ANDREW COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 7:30 p.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F150 driven by Ethan J. Hall., 30, Union Star, was northbound on&nbsp; Route W one mile east of Avenue City.&nbsp;

The pickup was traveling too fast for conditions. It traveled through the intersection at Route O, off the north side of the road and struck a fence and a ditch.

Andrew County ambulance transported Hall 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 7:30 p.m. Sunday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F150 driven by Ethan J. Hall., 30, Union Star, was northbound on&nbsp; Route W one mile east of Avenue City.&nbsp;The pickup was traveling too fast for conditions. It traveled through the intersection at Route O, off the north side of the road and struck a fence and a ditch.Andrew County ambulance transported Hall to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Union Star man hospitalized after pickup strikes fence

KANSAS CITY— A Mexican national who has been deported seven times after illegally entering the United States was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a Daviess County, Missouri, marijuana-growing operation where law enforcement officers seized nearly $10 million worth of plants, according to the United State's Attorney.

Sergio Medina-Perez, 47, of El Monte, California, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to six years in federal prison without parole. This federal sentence must be served consecutively to any sentence imposed as a result of his violation of probation in an unrelated California case. Medina-Perez pleaded guilty in California to being a felon in possession of a firearm, cultivating marijuana and resisting arrest for a marijuana grow operation in Shasta County, Calif. He received a suspended imposition of sentence and was placed on three years’ probation, but indicted eight months later in this federal case.

The court also ordered Medina-Perez to forfeit the Daviess County property to the government.

On Feb. 3, 2021, Medina-Perez pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to manufacture and to possess marijuana plants with the intent to distribute. Medina-Perez also pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after having been deported following a felony conviction.

Law enforcement officers, who had been keeping the marijuana grow site under surveillance, executed a search warrant at the property on Aug. 27, 2018. The plants were in a clearing inside a large area of timber. A distinct path led from a building in the wooded area to the area containing the marijuana plants.

Officers located approximately 2,464 cultivated marijuana plants. With an approximate street value of $1,800 per pound of marijuana, this results in approximately $9,757,440 in marijuana plants seized.

Two days later, on Aug. 29, 2018, Medina-Perez was arrested near the grow site. He told law enforcement that he came to Missouri from California to work as a trimmer at the marijuana grow operation and was paid $100 for every pound of marijuana that he trimmed.

Medina-Perez has been deported from the United States on seven previous occasions. He was convicted in Yakima County, Washington, of possessing cocaine on Sept. 22, 1993, and deported in 1995. He illegally reentered the United States and was deported again on April 3, 1998; Aug. 30, 2002; April 4, 2003; Dec. 17, 2005; July 6, 2006; and July 11, 2006.

Co-defendant Miguel Pulido-Maldonado, also known as “Mona,” 30, ran into the woods to escape custody but was arrested on Aug. 30, 2018; he was covered in mud, his arms had numerous bites from either mosquitos or other insects and it appeared he had been outside for several days. Pulido-Maldonado had previously illegally entered the United States and was removed on Jan. 30, 2017. Pulido-Maldonado was sentenced to three years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to illegally reentering the United States.

KANSAS CITY— A Mexican national who has been deported seven times after illegally entering the United States was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a Daviess County, Missouri, marijuana-growing operation where law enforcement officers seized nearly $10 million worth of plants, according to the United State's Attorney.Sergio Medina-Perez, 47, of El Monte, California, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to six years in federal prison without parole. This federal sentence must be served consecutively to any sentence imposed as a result of his violation of probation in an unrelated California case. Medina-Perez pleaded guilty in California to being a felon in possession of a firearm, cultivating marijuana and resisting arrest for a marijuana grow operation in Shasta County, Calif. He received a suspended imposition of sentence and was placed on three years’ probation, but indicted eight months later in this federal case.The court also ordered Medina-Perez to forfeit the Daviess County property to the government.On Feb. 3, 2021, Medina-Perez pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to manufacture and to possess marijuana plants with the intent to distribute. Medina-Perez also pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after having been deported following a felony conviction.Law enforcement officers, who had been keeping the marijuana grow site under surveillance, executed a search warrant at the property on Aug. 27, 2018. The plants were in a clearing inside a large area of timber. A distinct path led from a building in the wooded area to the area containing the marijuana plants.Officers located approximately 2,464 cultivated marijuana plants. With an approximate street value of $1,800 per pound of marijuana, this results in approximately $9,757,440 in marijuana plants seized.Two days later, on Aug. 29, 2018, Medina-Perez was arrested near the grow site. He told law enforcement that he came to Missouri from California to work as a trimmer at the marijuana grow operation and was paid $100 for every pound of marijuana that he trimmed.Medina-Perez has been deported from the United States on seven previous occasions. He was convicted in Yakima County, Washington, of possessing cocaine on Sept. 22, 1993, and deported in 1995. He illegally reentered the United States and was deported again on April 3, 1998; Aug. 30, 2002; April 4, 2003; Dec. 17, 2005; July 6, 2006; and July 11, 2006.Co-defendant Miguel Pulido-Maldonado, also known as “Mona,” 30, ran into the woods to escape custody but was arrested on Aug. 30, 2018; he was covered in mud, his arms had numerous bites from either mosquitos or other insects and it appeared he had been outside for several days. Pulido-Maldonado had previously illegally entered the United States and was removed on Jan. 30, 2017. Pulido-Maldonado was sentenced to three years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to illegally reentering the United States.

Plant trimmer on $10M Daviess Co. marijuana farm sentenced to prison

St. Joseph police are investigating a weekend shooting at the
Brittany Village apartment complex that left one young man with
non-life-threatening wounds.

St. Joseph police report officers responded to a report of shots
fired at the eastern St. Joseph apartments at around 6:30 Saturday evening. A
man in his mid-20s had suffered gunshot wounds to his forearm and abdomen. Neither appeared life-threatening.

No identity has been released. Police are releasing few
details as the investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police are investigating a weekend shooting at the
Brittany Village apartment complex that left one young man with
non-life-threatening wounds.St. Joseph police report officers responded to a report of shots
fired at the eastern St. Joseph apartments at around 6:30 Saturday evening. A
man in his mid-20s had suffered gunshot wounds to his forearm and abdomen. Neither appeared life-threatening.No identity has been released. Police are releasing few
details as the investigation continues.

One wounded in St. Joseph apartment complex shooting

DAVIESS COUNTY—Five people was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Saturday in Daviess County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Traverse driven by Terry L. Christiansen, 24, East Moline, IL., was northbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Winston.

The SUV traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, went airborne and landed in the median.

Cameron EMS transported three children ages 4,6 and 9 from East Moline, IL., to Mosaic Life Care. They also transported 19-year-old Erica Rudsel of Paint Rock, TX., to Cameron Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; Daviess County EMS transported Dakota P. Christiansen, 30, East Moline, IL., to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The driver was not injured. Dakota Christiansen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The agency did not have seat belt usage information for the juveniles.

DAVIESS COUNTY—Five people was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Saturday in Daviess County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Traverse driven by Terry L. Christiansen, 24, East Moline, IL., was northbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Winston.The SUV traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, went airborne and landed in the median.Cameron EMS transported three children ages 4,6 and 9 from East Moline, IL., to Mosaic Life Care. They also transported 19-year-old Erica Rudsel of Paint Rock, TX., to Cameron Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; Daviess County EMS transported Dakota P. Christiansen, 30, East Moline, IL., to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The driver was not injured. Dakota Christiansen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The agency did not have seat belt usage information for the juveniles.

2 adults, 3 juveniles injured in Daviess Co. crash

GRUNDY COUNTY —A Missouri teen died in an accident just before 3p.mm. Friday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1993 Chevy Silverado driven by 15-year-old girl from Laredo was westbound on SE 60th Street six miles southeast of Laredo.

The driver lost control of the pickup on a gravel road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck several trees and then struck a large tree.

Grundy County EMS transported the girl to Wright Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY —A Missouri teen died in an accident just before 3p.mm. Friday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1993 Chevy Silverado driven by 15-year-old girl from Laredo was westbound on SE 60th Street six miles southeast of Laredo.The driver lost control of the pickup on a gravel road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck several trees and then struck a large tree.Grundy County EMS transported the girl to Wright Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Grundy County teen dies after pickup crash into trees

It was a somber and emotional scene at the Civic Center Park in downtown St. Joseph on Friday afternoon, as hundreds gathered to honor the life of St. Joseph Police K-9 Max, who was killed in the line of duty on June 30.

Dozens of officers from surrounding cities and counties attended the funeral in uniform, while hundreds of others stood near the War Memorial at Civic Center Park, where Max's farewell services were held.

Having first arrived in the U.S. in July 2018, Max joined the St. Joseph Police Department in February 2019, and served alongside his handler and trainer - officer Lucas Winder.

"Working with Max, it was like taking your best friend and kid to work every day," he said. "We would go out and have fun, but also go out and get business done. Every day was a blessing. I'm just grateful for the time we did have together."

Of Max's numerous skills and qualities, Winder will remember his partner's loyalty the most.

"He was my kid," Winder said fondly. "It's funny, because my wife or someone else would try and talk to him, he would just laser-beam focus on me. You could just tell our bond was just there. Unbreakable. It was beautiful. The kid was always there for me."

St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally says whether it be two legs or four, Max was one of their own, and losing him was a very painful experience.

"When we lost Max, we lost an officer," he said, "and it hurts...he was one of our own."

Max’s death occurred late on the night June 30 after St. Joseph Police responded to a call that an armed man had barricaded himself into a residence.

During negotiations, the armed suspect fled out of the back of the residence. He shot K-9 Max during the pursuit. Max was transported to Kansas City for emergency care, but died of his wounds.

Connally said Max lived out his sworn duty as a St. Joseph Police officer right until the very end.

"We as police officers are sworn to protect and serve and Max did exactly that," Connally said. "As trained and true to his mission, he did his job, and while doing it likely saved our officers and maybe even the perpetrator."

A charge of armed criminal action has been filed against 24-year-old Valdez McDonald in the death of Max. McDonald also faces a charge of domestic abuse charge for assault against his mother.

The time that has followed Max's death has been a 'day-by-day battle,' according to Winder, but he thanks the community for the outpouring of support he's received since that awful night.

"I couldn't even tell you the amount of calls and texts I've received," Winder said. "Not just from this jurisdiction, but nationwide. It's been beautiful to see everyone come together."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625870714413.jpeg" alt="A large procession of police vehicles makes its way down Francis Street at the start of the farewell service for K-9 Max. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>A large procession of police vehicles makes its way down Francis Street at the start of the farewell service for K-9 Max. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt was a somber and emotional scene at the Civic Center Park in downtown St. Joseph on Friday afternoon, as hundreds gathered to honor the life of St. Joseph Police K-9 Max, who was killed in the line of duty on June 30.Dozens of officers from surrounding cities and counties attended the funeral in uniform, while hundreds of others stood near the War Memorial at Civic Center Park, where Max's farewell services were held.Having first arrived in the U.S. in July 2018, Max joined the St. Joseph Police Department in February 2019, and served alongside his handler and trainer - officer Lucas Winder."Working with Max, it was like taking your best friend and kid to work every day," he said. "We would go out and have fun, but also go out and get business done. Every day was a blessing. I'm just grateful for the time we did have together."Of Max's numerous skills and qualities, Winder will remember his partner's loyalty the most."He was my kid," Winder said fondly. "It's funny, because my wife or someone else would try and talk to him, he would just laser-beam focus on me. You could just tell our bond was just there. Unbreakable. It was beautiful. The kid was always there for me."St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally says whether it be two legs or four, Max was one of their own, and losing him was a very painful experience."When we lost Max, we lost an officer," he said, "and it hurts...he was one of our own."Max’s death occurred late on the night June 30 after St. Joseph Police responded to a call that an armed man had barricaded himself into a residence.During negotiations, the armed suspect fled out of the back of the residence. He shot K-9 Max during the pursuit. Max was transported to Kansas City for emergency care, but died of his wounds.Connally said Max lived out his sworn duty as a St. Joseph Police officer right until the very end."We as police officers are sworn to protect and serve and Max did exactly that," Connally said. "As trained and true to his mission, he did his job, and while doing it likely saved our officers and maybe even the perpetrator."A charge of armed criminal action has been filed against 24-year-old Valdez McDonald in the death of Max. McDonald also faces a charge of domestic abuse charge for assault against his mother.The time that has followed Max's death has been a 'day-by-day battle,' according to Winder, but he thanks the community for the outpouring of support he's received since that awful night."I couldn't even tell you the amount of calls and texts I've received," Winder said. "Not just from this jurisdiction, but nationwide. It's been beautiful to see everyone come together."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625870790688.jpeg" alt="K-9 Max's handler, officer Lucas Winder (right), receives a folded American flag from St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally (right) during Friday's farewell service. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>K-9 Max's handler, officer Lucas Winder (right), receives a folded American flag from St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally (right) during Friday's farewell service. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625870946440.jpeg" alt="Numerous K-9s from various area law enforcement agencies were part of the funeral procession for St. Joseph K-9 Max, who was killed in the line of duty on June 30. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Numerous K-9s from various area law enforcement agencies were part of the funeral procession for St. Joseph K-9 Max, who was killed in the line of duty on June 30. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Video of the service can be seen here:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fvideos%2F1149324428897841%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Full photo gallery below:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fposts%2F4189360877811211&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="665" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Hundreds gather at Civic Center Park to honor K-9 Max Friday

A vehicle crashed into an apartment building very early this morning, running through the wall and injuring two residents.

St. Joseph police say the accident occurred shortly before
4:30 this morning at the Cottonwood Creek apartment complex at 3600 Gene Field
Road. Police say the vehicle crashed into the apartment. The two residents
refused medical treatment, but had slight head wounds.

The driver has been taken into custody, suspected of driving
while impaired.

Four people were injured in a crash about half an hour after
midnight at South Belt and Pear.

St. Joseph police say a minivan packed with seven people
attempted a left-hand turn off of the Belt Highway into a parking lot, turning
into the path of a southbound truck. The collision injured three in the van,
one of the three was hospitalized. The truck driver also suffered injuries in
the wreck.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA vehicle crashed into an apartment building very early this morning, running through the wall and injuring two residents.St. Joseph police say the accident occurred shortly before
4:30 this morning at the Cottonwood Creek apartment complex at 3600 Gene Field
Road. Police say the vehicle crashed into the apartment. The two residents
refused medical treatment, but had slight head wounds.The driver has been taken into custody, suspected of driving
while impaired.Four people were injured in a crash about half an hour after
midnight at South Belt and Pear.St. Joseph police say a minivan packed with seven people
attempted a left-hand turn off of the Belt Highway into a parking lot, turning
into the path of a southbound truck. The collision injured three in the van,
one of the three was hospitalized. The truck driver also suffered injuries in
the wreck.

Two injured when car crashes into St. Joseph apartment; 4 injured in earlier crash

St. Joseph health officials report 104 new coronavirus cases
since last issuing a report on Monday.

A big spike in COVID-19 cases came on Wednesday and Thursday.
The St. Joseph Health Department reports 52 cases both days, the highest number
of new cases since July 1st, when the department reported 55 new
cases.

Buchanan County has a 13.2% positivity rate.

Buchanan County has recorded 11,304 COVID-19 cases
since the pandemic began, resulting in a total of 186 deaths.

The county vaccination rate remains low with 16,923
residents completing their vaccinations, only 19.4% of the county
population.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 40 COVID-19 patients in its system, all at the St. Joseph hospital.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 104 new coronavirus cases
since last issuing a report on Monday.A big spike in COVID-19 cases came on Wednesday and Thursday.
The St. Joseph Health Department reports 52 cases both days, the highest number
of new cases since July 1st, when the department reported 55 new
cases.Buchanan County has a 13.2% positivity rate.Buchanan County has recorded 11,304 COVID-19 cases
since the pandemic began, resulting in a total of 186 deaths.The county vaccination rate remains low with 16,923
residents completing their vaccinations, only 19.4% of the county
population.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 40 COVID-19 patients in its system, all at the St. Joseph hospital.

St. Joseph health officials report spike in new COVID-19 cases

Despite lingering drought in the upper basin of the Missouri River, the United States Armey Corps of Engineers has no concerns with the river’s current water levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Corps Emergency Manager&nbsp;Mike&nbsp;Dulin&nbsp;says northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas shouldn't have any concerns about Missouri River water levels.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

“I think northwest Missouri, there may be a little teeny bit&nbsp;of dryness up there but for the most part it is sitting about as well as they can for this time of year,” Kluck reports during a conference call with stakeholders and the news media.&nbsp;

Corps of Engineers Power Production Team Lead&nbsp;Mike Swenson says the Corps cannot guarantee access to the water, due to some potential obstacles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There’s always water in the river and there’s plenty there for all of the users, all the&nbsp;municipal, all the industrial, all the irrigators&nbsp;in whatever reach they’re in or if they’re growing the water from the reservoir,” says Swenson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

National Weather Service Hydrologist&nbsp;Kevin Low says the heavy rain in June led to widespread flooding in some areas of eastern Kansas and northern Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Some locations received an excess of 15 inches of rain during that&nbsp;7-day&nbsp;period,” says Low. “The highest&nbsp;24-hour&nbsp;total&nbsp;that I remember seeing was 10.2 inches and that occurred at a couple locations in northern Missouri.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even with the recent downpour, the&nbsp;upper basin runoff for June was 52% of its average due to the low precipitation in the&nbsp;Sioux City, Iowa area as the upper basin experiences lingering drought.&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Despite lingering drought in the upper basin of the Missouri River, the United States Armey Corps of Engineers has no concerns with the river’s current water levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;Corps Emergency Manager&nbsp;Mike&nbsp;Dulin&nbsp;says northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas shouldn't have any concerns about Missouri River water levels.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“I think northwest Missouri, there may be a little teeny bit&nbsp;of dryness up there but for the most part it is sitting about as well as they can for this time of year,” Kluck reports during a conference call with stakeholders and the news media.&nbsp;Corps of Engineers Power Production Team Lead&nbsp;Mike Swenson says the Corps cannot guarantee access to the water, due to some potential obstacles.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There’s always water in the river and there’s plenty there for all of the users, all the&nbsp;municipal, all the industrial, all the irrigators&nbsp;in whatever reach they’re in or if they’re growing the water from the reservoir,” says Swenson.&nbsp;&nbsp;National Weather Service Hydrologist&nbsp;Kevin Low says the heavy rain in June led to widespread flooding in some areas of eastern Kansas and northern Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Some locations received an excess of 15 inches of rain during that&nbsp;7-day&nbsp;period,” says Low. “The highest&nbsp;24-hour&nbsp;total&nbsp;that I remember seeing was 10.2 inches and that occurred at a couple locations in northern Missouri.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Even with the recent downpour, the&nbsp;upper basin runoff for June was 52% of its average due to the low precipitation in the&nbsp;Sioux City, Iowa area as the upper basin experiences lingering drought.&nbsp;

Corps of Engineers says Missouri River levels are low, but adequate

NODAWAY COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 3a.m. Friday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Impala driven by Aaron L. Sartin, 32, Grain Valley, was southbound on U.S. 71 six miles south of Maryville.

The car came over the crest of a hill and struck the driver side rear axel of a 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Lonnie B. Tompkins, 56, Maryville, who was turning southbound on U.S. 71 from 331 Street.

Nodaway County ambulance transported Sartin to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Tompkins was not injured. Sartin was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 3a.m. Friday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Impala driven by Aaron L. Sartin, 32, Grain Valley, was southbound on U.S. 71 six miles south of Maryville.The car came over the crest of a hill and struck the driver side rear axel of a 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Lonnie B. Tompkins, 56, Maryville, who was turning southbound on U.S. 71 from 331 Street.Nodaway County ambulance transported Sartin to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Tompkins was not injured. Sartin was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Grain Valley man injured after car strikes semi's axel

A
memorial service is scheduled for this afternoon to commemorate the death of K-9
Max, the St. Joseph police dog killed in the line of duty June 30th.

Buchanan
County Sheriff Bill Puett says the death of K-9 Max has had a profound impact
on his handler, Officer Lucas Winder, and the entire St. Joseph Police
Department.

“He
was taken into custody and, of course, Max lost his life while serving the
citizens of this community and protecting the guys,” Puett tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Puett
says the death has shaken the entire law enforcement community.

“I
do want to stress that, obviously, it’s very emotional and difficult for everybody;
just a huge, huge loss.”

The
memorial service begins at three o’clock this afternoon at Civic Center Park.

A
charge of armed criminal action has been filed against 24-year-old Valdez
McDonald in the death of Max.

McDonald
already faces a third-degree assault charge. Authorities accuse him of beating
his mother; smashing her head against a wall and hitting her in the back of the
head with a 2x4.

Buchanan
County Prosecutor Ron Holliday says the maximum sentence for the combined
charges would be 19 years in prison.

The
St. Joseph Police Department reports the Special Response Team along with
several other officers, including K-9 Max, arrived at 5108 Barbra Street late
in the evening on June 30th, a residence in which an armed subject had
barricaded himself.

During
negotiations, authorities say McDonald fled out of the back of the residence,
armed. He shot K-9 Max during the pursuit. Max was transported to Kansas City
for emergency care, but died of his wounds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625770410934.jpeg" alt="K9 Max/Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Police Dept." />
 <figcaption>K9 Max/Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Police Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA
memorial service is scheduled for this afternoon to commemorate the death of K-9
Max, the St. Joseph police dog killed in the line of duty June 30th.Buchanan
County Sheriff Bill Puett says the death of K-9 Max has had a profound impact
on his handler, Officer Lucas Winder, and the entire St. Joseph Police
Department.“He
was taken into custody and, of course, Max lost his life while serving the
citizens of this community and protecting the guys,” Puett tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Puett
says the death has shaken the entire law enforcement community.“I
do want to stress that, obviously, it’s very emotional and difficult for everybody;
just a huge, huge loss.”The
memorial service begins at three o’clock this afternoon at Civic Center Park.A
charge of armed criminal action has been filed against 24-year-old Valdez
McDonald in the death of Max.McDonald
already faces a third-degree assault charge. Authorities accuse him of beating
his mother; smashing her head against a wall and hitting her in the back of the
head with a 2x4.Buchanan
County Prosecutor Ron Holliday says the maximum sentence for the combined
charges would be 19 years in prison.The
St. Joseph Police Department reports the Special Response Team along with
several other officers, including K-9 Max, arrived at 5108 Barbra Street late
in the evening on June 30th, a residence in which an armed subject had
barricaded himself.During
negotiations, authorities say McDonald fled out of the back of the residence,
armed. He shot K-9 Max during the pursuit. Max was transported to Kansas City
for emergency care, but died of his wounds.

St. Joseph police pause today to pay tribute to K9 Max, killed in the line of duty

Bishop LeBlond has a new athletic director. The high school has appointed current boys’ basketball and boys’ golf coach Mitch Girres to be the Eagles’ next A.D.

Girres succeeds Michael Evans, who stepped down after five years in the post.

Girres has been the head coach of Eagles’ boys basketball since 2016, and just concluded his first season as the boys’ golf coach, helping the Eagles win their fourth state title in the last five years.

Girres will continue to coach both teams. He says his experience as a head coach can help him work with the other coaches at the school.

"Because I know how hard they work and how dedicated they are to our student-athletes," he said. "It's just something for me that will be very rewarding, because it's something I love and something I love to do and I'm very excited for it."

Over the last five years, LeBlond has won six state titles, including three in boys' golf, two in dance and one in boys' soccer. Add to that six individual state champions, 18 combined Final Four finishes for teams and individuals, 19 district championships and seven conference titles.

Girres simply hopes he can help keep LeBlond's momentum going.

"It's going to be hard to follow, because we've had a really good run these last couple of years," he said. "Really, what I have to do is empower these coaches and let them do what they do best, and that is motivate and get their kids to do the right thing and play the right way, and hopefully I can do that."

LeBlond also announced Kimberly Huss will be the new principal, while David Lamble has been hired as assistant principal. Lamble had been a basketball and soccer coach at St. Pius X in Kansas City.

Huss, meanwhile, has been a track and volleyball coach, as well as a science teacher at LeBlond since 2004.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625826108542.jpeg" alt="Mitch Girres (far right) just helped the Bishop LeBlond boys' golf team win a state championship in Class 1 in May. He'll now be the school's next athletic director." />
 <figcaption>Mitch Girres (far right) just helped the Bishop LeBlond boys' golf team win a state championship in Class 1 in May. He'll now be the school's next athletic director.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBishop LeBlond has a new athletic director. The high school has appointed current boys’ basketball and boys’ golf coach Mitch Girres to be the Eagles’ next A.D.Girres succeeds Michael Evans, who stepped down after five years in the post.Girres has been the head coach of Eagles’ boys basketball since 2016, and just concluded his first season as the boys’ golf coach, helping the Eagles win their fourth state title in the last five years.Girres will continue to coach both teams. He says his experience as a head coach can help him work with the other coaches at the school."Because I know how hard they work and how dedicated they are to our student-athletes," he said. "It's just something for me that will be very rewarding, because it's something I love and something I love to do and I'm very excited for it."Over the last five years, LeBlond has won six state titles, including three in boys' golf, two in dance and one in boys' soccer. Add to that six individual state champions, 18 combined Final Four finishes for teams and individuals, 19 district championships and seven conference titles.Girres simply hopes he can help keep LeBlond's momentum going."It's going to be hard to follow, because we've had a really good run these last couple of years," he said. "Really, what I have to do is empower these coaches and let them do what they do best, and that is motivate and get their kids to do the right thing and play the right way, and hopefully I can do that."LeBlond also announced Kimberly Huss will be the new principal, while David Lamble has been hired as assistant principal. Lamble had been a basketball and soccer coach at St. Pius X in Kansas City.Huss, meanwhile, has been a track and volleyball coach, as well as a science teacher at LeBlond since 2004.

Bishop LeBlond selects Mitch Girres as next athletic director

DEKALB COUNTY –A woman was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Chevy Equinox driven by Leona C. Umberger, 85, Fairfax, South Dakota, was eastbound on U.S. 36 just east of Taylor Road two miles west of Stewartsville.&nbsp;

The vehicle entered the passing lane, traveled into the median, across the westbound lanes of the highway and struck a tree.

DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported Umberger to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY –A woman was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Chevy Equinox driven by Leona C. Umberger, 85, Fairfax, South Dakota, was eastbound on U.S. 36 just east of Taylor Road two miles west of Stewartsville.&nbsp;The vehicle entered the passing lane, traveled into the median, across the westbound lanes of the highway and struck a tree.DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported Umberger to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

85-year-old hospitalized in St. Joe after SUV strikes a tree

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Freightliner semi driven by Robert E. Dunagan, 58, Leander, Texas, was northbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Pattonsburg.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It crossed the median, southbound lanes and overturned off the west side of the road.

NTA ambulance transported Dunagan to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; The MSHP did not report seat belt usage information.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Thursday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Freightliner semi driven by Robert E. Dunagan, 58, Leander, Texas, was northbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Pattonsburg.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It crossed the median, southbound lanes and overturned off the west side of the road.NTA ambulance transported Dunagan to Liberty Hospital.&nbsp; The MSHP did not report seat belt usage information.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Thursday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Buick Enclave driven by Thom E. Baker, 70, Kent, IA., was southbound on MO 13 at Route H five miles west of Gilman City.

The Buick traveled into the path of a westbound&nbsp; 2017 Ford F150 driven by Roger C. Fletchall, 58, Sheridan.

NTA ambulance transported Fletchall to Harrison County Community H ospital. Baker was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Thursday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Buick Enclave driven by Thom E. Baker, 70, Kent, IA., was southbound on MO 13 at Route H five miles west of Gilman City.The Buick traveled into the path of a westbound&nbsp; 2017 Ford F150 driven by Roger C. Fletchall, 58, Sheridan.NTA ambulance transported Fletchall to Harrison County Community H ospital. Baker was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Missouri man injured after 2-vehicle crash

Missouri Western softball player and outgoing senior Emma Hoffart was granted a fifth year of eligibility due to COVID-19.

She never imagined that the extra year would include an endorsement deal with a national brand.

The NCAA announced on June 30 that all NCAA athletes are now able to profit off of their own name, image and likeness.

Degree Deodorant got involved,&nbsp;

introducing their #BreakingLimits team - a roster of "inspiring college athletes that push boundaries, move beyond their limits and inspire others."

Degree unveiled the #BreakingLimits roster Wednesday, and Hoffart was included on a list of 14 athletes from various different sports and schools across the nation.

"They did a really good job of encompassing the diversity they were wanting to achieve from this," Hoffart said of the #BreakingLimits team.

Hoffart first heard about Degree's #BreakingLimits campaign from a former Missouri Western baseball player, who had a friend at OpenDorse - a sports technology company that maximizes endorsement value for athletes and is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.

When Hoffart first heard about it, she was sure that her involvement would be prohibited under longtime NCAA rules. Then, she saw the news on social media, and how athletes could now profit off of NIL.

She's now the first athlete in Missouri Western history to sign an endorsement deal.

"Honestly, there's no words to describe it," Hoffart said. "It still doesn't even feel real, because going into Division II athletics, you have a love for your sport and you want to play it well, but you never dream of being recognized for anything at that level. To be able to represent DII at a national level is pretty amazing to me. It's career changing. Life changing. It's a huge deal."

Hoffart says Division II and III athletes getting endorsement deals is especially important, since full-ride athletic scholarships are far less common at the lower level than they are in DI.

"There's a common misconception that every athlete is on a full ride, so they're getting their tuition paid for and that just isn't true," Hoffart explained. "Especially at the DII level. To be spending so much time and effort into your athletics, it takes away from your time to get a full-time job for example."

&nbsp;Each member of Degree's #BreakingLimits team has their own personal story about perseverance and breaking limits through the power of sport, according to the company.

In April, Hoffart <a href="https://www.outsports.com/2021/4/22/22394249/gay-college-softball-emma-hoffart-coming-out">wrote an article for OutSports.com</a> about her experience coming out as gay while growing up in suburban Omaha, how her family came to terms with it and how that's shaped her life.

Between that, and dealing with a hearing disability, OpenDorse and Degree stumbled upon Hoffart's story and signed her for a one-year endorsement deal, which will include the funding of local community projects, content partnerships, social media campaigns and more.

"Together with its student athlete partners, Degree will continue to roll out new initiatives and programming in the weeks and months ahead, focused on supporting those who face the biggest barriers to being active," the company said in a release.

Whether some reads her article on OutSports, or learns of her story through this campaign with Degree, Hoffart hopes that her journey can bring awareness, and deliver a sense of comfort and normalcy, especially to those younger athletes who are going through similar experiences.

"If I were that age and if I were to see something, or read something about someone older than me that I looked up to or admired, and they shared a story that's similar to mine, it would have brought me so much comfort in knowing that I'm not alone," she said. "Just making sure that maybe one day, it won't be that big of a deal to share that kind of a story."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625771886092.jpeg" alt="Emma Hoffart, a fifth-year senior and softball player at Missouri Western, talks about being a part of Degree's #BreakingLimits team - an endorsement deal for student-athletes who have had to overcome adversity. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Emma Hoffart, a fifth-year senior and softball player at Missouri Western, talks about being a part of Degree's #BreakingLimits team - an endorsement deal for student-athletes who have had to overcome adversity. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western softball player and outgoing senior Emma Hoffart was granted a fifth year of eligibility due to COVID-19.She never imagined that the extra year would include an endorsement deal with a national brand.The NCAA announced on June 30 that all NCAA athletes are now able to profit off of their own name, image and likeness.Degree Deodorant got involved,&nbsp;

introducing their #BreakingLimits team - a roster of "inspiring college athletes that push boundaries, move beyond their limits and inspire others."Degree unveiled the #BreakingLimits roster Wednesday, and Hoffart was included on a list of 14 athletes from various different sports and schools across the nation."They did a really good job of encompassing the diversity they were wanting to achieve from this," Hoffart said of the #BreakingLimits team.Hoffart first heard about Degree's #BreakingLimits campaign from a former Missouri Western baseball player, who had a friend at OpenDorse - a sports technology company that maximizes endorsement value for athletes and is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.When Hoffart first heard about it, she was sure that her involvement would be prohibited under longtime NCAA rules. Then, she saw the news on social media, and how athletes could now profit off of NIL.She's now the first athlete in Missouri Western history to sign an endorsement deal."Honestly, there's no words to describe it," Hoffart said. "It still doesn't even feel real, because going into Division II athletics, you have a love for your sport and you want to play it well, but you never dream of being recognized for anything at that level. To be able to represent DII at a national level is pretty amazing to me. It's career changing. Life changing. It's a huge deal."Hoffart says Division II and III athletes getting endorsement deals is especially important, since full-ride athletic scholarships are far less common at the lower level than they are in DI."There's a common misconception that every athlete is on a full ride, so they're getting their tuition paid for and that just isn't true," Hoffart explained. "Especially at the DII level. To be spending so much time and effort into your athletics, it takes away from your time to get a full-time job for example."&nbsp;Each member of Degree's #BreakingLimits team has their own personal story about perseverance and breaking limits through the power of sport, according to the company.In April, Hoffart <a href="https://www.outsports.com/2021/4/22/22394249/gay-college-softball-emma-hoffart-coming-out">wrote an article for OutSports.com</a> about her experience coming out as gay while growing up in suburban Omaha, how her family came to terms with it and how that's shaped her life.Between that, and dealing with a hearing disability, OpenDorse and Degree stumbled upon Hoffart's story and signed her for a one-year endorsement deal, which will include the funding of local community projects, content partnerships, social media campaigns and more."Together with its student athlete partners, Degree will continue to roll out new initiatives and programming in the weeks and months ahead, focused on supporting those who face the biggest barriers to being active," the company said in a release.Whether some reads her article on OutSports, or learns of her story through this campaign with Degree, Hoffart hopes that her journey can bring awareness, and deliver a sense of comfort and normalcy, especially to those younger athletes who are going through similar experiences."If I were that age and if I were to see something, or read something about someone older than me that I looked up to or admired, and they shared a story that's similar to mine, it would have brought me so much comfort in knowing that I'm not alone," she said. "Just making sure that maybe one day, it won't be that big of a deal to share that kind of a story."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625771819965.jpeg" alt="Emma Hoffart. Photo via Griffon Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Emma Hoffart. Photo via Griffon Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">I’m so excited to be part of <a href="https://twitter.com/Degree?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Degree</a>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakingLimits?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakingLimits</a> team! From coping with a hearing disability to the struggles of coming out as a lesbian, I’ve overcome great obstacles that pushed me beyond my limits. As a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DegreePartner?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DegreePartner</a>, I look forward to sharing my full story with you. <a href="https://t.co/a2NPyuc9cy">pic.twitter.com/a2NPyuc9cy</a>&mdash; emma (@emma_hoffart) <a href="https://twitter.com/emma_hoffart/status/1412813596099293187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div><div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1084066003&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/tommy-rezac" title="KFEQ Radio, St. Joseph Post" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">KFEQ Radio, St. Joseph Post</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/tommy-rezac/missouri-western-softball-player-emma-hoffart" title="Missouri Western softball player Emma Hoffart" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Missouri Western softball player Emma Hoffart</a></div></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Emma Hoffart representing Missouri Western, DII athletes with endorsement deal

A 24-year-old man accused of assaulting his mother has now
been charged in the shooting death of a St. Joseph police dog.

Valdez McDonald has been charged with armed criminal action, accused
of shooting and killing K-9 Max while fleeing from police June 30th.

McDonald already faces a third-degree assault charge. Authorities
accuse him of beating his mother; smashing her head against a wall and hitting
her in the back of the head with a 2x4.

Buchanan County Prosecutor Ron Holliday says the maximum
sentence for the combined charges would be 19 years in prison.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports the Special Response
Team along with several other officers, including K-9 Max, arrived at 5108
Barbra Street late in the evening on June 30th, a residence in which an armed
subject had barricaded himself.

During negotiations, authorities say McDonald fled out of the
back of the residence, armed. He shot K-9 Max during the pursuit. Max was
transported to Kansas City for emergency care, but died of his wounds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625766338329.jpeg" alt="K9 Max/St. Joseph Police Dept. photo" />
 <figcaption>K9 Max/St. Joseph Police Dept. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 24-year-old man accused of assaulting his mother has now
been charged in the shooting death of a St. Joseph police dog.Valdez McDonald has been charged with armed criminal action, accused
of shooting and killing K-9 Max while fleeing from police June 30th.McDonald already faces a third-degree assault charge. Authorities
accuse him of beating his mother; smashing her head against a wall and hitting
her in the back of the head with a 2x4.Buchanan County Prosecutor Ron Holliday says the maximum
sentence for the combined charges would be 19 years in prison.The St. Joseph Police Department reports the Special Response
Team along with several other officers, including K-9 Max, arrived at 5108
Barbra Street late in the evening on June 30th, a residence in which an armed
subject had barricaded himself.During negotiations, authorities say McDonald fled out of the
back of the residence, armed. He shot K-9 Max during the pursuit. Max was
transported to Kansas City for emergency care, but died of his wounds.

Man facing domestic assault charge now charged in K9 Max death

A St. Joseph elementary school teacher will spend next week
helping a team of bikers, traveling from Holly, Colorado to St. Louis,
Missouri.

They are biking for a purpose under the organization called
“Biking for Babies.”

St. Francis Xavier Third Grade teacher Erin Sprenger serves on
the support crew, saying those who participate sacrifice as they raise money
for pregnancy resource centers across the country.

“The riders are obviously offering physical sacrifice, riding
100 miles a day through hot, Midwestern summer weather and our support crew, we’re
offering sacrifice, serving the riders and making sure that they have all of
their needs met,” Sprenger tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Sprenger says she got interested in the St. Joseph Pregnancy
Resource Center while in college. The centers offer services for pregnant women
free of charge, including the St. Joseph Pregnancy Resource Center.

“We are raising money and awareness for pregnancy resource
centers all across the nation, helping to serve women who are in crisis,
meeting them with love and support,” Sprenger says.

Biking for Babies will field four teams, the largest
participation in the fundraiser’s history. All the teams converge in St. Louis.
The others leave from Green Bay, Wisconsin; Columbus, Ohio; and Natchez,
Mississippi.

Click <a href="https://bikingforbabies.com/">here</a> for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625758145446.jpeg" alt="Photo from Biking for Babies Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Photo from Biking for Babies Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph elementary school teacher will spend next week
helping a team of bikers, traveling from Holly, Colorado to St. Louis,
Missouri.They are biking for a purpose under the organization called
“Biking for Babies.”St. Francis Xavier Third Grade teacher Erin Sprenger serves on
the support crew, saying those who participate sacrifice as they raise money
for pregnancy resource centers across the country.“The riders are obviously offering physical sacrifice, riding
100 miles a day through hot, Midwestern summer weather and our support crew, we’re
offering sacrifice, serving the riders and making sure that they have all of
their needs met,” Sprenger tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Sprenger says she got interested in the St. Joseph Pregnancy
Resource Center while in college. The centers offer services for pregnant women
free of charge, including the St. Joseph Pregnancy Resource Center.“We are raising money and awareness for pregnancy resource
centers all across the nation, helping to serve women who are in crisis,
meeting them with love and support,” Sprenger says.Biking for Babies will field four teams, the largest
participation in the fundraiser’s history. All the teams converge in St. Louis.
The others leave from Green Bay, Wisconsin; Columbus, Ohio; and Natchez,
Mississippi.Click <a href="https://bikingforbabies.com/">here</a> for more information.

St. Joseph teacher to participate in Biking for Babies

After police K-9 Max was shot and killed last week on Wednesday, the city of St. Joseph has pulled together as a community to remember and honor Max.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former banker&nbsp;Bob Dempster is helping to raise money,&nbsp;hoping to&nbsp;reach a&nbsp;$20,000&nbsp;goal to pay for a&nbsp;memorial to Max.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Obviously&nbsp;the price of the bronze is expensive, it may not be that expensive, but anything&nbsp;in excess over&nbsp;the&nbsp;cost of the memorial would go to the animal shelter for their purposes,” Dempster tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dempster says the community responded quickly to death of Max.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The city has received&nbsp;thousands of phone calls, what people can do to help and this is just a method to turn those requests into something tangible,” says&nbsp;Dempster.&nbsp;&nbsp;

You can donate to the cause through&nbsp;Max’s obituary on the <a href="https://www.meierhoffer.com/obituaries/Police-K-9-Max?obId=21592816#/obituaryInfo">Meierhoffer&nbsp;Funeral Home &amp; Crematory’s obituary page</a>&nbsp;or through the specific page for Max on the <a href="https://cfnwmo.iphiview.com/cfnwmo/DonorsFundholders/AccountInformation/tabid/495/dispatch/accountselection_id$54698_hash$05fb4f3b5c4ddf3435c515537d0cf747ee942a55/Default.aspx">Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri’s website</a>.&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;After police K-9 Max was shot and killed last week on Wednesday, the city of St. Joseph has pulled together as a community to remember and honor Max.&nbsp;&nbsp;Former banker&nbsp;Bob Dempster is helping to raise money,&nbsp;hoping to&nbsp;reach a&nbsp;$20,000&nbsp;goal to pay for a&nbsp;memorial to Max.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Obviously&nbsp;the price of the bronze is expensive, it may not be that expensive, but anything&nbsp;in excess over&nbsp;the&nbsp;cost of the memorial would go to the animal shelter for their purposes,” Dempster tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dempster says the community responded quickly to death of Max.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The city has received&nbsp;thousands of phone calls, what people can do to help and this is just a method to turn those requests into something tangible,” says&nbsp;Dempster.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can donate to the cause through&nbsp;Max’s obituary on the <a href="https://www.meierhoffer.com/obituaries/Police-K-9-Max?obId=21592816#/obituaryInfo">Meierhoffer&nbsp;Funeral Home &amp; Crematory’s obituary page</a>&nbsp;or through the specific page for Max on the <a href="https://cfnwmo.iphiview.com/cfnwmo/DonorsFundholders/AccountInformation/tabid/495/dispatch/accountselection_id$54698_hash$05fb4f3b5c4ddf3435c515537d0cf747ee942a55/Default.aspx">Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri’s website</a>.&nbsp;

St. Joseph's community rallies around the death of K-9 Max and his memorial

A St. Joseph man in his 40s died of an apparent self-inflicted
gunshot wound after firing into a crowd at America’s Best Value Inn at the
corner of I-29 and Frederick, then crashing his vehicle into a Speedy’s
Convenient Store on Frederick.

St. Joseph police report officers responded to a disturbance at
the motel shortly before 6:30 last night.

Witnesses report the man shot towards others at the motel, but
did not hit anyone. No one else was reported wounded.

Police say the man fled down Frederick, crashing into the Speedy’s
at 4007 Frederick. Emergency crews responded and removed the man from his
vehicle. He was unresponsive. Crews rushed the man to the hospital where a
single gunshot wound was discovered. It appeared to be self-inflicted. He died
of the wound.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph man in his 40s died of an apparent self-inflicted
gunshot wound after firing into a crowd at America’s Best Value Inn at the
corner of I-29 and Frederick, then crashing his vehicle into a Speedy’s
Convenient Store on Frederick.St. Joseph police report officers responded to a disturbance at
the motel shortly before 6:30 last night.Witnesses report the man shot towards others at the motel, but
did not hit anyone. No one else was reported wounded.Police say the man fled down Frederick, crashing into the Speedy’s
at 4007 Frederick. Emergency crews responded and removed the man from his
vehicle. He was unresponsive. Crews rushed the man to the hospital where a
single gunshot wound was discovered. It appeared to be self-inflicted. He died
of the wound.The man has not been identified.The investigation continues.

Man dies of apparent self-inflicted wound after St. Joseph motel shooting

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —A Nebraska woman died in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Hyundai Sonata driven Jovannah D. Ross, 38, Omaha, was northbound on Interstate 29 three miles south of Rock Port.

The Hyundai began to slide, crossed the center median and entered the southbound lanes. The passenger side of the Hyundai struck the front of a southbound 2018 Toyota Sienna driven by Emily A. Ptacnik, 34, Omaha.

Ross was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Minter Funeral Chapel in Rock Port.

A private vehicle transported Ptacnik and three children ages, 6, 4 and 2 to Mosaic Life in Care in St. Joseph for treatment of minor injuries. Ross was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —A Nebraska woman died in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Hyundai Sonata driven Jovannah D. Ross, 38, Omaha, was northbound on Interstate 29 three miles south of Rock Port.The Hyundai began to slide, crossed the center median and entered the southbound lanes. The passenger side of the Hyundai struck the front of a southbound 2018 Toyota Sienna driven by Emily A. Ptacnik, 34, Omaha.Ross was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Minter Funeral Chapel in Rock Port.A private vehicle transported Ptacnik and three children ages, 6, 4 and 2 to Mosaic Life in Care in St. Joseph for treatment of minor injuries. Ross was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Woman killed,  4 hospitalized after Atchison Co. crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Cynthia M. Ressel, 50, Coffey, was northbound on Interstate 35 just south of Route DD.

The car traveled off the road and struck a tree. Daviess County EMS transported Ressel to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Cynthia M. Ressel, 50, Coffey, was northbound on Interstate 35 just south of Route DD.The car traveled off the road and struck a tree. Daviess County EMS transported Ressel to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after car strikes a tree

A St. Joseph center that works with those suffering from
Parkinson’s disease will be able to help more area residents now that it is moving
into a new, larger space.

“We have about double the space now, which is going to allow
us to really expand what we’ve been doing and help as many people as we
possibly can,” Executive Director Stephanie Stewart with the Freudenthal Center
for Parkinson’s Disease tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

The Freudenthal Center is moving from one space in the East
Hills Mall to another as it seeks to help combat the ravages of the disease.

“And the idea really was just to offer them classes so they
can exercise, because we know that people that have Parkinson’s, they really
need to be active,” Stewart explains. “That is a key to their disease
progression and how quickly it progresses.”

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder caused by a
loss of dopamine. Medication can help increase dopamine levels, according to
the Mayo Clinic website. Exercise also helps keep muscle and joints from
becoming stiff.

The Freudenthal Center offers a variety of exercises with
boxing being one of the most popular, according to Stewart. She says exercise
can slow the often debilitating progress of the disease.

“Many times, they’ll have the shake,” Stewart says. “When
people hear Parkinson’s, they automatically think of the shake, but really not
everybody has that tremor. Most all of them do have some difficulty with
movement, though.”

The new space will provide more boxing stands, a walking track,
tandem cycles, and even ping pong.

“Ping pong is a great hand-eye coordination for folks,”
according to Stewart. “And really, the main thing is we just want to be able to
be prepared to help as many people as we possibly can.”

The Freudenthal Center serves about 25 residents a week now.
Stewart says the expanded space will allow the center to serve even more. There
is no charge for its services. The center runs on donations and fund raisers.
Workers volunteer their time.

She says estimates peg the number of Buchanan County residents
with Parkinson’s disease at between two-and-three thousand.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625680377532.jpeg" alt="Freudenthal Center for Parkinson's Disease&nbsp; at the East Hills Mall during boxing class/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Freudenthal Center for Parkinson's Disease&nbsp; at the East Hills Mall during boxing class/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph center that works with those suffering from
Parkinson’s disease will be able to help more area residents now that it is moving
into a new, larger space.“We have about double the space now, which is going to allow
us to really expand what we’ve been doing and help as many people as we
possibly can,” Executive Director Stephanie Stewart with the Freudenthal Center
for Parkinson’s Disease tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.The Freudenthal Center is moving from one space in the East
Hills Mall to another as it seeks to help combat the ravages of the disease.“And the idea really was just to offer them classes so they
can exercise, because we know that people that have Parkinson’s, they really
need to be active,” Stewart explains. “That is a key to their disease
progression and how quickly it progresses.”Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder caused by a
loss of dopamine. Medication can help increase dopamine levels, according to
the Mayo Clinic website. Exercise also helps keep muscle and joints from
becoming stiff.The Freudenthal Center offers a variety of exercises with
boxing being one of the most popular, according to Stewart. She says exercise
can slow the often debilitating progress of the disease.“Many times, they’ll have the shake,” Stewart says. “When
people hear Parkinson’s, they automatically think of the shake, but really not
everybody has that tremor. Most all of them do have some difficulty with
movement, though.”The new space will provide more boxing stands, a walking track,
tandem cycles, and even ping pong.“Ping pong is a great hand-eye coordination for folks,”
according to Stewart. “And really, the main thing is we just want to be able to
be prepared to help as many people as we possibly can.”The Freudenthal Center serves about 25 residents a week now.
Stewart says the expanded space will allow the center to serve even more. There
is no charge for its services. The center runs on donations and fund raisers.
Workers volunteer their time.She says estimates peg the number of Buchanan County residents
with Parkinson’s disease at between two-and-three thousand.A grand reopening for the Freudenthal Center for Parkinson’s
Disease at the East Hills Mall is scheduled for July 14th.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625680486760.jpeg" alt="Freudenthal Center donation board/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Freudenthal Center donation board/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>

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