Missouri
Western State University continues to prepare for fall classes, hoping to
return the St. Joseph campus to operations as normal as possible as the
coronavirus pandemic lingers.

Missouri
Western Vice President for Student Affairs, Melissa Mace, says remote learning
via the Internet was novel, at first.

“So,
we’re going to study online for a little bit,” Mace says of the initial reaction
to learning through the Internet. “But it’s also very difficult. You miss that
interaction. You don’t have the body language that you have in the classroom.
That shared experience becomes very different.”

Mace
says Missouri Western hasn’t yet decided whether to require masks be worn
indoors this year. Missouri Western will not require vaccinations.

Mace
says the university is working to make the St. Joseph campus as safe as
possible.

“Our
goal is to have an engaging collegiate experience for our students,” Mace says
during a visit on the KFEQ Hotline.

Mace
says that if it takes masks to return students to the classroom, then the
university will require masks.

“I
would much rather put my mask back on that have to work remotely,” Mace says.

Mace
serves on the university’s COVID-19 response team which advises the
administration on its coronavirus response. Mace says the team is weighing
various factors, trying to decide whether to require masks.

“We
gather as much data as we possibly can,” according to Mace. “We sit on
conference calls every week with other institutions around the state, thinking
about what they’re doing, talking about whether or not they’re requiring a mask
versus strongly suggesting a mask. &nbsp;All
of those play into our decision making as well.”

Fall
classes begin on the St. Joseph campus August 30th.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri
Western State University continues to prepare for fall classes, hoping to
return the St. Joseph campus to operations as normal as possible as the
coronavirus pandemic lingers.Missouri
Western Vice President for Student Affairs, Melissa Mace, says remote learning
via the Internet was novel, at first.“So,
we’re going to study online for a little bit,” Mace says of the initial reaction
to learning through the Internet. “But it’s also very difficult. You miss that
interaction. You don’t have the body language that you have in the classroom.
That shared experience becomes very different.”Mace
says Missouri Western hasn’t yet decided whether to require masks be worn
indoors this year. Missouri Western will not require vaccinations.Mace
says the university is working to make the St. Joseph campus as safe as
possible.“Our
goal is to have an engaging collegiate experience for our students,” Mace says
during a visit on the KFEQ Hotline.Mace
says that if it takes masks to return students to the classroom, then the
university will require masks.“I
would much rather put my mask back on that have to work remotely,” Mace says.Mace
serves on the university’s COVID-19 response team which advises the
administration on its coronavirus response. Mace says the team is weighing
various factors, trying to decide whether to require masks.“We
gather as much data as we possibly can,” according to Mace. “We sit on
conference calls every week with other institutions around the state, thinking
about what they’re doing, talking about whether or not they’re requiring a mask
versus strongly suggesting a mask. &nbsp;All
of those play into our decision making as well.”Fall
classes begin on the St. Joseph campus August 30th.

Missouri Western weighing whether to require masks

Unlike bigger cities, Maryville’s Northwest Missouri State University Campus Police Department is not struggling with campus engagement.

Vice President of Culture and Police Chief Clarence Green says the campus police department has had an increase in positive interactions. 

“It allowed us opportunities to engage with our campus community, to listen to what’s impacting them, again to align our work with what our community is saying, and what we can do, and then act on that,” Green tells St. Joseph Post. 

 Green says the institution has released a letter earlier this year explaining what the campus has done to increase the diversity within the campus police department. 

“We’re now roughly close to 60% of our officers are domestic minorities,” says Green. “What we’ve done around policy and procedures, training, what we’ve done about having a duty to intervene, all of our officers attending more training on how to deescalate matters.” 

Green says the police need to report back to the community what the department is doing to meet the needs of the community. 

“We have to listen to understand how our community is changing, and what our community is asking for from those who serve it, and then we have to align that with our work.”

Northwest Missouri State University fall semester classes begin August 18th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628712109442.jpeg" alt="Vice President of Culture and Police Chief Clarence Green / Photo: Northwest Missouri State University" />
 <figcaption>Vice President of Culture and Police Chief Clarence Green / Photo: Northwest Missouri State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostUnlike bigger cities, Maryville’s Northwest Missouri State University Campus Police Department is not struggling with campus engagement.Vice President of Culture and Police Chief Clarence Green says the campus police department has had an increase in positive interactions. “It allowed us opportunities to engage with our campus community, to listen to what’s impacting them, again to align our work with what our community is saying, and what we can do, and then act on that,” Green tells St. Joseph Post. Green says the institution has released a letter earlier this year explaining what the campus has done to increase the diversity within the campus police department. “We’re now roughly close to 60% of our officers are domestic minorities,” says Green. “What we’ve done around policy and procedures, training, what we’ve done about having a duty to intervene, all of our officers attending more training on how to deescalate matters.” Green says the police need to report back to the community what the department is doing to meet the needs of the community. “We have to listen to understand how our community is changing, and what our community is asking for from those who serve it, and then we have to align that with our work.”Northwest Missouri State University fall semester classes begin August 18th.

Northwest's campus police department increases campus engagement

ANDREW COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Peterbilt semi driven by Michael D. Jacobs, 63, Stewartsville, was southbound on Interstate 29 fifteen miles north of St. Joseph.

The vehicle blew a tire and traveled off the road into the median. A private vehicle transported Jacobs to Urgent Care Express. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Peterbilt semi driven by Michael D. Jacobs, 63, Stewartsville, was southbound on Interstate 29 fifteen miles north of St. Joseph.The vehicle blew a tire and traveled off the road into the median. A private vehicle transported Jacobs to Urgent Care Express. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Missouri man injured after semi blows a tire

An incentive to get a COVID-19 vaccination is being dangled by
Mosaic Life Care.

In an effort to increase local vaccination rates, Mosaic Life
Care is teaming with Missouri Western State University and the Kansas City
Chiefs to host a coronavirus vaccination clinic during the Chiefs’ training
camp.

Mosaic Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Davin Turner, makes no
secret that holding a clinic during Chiefs Training Camp is aimed at increasing
the percentage of area residents vaccinated against COVID-19.

“It’s to help increase the rate of vaccination in our
community,” Turmer says. “I believe we all know vaccination rates are low in
certain areas of the state and we hope that this will help those vaccination
rates.”

The St. Joseph Health Department on Monday reported that 20.4%
of the Buchanan County population had completed COVID-19 vaccination. Buchanan
County has a 14.86% positivity rate with 51 new coronavirus cases reported on
Monday.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 51 COVID-19 patients
in its system; 50 in St. Jospeh and one in Maryville.

The Chiefs Training Camp vaccination clinic will be held Thursday
between 11:30am and 2pm on the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph in the
Looney Complex. Appointments must be made ahead of time through the Mosaic
website:&nbsp; mymlc.com.

Mosaic will be using the Pfizer vaccine, so those as young as
12 are eligible.

Turner says those getting the shot will have the opportunity
to meet Chiefs players.

“Chiefs players will make a special appearance at this event,”
Turner says. “And those vaccinated will have an opportunity for a limited
interaction with the players.”

The Chiefs players scheduled to attend are Defensive Tackle
Chris Jones, Wide Receiver Byron Pingle, and Wide Receiver Demarcus Robinson.
All have been vaccinated.

Turner says Mosaic hopes a clinic open during Chiefs Training
Camp at MWSU will spur interest in getting vaccinated.

“We’re hoping that with the Chiefs here that this vaccination event
will spur those to come in and get their vaccine, plus they will have an
opportunity to meet three of the Chiefs players, although limitedly,” Turner
says. “Those players have been very gracious with providing us with time.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn incentive to get a COVID-19 vaccination is being dangled by
Mosaic Life Care.In an effort to increase local vaccination rates, Mosaic Life
Care is teaming with Missouri Western State University and the Kansas City
Chiefs to host a coronavirus vaccination clinic during the Chiefs’ training
camp.Mosaic Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Davin Turner, makes no
secret that holding a clinic during Chiefs Training Camp is aimed at increasing
the percentage of area residents vaccinated against COVID-19.“It’s to help increase the rate of vaccination in our
community,” Turmer says. “I believe we all know vaccination rates are low in
certain areas of the state and we hope that this will help those vaccination
rates.”The St. Joseph Health Department on Monday reported that 20.4%
of the Buchanan County population had completed COVID-19 vaccination. Buchanan
County has a 14.86% positivity rate with 51 new coronavirus cases reported on
Monday.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 51 COVID-19 patients
in its system; 50 in St. Jospeh and one in Maryville.The Chiefs Training Camp vaccination clinic will be held Thursday
between 11:30am and 2pm on the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph in the
Looney Complex. Appointments must be made ahead of time through the Mosaic
website:&nbsp; mymlc.com.Mosaic will be using the Pfizer vaccine, so those as young as
12 are eligible.Turner says those getting the shot will have the opportunity
to meet Chiefs players.“Chiefs players will make a special appearance at this event,”
Turner says. “And those vaccinated will have an opportunity for a limited
interaction with the players.”The Chiefs players scheduled to attend are Defensive Tackle
Chris Jones, Wide Receiver Byron Pingle, and Wide Receiver Demarcus Robinson.
All have been vaccinated.Turner says Mosaic hopes a clinic open during Chiefs Training
Camp at MWSU will spur interest in getting vaccinated.“We’re hoping that with the Chiefs here that this vaccination event
will spur those to come in and get their vaccine, plus they will have an
opportunity to meet three of the Chiefs players, although limitedly,” Turner
says. “Those players have been very gracious with providing us with time.”

Mosaic hopes Chiefs Training Camp clinic will get more to get vaccinated

National Weather Service Meteorologist Brent Pesel says the extreme heat is prompting the National Weather Service to issue a warning.

"We do have heat advisories and excessive heat warnings out for much of Northwest Missouri through the evening on Thursday," Pesel says. "Looking at temperatures, actual temperatures, reaching up to around the mid to upper 90's, with heat indicies reaching 105 to 110."

Pesel says there should be some reprieve later this week, when temperatures are expected to cool down with showers and thunderstorms Thursday night into Friday. The cool front should continue into the weekend with temps in the low to mid 80's.

Pesel adds people should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and should try to stay as cool as possible in the heat, because it is more dangerous than it seems.

"It's actually one of the leading causes of weather fatalities in the United States is heat," Pesel says. "Of course the most dangerous portions of the day are during the daylight hours, more so in the afternoon when heating is at its peak."

The extreme heat looks like it might move out of area later this week.

"It's looking like we are going to have a cold front come through overnight Thursday into Friday, bringing some showers and thunderstorms through the area," Pesel says. "And then it looks like going into the weekend temperatures reset back down to the low to mid 80's."

But for now excessive heat advisories remain in the area with temperatures in the upper 90's and heat indices well over 100.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628623742825.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of the National Weather Service- Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of the National Weather Service- Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>BY MATT PIKESt Joseph PostExtreme heat has plagued the area.National Weather Service Meteorologist Brent Pesel says the extreme heat is prompting the National Weather Service to issue a warning."We do have heat advisories and excessive heat warnings out for much of Northwest Missouri through the evening on Thursday," Pesel says. "Looking at temperatures, actual temperatures, reaching up to around the mid to upper 90's, with heat indicies reaching 105 to 110."Pesel says there should be some reprieve later this week, when temperatures are expected to cool down with showers and thunderstorms Thursday night into Friday. The cool front should continue into the weekend with temps in the low to mid 80's.Pesel adds people should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and should try to stay as cool as possible in the heat, because it is more dangerous than it seems."It's actually one of the leading causes of weather fatalities in the United States is heat," Pesel says. "Of course the most dangerous portions of the day are during the daylight hours, more so in the afternoon when heating is at its peak."The extreme heat looks like it might move out of area later this week."It's looking like we are going to have a cold front come through overnight Thursday into Friday, bringing some showers and thunderstorms through the area," Pesel says. "And then it looks like going into the weekend temperatures reset back down to the low to mid 80's."But for now excessive heat advisories remain in the area with temperatures in the upper 90's and heat indices well over 100.

Extreme heat has area in its grip 

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Jeep Cherokee driven by Tyler M. Odell, 25, St. Joseph, was eastbound on U.S. 36 at Interstate 229 in St. Joseph.&nbsp;

The driver failed to stop for a red light. The Jeep struck the front of a 2018 Chevy Silverado driven by Joel C. Jorgensen, 32, Troy, Kansas.&nbsp;

The impact caused the Jeep to strike a concrete barrier with its undercarriage and a westbound 2010 Kia Forte driven by Eli C. Gallagher, 36, St. Joseph.

The impact caused the Kia to strike a 2005 GMC Yukon driven by Dustin C. Robinson, 39, Elwood, Kansas.

Buchanan County EMS transported Odell to Mosaic Life Care. A private vehicle transported Jorgensen to Mosaic. Odell was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Jeep Cherokee driven by Tyler M. Odell, 25, St. Joseph, was eastbound on U.S. 36 at Interstate 229 in St. Joseph.&nbsp; The driver failed to stop for a red light. The Jeep struck the front of a 2018 Chevy Silverado driven by Joel C. Jorgensen, 32, Troy, Kansas.&nbsp;The impact caused the Jeep to strike a concrete barrier with its undercarriage and a westbound 2010 Kia Forte driven by Eli C. Gallagher, 36, St. Joseph.The impact caused the Kia to strike a 2005 GMC Yukon driven by Dustin C. Robinson, 39, Elwood, Kansas.Buchanan County EMS transported Odell to Mosaic Life Care. A private vehicle transported Jorgensen to Mosaic. Odell was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after 4-vehicle Buchanan Co. crash

A simple bill took on added weight and more importance as it
worked its way through this year’s Missouri legislative session, becoming the
primary crime bill of the session.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville tells the Missourinet
his bill to lift the residency requirement to be a Kansas City police officer
soon became legislation to prevent police brutality. It included making it a
crime for an officer to use a choke hold, though Luetkemeyer says it’s not a
blanket prohibition.

“If an officer is in a life-threatening situation, they should
be able to do anything, including discharging their firearm, to protect
themselves and innocent third parties who are under their care,” Luetkemeyer
tells the Missourinet. “And so we did not want to have a blanket prohibition.
If an officer fears for their life or the safety of somebody who is under their
care, they should still be able to use any type of maneuver that they need to
engage in self-defense. So, that’s what we were making clear in the statute.”

Luetkemeyer says most police departments in Missouri already
prohibit the use of choke holds.

The issue rose to national prominence in wake of the death of
George Floyd after a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on his neck last
year, but Luetkemeyer doesn’t believe the controversy played much of a role in
the legislature’s approval of his bill.

Luetkemeyer says the legislation doesn’t just ban chokeholds,
it alters officer training and creates transparency.

“There is a police training component in there, provisions in
there that track excessive force cases so we have a better way of tracking that
and understanding use of force around the state of Missouri and looking at it
in some type of comprehensive manner so that if we need to study it in the
future we have an ability to do that,” Luetkemeyer says.

Gov. Mike Parson has signed the bill into law.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA simple bill took on added weight and more importance as it
worked its way through this year’s Missouri legislative session, becoming the
primary crime bill of the session.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville tells the Missourinet
his bill to lift the residency requirement to be a Kansas City police officer
soon became legislation to prevent police brutality. It included making it a
crime for an officer to use a choke hold, though Luetkemeyer says it’s not a
blanket prohibition.“If an officer is in a life-threatening situation, they should
be able to do anything, including discharging their firearm, to protect
themselves and innocent third parties who are under their care,” Luetkemeyer
tells the Missourinet. “And so we did not want to have a blanket prohibition.
If an officer fears for their life or the safety of somebody who is under their
care, they should still be able to use any type of maneuver that they need to
engage in self-defense. So, that’s what we were making clear in the statute.”Luetkemeyer says most police departments in Missouri already
prohibit the use of choke holds.The issue rose to national prominence in wake of the death of
George Floyd after a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on his neck last
year, but Luetkemeyer doesn’t believe the controversy played much of a role in
the legislature’s approval of his bill.Luetkemeyer says the legislation doesn’t just ban chokeholds,
it alters officer training and creates transparency.“There is a police training component in there, provisions in
there that track excessive force cases so we have a better way of tracking that
and understanding use of force around the state of Missouri and looking at it
in some type of comprehensive manner so that if we need to study it in the
future we have an ability to do that,” Luetkemeyer says.Gov. Mike Parson has signed the bill into law.

Simple bill grows into the major crime bill of Missouri legislative session

Buchanan County has recorded its 200th
coronavirus-related death since the pandemic began.

The St. Joseph Health Department reports a woman in her 70’s
died after contracting COVID-19.

The health department reports 132 new COVID-19 cases since
Friday.

Buchanan County has recorded 13,125 COVID-19 cases
since the pandemic began.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 54 COVID-19 cases in
its system as of Tuesday morning; 50 in St. Joseph, three in Maryville, and one in Albany.

Andrew County health officials report 26 new coronavirus cases
on Monday.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports a total of 1,165
COVID-19 cases.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County has recorded its 200th
coronavirus-related death since the pandemic began.The St. Joseph Health Department reports a woman in her 70’s
died after contracting COVID-19.The health department reports 132 new COVID-19 cases since
Friday.Buchanan County has recorded 13,125 COVID-19 cases
since the pandemic began.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 54 COVID-19 cases in
its system as of Tuesday morning; 50 in St. Joseph, three in Maryville, and one in Albany.Andrew County health officials report 26 new coronavirus cases
on Monday.Doniphan County, Kansas reports a total of 1,165
COVID-19 cases.

Buchanan County reaches grim milestone:  200 COVID-19 deaths

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man following rollover accident in Atchison County.

Just aft 5:30p.m. on Monday police responded to a rollover injury accident in the 800 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 A 2008 Mercury SUV driven by Ioannis Markou,23, Atchison, was southbound on 6th Street when it left the roadway, struck a power pole, a street sign, traveled up a grassy embankment and rolled onto its top. 

Markou, who was not injured, ran from the accident scene but was taken into custody by officers in the 800 block South 5th. 

A 28-year-old passenger in the vehicle, Christopher Edwards of Atchison, was examined at the accident scene by EMS but not transported.

Police arrested Markou for leaving the scene of the accident and took him to the County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628624840647.png" alt="Crash scene photo Atchison Police." />
 <figcaption>Crash scene photo Atchison Police.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man following rollover accident in Atchison County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628602282065.png" alt="Markou-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Markou-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just aft 5:30p.m. on Monday police responded to a rollover injury accident in the 800 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A 2008 Mercury SUV driven by Ioannis Markou,23, Atchison, was southbound on 6th Street when it left the roadway, struck a power pole, a street sign, traveled up a grassy embankment and rolled onto its top. Markou, who was not injured, ran from the accident scene but was taken into custody by officers in the 800 block South 5th. A 28-year-old passenger in the vehicle, Christopher Edwards of Atchison, was examined at the accident scene by EMS but not transported.Police arrested Markou for leaving the scene of the accident and took him to the County Jail.

Police arrest Kan. man who ran from rollover crash

ANDREW COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Monday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Malibu driven by William R. Schwartz, 70, Union Star, was southbound on U.S. 169 one mile north of St. Joseph.

The car traveled off the right side of the road, struck an embankment and a concrete post.

Andrew County EMS transported to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Monday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Malibu driven by William R. Schwartz, 70, Union Star, was southbound on U.S. 169 one mile north of St. Joseph.The car traveled off the right side of the road, struck an embankment and a concrete post.Andrew County EMS transported to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Union Star man hospitalized after car strikes concrete post

St. Joseph public school children and all staff and visitors
to St. Joseph public schools will be required to wear masks.

The St. Joseph School Board has voted to require masks be worn
in St. Joseph public schools beginning August 23rd, the first day of
school. Masks will be required regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

The school board voted 5 to 1 with one abstention during a
special meeting today (MON) to require masks at the start of this school year.

“We listened to our constituents - students, parents and staff
and data from the CDC and our local health care professionals,” School Board
President Tami Pasley stated. “The majority of staff, parents and students were
in favor of a mask mandate at the start of school.”

Anyone entering a St. Josph public school building will be
required to wear a mask. Masks also will be required on school buses. Social
distancing of at least three feet will be required in the classroom. The school
district is also strongly encouraging frequent cleaning and sanitizing of
high-touch areas and the use of hand washing and hand sanitizer.

“Our decision is based on data and information,”
Superintendent Doug Van Zyl said. “The safety and well-being of our students
and staff is paramount. We will continue to do everything in our control to
create a learning environment in our buildings where our students and staff
feel safe. Each district must look at the data and choose what is best for
their community.”

The school district states that while masks were optional for
its summer programs, the increase in COVID-19 cases in St. Joseph has prompted
the school board to choose to start the school year with a mask mandate.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph public school children and all staff and visitors
to St. Joseph public schools will be required to wear masks.The St. Joseph School Board has voted to require masks be worn
in St. Joseph public schools beginning August 23rd, the first day of
school. Masks will be required regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.The school board voted 5 to 1 with one abstention during a
special meeting today (MON) to require masks at the start of this school year.“We listened to our constituents - students, parents and staff
and data from the CDC and our local health care professionals,” School Board
President Tami Pasley stated. “The majority of staff, parents and students were
in favor of a mask mandate at the start of school.”Anyone entering a St. Josph public school building will be
required to wear a mask. Masks also will be required on school buses. Social
distancing of at least three feet will be required in the classroom. The school
district is also strongly encouraging frequent cleaning and sanitizing of
high-touch areas and the use of hand washing and hand sanitizer.“Our decision is based on data and information,”
Superintendent Doug Van Zyl said. “The safety and well-being of our students
and staff is paramount. We will continue to do everything in our control to
create a learning environment in our buildings where our students and staff
feel safe. Each district must look at the data and choose what is best for
their community.”The school district states that while masks were optional for
its summer programs, the increase in COVID-19 cases in St. Joseph has prompted
the school board to choose to start the school year with a mask mandate.

St. Joseph will require school children to wear masks

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation executive director Ryan Vincent.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: KHRC Executive Director Ryan Vincent" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=afubr-10ada92-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation executive director Ryan Vincent.

🎤Forward Ever: KHRC Executive Director Ryan Vincent

St. Joseph City Council members meet tonight to again consider
how to reshape council districts, with a bit of controversy thrown in.

Voters approved a proposal to whittle the number of council
districts down from five to four, increasing the number of at-large council
members from three to four.

District Two council member Marty Novak says time is running
out to make a decision, because candidates need to know the districts.

“Now we’re at the point where we have to divine those
districts,” Novak tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Because the
election is going to be coming up next year, people are going to need to go out
and make declarations starting in September.”

Novak points out that those seeking to run for the St. Joseph
City Council will need to begin gathering signatures by late September to place
their name on the ballot.

Five proposed plans have been narrowed down to two. One would
create four quadrants in the city. The other would create districts around the
core of downtown St. Joseph, which at present seems to be favored by a majority
of the council.

Novak, who represents downtown St. Joseph, acknowledges he
favors a council redistricting plan that would have the downtown as its core,
stating his vote reflects his work representing the district that includes
downtown St. Joseph on the city council.

“Yeah, I’d like to see a continuation of representation of the
historic district in downtown,” Novak states. “I’ve been working with those
people for three-and-a-half years. I think it’s fair that I present that side
and that’s what I’m doing.”

Accusations that the city redistricting process hasn’t been
straightforward have been levelled by activist Kenneth Reeder, who has charged
council members with making deals behind closed doors, reiterating that
accusation during a call to the KFEQ Hotline.

“It’s been a litany of one thing after another after another,
everything from there were backdoor committees and all kinds of accusations
that Mr. Reeder made; all of them totally unfounded and totally untrue,”
according to Novak. “I’ll call it what it is, it’s baloney.”

Reeder pressed his point during his call to the KFEQ Hotline
when Novak was a guest.

“It was done, a large part of this, in the back room,” Reeder
stated.

“What I would say is, prove it. Prove it, Ken,” Novak shot
back, interrupting Reeder. “You make these accusations and you let these things
slide, but you cannot prove it. You cannot prove this. That’s not true, because
it didn’t happen.”

Novak, along with Mayor Bill McMurray, and fellow council
members Brian Myers, Brenda Blessing, and Madison Davis have voiced support for
the plan that keeps the downtown at its core, Plan 3.

Plan 2, which would divide the city into the northwest, northeast,
southwest, and southeast areas of St. Joseph, has received support from council
members Gary Roach, Kent O’Dell, P.J. Kovac, and Russell Moore.

The St. Joseph City Council could decide the issue tonight,
but a final vote could be delayed.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph City Council members meet tonight to again consider
how to reshape council districts, with a bit of controversy thrown in.Voters approved a proposal to whittle the number of council
districts down from five to four, increasing the number of at-large council
members from three to four.District Two council member Marty Novak says time is running
out to make a decision, because candidates need to know the districts.“Now we’re at the point where we have to divine those
districts,” Novak tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Because the
election is going to be coming up next year, people are going to need to go out
and make declarations starting in September.”Novak points out that those seeking to run for the St. Joseph
City Council will need to begin gathering signatures by late September to place
their name on the ballot.Five proposed plans have been narrowed down to two. One would
create four quadrants in the city. The other would create districts around the
core of downtown St. Joseph, which at present seems to be favored by a majority
of the council.Novak, who represents downtown St. Joseph, acknowledges he
favors a council redistricting plan that would have the downtown as its core,
stating his vote reflects his work representing the district that includes
downtown St. Joseph on the city council.“Yeah, I’d like to see a continuation of representation of the
historic district in downtown,” Novak states. “I’ve been working with those
people for three-and-a-half years. I think it’s fair that I present that side
and that’s what I’m doing.”Accusations that the city redistricting process hasn’t been
straightforward have been levelled by activist Kenneth Reeder, who has charged
council members with making deals behind closed doors, reiterating that
accusation during a call to the KFEQ Hotline.It didn’t sit well with Novak.“It’s been a litany of one thing after another after another,
everything from there were backdoor committees and all kinds of accusations
that Mr. Reeder made; all of them totally unfounded and totally untrue,”
according to Novak. “I’ll call it what it is, it’s baloney.”Reeder pressed his point during his call to the KFEQ Hotline
when Novak was a guest.“It was done, a large part of this, in the back room,” Reeder
stated.“What I would say is, prove it. Prove it, Ken,” Novak shot
back, interrupting Reeder. “You make these accusations and you let these things
slide, but you cannot prove it. You cannot prove this. That’s not true, because
it didn’t happen.”Novak, along with Mayor Bill McMurray, and fellow council
members Brian Myers, Brenda Blessing, and Madison Davis have voiced support for
the plan that keeps the downtown at its core, Plan 3.Plan 2, which would divide the city into the northwest, northeast,
southwest, and southeast areas of St. Joseph, has received support from council
members Gary Roach, Kent O’Dell, P.J. Kovac, and Russell Moore.The St. Joseph City Council could decide the issue tonight,
but a final vote could be delayed.

St. Joseph City Council redistricting could be decided tonight

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 57 COVID-19 patients
in its system.

Mosaic is treating 53 coronavirus patients at the St. Joseph
hospital, two at Maryville, and two at Albany as of Monday morning.

The St. Joseph Health Department reported a declining number
of new COVID-19 cases at the end of last week, dropping from 103 on Wednesday
to 76 on Thursday, and 42 on Friday.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care reports it is treating 57 COVID-19 patients
in its system.Mosaic is treating 53 coronavirus patients at the St. Joseph
hospital, two at Maryville, and two at Albany as of Monday morning.The St. Joseph Health Department reported a declining number
of new COVID-19 cases at the end of last week, dropping from 103 on Wednesday
to 76 on Thursday, and 42 on Friday.

Mosaic Life Care hospitalizations close to 60

GENTRY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Sunday in Gentry County

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1986 Peterbilt semi driven by Christopher S. Allenbrand, 48, Stanberry, was northbound on U.S. 169 at MO 48 in King City.

The semi struck the rear drivers side of a westbound 2018 GMC passenger vehicle driven by Paula S. Grant, 78, Waverly, Iowa, that stopped at the stop sign but failed to yield.

Grand River Ambulance transported Grant and a passenger in the GMC Richard L. Grant, 75, Waverly, Iowa, to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Allenbrand was not injured. Richard Grant was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Sunday in Gentry CountyThe Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1986 Peterbilt semi driven by Christopher S. Allenbrand, 48, Stanberry, was northbound on U.S. 169 at MO 48 in King City.The semi struck the rear drivers side of a westbound 2018 GMC passenger vehicle driven by Paula S. Grant, 78, Waverly, Iowa, that stopped at the stop sign but failed to yield.Grand River Ambulance transported Grant and a passenger in the GMC Richard L. Grant, 75, Waverly, Iowa, to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Allenbrand was not injured. Richard Grant was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized in St. Joe after crash with a semi

A St. Joseph man suffered non-life-threatening injuries in
a stabbing Friday night in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph police report officers responded to a call
about a stabbing on East Valley Street between 1st and 2nd
Streets around eight o’clock Friday evening. 

Police report the victim, a man in his 50s, suffered a
stab wound to his shoulder.

Police do have a suspect, but he has not been taken into
custody.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph man suffered non-life-threatening injuries in
a stabbing Friday night in St. Joseph.St. Joseph police report officers responded to a call
about a stabbing on East Valley Street between 1st and 2nd
Streets around eight o’clock Friday evening. Police report the victim, a man in his 50s, suffered a
stab wound to his shoulder.Police do have a suspect, but he has not been taken into
custody.

St. Joseph man suffers shoulder wound in stabbing

Eagle
Radio St. Joseph received several honors at the Missouri Broadcasters
Association Convention held in Branson this weekend.

Sports
Director Tommy Rezac won 1st Place, Sports Reporting for his feature
on “Mid-Buchanan Wrestling Dominates Season that Almost Didn’t Happen.”

Radio
personality Gregg Lynn won 1st Place, Medium Market Radio – Promotion
for “When Christmas is Over 2020.” Lynn also won a Certificate of Merit for
Corporate Award for Community Service for “Gregg Lynn’s Christmas for Kids Toy
Drive.”

Former
General Manager for Eagle Radio St. Joseph, Gary Exline, won a Lifetime Member
Award for his years of service to the Missouri Broadcasts Association.

Exline
had a 50-year broadcast career that started at WMBH in Joplin and concluded
overseeing the radio stations Eagle owns in St. Joseph. Exline served on the MBA
Board of Directors and served as chair in 2013. In 2016, Exline received the
MBA Distinguished Broadcasters Award.

Exline
is a native of Ashland, Kentucky and graduated from Kansas State. He and his
wife Jan still make St. Joseph their home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628464556156.jpeg" alt="Tommy Rezac (left) and Gregg Lynn both won awards at the MBA Convention this weekend in Branson/Eagle Radio Photo" />
 <figcaption>Tommy Rezac (left) and Gregg Lynn both won awards at the MBA Convention this weekend in Branson/Eagle Radio Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEagle
Radio St. Joseph received several honors at the Missouri Broadcasters
Association Convention held in Branson this weekend.Sports
Director Tommy Rezac won 1st Place, Sports Reporting for his feature
on “Mid-Buchanan Wrestling Dominates Season that Almost Didn’t Happen.”Radio
personality Gregg Lynn won 1st Place, Medium Market Radio – Promotion
for “When Christmas is Over 2020.” Lynn also won a Certificate of Merit for
Corporate Award for Community Service for “Gregg Lynn’s Christmas for Kids Toy
Drive.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628464649391.jpeg" alt="Gary Exline was recognized with a Lifetime Member Award from the MBA/Eagle Radio Photo" />
 <figcaption>Gary Exline was recognized with a Lifetime Member Award from the MBA/Eagle Radio Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Former
General Manager for Eagle Radio St. Joseph, Gary Exline, won a Lifetime Member
Award for his years of service to the Missouri Broadcasts Association.Exline
had a 50-year broadcast career that started at WMBH in Joplin and concluded
overseeing the radio stations Eagle owns in St. Joseph. Exline served on the MBA
Board of Directors and served as chair in 2013. In 2016, Exline received the
MBA Distinguished Broadcasters Award.Exline
is a native of Ashland, Kentucky and graduated from Kansas State. He and his
wife Jan still make St. Joseph their home.

Eagle St. Joseph receives several awards at MBA convention

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Saturday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Brenda S. Tritten, 57, Helena, Missouri, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Route V.

The SUV rear-ended a 2009 Chevy 1500 driven by Ethan C. Wood, 19, Union Star, who was making a right turn.

A private vehicle transported Tritten to Mosaic Life Care. Wood was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Saturday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Brenda S. Tritten, 57, Helena, Missouri, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Route V.The SUV rear-ended a 2009 Chevy 1500 driven by Ethan C. Wood, 19, Union Star, who was making a right turn.A private vehicle transported Tritten to Mosaic Life Care. Wood was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Woman hospitalized after Andrew Co. rear-end crash

HARRISON COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Saturday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Jeep SUV driven by Heidi M. Jackson, 33, Cainsville, was westbound on Route M two miles east of Blythedale.

The driver experienced a medical emergency. The Jeep crossed the center line, traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment and a fence.

North Harrison Ambulance transported to Jackson and a 12-year-old passenger to Harrison County Community Hospital. They were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Saturday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Jeep SUV driven by Heidi M. Jackson, 33, Cainsville, was westbound on Route M two miles east of Blythedale.The driver experienced a medical emergency. The Jeep crossed the center line, traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment and a fence.North Harrison Ambulance transported to Jackson and a 12-year-old passenger to Harrison County Community Hospital. They were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman, juvenile hospitalized after jeep crash

GENTRY COUNTY — A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Saturday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1987 Ford L9000 Conventional semi pulling a flatbed trailer&nbsp; and driven by Larry D. Clark, 70, King City, was eastbound on Route Z one half mile east of King City.&nbsp;

The driver came over the top of a hill and braked to avoid a car in front of the semi. The semi slid sideways, traveled off the south side of the road and struck an embankment.&nbsp;

A private vehicle transported Clark to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY — A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Saturday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1987 Ford L9000 Conventional semi pulling a flatbed trailer&nbsp; and driven by Larry D. Clark, 70, King City, was eastbound on Route Z one half mile east of King City.&nbsp;The driver came over the top of a hill and braked to avoid a car in front of the semi. The semi slid sideways, traveled off the south side of the road and struck an embankment.&nbsp;A private vehicle transported Clark to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

King City man injured after semi slides, strikes embankment

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 2:30a.m. Saturday in Atchison County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by Patrick W. Wentz, 53, Atchison was northbound on U.S. 73 just north of Rooks Road.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup traveled off the roadway to the left onto southbound shoulder. 

The driver over corrected to the right into the southbound lane and corrected back to the left into the south ditch, traveled up the embankment and overturned.

EMS transported Wentz to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 2:30a.m. Saturday in Atchison County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by Patrick W. Wentz, 53, Atchison was northbound on U.S. 73 just north of Rooks Road.The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup traveled off the roadway to the left onto southbound shoulder. The driver over corrected to the right into the southbound lane and corrected back to the left into the south ditch, traveled up the embankment and overturned.EMS transported Wentz to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after pickup overturns

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -Theresa Grosbach, associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator at Missouri Western State University, will serve as interim (director of athletics/vice president of intercollegiate athletics) starting Sept. 1. Grosbach succeeds Dr. Josh Looney, who last month was named director of athletics at the University of North Alabama.

"Theresa is well prepared to lead the athletic department as our fall sports get underway," said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, Missouri Western's president. "Under her stewardship, I know that Griffon Athletics will continue moving forward in preparation for the next person chosen to lead the department permanently."

Grosbach joined the Griffon Athletics staff in July of 2018 as associate director of athletics for student success and senior woman administrator after six years as athletic director at Baker University.

The former Theresa Yetmar was named NAIA Conference Athletics Director of the Year in 2011, 12, 13 and 15 and was also named Women Leaders in College Sports NAIA/NJCAA/Community College Administrator of the Year in 2011.

Prior to becoming the athletic director at Baker, Grosbach served as the Baker athletic department's liaison to other campus departments and provided administrative support in compiling records and creating schedules. She also led the athletic department's campus work study and internship programs in addition to budget and event management.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Business from Baker in 2002, Grosbach was a championships assistant at the NAIA office in Olathe, Kansas, for one year. She received a Master's of Business Administration from Baker in 2006.

As a basketball student-athlete at Baker, Grosbach was an NAIA scholar-athlete in 2001 and 2002. Grosbach's husband, Alan, is currently the director for return on athletics for the NAIA.

Dr. Kennedy also announced that Double L Consulting will help lead the search for the next permanent leader of Griffon Athletics. Double L, led by Jill Willson, founder and president, recently guided the athletic department through a strategic planning process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628286741061.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtsey of Missouri Western Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtsey of Missouri Western Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -Theresa Grosbach, associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator at Missouri Western State University, will serve as interim (director of athletics/vice president of intercollegiate athletics) starting Sept. 1. Grosbach succeeds Dr. Josh Looney, who last month was named director of athletics at the University of North Alabama."Theresa is well prepared to lead the athletic department as our fall sports get underway," said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, Missouri Western's president. "Under her stewardship, I know that Griffon Athletics will continue moving forward in preparation for the next person chosen to lead the department permanently."Grosbach joined the Griffon Athletics staff in July of 2018 as associate director of athletics for student success and senior woman administrator after six years as athletic director at Baker University.The former Theresa Yetmar was named NAIA Conference Athletics Director of the Year in 2011, 12, 13 and 15 and was also named Women Leaders in College Sports NAIA/NJCAA/Community College Administrator of the Year in 2011.Prior to becoming the athletic director at Baker, Grosbach served as the Baker athletic department's liaison to other campus departments and provided administrative support in compiling records and creating schedules. She also led the athletic department's campus work study and internship programs in addition to budget and event management.After earning her Bachelor of Science in Business from Baker in 2002, Grosbach was a championships assistant at the NAIA office in Olathe, Kansas, for one year. She received a Master's of Business Administration from Baker in 2006.As a basketball student-athlete at Baker, Grosbach was an NAIA scholar-athlete in 2001 and 2002. Grosbach's husband, Alan, is currently the director for return on athletics for the NAIA.Dr. Kennedy also announced that Double L Consulting will help lead the search for the next permanent leader of Griffon Athletics. Double L, led by Jill Willson, founder and president, recently guided the athletic department through a strategic planning process.

Theresa Grosbach named Missouri Western interim AD; Hunt continues for new full time AD

NODAWAY COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Friday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Fusion driven by Alexander L. Lesiak, 19, Columbus, Nebraska, was southbound on U.S. 71 at Route M eight miles south of Maryville.

The Ford struck the front drivers side of an eastbound 2007 Chevy 2500 driven by James M. Boyles, 88, Maryville.

Boyles was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Price Funeral Home in Maryville. Lesiak was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Friday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Fusion driven by Alexander L. Lesiak, 19, Columbus, Nebraska, was southbound on U.S. 71 at Route M eight miles south of Maryville.The Ford struck the front drivers side of an eastbound 2007 Chevy 2500 driven by James M. Boyles, 88, Maryville.Boyles was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Price Funeral Home in Maryville. Lesiak was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Maryville man dies after 2-vehicle crash

Eagle Radio, through the Schmidt Foundation,
has announced it will donate a $10,000 matching grant to help kickstart the
construction of the new disc golf course in St. Joseph.

Construction of the course was part
of the half-cent parks sales tax issue approved by St. Joseph voters in the special
election Tuesday.

The $10,000 matching grant, when
matched, will supply $20,000 of the estimated $27,000 needed for the purchase
of the equipment and the construction towards the creation of another disc golf
course in St. Joseph. St. Joseph Parks Director Chuck Kempf estimates the disc
golf course will bring in an estimated $40,000 in revenue to a community.

In addition, a disc golf tournament
can generate an estimated $200,000 economic impact to a community, with a
multi-day disc golf tournament estimated to generate more than $400,000 in
economic development.

The Schmidt Foundation, created by Eagle
Radio owner the late Bob Schmidt, supports education, healthcare, the arts, and
economic development.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628266164097.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Mayor Bill McMurray and others gather to watch election returns during the special August election/Submitted photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Mayor Bill McMurray and others gather to watch election returns during the special August election/Submitted photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEagle Radio, through the Schmidt Foundation,
has announced it will donate a $10,000 matching grant to help kickstart the
construction of the new disc golf course in St. Joseph.Construction of the course was part
of the half-cent parks sales tax issue approved by St. Joseph voters in the special
election Tuesday.The $10,000 matching grant, when
matched, will supply $20,000 of the estimated $27,000 needed for the purchase
of the equipment and the construction towards the creation of another disc golf
course in St. Joseph. St. Joseph Parks Director Chuck Kempf estimates the disc
golf course will bring in an estimated $40,000 in revenue to a community.In addition, a disc golf tournament
can generate an estimated $200,000 economic impact to a community, with a
multi-day disc golf tournament estimated to generate more than $400,000 in
economic development.The Schmidt Foundation, created by Eagle
Radio owner the late Bob Schmidt, supports education, healthcare, the arts, and
economic development.

Eagle Radio-Schmidt Foundation makes donation for disc golf park

St. Joseph – Buchanan County voters gave overwhelming approval
to not one, but two tax issues this week, running counter to a reputation for voting
against tax hikes.

St. Joseph City Council member Marty Novak says he wasn’t
upset when Buchanan County decided to place its law enforcement sales tax proposal
on the same ballot as the city parks sales tax proposal.

“I know the need that the sheriff’s department has,” Novak
tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Novak says though the city decided to go to the August ballot
first, he didn’t mind when Buchanan County made its decision, placing two tax
issues before voters. Novak says he is friends with Buchanan County Sheriff
Bill Puett and with all three members of the Buchanan County Commission. He says
county officials apologized to him, but he suggested the city and county simply
tell voters what the needs were and how they proposed to use the money.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628191116157.jpeg" alt="Krug Park /file photo" />
 <figcaption>Krug Park /file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph – Buchanan County voters gave overwhelming approval
to not one, but two tax issues this week, running counter to a reputation for voting
against tax hikes.St. Joseph City Council member Marty Novak says he wasn’t
upset when Buchanan County decided to place its law enforcement sales tax proposal
on the same ballot as the city parks sales tax proposal.“I know the need that the sheriff’s department has,” Novak
tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Novak says though the city decided to go to the August ballot
first, he didn’t mind when Buchanan County made its decision, placing two tax
issues before voters. Novak says he is friends with Buchanan County Sheriff
Bill Puett and with all three members of the Buchanan County Commission. He says
county officials apologized to him, but he suggested the city and county simply
tell voters what the needs were and how they proposed to use the money.“And they kind of said, well, we’re sorry this is on the
ballot at the same time,” Novak says. “I said I don’t have a problem (with it).
Let’s show the people what we’re going to give them and let the people decide.
Ultimately, that’s what we’ve got to do. The people have to decide.”Still the special election on Tuesday stood out for the mere fact that it presented voters two tax issues and nothing else; no other issues, no candidates. A stark ballot containing only two tax issues greeted most voters.More than 71% of the voters who cast ballots on Tuesday
supported the half-cent increase to the city sales tax to fund between $50
million and $60 million in improvements to the city parks system. More than 77%
of the voters voted for the quarter-cent county law enforcement sales tax,
which will increase the sheriff’s department budget by an estimated $3.6
million annually.Novak explains that the city parks tax proposal grew out of
talks about what to do with the Krug Park Amphitheatre. The council ultimately
rejected a proposal to spend tens of millions to upgrade the amphitheater and,
instead, looked to a broad range of projects which would make improvements to
parks throughout the city. It would also bolster the parks maintenance budget.Novak credits the parks tax victory to a campaign that
outlined a need and stated plainly what would be done with the extra money.“I think it was the same way with the tax issue for the
sheriff’s department,” Novak says. “Hey, this is what’s needed. We’re not able
to keep our deputies. So, here is what we can do to try to make things better
and I think people heard that and they accepted that message and that’s how
they voted.”Novak says the victories during the special election Tuesday
prove that a straightforward approach can prove successful for a tax increase campaign.“Here’s how we’re going to pay for it. In the case of the
parks tax, 10 years, this is what we’re asking and here’s where we can be in 10
years,” Novak explains. “I think that made a lot of sense to people. It wasn’t,
as you say, pie in the sky. It was something that was really attainable and the
people saw it that way.”

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