Open burning has been canceled today on order of the St. Joseph Fire Chief

Open burning has been canceled today on order of the St. Joseph Fire Chief

Open burning canceled today in St. Joseph

Youth seeking a career in the trades have more opportunity now
than ever, according to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.

Workforce Development Director Kristie Arthur says times have
changed in education and in the labor sector.

“For years there was a push for everyone needs to go to
college,” Arther says. “I believe that has changed, not only in schools with a
lot of initiatives, but also at home. I think people are realizing that you can
make a very nice living in a trade and not have the expense of a four-year
school.”

Arthur says a technical school education provides opportunity
that simply wasn’t available in the past.

“Some of these jobs are starting at $20 an hour,” according to
Arthur. “That’s unheard of for our community and it’s just a very exciting time
to be getting into the workforce. These students have such an opportunity to
start like that and then build their way up.”

Arthur says the Chamber has had great success in the Northwest
Missouri Apprenticeship Program at Hillyard Technical Center. Students who
enroll in the program learn a trade in class and then apply their skills at a
St. Joseph area business.

“Part of their opportunity in the afternoons are to be able to
go to work for employers in town,” Arthur says, adding more than 25 business
participate in the program. “In the last three years, we’ve graduated over 35
students in that program and this year is so exciting. We will enroll 26
apprentices.”

The Apprenticeship Program at Hillyard began when the St.
Joseph Chamber of Commerce applied for a Department of Labor grant in 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649945145720.png" alt="Hillyard Technical Center/Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph School District" />
 <figcaption>Hillyard Technical Center/Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph School District</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostYouth seeking a career in the trades have more opportunity now
than ever, according to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.Workforce Development Director Kristie Arthur says times have
changed in education and in the labor sector.“For years there was a push for everyone needs to go to
college,” Arther says. “I believe that has changed, not only in schools with a
lot of initiatives, but also at home. I think people are realizing that you can
make a very nice living in a trade and not have the expense of a four-year
school.”Arthur says a technical school education provides opportunity
that simply wasn’t available in the past.“Some of these jobs are starting at $20 an hour,” according to
Arthur. “That’s unheard of for our community and it’s just a very exciting time
to be getting into the workforce. These students have such an opportunity to
start like that and then build their way up.”Arthur says the Chamber has had great success in the Northwest
Missouri Apprenticeship Program at Hillyard Technical Center. Students who
enroll in the program learn a trade in class and then apply their skills at a
St. Joseph area business.“Part of their opportunity in the afternoons are to be able to
go to work for employers in town,” Arthur says, adding more than 25 business
participate in the program. “In the last three years, we’ve graduated over 35
students in that program and this year is so exciting. We will enroll 26
apprentices.”The Apprenticeship Program at Hillyard began when the St.
Joseph Chamber of Commerce applied for a Department of Labor grant in 2018.

College no longer the only path to a good job and a career

Three new exhibitions this spring at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art will feature local, regional, and national artists alike. &nbsp;

Works from Stephen Johnson and Karen Matheis, two artists from Lawrence, Kansas, will be featured at the museum starting April 23rd. &nbsp;

Museum Director of Marketing and Communications Jill Carlson says she is excited to have these two artists featured at the museum. &nbsp;

"Because these pieces are pretty large scale, they're bright and colorful, and they really make you think about sort of this place that we are in right now," Carlson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.&nbsp;

Carlson says she especially loves the works from Matheis.&nbsp;

"Because it reminds me of fields, as if you're flying over the fields around Missouri," Carlson explains. "And it's also kind of like a quilt, a patchwork quilt."&nbsp;

Executive Director Eric Fuson says museum goers might recognize some of Johnson's works, especially if they have children.&nbsp;

"He's a Caldecott award winning children's book author and illustrator, he's just a wonderful speaker as well," Fuson says. "He's great to talk to about what he does and how he does it."&nbsp;

And Carlson says next month, there will even be an opportunity to meet Johnson at the museum. &nbsp;

"We will have Stephen Johnson speak at our May after hours event," Carlson says. "So, he's going to talk about his work, so you&nbsp;definitely want to mark that on the calendar."&nbsp;

The museum will also hold its sixth annual National Undergraduate exhibition, which will feature art from 34 artists from 19 universities in 11 states.&nbsp;

You can find out more information about the exhibits at the following links.

Details about the Stephen Johnson and Karen Matheis exhibition can be found <a href="http://albrecht-kemper.org/events/johnson-matheis-exhibition/">HERE</a>.

Details about the 6th annual National Undergraduate Juried exhibition can be found <a href="http://albrecht-kemper.org/events/6th-annual-national-undergraduate-juried-exhibition/">HERE</a>.

More information about Stephen Johnson can be found <a href="https://stephentjohnson.com/">HERE</a>. More information about Karen Matheis can be found <a href="https://www.woodcuts.org/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649884820370.png" alt="2022 Karen Matheis - artwork tited Piece Work - Peace Work/ Photo provided by Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art" />
 <figcaption>2022 Karen Matheis - artwork tited Piece Work - Peace Work/ Photo provided by Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Three new exhibitions this spring at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art will feature local, regional, and national artists alike. &nbsp;Works from Stephen Johnson and Karen Matheis, two artists from Lawrence, Kansas, will be featured at the museum starting April 23rd. &nbsp;Museum Director of Marketing and Communications Jill Carlson says she is excited to have these two artists featured at the museum. &nbsp;"Because these pieces are pretty large scale, they're bright and colorful, and they really make you think about sort of this place that we are in right now," Carlson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.&nbsp;Carlson says she especially loves the works from Matheis.&nbsp;"Because it reminds me of fields, as if you're flying over the fields around Missouri," Carlson explains. "And it's also kind of like a quilt, a patchwork quilt."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649884861889.jpeg" alt="Stephen Johnson's Figure Study for Hoops/Provided by Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art" />
 <figcaption>Stephen Johnson's Figure Study for Hoops/Provided by Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art</figcaption>
 </figure>Executive Director Eric Fuson says museum goers might recognize some of Johnson's works, especially if they have children.&nbsp;"He's a Caldecott award winning children's book author and illustrator, he's just a wonderful speaker as well," Fuson says. "He's great to talk to about what he does and how he does it."&nbsp;And Carlson says next month, there will even be an opportunity to meet Johnson at the museum. &nbsp;"We will have Stephen Johnson speak at our May after hours event," Carlson says. "So, he's going to talk about his work, so you&nbsp;definitely want to mark that on the calendar."&nbsp;The museum will also hold its sixth annual National Undergraduate exhibition, which will feature art from 34 artists from 19 universities in 11 states.&nbsp;You can find out more information about the exhibits at the following links.Details about the Stephen Johnson and Karen Matheis exhibition can be found <a href="http://albrecht-kemper.org/events/johnson-matheis-exhibition/">HERE</a>.Details about the 6th annual National Undergraduate Juried exhibition can be found <a href="http://albrecht-kemper.org/events/6th-annual-national-undergraduate-juried-exhibition/">HERE</a>.More information about Stephen Johnson can be found <a href="https://stephentjohnson.com/">HERE</a>. More information about Karen Matheis can be found <a href="https://www.woodcuts.org/">HERE</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649885121441.jpeg" alt="2021 Apr - National Undergraduate Juried Exhibition - Best of Show - Or Leave it to Dust - Caroline Honas - KC Art Institute/ Photo provided by Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art" />
 <figcaption>2021 Apr - National Undergraduate Juried Exhibition - Best of Show - Or Leave it to Dust - Caroline Honas - KC Art Institute/ Photo provided by Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art</figcaption>
 </figure>

Local, Regional, and National artists featured in new Albrecht-Kemper exhibitions.

Missouri Western State University lifted the state of financial emergency it had declared over two years ago by a unanimous vote of the Board of Governors.

University president Elizabeth Kennedy looks back on that challenging time, saying drastic actions were needed in order to protect the school's future.

"Had we not done that, there's very good reason to believe the University would not have survived," Kennedy told KFEQ's The Hotline. "I know those are difficult things for people to hear and it's difficult for us to experience, but it's the reality of where we were."

While being in a state of financial emergency isn't easy, Kennedy said it did bring a sense of needed stability in some ways.

"I'm happy to say we've had balanced budgets at the University for the last two years," she said. "That's something that hadn't happened for quite some time, in terms of making sure everything was budgeted."

The financial state of emergency was put in place in March of 2020. Of course, history shows that wasn't the only challenge Missouri Western was faced with at the time.

"Here's a major task you're faced with in bringing the University out of financial emergency," Kennedy recalled, "and oh by the way, let's just a pandemic on top, right? It caused stress yes, but I have to say we worked very quickly with the COVID situation."

Roughly 35 non-faculty positions were eliminated at the University before the spring of 2020, but Kennedy says no further cuts were needed after the financial emergency was in place and even after the pandemic had started.

"After that initial announcement in the spring of 2020, we did not lay off other staff or faculty for reasons of financial emergency."&nbsp;

With the University now operating at a mostly normal, in-person pace, and the financial emergency lifted, Kennedy sees light at the end of the tunnel, but acknowledges the work doesn't stop here.

"We're still struggling to get as much revenue from the state to work with our partners to look at ways to be innovative, nimble and creative in terms of what we're doing in providing the students who are coming to Missouri Western with the opportunities to launch into their career paths they're looking for, whether that's in the work place or in graduate school."

Getting enrollment numbers up is also a key focus, as lower enrollment was a key factor in getting into a financial emergency in the first place.

The number of admitted freshmen for fall 2022 is up 38.3 percent compared to this time a year ago, and Griffon Orientation numbers are up 145 percent.

Additionally, Missouri Western's cash balance has risen from $8.6 million in 2019 to $23.2 million at the end of FY2021, and that number is projected to increase this year as well.

The work does not stop, Kennedy says, but the University can now see a brighter path forward with the cloud of financial emergency no longer hanging over them.

"I think the future is truly very bright," Kennedy stated. "I think we can contribute to our community, our students, to their families, to their lives in ways you need a four-year university to do. So, I'm very proud we're headed in that direction."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632858928204.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University lifted the state of financial emergency it had declared over two years ago by a unanimous vote of the Board of Governors.University president Elizabeth Kennedy looks back on that challenging time, saying drastic actions were needed in order to protect the school's future."Had we not done that, there's very good reason to believe the University would not have survived," Kennedy told KFEQ's The Hotline. "I know those are difficult things for people to hear and it's difficult for us to experience, but it's the reality of where we were."While being in a state of financial emergency isn't easy, Kennedy said it did bring a sense of needed stability in some ways."I'm happy to say we've had balanced budgets at the University for the last two years," she said. "That's something that hadn't happened for quite some time, in terms of making sure everything was budgeted."The financial state of emergency was put in place in March of 2020. Of course, history shows that wasn't the only challenge Missouri Western was faced with at the time."Here's a major task you're faced with in bringing the University out of financial emergency," Kennedy recalled, "and oh by the way, let's just a pandemic on top, right? It caused stress yes, but I have to say we worked very quickly with the COVID situation."Roughly 35 non-faculty positions were eliminated at the University before the spring of 2020, but Kennedy says no further cuts were needed after the financial emergency was in place and even after the pandemic had started."After that initial announcement in the spring of 2020, we did not lay off other staff or faculty for reasons of financial emergency."&nbsp;With the University now operating at a mostly normal, in-person pace, and the financial emergency lifted, Kennedy sees light at the end of the tunnel, but acknowledges the work doesn't stop here."We're still struggling to get as much revenue from the state to work with our partners to look at ways to be innovative, nimble and creative in terms of what we're doing in providing the students who are coming to Missouri Western with the opportunities to launch into their career paths they're looking for, whether that's in the work place or in graduate school."Getting enrollment numbers up is also a key focus, as lower enrollment was a key factor in getting into a financial emergency in the first place.The number of admitted freshmen for fall 2022 is up 38.3 percent compared to this time a year ago, and Griffon Orientation numbers are up 145 percent.Additionally, Missouri Western's cash balance has risen from $8.6 million in 2019 to $23.2 million at the end of FY2021, and that number is projected to increase this year as well.The work does not stop, Kennedy says, but the University can now see a brighter path forward with the cloud of financial emergency no longer hanging over them."I think the future is truly very bright," Kennedy stated. "I think we can contribute to our community, our students, to their families, to their lives in ways you need a four-year university to do. So, I'm very proud we're headed in that direction."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU President Kennedy challenges still ahead even after financial emergency ending

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves sees an agenda behind
the reluctance of President Biden to open more of America up to oil
exploration.

Graves, a Republican, says the administration needs to
encourage domestic oil production in wake of countries canceling contracts for
Russian oil, but he says the president is bowing to pressure from progressive
Democrats who oppose drilling for more oil in the United States.

“But this idea that we’re going to force people to have to pay
more money at the pump so that they go buy an electric car or they go do
something else or just quit driving altogether that is very bad policy and that’s
exactly what’s taking place with the progressives, what they are pushing for
and the administration who’s buying right in to that notion or idea,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Graves says the president needs to relax rules against
drilling off shore or on federal land. &nbsp;He says the president also needs to authorize
the development of more oil pipelines, rather than block their construction, such as the Keystone XL pipeline.

Graves says the infrastructure bill could have helped make
ports more efficient rather than seeking lofty Green Deal policies.

“It’s policies like that that will continue to hamper the
supply chain crisis which has an impact on inflation,” according to Graves. “It’s
things like that that the administration needs to quit bowing down to the
progressives or ultra-liberals and realize what’s good for the entire country.”

Graves does blame much of inflation on lingering supply chain
problems.

“I don’t know whether the Fed raising interest rates is going
to help,” Graves says. “Traditionally, they have called for that to try to slow
inflation. Now, that hurts people when it comes to their refinancing or buying
a home or whatever the case may be. If they are financing that home it’s going
to impact on them when it comes to those interest rates.”

The U.S. hit another four-decade
high for inflation. For the 12 months that ended in March, consumer prices
rocketed up 8.5%. That was the fastest year-over-year jump since 1981, far
surpassing February’s mark of 7.9%, itself a 40-year high.

Even if you toss out food and
energy prices — which are notoriously volatile and have driven much of the
price spike — so-called core inflation jumped 6.5% in the past 12 months. That
was also the sharpest such jump in four decades.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649865613687.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves sees an agenda behind
the reluctance of President Biden to open more of America up to oil
exploration.Graves, a Republican, says the administration needs to
encourage domestic oil production in wake of countries canceling contracts for
Russian oil, but he says the president is bowing to pressure from progressive
Democrats who oppose drilling for more oil in the United States.“But this idea that we’re going to force people to have to pay
more money at the pump so that they go buy an electric car or they go do
something else or just quit driving altogether that is very bad policy and that’s
exactly what’s taking place with the progressives, what they are pushing for
and the administration who’s buying right in to that notion or idea,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Graves says the president needs to relax rules against
drilling off shore or on federal land. &nbsp;He says the president also needs to authorize
the development of more oil pipelines, rather than block their construction, such as the Keystone XL pipeline.Graves says the infrastructure bill could have helped make
ports more efficient rather than seeking lofty Green Deal policies.“It’s policies like that that will continue to hamper the
supply chain crisis which has an impact on inflation,” according to Graves. “It’s
things like that that the administration needs to quit bowing down to the
progressives or ultra-liberals and realize what’s good for the entire country.”Graves does blame much of inflation on lingering supply chain
problems.“I don’t know whether the Fed raising interest rates is going
to help,” Graves says. “Traditionally, they have called for that to try to slow
inflation. Now, that hurts people when it comes to their refinancing or buying
a home or whatever the case may be. If they are financing that home it’s going
to impact on them when it comes to those interest rates.”The U.S. hit another four-decade
high for inflation. For the 12 months that ended in March, consumer prices
rocketed up 8.5%. That was the fastest year-over-year jump since 1981, far
surpassing February’s mark of 7.9%, itself a 40-year high.Even if you toss out food and
energy prices — which are notoriously volatile and have driven much of the
price spike — so-called core inflation jumped 6.5% in the past 12 months. That
was also the sharpest such jump in four decades.The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Graves says it's time for the Biden Administration to get serious about inflation

St. Joseph Catholic Schools Partnership is looking towards the future as it expands to the next phase of its Vitality Plan. &nbsp;

President of the partnership Ann Lachowitzer says in February the bishop met with pastors and decided to move the partnership towards developing an academy.&nbsp;

"So, a preschool through 12th grade with different campuses, so all of our schools remain open, but under a system," Lachowitzer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Systems are not a stranger to Catholic education you find them a lot up in Iowa for example they have a lot of systems up there."&nbsp;

Lachowitzer says this system would bring all the schools under that system model.&nbsp; The partnership has already hired Catherine Neumayr as the head of schools.&nbsp;

Lachowitzer says that one of the biggest changes with this system model will be taking some stress off of school principals, allowing them to focus more on being an academic and spiritual leader. &nbsp;

"In the past they've been weighed down with just a lot of extra duties, requirements from the diocese, etcetera," Lachowitzer explains. "And so, by removing some of those obstacles and streamlining some of the processes, we're hoping to take some things off their plate, so they can better focus on that parent, that child, that student development."&nbsp;

Lachowitzer says this change should benefit the students the most, which is always the goal with the plan.&nbsp;

Lachowitzer says herself and Catherine Neumayr have held four town halls with parents, and each one has been very insightful&nbsp;

"We've heard from a lot of parents, they've raised some very good questions, they've raised concerns of course, and I think we welcome those," Lachowitzer says. "And I think we welcome those, as leaders trying to put a new system together, we need to know what's on the minds of our people, our stakeholders."&nbsp;

Lachowitzer says some of the biggest questions parents have asked are how will the system affect their child’s school and building, and how the system will be funded.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649864862800.jpeg" alt="Ann Lachowitzer (at podium) and new head of schools Catherine Neumayr hosted town halls at each of the St. Joseph Catholic schools about the upcoming changes/Photo provided by Ann Lachowitzer" />
 <figcaption>Ann Lachowitzer (at podium) and new head of schools Catherine Neumayr hosted town halls at each of the St. Joseph Catholic schools about the upcoming changes/Photo provided by Ann Lachowitzer</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;St. Joseph Catholic Schools Partnership is looking towards the future as it expands to the next phase of its Vitality Plan. &nbsp;President of the partnership Ann Lachowitzer says in February the bishop met with pastors and decided to move the partnership towards developing an academy.&nbsp;"So, a preschool through 12th grade with different campuses, so all of our schools remain open, but under a system," Lachowitzer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Systems are not a stranger to Catholic education you find them a lot up in Iowa for example they have a lot of systems up there."&nbsp;Lachowitzer says this system would bring all the schools under that system model.&nbsp; The partnership has already hired Catherine Neumayr as the head of schools.&nbsp;Lachowitzer says that one of the biggest changes with this system model will be taking some stress off of school principals, allowing them to focus more on being an academic and spiritual leader. &nbsp;"In the past they've been weighed down with just a lot of extra duties, requirements from the diocese, etcetera," Lachowitzer explains. "And so, by removing some of those obstacles and streamlining some of the processes, we're hoping to take some things off their plate, so they can better focus on that parent, that child, that student development."&nbsp;Lachowitzer says this change should benefit the students the most, which is always the goal with the plan.&nbsp;Lachowitzer says herself and Catherine Neumayr have held four town halls with parents, and each one has been very insightful&nbsp;"We've heard from a lot of parents, they've raised some very good questions, they've raised concerns of course, and I think we welcome those," Lachowitzer says. "And I think we welcome those, as leaders trying to put a new system together, we need to know what's on the minds of our people, our stakeholders."&nbsp;Lachowitzer says some of the biggest questions parents have asked are how will the system affect their child’s school and building, and how the system will be funded.&nbsp;

Change coming to Catholic education in St. Joseph

Open burning has been canceled for today due to high wind on the order of the St. Joseph Fire Chief.

Open burning has been canceled for today due to high wind on the order of the St. Joseph Fire Chief.

St. Joseph schools face an uncertain future, but the incoming
superintendent believes the district has learned from its big loss at the
polls.

St. Joseph voters one year ago soundly rejected a $107 million
bond issue touted as restructuring the St. Joseph School District, reducing it
from three to two high schools.

Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, Gabe
Edgar, believes the campaign took a wrong turn when it announced its intention
to convert the American Family Insurance regional headquarters into a high
school.

“And I just think that a lot of those changes created a lot of
animosity amongst the community,” Edgar tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during an
in-studio interview. “And so, I think it’s very important as we head into the
future, whether it be a bond issue, whether it be a levy increase, we just have
to be transparent with the community. We have to make sure that we stay
proactive and we have to make sure we have a plan.”

This is the final of our two-part series with Edgar.

The school district proposed using the money from the bond
proposal to convert Benton High School and Lafayette High School into middle
schools. It would eliminate the current three high school system with two high
schools, a refurbished Central High School to go along with the converted
American Family Insurance building across from the Missouri Western State
University campus.

The proposal didn’t go over well with voters.

Not only did voters reject the bond issue, they booted out the
three incumbent school board members on the ballot, instead voting for three
fresh faces, including one who opposed the plan and opposed it loudly.

Edgar, who takes over as superintendent July 1st, insists
the American Family conversion wasn’t a bad idea, but admits that coming in the
middle of the campaign, it became unsettling.

Edgar says the district needs to listen to St. Joseph
residents in wake of the defeat.

“I don’t know if they want three high schools, but we have to
think about how we can offer a good education to kids with three high schools,”
according to Edgar. “They want every option. They want every option presented.”

The loss gave birth to the <a href="https://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/news/february_2022/next_vision_forward_session">Vision Forward</a> program to develop a
long-range plan for the district that reflects the community’s priorities.

“I think maybe it was time for us as a district, because of
the sound defeat, to take a step back and say, okay, where are we?” Edgar says.
“And, hopefully, Vision Forward can define exactly where we’re at.”

Edgar says the Vision Forward program is designed to solicit
community feedback. The program has put a group of community members together
to develop a long-range plan to chart the future of the St. Joseph School
District.

Edgar says making a levy subject to a sunset clause is a step
toward regaining trust.

“It’s not good to live with a sunset on your levy, but you
know what, if that’s what the community wants and that’s how it’s going to
pass, then that’s what we need to do and then we have to continue to make
strides and steps forward to gaining that trust back,” Edgar says.

St. Joseph school officials not only face overcoming the huge
defeat at the polls last year, they must overcome lingering mistrust in wake of
the financial scandal that tore the district apart and sent former St. Joseph
School Superintendent Dan Colgan to federal prison for a year in late 2016.

We asked Edgar if the St. Joseph School District lives in the
shadow of that financial scandal.

“I don’t know that the district lives in the shadow, but I
think a lot of people in the community live in the shadow,” Edgar says, adding
he issued a challenge for the district staff to make a difference when the
school board announced his promotion for a reason. “That’s what we’re here to do.
We’re here to make a difference in kid’s lives and that’s it. But we can’t win
without the community. So, one thing that I would say is that just give us a
chance.”

Edgar says he is optimistic about the future of the St. Joseph
School District, because he believes the district can make that difference in
the lives of its students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649782107640.jpeg" alt="Incoming St. Joseph school Superintendent Gabe Edgar/Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Incoming St. Joseph school Superintendent Gabe Edgar/Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe final of a two-part seriesSt. Joseph schools face an uncertain future, but the incoming
superintendent believes the district has learned from its big loss at the
polls.St. Joseph voters one year ago soundly rejected a $107 million
bond issue touted as restructuring the St. Joseph School District, reducing it
from three to two high schools.Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, Gabe
Edgar, believes the campaign took a wrong turn when it announced its intention
to convert the American Family Insurance regional headquarters into a high
school.“And I just think that a lot of those changes created a lot of
animosity amongst the community,” Edgar tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during an
in-studio interview. “And so, I think it’s very important as we head into the
future, whether it be a bond issue, whether it be a levy increase, we just have
to be transparent with the community. We have to make sure that we stay
proactive and we have to make sure we have a plan.”This is the final of our two-part series with Edgar.The school district proposed using the money from the bond
proposal to convert Benton High School and Lafayette High School into middle
schools. It would eliminate the current three high school system with two high
schools, a refurbished Central High School to go along with the converted
American Family Insurance building across from the Missouri Western State
University campus.The proposal didn’t go over well with voters.Not only did voters reject the bond issue, they booted out the
three incumbent school board members on the ballot, instead voting for three
fresh faces, including one who opposed the plan and opposed it loudly.Edgar, who takes over as superintendent July 1st, insists
the American Family conversion wasn’t a bad idea, but admits that coming in the
middle of the campaign, it became unsettling.Edgar says the district needs to listen to St. Joseph
residents in wake of the defeat.“I don’t know if they want three high schools, but we have to
think about how we can offer a good education to kids with three high schools,”
according to Edgar. “They want every option. They want every option presented.”The loss gave birth to the <a href="https://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/news/february_2022/next_vision_forward_session">Vision Forward</a> program to develop a
long-range plan for the district that reflects the community’s priorities.“I think maybe it was time for us as a district, because of
the sound defeat, to take a step back and say, okay, where are we?” Edgar says.
“And, hopefully, Vision Forward can define exactly where we’re at.”Edgar says the Vision Forward program is designed to solicit
community feedback. The program has put a group of community members together
to develop a long-range plan to chart the future of the St. Joseph School
District.Edgar says making a levy subject to a sunset clause is a step
toward regaining trust.“It’s not good to live with a sunset on your levy, but you
know what, if that’s what the community wants and that’s how it’s going to
pass, then that’s what we need to do and then we have to continue to make
strides and steps forward to gaining that trust back,” Edgar says.St. Joseph school officials not only face overcoming the huge
defeat at the polls last year, they must overcome lingering mistrust in wake of
the financial scandal that tore the district apart and sent former St. Joseph
School Superintendent Dan Colgan to federal prison for a year in late 2016.We asked Edgar if the St. Joseph School District lives in the
shadow of that financial scandal.“I don’t know that the district lives in the shadow, but I
think a lot of people in the community live in the shadow,” Edgar says, adding
he issued a challenge for the district staff to make a difference when the
school board announced his promotion for a reason. “That’s what we’re here to do.
We’re here to make a difference in kid’s lives and that’s it. But we can’t win
without the community. So, one thing that I would say is that just give us a
chance.”Edgar says he is optimistic about the future of the St. Joseph
School District, because he believes the district can make that difference in
the lives of its students.

Incoming St. Joseph school superintendent vows to learn from election defeat

Open burning is canceled today by order of the St. Joseph Fire Chief, due to high winds.

Open burning is canceled today by order of the St. Joseph Fire Chief, due to high winds.

Opening burning canceled today

A line of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to develop across the region Tuesday, impacting northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas by late this evening.

Meteorologist Scott Blair with the National Weather Service office in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill says the strongest activity will likely come in some time after sunset, starting around the 8-9 p.m. time window.

"The strongest storms to impact northwest Missouri is most likely going to be after dark," Blair said. "Specifically around that 9 o'clock to midnight time window will pry likely be the most likely time we see those storms."

The Storm Prediction Center says there’s an enhanced risk of severe weather for northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas Tuesday. Much of the area is also under a Wind Advisory until 1 a.m. Wednesday. Wind gusts during the day Tuesday could be as high as 45-50 mph.

Damaging winds and large hail appear to be the main threats, but isolated tornadoes are possible as well.

Blair also reminds people to make sure they have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, as these storms will be arriving after sunset.

"A lot of these storms will be hitting after dark," he noted. "And at a time when many people may be going to bed. So, certainly have multiple ways to receive severe weather information especially if you have turned in for the night."

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA line of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to develop across the region Tuesday, impacting northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas by late this evening.Meteorologist Scott Blair with the National Weather Service office in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill says the strongest activity will likely come in some time after sunset, starting around the 8-9 p.m. time window."The strongest storms to impact northwest Missouri is most likely going to be after dark," Blair said. "Specifically around that 9 o'clock to midnight time window will pry likely be the most likely time we see those storms."The Storm Prediction Center says there’s an enhanced risk of severe weather for northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas Tuesday. Much of the area is also under a Wind Advisory until 1 a.m. Wednesday. Wind gusts during the day Tuesday could be as high as 45-50 mph.Damaging winds and large hail appear to be the main threats, but isolated tornadoes are possible as well.Blair also reminds people to make sure they have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, as these storms will be arriving after sunset."A lot of these storms will be hitting after dark," he noted. "And at a time when many people may be going to bed. So, certainly have multiple ways to receive severe weather information especially if you have turned in for the night."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Severe storms possible across northwest Missouri, northeast Kansas late Tuesday night

Volunteers for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph gathered together for the first time in two years, to kick off the allocation process. &nbsp;

Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says many people may know United Way because of its annual fall fundraising campaign.&nbsp;

"What a lot of people aren't familiar with is, what happens to those dollars? What happens to that money that's raised through the annual campaign?" Flurry tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Well, we have volunteers who review the agencies and make recommendations on how those investments should be made."&nbsp;

Flurry says after not being able to gather together like that the last two years, it was great to see so many people come out. &nbsp;

"Interact, engage, get to know each other, and learn more about United way and the allocations process," Flurry says. "It's going to help build the foundation for what they're about to do."&nbsp;

Flurry says the six sub committees that make up the allocation committee will meet over the next seven weeks to discuss how money should be split up to the 17 partner agencies that United Way supports.&nbsp;

Flurry says so many of the volunteers come back year after year to help with the allocation process, because they enjoy what they are doing. &nbsp;

"While it may be challenging, their role as a volunteer, they enjoy the process, they enjoy working with the other people on their sub-committee, and they really like working with the partner agencies," Flurry explains. "Getting to know agencies that they may not have any other opportunity to work with and then possibly getting involved with them beyond that."&nbsp;

Flurry adds volunteers that help with the allocations process get to see the direct impact that their contributions make on the community, saying that some have volunteered for more than 10 years.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649783762266.jpeg" alt="Volunteers for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph Allocation Process gathered together at Ashland United Methodist Church for a kick off event to the allocation process/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Volunteers for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph Allocation Process gathered together at Ashland United Methodist Church for a kick off event to the allocation process/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Volunteers for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph gathered together for the first time in two years, to kick off the allocation process. &nbsp;Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says many people may know United Way because of its annual fall fundraising campaign.&nbsp;"What a lot of people aren't familiar with is, what happens to those dollars? What happens to that money that's raised through the annual campaign?" Flurry tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Well, we have volunteers who review the agencies and make recommendations on how those investments should be made."&nbsp;Flurry says after not being able to gather together like that the last two years, it was great to see so many people come out. &nbsp;"Interact, engage, get to know each other, and learn more about United way and the allocations process," Flurry says. "It's going to help build the foundation for what they're about to do."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649783750961.jpeg" alt="United Way of Greater St. Joseph President Kylee Strough (left) and Jodi Flurry (right) present to volunteers on the United Way's 17 partner agencies/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>United Way of Greater St. Joseph President Kylee Strough (left) and Jodi Flurry (right) present to volunteers on the United Way's 17 partner agencies/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Flurry says the six sub committees that make up the allocation committee will meet over the next seven weeks to discuss how money should be split up to the 17 partner agencies that United Way supports.&nbsp;Flurry says so many of the volunteers come back year after year to help with the allocation process, because they enjoy what they are doing. &nbsp;"While it may be challenging, their role as a volunteer, they enjoy the process, they enjoy working with the other people on their sub-committee, and they really like working with the partner agencies," Flurry explains. "Getting to know agencies that they may not have any other opportunity to work with and then possibly getting involved with them beyond that."&nbsp;Flurry adds volunteers that help with the allocations process get to see the direct impact that their contributions make on the community, saying that some have volunteered for more than 10 years.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649783941873.jpeg" alt="United Way of Greater St. Joseph President Kylee Strough breaks down for volunteers where funds to the United Way come from that will be allocated to the 17 partner agencies/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>United Way of Greater St. Joseph President Kylee Strough breaks down for volunteers where funds to the United Way come from that will be allocated to the 17 partner agencies/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>

St. Joseph United Way begins process on how campaign money is spent

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A St. Joseph woman was injured in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Monday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Mercury passenger vehicle driven by William M. Anei, 58, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 29 two miles north of Faucett.

The passenger side mirror of the vehicle struck the right arm of a pedestrian identified as Megan J. Mooney, 38, St. Joseph, who was walking southbound on the east fog line of the northbound lanes.&nbsp;

Mooney refused treatment at the scene. A private vehicle later took him to Mosaic Life Care. Anei was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A St. Joseph woman was injured in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Monday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Mercury passenger vehicle driven by William M. Anei, 58, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 29 two miles north of Faucett.The passenger side mirror of the vehicle struck the right arm of a pedestrian identified as Megan J. Mooney, 38, St. Joseph, who was walking southbound on the east fog line of the northbound lanes.&nbsp;Mooney refused treatment at the scene. A private vehicle later took him to Mosaic Life Care. Anei was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph woman injured in pedestrian accident

Outgoing St. Joseph municipal judge John Boeh is retiring from his position after spending 21 years on the bench.

Boeh first took over after Jimmie Nix retired from the position in April 2001. After a long run serving the city, Boeh says he's grateful to both the public and those worked with him on the court.

"I've enjoyed being here," Boeh said. "I thank the public for electing me. I thank my family for supporting me. It's not always easy being the family of a judge. Most of all, I would thank the clerks who have stayed with me. Some of them have been with me for 20 years."

Boeh&nbsp; ran five times in total. He ran unopposed only once in 2006. Theodore "Ted" Elo was elected as the next municipal judge, and he'll be sworn in on April 18th at city hall.

Boeh says municipal court oversees some of the smaller civil and criminal cases, but he says every case he worked was equally important.

"Everybody who came into my court is important," he said. "Every case that comes into my court is important. Court is always some kind of punishment or deterrence so they don't offend again. However, sometimes it's about rehabilitation."

Boeh believes he earned the trust of the public over his long run, and says he strived to treat everyone fairly.

"I hope I did do a good job," he said. "The people who came into court, I'd like to have them feel when they came in court that even if they didn't have a result they liked that I listened to them. Everyone has their story about their situation and what happened."

Boeh will be succeeded by assistant city attorney Theodore "Ted" Elo, who was elected to the position in last week's municipal election. Elo will be sworn in on April 18 at city hall at noon.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostOutgoing St. Joseph municipal judge John Boeh is retiring from his position after spending 21 years on the bench.Boeh first took over after Jimmie Nix retired from the position in April 2001. After a long run serving the city, Boeh says he's grateful to both the public and those worked with him on the court."I've enjoyed being here," Boeh said. "I thank the public for electing me. I thank my family for supporting me. It's not always easy being the family of a judge. Most of all, I would thank the clerks who have stayed with me. Some of them have been with me for 20 years."Boeh&nbsp; ran five times in total. He ran unopposed only once in 2006. Theodore "Ted" Elo was elected as the next municipal judge, and he'll be sworn in on April 18th at city hall.Boeh says municipal court oversees some of the smaller civil and criminal cases, but he says every case he worked was equally important."Everybody who came into my court is important," he said. "Every case that comes into my court is important. Court is always some kind of punishment or deterrence so they don't offend again. However, sometimes it's about rehabilitation."Boeh believes he earned the trust of the public over his long run, and says he strived to treat everyone fairly."I hope I did do a good job," he said. "The people who came into court, I'd like to have them feel when they came in court that even if they didn't have a result they liked that I listened to them. Everyone has their story about their situation and what happened."Boeh will be succeeded by assistant city attorney Theodore "Ted" Elo, who was elected to the position in last week's municipal election. Elo will be sworn in on April 18 at city hall at noon.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

John Boeh grateful for long, fruitful run as St. Joseph Municipal Judge

Incoming St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar says he
saw opportunity in taking on the new role and sees opportunity for the St.
Joseph School District to move forward.

The St. Joseph School Board voted unanimously to promote Edgar
to superintendent to succeed Doug Van Zyl who is moving to Minnesota to take a
similar position in his home state.

Edgar, in a video released by the district announcing his
appointment, issued a challenge to the staff:&nbsp;
make a difference.

“In education, we’re here to make a difference and, I believe,
that everybody can wake up in the morning and say, did I make a difference
yesterday? And if you can say you made a difference, then you’re there for the
right reasons. If you say you didn’t make a difference, then you probably need
to find a new career.”

Edgar sat down with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post to discuss his
appointment at length, consider the challenges facing the St. Joseph School
District, reflect on its at times rocky past, and look ahead to its future.

Edgar says the timing was right to take on the challenge of
becoming superintendent.

Edgar has been the St. Joseph Assistant Superintendent of
Business and Operations for the past four years. He takes on the new duties
July 1st.

Edgar says as superintendent he will look to the school board
to set the priorities and guide the administration to carry them out.

“So one of the things when I first took over this job when the
fund balances were about 15% and the Board of Education would like to see them
around 25(%) and as of right now, we set at about 26.5(%), so we’re right there
where we need to be,” Edgar says, giving as example of fulfilling a goal set by
the school board. “We feel like we have an opportunity to offer a good
education to kids.”

Edgar says finances and academics have to be balanced in a
public school district.

“One of the things that you commonly see, not necessarily
commonly, but you don’t want to see is that where you pit academics versus
finance, because they’re all together, right? I think it’s important for people
to understand that,” according to Edgar. “They coincide with each other and it all
has to be one big happy family in order to make it work.”

This is the first of a two-part series with Edgar, which we
will feature on the KFEQ Journal. Tomorrow, we discuss the challenges the St.
Joseph School District faces overcoming problems of the past.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649686158227.jpeg" alt="Gabe Edwards/Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Gabe Edwards/Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFirst of a two-part seriesIncoming St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar says he
saw opportunity in taking on the new role and sees opportunity for the St.
Joseph School District to move forward.The St. Joseph School Board voted unanimously to promote Edgar
to superintendent to succeed Doug Van Zyl who is moving to Minnesota to take a
similar position in his home state.Edgar, in a video released by the district announcing his
appointment, issued a challenge to the staff:&nbsp;
make a difference.“In education, we’re here to make a difference and, I believe,
that everybody can wake up in the morning and say, did I make a difference
yesterday? And if you can say you made a difference, then you’re there for the
right reasons. If you say you didn’t make a difference, then you probably need
to find a new career.”Edgar sat down with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post to discuss his
appointment at length, consider the challenges facing the St. Joseph School
District, reflect on its at times rocky past, and look ahead to its future.Edgar says the timing was right to take on the challenge of
becoming superintendent.Edgar has been the St. Joseph Assistant Superintendent of
Business and Operations for the past four years. He takes on the new duties
July 1st.Edgar says as superintendent he will look to the school board
to set the priorities and guide the administration to carry them out.“So one of the things when I first took over this job when the
fund balances were about 15% and the Board of Education would like to see them
around 25(%) and as of right now, we set at about 26.5(%), so we’re right there
where we need to be,” Edgar says, giving as example of fulfilling a goal set by
the school board. “We feel like we have an opportunity to offer a good
education to kids.”Edgar says finances and academics have to be balanced in a
public school district.“One of the things that you commonly see, not necessarily
commonly, but you don’t want to see is that where you pit academics versus
finance, because they’re all together, right? I think it’s important for people
to understand that,” according to Edgar. “They coincide with each other and it all
has to be one big happy family in order to make it work.”This is the first of a two-part series with Edgar, which we
will feature on the KFEQ Journal. Tomorrow, we discuss the challenges the St.
Joseph School District faces overcoming problems of the past.

Edgar sees opportunity in role as new St. Joseph school superintendent

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Atchison County.

&nbsp;Officer on patrol observed a utility side by side vehicle driving recklessly in the area of U.S.73 and Service Road, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The officer attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle went a short distance, left the roadway and rolled onto its side. The driver of the vehicle identified as 45-year-old Eric Molt of Atchison was not injured.

EMS transported a 36-year-old female passenger to Mosaic in St. Joseph.

Officers arrested Molt on requested charges that include&nbsp;driving under the influence, fleeing and attempting to elude, transporting an open container, reckless driving, and unlawfully operating a utility vehicle in the city limits. Police issued him a notice to appear in court, according to Wilson.

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Atchison County.&nbsp;Officer on patrol observed a utility side by side vehicle driving recklessly in the area of U.S.73 and Service Road, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle went a short distance, left the roadway and rolled onto its side. The driver of the vehicle identified as 45-year-old Eric Molt of Atchison was not injured.EMS transported a 36-year-old female passenger to Mosaic in St. Joseph.Officers arrested Molt on requested charges that include&nbsp;driving under the influence, fleeing and attempting to elude, transporting an open container, reckless driving, and unlawfully operating a utility vehicle in the city limits. Police issued him a notice to appear in court, according to Wilson.

Police: Kan. man accused of DUI after woman injured in crash

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

&nbsp;On April 4th police officers responded to a disturbance in the 1900 block Harper Drive and subsequently arrested Jason E. Alexander, 50, for domestic battery, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson

During the investigation of the domestic disturbance information was developed that a burglary had occurred several hours earlier at a nearby residence in the 1900 block Harper Drive. 

Officers went to the residence where the resident was not home and determined that forced entry was made into the residence. The resident was later located and it was discovered that various household items, a lawnmower, a grill, an eagle statue, a tool bag, and other items totally a value of about $3,900 had been taken. 

Many of the items were recovered during the investigation. [Alexander was still in custody on the domestic battery case when he was served on Friday morning with the new charges.

On Friday, Police arrested Alexander on a District Court warrant for burglary, theft, and criminal damage to property.&nbsp;

Alexander has been jailed over a dozen times since 2004 is in custody&nbsp;

In 2015, police arrested Alexander for alleged theft and failure to appear. He has previous convictions for theft, DUI and aggravated battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections and has been out of prison since 2017.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649173627725.png" alt="Alexander-Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Alexander-Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.&nbsp;On April 4th police officers responded to a disturbance in the 1900 block Harper Drive and subsequently arrested Jason E. Alexander, 50, for domestic battery, according to Police Chief Mike WilsonDuring the investigation of the domestic disturbance information was developed that a burglary had occurred several hours earlier at a nearby residence in the 1900 block Harper Drive. Officers went to the residence where the resident was not home and determined that forced entry was made into the residence. The resident was later located and it was discovered that various household items, a lawnmower, a grill, an eagle statue, a tool bag, and other items totally a value of about $3,900 had been taken. Many of the items were recovered during the investigation. [Alexander was still in custody on the domestic battery case when he was served on Friday morning with the new charges.On Friday, Police arrested Alexander on a District Court warrant for burglary, theft, and criminal damage to property.&nbsp;Alexander has been jailed over a dozen times since 2004 is in custody&nbsp;In 2015, police arrested Alexander for alleged theft and failure to appear. He has previous convictions for theft, DUI and aggravated battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections and has been out of prison since 2017.

Kansas felon with a history of violence accused of burglary

NODAWAY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford F150 driven by 77-year-0ld Joan A. Wescott of Hopkins, was southbound on Katy Road one mile south of Hopkins.

The driver lost control of the the vehicle. It traveled off the road and overturned. the driver was ejected and a passenger was partially ejected.

 Air Evac transported Wescott to KU Medical Center.&nbsp; Nodaway County ambulance transported a 14-year-old male passenger to Mosaic Life Care. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford F150 driven by 77-year-0ld Joan A. Wescott of Hopkins, was southbound on Katy Road one mile south of Hopkins.The driver lost control of the the vehicle. It traveled off the road and overturned. the driver was ejected and a passenger was partially ejected. Air Evac transported Wescott to KU Medical Center.&nbsp; Nodaway County ambulance transported a 14-year-old male passenger to Mosaic Life Care. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman airlifted to hospital after pickup overturns

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for criminal trespass for the second time in recent weeks.

On April 7, police arrested 53-year-old&nbsp;Dennis R. Coots of Atchison on a District Court warrant for criminal trespass that occurred in the 100 block North 11th on April 3, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In December, officers arrested Dennis R. Coots for theft and criminal trespass at the Holiday Inn Express, 401 Main in Atchison, according to Wilson. He was also accused of&nbsp;criminal trespass in the 200 block North 9th in Atchison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639404900212.png" alt="Coots-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Coots-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for criminal trespass for the second time in recent weeks.On April 7, police arrested 53-year-old&nbsp;Dennis R. Coots of Atchison on a District Court warrant for criminal trespass that occurred in the 100 block North 11th on April 3, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In December, officers arrested Dennis R. Coots for theft and criminal trespass at the Holiday Inn Express, 401 Main in Atchison, according to Wilson. He was also accused of&nbsp;criminal trespass in the 200 block North 9th in Atchison.

Police: Kansas man jailed for hotel theft is back in jail

Three years later, repairs of damage done by the
2019 Missouri River flood continue.

Navigation Restoration Manager for the Army Corps
of Engineers, Dane Morris, reports the Corps expects to receive $270 million to
complete repair of the levees broken and other infrastructure damaged by the
widespread flood.

“We have been awarding contracts and performing
repairs since the 2019 flood occurred,” Morris tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “To
date, we have awarded over $78 million in contracts for repair of the BSNP
(Bank Stabilization and Navigation Project) navigation structures and we are
approximately 50% complete with those repairs right now.”

Morris says more than 7,000 structures along the
Missouri were damaged by the massive flooding in 2019. He says it will be
December of 2025 before all the damage is repaired, which he adds is typical, because
it takes five to six years to complete repairs following such widespread
flooding.

The Corps is also working with officials from
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa to target perennially weak points along
the Missouri that flood frequently and consider changes to reduce the chances
of flooding.

Navigation along the Missouri River this year is
uncertain, affected by an odd two-punch problem.

The Army Corps of Engineers continues to repair
levees damaged by the 2019 flood even as it reduces water releases into the
river due to near-drought conditions upstream.

Morris says the Corps isn’t certain yet how
navigation on the Missouri River will be impacted this year.

“We are working closely with the navigation
industry,” Morris says. “We’re talking with them on a weekly basis to try to
understand what their need is, to understand where they’re going at any one
time so we will be ready to respond.”

Morris acknowledges the Corps doesn’t have much
certainty to provide barge operators, but pledges to keep everyone up-to-date
throughout the navigation season.

“That’s really our strategy for this year is just
keep up communication with the boats that are on the river so we know where
they are and we know where issues could arise and try to attack them before
they become an issue,” Morris says.

Morris says lower releases from upstream Missouri
River dams will lower the Missouri River. The Corps expects to be able to
maintain an eight-foot channel. Normal conditions allow the Corps to provide a
nine-foot channel for Missouri River traffic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649436331517.jpeg" alt="Sandbags along the western bank of the Missouri River at Elwood in 2019/Photo courtesy of the Air National Guard" />
 <figcaption>Sandbags along the western bank of the Missouri River at Elwood in 2019/Photo courtesy of the Air National Guard</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThree years later, repairs of damage done by the
2019 Missouri River flood continue.Navigation Restoration Manager for the Army Corps
of Engineers, Dane Morris, reports the Corps expects to receive $270 million to
complete repair of the levees broken and other infrastructure damaged by the
widespread flood.“We have been awarding contracts and performing
repairs since the 2019 flood occurred,” Morris tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “To
date, we have awarded over $78 million in contracts for repair of the BSNP
(Bank Stabilization and Navigation Project) navigation structures and we are
approximately 50% complete with those repairs right now.”Morris says more than 7,000 structures along the
Missouri were damaged by the massive flooding in 2019. He says it will be
December of 2025 before all the damage is repaired, which he adds is typical, because
it takes five to six years to complete repairs following such widespread
flooding.The Corps is also working with officials from
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa to target perennially weak points along
the Missouri that flood frequently and consider changes to reduce the chances
of flooding.Navigation along the Missouri River this year is
uncertain, affected by an odd two-punch problem.The Army Corps of Engineers continues to repair
levees damaged by the 2019 flood even as it reduces water releases into the
river due to near-drought conditions upstream.Morris says the Corps isn’t certain yet how
navigation on the Missouri River will be impacted this year.“We are working closely with the navigation
industry,” Morris says. “We’re talking with them on a weekly basis to try to
understand what their need is, to understand where they’re going at any one
time so we will be ready to respond.”Morris acknowledges the Corps doesn’t have much
certainty to provide barge operators, but pledges to keep everyone up-to-date
throughout the navigation season.“That’s really our strategy for this year is just
keep up communication with the boats that are on the river so we know where
they are and we know where issues could arise and try to attack them before
they become an issue,” Morris says.Morris says lower releases from upstream Missouri
River dams will lower the Missouri River. The Corps expects to be able to
maintain an eight-foot channel. Normal conditions allow the Corps to provide a
nine-foot channel for Missouri River traffic.

Repairs continue 3 years after Missouri River flood; navigation season uncertain

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University assistant professor of history, Amber Nickell.&nbsp; She lived in Ukraine as a Fulbright Scholar.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: FHSU professor and historian Amber Nickell" 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=n5vdn-11f3cac-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University assistant professor of history, Amber Nickell.&nbsp; She lived in Ukraine as a Fulbright Scholar.

🎤Forward Ever: FHSU professor Amber Nickell on Ukraine

Two years ago, Missouri Western State University found itself in a financial state of emergency, and now the Board of Regents has declared to remove it.&nbsp;

University President Elizabeth Kennedy says the last two years were difficult for Missouri Western for a couple of reasons. &nbsp;

"Obviously if you're in a financial emergency that means you're dealing with a very constricted budget, and you have to remember too, that this occurred right before the onset of the pandemic," Kennedy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, not only were we dealing with our own financial situation but with the impact of COVID-19 on higher education in general as well as on the rest of the world."&nbsp;

Kennedy says the University was not only dealing with financial issues, but also lower enrollment which is where a large part of the budget comes from. &nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Two years ago, Missouri Western State University found itself in a financial state of emergency, and now the Board of Regents has declared to remove it.&nbsp;University President Elizabeth Kennedy says the last two years were difficult for Missouri Western for a couple of reasons. &nbsp;"Obviously if you're in a financial emergency that means you're dealing with a very constricted budget, and you have to remember too, that this occurred right before the onset of the pandemic," Kennedy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, not only were we dealing with our own financial situation but with the impact of COVID-19 on higher education in general as well as on the rest of the world."&nbsp;Kennedy says the University was not only dealing with financial issues, but also lower enrollment which is where a large part of the budget comes from. &nbsp;Kennedy says the Board of Regents at Missouri Western has constantly been reviewing things over the last two years. &nbsp;"Where we are financially, where we are in terms of student affairs, enrollment management, and academic affairs, everything that we've been doing," Kennedy explains. "And, I think given where we will be going in the future they thought, they agreed actually, that this was a good time to lift the financial emergency."&nbsp;Kennedy adds it was great to see the state of emergency removed and that the University will continue implementing measures they put in place to get out of it.&nbsp;"You know there's the psychological impact on folks here, we as members of the Missouri Western campus community we know we've been working hard and making good progress," Kennedy says. "Are we completely out of the woods and everything is easy, no, but I think overall it signals to folks here that we are headed in the right direction."&nbsp;Kennedy says she has worked closely with Missouri Western's Student Government Association, and her message to students is that Missouri Western is headed in a positive direction and they can feel confident in the way it's going.&nbsp;