in to a
location there are going to be pluses and minuses.”Josendale, who won election in April of last year, perceives a
change in attitude due to several new faces in key leadership roles, from
president of Missouri Western State University, Elizabeth Kennedy, to the work of
Natalie Redmond as the new president of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.Josendale also praises the work of City Manager Bryan Carter
and the staff at City Hall, who he says are taking on the challenges facing the
city.Josendale says St. Joseph doesn’t face any unsolvable
problems.“There’s always a solution,” according to Josendale. “In some cases,
it may not be the perfect solution to everything, but what you want to try to
do is work through and remember the goal is to do what’s best for the majority
of the people and not necessarily the small group.”Josendale points to passage of the police sales tax as an
indication of a changing attitude among St. Joseph residents. He says that
signals residents see a problem and seek to address it. Josendale adds it doesn’t
really matter whether perception is reality when it comes to crime.“The crime rate seemed (high), whether it did or didn’t, I
mean you can look at statistics and people will say one thing, you can look at
the other and say it’s absolutely worse,” Josendale says. “The point is we’ve
got to fix whatever it was that was there, because it wasn’t working. And I
feel like we’ve got a better attitude, we’ve got the right direction moving
forward.”Josendale says voter approval of the police sales tax gives
the city council the money needed to raise police officer salaries in the fight
against crime.The St. Joseph Police Department has had trouble filling more
than 20 vacancies on the force.

St. Joseph Mayor Josendale sees a change in attitude

The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeing a drop in the number of deer hunters. &nbsp;

Deer and Elk Program Leader Jason Isabel says looking at the number of deer hunters he sees that it has dropped tremendously over the last decade. &nbsp;

"If you look back about 10 years ago was our peak number of deer hunters and we're actually down about 41,000 deer hunters from where we were a decade ago,"" Isabel tells Kyle Carroll during his regular visit on the KFEQ Hotline. "And that trend is predicted to continue as the average age of our deer hunters get older and folks just drop out of hunting, and that's not a uniquely Missouri challenge that's something that other states are feeling."&nbsp;

Isabel says with a declining number of hunters it presents a challenge for his department to look at how deer management needs to be handled in the future.&nbsp;

Isabel says while there is a number of older hunters, it is common for people to stop hunting as they get older.&nbsp;

"By the time folks get in their 60's and certainly their 70's they're just not out there as much as they were when they were younger," Isabel explains. "The average hunter was much younger 10 or 20 years ago on average and we're just seeing the age of the average hunter increasing through time."&nbsp;

Isabel says he feels like the department does a good job of recruiting new hunters, but are not doing it at a consistent enough rate to offset the numbers that are being lost.&nbsp;

Isabel says it's challenging to recruit new hunters because of how the times have changed since that generation. &nbsp;

"If you look at where we are now a lot more of an urban population, certainly a big boom in technology and a lot of other ways for people to spend their time other than in the outdoors hunting," Isabel says.&nbsp; "And so, it presents some real challenges as that baby boomer generation ages and we lose those folks to try to figure out how do we engage more folks and get them interested in hunting."&nbsp;

Isabel says it presents a challenge in finding new ways to engage new hunters as that baby boomer generation begins to age out.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeing a drop in the number of deer hunters. &nbsp;Deer and Elk Program Leader Jason Isabel says looking at the number of deer hunters he sees that it has dropped tremendously over the last decade. &nbsp;"If you look back about 10 years ago was our peak number of deer hunters and we're actually down about 41,000 deer hunters from where we were a decade ago,"" Isabel tells Kyle Carroll during his regular visit on the KFEQ Hotline. "And that trend is predicted to continue as the average age of our deer hunters get older and folks just drop out of hunting, and that's not a uniquely Missouri challenge that's something that other states are feeling."&nbsp;Isabel says with a declining number of hunters it presents a challenge for his department to look at how deer management needs to be handled in the future.&nbsp;Isabel says while there is a number of older hunters, it is common for people to stop hunting as they get older.&nbsp;"By the time folks get in their 60's and certainly their 70's they're just not out there as much as they were when they were younger," Isabel explains. "The average hunter was much younger 10 or 20 years ago on average and we're just seeing the age of the average hunter increasing through time."&nbsp;Isabel says he feels like the department does a good job of recruiting new hunters, but are not doing it at a consistent enough rate to offset the numbers that are being lost.&nbsp;Isabel says it's challenging to recruit new hunters because of how the times have changed since that generation. &nbsp;"If you look at where we are now a lot more of an urban population, certainly a big boom in technology and a lot of other ways for people to spend their time other than in the outdoors hunting," Isabel says.&nbsp; "And so, it presents some real challenges as that baby boomer generation ages and we lose those folks to try to figure out how do we engage more folks and get them interested in hunting."&nbsp;Isabel says it presents a challenge in finding new ways to engage new hunters as that baby boomer generation begins to age out.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/1102023-Journal--Declining-number-of-deer-hunters-presenting-new-challenges-to-MO-Conservation-Department-e1tabet" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Fewer deer hunters presents new challenges to MO Conservation Department

State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph wants to make it
easier to get physical therapy.

Shields says her top piece of legislation this year would cut the
regulations associated with receiving physical therapy.

“I am really working on open access for our physical
therapists so individuals can go see a physical therapist without having to
have a written order from a doctor,” Shields tells the Missourinet in an
interview. “Many times you know that you’ve twisted your ankle, you need some
help that a physical therapist (can provide). You have to wait for that doctor’s
appointment until the doctor can see you and then they prescribe physical
therapy.”

Under Shields’ bill, a person could seek up to 10 visits or
three weeks to a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral. The physical
therapist would be required to report to the primary care doctor about care. If
improvement is evident, the physical therapy could continue. If not, the
patient would have to see a doctor.

Shields says this legislation would follow up previous bills
she has sponsored.

“I’ve had a lot of physical therapy in my life and I’m very
passionate,” Shields says. “Two years ago, I passed the occupational therapy
compact which allows occupational therapists to work across state lines.”

Shields says often there is no need to see a physician to be
prescribe physical therapy.

“Because all we want to do is be well,” Shields says. “We just
want to be able to get back to our life and if we’ve sprained our ankle,
twisted our back, thrown out our shoulder that a physical therapist can help us
with, that allows us to quickly be able to return to the life we once had.”

The legislative session in Jefferson City is just now underway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673362253309.jpeg" alt="Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph/File photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostState Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph wants to make it
easier to get physical therapy.Shields says her top piece of legislation this year would cut the
regulations associated with receiving physical therapy.“I am really working on open access for our physical
therapists so individuals can go see a physical therapist without having to
have a written order from a doctor,” Shields tells the Missourinet in an
interview. “Many times you know that you’ve twisted your ankle, you need some
help that a physical therapist (can provide). You have to wait for that doctor’s
appointment until the doctor can see you and then they prescribe physical
therapy.”Under Shields’ bill, a person could seek up to 10 visits or
three weeks to a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral. The physical
therapist would be required to report to the primary care doctor about care. If
improvement is evident, the physical therapy could continue. If not, the
patient would have to see a doctor.Shields says this legislation would follow up previous bills
she has sponsored.“I’ve had a lot of physical therapy in my life and I’m very
passionate,” Shields says. “Two years ago, I passed the occupational therapy
compact which allows occupational therapists to work across state lines.”Shields says often there is no need to see a physician to be
prescribe physical therapy.“Because all we want to do is be well,” Shields says. “We just
want to be able to get back to our life and if we’ve sprained our ankle,
twisted our back, thrown out our shoulder that a physical therapist can help us
with, that allows us to quickly be able to return to the life we once had.”The legislative session in Jefferson City is just now underway.

Bill would pave way to physical therapy treatment

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo.—One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Monday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Honda Fit driven by Lillie B. Smith, 74, Neosho, was northbound on Interstate 29 four miles west of Rock Port.

The car traveled off the west shoulder of the road. The driver overcorrected. The car returned to the road, skidded into the west median and overturned.

Atchison-Holt EMS transported Smith to the Nemaha County Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo.—One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Monday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Honda Fit driven by Lillie B. Smith, 74, Neosho, was northbound on Interstate 29 four miles west of Rock Port.The car traveled off the west shoulder of the road. The driver overcorrected. The car returned to the road, skidded into the west median and overturned.Atchison-Holt EMS transported Smith to the Nemaha County Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after car overturns

ATCHINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug charges after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;

Just before 6:30p.m. Saturday, police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp;Austin L. Lurquin of Atchison, in the 1600 block of Main on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He is also facing requested charges of possession of fentanyl after officers found it on his person.&nbsp;

In January of 2022, police arrested him for alleged drug possession, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673273013220.png" alt="Lurquin-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Lurquin-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug charges after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;Just before 6:30p.m. Saturday, police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp;Austin L. Lurquin of Atchison, in the 1600 block of Main on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He is also facing requested charges of possession of fentanyl after officers found it on his person.&nbsp;In January of 2022, police arrested him for alleged drug possession, according to online jail records.

Police found fentanyl during arrest and booking of Kan. man

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Monday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Kia Sorrento driven by Donna L. Younglove, 60, Quitman, was southbound on MO 113 one mile north of Quitman.

The vehicle crested a hill and the driver's vision was obscured by the sun. The SUV traveled off the west side of the road, continued back across the center line and off the east side of the road.

Nodaway County EMS transported Younglove to Mosaic in Maryville. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Monday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Kia Sorrento driven by Donna L. Younglove, 60, Quitman, was southbound on MO 113 one mile north of Quitman.The vehicle crested a hill and the driver's vision was obscured by the sun. The SUV traveled off the west side of the road, continued back across the center line and off the east side of the road.Nodaway County EMS transported Younglove to Mosaic in Maryville. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after SUV accident

The city of St. Joseph is still searching for a new police Chief after the retirement of Chris Connally. That search could take its next step tonight.  

Councilmember Madison Davis says during tonight’s council meeting there will be a vote on whether to approve a search firm to assist in hiring a new Police Chief.  

"All candidates would be encouraged to apply, whether it be internal or external, we want to find someone that can be the future of the police department for St. Joseph," Davis tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "Looking at what we have done that's worked, what we've done that's not worked, and how we can improve law enforcement in St. Joseph." 

Davis says he doesn't feel like the new police chief will face any different challenges than ones already being faced nationwide.  

"In law enforcement I think there's a couple things that may make it more challenging, I think when you look at our poverty rate in St. Joseph currently, I think when you look at our education level in St. Joseph, I think those things can make it difficult at times," Davis says. "But I think those are things other communities may face." 

Davis says he doesn't mind whether the new chief comes internally or externally, he just wants to find the right person for the job. 

"Dedicated to our department, and whether they're internal or external bring in their own fresh ideas, their own experiences that they have in life, and apply them to the position," Davis explains. "And do whatever they can to improve St. Joseph law enforcement and the public perception of safety." 

Commander Dave Hart has been serving as the interim police chief since Connally's retirement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673283793394.jpeg" alt="Former St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally.&nbsp; The search for a new police chief has been ongoing since Connally announced his retirement in September/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Former St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally.&nbsp; The search for a new police chief has been ongoing since Connally announced his retirement in September/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The city of St. Joseph is still searching for a new police Chief after the retirement of Chris Connally. That search could take its next step tonight. Councilmember Madison Davis says during tonight’s council meeting there will be a vote on whether to approve a search firm to assist in hiring a new Police Chief. "All candidates would be encouraged to apply, whether it be internal or external, we want to find someone that can be the future of the police department for St. Joseph," Davis tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "Looking at what we have done that's worked, what we've done that's not worked, and how we can improve law enforcement in St. Joseph." Davis says he doesn't feel like the new police chief will face any different challenges than ones already being faced nationwide. "In law enforcement I think there's a couple things that may make it more challenging, I think when you look at our poverty rate in St. Joseph currently, I think when you look at our education level in St. Joseph, I think those things can make it difficult at times," Davis says. "But I think those are things other communities may face." Davis says he doesn't mind whether the new chief comes internally or externally, he just wants to find the right person for the job. "Dedicated to our department, and whether they're internal or external bring in their own fresh ideas, their own experiences that they have in life, and apply them to the position," Davis explains. "And do whatever they can to improve St. Joseph law enforcement and the public perception of safety." Commander Dave Hart has been serving as the interim police chief since Connally's retirement.<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/192023-Journal--St--Joseph-Police-Chief-search-set-to-take-next-step-e1t90nn" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Council may hire search firm to help in St. Joseph Chief of Police hire

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

Just after 10:30p.m. Friday, police arrested 44-year-old&nbsp;George N. Lewis of Atchison in the 500 block North 9th for fleeing and attempting to elude, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He is also facing requested charges of driving while suspended, no insurance and reckless driving.&nbsp;

In August, Lewis spent time in custody on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to online jail records. He has two previous convictions for burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673273691206.png" alt="Lewis-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Lewis-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.Just after 10:30p.m. Friday, police arrested 44-year-old&nbsp;George N. Lewis of Atchison in the 500 block North 9th for fleeing and attempting to elude, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He is also facing requested charges of driving while suspended, no insurance and reckless driving.&nbsp;In August, Lewis spent time in custody on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to online jail records. He has two previous convictions for burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon accused of attempting to flee from police

A St. Joseph man suffered a stabbing wound late Sunday
afternoon.

St. Joseph police are investigating the stabbing after a man
sought help at the Quick Stop Food Store on 2607 Frederick Avenue. The man
showed up at the convenience store around five o’clock Sunday afternoon with a
stab wound to his arm. He was taken to the hospital with what is believed to be
a non-life-threatening wound.

Police believe the victim suffered the wound in a disturbance
in the neighborhood around the store, but have little to go on at this time. No
suspect is in custody. The investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph man suffered a stabbing wound late Sunday
afternoon.St. Joseph police are investigating the stabbing after a man
sought help at the Quick Stop Food Store on 2607 Frederick Avenue. The man
showed up at the convenience store around five o’clock Sunday afternoon with a
stab wound to his arm. He was taken to the hospital with what is believed to be
a non-life-threatening wound.Police believe the victim suffered the wound in a disturbance
in the neighborhood around the store, but have little to go on at this time. No
suspect is in custody. The investigation continues.

Man, suffering stab wound, seeks help at St. Joseph convenience store

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Malibu driven by a 16-year-old boy from Amity was northbound on Highway A at Berlin Road four miles north of Fairport.

The car traveled off the road and struck a fence. A private vehicle transported the teen to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Malibu driven by a 16-year-old boy from Amity was northbound on Highway A at Berlin Road four miles north of Fairport.The car traveled off the road and struck a fence. A private vehicle transported the teen to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen hospitalized after car strikes a fence

BROWN COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities  investigating a shooting have identified the suspect as Mark Alan Edmundson, 48, of St Joseph.

Just after 4 p.m. January 2, Brown County dispatch received a call of a possible shooting and battery in the vicinity of US 36 Highway near Timber, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies responded and located a woman who suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the lower leg.&nbsp; She was transported to Amberwell Hospital in Hiawatha by Town and Country Ambulance where she was treated and released.

It was learned that the suspect later identified as Edmundson had fled the scene before deputies arrived and an Attempt To Locate was immediately issued by Brown County Dispatch to surrounding areas.

A short time later investigators were notified that Edmundson had been located in St Joseph, Missouri and was in custody.

Sheriff Merchant reported on Friday that Edmundson is being held in Buchanan County on charges of Felony Trafficking Dangerous Drugs in the 2nd Degree by the St Joseph Police Department.

During the initial investigation deputies arrested Shane Meggison 55, Hiawatha, on charges of Child Endangerment,&nbsp; Felony, Obstruction, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana and&nbsp; No Drug Tax Stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673108328741.png" alt=" Edmundson-photo Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption> Edmundson-photo Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting have identified the suspect as Mark Alan Edmundson, 48, of St Joseph.Just after 4 p.m. January 2, Brown County dispatch received a call of a possible shooting and battery in the vicinity of US 36 Highway near Timber, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Deputies responded and located a woman who suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the lower leg.&nbsp; She was transported to Amberwell Hospital in Hiawatha by Town and Country Ambulance where she was treated and released. It was learned that the suspect later identified as Edmundson had fled the scene before deputies arrived and an Attempt To Locate was immediately issued by Brown County Dispatch to surrounding areas. A short time later investigators were notified that Edmundson had been located in St Joseph, Missouri and was in custody.Sheriff Merchant reported on Friday that Edmundson is being held in Buchanan County on charges of Felony Trafficking Dangerous Drugs in the 2nd Degree by the St Joseph Police Department.During the initial investigation deputies arrested Shane Meggison 55, Hiawatha, on charges of Child Endangerment,&nbsp; Felony, Obstruction, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana and&nbsp; No Drug Tax Stamp.

Sheriff IDs St. Joseph man as suspect after woman shot in the leg

St. Joseph city councilmembers are aware of a large number of abandoned buildings in the city, including some former retail business buildings along the city’s main commercial road. &nbsp;

Councilmember Madison Davis, in response to a caller on the KFEQ Hotline, says the council is aiming to do something about these buildings.&nbsp;

However, for many of those buildings along Belt Highway, Davis says it's a fine balance between doing something about them and having to deal with property rights. &nbsp;

"We as the city sent at least two or three times a letter to the registered owner of the address asking what their intentions with the property was, if anything what they planned to do," Davis tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And often times we received little response, if any response."&nbsp;

Davis says there is a process to everything and the council is just as worried about getting things done with these buildings as citizens are. &nbsp;

But Davis says he agrees with many citizens that something needs to be done with those vacant buildings. &nbsp;

"You know, you look at the Kmart structures and I imagine in five or six years it will be the same situation if nothing changes," Davis says. "But it's a delicate balancing act, there's a process for most everything."&nbsp;

Davis says people should take the time to call the property maintenance department and detail the issues with an abandoned home that you may know of, so the city can send an inspector out to get something done about it. &nbsp;

Davis says the needle is moving on solutions of what to do with these buildings.&nbsp;

"When you have four or five hundred abandoned homes, it doesn't make it seem like it's moving, but the needle is moving, it could be moving faster," Davis explains. "But we are making progress, it took us a number of years for it to look like this."&nbsp;

Davis says there are many members of the council that are here now and are working hard to find solutions of how to improve these situations.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673026971035.jpeg" alt="The building that housed Kmart before it closed in 2019 has sat abandoned along the Belt Highway with options being explored of what can be done with it/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The building that housed Kmart before it closed in 2019 has sat abandoned along the Belt Highway with options being explored of what can be done with it/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;St. Joseph city councilmembers are aware of a large number of abandoned buildings in the city, including some former retail business buildings along the city’s main commercial road. &nbsp;Councilmember Madison Davis, in response to a caller on the KFEQ Hotline, says the council is aiming to do something about these buildings.&nbsp;However, for many of those buildings along Belt Highway, Davis says it's a fine balance between doing something about them and having to deal with property rights. &nbsp;"We as the city sent at least two or three times a letter to the registered owner of the address asking what their intentions with the property was, if anything what they planned to do," Davis tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And often times we received little response, if any response."&nbsp;Davis says there is a process to everything and the council is just as worried about getting things done with these buildings as citizens are. &nbsp;But Davis says he agrees with many citizens that something needs to be done with those vacant buildings. &nbsp;"You know, you look at the Kmart structures and I imagine in five or six years it will be the same situation if nothing changes," Davis says. "But it's a delicate balancing act, there's a process for most everything."&nbsp;Davis says people should take the time to call the property maintenance department and detail the issues with an abandoned home that you may know of, so the city can send an inspector out to get something done about it. &nbsp;Davis says the needle is moving on solutions of what to do with these buildings.&nbsp;"When you have four or five hundred abandoned homes, it doesn't make it seem like it's moving, but the needle is moving, it could be moving faster," Davis explains. "But we are making progress, it took us a number of years for it to look like this."&nbsp;Davis says there are many members of the council that are here now and are working hard to find solutions of how to improve these situations.&nbsp;

City officials pondering what to do with several abandoned buildings in city

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill has announced it will locate in
St. Joseph this summer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672940704384.jpeg" alt="Photos courtesy of Hawaiian Bros" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy of Hawaiian Bros</figcaption>
 </figure>Hawaiian Bros Island Grill has announced it will locate in
St. Joseph this summer.A marketing consultant announced Hawaiian Bros will locate
at the vacant lot at Belt Highway and Beck Road. A sign has been erected on the
chain link fence at the site. The consultant promised updates, but stated the
restaurant will join the St. Joseph community this summer.

Local