LIVINGSTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Wednesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Buick Enclave driven by Christine R. Anderson, 60, Chillicothe, was westbound on LIV 224 and a 2016 Ford Fusion driven by a 17-year-old Chillicothe girl was southbound on LIV&nbsp; 239. The vehicles collided at the intersection.

Livingston County EMS transported both drivers to Hedrick Medical Center. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Wednesday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Buick Enclave driven by Christine R. Anderson, 60, Chillicothe, was westbound on LIV 224 and a 2016 Ford Fusion driven by a 17-year-old Chillicothe girl was southbound on LIV&nbsp; 239. The vehicles collided at the intersection.Livingston County EMS transported both drivers to Hedrick Medical Center. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 injured after vehicles collide at Livingston Co. intersection

WORTH COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just before 5a.m. Wednesday in Worth County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 GMC 2500 driven by Adam L. Brown, 41, Grant City, was westbound on MO 45 four miles west of Grant City.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup crossed the center line, traveled off the road, struck two signs, rolled down an embankment and the driver was ejected.

Brown was pronounced dead at the scene. Worth County EMS transported him to Andrew-Hann Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

WORTH COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just before 5a.m. Wednesday in Worth County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 GMC 2500 driven by Adam L. Brown, 41, Grant City, was westbound on MO 45 four miles west of Grant City.The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup crossed the center line, traveled off the road, struck two signs, rolled down an embankment and the driver was ejected.Brown was pronounced dead at the scene. Worth County EMS transported him to Andrew-Hann Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man dies after pickup rolls down embankment

We could see between one to three inches of snow as a winter
storm bears down on the Midland Empire.

Public Works Deputy Director Keven Schneider says crews began
pre-treating roads Sunday in anticipation of the snow.

“Hopefully, the reality won’t be as bad as the forecast, but if
so, we’ll have everything pre-treated and that will help us a long ways,”
Schneider tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

The National Weather Service reports there is a slight chance
of snow early this evening. Snow is most likely to fall overnight when the
temperatures make a big drop. The weather service forecasts a low of -4
tonight, only inching up to -1 for the high on Thursday.

Expect one to two inches overnight and possibly another inch
of snow tomorrow.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has struggled to
hire enough snow plow drivers.

Schneider says the city should have enough drivers to handle
this storm, though the city is having the same problem recruiting drivers that
the state is having.

Schneider says city crews have been pre-treating city streets.
Schneider wants residents to take this storm seriously.

“I know it’s getting really close to Christmas, but, boy, if
you don’t have to get out, I would suggest (you) stay home,” Schneider says. “If
you do have to get out and you see any of our big, yellow trucks coming, or any
emergency vehicle for that matter, please give them all as wide a berth as you
possibly can.”

It is the bitter cold that distinguishes this winter storm.

The NWS forecast a high of only -1 Thursday with wind chills
dipping to between -20 to -30 due to blustery, north-northwest winds of 23 to
26 miles per hour. The weather service expects the low Thursday night to drop
to -9 with windchills of between -27 and -32. The high Friday should reach 4
with a high on Christmas Eve of 11.

The forecast for Christmas Day calls for mostly sunny skies
and a high near 28.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWe could see between one to three inches of snow as a winter
storm bears down on the Midland Empire.St. Joseph city crews are prepared.Public Works Deputy Director Keven Schneider says crews began
pre-treating roads Sunday in anticipation of the snow.“Hopefully, the reality won’t be as bad as the forecast, but if
so, we’ll have everything pre-treated and that will help us a long ways,”
Schneider tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.The National Weather Service reports there is a slight chance
of snow early this evening. Snow is most likely to fall overnight when the
temperatures make a big drop. The weather service forecasts a low of -4
tonight, only inching up to -1 for the high on Thursday.Expect one to two inches overnight and possibly another inch
of snow tomorrow.The Missouri Department of Transportation has struggled to
hire enough snow plow drivers.Schneider says the city should have enough drivers to handle
this storm, though the city is having the same problem recruiting drivers that
the state is having.Schneider says city crews have been pre-treating city streets.
Schneider wants residents to take this storm seriously.“I know it’s getting really close to Christmas, but, boy, if
you don’t have to get out, I would suggest (you) stay home,” Schneider says. “If
you do have to get out and you see any of our big, yellow trucks coming, or any
emergency vehicle for that matter, please give them all as wide a berth as you
possibly can.”It is the bitter cold that distinguishes this winter storm.The NWS forecast a high of only -1 Thursday with wind chills
dipping to between -20 to -30 due to blustery, north-northwest winds of 23 to
26 miles per hour. The weather service expects the low Thursday night to drop
to -9 with windchills of between -27 and -32. The high Friday should reach 4
with a high on Christmas Eve of 11.The forecast for Christmas Day calls for mostly sunny skies
and a high near 28.

St. Joseph, entire area, braces for snow, bitter cold

A nationally known economist expects inflation to ease next
year, though higher wages will make it a stubborn problem.

Economist Chris Kuehl, managing director of Armada Corporate
Intelligence, recently spoke to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Economic
Development Summit. Kuehl sees a tough couple of quarters ahead, but a growing
economy toward the end of the year.

Kuehl says federal spending during the coronavirus pandemic
and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine drove inflation early. Rising wages are
driving inflation now.

“And that’s the hardest one to deal with, because once wages
go up, they don’t come back down,” Kuehl tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Kuehl warns that the first of the new year could be rocky. He
expects the economy to shake off some of the stubborn problems which have been
dragging it down toward the end of the year.

“Always, there are the potential flies in the ointment,” Kuehl
says. “But (the) worker shortage is probably the single biggest threat and that
is one of the things that positions this area fairly well.”

Kuehl says Missouri Western State University, North Central
Missouri College, Hillyard Technical Center, and other educational institutions
have been focusing on training workers for the positions most needed. He says
that isn’t happening everywhere.

Kuehl says the sectors of aerospace and automotive have
remained strong throughout. Agriculture is doing well, though it has been
caught between big profits and big costs.

“Agriculture is doing fairly well, but it’s caught kind of in
a vice,” Kuehl says. “It’s seen very high prices, which is good, but they have also
seen very high input costs. So, the farmer has been fighting high fertilizer
costs, high diesel fuel costs. Those things are chipping away at the fact that
they’ve also seen high prices for their harvest.”

Kuehl says there is a very real global food shortage, mainly
stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine and Russia produce 25% of
the world’s wheat and 15% of the world’s corn.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA nationally known economist expects inflation to ease next
year, though higher wages will make it a stubborn problem.Economist Chris Kuehl, managing director of Armada Corporate
Intelligence, recently spoke to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Economic
Development Summit. Kuehl sees a tough couple of quarters ahead, but a growing
economy toward the end of the year.Kuehl says federal spending during the coronavirus pandemic
and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine drove inflation early. Rising wages are
driving inflation now.“And that’s the hardest one to deal with, because once wages
go up, they don’t come back down,” Kuehl tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Kuehl warns that the first of the new year could be rocky. He
expects the economy to shake off some of the stubborn problems which have been
dragging it down toward the end of the year.“Always, there are the potential flies in the ointment,” Kuehl
says. “But (the) worker shortage is probably the single biggest threat and that
is one of the things that positions this area fairly well.”Kuehl says Missouri Western State University, North Central
Missouri College, Hillyard Technical Center, and other educational institutions
have been focusing on training workers for the positions most needed. He says
that isn’t happening everywhere.Kuehl says the sectors of aerospace and automotive have
remained strong throughout. Agriculture is doing well, though it has been
caught between big profits and big costs.“Agriculture is doing fairly well, but it’s caught kind of in
a vice,” Kuehl says. “It’s seen very high prices, which is good, but they have also
seen very high input costs. So, the farmer has been fighting high fertilizer
costs, high diesel fuel costs. Those things are chipping away at the fact that
they’ve also seen high prices for their harvest.”Kuehl says there is a very real global food shortage, mainly
stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine and Russia produce 25% of
the world’s wheat and 15% of the world’s corn.

Economist sees hope amid the doom and gloom of the current economy

With Christmas around the corner and people finishing up their holiday shopping, people should be aware of any Grinches that are out and about.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says now is the time of year where people are having packages stolen, whether it be from their porch or even their cars. 

Puett says as you have packages delivered to your homes, you should be aware of these thieves that can move quickly. 

"Often times they're driving down the street with the door open so they can run and jump back in the vehicle, but they're driving and they just look for packages and they'll go up and grab them and throw them in the car and then off they go," Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "So, if you have cameras, and Ring doorbell stuff, and that type of stuff make sure that's in place."

Puett says if you are not going to be home when a package arrives, you should consider different options to ensure you get your package securely. 

"Watch your mail, watch your packages get them collected, or if you're going to be gone have a neighbor collect them, or a lot of employers will allow you to have stuff delivered to work so you can get it there," Puett points out. "Look at those things." 

Puett says thieves will also take gifts from vehicles.  He says if you are out shopping to be sure your packages and valuables are not on display for everyone to see

"Put the packages in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle, cover them with something, don't leave a wallet and a phone laying out in the seat and run into the store or anything like that," Puett explains. "You know, people are somehow shocked because they lose packages, it takes about three seconds to bust a window and reach in and grab the stuff and be gone."

Puett says people should be sure to lock their vehicles if they are going to carry items of value inside the vehicle. 

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostWith Christmas around the corner and people finishing up their holiday shopping, people should be aware of any Grinches that are out and about.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says now is the time of year where people are having packages stolen, whether it be from their porch or even their cars. Puett says as you have packages delivered to your homes, you should be aware of these thieves that can move quickly. "Often times they're driving down the street with the door open so they can run and jump back in the vehicle, but they're driving and they just look for packages and they'll go up and grab them and throw them in the car and then off they go," Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "So, if you have cameras, and Ring doorbell stuff, and that type of stuff make sure that's in place."Puett says if you are not going to be home when a package arrives, you should consider different options to ensure you get your package securely. "Watch your mail, watch your packages get them collected, or if you're going to be gone have a neighbor collect them, or a lot of employers will allow you to have stuff delivered to work so you can get it there," Puett points out. "Look at those things." Puett says thieves will also take gifts from vehicles. He says if you are out shopping to be sure your packages and valuables are not on display for everyone to see"Put the packages in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle, cover them with something, don't leave a wallet and a phone laying out in the seat and run into the store or anything like that," Puett explains. "You know, people are somehow shocked because they lose packages, it takes about three seconds to bust a window and reach in and grab the stuff and be gone."Puett says people should be sure to lock their vehicles if they are going to carry items of value inside the vehicle.

Beware the porch pirate this holiday season

St. Joseph is set to receive $25 million for sewer upgrades
with passage of the Water Resources Development Act by Congress.

The act, tucked into the National Defense Authorization Act,
authorizes $50 million dollars for sewer and stormwater projects throughout
northern Missouri. Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves’ office reports St.
Joseph will receive half that amount.

St. Joseph Public Works Director Abe Forney says $20 million will
be used to comply with new EPA requirements on phosphorus, with $5 million
scheduled to replace the old, brick sewer lines that lets groundwater seep in.

“These EPA regulations have been extremely hard for
municipalities financially to keep up with and this money is going to be a huge
step in getting us compliant with those regulations,” Forney tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

St. Joseph Public Works Deputy Director Keven Schneider says
the money will help offset the rising cost of complying with existing and new
federal regulations.

“So, any number of these changes is very costly anymore,”
Schneider tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Sewer rates have been a bone of contention among St. Joseph
residents, who have rarely hesitated to complain about their rising cost. The city
has responded that the cost of keeping up with increased federal regulations has
driven up sewer rates.

In a news release, Congressman Graves applauded the efforts of
St. Joseph city officials to freeze sewer rates in 2018.

Forney, though, can’t rule out further rate hikes if the EPA
pushes further federal regulations. For now, though, this federal funding will
help offset the cost of complying with the new phosphorous regulations without
requiring an increase in sewer rates.

“But this amount of money that we receive will upgrade our
existing system and it will be money we, as the city, do not have to pay for these
EPA regulations,” Forney says.

The Congressman’s office does point out that once the Water
Resources Development Act of 2022 is signed into law by the president, funding
will still need to be appropriated by Congress for St. Joseph to receive it.
Graves says securing that funding will be a top priority of his in the upcoming
session of Congress.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph is set to receive $25 million for sewer upgrades
with passage of the Water Resources Development Act by Congress.The act, tucked into the National Defense Authorization Act,
authorizes $50 million dollars for sewer and stormwater projects throughout
northern Missouri. Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves’ office reports St.
Joseph will receive half that amount.St. Joseph Public Works Director Abe Forney says $20 million will
be used to comply with new EPA requirements on phosphorus, with $5 million
scheduled to replace the old, brick sewer lines that lets groundwater seep in.“These EPA regulations have been extremely hard for
municipalities financially to keep up with and this money is going to be a huge
step in getting us compliant with those regulations,” Forney tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.St. Joseph Public Works Deputy Director Keven Schneider says
the money will help offset the rising cost of complying with existing and new
federal regulations.“So, any number of these changes is very costly anymore,”
Schneider tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Sewer rates have been a bone of contention among St. Joseph
residents, who have rarely hesitated to complain about their rising cost. The city
has responded that the cost of keeping up with increased federal regulations has
driven up sewer rates.In a news release, Congressman Graves applauded the efforts of
St. Joseph city officials to freeze sewer rates in 2018.Forney, though, can’t rule out further rate hikes if the EPA
pushes further federal regulations. For now, though, this federal funding will
help offset the cost of complying with the new phosphorous regulations without
requiring an increase in sewer rates.“But this amount of money that we receive will upgrade our
existing system and it will be money we, as the city, do not have to pay for these
EPA regulations,” Forney says.The Congressman’s office does point out that once the Water
Resources Development Act of 2022 is signed into law by the president, funding
will still need to be appropriated by Congress for St. Joseph to receive it.
Graves says securing that funding will be a top priority of his in the upcoming
session of Congress.

St. Joseph set to get $25M to upgrade city sewer system

The Salvation Army Red Kettle drive is nearing its end and, with just five days left, donations are down. &nbsp;

Major Ronald Key with the St. Joseph Salvation Army says as of last week, donations were 60 percent to 70 percent toward the goal of raising $358,000. &nbsp;

Key says there are a couple different ways people can help reach that goal, whether it be donating additional funds, or even just their time.&nbsp;

"They could also volunteer to ring a bell the last week, that's another way they can help us to raise the funds that we need," Key tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, there's lots of different ways they could do that for us."&nbsp;

Key says if they are not able to reach the goal, there are a couple of different things that could happen with the money that has been raised. &nbsp;

"Either we help the same amount of people with less money or we help less people with the money that we have, so it just kind of depends on that," Key says. "So, we would like to help at least the same amount of people, if not more, but if we don't reach that kettle goal that would be accomplished there would just be less, we could help them with."&nbsp;

Money collected during the drive support Salvation Army projects in St. Joseph.&nbsp;

While donations are lagging during this year’s Red Kettle Drive, the number of volunteers has increased. &nbsp;

Key had hoped that following the coronavirus pandemic, volunteers would begin coming out again this year. And so far, Key says the number of volunteers has been very good.&nbsp;

"We have our normal volunteers that have always donated, we've got some new volunteers, but we could always use more there are still places that have empty doors that no one stands at," Key explains. "So, there's that opportunity and as a volunteer you can volunteer to work wherever you want inside, outside, whatever that looks like for you, so you get that first choice."&nbsp;

Key says volunteering is one way people can help reach the fundraising goal. The Red Kettle Drive ends on Christmas Eve Saturday.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The Salvation Army Red Kettle drive is nearing its end and, with just five days left, donations are down. &nbsp;Major Ronald Key with the St. Joseph Salvation Army says as of last week, donations were 60 percent to 70 percent toward the goal of raising $358,000. &nbsp;Key says there are a couple different ways people can help reach that goal, whether it be donating additional funds, or even just their time.&nbsp;"They could also volunteer to ring a bell the last week, that's another way they can help us to raise the funds that we need," Key tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, there's lots of different ways they could do that for us."&nbsp;Key says if they are not able to reach the goal, there are a couple of different things that could happen with the money that has been raised. &nbsp;"Either we help the same amount of people with less money or we help less people with the money that we have, so it just kind of depends on that," Key says. "So, we would like to help at least the same amount of people, if not more, but if we don't reach that kettle goal that would be accomplished there would just be less, we could help them with."&nbsp;Money collected during the drive support Salvation Army projects in St. Joseph.&nbsp;While donations are lagging during this year’s Red Kettle Drive, the number of volunteers has increased. &nbsp;Key had hoped that following the coronavirus pandemic, volunteers would begin coming out again this year. And so far, Key says the number of volunteers has been very good.&nbsp;"We have our normal volunteers that have always donated, we've got some new volunteers, but we could always use more there are still places that have empty doors that no one stands at," Key explains. "So, there's that opportunity and as a volunteer you can volunteer to work wherever you want inside, outside, whatever that looks like for you, so you get that first choice."&nbsp;Key says volunteering is one way people can help reach the fundraising goal. The Red Kettle Drive ends on Christmas Eve Saturday.&nbsp;

Volunteers are up, but donations lagging during this year's Red Kettle Drive

Missouri Western State University has received prestigious
national recognition for its education department.

Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy reports the
university’s Education Department has won full, unqualified national
accreditation from the Council for Accreditation Educator Preparation. 

“This is a difference maker,” according to Kennedy. “This is
what says Missouri Western’s education program is really one of the top
high-quality programs. And to achieve accreditation without any consideration
or any minor issue even; it’s a great testimony to the talent of our faculty.”

Kennedy says the accreditation from the Council is a big
selling point for the university. Kennedy says she’s proud of that, but also
proud that the department is serving area school districts.

“Their needs and what they’re looking for,” Kennedy says. “Are
we engaged in best practices? Are we using pedagogy that is really going to
produce students who are learning for the teachers that are guiding them?”

The St. Joseph School District has begun a Grow Your Own
program, in which the district provides financial help for employees who want
to become teachers. Missouri Western also has scholarships available for those
seeking the additional education and training to teach in the classroom.

Kennedy compares the teacher shortage to the nursing shortage
and the law enforcement officer shortage, all areas in which Missouri Western
hopes to help fill the void. Kennedy says it is up to local leaders to fill
local needs, to look within for solutions.

“I think that’s really telling to me is there seems to be more
of a shift to say our hero on the white horse isn’t going to come,” Kennedy
says. “We need to figure out what our answers are on our own. What are the
solutions that we can come up with?”

Kennedy says the accreditation tells current students they are
in the right program and invites those considering a career in teaching to
consider Missouri Western.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University has received prestigious
national recognition for its education department.Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy reports the
university’s Education Department has won full, unqualified national
accreditation from the Council for Accreditation Educator Preparation. “This is a difference maker,” according to Kennedy. “This is
what says Missouri Western’s education program is really one of the top
high-quality programs. And to achieve accreditation without any consideration
or any minor issue even; it’s a great testimony to the talent of our faculty.”Kennedy says the accreditation from the Council is a big
selling point for the university. Kennedy says she’s proud of that, but also
proud that the department is serving area school districts.“Their needs and what they’re looking for,” Kennedy says. “Are
we engaged in best practices? Are we using pedagogy that is really going to
produce students who are learning for the teachers that are guiding them?”The St. Joseph School District has begun a Grow Your Own
program, in which the district provides financial help for employees who want
to become teachers. Missouri Western also has scholarships available for those
seeking the additional education and training to teach in the classroom.Kennedy compares the teacher shortage to the nursing shortage
and the law enforcement officer shortage, all areas in which Missouri Western
hopes to help fill the void. Kennedy says it is up to local leaders to fill
local needs, to look within for solutions.“I think that’s really telling to me is there seems to be more
of a shift to say our hero on the white horse isn’t going to come,” Kennedy
says. “We need to figure out what our answers are on our own. What are the
solutions that we can come up with?”Kennedy says the accreditation tells current students they are
in the right program and invites those considering a career in teaching to
consider Missouri Western.

MWSU Education Department receives national recognition

HOLT COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by James E. Hurst, 50, Maryville, was eastbound on Route C two and one half miles west of Maitland.

The pickup slid on the ice, traveled off the south side of the road, struck two trees and overturned.

Hurst was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Chamberlin Funeral Home in Mound City. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by James E. Hurst, 50, Maryville, was eastbound on Route C two and one half miles west of Maitland.The pickup slid on the ice, traveled off the south side of the road, struck two trees and overturned.Hurst was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Chamberlin Funeral Home in Mound City. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Maryville man dies after pickup strikes trees, overturns

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man in connection with a burglary.

On December 16, police arrested 32-year-old&nbsp;Zachary C. Elder of Seneca&nbsp; on a District Court warrant for burglary and theft, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Elder is accused of unlawful entry into a residence in the 400 Block of South 5th Street in Atchison and taking money. The suspect knew the victim of the burglary, according to Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Elder remains jailed on a $1500 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671462564393.png" alt="Elder-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Elder-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man in connection with a burglary.On December 16, police arrested 32-year-old&nbsp;Zachary C. Elder of Seneca&nbsp; on a District Court warrant for burglary and theft, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Elder is accused of unlawful entry into a residence in the 400 Block of South 5th Street in Atchison and taking money. The suspect knew the victim of the burglary, according to Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;Elder remains jailed on a $1500 bond, according to online jail records.

Burglary: Kansas man accused of entering home, taking cash

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Ron D. Stanton, 55, Amazonia, was eastbound on U.S. 59 just south of Route H four miles south of Fillmore.

The driver lost control on the ice covered road. The SUV traveled off the road and struck an embankment.

Andrew County EMS transported Stanton to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Ron D. Stanton, 55, Amazonia, was eastbound on U.S. 59 just south of Route H four miles south of Fillmore.The driver lost control on the ice covered road. The SUV traveled off the road and struck an embankment.Andrew County EMS transported Stanton to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after SUV slides, strikes embankment

ANDREW COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Monday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge 2500 driven by Kobe J. Marshall, 18, Savannah, was eastbound on U.S. 59 at County Road 433 five miles west of Savannah.

The pickup slid on the ice, crossed the centerline, traveled off the north side of the road and struck an embankment.

A private vehicle transported Marshall to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Monday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge 2500 driven by Kobe J. Marshall, 18, Savannah, was eastbound on U.S. 59 at County Road 433 five miles west of Savannah.The pickup slid on the ice, crossed the centerline, traveled off the north side of the road and struck an embankment.A private vehicle transported Marshall to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen injured after pickup slides, strikes embankment

After a year and a half of meeting with the community, the Vision Forward committee is ready to present its plan to the St. Joseph School Board tonight. 

Co-Chair Bob Miller says the plan his committee is set to present the board has long term plans for issues already being addressed by the district 

"Things like attendance, behavior in the classroom, graduation rates, which really the district has begun taking action on," Miller tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "I mean, these are things that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see these are issues." 

While those are already being addressed by the district, Miller says the plan being presented will also address academics, such as early childhood education 

"Getting more access in other parts of the city as well and expanding that program just seeing the connection between kids getting involved in early childhood education in terms of their success," Miller says. 

Miller says the plan will also address the way the city middle schools are operated, as well as proposing changes in the high schools.  

"Wanting to look at block scheduling and getting back to that format," Miller explains. "Looking at creating environments that align with 21st century learning." 

Miller says through the Vision Forward process, the new school board has been very receptive to the ideas brought out of the meetings with the public.  

"The transition to Dr. Edgar coming in, which also included several new staff coming to upper-level staff downtown, they've been super supportive," Miller says. "I think a big part of that is because several of those new administrators downtown, were actual administrators at our schools." 

Miller says having people on the administration that have served within the schools provides good insight to what needs to happen to make proper changes. 

The long-term plan formulated by the committee proposes ways the school board can approach issues, from school attendance to academics.	 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post After a year and a half of meeting with the community, the Vision Forward committee is ready to present its plan to the St. Joseph School Board tonight. Co-Chair Bob Miller says the plan his committee is set to present the board has long term plans for issues already being addressed by the district "Things like attendance, behavior in the classroom, graduation rates, which really the district has begun taking action on," Miller tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "I mean, these are things that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see these are issues." While those are already being addressed by the district, Miller says the plan being presented will also address academics, such as early childhood education "Getting more access in other parts of the city as well and expanding that program just seeing the connection between kids getting involved in early childhood education in terms of their success," Miller says. Miller says the plan will also address the way the city middle schools are operated, as well as proposing changes in the high schools. "Wanting to look at block scheduling and getting back to that format," Miller explains. "Looking at creating environments that align with 21st century learning." Miller says through the Vision Forward process, the new school board has been very receptive to the ideas brought out of the meetings with the public. "The transition to Dr. Edgar coming in, which also included several new staff coming to upper-level staff downtown, they've been super supportive," Miller says. "I think a big part of that is because several of those new administrators downtown, were actual administrators at our schools." Miller says having people on the administration that have served within the schools provides good insight to what needs to happen to make proper changes. The long-term plan formulated by the committee proposes ways the school board can approach issues, from school attendance to academics.

Group presents its vision for St. Joseph Schools tonight

St. Joseph city officials have decided against pursuing an
extra tax on marijuana sales.

The St. Joseph City Council has declined to take advantage of
a provision in the constitutional amendment approved by voters that allows
municipalities to impose an extra three-percent tax on recreational marijuana
sales.

City Manager Bryan Carter says the council passed for the time
being.

“Really, for a couple of major reasons. One being that we just
came off the police sales tax and we’re getting ready to go through the CIP
process, which is an incredibly important process for us and that will likely
be before voters in August or possibly November of this upcoming year,” Carter
tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.&nbsp;
“We want to be careful about how many taxes we throw out there and how
quickly that happens.”

Carter says city council members have decided to focus on the
Capital Improvements Program. Carter says the city council is cautious of sales
tax fatigue.

“We want to be careful about how many taxes we throw out there
and how quickly that happens,” Carter explains. “While this would be a sales
tax specifically on one product and wouldn’t necessarily affect the bulk of the
community, it is nonetheless a tax and we want to be cognizant of that.”

Estimates of what such an additional sales tax would bring in
to the city is hard to come by, according to Carter. The city sales tax on
medical marijuana sales is estimated to generate $130,000 to $150,000 a year.

Carter says the city legal team is reviewing city ordinances
to see what changes need to be made in light of the amendment’s passage. Employment
policies also need to be reviewed.

“The city, historically, had a very broad policy against any
sort of illegal substances,” Carter says. “Now that marijuana’s been legalized
and furthermore now that a few protections have been added associated with marijuana,
we’re doing a deep dive in our policies to figure out what we can do and what
we need to do.” 

Carter says St. Joseph will be reviewing its smoking and
health ordinances as well. Anti-smoking ordinance only refer to tobacco use
without mention of marijuana use.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph city officials have decided against pursuing an
extra tax on marijuana sales.The St. Joseph City Council has declined to take advantage of
a provision in the constitutional amendment approved by voters that allows
municipalities to impose an extra three-percent tax on recreational marijuana
sales.City Manager Bryan Carter says the council passed for the time
being.“Really, for a couple of major reasons. One being that we just
came off the police sales tax and we’re getting ready to go through the CIP
process, which is an incredibly important process for us and that will likely
be before voters in August or possibly November of this upcoming year,” Carter
tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.&nbsp;
“We want to be careful about how many taxes we throw out there and how
quickly that happens.”Carter says city council members have decided to focus on the
Capital Improvements Program. Carter says the city council is cautious of sales
tax fatigue.“We want to be careful about how many taxes we throw out there
and how quickly that happens,” Carter explains. “While this would be a sales
tax specifically on one product and wouldn’t necessarily affect the bulk of the
community, it is nonetheless a tax and we want to be cognizant of that.”Estimates of what such an additional sales tax would bring in
to the city is hard to come by, according to Carter. The city sales tax on
medical marijuana sales is estimated to generate $130,000 to $150,000 a year.Carter says the city legal team is reviewing city ordinances
to see what changes need to be made in light of the amendment’s passage. Employment
policies also need to be reviewed.“The city, historically, had a very broad policy against any
sort of illegal substances,” Carter says. “Now that marijuana’s been legalized
and furthermore now that a few protections have been added associated with marijuana,
we’re doing a deep dive in our policies to figure out what we can do and what
we need to do.” Carter says St. Joseph will be reviewing its smoking and
health ordinances as well. Anti-smoking ordinance only refer to tobacco use
without mention of marijuana use.

St. Joseph passes on levying marijuana tax, for now

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by Anna M. Huffman, 21, Savannah, was on the southbound&nbsp; Interstate 29 exit ramp at Fredrick.

The SUV rear-ended a 2015 Kia Optima driven by Mallard A. Berry, 48, Lancaster, Kansas, who had slowed for oncoming traffic merging.

Buchanan County EMS transported a&nbsp; &nbsp;passenger in the Kia identified as Rose M. Berry, 46, Lancaster, Kansas, to Mosaic. The drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by Anna M. Huffman, 21, Savannah, was on the southbound&nbsp; Interstate 29 exit ramp at Fredrick.The SUV rear-ended a 2015 Kia Optima driven by Mallard A. Berry, 48, Lancaster, Kansas, who had slowed for oncoming traffic merging.Buchanan County EMS transported a&nbsp; &nbsp;passenger in the Kia identified as Rose M. Berry, 46, Lancaster, Kansas, to Mosaic. The drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after Buchanan Co. rear-end crash

A national economist gives an encouraging talk to the St.
Joseph Chamber of Commerce, right after bracing them for a rough first half of
next year.

Economist Chris Kuehl, managing director of Armada Corporate
Intelligence, is turning optimistic about the economy in 2023.

“My position lately has been more glass half full than glass
half empty,” Kuehl tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during a break in the Chamber’s Economic
Development Summitt.

But Kuehl says the economy will go through a rugged first half
of the year, then it will turn.

“So, it’s kind of hunker down, get past the next two quarters,
and things get better,” Kuehl says.

Kuehl cautions business executives to prepare for a rough
beginning to the new year, but encourages them that segments of the economy
show signs of improvement, though it might not come until well into 2023.

“Basically, inflation has already peaked,” Kuehl says. “We’ve
begun to see a lot of change globally as far as inflation, which slows down the
central banks and they stop raising rates as aggressively as they have been and
you’re also seeing a lot of improvements in things like commodity pricing. The
biggest limitation right now is labor force.”

Kuehl is pleased the Federal Reserve raised interest rates
this week by half a percentage point, rather than the three-quarter percent
hikes it had been pursuing.

“It basically means that they’re slowing down. They are probably
maybe a quarter or two away from stopping the rate increases altogether. And traditionally,
once they’ve reached peak, about eight or nine months later, you’ll start to
see rates come back down again,” Kuehl says. “It’s almost a joke among central
banks that we do what we do until something breaks and then we decide to fix
what we broke by lowering rates.”

Kuehl says the labor shortage will continue to push wages
higher, a stubborn problem for efforts to tame inflation. Kuehl says economists
have seen the labor shortage developing for quite some time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671212472607.jpeg" alt="Economist Chris Kuehl speaks at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Summit/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Economist Chris Kuehl speaks at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Summit/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA national economist gives an encouraging talk to the St.
Joseph Chamber of Commerce, right after bracing them for a rough first half of
next year.Economist Chris Kuehl, managing director of Armada Corporate
Intelligence, is turning optimistic about the economy in 2023.“My position lately has been more glass half full than glass
half empty,” Kuehl tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during a break in the Chamber’s Economic
Development Summitt.But Kuehl says the economy will go through a rugged first half
of the year, then it will turn.“So, it’s kind of hunker down, get past the next two quarters,
and things get better,” Kuehl says.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671212432838.jpeg" alt="Kuehl" />
 <figcaption>Kuehl</figcaption>
 </figure>Kuehl cautions business executives to prepare for a rough
beginning to the new year, but encourages them that segments of the economy
show signs of improvement, though it might not come until well into 2023.“Basically, inflation has already peaked,” Kuehl says. “We’ve
begun to see a lot of change globally as far as inflation, which slows down the
central banks and they stop raising rates as aggressively as they have been and
you’re also seeing a lot of improvements in things like commodity pricing. The
biggest limitation right now is labor force.”Kuehl is pleased the Federal Reserve raised interest rates
this week by half a percentage point, rather than the three-quarter percent
hikes it had been pursuing.“It basically means that they’re slowing down. They are probably
maybe a quarter or two away from stopping the rate increases altogether. And traditionally,
once they’ve reached peak, about eight or nine months later, you’ll start to
see rates come back down again,” Kuehl says. “It’s almost a joke among central
banks that we do what we do until something breaks and then we decide to fix
what we broke by lowering rates.”Kuehl says the labor shortage will continue to push wages
higher, a stubborn problem for efforts to tame inflation. Kuehl says economists
have seen the labor shortage developing for quite some time.

Economist sees economy improving in 2023, eventually

A routine grocery trip resulted in winning $10,000 for Hannah Smith and her husband Marquest.&nbsp;

Smith says at first when the winning ticket from the Shop St. Joseph event was announced, she didn't see the zero in the number.&nbsp;

"So, I thought maybe it was like we didn't win, I thought maybe there was another ticket without the zero," Smith tells reporters. "It wasn't until I went online that I was like oh, oh, we won."&nbsp;

Marquest says he was at work when the number was announced and came back to several missed texts from Hannah.&nbsp;

"I looked there and she was like we won, I'm not kidding we won, and I was like no I don't believe it," Marquest says. "So, I immediately facetimed her just to verify and I still don't believe it at this point."&nbsp;

Representatives from Hy-vee and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce presented the check to Hannah and Marquest at the St. Joseph Hy-vee. &nbsp;

Marquest says some of the winnings will go towards a family vacation that they have talked about going on for some time. &nbsp;

"We've been trying to brainstorm what we want to do because we haven't had a big family vacation pretty much ever all the trips, we've taken have been to go see family or a wedding or something," Marquest explains. "So, we've been planning our first ever family vacation."&nbsp;

"So, a portion of it will go towards that," Hannah chimes in.&nbsp;

The Chamber of Commerce still has several second chance prizes up for grabs with Shop St. Joseph tickets.&nbsp; You can find a link to those second chance prizes <a href="https://saintjoseph.com/click-here-for-a-list-of-second-chance-prize-numbers/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671211772679.jpeg" alt="Shop St. Joseph winners Hannah and Marquest Smith stand with representatives from the St. Joseph Hy-vee where they received the winning ticket/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Shop St. Joseph winners Hannah and Marquest Smith stand with representatives from the St. Joseph Hy-vee where they received the winning ticket/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A routine grocery trip resulted in winning $10,000 for Hannah Smith and her husband Marquest.&nbsp;Smith says at first when the winning ticket from the Shop St. Joseph event was announced, she didn't see the zero in the number.&nbsp;"So, I thought maybe it was like we didn't win, I thought maybe there was another ticket without the zero," Smith tells reporters. "It wasn't until I went online that I was like oh, oh, we won."&nbsp;Marquest says he was at work when the number was announced and came back to several missed texts from Hannah.&nbsp;"I looked there and she was like we won, I'm not kidding we won, and I was like no I don't believe it," Marquest says. "So, I immediately facetimed her just to verify and I still don't believe it at this point."&nbsp;Representatives from Hy-vee and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce presented the check to Hannah and Marquest at the St. Joseph Hy-vee. &nbsp;Marquest says some of the winnings will go towards a family vacation that they have talked about going on for some time. &nbsp;"We've been trying to brainstorm what we want to do because we haven't had a big family vacation pretty much ever all the trips, we've taken have been to go see family or a wedding or something," Marquest explains. "So, we've been planning our first ever family vacation."&nbsp;"So, a portion of it will go towards that," Hannah chimes in.&nbsp;The Chamber of Commerce still has several second chance prizes up for grabs with Shop St. Joseph tickets.&nbsp; You can find a link to those second chance prizes <a href="https://saintjoseph.com/click-here-for-a-list-of-second-chance-prize-numbers/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

Routine grocery trip turns into $10,000 for St. Joseph couple

NODAWAY COUNTY—Three children were injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Thursday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge Ram driven by Timothy K. Conn, 43, Maryville, was southbound on U.S. 71 one mile north of Wilcox.

The driver lost control on the ice covered road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck an embankment, rolled and returned to the road.

A private vehicle transported three boys in the pickup ages 5, 7 and 11 to Mosaic in Maryville for treatment of minor injuries.&nbsp; Conn was not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—Three children were injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Thursday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge Ram driven by Timothy K. Conn, 43, Maryville, was southbound on U.S. 71 one mile north of Wilcox.The driver lost control on the ice covered road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck an embankment, rolled and returned to the road.A private vehicle transported three boys in the pickup ages 5, 7 and 11 to Mosaic in Maryville for treatment of minor injuries.&nbsp; Conn was not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

3 children injured after Nodaway Co. rollover accident

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

Police conducted an investigation in December 2014 that related to a child victim under he age of 14. During that investigation, 40-year-old Austin Kau was taken into custody in Buchanan County Missouri on an unrelated Missouri case.

 Since that time he had remained in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections until being released this week to the custody of the Atchison County Jail, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp;

Kau is being held on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with aggravated criminal sodomy that was filed in February 2015.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671120713601.png" alt="Kau-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Kau-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child sex crimes.Police conducted an investigation in December 2014 that related to a child victim under he age of 14. During that investigation, 40-year-old Austin Kau was taken into custody in Buchanan County Missouri on an unrelated Missouri case. Since that time he had remained in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections until being released this week to the custody of the Atchison County Jail, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp;Kau is being held on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with aggravated criminal sodomy that was filed in February 2015.

Missouri inmate faces sex crime charges in Kansas

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 GMC Sierra pickup driven by Stephen D. McQuinn, 66, Tarkio, was westbound on U.S. 136 at N Avenue three miles east of Rock Port.

The driver lost control on the snow covered road. The pickup crossed the center line, traveled off the south side of the road into the ditch, struck an embankment and returned to the road.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported McQuinn to Fairfax Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 GMC Sierra pickup driven by Stephen D. McQuinn, 66, Tarkio, was westbound on U.S. 136 at N Avenue three miles east of Rock Port.The driver lost control on the snow covered road. The pickup crossed the center line, traveled off the south side of the road into the ditch, struck an embankment and returned to the road.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported McQuinn to Fairfax Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after pickup crash

&nbsp; The winning ticket number from the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce’s Shop St. Joseph Drawing was drawn on Thursday afternoon.

The shopper with the winning ticket has 24 hours to claim the $10,000 prize. If you have the winning ticket, call 816-262-4461 during business hours, or 816-262-3101 after business hours.

The winner has to come to the Chamber offices before 5 p.m. on Friday, December 16 to claim the prize.

If the winner doesn't come forward by 5 p.m. on Dec. 16, another number will be announced. The winner must be 18 or older. Proof of age, social security number, home address and place of employment is required to claim the prize.

Chamber of Commerce staff, Chamber officers and their immediate family members are not eligible to claim the prize. About 2.9 million tickets were distributed this year through 119 participating merchants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671148439163.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph Post&nbsp; The winning ticket number from the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce’s Shop St. Joseph Drawing was drawn on Thursday afternoon.The winning number is 0975786.The shopper with the winning ticket has 24 hours to claim the $10,000 prize. If you have the winning ticket, call 816-262-4461 during business hours, or 816-262-3101 after business hours.The winner has to come to the Chamber offices before 5 p.m. on Friday, December 16 to claim the prize.If the winner doesn't come forward by 5 p.m. on Dec. 16, another number will be announced. The winner must be 18 or older. Proof of age, social security number, home address and place of employment is required to claim the prize.Chamber of Commerce staff, Chamber officers and their immediate family members are not eligible to claim the prize. About 2.9 million tickets were distributed this year through 119 participating merchants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671148464984.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Shop St. Joseph winning number drawn Thursday

Maps drawn by the Federal Communications Commission outline
the extent of broadband coverage in rural America and will determine the amount
of federal funding northwest Missouri will receive to extend coverage.

Communities and residents have a chance to correct any errors
in those maps.

And Adam Thorp with the Missouri Office of Broadband Development
says a conference call Friday afternoon one will explain how to challenge the
maps.

“Those maps are going to be used to determine how much funding
each state receives out of this $42.45 billion federal investment in broadband
through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” Thorp tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “It’s also going to help us determine where we need that money to
go.”

Thorp says his office during the conference call will walk
through how individuals, businesses, and communities can challenge the maps and
point out where high-speed Internet is not available.

Thorp says the original FCC maps wrongly showed large areas of
the state well served with high-speed Internet.

“Including large parts of northwest Missouri where we couldn’t
fund projects, because it showed the entire area as being served,” according to
Thorp. “The new maps are much better on that score. They show I would say a
generally more realistic picture, including very large parts of northwest Missouri
and areas around the state that are now well served.”

Congress approved the money, but did not allocate it. Those
maps will determine where the money flows. If the maps incorrectly indicate an
area has access to broadband when it doesn’t, that area likely won’t receive
federal money no matter how dire the need.

“The amount of money that Missouri will receive from that
funding depends on how much people engage with the challenge process and the
more funding that Missouri receives, the more projects that we’ll be able to
build.”

Thorp says the coronavirus pandemic made clear the importance
of broadband. 

“Because I think people recognize more than ever that there’s
a really profound need for a whole variety of uses in terms of making sure that
there aren’t communities in this state and in the country that get left behind
in the digital economy,” Thorp says.

The Missouri Office of Broadband Development will walk individuals,
businesses, and communities through the process of challenging those FCC maps
during a conference call at 1pm Friday afternoon. Plus, the office and the
University of Missouri Extension will provide technical assistance to those
wishing to point out errors in the maps.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMaps drawn by the Federal Communications Commission outline
the extent of broadband coverage in rural America and will determine the amount
of federal funding northwest Missouri will receive to extend coverage.Communities and residents have a chance to correct any errors
in those maps.And Adam Thorp with the Missouri Office of Broadband Development
says a conference call Friday afternoon one will explain how to challenge the
maps.“Those maps are going to be used to determine how much funding
each state receives out of this $42.45 billion federal investment in broadband
through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” Thorp tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “It’s also going to help us determine where we need that money to
go.”Thorp says his office during the conference call will walk
through how individuals, businesses, and communities can challenge the maps and
point out where high-speed Internet is not available.Thorp says the original FCC maps wrongly showed large areas of
the state well served with high-speed Internet.“Including large parts of northwest Missouri where we couldn’t
fund projects, because it showed the entire area as being served,” according to
Thorp. “The new maps are much better on that score. They show I would say a
generally more realistic picture, including very large parts of northwest Missouri
and areas around the state that are now well served.”Much is at stake.Congress approved the money, but did not allocate it. Those
maps will determine where the money flows. If the maps incorrectly indicate an
area has access to broadband when it doesn’t, that area likely won’t receive
federal money no matter how dire the need.“The amount of money that Missouri will receive from that
funding depends on how much people engage with the challenge process and the
more funding that Missouri receives, the more projects that we’ll be able to
build.”Thorp says the coronavirus pandemic made clear the importance
of broadband. “Because I think people recognize more than ever that there’s
a really profound need for a whole variety of uses in terms of making sure that
there aren’t communities in this state and in the country that get left behind
in the digital economy,” Thorp says.The Missouri Office of Broadband Development will walk individuals,
businesses, and communities through the process of challenging those FCC maps
during a conference call at 1pm Friday afternoon. Plus, the office and the
University of Missouri Extension will provide technical assistance to those
wishing to point out errors in the maps.Click <a href="https://ded2.mo.gov/connecting-all-missourians">HERE</a> for more information and to register for the
conference call.

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