There will be a detour&nbsp;by&nbsp;the Coleman Elementary School in St. Joseph due to a road closure for a water&nbsp;pipe replacement project starting next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missouri American Water Spokeswomen Christie Barnhart says&nbsp;they are replacing pipe that dates back to 1954.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are going to be working around the area of Coleman Elementary School, so there will be some traffic rerouted due to this project,” Barnhart tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barnhart says the project will start May 11th&nbsp;and will be finished in six weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Of course,&nbsp;that is weather permitting we’ve had quite a bit of rain lately,” says Barnhart.&nbsp;“Hopefully&nbsp;we'll&nbsp;get some sunshine throughout this one and we can meet that deadline with in the&nbsp;six-week&nbsp;time&nbsp;frame.”&nbsp;

Barnhart says making the public aware of the construction, helps keep everyone safe.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“When people know that there’s construction going on it alerts them to the present&nbsp;of&nbsp;people working&nbsp;and just kind of helps keeps everyone safe not only&nbsp;the people driving but also the workers actually doing the pipe replacement project.”&nbsp;

The construction for the water&nbsp;pipe replacement project will be on 33rd&nbsp;Street from Belt View&nbsp;Drive to Beck&nbsp;Road.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620401749465.png" alt="Map provided by Missouri American Water" />
 <figcaption>Map provided by Missouri American Water</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;There will be a detour&nbsp;by&nbsp;the Coleman Elementary School in St. Joseph due to a road closure for a water&nbsp;pipe replacement project starting next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Missouri American Water Spokeswomen Christie Barnhart says&nbsp;they are replacing pipe that dates back to 1954.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We are going to be working around the area of Coleman Elementary School, so there will be some traffic rerouted due to this project,” Barnhart tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;Barnhart says the project will start May 11th&nbsp;and will be finished in six weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Of course,&nbsp;that is weather permitting we’ve had quite a bit of rain lately,” says Barnhart.&nbsp;“Hopefully&nbsp;we'll&nbsp;get some sunshine throughout this one and we can meet that deadline with in the&nbsp;six-week&nbsp;time&nbsp;frame.”&nbsp;Barnhart says making the public aware of the construction, helps keep everyone safe.&nbsp;&nbsp;“When people know that there’s construction going on it alerts them to the present&nbsp;of&nbsp;people working&nbsp;and just kind of helps keeps everyone safe not only&nbsp;the people driving but also the workers actually doing the pipe replacement project.”&nbsp;The construction for the water&nbsp;pipe replacement project will be on 33rd&nbsp;Street from Belt View&nbsp;Drive to Beck&nbsp;Road.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Road closed by Coleman Elementary in St. Joseph starting May 11th

St. Joseph Police
say the young woman who suffered severe burns in that fiery car crash at 14th
and Mason Monday afternoon has died.

The victim,
28-year-old Jessica Asher, was flown from Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph to KU
Medical Center in Kansas City for treatment of her burns.

A semi tractor-trailer
rear-ended Asher’s car as she was stopped at the intersection. The impact
forced her car into oncoming traffic where it was hit nearly head-on. The car
burst into flames. Asher had to be extricated from the vehicle.

The investigation
is ongoing. The prosecutor's office is considering charges.

This article has been updated since first published.

St. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Police
say the young woman who suffered severe burns in that fiery car crash at 14th
and Mason Monday afternoon has died.The victim,
28-year-old Jessica Asher, was flown from Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph to KU
Medical Center in Kansas City for treatment of her burns.A semi tractor-trailer
rear-ended Asher’s car as she was stopped at the intersection. The impact
forced her car into oncoming traffic where it was hit nearly head-on. The car
burst into flames. Asher had to be extricated from the vehicle.The investigation
is ongoing. The prosecutor's office is considering charges.This article has been updated since first published.

Victim of fiery car crash in St. Joseph has died

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials may have to increase the amount of water released into the Missouri River over the next couple months to ensure there is enough water in the river for cities that rely on it for water and for barge traffic.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday that significantly less water is expected to flow into the river this year because conditions remain so dry and snowpack is below normal levels. April was an exceptionally dry month the region.

Because of that, officials said Thursday that only about 69% of the normal amount of water is expected to flow into the Missouri River this year.

The Corps now estimates that 17.8 million acre feet (21.96 cubic kilometers) of water will flow into the river this year. That is well below the average of 25.8 million acre feet.

Currently, the amount of water being released from Gavins Point Dam on the Nebraska-South Dakota border is expected to remain around 29,000 cubic feet per second, but it may be increased to roughly 32,000 cubic feet per second to make sure there is enough water in the lower Missouri River.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials may have to increase the amount of water released into the Missouri River over the next couple months to ensure there is enough water in the river for cities that rely on it for water and for barge traffic.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday that significantly less water is expected to flow into the river this year because conditions remain so dry and snowpack is below normal levels. April was an exceptionally dry month the region.Because of that, officials said Thursday that only about 69% of the normal amount of water is expected to flow into the Missouri River this year.The Corps now estimates that 17.8 million acre feet (21.96 cubic kilometers) of water will flow into the river this year. That is well below the average of 25.8 million acre feet.Currently, the amount of water being released from Gavins Point Dam on the Nebraska-South Dakota border is expected to remain around 29,000 cubic feet per second, but it may be increased to roughly 32,000 cubic feet per second to make sure there is enough water in the lower Missouri River.

Missouri river remains low headed into summer

Despite having to move indoors due to inclement weather, Missouri Western State University officials are excited to be holding in-person graduation ceremonies this year after having to go virtual last year.

About 550 graduates from the fall of 2020, along with the spring and summer 2021 semesters, are expected to participate in the two ceremonies at Civic Arena Saturday.

Doug Davenport, provost and vice president of student and academic affairs, says the graduates are being split into two ceremonies due to COVID-19 safety precautions. One ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. and another at 3 p.m.

"That is part of our safety protocols," Davenport said, "so we don't have as many people together at one time. That decision had been made early on. Moving indoors, splitting the ceremonies into two parts becomes even more important."

Face masks will be required by all who are attending the ceremonies. Attendance is limited to invited guests only. Each graduate can invite up to six guests each.

While it's not the outdoor ceremony at Spratt Stadium that University leadership had envisioned, Davenport is grateful that the graduates and their families get the chance to celebrate in person this year.

"Everyone really wants an in-person celebration," he said. "We've all had our experiences with virtual celebrations, and those are okay. But, there's no substitute for an in-person commencement ceremony."

Ceremonies will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person.

Zora Mulligan, Missouri’s commissioner of higher education, will speak at both of the ceremonies. The 11 .a.m. ceremony will be streamed <a href="http://griff.vn/SP21Grad11am">here</a>, and the 3 p.m. ceremony <a href="http://griff.vn/SP21Grad3pm">here</a>.

Graduating senior Briana Reed of Kansas City will also speak at commencement. A graduating convergent journalism major, Reed served in multiple leadership positions during her time at Missouri Western, including co-coach for the Missouri Western Dance Company, Secretary of Senate and Chief of Staff for the Student Government Association.&nbsp;

Missouri Western made the decision to move the ceremony indoors on Thursday. Davenport says the decision was a tough one, but they made it long enough in advance to give everyone the time needed to prepare.

"This gives us the ability to communicate with great clarity and certainty what's going on sooner rather than later," Davenport said. "This is of course not what we would have liked originally, but we are certainly excited that we're going to get to host an in-person ceremony."

Graduate students will also be honored during the Spring 2021 Master’s Hooding Ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday in the Fulkerson Center on Missouri Western's campus.

The guest speaker will be Aaron Dowis, who has earned three degrees from Missouri Western, including a Masters of Business Administration in 2020. The ceremony will be streamed live <a href="http://griff.vn/SP21Hood">here</a>.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614629944321.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western's graduation commencement ceremonies will be held inside Civic Arena Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western's graduation commencement ceremonies will be held inside Civic Arena Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostDespite having to move indoors due to inclement weather, Missouri Western State University officials are excited to be holding in-person graduation ceremonies this year after having to go virtual last year.About 550 graduates from the fall of 2020, along with the spring and summer 2021 semesters, are expected to participate in the two ceremonies at Civic Arena Saturday.Doug Davenport, provost and vice president of student and academic affairs, says the graduates are being split into two ceremonies due to COVID-19 safety precautions. One ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. and another at 3 p.m."That is part of our safety protocols," Davenport said, "so we don't have as many people together at one time. That decision had been made early on. Moving indoors, splitting the ceremonies into two parts becomes even more important."Face masks will be required by all who are attending the ceremonies. Attendance is limited to invited guests only. Each graduate can invite up to six guests each.While it's not the outdoor ceremony at Spratt Stadium that University leadership had envisioned, Davenport is grateful that the graduates and their families get the chance to celebrate in person this year."Everyone really wants an in-person celebration," he said. "We've all had our experiences with virtual celebrations, and those are okay. But, there's no substitute for an in-person commencement ceremony."Ceremonies will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person.Zora Mulligan, Missouri’s commissioner of higher education, will speak at both of the ceremonies. The 11 .a.m. ceremony will be streamed <a href="http://griff.vn/SP21Grad11am">here</a>, and the 3 p.m. ceremony <a href="http://griff.vn/SP21Grad3pm">here</a>.Graduating senior Briana Reed of Kansas City will also speak at commencement. A graduating convergent journalism major, Reed served in multiple leadership positions during her time at Missouri Western, including co-coach for the Missouri Western Dance Company, Secretary of Senate and Chief of Staff for the Student Government Association.&nbsp;Missouri Western made the decision to move the ceremony indoors on Thursday. Davenport says the decision was a tough one, but they made it long enough in advance to give everyone the time needed to prepare."This gives us the ability to communicate with great clarity and certainty what's going on sooner rather than later," Davenport said. "This is of course not what we would have liked originally, but we are certainly excited that we're going to get to host an in-person ceremony."Graduate students will also be honored during the Spring 2021 Master’s Hooding Ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday in the Fulkerson Center on Missouri Western's campus.The guest speaker will be Aaron Dowis, who has earned three degrees from Missouri Western, including a Masters of Business Administration in 2020. The ceremony will be streamed live <a href="http://griff.vn/SP21Hood">here</a>.&nbsp;You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western officials look forward to in-person grad ceremonies Saturday

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 6a.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Acura MDX driven by Dana M. Holloday, 29, St. Joseph, was southbound on Interstate 29 five miles south of St. Joseph

The Acura rear-ended a 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by Sierra M. Maul, 27, St. Joseph, who had&nbsp; slowed to turn into the emergency crossover.

A southbound 2010 Chevy Impala driven by William C. Gillenwater, 33, Savannah, rear-ended the Malibu.

Buchanan County EMS transported Holladay, Gillenwater and a passenger in the Malibu Anthony A. Foster, 58, St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care. Maul was not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the&nbsp; MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 6a.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Acura MDX driven by Dana M. Holloday, 29, St. Joseph, was southbound on Interstate 29 five miles south of St. JosephThe Acura rear-ended a 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by Sierra M. Maul, 27, St. Joseph, who had&nbsp; slowed to turn into the emergency crossover.A southbound 2010 Chevy Impala driven by William C. Gillenwater, 33, Savannah, rear-ended the Malibu.Buchanan County EMS transported Holladay, Gillenwater and a passenger in the Malibu Anthony A. Foster, 58, St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care. Maul was not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the&nbsp; MSHP.

3 hospitalized after 3-vehicle rear-end crash

St. Joseph’s population has stagnated, even fallen a bit, even
though the city has gained jobs over the past few decades.

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly says a big
question faces city leaders as they observe that the city has gained an
estimated 40,000 to 65,000 jobs since 1990, but the city population has stayed
essentially flat.

“So, you’re saying to yourself, okay, we don’t have more
people in St. Joe, but for some reason we have more jobs. So, what is going on
with that?”

Lilly, during an appearance on the KFEQ Hotline, suspects the
key is location, specifically St. Joseph’s close proximity to Kansas City.
Lilly estimates a third of the St. Joseph workforce lives outside the
community, many choosing to live in Platte County and the northern part of
Kansas City.

“I’ve always observed and I don’t really have a good rationale
for this, because I’m not from Missouri and I’m not from St. Joe, but there’s
this odd relationship that we have with our friend to the south, Kansas City,”
Lilly says.

Lilly speculates that if St. Joseph were farther away from
Kansas City, its population would be larger, perhaps toward 100,000. St. Joseph
has around 75,000 residents.

Another interesting note about the relationship between job
growth in the city versus its stagnant population growth is that St. Joseph is
poised to add even more jobs.

Lilly says many St. Joseph businesses could expand.

“You know, honestly, the only thing holding us back now is
labor,” Lilly says. “Employers just simply cannot get enough labor to fill the
jobs. That’s kind of the issue. It’s not unique, per se, to St. Joe, but definitely
something that’s affecting us.”

Lilly says the city weathered the coronavirus pandemic,
because many of its businesses were considered essential. St. Joseph is the
third largest exporter in Missouri, behind only the metropolitan areas of
Kansas City and St. Louis.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph’s population has stagnated, even fallen a bit, even
though the city has gained jobs over the past few decades.St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly says a big
question faces city leaders as they observe that the city has gained an
estimated 40,000 to 65,000 jobs since 1990, but the city population has stayed
essentially flat.“So, you’re saying to yourself, okay, we don’t have more
people in St. Joe, but for some reason we have more jobs. So, what is going on
with that?”Lilly, during an appearance on the KFEQ Hotline, suspects the
key is location, specifically St. Joseph’s close proximity to Kansas City.
Lilly estimates a third of the St. Joseph workforce lives outside the
community, many choosing to live in Platte County and the northern part of
Kansas City.“I’ve always observed and I don’t really have a good rationale
for this, because I’m not from Missouri and I’m not from St. Joe, but there’s
this odd relationship that we have with our friend to the south, Kansas City,”
Lilly says.Lilly speculates that if St. Joseph were farther away from
Kansas City, its population would be larger, perhaps toward 100,000. St. Joseph
has around 75,000 residents.Another interesting note about the relationship between job
growth in the city versus its stagnant population growth is that St. Joseph is
poised to add even more jobs.Lilly says many St. Joseph businesses could expand.“You know, honestly, the only thing holding us back now is
labor,” Lilly says. “Employers just simply cannot get enough labor to fill the
jobs. That’s kind of the issue. It’s not unique, per se, to St. Joe, but definitely
something that’s affecting us.”Lilly says the city weathered the coronavirus pandemic,
because many of its businesses were considered essential. St. Joseph is the
third largest exporter in Missouri, behind only the metropolitan areas of
Kansas City and St. Louis.

St. Joseph sees job growth, but not population growth

BROWN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Buick Century driven by Martin Charles Richbourg, 22, Falls City, Nebraska, was&nbsp; northbound on Horned Owl Road six miles east of Morrill.

A 2007 Acura MDX driven by Tad Jeremy Alfrey, 40, Seneca was southbound and both vehicles approached a curve at the same time. 

Alfrey swerved to avoid the Buick traveling northbound in the southbound lane. Both vehicles swerved and collided in the northbound lanes.

A passenger in the Buick identified as Andrew S Vaughan, 36, Falls City, Nebraska, was pronounced dead at the scene.

EMS transported Richbourg to KU Medical Center. Alfrey was not injured.&nbsp;Vaughan was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Buick Century driven by Martin Charles Richbourg, 22, Falls City, Nebraska, was&nbsp; northbound on Horned Owl Road six miles east of Morrill.A 2007 Acura MDX driven by Tad Jeremy Alfrey, 40, Seneca was southbound and both vehicles approached a curve at the same time. Alfrey swerved to avoid the Buick traveling northbound in the southbound lane. Both vehicles swerved and collided in the northbound lanes.A passenger in the Buick identified as Andrew S Vaughan, 36, Falls City, Nebraska, was pronounced dead at the scene.EMS transported Richbourg to KU Medical Center. Alfrey was not injured.&nbsp;Vaughan was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

1 dead, 1 hospitalized after wrong-way Kan. crash

The St. Joseph Mayor’s&nbsp;Prayer Breakfast is back in person this year after it was online the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mayor Bill McMurray says tomorrow morning the breakfast will be held at the Civic Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The doors open at&nbsp;6:00, breakfast for those who buy the ticket at 6:30 and the opening ceremony at 6:45 and we&nbsp;ought to be finished I imagine around 8 o'clock,” McMurray tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

The guest speaker for this year’s event is Bill Federer. Federer is a well-known speaker,&nbsp;best-selling author,&nbsp;and president of Amerisearch Inc.&nbsp;&nbsp;

McMurray says they were unable to book Federer for last year’s event.&nbsp;

“We&nbsp;booked him for this year and&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;sure glad we did. It sounds like a really inspirational program,” says McMurray.&nbsp;“I love history and tying together history and&nbsp;religion&nbsp;I&nbsp;think&nbsp;will be just really&nbsp;illuminating&nbsp;for all of&nbsp;us&nbsp;and&nbsp;inspiring.”&nbsp;

Tickets for the breakfast have sold out.&nbsp;Those&nbsp;who purchased a breakfast&nbsp;ticket will sit on the main floor of the Arena socially distanced from one another. This allows space for 300 people to participate in the breakfast. People who do not want breakfast can sit in the balcony of the Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The St. Joseph Mayor’s&nbsp;Prayer Breakfast is back in person this year after it was online the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mayor Bill McMurray says tomorrow morning the breakfast will be held at the Civic Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The doors open at&nbsp;6:00, breakfast for those who buy the ticket at 6:30 and the opening ceremony at 6:45 and we&nbsp;ought to be finished I imagine around 8 o'clock,” McMurray tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.The guest speaker for this year’s event is Bill Federer. Federer is a well-known speaker,&nbsp;best-selling author,&nbsp;and president of Amerisearch Inc.&nbsp;&nbsp;McMurray says they were unable to book Federer for last year’s event.&nbsp;“We&nbsp;booked him for this year and&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;sure glad we did. It sounds like a really inspirational program,” says McMurray.&nbsp;“I love history and tying together history and&nbsp;religion&nbsp;I&nbsp;think&nbsp;will be just really&nbsp;illuminating&nbsp;for all of&nbsp;us&nbsp;and&nbsp;inspiring.”&nbsp;Tickets for the breakfast have sold out.&nbsp;Those&nbsp;who purchased a breakfast&nbsp;ticket will sit on the main floor of the Arena socially distanced from one another. This allows space for 300 people to participate in the breakfast. People who do not want breakfast can sit in the balcony of the Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The St. Joseph Mayor's Prayer Breakfast is sold out for tomorrow

Midwest
members of Congress, both Republican and Democrat, are asking the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers to make flood control its priority in managing the Missouri
River.

Northern
Missouri Congressman Sam Graves is among those asking the Corps of follow the
priority set out in the Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress.

“The
fact that we actually have to push the Corps to implement the law that is in
place just gives you a little bit of an insight into to just how autonomous the
Corps of Engineers can be when it comes to management,” Graves tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Graves
says the Corps has failed to make flood control or navigation its top priority
in managing the Missouri.

Republican
and Democratic members of Congress from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa
have signed a letter formally requesting the Corps to make flood control its
top priority. The move comes as the Corps nears completion of repairs to levees
broken by the 2019 Missouri River flood.

Graves
says the Corps’ failure to make flood control its top priority in managing the
Missouri River is a real problem.

“Because
it’s affecting communities and power plants and businesses and farms and people’s
lives and everything that goes along with it,” according to Graves.

Graves
says the delegation has asked the Corps to simply follow federal law as
outlined in the Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress, which calls
for flood control to be the main priority in managing seven upstream reservoirs
which control the flow of the Missouri River.

Graves
says the Corps is pulled in too many directions when it comes to management of
the Missouri River with several federal agencies making demands on how the
Corps manages the Missouri.

“I
don’t think they can manage it based on so many priorities,” Graves says. “When
you’re looking at the tourism industry and the recreational industry up north
and then the habitat and a lot of that is dictated, too, by the Endangered
Species Act.”

Still,
Graves says the Corps must follow federal law.

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), along with U.S. Representatives Sam
Graves (Mo.) and Emanuel Cleaver II (Mo.), led a bipartisan, bicameral letter
urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to quickly and fully utilize
the tools and resources Congress provided in the Water Resources Development
Act (WRDA) of 2020 and the FY2020 Energy and Water appropriations bill to
reduce flood risk and improve flood protection along the Lower Missouri River.

In addition to Blunt, Graves, and
Cleaver, the letter is signed by congressional members from the Lower Missouri River
Basin states, including U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Deb Fischer
(Neb.), Roger Marshall (Kan.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), Josh Hawley (Mo.), and Jerry
Moran (Kan.) and U.S. Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer (Mo.), Adrian Smith
(Neb.), Vicky Hartzler (Mo.), Ann Wagner (Mo.), Jake LaTurner (Kan.), Billy
Long (Mo.), Jason Smith (Mo.), Sharice Davids (Kan.), and Cindy Axne (Iowa).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620232539253.jpeg" alt="Flooding in Craig in 2019/File photo" />
 <figcaption>Flooding in Craig in 2019/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMidwest
members of Congress, both Republican and Democrat, are asking the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers to make flood control its priority in managing the Missouri
River.Northern
Missouri Congressman Sam Graves is among those asking the Corps of follow the
priority set out in the Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress.“The
fact that we actually have to push the Corps to implement the law that is in
place just gives you a little bit of an insight into to just how autonomous the
Corps of Engineers can be when it comes to management,” Graves tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Graves
says the Corps has failed to make flood control or navigation its top priority
in managing the Missouri.Republican
and Democratic members of Congress from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa
have signed a letter formally requesting the Corps to make flood control its
top priority. The move comes as the Corps nears completion of repairs to levees
broken by the 2019 Missouri River flood.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620232612692.jpeg" alt="Flood of 2019 hit the area hard/File photo" />
 <figcaption>Flood of 2019 hit the area hard/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Graves
says the Corps’ failure to make flood control its top priority in managing the
Missouri River is a real problem.“Because
it’s affecting communities and power plants and businesses and farms and people’s
lives and everything that goes along with it,” according to Graves.Graves
says the delegation has asked the Corps to simply follow federal law as
outlined in the Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress, which calls
for flood control to be the main priority in managing seven upstream reservoirs
which control the flow of the Missouri River.Graves
says the Corps is pulled in too many directions when it comes to management of
the Missouri River with several federal agencies making demands on how the
Corps manages the Missouri.“I
don’t think they can manage it based on so many priorities,” Graves says. “When
you’re looking at the tourism industry and the recreational industry up north
and then the habitat and a lot of that is dictated, too, by the Endangered
Species Act.”Still,
Graves says the Corps must follow federal law.U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), along with U.S. Representatives Sam
Graves (Mo.) and Emanuel Cleaver II (Mo.), led a bipartisan, bicameral letter
urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to quickly and fully utilize
the tools and resources Congress provided in the Water Resources Development
Act (WRDA) of 2020 and the FY2020 Energy and Water appropriations bill to
reduce flood risk and improve flood protection along the Lower Missouri River.In addition to Blunt, Graves, and
Cleaver, the letter is signed by congressional members from the Lower Missouri River
Basin states, including U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Deb Fischer
(Neb.), Roger Marshall (Kan.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), Josh Hawley (Mo.), and Jerry
Moran (Kan.) and U.S. Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer (Mo.), Adrian Smith
(Neb.), Vicky Hartzler (Mo.), Ann Wagner (Mo.), Jake LaTurner (Kan.), Billy
Long (Mo.), Jason Smith (Mo.), Sharice Davids (Kan.), and Cindy Axne (Iowa).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620232669557.jpeg" alt="Members of the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Group pile sandbags on the Missouri River levee protecting Elwood, Kansas and Rosecrans Memorial Airport/Photo courtesy of the 139th Airlift Group" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Group pile sandbags on the Missouri River levee protecting Elwood, Kansas and Rosecrans Memorial Airport/Photo courtesy of the 139th Airlift Group</figcaption>
 </figure>

Midwestern members of Congress urge Corps to put flood control first

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged altercation that sent a teen to the hospital with serious injuries and have made an arrest.

On Monday, police were notified of an incident that had occurred on Sunday evening in the 1100 block North 7th Street in Atchison,according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 A group of young men were playing basketball when two of the men playing had an argument and one struck the other twice in the face with his fists causing injuries including a fractured bone and a broken tooth. 

The 18 year old victim was treated and released from a Kansas City hospital on Sunday night. 

Later Monday, police arrested 18-year-old Elijah Z. Haley of Atchison, on a requested charge of aggravated battery. He remains in the county jail, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620136769994.png" alt="Haley-photo Atchison Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Haley-photo Atchison Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged altercation that sent a teen to the hospital with serious injuries and have made an arrest.On Monday, police were notified of an incident that had occurred on Sunday evening in the 1100 block North 7th Street in Atchison,according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A group of young men were playing basketball when two of the men playing had an argument and one struck the other twice in the face with his fists causing injuries including a fractured bone and a broken tooth. The 18 year old victim was treated and released from a Kansas City hospital on Sunday night. Later Monday, police arrested 18-year-old Elijah Z. Haley of Atchison, on a requested charge of aggravated battery. He remains in the county jail, according to online jail records.

Atchison teen arrested for alleged basketball court fight

After more than 41 years of service with the St. Joseph fire department, Chief Mike Dalsing will officially retire on June 10.

Dalsing started with the department on December 10, 1979 before taking over as chief in September 2008.

One thing has remained constant for Dalsing since the beginning - his job at the fire department never felt like work.

"I was excited to come to work when I was a young firefighter," Dalsing said. "Actually, it didn't change a lot as I got older. Now, there were a few more headaches as I got higher in rank, but I like coming to work every day. It's a great job and we got to help people."

Dalsing was designated as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) by the Commission on Professional Credentialing in 2015 and was also an active member of International Association of Fire Chiefs, Missouri Fire Chiefs and the Kansas City area Heart of America Fire Chiefs.

Dalsing also served on the boards of the Safety and Health Council, United Way and St. Joseph Youth Soccer Association.

During his years of service, Dalsing was instrumental in pushing for first responders on the department and in teaching several of the classes. He was certified as a paramedic throughout most of his career.

As fire chief, he pushed for enhanced medical response by requiring EMT licenses. He oversaw the completion of new fire stations 9, 11 and 12, as well as the groundbreaking for <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/ca5f4ddd-8720-40cc-8f7a-8b00904a3257">the new station 8</a>&nbsp;in mid-April.

Revamping the fire stations and upgrading the department's equipment are the achievements Dalsing is most proud of as he looks back.

"We were riding the back of the trucks (when I first started)," he said. "Our equipment was pretty old, and we've been able to update stuff. We've actually had a lot of the Kanas City fire departments come up here and look at some of our stations and the ways we're doing stuff.

"It kind of makes you feel good that we're kind of on the cutting edge rather than the catching up edge."

Dalsing served 23 years in the Missouri Air National Guard with the last eight years as chief of the deployable fire department.

Kenny Cordonnier, a 39-year member of the fire department, will serve as the interim fire chief until a full-time replacement is found.

Cordonnier has spent the last nine years as Chief of Fire Prevention and has served as backup to Chief Dalsing.

"Kenny is the kind of guy, if he walks into a room, he doesn't tell you 'this is wrong' and then walk out," Dalsing explained. "He says, 'This is what's wrong, this is why you need to fix it and here's some options.' When you work with people like that, it makes things so much smoother.

"He's actually been actively involved in the building of the last two fire stations. He'll keep the station 8 project on track and I think he'll do fine."

A reception for Dalsing will be announced at a later date. While retirement is a relaxing change of pace for many, firefighting for people like Dalsing and Cordonnier is more than just a job.

"It was kind of a lifestyle for a lot of us," said Dalsing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620157765642.jpeg" alt="Mike Dalsing. Courtesy City of St. Joseph." />
 <figcaption>Mike Dalsing. Courtesy City of St. Joseph.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAfter more than 41 years of service with the St. Joseph fire department, Chief Mike Dalsing will officially retire on June 10.Dalsing started with the department on December 10, 1979 before taking over as chief in September 2008.One thing has remained constant for Dalsing since the beginning - his job at the fire department never felt like work."I was excited to come to work when I was a young firefighter," Dalsing said. "Actually, it didn't change a lot as I got older. Now, there were a few more headaches as I got higher in rank, but I like coming to work every day. It's a great job and we got to help people."Dalsing was designated as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) by the Commission on Professional Credentialing in 2015 and was also an active member of International Association of Fire Chiefs, Missouri Fire Chiefs and the Kansas City area Heart of America Fire Chiefs.Dalsing also served on the boards of the Safety and Health Council, United Way and St. Joseph Youth Soccer Association.During his years of service, Dalsing was instrumental in pushing for first responders on the department and in teaching several of the classes. He was certified as a paramedic throughout most of his career.As fire chief, he pushed for enhanced medical response by requiring EMT licenses. He oversaw the completion of new fire stations 9, 11 and 12, as well as the groundbreaking for <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/ca5f4ddd-8720-40cc-8f7a-8b00904a3257">the new station 8</a>&nbsp;in mid-April.Revamping the fire stations and upgrading the department's equipment are the achievements Dalsing is most proud of as he looks back."We were riding the back of the trucks (when I first started)," he said. "Our equipment was pretty old, and we've been able to update stuff. We've actually had a lot of the Kanas City fire departments come up here and look at some of our stations and the ways we're doing stuff."It kind of makes you feel good that we're kind of on the cutting edge rather than the catching up edge."Dalsing served 23 years in the Missouri Air National Guard with the last eight years as chief of the deployable fire department.Kenny Cordonnier, a 39-year member of the fire department, will serve as the interim fire chief until a full-time replacement is found.Cordonnier has spent the last nine years as Chief of Fire Prevention and has served as backup to Chief Dalsing."Kenny is the kind of guy, if he walks into a room, he doesn't tell you 'this is wrong' and then walk out," Dalsing explained. "He says, 'This is what's wrong, this is why you need to fix it and here's some options.' When you work with people like that, it makes things so much smoother."He's actually been actively involved in the building of the last two fire stations. He'll keep the station 8 project on track and I think he'll do fine."A reception for Dalsing will be announced at a later date. While retirement is a relaxing change of pace for many, firefighting for people like Dalsing and Cordonnier is more than just a job."It was kind of a lifestyle for a lot of us," said Dalsing.<div><div id="fb-root"></div>
<script async defer crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v10.0" nonce="qkdVwAIK"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/SJFD1865/posts/783302052302075" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/SJFD1865/posts/783302052302075" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">The city of St. Joseph has announced the retirement of Fire Chief Mike Dalsing. After more than 41 years of service with...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SJFD1865/">Saint Joseph, Missouri Fire Department</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SJFD1865/posts/783302052302075">Monday, May 3, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chief Mike Dalsing was 'always excited' to go to work during time with St. Joseph fire

The St. Joseph Mustangs will kick off their 12th season with the annual Fan Fest celebration on Tuesday, June 1 at Phil Welch Stadium - one day before the season opener.

Food specials, national anthem tryouts, batting practice and autographs will highlight the event, and admission will be free.

Fans will have the chance to meet players and get autographs from the entire 2021 roster following the completion of batting practice.

“This will be many of our players' first opportunity to get on the field, and experience the incredible support of the community," said Mustangs general manager Ky Turner in a release. "We’ll have concessions open, music on the speakers and live interviews. This is really going to be a fun event, and it’s entirely free. We are just excited to welcome back everyone to the stadium.”

Fans will also get a chance to check out new merchandise for the upcoming season.

The Mustangs will start their quest for a seventh MINK League Championship on Wednesday, June 2 when they host the Des Moines Prospects. Johnny Coy returns to coach the team for a third season.&nbsp;

Tickets are available by contacting the Mustangs Front Office at 816-279-7856.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620155862134.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs will kick off their 12th season with the annual Fan Fest celebration on Tuesday, June 1 at Phil Welch Stadium - one day before the season opener.Food specials, national anthem tryouts, batting practice and autographs will highlight the event, and admission will be free.Fans will have the chance to meet players and get autographs from the entire 2021 roster following the completion of batting practice.“This will be many of our players' first opportunity to get on the field, and experience the incredible support of the community," said Mustangs general manager Ky Turner in a release. "We’ll have concessions open, music on the speakers and live interviews. This is really going to be a fun event, and it’s entirely free. We are just excited to welcome back everyone to the stadium.”Fans will also get a chance to check out new merchandise for the upcoming season.The Mustangs will start their quest for a seventh MINK League Championship on Wednesday, June 2 when they host the Des Moines Prospects. Johnny Coy returns to coach the team for a third season.&nbsp;Tickets are available by contacting the Mustangs Front Office at 816-279-7856.

St. Joseph Mustangs' Fan Fest returning in 2021

A groundbreaking ceremony in southwestern Iowa is also a
celebration as a levee overtopped two years ago is rebuilt; this time a bit
higher.

Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha office
will join with city leaders from Hamburg to break ground tomorrow morning on a
rebuild that will raise the levee protecting Hamburg, Iowa another eight feet.

Project Manager Andrew Winslow says the Missouri River flood
of 2019 hit Hamburg hard.

“It was a horrible situation, the way they got flooded in the
spring of 2019, right? A lot of businesses, private homes, city facilities were
damaged,” Winslow tells St. Joseph Post.

The Corps is only allowed to rebuild a levee to its pre-flood
condition. It had awarded a contract in the fall of 2019 to rebuild the levee
that the Missouri River overtopped. City officials weren’t satisfied,
especially Mayor Cathy Crain.

Winslow recalls speaking with Crain during the pre-bid site
walk. The contract called for the levee to be rebuilt to its original height of
911 above mean sea level. Crain told Winslow she hadn’t given up on raising the
levee to 919.

“The city was tenacious,” Winslow says.

Winslow says Hamburg city officials secured enough federal and
state money to pay for raising the levee the extra eight feet, perhaps the
first time the Corps has been allowed to raise a flood-damaged levee.

“And that was all based on the diligent efforts of the city,”
according to Winslow.

Winslow says Crain pleaded the city’s case to federal
officials, arguing simply rebuilding the levee wasn’t enough.

“I’m losing businesses out of Hamburg and I’m having trouble
attracting businesses, because this is like the third time in 10 years we’ve
gotten flooded,” Winslow says Crain argued to federal officials.

Winslow says Hamburg secured enough federal and state funding
to raise the height of the levee eight feet. He says the new, improved levee
will cost $7 million and take six months to complete.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620150521964.jpeg" alt="Hamburg inundated in the Missouri River flood of 2019/File photo" />
 <figcaption>Hamburg inundated in the Missouri River flood of 2019/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA groundbreaking ceremony in southwestern Iowa is also a
celebration as a levee overtopped two years ago is rebuilt; this time a bit
higher.Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha office
will join with city leaders from Hamburg to break ground tomorrow morning on a
rebuild that will raise the levee protecting Hamburg, Iowa another eight feet.Project Manager Andrew Winslow says the Missouri River flood
of 2019 hit Hamburg hard.“It was a horrible situation, the way they got flooded in the
spring of 2019, right? A lot of businesses, private homes, city facilities were
damaged,” Winslow tells St. Joseph Post.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620150610980.jpeg" alt="Hamburg NAPA store during flood of 2019/File photo" />
 <figcaption>Hamburg NAPA store during flood of 2019/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Corps is only allowed to rebuild a levee to its pre-flood
condition. It had awarded a contract in the fall of 2019 to rebuild the levee
that the Missouri River overtopped. City officials weren’t satisfied,
especially Mayor Cathy Crain.Winslow recalls speaking with Crain during the pre-bid site
walk. The contract called for the levee to be rebuilt to its original height of
911 above mean sea level. Crain told Winslow she hadn’t given up on raising the
levee to 919.“The city was tenacious,” Winslow says.Winslow says Hamburg city officials secured enough federal and
state money to pay for raising the levee the extra eight feet, perhaps the
first time the Corps has been allowed to raise a flood-damaged levee.“And that was all based on the diligent efforts of the city,”
according to Winslow.Winslow says Crain pleaded the city’s case to federal
officials, arguing simply rebuilding the levee wasn’t enough.“I’m losing businesses out of Hamburg and I’m having trouble
attracting businesses, because this is like the third time in 10 years we’ve
gotten flooded,” Winslow says Crain argued to federal officials.Winslow says Hamburg secured enough federal and state funding
to raise the height of the levee eight feet. He says the new, improved levee
will cost $7 million and take six months to complete.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620150727410.jpeg" alt="Hamburg in 2019/File photo" />
 <figcaption>Hamburg in 2019/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

A groundbreaking & a celebration as Hamburg, Iowa levee is rebuilt; and raised

National Travel and Tourism Week is here and the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau wants to celebrate the week with community members after a very hard year for the industry.

Bureau Spokeswoman Beth Conway says this week has been celebrated for 38 years. 

“National Travel and Tourism Week was created by congress in 1983 just to recognize the economic power of travel and tourism in the United States,” Conway tells St. Joseph Post. 

Conway says the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau will be hosting a live radio broadcast by KKJO, 1550 FM, Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the downtown location, 911 Frederick.

“We’re going to be having some give-a-ways, some Geneo’s Pizza, some live interviews and then all week we’re going to be posting tourism facts on our social media channels to just kind of educate the public about the impact of travel in Bucanan County,” says Conway. 

Conway says tourism and travel was drastically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“All of our museums had to shut down for a while. People weren’t traveling. They just weren’t going anywhere. Our businesses suffered. Our local businesses, restaurants, hotels, everybody suffered.”

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostNational Travel and Tourism Week is here and the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau wants to celebrate the week with community members after a very hard year for the industry.Bureau Spokeswoman Beth Conway says this week has been celebrated for 38 years. “National Travel and Tourism Week was created by congress in 1983 just to recognize the economic power of travel and tourism in the United States,” Conway tells St. Joseph Post. Conway says the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau will be hosting a live radio broadcast by KKJO, 1550 FM, Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the downtown location, 911 Frederick.“We’re going to be having some give-a-ways, some Geneo’s Pizza, some live interviews and then all week we’re going to be posting tourism facts on our social media channels to just kind of educate the public about the impact of travel in Bucanan County,” says Conway. Conway says tourism and travel was drastically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “All of our museums had to shut down for a while. People weren’t traveling. They just weren’t going anywhere. Our businesses suffered. Our local businesses, restaurants, hotels, everybody suffered.”

St. Joseph celebrates national tourism week year after COVID ruined tourism

A three-vehicle wreck in south St. Joseph late Monday
afternoon left a woman with severe burns.

St. Joseph police report a semi tractor-trailer ran into the
back of a car waiting to turn from Mason Road onto South 14th Street.
The impact pushed the car into oncoming traffic and it burst into flames after
hit nearly head on. Rescue crews had to help the driver, a woman described to
be in her 30s, escape the burning vehicle.

The woman has not been identified. She suffered major burns.

The crash forced the closing of Mason Road for hours. The investigation
continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA three-vehicle wreck in south St. Joseph late Monday
afternoon left a woman with severe burns.St. Joseph police report a semi tractor-trailer ran into the
back of a car waiting to turn from Mason Road onto South 14th Street.
The impact pushed the car into oncoming traffic and it burst into flames after
hit nearly head on. Rescue crews had to help the driver, a woman described to
be in her 30s, escape the burning vehicle.The woman has not been identified. She suffered major burns.The crash forced the closing of Mason Road for hours. The investigation
continues.

Woman badly burned in three-vehicle wreck in south St. Joseph

Buchanan County continues to see a recent increase in COVID-19 cases. 

The St. Joseph Health Department reported 90 new cases in the county last week - nearly tripling the 33 cases reported the week before that.

Of the 90 new cases, 66 of those were reported in people age 49 or younger. People between age 20-29 accounted for 24 of those new cases.

"It's anybody's guess," said St. Joseph Health Department spokeswoman Stephanie Malita on why the younger demographic is seeing more cases. "Why that age range is being impacted more at this time with new positive cases."

There was only one new case reported over the weekend, but 14 new cases were reported Monday.

The county's positivity rate has also increased to 4.22 percent. That's up from 2.81 percent last week.

St. Joseph Health Department spokeswoman Stephanie Malita is hopeful that a mass vaccination clinic at the Civic Arena on Tuesday can help bring these case numbers back down.

"It's open to anybody," Malita said of the clinic. "Anyone that's 18 or older who lives in Missouri. We would welcome you at our clinic. The vaccine is free, there's no charge to you and we're trying to make it as convenient as possible."

People can still sign up for a vaccine by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/6270244045251540109/false#/invitation">this link</a>&nbsp;or by calling the St. Joseph Health Department at 816-271-4636. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will be accepted from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday.

The department also added a clinic for May 11 - also at Civic Arena. There are 100 doses of the Moderna vaccine available for each clinic.&nbsp;

Government ID and proof of health insurance are not required to get the vaccine. A second dose clinic planned for Thursday, June 3 at the same location.&nbsp;

While the COVID-19 vaccine is available at pharmacies across St. Joseph, the health department is offering a new opportunity for more citizens to get the vaccine, since the Mosaic Community Clinic at the East Hills Shopping Center stopped giving first doses of the shot due to falling demand.

"In the meantime, some of the urgency has waned," Malita said of the vaccination rate. "People are not getting signed up to get those shots like they were at one point."

Buchanan County's vaccination rate remains low with 18.8 percent of residents initiating vaccination and only 15.3 percent of the population completing it.

Malita says the downtown location of this mass vaccination clinic Tuesday could be more convenient for those who live and work in the area and are still seeking a vaccine. 

She adds the department has access to more than enough doses of vaccine to hold several more clinics into the summer if needed.

"We're prepared to do one weekly into early summer if we have the demand for it," Malita said. "Our hope is we'll see a good response and have people sign up and get vaccinated. If we have that, then we'll add more dates."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618845715069.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County continues to see a recent increase in COVID-19 cases. The St. Joseph Health Department reported 90 new cases in the county last week - nearly tripling the 33 cases reported the week before that.Of the 90 new cases, 66 of those were reported in people age 49 or younger. People between age 20-29 accounted for 24 of those new cases."It's anybody's guess," said St. Joseph Health Department spokeswoman Stephanie Malita on why the younger demographic is seeing more cases. "Why that age range is being impacted more at this time with new positive cases."There was only one new case reported over the weekend, but 14 new cases were reported Monday.The county's positivity rate has also increased to 4.22 percent. That's up from 2.81 percent last week.St. Joseph Health Department spokeswoman Stephanie Malita is hopeful that a mass vaccination clinic at the Civic Arena on Tuesday can help bring these case numbers back down."It's open to anybody," Malita said of the clinic. "Anyone that's 18 or older who lives in Missouri. We would welcome you at our clinic. The vaccine is free, there's no charge to you and we're trying to make it as convenient as possible."People can still sign up for a vaccine by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/6270244045251540109/false#/invitation">this link</a>&nbsp;or by calling the St. Joseph Health Department at 816-271-4636. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will be accepted from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday.The department also added a clinic for May 11 - also at Civic Arena. There are 100 doses of the Moderna vaccine available for each clinic.&nbsp;Government ID and proof of health insurance are not required to get the vaccine. A second dose clinic planned for Thursday, June 3 at the same location.&nbsp;While the COVID-19 vaccine is available at pharmacies across St. Joseph, the health department is offering a new opportunity for more citizens to get the vaccine, since the Mosaic Community Clinic at the East Hills Shopping Center stopped giving first doses of the shot due to falling demand."In the meantime, some of the urgency has waned," Malita said of the vaccination rate. "People are not getting signed up to get those shots like they were at one point."Buchanan County's vaccination rate remains low with 18.8 percent of residents initiating vaccination and only 15.3 percent of the population completing it.Malita says the downtown location of this mass vaccination clinic Tuesday could be more convenient for those who live and work in the area and are still seeking a vaccine. She adds the department has access to more than enough doses of vaccine to hold several more clinics into the summer if needed."We're prepared to do one weekly into early summer if we have the demand for it," Malita said. "Our hope is we'll see a good response and have people sign up and get vaccinated. If we have that, then we'll add more dates."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Health officials express concern over rising COVID cases in Buchanan County

DEKALB COUNTY— A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Monday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Mercury passenger vehicle driven by Robert L. Cleveland, 59, King City, was southbound on U.S. 169 three miles north of Union Star.

The vehicle crossed the centerline, traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment and a tree.

Grand River ambulance transported Cleveland to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY— A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Monday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Mercury passenger vehicle driven by Robert L. Cleveland, 59, King City, was southbound on U.S. 169 three miles north of Union Star.The vehicle crossed the centerline, traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment and a tree.Grand River ambulance transported Cleveland to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after vehicle strikes a tree

Tens
of thousands of area residents took in the Sound of Speed Airshow at Rosecrans
Memorial Airport, featuring the Thunderbirds of the United States Air Force.

General
admission tickets, which were free to the public, were snatched up so quickly,
an extra one thousand were offered on Sunday, the final day of the show.
Rosecrans Manager Abe Forney says 30,000 general admission tickets were
released on Saturday with 31,000 released on Sunday.

Show
preview events provided rare opportunities for members of the media to enjoy the
thrill of the ride and understand, if just a little bit, what real speed&nbsp;

Eagle
Radio Traffic Director, Nattalie King, got to ride in one of the planes
performing in the show along with the Thunderbirds.

Eagle
Radio General Manager Doug Schmitz got to experience 150 miles per hour; on the
ground.

Schmitz got a ride in a Lamborghini, down the Rosecrans runway.

“The
ride was incredible,” Schmitz tells St. Joseph Post. “We hit 150 (mph) going
down the runway and I kept thinking he’s got to slow down; he’s got to slow
down.&nbsp; The end of the runway is coming up.&nbsp; We neared the end of the
runway, he turned to go back up runway A and if it wasn’t for the seat belt
holding me in, I’m sure I would have went flying out the window on the
turn.&nbsp; What a rush that ride was."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620070075661.jpeg" alt="U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds at Rosecrans Memorial Airport for the Sound of Speed Airshow/Photo by Doug Schmizt" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds at Rosecrans Memorial Airport for the Sound of Speed Airshow/Photo by Doug Schmizt</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTens
of thousands of area residents took in the Sound of Speed Airshow at Rosecrans
Memorial Airport, featuring the Thunderbirds of the United States Air Force.General
admission tickets, which were free to the public, were snatched up so quickly,
an extra one thousand were offered on Sunday, the final day of the show.
Rosecrans Manager Abe Forney says 30,000 general admission tickets were
released on Saturday with 31,000 released on Sunday.Show
preview events provided rare opportunities for members of the media to enjoy the
thrill of the ride and understand, if just a little bit, what real speed&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620136921719.jpeg" alt="Plane which gave Eagle Radio Traffic Director Nattalie King a ride prior to the Air Show/Photo by Nattalie King" />
 <figcaption>Plane which gave Eagle Radio Traffic Director Nattalie King a ride prior to the Air Show/Photo by Nattalie King</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620137132950.jpeg" alt="Natalie prepares for her flight." />
 <figcaption>Natalie prepares for her flight.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620137165263.jpeg" alt="Nattalie took a few photos during the flight." />
 <figcaption>Nattalie took a few photos during the flight.</figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle
Radio Traffic Director, Nattalie King, got to ride in one of the planes
performing in the show along with the Thunderbirds.Eagle
Radio General Manager Doug Schmitz got to experience 150 miles per hour; on the
ground.Schmitz got a ride in a Lamborghini, down the Rosecrans runway.“The
ride was incredible,” Schmitz tells St. Joseph Post. “We hit 150 (mph) going
down the runway and I kept thinking he’s got to slow down; he’s got to slow
down.&nbsp; The end of the runway is coming up.&nbsp; We neared the end of the
runway, he turned to go back up runway A and if it wasn’t for the seat belt
holding me in, I’m sure I would have went flying out the window on the
turn.&nbsp; What a rush that ride was."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620070161209.jpeg" alt="Eagle St. Joseph GM Doug Schmitz is in this Lamborghini, somewhere." />
 <figcaption>Eagle St. Joseph GM Doug Schmitz is in this Lamborghini, somewhere.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620070238243.jpeg" alt="Eagle St. Joseph tent at the Sound of Speed Airshow/Photo by Doug Schmitz" />
 <figcaption>Eagle St. Joseph tent at the Sound of Speed Airshow/Photo by Doug Schmitz</figcaption>
 </figure>

Thousands enjoy watching the Sound of Speed Airshow; a few enjoy the ride

DEKALB COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after noon Sunday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Jared A. Johnson, 32, Chillicothe, was southbound on a private drive five miles north of Cameron.

The vehicle crossed Willow Road one mile north of Route EE and traveled into a pond and became submerged. Cameron EMS transported Johnson to Cameron Regional Medical Center.

He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after noon Sunday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Jared A. Johnson, 32, Chillicothe, was southbound on a private drive five miles north of Cameron.The vehicle crossed Willow Road one mile north of Route EE and traveled into a pond and became submerged. Cameron EMS transported Johnson to Cameron Regional Medical Center.He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after SUV is submerged in pond

It’s crunch time for state budget negotiators with the
constitutional deadline to pass a state budget fast approaching in Jefferson
City.

State Sen. Dan Hegeman of Cosby again serves as the Senate Appropriations
Committee chair and says the budget at the end of this session looks much
better than many thought it would at the beginning of this session.

“Last year at this time we were worried about the detrimental impacts
of COVID-19 and how it was going to affect our economy. So, we prepared a very
conservative budget last year,” Hegeman tells St. Joseph Post.

Hegeman gives a lot of credit to fellow Republican, Gov. Mike
Parson, for negotiating all the unknowns which faced the state during the
height of the coronavirus pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620052006400.jpeg" alt="Missouri Senate Chamber/Photo courtesy of Missouri Senate" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Senate Chamber/Photo courtesy of Missouri Senate</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt’s crunch time for state budget negotiators with the
constitutional deadline to pass a state budget fast approaching in Jefferson
City.State Sen. Dan Hegeman of Cosby again serves as the Senate Appropriations
Committee chair and says the budget at the end of this session looks much
better than many thought it would at the beginning of this session.“Last year at this time we were worried about the detrimental impacts
of COVID-19 and how it was going to affect our economy. So, we prepared a very
conservative budget last year,” Hegeman tells St. Joseph Post.Hegeman gives a lot of credit to fellow Republican, Gov. Mike
Parson, for negotiating all the unknowns which faced the state during the
height of the coronavirus pandemic.“You can attribute the fact that we have seen positive growth
in our economy to the governor of the state of Missouri, Mike Parson,”
according to Hegeman. “I think he managed the situation well and we’re bearing
the fruits of that right now.”Hegeman says state revenue grew by 3½% to 4% this past year.“As a hole, I think the state of Missouri is robust, resilient,
and has weathered this situation well,” Hegeman says.Hegeman concedes some sectors of the Missouri economy haven’t
done as well as others. He says the legislature has used CARES Act funding to
help and awaits word from Washington on how the legislature can allocate the
latest coronavirus aid passed by Congress.“We are not adjusting much of those funds in this year’s
fiscal budget,” Hegeman says. &nbsp;“We’ll
either address those in a special session or an extraordinary session or in
next year’s regular session in January.”At present, legislators must work on the state budget for the
next fiscal year. Both the Senate and House have approved $34 billion budgets,
but the make-up of the budgets differ and those differences must be resolved
and a final spending blueprint for the next fiscal year passed by the end of
the legislative day Friday.Both chambers agree on one thing:&nbsp; not to expand Medicaid. Lawmakers took a
controversial step when they refused to fund Medicaid expansion even though
voters approved expansion. Gov. Parson had included Medicaid expansion in his
budget proposal.Hegeman insists though voters approved Medicaid expansion that
doesn’t require the legislature to fund it.“The court made it very clear that the legislature still had
the appropriations authority over whether this expansion of Medicaid happens or
not,” Hegeman says. “So, there’s some discussion around that.”It appears certain the decision will trigger a lawsuit.Hegeman says the budget approved by the Senate last week
addresses the state’s biggest needs.“It’s a budget that I think will address many of the needs in
the state of Missouri and some of them that we have been wanting to address for
some time,” Hegeman says.The Senate budget includes $3.56 billion in state aid to
schools and $113 million for school bus transportation.

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