The St. Joseph School Districts' Board of Education approved the creation of a community engagement program at their August 23rd meeting.

Part of that program was selecting what the district is calling a "Facilitating Team."

Superintendent Doug Van Zyl says the team's main purpose will be to engage with the community and get a more clear sense of what they expect from their school district.

"Really what they're looking at is being able to engage with the community," Van Zyl said on KFEQ's The Hotline,&nbsp;"and have conversations about what this community want in certain areas and certain topics. What do you want it to look like academically?"

The team will have help from a community engagement consultant, providing examples of best practices from other school districts and providing materials for review and refinement.

The district collected 238 names submitted by the community between late August and September 22. District families and supporters were asked to submit names of up to 20 people who they thought could be accurate and effective representatives of the school district and community as a whole.

That list was narrowed down to 22 people.&nbsp;The 22 chosen to be on the Facilitating Team have been invited to an orientation meeting, which is set for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Troester Media Center.&nbsp;The meeting is expected to last less than two hours, and is free and open to the public.

Van Zyl says diversity, and overall community inclusion, was key in selecting the right people for the Facilitating Team.

"I think you have to give people the opportunity to show them that you're doing things with them instead of feeling like it's being done to them," Van Zyl said. "I feel like that's what's come out of the last several processes. People feel like things were being done to them."

This community engagement program comes just a handful of months after nearly 65 percent of St. Joseph voters said 'no' to the proposed $107 million bond issue, which would have funded the acquisition of a new high school at the American Family Insurance Regional Headquarters. It would have also converted Benton and Lafayette into middle schools. The community engagement program is being funded by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Mosaic Life Care.

Patt Lilly, President of the Chamber, says the business community in St. Joseph, as well as those at Mosaic, felt compelled to put funding behind this program to support quality of education for children within the district, adding it's also important to change the conversation about the future of the district.

"We need to change the narrative from, 'How many schools are we going to close?'" he said. "Or, 'how big is the new high school going to be?' to, 'What things do we need to do in our community and public school system to improve the quality of education?'"

The first meeting with the Facilitating Team, Van Zyl says, will be wide ranging, with topics like curriculum, facilities, staff retention and other things being the center focus.

"There's going to be conversations about academics," he said. "There's going to be conversations about support and resources for mental health. There'll probably be some conversations about facilities, teacher salaries and how you attract and attain quality people."

The Facilitating Team will be tasked with talking and listening to members of the community, and figuring out what they want from their school district. Once they've gathered enough initial information, the team will present a rough draft of their needs or proposals to the school board.

After that, the board will give the team additional information on costs, timelines and how plans can be executed. The facilitation team will then go back into the community to double check with people and see if their initial ideas and proposals are truly what they want.

Once the Facilitation Team has finalized and organized that information, and has finished talking with the community on how they want to proceed, the team will present final ideas and proposals to the board, who ultimately have the final say in decisions.

The timeline for this process can be lengthy - between 16-18 months. While that feels like a long time before any major changes are made, Van Zyl reiterates that the main motivation behind forming this Facilitation Team, and Community Engagement Program, is community inclusiveness, thoroughness and transparency.

"All of that type of information will be shared so people will at least have an idea of, 'Here's already what the district is doing and where they're at,'" Van Zyl said. "If we want to get from point A to point B, what are we going to have to do to get there?"

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611630476447.jpeg" alt="The St. Joseph School District board of education in early 2021. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>The St. Joseph School District board of education in early 2021. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph Post&nbsp;The St. Joseph School Districts' Board of Education approved the creation of a community engagement program at their August 23rd meeting.Part of that program was selecting what the district is calling a "Facilitating Team."Superintendent Doug Van Zyl says the team's main purpose will be to engage with the community and get a more clear sense of what they expect from their school district."Really what they're looking at is being able to engage with the community," Van Zyl said on KFEQ's The Hotline,&nbsp;"and have conversations about what this community want in certain areas and certain topics. What do you want it to look like academically?"The team will have help from a community engagement consultant, providing examples of best practices from other school districts and providing materials for review and refinement.The district collected 238 names submitted by the community between late August and September 22. District families and supporters were asked to submit names of up to 20 people who they thought could be accurate and effective representatives of the school district and community as a whole.That list was narrowed down to 22 people.&nbsp;The 22 chosen to be on the Facilitating Team have been invited to an orientation meeting, which is set for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Troester Media Center.&nbsp;The meeting is expected to last less than two hours, and is free and open to the public.Van Zyl says diversity, and overall community inclusion, was key in selecting the right people for the Facilitating Team."I think you have to give people the opportunity to show them that you're doing things with them instead of feeling like it's being done to them," Van Zyl said. "I feel like that's what's come out of the last several processes. People feel like things were being done to them."This community engagement program comes just a handful of months after nearly 65 percent of St. Joseph voters said 'no' to the proposed $107 million bond issue, which would have funded the acquisition of a new high school at the American Family Insurance Regional Headquarters. It would have also converted Benton and Lafayette into middle schools. The community engagement program is being funded by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Mosaic Life Care.Patt Lilly, President of the Chamber, says the business community in St. Joseph, as well as those at Mosaic, felt compelled to put funding behind this program to support quality of education for children within the district, adding it's also important to change the conversation about the future of the district."We need to change the narrative from, 'How many schools are we going to close?'" he said. "Or, 'how big is the new high school going to be?' to, 'What things do we need to do in our community and public school system to improve the quality of education?'" The first meeting with the Facilitating Team, Van Zyl says, will be wide ranging, with topics like curriculum, facilities, staff retention and other things being the center focus."There's going to be conversations about academics," he said. "There's going to be conversations about support and resources for mental health. There'll probably be some conversations about facilities, teacher salaries and how you attract and attain quality people."The Facilitating Team will be tasked with talking and listening to members of the community, and figuring out what they want from their school district. Once they've gathered enough initial information, the team will present a rough draft of their needs or proposals to the school board.After that, the board will give the team additional information on costs, timelines and how plans can be executed. The facilitation team will then go back into the community to double check with people and see if their initial ideas and proposals are truly what they want.Once the Facilitation Team has finalized and organized that information, and has finished talking with the community on how they want to proceed, the team will present final ideas and proposals to the board, who ultimately have the final say in decisions.The timeline for this process can be lengthy - between 16-18 months. While that feels like a long time before any major changes are made, Van Zyl reiterates that the main motivation behind forming this Facilitation Team, and Community Engagement Program, is community inclusiveness, thoroughness and transparency."All of that type of information will be shared so people will at least have an idea of, 'Here's already what the district is doing and where they're at,'" Van Zyl said. "If we want to get from point A to point B, what are we going to have to do to get there?"You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph School District meeting with new Facilitation Team for the first time Thursday

GENTRY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy 1500 driven by Lyle G. Powell, 76, Albany, was westbound on U.S. 136 in Albany. The vehicle rear-ended a 2012 Chevy 2500 driven by Derek Williams, 31, Albany. that was stopped in traffic waiting to make a left turn.

A private vehicle transported Williams to Mosaic in Albany. Grand River ambulance transported Powell to Mosaic. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy 1500 driven by Lyle G. Powell, 76, Albany, was westbound on U.S. 136 in Albany. The vehicle rear-ended a 2012 Chevy 2500 driven by Derek Williams, 31, Albany. that was stopped in traffic waiting to make a left turn.A private vehicle transported Williams to Mosaic in Albany. Grand River ambulance transported Powell to Mosaic. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

2 Missouri men hospitalized after rear-end crash

The Kansas Department of Health has issued approval for local health clinics to distribute the booster shot of the Pfizer COVID vaccine.

Doniphan County Health Director Sheryl Pierce says that after receiving approval for this booster shot, the hope is that booster shots for the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines are not far behind.

"We do expect and hope for that within the next month, as well as by December hopefully, at least with Pfizer, being able to administer the vaccine to those that are five years of age and older," Pierce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Health Director Sheryl Pierce says the state has issued a list of individuals who should get the vaccine, those 65 and older and those with health conditions.

Pierce says those 18 to 49 may qualify for the booster under certain circumstances.

"The 18 to 49 year old that really maybe had some underlying conditions, but anybody absolutely over the age of 50 should get it," Pierce explains.

Pierce adds though that those who completed their Pfizer vaccine shots, they need to wait awhile before getting the booster. . .

"On the booster, the Pfizer booster three, it has to be six months since they had their last Pfizer vaccine," Pierce says.

For those who have not started the vaccination process yet, Pierce lays out the timeline.

"Got to be six months, you know you get your primary dose of Pfizer, three weeks later you get your booster dose, and then six months later you can get this third dose," Pierce elaborates. 

The state of Kansas has issued a list of individuals who should get the booster shot, as well as those who may get it.

Below is the release from the Doniphan County Health Department outlining the individuals who should receive the Pfizer booster three, compared to individuals who may receive the shot:

Doniphan Co. Health Dept./HH has been authorized by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to administer the Pfizer Covid -19 booster shot (3rd) to the following persons who havecompleted a series of Pfizer vaccine greater than 6 months ago:

• people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings SHOULD receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine,  

• people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions SHOULD receive a booster shot of Pfizer Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine

• people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical condition MAY receive a booster shot PfizerBioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine

• people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission becauseof occupational or institutional setting MAY receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine

Underlying Medical Conditions Include: • Cancer • Chronic kidney disease • Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension • Dementia or other neurological conditions • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2) • Down syndrome • Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension) • HIV infection • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) • Liver disease • Overweight and obesity • Pregnancy • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia • Smoking, current or former • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain • Substance use disorders **

occupational or institutional settings may include healthcare workers, teachers, grocery store workers, retail workers, first responders, residents and staff of congregant settings (corrections, homeless shelters, group homes etc) and many others where a person is in close contact with people less than 6 feet apart on an ongoing basis.

This above recommendations do NOT allow for providing a booster dose of Pfizer for anyone who has been previously vaccinated with Moderna or Johnson and Johnson.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post The Kansas Department of Health has issued approval for local health clinics to distribute the booster shot of the Pfizer COVID vaccine.Doniphan County Health Director Sheryl Pierce says that after receiving approval for this booster shot, the hope is that booster shots for the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines are not far behind."We do expect and hope for that within the next month, as well as by December hopefully, at least with Pfizer, being able to administer the vaccine to those that are five years of age and older," Pierce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Health Director Sheryl Pierce says the state has issued a list of individuals who should get the vaccine, those 65 and older and those with health conditions.Pierce says those 18 to 49 may qualify for the booster under certain circumstances."The 18 to 49 year old that really maybe had some underlying conditions, but anybody absolutely over the age of 50 should get it," Pierce explains.Pierce adds though that those who completed their Pfizer vaccine shots, they need to wait awhile before getting the booster. . ."On the booster, the Pfizer booster three, it has to be six months since they had their last Pfizer vaccine," Pierce says.For those who have not started the vaccination process yet, Pierce lays out the timeline."Got to be six months, you know you get your primary dose of Pfizer, three weeks later you get your booster dose, and then six months later you can get this third dose," Pierce elaborates. The state of Kansas has issued a list of individuals who should get the booster shot, as well as those who may get it.Below is the release from the Doniphan County Health Department outlining the individuals who should receive the Pfizer booster three, compared to individuals who may receive the shot:Doniphan Co. Health Dept./HH has been authorized by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to administer the Pfizer Covid -19 booster shot (3rd) to the following persons who havecompleted a series of Pfizer vaccine greater than 6 months ago:• people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings SHOULD receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine,  • people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions SHOULD receive a booster shot of Pfizer Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine• people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical condition MAY receive a booster shot PfizerBioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine• people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission becauseof occupational or institutional setting MAY receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccineUnderlying Medical Conditions Include: • Cancer • Chronic kidney disease • Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension • Dementia or other neurological conditions • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2) • Down syndrome • Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension) • HIV infection • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) • Liver disease • Overweight and obesity • Pregnancy • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia • Smoking, current or former • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain • Substance use disorders **occupational or institutional settings may include healthcare workers, teachers, grocery store workers, retail workers, first responders, residents and staff of congregant settings (corrections, homeless shelters, group homes etc) and many others where a person is in close contact with people less than 6 feet apart on an ongoing basis.This above recommendations do NOT allow for providing a booster dose of Pfizer for anyone who has been previously vaccinated with Moderna or Johnson and Johnson.

Doniphan County Health Department approved for Pfizer booster shot.

St.
Joseph health officials report 52 new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County since
Thursday. They also report two more virus-related deaths during that time - two
women in their 90s. That puts the Buchanan County virus death toll up to 217.

Due
to technical errors, the positivity rate in Buchanan County was not updated
this week, but last week, it was just over six percent.

Mosaic
Life Care is treating 21 COVID-patients system-wide; 17 in St. Joseph, three in
Maryville, and one in Albany. Nearly 35% of Buchanan County residents
have completed vaccination.

Andrew
County reported nine new COVID-19 cases Monday with 128 cases active there. Andrew
County also reported an additional coronavirus death, bringing the county death
toll to 27. More than 41% of Andrew County residents have completed
vaccination.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report 52 new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County since
Thursday. They also report two more virus-related deaths during that time - two
women in their 90s. That puts the Buchanan County virus death toll up to 217.Due
to technical errors, the positivity rate in Buchanan County was not updated
this week, but last week, it was just over six percent.Mosaic
Life Care is treating 21 COVID-patients system-wide; 17 in St. Joseph, three in
Maryville, and one in Albany. Nearly 35% of Buchanan County residents
have completed vaccination.Andrew
County reported nine new COVID-19 cases Monday with 128 cases active there. Andrew
County also reported an additional coronavirus death, bringing the county death
toll to 27. More than 41% of Andrew County residents have completed
vaccination.

St. Joseph reports 52 new COVID-19 cases; 2 more deaths

Mosaic Life Care will reopen its Community Vaccine Site at
East Hills Mall to give the booster shot to those who earlier received the
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Mosaic Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Davin Turner, says this
booster shot provides extra protection against the coronavirus.

“For those that have been vaccinated, this third shot will
increase the immune response their body has so that if they come in contact
with COVID-19 it will even further decrease the possibility that they would
contract it, but even better than that, if they do contract it, it decreases
whether or not they will have a bad outcome or become severely ill,” Turner
tells reporters during a news briefing at the Mosaic Life Care St. Joseph
hospital.

Mosaic will begin providing the booster shot at the old
Gordman’s store location, beginning at 8:30am Friday, the 15th. It
is only for those who received the Pfizer vaccine and are in the COVID
high-risk categories or work in high-risk occupations.

Mosaic will hold a booster event at Albany High School in
partnership with Tri County Public Health October 18th. Mosaic plans
a community booster event November 9th in Maryville at the Hughes
Fieldhouse on the Northwest Missouri State University campus. Mosaic is also
working with Maryville and Albany officials on additional community booster
events.

Turner recommends the booster for those 65 and older or those
who have compromised immune systems.

“This is your best protection against one, getting it, but
even if you get it, against getting severely ill and dying from this disease,”
according to Turner.

The booster is only available for those who received the
Pfizer vaccine and are in those high-risk categories. Boosters for the Moderna
as well as the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are pending approval.

Though the coronavirus vaccines have proven effective, Turner still
recommends the extra protection of the booster shot.

“Yes, I do recommend the booster for those that are at high
risk for severe illness from this,” Turner says, adding those who have
contracted COVID even after being vaccinated typically are 65-years-old or older.

Turner says few who are fully vaccinated contract COVID-19,
but if they do, the booster will help their bodies fight off the disease.

“So, we really want those folks to get it, because those are
the ones at the highest risk of becoming more ill with this and you want them
to have this vaccine so they have the best chance of surviving this illness,”
Turner says.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633442235581.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care will reopen its Community Vaccine Site at
East Hills Mall to give the booster shot to those who earlier received the
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.Mosaic Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Davin Turner, says this
booster shot provides extra protection against the coronavirus.“For those that have been vaccinated, this third shot will
increase the immune response their body has so that if they come in contact
with COVID-19 it will even further decrease the possibility that they would
contract it, but even better than that, if they do contract it, it decreases
whether or not they will have a bad outcome or become severely ill,” Turner
tells reporters during a news briefing at the Mosaic Life Care St. Joseph
hospital.Mosaic will begin providing the booster shot at the old
Gordman’s store location, beginning at 8:30am Friday, the 15th. It
is only for those who received the Pfizer vaccine and are in the COVID
high-risk categories or work in high-risk occupations.Mosaic will hold a booster event at Albany High School in
partnership with Tri County Public Health October 18th. Mosaic plans
a community booster event November 9th in Maryville at the Hughes
Fieldhouse on the Northwest Missouri State University campus. Mosaic is also
working with Maryville and Albany officials on additional community booster
events.Turner recommends the booster for those 65 and older or those
who have compromised immune systems.“This is your best protection against one, getting it, but
even if you get it, against getting severely ill and dying from this disease,”
according to Turner.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633442288443.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The booster is only available for those who received the
Pfizer vaccine and are in those high-risk categories. Boosters for the Moderna
as well as the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are pending approval.Though the coronavirus vaccines have proven effective, Turner still
recommends the extra protection of the booster shot.“Yes, I do recommend the booster for those that are at high
risk for severe illness from this,” Turner says, adding those who have
contracted COVID even after being vaccinated typically are 65-years-old or older.Turner says few who are fully vaccinated contract COVID-19,
but if they do, the booster will help their bodies fight off the disease.“So, we really want those folks to get it, because those are
the ones at the highest risk of becoming more ill with this and you want them
to have this vaccine so they have the best chance of surviving this illness,”
Turner says.

Mosaic to reopen East Hills vaccine site to give Pfizer COVID booster

After more than 20 years of service to Missouri Western athletics, senior associate athletic director for external affairs Brett Esely is ready to take on a new challenge.

Starting January 3rd, he'll become the director of development at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau while also becoming director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission. Missouri Western made the announcement late last week.

Esely helped revive the St. Joseph Sports Commission in recent years, becoming chair of their board. He also led efforts to create the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame, which conducted its inaugural induction ceremony on Sept. 19.&nbsp;

"We were hopeful that it would one day turn into an opportunity for someone to lead that every day," Esely said of the sports commission. "That became a little bit of a reality late this summer that if our commission was going to go like this and continue this upward climb, it needed somebody that was able to focus on it on a day-to-day basis."&nbsp;

Esely's last day at Missouri Western is November 7. While he's excited to start a new chapter, he looks to finish strong in his last few weeks on campus, remaining thankful that he got to work at the University he went to and that he loves dearly.

"I love St. Joe," he said. "Was born and raised here. Don't ever have any plans to leave. As an alum of the institution, Missouri Western is a special place and always will be. The opportunities I've had at Missouri Western and the impact on my life have been unbelievable."

Esely started at Western as a student assistant men's basketball coach in July 2000. He moved into administration in 2003, overseeing NCAA compliance and ticketing before taking on the external affairs role in 2007.

He oversees the athletic department's marketing, advertising, public relations, corporate partnerships and event management. Esely has led event operations for Chiefs Training Camp, helped run many MIAA conference and NCAA championship events and has served as public address announcer and color commentator on Griffon radio broadcasts.

While he'll miss certain parts of his current job, Esely is thankful that he's not leaving his hometown of St. Joseph, and he looks forward to opportunities to still work closely with the University in the future.

"I'll still be around events," Esely said. "I'll still have the great chance of being an alum, because I graduated from the institution. Whereas this kind of closes one chapter of my life and another one opens, I'll still be here. I'm excited about the chance to impact our community in a way that has tremendous room for growth."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633429139451.jpeg" alt="Brett Esely at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau this past summer, announcing the first ever St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame class." />
 <figcaption>Brett Esely at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau this past summer, announcing the first ever St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame class.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAfter more than 20 years of service to Missouri Western athletics, senior associate athletic director for external affairs Brett Esely is ready to take on a new challenge.Starting January 3rd, he'll become the director of development at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau while also becoming director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission. Missouri Western made the announcement late last week.Esely helped revive the St. Joseph Sports Commission in recent years, becoming chair of their board. He also led efforts to create the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame, which conducted its inaugural induction ceremony on Sept. 19.&nbsp;"We were hopeful that it would one day turn into an opportunity for someone to lead that every day," Esely said of the sports commission. "That became a little bit of a reality late this summer that if our commission was going to go like this and continue this upward climb, it needed somebody that was able to focus on it on a day-to-day basis."&nbsp;Esely's last day at Missouri Western is November 7. While he's excited to start a new chapter, he looks to finish strong in his last few weeks on campus, remaining thankful that he got to work at the University he went to and that he loves dearly."I love St. Joe," he said. "Was born and raised here. Don't ever have any plans to leave. As an alum of the institution, Missouri Western is a special place and always will be. The opportunities I've had at Missouri Western and the impact on my life have been unbelievable."Esely started at Western as a student assistant men's basketball coach in July 2000. He moved into administration in 2003, overseeing NCAA compliance and ticketing before taking on the external affairs role in 2007.He oversees the athletic department's marketing, advertising, public relations, corporate partnerships and event management. Esely has led event operations for Chiefs Training Camp, helped run many MIAA conference and NCAA championship events and has served as public address announcer and color commentator on Griffon radio broadcasts.While he'll miss certain parts of his current job, Esely is thankful that he's not leaving his hometown of St. Joseph, and he looks forward to opportunities to still work closely with the University in the future."I'll still be around events," Esely said. "I'll still have the great chance of being an alum, because I graduated from the institution. Whereas this kind of closes one chapter of my life and another one opens, I'll still be here. I'm excited about the chance to impact our community in a way that has tremendous room for growth."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Esely looks to finish strong at Missouri Western, excited for new chapter at CVB

ATCHISON COUNTY — A Kansas teen riding a bicycle was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Monday in Atchison.

Chandler Moorshead, 18, Atchison, was riding a bicycle southbound on 11th Street and was unable to stop at the stop sign at Kansas Avenue, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The bicycle struck an eastbound SUV driven by Elizabeth Collins of Atchison. 

EMS transported Chandler to Amberwell and later Life Flight transported him to a Kansas City hospital, according to Wilson.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details early Tuesday.

ATCHISON COUNTY — A Kansas teen riding a bicycle was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Monday in Atchison.Chandler Moorshead, 18, Atchison, was riding a bicycle southbound on 11th Street and was unable to stop at the stop sign at Kansas Avenue, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The bicycle struck an eastbound SUV driven by Elizabeth Collins of Atchison. EMS transported Chandler to Amberwell and later Life Flight transported him to a Kansas City hospital, according to Wilson.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details early Tuesday.

Kan. teen air-lifted to hospital after bicycle crash into SUV

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Monday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol 2011 Chevy Malibu driven by Kelcey E. Ross, 24, Cameron, was southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 135 five miles south of Cameron.

The Chevy struck a northbound 2017 Ford F150 driven by Menno R. Bontranger, 23, Mount Ayr, IA., head-on.

Cameron Ambulance transported Ross to Liberty Hospital. Bontranger was not injured. Ross was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Monday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol 2011 Chevy Malibu driven by Kelcey E. Ross, 24, Cameron, was southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 135 five miles south of Cameron.The Chevy struck a northbound 2017 Ford F150 driven by Menno R. Bontranger, 23, Mount Ayr, IA., head-on.Cameron Ambulance transported Ross to Liberty Hospital. Bontranger was not injured. Ross was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after wrong-way, head-on crash

MERCER COUNTY — A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Monday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Cadillac SUV driven by Isabel M. Armstrong, 68, Pattonsburg, was eastbound on U.S. 136 four miles west of Princeton.

The driver swerved to avoid debris in the road, overcorrected and the SUV traveled off the road and overturned.

Mercer County ambulance transported Armstrong to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

MERCER COUNTY — A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Monday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Cadillac SUV driven by Isabel M. Armstrong, 68, Pattonsburg, was eastbound on U.S. 136 four miles west of Princeton.The driver swerved to avoid debris in the road, overcorrected and the SUV traveled off the road and overturned.Mercer County ambulance transported Armstrong to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after SUV overturns

Those in business and those wanting to start a business are
welcome to free small business workshops being held in south St. Joseph every Wednesday
this month.

The South St. Joseph Development Corporation and the Center
for Entrepreneurship at Missouri Western State University sponsor the
workshops, which cover a separate subject each Wednesday.

Center for Entrepreneurship Director Annette Weeks says
business owners always need to keep in mind the tripod of business.

“It’s product, marketing, and financial management,” Weeks tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “So, all three of those need to be strong
for a business. Each business should be analyzing all three of those regularly for
the strength of their business. Most of the workshops are around that.”

The workshops will be held each Wednesday evening in October,
beginning at 6:30. There will be held at the InterServe Community Center. The
cover subjects such as financing and the use of social media. Though held in
south St. Joseph, they are open to everyone in the region.

Weeks says interest in starting a business has been on the
upswing of late, beginning with the lockdown during the height of the
coronavirus pandemic.

“During the pandemic, people had time to think about their
businesses,” Weeks says, adding the time at home provided many with the
opportunity evaluate their life. “So, many people had been dreaming about
having their own business. So, we at the Center for Entrepreneurship; our
numbers are high right now of people wanting to start businesses and write
business plans and get all of that going.”

Weeks cautions potential business owners that they will need
more than just their passion.

“There are many people who can be passionate about it, but putting
the plan in place is many times a challenge. And, then, sustaining the plan,”
according to Weeks. “Many of them enjoy starting it and they’re going off of
that adrenaline rush for the first six months to a year, but eventually it
becomes just implementing your plan and figuring it out that way, too. So, you
want to make sure that you realize that have that and have it all in place before
you invest your money and your time in launching a business.”

South St. Joseph Development Corporation Director Martha Clark
says the workshops provide a perfect opportunity for those thinking about
starting a business.

“There’s always an indication that I’m not sure that I should
be doing this, but it’s what I really want to do and I always tell them well, you’re
doing the right thing by checking it out with these workshops,” Clark says.

Click <a href="https://csb-cfe.missouriwestern.edu/upcoming-event-southside-business-workshops-in-october-3/">here</a> for more information about the workshops.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633361937968.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThose in business and those wanting to start a business are
welcome to free small business workshops being held in south St. Joseph every Wednesday
this month.The South St. Joseph Development Corporation and the Center
for Entrepreneurship at Missouri Western State University sponsor the
workshops, which cover a separate subject each Wednesday.Center for Entrepreneurship Director Annette Weeks says
business owners always need to keep in mind the tripod of business.“It’s product, marketing, and financial management,” Weeks tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “So, all three of those need to be strong
for a business. Each business should be analyzing all three of those regularly for
the strength of their business. Most of the workshops are around that.”The workshops will be held each Wednesday evening in October,
beginning at 6:30. There will be held at the InterServe Community Center. The
cover subjects such as financing and the use of social media. Though held in
south St. Joseph, they are open to everyone in the region.Weeks says interest in starting a business has been on the
upswing of late, beginning with the lockdown during the height of the
coronavirus pandemic.“During the pandemic, people had time to think about their
businesses,” Weeks says, adding the time at home provided many with the
opportunity evaluate their life. “So, many people had been dreaming about
having their own business. So, we at the Center for Entrepreneurship; our
numbers are high right now of people wanting to start businesses and write
business plans and get all of that going.”Weeks cautions potential business owners that they will need
more than just their passion.“There are many people who can be passionate about it, but putting
the plan in place is many times a challenge. And, then, sustaining the plan,”
according to Weeks. “Many of them enjoy starting it and they’re going off of
that adrenaline rush for the first six months to a year, but eventually it
becomes just implementing your plan and figuring it out that way, too. So, you
want to make sure that you realize that have that and have it all in place before
you invest your money and your time in launching a business.”South St. Joseph Development Corporation Director Martha Clark
says the workshops provide a perfect opportunity for those thinking about
starting a business.“There’s always an indication that I’m not sure that I should
be doing this, but it’s what I really want to do and I always tell them well, you’re
doing the right thing by checking it out with these workshops,” Clark says.Click <a href="https://csb-cfe.missouriwestern.edu/upcoming-event-southside-business-workshops-in-october-3/">here</a> for more information about the workshops.

Thinking about starting a business? Start with south St. Joseph workshops

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a teen after a weekend incident&nbsp;in the 1300 block North 7th Street in Atchison.

On Friday night, officers arrested 18-year-old Chandler A. Reese of Atchison for alleged domestic battery, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Reese remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633356031918.png" alt="Reese photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Reese photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a teen after a weekend incident&nbsp;in the 1300 block North 7th Street in Atchison.On Friday night, officers arrested 18-year-old Chandler A. Reese of Atchison for alleged domestic battery, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Reese remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Kansas teen jailed for alleged domestic battery

BUCHANAN COUNTY— A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after midnight Sunday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Can-Am Maverick driven by a 16-year-old Faucett boy was southbound in a harvested corn field on private property southeast of MO 371 and Route A, five miles south of St. Joseph.

The driver lost control of the ATV as he attempted to turn east. The driver was ejected and the ATV came to rest on top of him. Buchanan County EMS transported the teen to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp; MSHP did not release the teen's name.

BUCHANAN COUNTY— A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after midnight Sunday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Can-Am Maverick driven by a 16-year-old Faucett boy was southbound in a harvested corn field on private property southeast of MO 371 and Route A, five miles south of St. Joseph.The driver lost control of the ATV as he attempted to turn east. The driver was ejected and the ATV came to rest on top of him. Buchanan County EMS transported the teen to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp; MSHP did not release the teen's name.

16-year-old Buchanan Co. boy injured in ATV accident

HOLT COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Saturday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 GMC SUV driven by Jared M. Dishong, 29, Falls City, NE., was southbound on U.S. 159 four miles east of Fortescue, Missouri.

The SUV changed lanes and began to overtake a 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by Nathan E. Hayes, 25, Craig, who had slowed to make a left turn. The SUV struck the drivers side cab of the semi.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Dishong, and passengers in the SUV Chrystyna A. McClure, 38, and two 4-year-old girls to Community Medical Center in Falls City. Hayes was not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Saturday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 GMC SUV driven by Jared M. Dishong, 29, Falls City, NE., was southbound on U.S. 159 four miles east of Fortescue, Missouri.The SUV changed lanes and began to overtake a 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by Nathan E. Hayes, 25, Craig, who had slowed to make a left turn. The SUV struck the drivers side cab of the semi.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Dishong, and passengers in the SUV Chrystyna A. McClure, 38, and two 4-year-old girls to Community Medical Center in Falls City. Hayes was not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 adults, 2 children injured after SUV, strikes a semi

DONIPHAN COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Cadillac CTS driven by Keith B. Terry, 62, Highland,&nbsp; was eastbound on 240th just south of Castleton Road and approximately one mile south of Highland.

The driver failed to negotiate the curve. The Cadillac traveled off the roadway onto the right shoulder.&nbsp; When the car came back onto the roadway, the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the roadway,&nbsp; over guardrail, down the embankment and rolled.

Terry was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Chapel Oaks. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

DONIPHAN COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Doniphan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Cadillac CTS driven by Keith B. Terry, 62, Highland,&nbsp; was eastbound on 240th just south of Castleton Road and approximately one mile south of Highland.The driver failed to negotiate the curve. The Cadillac traveled off the roadway onto the right shoulder.&nbsp; When the car came back onto the roadway, the driver overcorrected. The vehicle traveled off the roadway,&nbsp; over guardrail, down the embankment and rolled.Terry was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Chapel Oaks. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after violent rollover crash

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Friday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chrysler Town &amp; Country driven by Jamie L. Arb, 34, Vienna, was southbound on U.S. 59 at MO 116 one mile west of Rushville.

The Chrysler rear-ended a 2006 Lexus 400H driven by Luke V. Spencer, 21, Kansas City, Mo., who was stopped in traffic.&nbsp; The impact pushed the Lexus into a southbound 2010 Chrysler Town &amp; Country driven by Thomas E. Smith, 57, Atchison, Kansas.&nbsp; After impact, the Lexus traveled off the road and down an embankment.

Buchanan County EMS transported Arb, Spencer, a passenger in the 2010 Chrysler Chelsey Mestagh, 30, Atchison, and a passenger in the Lexus Kourtney C. Koc, 18, Prairie Village, Kansas, to Mosaic in St. Joseph. All were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Friday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chrysler Town &amp; Country driven by Jamie L. Arb, 34, Vienna, was southbound on U.S. 59 at MO 116 one mile west of Rushville.The Chrysler rear-ended a 2006 Lexus 400H driven by Luke V. Spencer, 21, Kansas City, Mo., who was stopped in traffic.&nbsp; The impact pushed the Lexus into a southbound 2010 Chrysler Town &amp; Country driven by Thomas E. Smith, 57, Atchison, Kansas.&nbsp; After impact, the Lexus traveled off the road and down an embankment.Buchanan County EMS transported Arb, Spencer, a passenger in the 2010 Chrysler Chelsey Mestagh, 30, Atchison, and a passenger in the Lexus Kourtney C. Koc, 18, Prairie Village, Kansas, to Mosaic in St. Joseph. All were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

4 hospitalized after 3-vehicle Buchanan County crash

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Friday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Impala driven by Ilyce R. Peel, 18, Mooresville, was southbound on Route D two miles south of Mooresville.

The car traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, a mailbox and overturned.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported Peel to Hedrick Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Friday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Impala driven by Ilyce R. Peel, 18, Mooresville, was southbound on Route D two miles south of Mooresville.The car traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, a mailbox and overturned.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported Peel to Hedrick Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen injured after car strikes mailbox, overturns

St.
Joseph health officials report 77 new coronavirus cases since last issuing an
official report on Monday and two additional deaths.

The
St. Joseph Health Department reports a woman in her 70’s and a woman in her 80’s
died from complications of COVID-19.

The
department reports 27 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, 24 on Wednesday, and 26
on Thursday.

Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 18 COVID-19 patients in its system; 15 in St.
Joseph, two in Maryville, and one in Albany.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report 77 new coronavirus cases since last issuing an
official report on Monday and two additional deaths.The
St. Joseph Health Department reports a woman in her 70’s and a woman in her 80’s
died from complications of COVID-19.The
department reports 27 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, 24 on Wednesday, and 26
on Thursday.Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 18 COVID-19 patients in its system; 15 in St.
Joseph, two in Maryville, and one in Albany.

St. Joseph reports 77 new COVID-19 patients, drop in hospitalizations

As businesses begin to enter the final part of this year, it is time to start looking ahead to next year.

Director Rebecca Lobina of the Northwest Missouri State University Small Business Development Center says there is no better time than right now to start making goals for 2022.

"This is the perfect time actually for them to get ready, because it takes some planning time and you don't want to already be in 2022, or at the very end of 2021, before you start doing planning for the next year," Lobina tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, this is prime time right here at the very end of third quarter, beginning of fourth quarter."

Lobina says there are six simple steps for small business owners to follow as they prepare for 2022, ranging from creating an emergency fund to refinancing some of your debt and even simply to updating your business goals.

One the most important step as they prepare, Lobina says, is to start putting together a business continuity plan.

"A business continuity plan is kind of a fancy way of saying just a plan that kind of goes over all the different business models, business emergencies if you will, that can occur and how you're going to keep your business up and running during those events." Lobina explains.

And Lobina adds that having a business continuity plan becomes especially important were a business to experience a repeat of 2020. 

"There's also like what happens if there's a pandemic, what happens if government shutdowns occur again? So, these things happen, so whatever the case is something will happen," Lobina says.

Some other steps that business owners should follow Lobina says range from simply creating an emergency fund to updating your business goals for the new year. 

One step Lobina also says is to make an emergency fund, better known as a rainy day fund, something that many business did not have during the coronavirus pandemic, which caused many buisinesses to close.

"During the pandemic that's part of the reason 800 businesses closed each day, because the vast majority do not have a savings fund," Lobina says. "And when you include small and large businesses, I think the number was 51% of all businesses, don't have any type of rainy-day fund." 

Lobina adds that the development center also has many free resources to assist business owners in taking the steps to prepare for the future.

#1 Start putting together a Business Continuity Plan

#2.&nbsp; Have Business Interruption Insurance

#3.&nbsp; Create an emergency or savings fund

#4.&nbsp; Schedule a visit with tax preparer or accountant

#5.&nbsp; Update your business goals, create strategies to reach goals

#6.&nbsp; Consider refinancing higher debt

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAs businesses begin to enter the final part of this year, it is time to start looking ahead to next year.Director Rebecca Lobina of the Northwest Missouri State University Small Business Development Center says there is no better time than right now to start making goals for 2022."This is the perfect time actually for them to get ready, because it takes some planning time and you don't want to already be in 2022, or at the very end of 2021, before you start doing planning for the next year," Lobina tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, this is prime time right here at the very end of third quarter, beginning of fourth quarter."Lobina says there are six simple steps for small business owners to follow as they prepare for 2022, ranging from creating an emergency fund to refinancing some of your debt and even simply to updating your business goals.One the most important step as they prepare, Lobina says, is to start putting together a business continuity plan."A business continuity plan is kind of a fancy way of saying just a plan that kind of goes over all the different business models, business emergencies if you will, that can occur and how you're going to keep your business up and running during those events." Lobina explains.And Lobina adds that having a business continuity plan becomes especially important were a business to experience a repeat of 2020. "There's also like what happens if there's a pandemic, what happens if government shutdowns occur again? So, these things happen, so whatever the case is something will happen," Lobina says.Some other steps that business owners should follow Lobina says range from simply creating an emergency fund to updating your business goals for the new year. One step Lobina also says is to make an emergency fund, better known as a rainy day fund, something that many business did not have during the coronavirus pandemic, which caused many buisinesses to close."During the pandemic that's part of the reason 800 businesses closed each day, because the vast majority do not have a savings fund," Lobina says. "And when you include small and large businesses, I think the number was 51% of all businesses, don't have any type of rainy-day fund." Lobina adds that the development center also has many free resources to assist business owners in taking the steps to prepare for the future.The six steps are:&nbsp;#1 Start putting together a Business Continuity Plan#2.&nbsp; Have Business Interruption Insurance#3.&nbsp; Create an emergency or savings fund#4.&nbsp; Schedule a visit with tax preparer or accountant#5.&nbsp; Update your business goals, create strategies to reach goals#6.&nbsp; Consider refinancing higher debt

NWMSU Small Business Development Center assisting as businesses prepare for 2022

Gary Shorman, chairman of and chief development officer of Eagle Communications, has been named the winner of the 2021 Independent Lifetime Achievement award from Cablefax, a broadband trade organization.

“It is an honor to be selected for this national recognition, but the real credit goes to Eagle’s employee owners who have made great things happen for our customers and our company," Shorman said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network.

Whether at Eagle or through various
philanthropy work,
Gary Shorman is a
consummate leader

By THERESA MAHER <a href="https://www.cablefax.com/">Cablefax</a> If you thought Gary Shorman would
slow his pace after stepping down as
president and CEO of Eagle Communications following its purchase by GTCR
and Mega Broadband in 2019, guess
again. Even on a normal weekday in
August when we sat down to talk to
him, Shorman was getting ready to put
on one of his many hats.

“It seems like summer is at an end and I have a fundraiser tonight
that most people never have an opportunity to participate in — a
duck derby where plastic ducks race around a water park area, and
give away $10,000,” Shorman says.


The event was to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, just one of
the many ways the jack-of-all-trades is dividing his time these days.


While his first love and his gateway into Eagle Communications was
radio, the company shifted him toward cable early on. He took his
position at Eagle as radio manager in 1985 and then moved into a
leadership role after a few years that included oversight of the cable
television side of its business. <a href="https://eagleradio.net/">The Kansas-based media company
still operates 28 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri,</a>
with Shorman serving as chief development officer and board chair.

He also serves on the board of Mega Broadband and is president of
the Schmidt Foundation, which focuses on environmental efforts and
education. He’s still a part of the NCTC board and helped the co-op
in its recent search for a new CEO. If all that’s not enough, he hosts
a radio show and podcast called “Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times,” where he’s interviewed a slate of Kansans, including
former senator Roger Marshall and the director of the Eisenhower
Presidential Library.

Shorman brings dedication, energy and enthusiasm with him
everywhere in every role. It’s driven him through his career at Eagle,
which is employee-owned and operated and thrives on employees’
passion for their work and their community.


“If a call comes in on Saturday, we have the 100-zero rule, whether
or not you’re at home with family or have something going on. You’re
100% responsible for what you do and taking care of your line of
business, with zero excuses. If something went wrong in the company, that is not an excuse. You just go
on your way and get it fixed,” he says.


Don’t take that to mean Shorman is all work and no play. Anyone who has
met or worked with the man will agree
that it’s his personality that makes him
stand out among the industry greats.


“During his tenure on the NCTA Board
of Directors, Gary was a tremendous
contributor who always looked for
solutions and was widely respected
for bringing his own ideas to the table.
My fondest memories of Gary, though,
aren’t about public policy discussions,
but sitting around the dinner table and
having great conversations about life,
family and those things away from
work that really matter. Those moments are when you can truly tell the
character of a person and Gary is one
of the best,” says NCTA president and
CEO Michael Powell.


Shorman’s resourcefulness comes in handy at work and at play, as
anyone who was on a bus full of NCTC members years ago can attest. The bus stopped for “adult refreshments,” as Shorman phrased
it, which the group had forgotten to retrieve before the trip. In addition, no one had a bottle opener, but he produced a pair of pliers to
open everyone’s bottles. “So I sort of became the hero of the bus,”
Shorman quips.


It’s a humorous anecdote, but it’s also a fitting example of a man
who is never afraid to step up. “I’ve always believed that if you’re in
any group, you should be willing to lead,” Shorman says.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633101245839.png" alt="Gary Shorman" />
 <figcaption>Gary Shorman</figcaption>
 </figure>Gary Shorman, chairman of and chief development officer of Eagle Communications, has been named the winner of the 2021 Independent Lifetime Achievement award from Cablefax, a broadband trade organization.“It is an honor to be selected for this national recognition, but the real credit goes to Eagle’s employee owners who have made great things happen for our customers and our company," Shorman said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network.----------------<h2>Whether at Eagle or through various
philanthropy work,
Gary Shorman is a
consummate leader</h2>By THERESA MAHER <a href="https://www.cablefax.com/">Cablefax</a> If you thought Gary Shorman would
slow his pace after stepping down as
president and CEO of Eagle Communications following its purchase by GTCR
and Mega Broadband in 2019, guess
again. Even on a normal weekday in
August when we sat down to talk to
him, Shorman was getting ready to put
on one of his many hats.
“It seems like summer is at an end and I have a fundraiser tonight
that most people never have an opportunity to participate in — a
duck derby where plastic ducks race around a water park area, and
give away $10,000,” Shorman says.
The event was to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, just one of
the many ways the jack-of-all-trades is dividing his time these days.
While his first love and his gateway into Eagle Communications was
radio, the company shifted him toward cable early on. He took his
position at Eagle as radio manager in 1985 and then moved into a
leadership role after a few years that included oversight of the cable
television side of its business. <a href="https://eagleradio.net/">The Kansas-based media company
still operates 28 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri,</a>
with Shorman serving as chief development officer and board chair.
He also serves on the board of Mega Broadband and is president of
the Schmidt Foundation, which focuses on environmental efforts and
education. He’s still a part of the NCTC board and helped the co-op
in its recent search for a new CEO. If all that’s not enough, he hosts
a radio show and podcast called “Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times,” where he’s interviewed a slate of Kansans, including
former senator Roger Marshall and the director of the Eisenhower
Presidential Library.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633101176587.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shorman brings dedication, energy and enthusiasm with him
everywhere in every role. It’s driven him through his career at Eagle,
which is employee-owned and operated and thrives on employees’
passion for their work and their community.
“If a call comes in on Saturday, we have the 100-zero rule, whether
or not you’re at home with family or have something going on. You’re
100% responsible for what you do and taking care of your line of
business, with zero excuses. If something went wrong in the company, that is not an excuse. You just go
on your way and get it fixed,” he says.
Don’t take that to mean Shorman is all work and no play. Anyone who has
met or worked with the man will agree
that it’s his personality that makes him
stand out among the industry greats.
“During his tenure on the NCTA Board
of Directors, Gary was a tremendous
contributor who always looked for
solutions and was widely respected
for bringing his own ideas to the table.
My fondest memories of Gary, though,
aren’t about public policy discussions,
but sitting around the dinner table and
having great conversations about life,
family and those things away from
work that really matter. Those moments are when you can truly tell the
character of a person and Gary is one
of the best,” says NCTA president and
CEO Michael Powell.
Shorman’s resourcefulness comes in handy at work and at play, as
anyone who was on a bus full of NCTC members years ago can attest. The bus stopped for “adult refreshments,” as Shorman phrased
it, which the group had forgotten to retrieve before the trip. In addition, no one had a bottle opener, but he produced a pair of pliers to
open everyone’s bottles. “So I sort of became the hero of the bus,”
Shorman quips.
It’s a humorous anecdote, but it’s also a fitting example of a man
who is never afraid to step up. “I’ve always believed that if you’re in
any group, you should be willing to lead,” Shorman says.Republished with permission

Broadband group honors Shorman with lifetime achievement award

For the first time in over two years, the biggest college football rivalry in northwest Missouri will be renewed.

No. 2 Northwest Missouri State (3-0) comes to St. Joseph to face Missouri Western (2-2) on Saturday night at 6 p.m. at Spratt Stadium.

This will be the first meeting between the Griffons and Bearcats on the gridiron since September 5, 2019, when the two rivals opened the season against one another.

Missouri Western saw a 35-31 lead slip away late that day, as Northwest scored 14 unanswered points in the final 12:38 to come away with a 45-35 win in a game that was also at Spratt Stadium.

Northwest has won the last seven meetings in the series, and 10 of the last 11 matchups in St. Joseph. The Bearcats lead the all-time series 28-13.

The implications of this game are obvious. It's the Griffons' toughest opponent on the schedule, as well as their closest and biggest rival. Be that as it may, Missouri Western receiver and freshman Hezekiah Trotter says the Griffons are just going about their business as they normally would.

"Yeah, there might be a little bit more added spice to it this week just because it is Northwest," Trotter said, "but, I mean, we're looking at this as if it's a very winnable game. It doesn't matter who has to come in and play us. They have to come in and give us their best effort, and that's what we're expecting, but I'm excited to finally get to play in an atmosphere like that against such a rival."

Trotter scored his first career touchdown last week, and hauled in four passes for a career-high 121 yards, as the Griffons lost <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e19f95f4-6c6a-4b4d-871a-ae3253bd4e77">47-41 in a shootout at Washburn</a> last Saturday.

Missouri Western piled up 579 yards of offense, and quarterback Anthony Vespo set a single-game school record with 443 yards passing, but the Ichabods had 532 yards themselves, and capitalized off of multiple special teams penalties and a pair of Missouri Western turnovers.

"We did some good things," Missouri Western head coach Matt Williamson said. "It wasn't that we got beat. It was more that we beat ourselves if you go back and watch all of the film. So, that's something we're going to make sure we correct this week, and we have to be ready to go. But, I was absolutely ecstatic about how effective we were as an offense."

The Griffons are now averaging over 493 yards and over 35 points per game - both figures rank in the top three in the MIAA. Their 366 passing yards per game ranks first in the league and third nationally.

"Each week, you can kind of see us just get better and better," Trotter said of the offense. "So, we just take everything, whether it's a good week or a bad week, and just always look for ways that we can improve as a position group and then as a team as a whole."

Missouri Western will need to bring all of its offensive firepower to this fight, because the Northwest defense is just as gifted, and is among the very best in the nation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633029939412.jpeg" alt="Courtesy GoGriffons.com." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy GoGriffons.com.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostFor the first time in over two years, the biggest college football rivalry in northwest Missouri will be renewed.No. 2 Northwest Missouri State (3-0) comes to St. Joseph to face Missouri Western (2-2) on Saturday night at 6 p.m. at Spratt Stadium.This will be the first meeting between the Griffons and Bearcats on the gridiron since September 5, 2019, when the two rivals opened the season against one another.Missouri Western saw a 35-31 lead slip away late that day, as Northwest scored 14 unanswered points in the final 12:38 to come away with a 45-35 win in a game that was also at Spratt Stadium.Northwest has won the last seven meetings in the series, and 10 of the last 11 matchups in St. Joseph. The Bearcats lead the all-time series 28-13.The implications of this game are obvious. It's the Griffons' toughest opponent on the schedule, as well as their closest and biggest rival. Be that as it may, Missouri Western receiver and freshman Hezekiah Trotter says the Griffons are just going about their business as they normally would."Yeah, there might be a little bit more added spice to it this week just because it is Northwest," Trotter said, "but, I mean, we're looking at this as if it's a very winnable game. It doesn't matter who has to come in and play us. They have to come in and give us their best effort, and that's what we're expecting, but I'm excited to finally get to play in an atmosphere like that against such a rival."Trotter scored his first career touchdown last week, and hauled in four passes for a career-high 121 yards, as the Griffons lost <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e19f95f4-6c6a-4b4d-871a-ae3253bd4e77">47-41 in a shootout at Washburn</a> last Saturday.Missouri Western piled up 579 yards of offense, and quarterback Anthony Vespo set a single-game school record with 443 yards passing, but the Ichabods had 532 yards themselves, and capitalized off of multiple special teams penalties and a pair of Missouri Western turnovers."We did some good things," Missouri Western head coach Matt Williamson said. "It wasn't that we got beat. It was more that we beat ourselves if you go back and watch all of the film. So, that's something we're going to make sure we correct this week, and we have to be ready to go. But, I was absolutely ecstatic about how effective we were as an offense."The Griffons are now averaging over 493 yards and over 35 points per game - both figures rank in the top three in the MIAA. Their 366 passing yards per game ranks first in the league and third nationally."Each week, you can kind of see us just get better and better," Trotter said of the offense. "So, we just take everything, whether it's a good week or a bad week, and just always look for ways that we can improve as a position group and then as a team as a whole."Missouri Western will need to bring all of its offensive firepower to this fight, because the Northwest defense is just as gifted, and is among the very best in the nation.The Bearcats are limiting opponents to just 4.7 points per game so far, making them the best scoring defense in the nation. They allow just 40.7 rushing yards per contest - the fewest allowed in the MIAA, making Northwest the fourth best rushing defense in Division II as well.Helping to lead this charge up front is senior and all-MIAA linebacker Jackson Barnes - a Liberty High School alum who was just named the league's defensive player of the week Monday.Barnes notched three tackles-for-loss and a sack, as the Bearcats limited Central Oklahoma to 122 yards of total offense, including -28 rushing yards, and just eight first downs in a 38-0 shutout over the Bronchos last Saturday in Maryville.Northwest thumped Central Missouri 47-7 in Warrensburg the week prior. They also won a 15-7 slugfest at Fort Hays State to open the season on Sept. 2."I think the biggest thing we've been doing is getting off the field," Barnes said about the defense during an interview with the Bearcat Radio Network's coaches' show. "We've been getting some three-and-outs, and we've been getting the ball back to the offense and having them drive the field and it's putting us in a good position."On the offensive side, Northwest has found a spark in quarterback Mike Hohensee. A sophomore, Hohensee was thrust into the starting role in the second game of the season when junior and two-year starter Braden Wright was ruled out for 4-6 weeks on Sept. 18 due to an emergency surgery to repair midgut volvulus, twisting of the intestine, according to the Northwest Missourian.Hohensee has been outstanding in two starts, completing 32-of-45 passes for 511 yards and six touchdowns with only one interception. He's also rushed for three scores in wins over Central Missouri and UCO."The offense has been driving the ball down the field," Barnes said. "They've been holding the ball a lot and keeping the ball out of the hands of the other offense's hands, so that's a huge part of it."The Bearcats play a physical brand of football, averaging over 230 rushing yards per contest. They also hold the ball for an average of 35:24 per game - the highest rate in the MIAA, and a number that ranks in the top ten nationally.While Missouri Western is a young team on offense, with no seniors in the starting lineup, Barnes has noticed one thing about his team's upcoming opponent that may not show up on a stat sheet."Something I've seen is they always come back in all of the games that they've played in," Barnes noticed when scouting Missouri Western. "They've gotten down early, but they've always fought to come back. So, we can't look past them at all. At any moment, they're going to try and come back in the game. I think the biggest thing is, if we get up, just hold them there."Missouri Western has outscored its opposition 65-36 in the second half this season, including 31-12 in the fourth quarter.<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Matt-Williamson--Hezekiah-Trotter-recap-Washburn--preview-Northwest-e184ipo" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Saturday's game can be heard live on the Griffon Sports Network (680 AM, 95.3 FM) and 680kfeq.com or on the KFEQ mobile app. Pregame coverage starts at 5 p.m. Saturday.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Local