A 21-year-old St. Joseph man has been sentenced to 24 years in
prison for the shooting death of a two-year-old St. Joseph girl last year, the
second person sentenced in the shooting death of Raelynn Craig.

Circuit Judge Patrick Robb sentenced Caimon Ramone Stillman
after an emotional hearing at the Buchanan County Courthouse.

Stillman says he didn’t know the child was in the car when he
and two others pulled up to another vehicle and opened fire outside the Frog
Hop at 20th and Messanie August 9th of last year.
Fourteen shots were fired into the car, wounding two adults and killing
Raelynn.

Earlier, 21-year-old Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph was
sentenced to 26 years in prison.

A third man involved in the shooting, 20-year-old Te’Avion
Hawkins of Platte City, is scheduled to appear in court next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619208142274.jpeg" alt="A St. Joseph police detective testifies during sentencing hearing in the Buchanan County Courthouse/Photo courtesy of Madeline McClain, KQ2" />
 <figcaption>A St. Joseph police detective testifies during sentencing hearing in the Buchanan County Courthouse/Photo courtesy of Madeline McClain, KQ2</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 21-year-old St. Joseph man has been sentenced to 24 years in
prison for the shooting death of a two-year-old St. Joseph girl last year, the
second person sentenced in the shooting death of Raelynn Craig.Circuit Judge Patrick Robb sentenced Caimon Ramone Stillman
after an emotional hearing at the Buchanan County Courthouse.Stillman says he didn’t know the child was in the car when he
and two others pulled up to another vehicle and opened fire outside the Frog
Hop at 20th and Messanie August 9th of last year.
Fourteen shots were fired into the car, wounding two adults and killing
Raelynn.Earlier, 21-year-old Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph was
sentenced to 26 years in prison.A third man involved in the shooting, 20-year-old Te’Avion
Hawkins of Platte City, is scheduled to appear in court next week.

2nd man involved in killing of 2-year-old sentenced to 24 years

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee, Inc. announced today that all Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin will participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 24, according to a media release from the company.

According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 87,200 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses, primarily related to opioids, in a 12-month period from September&nbsp;to September 2020, with the largest increase in deaths occurring in April and May 2020 right after the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Since 2019, drug take-back receptacles have been available inside all Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations year-round to provide customers a secure place to dispose of unused, unwanted or expired drugs in communities throughout the Midwest and remove them from the environment. To-date, Hy-Vee has collected more than 60,000 pounds of prescription drugs via its take-back receptacles.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Take-Back Day is a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. The last Take-Back Day brought in more than 985,000 pounds of unused or expired prescription medication across the country. 

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee, Inc. announced today that all Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin will participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 24, according to a media release from the company.According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 87,200 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses, primarily related to opioids, in a 12-month period from September&nbsp;to September 2020, with the largest increase in deaths occurring in April and May 2020 right after the COVID-19 pandemic began.Since 2019, drug take-back receptacles have been available inside all Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations year-round to provide customers a secure place to dispose of unused, unwanted or expired drugs in communities throughout the Midwest and remove them from the environment. To-date, Hy-Vee has collected more than 60,000 pounds of prescription drugs via its take-back receptacles.The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Take-Back Day is a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. The last Take-Back Day brought in more than 985,000 pounds of unused or expired prescription medication across the country.

Hy-Vee pharmacies to participate in Drug Take-Back Day 

National&nbsp;Drug Take Back Day is tomorrow [SAT] and&nbsp;local law enforcement encourage the St. Joseph&nbsp;community&nbsp;to participate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Buchanan County Drug Strike Force Captain Shawn Collie&nbsp;says they have a Drug Take Back Day twice a year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Members of the community can bring any type of&nbsp;prescription&nbsp;pills or medications&nbsp;that are not being used within the residence out to East Hills Mall, we’re set up on the east&nbsp;side by the old Sears&nbsp;entrance,” Collie&nbsp;tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Buchanan County sheriff's office, St. Joseph Police Department,&nbsp;and&nbsp;St. Joseph Youth Alliance teamed up&nbsp;to have this drop-off location.&nbsp;

Collie says the medications are put in secure location until they can be properly taken care of.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our entire goal is to be able to get those&nbsp;prescription&nbsp;pills or pills off the streets,&nbsp;out of the medicine cabinets and we provide a safe and effective way for those to be dropped off and then packaged up,” says&nbsp;Collie. “We then turn everything over to DEA who disposes of them.”&nbsp;

Collie says doing this helps make the community a better place.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“That’s a huge asset to the community to be able to get rid of prescription drugs.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619140543018.png" alt="Photo provided by St. Joseph Youth Alliance" />
 <figcaption>Photo provided by St. Joseph Youth Alliance</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;&nbsp;National&nbsp;Drug Take Back Day is tomorrow [SAT] and&nbsp;local law enforcement encourage the St. Joseph&nbsp;community&nbsp;to participate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Buchanan County Drug Strike Force Captain Shawn Collie&nbsp;says they have a Drug Take Back Day twice a year.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Members of the community can bring any type of&nbsp;prescription&nbsp;pills or medications&nbsp;that are not being used within the residence out to East Hills Mall, we’re set up on the east&nbsp;side by the old Sears&nbsp;entrance,” Collie&nbsp;tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Buchanan County sheriff's office, St. Joseph Police Department,&nbsp;and&nbsp;St. Joseph Youth Alliance teamed up&nbsp;to have this drop-off location.&nbsp;Collie says the medications are put in secure location until they can be properly taken care of.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our entire goal is to be able to get those&nbsp;prescription&nbsp;pills or pills off the streets,&nbsp;out of the medicine cabinets and we provide a safe and effective way for those to be dropped off and then packaged up,” says&nbsp;Collie. “We then turn everything over to DEA who disposes of them.”&nbsp;Collie says doing this helps make the community a better place.&nbsp;&nbsp;“That’s a huge asset to the community to be able to get rid of prescription drugs.”&nbsp;

Local law enforcement participate in National Drug Take Back Day

The Sound of Speed Airshow is coming back to St. Joseph's Rosecrans Memorial Airport May 1st&nbsp;and 2nd&nbsp;after a three-year hiatus.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Airport General Manager&nbsp;Abe Forney says&nbsp;he’s ready for life to get back to normal.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’m just excited for people to get out and see smiles on their face when the Thunderbirds hit the afterburner and see the kids out here enjoying it,” Forney tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local Pilot Lute Atieh says he thinks this year's show will have a great turnout.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’m looking forward to it, simply because we have the Thunderbirds and we haven’t had them for many,&nbsp;many years,” says Atieh.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Thunderbirds are back this year, but there are some new acts too including Pilot Ken Pietsch. Pietsch pilot’s the Jelly-Belly plane and says&nbsp;he’s been performing since 1974, but this is his first time at this show.&nbsp;

“I’m excited to come to St. Joe, that’s a big show that I’ve always wanted to come to,” says Pietsch.&nbsp;“It’s a pretty popular one on the airshow circuit.”&nbsp;

Owner of Aftershock Jet Truck Neal Darnell says the jet trucks are one the most popular acts at airshows.&nbsp;

“We have four jet trucks and the one that’s going to be in St. Joe is called Aftershock and it is a 1940 Ford&nbsp;fire truck replica. It’s never been a fire truck but it sure looks like one.”&nbsp;

The show gates open at 8am and the day doesn’t end until the Thunderbirds finish their performance. Masks and tickets are required at this year's show.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619183089550.jpeg" alt="U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds/Photo courtesy of the United States Air Force" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds/Photo courtesy of the United States Air Force</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The Sound of Speed Airshow is coming back to St. Joseph's Rosecrans Memorial Airport May 1st&nbsp;and 2nd&nbsp;after a three-year hiatus.&nbsp;&nbsp;Airport General Manager&nbsp;Abe Forney says&nbsp;he’s ready for life to get back to normal.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“I’m just excited for people to get out and see smiles on their face when the Thunderbirds hit the afterburner and see the kids out here enjoying it,” Forney tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local Pilot Lute Atieh says he thinks this year's show will have a great turnout.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I’m looking forward to it, simply because we have the Thunderbirds and we haven’t had them for many,&nbsp;many years,” says Atieh.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Thunderbirds are back this year, but there are some new acts too including Pilot Ken Pietsch. Pietsch pilot’s the Jelly-Belly plane and says&nbsp;he’s been performing since 1974, but this is his first time at this show.&nbsp;“I’m excited to come to St. Joe, that’s a big show that I’ve always wanted to come to,” says Pietsch.&nbsp;“It’s a pretty popular one on the airshow circuit.”&nbsp;Owner of Aftershock Jet Truck Neal Darnell says the jet trucks are one the most popular acts at airshows.&nbsp;“We have four jet trucks and the one that’s going to be in St. Joe is called Aftershock and it is a 1940 Ford&nbsp;fire truck replica. It’s never been a fire truck but it sure looks like one.”&nbsp;The show gates open at 8am and the day doesn’t end until the Thunderbirds finish their performance. Masks and tickets are required at this year's show.&nbsp;

The Sound of Speed Airshow is just around the corner

Thursday might have been Earth Day, but St. Joseph’s Remington
Nature Center celebrates Earth Day Saturday.

Remington Manager Sarah Elder says the center will host four
30-minute presentations on enjoying and sustaining the environment, including a
presentation about planting native.

Elder says Earth Day was established in 1970, in part after an
oil spill off the California coast. She says things took off from there. 

“Shortly after Earth Day was established is when things like
the Environmental Protection Agency was founded and the Clean Air Act and the
Clean Water Act within a few years,” Elder tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ
Hotline.

The Remington Nature Center will host four discussions on
Saturday, beginning at 10:30 Saturday morning. Topics include the Monarch butterfly
migration and conservation in St. Joseph as well as a presentation from a
person who goes by the tag:&nbsp; The Zero
Waste Nerd.

Remington requires that you pre-register, which you can do by
calling the nature center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619185705626.jpeg" alt="Remington Nature Center/File photo" />
 <figcaption>Remington Nature Center/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThursday might have been Earth Day, but St. Joseph’s Remington
Nature Center celebrates Earth Day Saturday.Remington Manager Sarah Elder says the center will host four
30-minute presentations on enjoying and sustaining the environment, including a
presentation about planting native.Elder says Earth Day was established in 1970, in part after an
oil spill off the California coast. She says things took off from there. “Shortly after Earth Day was established is when things like
the Environmental Protection Agency was founded and the Clean Air Act and the
Clean Water Act within a few years,” Elder tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ
Hotline.The Remington Nature Center will host four discussions on
Saturday, beginning at 10:30 Saturday morning. Topics include the Monarch butterfly
migration and conservation in St. Joseph as well as a presentation from a
person who goes by the tag:&nbsp; The Zero
Waste Nerd.Remington requires that you pre-register, which you can do by
calling the nature center.

Remington Nature Center celebrates Earth Day Saturday

A four-year-old child has been seriously injured in a hit and
run.

St. Joseph police report the child was taken to Children’s
Mercy Hospital by Lifeflight.

Police say the child was hit in the 800 block of North 10th
Street at around 8:20 last night. An arrest has been made, but no information
on the suspect is being released.

The child’s identity has not been disclosed.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA four-year-old child has been seriously injured in a hit and
run.St. Joseph police report the child was taken to Children’s
Mercy Hospital by Lifeflight.Police say the child was hit in the 800 block of North 10th
Street at around 8:20 last night. An arrest has been made, but no information
on the suspect is being released.The child’s identity has not been disclosed.

4-year-old struck and injured in St. Joseph hit-and-run

The body found in a water-filled ditch near the scene of a
quadruple fatality accident has been identified as that of 26-year-old Cody
Dustin Grace, reported missing earlier this week.

The cause of death has yet to be determined. It is not known
how long the body had been there.

St. Joseph police say officers responded to the 2900 block
of Pear Street Wednesday evening after a passerby discovered the body.

A car wreck April 9th killed Amy Morse of St.
Joseph and her three children. Obituaries for two of the children indicated Grace
was their father. About six feet of water filled the ditch on the night of the
fatal wreck, but has receded since.

Police issued a missing person report for Grace Wednesday,
asking the public for help in locating him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619175578552.jpeg" alt="Cody Grace/Photo released by the St. Joseph Police Dept." />
 <figcaption>Cody Grace/Photo released by the St. Joseph Police Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe body found in a water-filled ditch near the scene of a
quadruple fatality accident has been identified as that of 26-year-old Cody
Dustin Grace, reported missing earlier this week.The cause of death has yet to be determined. It is not known
how long the body had been there.St. Joseph police say officers responded to the 2900 block
of Pear Street Wednesday evening after a passerby discovered the body.A car wreck April 9th killed Amy Morse of St.
Joseph and her three children. Obituaries for two of the children indicated Grace
was their father. About six feet of water filled the ditch on the night of the
fatal wreck, but has receded since.Police issued a missing person report for Grace Wednesday,
asking the public for help in locating him.

Body found near crash site identified as that of missing man

WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-21-20.pdf">Revenue Procedure 2021-20&nbsp;PDF</a>
 for certain businesses that received first-round Paycheck Protection 
Program (PPP) loans but did not deduct any of the original eligible 
expenses because they relied on guidance issued before the enactment of 
tax relief legislation in December of 2020.

Under prior guidance, businesses that received PPP loans to cover 
payroll costs, interest on covered mortgage obligations, covered rent 
obligation payments, and covered utility payments could not deduct 
corresponding expenses.

With the Dec. 27, 2020, enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2021, businesses now may claim these deductions even though they 
received PPP loans to cover original eligible expenses. These businesses
 can use the safe harbor provided by this guidance to deduct those 
expenses on the return for the immediately subsequent year.

More information on COVID-19 related tax relief for business can be found on IRS.gov

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-21-20.pdf">Revenue Procedure 2021-20&nbsp;PDF</a>
 for certain businesses that received first-round Paycheck Protection 
Program (PPP) loans but did not deduct any of the original eligible 
expenses because they relied on guidance issued before the enactment of 
tax relief legislation in December of 2020.Under prior guidance, businesses that received PPP loans to cover 
payroll costs, interest on covered mortgage obligations, covered rent 
obligation payments, and covered utility payments could not deduct 
corresponding expenses.With the Dec. 27, 2020, enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2021, businesses now may claim these deductions even though they 
received PPP loans to cover original eligible expenses. These businesses
 can use the safe harbor provided by this guidance to deduct those 
expenses on the return for the immediately subsequent year.More information on COVID-19 related tax relief for business can be found on IRS.gov

IRS: Safe harbor for businesses to claim Payroll Protection Program tax deduction

St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally says he looks at the
guilty verdict handed down against former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek
Chauvin in pretty simple terms.

“I’ve been in this business over 36 years. I’ve seen a lot of
people tried; a lot of people not tried; a lot of people get away with things; and
a lot of people not get away with things,” Connally tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline. “Our system is designed that when there is probable cause to
believe a crime has been committed, someone gets charged. That’s the way it’s supposed
to work.”

Connally admits he didn’t watch the trial every day, but says
Chauvin was tried before a jury in the death of George Floyd and the jury made
a decision as it was supposed to. He cautions against overreacting.

Jurors deliberated for more than 10 hours over two days before
finding Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree
murder, and second-degree manslaughter.

Connally says news media coverage of the death of Floyd and
the subsequent trial has been misleading.

“If you watch the media, you think these shootings happen all
the time, but they don’t,” according to Connally. “There are over 60 million
contacts with police every year. Any one of them could turn volatile. Most of
those contacts are when people are in a bad situation or at their worst or, for
some reason, angry or frustrated.”

Connally says too many of the calls for police reform made in
wake of the death of Floyd and other deadly classes with police do not take
into account the plight of victims. He says any calls for reform need to be
thought through.

“If you’re going to bring about change, do some research, find
out what it’s impact is,” Connally says. “Our focus is always going to be on
our crime victims first and what I hear the focus on, a lot, is on suspects at
the expense of crime victims in a lot of these discussions and to me that is
unacceptable.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally says he looks at the
guilty verdict handed down against former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek
Chauvin in pretty simple terms.“I’ve been in this business over 36 years. I’ve seen a lot of
people tried; a lot of people not tried; a lot of people get away with things; and
a lot of people not get away with things,” Connally tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline. “Our system is designed that when there is probable cause to
believe a crime has been committed, someone gets charged. That’s the way it’s supposed
to work.”Connally admits he didn’t watch the trial every day, but says
Chauvin was tried before a jury in the death of George Floyd and the jury made
a decision as it was supposed to. He cautions against overreacting.Jurors deliberated for more than 10 hours over two days before
finding Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree
murder, and second-degree manslaughter.Connally says news media coverage of the death of Floyd and
the subsequent trial has been misleading.“If you watch the media, you think these shootings happen all
the time, but they don’t,” according to Connally. “There are over 60 million
contacts with police every year. Any one of them could turn volatile. Most of
those contacts are when people are in a bad situation or at their worst or, for
some reason, angry or frustrated.”Connally says too many of the calls for police reform made in
wake of the death of Floyd and other deadly classes with police do not take
into account the plight of victims. He says any calls for reform need to be
thought through.“If you’re going to bring about change, do some research, find
out what it’s impact is,” Connally says. “Our focus is always going to be on
our crime victims first and what I hear the focus on, a lot, is on suspects at
the expense of crime victims in a lot of these discussions and to me that is
unacceptable.”

Police Chief Connally cautions against overreacting to Chauvin verdict

An investigation is underway after the body of a young man was
found floating in standing water in a ditch in the 2900 block of Pear
Street, the location of a quadruple-fatality accident earlier this month.

St. Joseph police are trying to determine whether the
discovery is related to the fatal crash on April 9th.

No identification has been released other than it appears to
be the body of a young man in his 20s. No foul play is suspected in the death.

A head-on crash April 9th in that area killed Amy
Morse of St. Joseph and her three young children.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn investigation is underway after the body of a young man was
found floating in standing water in a ditch in the 2900 block of Pear
Street, the location of a quadruple-fatality accident earlier this month.St. Joseph police are trying to determine whether the
discovery is related to the fatal crash on April 9th.No identification has been released other than it appears to
be the body of a young man in his 20s. No foul play is suspected in the death.A head-on crash April 9th in that area killed Amy
Morse of St. Joseph and her three young children.

Investigation into whether body found in ditch connected to earlier fatal crash

A medical marijuana manufacturing and dispensary company is coming to St. Joseph. 

Vertical is a licensed medical marijuana operator new to St. Joseph. 

Vertical Spokesperson Tammy Puyear says they currently have 10,000 square feet of flowering canopy in the 64,000 square feet of production space.

"When we are fully finished without build-out it will be 30,000 square feet of flowering canopy," Puyear tells St. Joseph Post. 

Puyear says Vertical takes the time to make sure the buds they are producing are finely trimmed.

"What happens to the plant after it's been harvested, after it's been dried, and after it's been cured, then it has to be trimmed, and some companies will use machines for that," says Puyear. "Because we're a top-shelf brand, we'll actually be doing our trimming by hand."

Puyear says with the manufacturing company and dispensary coming to St. Joseph, there are new job opportunities as well. 

"There's a lot of people that would like to break into the industry and for them to have an opportunity in St. Joe has a lot of people very excited," says Puyear.

Puyear says each person seeking to enter the dispensary area that sells cannabis must have a patient card.

"People will be able to go in the front door of the dispensary and sort of look at T-shirts and things like that, but they wouldn't be able to get access into the portion of the facility where there's actual cannabis being sold," says Puyear.&nbsp;

The production facility is at&nbsp; 3101 Townesouth Court in the Eastowne Business Park while the dispensary is at 908 N Belt Highway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619043501803.png" alt="Photo provided by Vertical" />
 <figcaption>Photo provided by Vertical</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostA medical marijuana manufacturing and dispensary company is coming to St. Joseph. Vertical is a licensed medical marijuana operator new to St. Joseph. Vertical Spokesperson Tammy Puyear says they currently have 10,000 square feet of flowering canopy in the 64,000 square feet of production space."When we are fully finished without build-out it will be 30,000 square feet of flowering canopy," Puyear tells St. Joseph Post. Puyear says Vertical takes the time to make sure the buds they are producing are finely trimmed."What happens to the plant after it's been harvested, after it's been dried, and after it's been cured, then it has to be trimmed, and some companies will use machines for that," says Puyear. "Because we're a top-shelf brand, we'll actually be doing our trimming by hand."Puyear says with the manufacturing company and dispensary coming to St. Joseph, there are new job opportunities as well. "There's a lot of people that would like to break into the industry and for them to have an opportunity in St. Joe has a lot of people very excited," says Puyear.Puyear says each person seeking to enter the dispensary area that sells cannabis must have a patient card."People will be able to go in the front door of the dispensary and sort of look at T-shirts and things like that, but they wouldn't be able to get access into the portion of the facility where there's actual cannabis being sold," says Puyear.&nbsp;The production facility is at&nbsp; 3101 Townesouth Court in the Eastowne Business Park while the dispensary is at 908 N Belt Highway.

Medical marijuana manufacturing coming to St. Joseph

The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office will start allowing in-person inmate visitation at the county jail again, starting on May 1.

Appointments will be restricted to three people at a time to allow for social distancing. Face masks will be required as well.

The visitation area will be cleaned after each appointment.

Visitation is held on Saturday and Sunday. Appointments can be made by calling 816-236-8888 during regular business hours.

Individuals will be limited to one visitation appointment per weekend. 

St. Joseph PostThe Buchanan County Sheriff's Office will start allowing in-person inmate visitation at the county jail again, starting on May 1.Appointments will be restricted to three people at a time to allow for social distancing. Face masks will be required as well.The visitation area will be cleaned after each appointment.Visitation is held on Saturday and Sunday. Appointments can be made by calling 816-236-8888 during regular business hours.Individuals will be limited to one visitation appointment per weekend. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619041963273.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Buchanan County Jail to resume in-person inmate visitation

A bit of work remains to be completed, but it appears most of
the Missouri River levee system destroyed by the 2019 flood has been restored.

Col. Mark Himes, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Omaha office says the section it oversees from Gavins Point Dam down to
Atchison County, Missouri has been restored and is ready should the Missouri
River flood this spring.

“Thankfully, all the indications are we don’t need to worry about
that this spring, but we’ve essentially restored everything back to full
height,” Himes tells St. Joseph Post.

Commander of the Corps’ Kansas City office, Col. William
Hannan, says protection in his district, which runs from Holt County all the
way to St. Louis, has been restored to 91% protection.

“We’re really down to two levee systems, one in Holt County
and one in northern Platte County, that won’t be finished until September, but
still progressing really well on the levee rebuild; faster than we did after
the 1993 flood and the 2011 flood,” Hannan tells St. Joseph Post.

Hannan says the Holt County levee has been particularly
difficult to repair. He says a contract has been awarded and construction is
ready to begin.

Hannan says 2019 posed problems not seen even in the major
floods of 1993 or 2011. The 2019 flood kept the Missouri River above flood
stage longer than any other flood.

“Being at a flood stage on the river, the high water, we didn’t
drop below flood stage until 279 days after that first day that we entered the
flood,” according to Hannan. “So, I had my emergency management center
activated for that whole time. It was the longest activation in the district’s history.”

Hannan is hopeful a study commissioned by the states of
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa will help the Corps improve flood
protection along the Missouri River. He says the study will also advise
Congress on changes needed in federal regulations to improve flood protection.

Hannan points out, at present, federal law prohibits the Corps
from making improvements to a flood-damaged levee.

“So we can come up with policy recommendations and how can we
adjust that law to allow us to move faster and really be more efficient with
our funding to improve protection, not just bring protection back to where it stood
before.,” Hannan says.

Hannan says the key to flood protection along the Missouri
River is how it works for the local community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619026145831.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri levee damaged during 2019 flood./Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri levee damaged during 2019 flood./Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA bit of work remains to be completed, but it appears most of
the Missouri River levee system destroyed by the 2019 flood has been restored.Col. Mark Himes, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Omaha office says the section it oversees from Gavins Point Dam down to
Atchison County, Missouri has been restored and is ready should the Missouri
River flood this spring.“Thankfully, all the indications are we don’t need to worry about
that this spring, but we’ve essentially restored everything back to full
height,” Himes tells St. Joseph Post.Commander of the Corps’ Kansas City office, Col. William
Hannan, says protection in his district, which runs from Holt County all the
way to St. Louis, has been restored to 91% protection.“We’re really down to two levee systems, one in Holt County
and one in northern Platte County, that won’t be finished until September, but
still progressing really well on the levee rebuild; faster than we did after
the 1993 flood and the 2011 flood,” Hannan tells St. Joseph Post.Hannan says the Holt County levee has been particularly
difficult to repair. He says a contract has been awarded and construction is
ready to begin.Hannan says 2019 posed problems not seen even in the major
floods of 1993 or 2011. The 2019 flood kept the Missouri River above flood
stage longer than any other flood.“Being at a flood stage on the river, the high water, we didn’t
drop below flood stage until 279 days after that first day that we entered the
flood,” according to Hannan. “So, I had my emergency management center
activated for that whole time. It was the longest activation in the district’s history.”Hannan is hopeful a study commissioned by the states of
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa will help the Corps improve flood
protection along the Missouri River. He says the study will also advise
Congress on changes needed in federal regulations to improve flood protection.Hannan points out, at present, federal law prohibits the Corps
from making improvements to a flood-damaged levee.“So we can come up with policy recommendations and how can we
adjust that law to allow us to move faster and really be more efficient with
our funding to improve protection, not just bring protection back to where it stood
before.,” Hannan says.Hannan says the key to flood protection along the Missouri
River is how it works for the local community.

Repairs to Missouri River levees damaged by 2019 flood nearly complete

An art exhibition at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art
captures the spirit of farming and hard work; an outgrowth of the Homestead
Act.

Albrecht-Kemper Executive Director Eric Fuson says the
exhibition entitled “Agrarian Spirit in the Homestead Era:&nbsp; Artwork from the Moseman Collection of
Agrarian Art,” is the first public display of the collection of Mark and Carol
Moseman of Nebraska. It will feature about 60 pieces of paintings, drawings,
and sculptures.

“It all is about kind of that beginning when the homesteaders
came out on the Great Plains, set up those farms, and then what that work
really meant to them,” Fuson tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Albrecht-Kemper Marketing Manager Jill Carlson says it
celebrates a time in America when individuals had little other than the work
they could produce with their own hands.

“A lot of people who are farmers these days, they know, they
know that perseverance and the resilience that it takes to work the land and to
depend on, you give to the land and the land gives back to you,” Carlson says.

The Moseman collection captures the era from the 1850s to the
1940s.

Carlson says the exhibition celebrates how communities came
together when nobody had much except for the ability to hard work to get a
piece of land to call their own.

“The farmers these days don’t do it alone,” Carlson says. “It’s
because of the community. It’s because every person has their shared role in
society and that’s how we can move forward together.”

Fuson says the exhibition is a real eye-opener.

“It’s a great reminder of thinking back of just how far we’ve
come and just how much hard work has come before us by our ancestors,”
according to Fuson.

The exhibition entitled “Agrarian Spirit in the Homestead Era”
is on display at the Albrecht-Kemper Art Museum through June 6th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619019977983.jpeg" alt="AKMA Agrarian Spirit in the Homestead Era - collectors Mark &amp; Carol Moseman with painting Fighting Blood by Frank Spradling./Photo courtesy of the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art" />
 <figcaption>AKMA Agrarian Spirit in the Homestead Era - collectors Mark &amp; Carol Moseman with painting Fighting Blood by Frank Spradling./Photo courtesy of the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn art exhibition at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art
captures the spirit of farming and hard work; an outgrowth of the Homestead
Act.Albrecht-Kemper Executive Director Eric Fuson says the
exhibition entitled “Agrarian Spirit in the Homestead Era:&nbsp; Artwork from the Moseman Collection of
Agrarian Art,” is the first public display of the collection of Mark and Carol
Moseman of Nebraska. It will feature about 60 pieces of paintings, drawings,
and sculptures.“It all is about kind of that beginning when the homesteaders
came out on the Great Plains, set up those farms, and then what that work
really meant to them,” Fuson tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Albrecht-Kemper Marketing Manager Jill Carlson says it
celebrates a time in America when individuals had little other than the work
they could produce with their own hands.“A lot of people who are farmers these days, they know, they
know that perseverance and the resilience that it takes to work the land and to
depend on, you give to the land and the land gives back to you,” Carlson says.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619020047019.jpeg" alt="AKMA Agrarian Spirit in the Homestead Era - Harvey Dunn - Sons of the Frontier - 1940/Photo courtesy of the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art" />
 <figcaption>AKMA Agrarian Spirit in the Homestead Era - Harvey Dunn - Sons of the Frontier - 1940/Photo courtesy of the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art</figcaption>
 </figure>The Moseman collection captures the era from the 1850s to the
1940s.Carlson says the exhibition celebrates how communities came
together when nobody had much except for the ability to hard work to get a
piece of land to call their own.“The farmers these days don’t do it alone,” Carlson says. “It’s
because of the community. It’s because every person has their shared role in
society and that’s how we can move forward together.”Fuson says the exhibition is a real eye-opener.“It’s a great reminder of thinking back of just how far we’ve
come and just how much hard work has come before us by our ancestors,”
according to Fuson.The exhibition entitled “Agrarian Spirit in the Homestead Era”
is on display at the Albrecht-Kemper Art Museum through June 6th.

Hard work in the Homestead Era on display at the Albrecht-Kemper

St. Joseph police
are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing person.

Police have
released an endangered missing person advisory for Cody Dustin Grace, described
as a white male, 140 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He has a possible
address of 208 South 22nd Street in St. Joseph.

If you know of the
whereabouts of Cody Grace, you are requested to call 816-271-4777 or contact St.
Joseph Police Detective R. Woodley at 816-271-4795.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619017166963.jpeg" alt="Cody Grace/Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Police Dept." />
 <figcaption>Cody Grace/Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Police Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph police
are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing person.Police have
released an endangered missing person advisory for Cody Dustin Grace, described
as a white male, 140 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He has a possible
address of 208 South 22nd Street in St. Joseph.If you know of the
whereabouts of Cody Grace, you are requested to call 816-271-4777 or contact St.
Joseph Police Detective R. Woodley at 816-271-4795.

St. Joseph police asks public to help locate missing person

This year is like no other when it comes to taxes.

The IRS has extended this year's tax deadlines to May 17th from its original deadline of April 15th.

 IRS spokesperson Michael Devine says filing season has been extended due to tax filers having complications getting the information they need to file their tax returns. 

"For most of the country, May 17th is the day that you would need to file your tax return and pay any taxes that you owe to avoid any penalties or interest. If you can't file by May 17th, you can request an extension to file until October 15th, but that's not an extension of time to pay," Devine tells St. Joseph Post. "Any taxes that you owe have to be paid by May 17th."

Devine says to make sure to file your tax return on time. 

"Some people who owe money in more taxes to the government, figure they don't have to file a tax return and that's the worst thing you can do," says Devine. "The failure to file by the May 17th deadline, the penalty for that is ten times larger than the failure to pay penalties."

Devine says filing season is running smoothly from his perspective. 

"We've received about 100 million returns," says Devine. "This is about where we were last year and last year was a bit of an unusual year too."

Devine says the filing season is running smoothly so far. 

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostThis year is like no other when it comes to taxes.The IRS has extended this year's tax deadlines to May 17th from its original deadline of April 15th. IRS spokesperson Michael Devine says filing season has been extended due to tax filers having complications getting the information they need to file their tax returns. "For most of the country, May 17th is the day that you would need to file your tax return and pay any taxes that you owe to avoid any penalties or interest. If you can't file by May 17th, you can request an extension to file until October 15th, but that's not an extension of time to pay," Devine tells St. Joseph Post. "Any taxes that you owe have to be paid by May 17th."Devine says to make sure to file your tax return on time. "Some people who owe money in more taxes to the government, figure they don't have to file a tax return and that's the worst thing you can do," says Devine. "The failure to file by the May 17th deadline, the penalty for that is ten times larger than the failure to pay penalties."Devine says filing season is running smoothly from his perspective. "We've received about 100 million returns," says Devine. "This is about where we were last year and last year was a bit of an unusual year too."Devine says the filing season is running smoothly so far.

Tax season is back again, though delayed again

NODAWAY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Tuesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Elizabeth A. Shelley, 37, Albany, was westbound on Route VV two and one half miles east of Arkoe.

The SUV traveled into the eastbound lanes and struck a 2006 Kia Rio driven by Derri L. Wandfluh, 63, St. Joseph, head-on.

Nodaway County EMS transported Shelley and Wandfluh to Mosaic in Maryvile.&nbsp; Shelley was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Tuesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Elizabeth A. Shelley, 37, Albany, was westbound on Route VV two and one half miles east of Arkoe.The SUV traveled into the eastbound lanes and struck a 2006 Kia Rio driven by Derri L. Wandfluh, 63, St. Joseph, head-on.Nodaway County EMS transported Shelley and Wandfluh to Mosaic in Maryvile.&nbsp; Shelley was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 women hospitalized after Nodaway Co. head-on crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Tuesday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Peterbilt semi driven by Dennis G. Dodd, 70, Belton, was southbound on Route T at County Road 110 seven miles north of Watson.

The vehicle's passenger side tires traveled off the west side of the road and the trailer overturned.

A private vehicle transported Dodd to Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Tuesday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Peterbilt semi driven by Dennis G. Dodd, 70, Belton, was southbound on Route T at County Road 110 seven miles north of Watson.The vehicle's passenger side tires traveled off the west side of the road and the trailer overturned.A private vehicle transported Dodd to Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns

Bryan Carter was named St. Joseph’s next city manager Tuesday after taking over the role on an interim basis in January.

Following a review of the top 17 finalists from a field of 50 applicants, the St. Joseph City Council discussed their pick for the position. The council's decision to hire Carter was unanimous.

"That means a great deal," Carter said of the council's vote. "I mean, it's quite humbling. I was shocked to be offered the position at this time, and to know there was unanimous support was significantly important to me."

Carter started working at city hall as assistant city attorney in 2011 before being named the city attorney in 2015.

Carter was tapped as interim city administrator on January 14 after Gary Edwards' resignation.

Mayor Bill McMurray says Carter's approach to the role of city administrator since mid-January was highly encouraging.

"Bryan willingly and energetically stepped into the interim role and has been impressive since the first day," McMurray remarked. "He's very familiar with the organization and all aspects of services we provide. He's responsive, detailed and possesses excellent communications skills."

When Carter was appointed as interim city manager, he initially didn't plan on applying for the full-time position. He didn't believe his legal background as a lawyer would translate well into becoming city manager.

As time went on, Carter found that the transition was a smooth one, and the work became enjoyable.

"Once I got into doing the job and saw the way in which the skills I developed as a lawyer translated into my work in the interim city manager role," Carter said, "I saw there was a great deal of translation. With that, I also enjoyed the work."

Carter pointed out the city's budget as the most immediate issue he's working with council on.

"We've kind of just come through budget preparation season," he said. "Now, we have to start working with the city council to go through the decision-making process and make sure that budget reflects their priorities."

Carter also mentioned a couple of other key projects that he looks to forward to working on more going forward.

"We've worked a great deal lately on the <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/9708dad5-3409-4876-920a-eb01706ff2e7">Krug Park Ampitheater project</a>," Carter said. "That's going to continue to be a focus. We're also working on redistricting as we prepare for the next city council election (in 2022)."

Carter's interim title is set to be officially removed at a city council meeting on May 3. His contract will be renewed annually, and his starting salary will be $169,000.

McMurray is thrilled that the council unanimously threw their support behind Carter, and he looks forward to working with him in his final year as mayor.

"I mean, a unanimous vote of the council is in and of itself something we don't see every single day," McMurray said. "I really have enjoyed working with Bryan. In my last run around the track here as mayor, I'm going to enjoy working with Bryan. I'm looking forward to it."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618960744011.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray (left) shakes hands with St. Joseph city manager Bryan Carter. Carter, who was appointed to the role on an interim basis, will permanently take over the job on May 3./ Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray (left) shakes hands with St. Joseph city manager Bryan Carter. Carter, who was appointed to the role on an interim basis, will permanently take over the job on May 3./ Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBryan Carter was named St. Joseph’s next city manager Tuesday after taking over the role on an interim basis in January.Following a review of the top 17 finalists from a field of 50 applicants, the St. Joseph City Council discussed their pick for the position. The council's decision to hire Carter was unanimous."That means a great deal," Carter said of the council's vote. "I mean, it's quite humbling. I was shocked to be offered the position at this time, and to know there was unanimous support was significantly important to me."Carter started working at city hall as assistant city attorney in 2011 before being named the city attorney in 2015.Carter was tapped as interim city administrator on January 14 after Gary Edwards' resignation.Mayor Bill McMurray says Carter's approach to the role of city administrator since mid-January was highly encouraging."Bryan willingly and energetically stepped into the interim role and has been impressive since the first day," McMurray remarked. "He's very familiar with the organization and all aspects of services we provide. He's responsive, detailed and possesses excellent communications skills."When Carter was appointed as interim city manager, he initially didn't plan on applying for the full-time position. He didn't believe his legal background as a lawyer would translate well into becoming city manager.As time went on, Carter found that the transition was a smooth one, and the work became enjoyable."Once I got into doing the job and saw the way in which the skills I developed as a lawyer translated into my work in the interim city manager role," Carter said, "I saw there was a great deal of translation. With that, I also enjoyed the work."Carter pointed out the city's budget as the most immediate issue he's working with council on."We've kind of just come through budget preparation season," he said. "Now, we have to start working with the city council to go through the decision-making process and make sure that budget reflects their priorities."Carter also mentioned a couple of other key projects that he looks to forward to working on more going forward."We've worked a great deal lately on the <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/9708dad5-3409-4876-920a-eb01706ff2e7">Krug Park Ampitheater project</a>," Carter said. "That's going to continue to be a focus. We're also working on redistricting as we prepare for the next city council election (in 2022)."Carter's interim title is set to be officially removed at a city council meeting on May 3. His contract will be renewed annually, and his starting salary will be $169,000.McMurray is thrilled that the council unanimously threw their support behind Carter, and he looks forward to working with him in his final year as mayor."I mean, a unanimous vote of the council is in and of itself something we don't see every single day," McMurray said. "I really have enjoyed working with Bryan. In my last run around the track here as mayor, I'm going to enjoy working with Bryan. I'm looking forward to it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618962327088.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph city manager Bryan Carter takes questions from the media at city hall Tuesday after being named the next, full-time St. Joseph city manager./ Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph city manager Bryan Carter takes questions from the media at city hall Tuesday after being named the next, full-time St. Joseph city manager./ Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Bryan Carter to become St. Joseph's city manager on a permanent basis

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported kidnapping and robbery and have made an arrest.

Just after 11:30p.m. April 17, police began an investigation after responding to a report of shots fired in the area of 4th and M Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The investigation led officers to an 18-year-old male victim who reported that he was approached by a suspect in the 700 block M Street, was forced by gunpoint to get into the suspect's vehicle and was driven several blocks to the area of 4th of M Street where he and the suspect got out of the vehicle. 

The suspect took cash from the teen victim and who was then struck in the head with a gun, according to Wilson.

 The suspect fired several rounds into a nearby grassy area as the victim was forced to lay in the street. The suspect then fled the area. The victim sustained a head injury but was not hospitalized. The victim’s vehicle was found by officers in the 700 block M Street and had been damaged by gunfire.

The investigation continued throughout Sunday and Monday . Just before 7p.m. Monday, police took 21-year-old Gary D. Brown into custody at his residence in Atchison.&nbsp;

Brown is being held on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, criminal discharge of a firearm and criminal damage to property.&nbsp;

Police also continue to search for a second person that was in the suspect’s vehicle, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618931024682.png" alt="Brown photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported kidnapping and robbery and have made an arrest.Just after 11:30p.m. April 17, police began an investigation after responding to a report of shots fired in the area of 4th and M Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The investigation led officers to an 18-year-old male victim who reported that he was approached by a suspect in the 700 block M Street, was forced by gunpoint to get into the suspect's vehicle and was driven several blocks to the area of 4th of M Street where he and the suspect got out of the vehicle. The suspect took cash from the teen victim and who was then struck in the head with a gun, according to Wilson. The suspect fired several rounds into a nearby grassy area as the victim was forced to lay in the street. The suspect then fled the area. The victim sustained a head injury but was not hospitalized. The victim’s vehicle was found by officers in the 700 block M Street and had been damaged by gunfire.The investigation continued throughout Sunday and Monday . Just before 7p.m. Monday, police took 21-year-old Gary D. Brown into custody at his residence in Atchison.&nbsp;Brown is being held on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, criminal discharge of a firearm and criminal damage to property.&nbsp;Police also continue to search for a second person that was in the suspect’s vehicle, according to Wilson.

Police: Atchison man jailed for alleged kidnapping, robbery

The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop H responded to a handful of slide-offs Tuesday morning as a late spring storm dropped a few inches of snow across northwest Missouri.

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/ba447dc1-6cb4-4106-b535-2809b748228e">A Stewartsville woman was injured</a> in a crash just east of St. Joseph on U.S. Highway 36 Tuesday morning, but Troop H Public Information Officer Jake Angle says the morning commute wasn't all too bad, since a lot of the snow didn't stick to the roadway.

"It did affect traffic a little bit," Angle said. "Not too bad. We had a few slide-offs and a couple traffic crashes. Nothing serious. All-in-all, it wasn't very late in the morning, and everything had melted off. It wasn't a major snow event by any stretch of the imagination."

Angle says 3-4 inches was the average snowfall total across Troop H. Kansas City International Airport officially recorded 3.5 inches.

While the snow threat was short-lived, troopers are keeping an eye out for impaired drivers as well.

Troop H conducted a Hazardous Moving Operation in Buchanan, DeKalb, Caldwell and Livingston counties Tuesday, but law enforcement statewide has been cracking down on drug-impaired drivers all this week, especially with Tuesday being '420' - a celebratory day for marijuana users across the country.

Cannabis is now legal for recreational use in many states and medicinal use in Missouri, but it's illegal in all states to drive under the influence of it.

"Part of our (hazardous moving) operation will include looking for impaired drivers under the influence of marijuana," Angle said. "Troopers will be extra vigilant for that, as well as enforcing all traffic laws, especially those violations that contribute to traffic crashes."

Preliminary 2021 data shows that 93 people were killed and 180 more were seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes that involved at least one drug-impaired driver.&nbsp;

Driver impairment could be a reason why deaths on Missouri roadways are once again on the rise. The State Highway Patrol report 233 deaths on Missouri roads so far this year - up nine percent from this time in 2020.

This includes a seven percent increase in deadly crashes across Troop H.

"What we're concerned about is getting those numbers to go the other way," said Angle. "Traffic safety, highway safety, that's our bread and butter. Just like last year, this year we're going to be conducting hazardous moving operations, click it or ticket operations and enforcing driving while impaired, as that's sometimes a key factor in those numbers."

The increase in deadly crashes continues a trend seen in 2020, where 989 lives were lost on Missouri roads - a 12 percent increase from the 881 traffic fatalities in 2019.

"With the increase last year, we don't want to see another increase this year," Angle said. "So, we're going to do everything we can to get those numbers going the other way. Sometimes, the X factor in that is getting the public's help. We need people to buckle up, and we need them to obey all traffic laws."

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop H responded to a handful of slide-offs Tuesday morning as a late spring storm dropped a few inches of snow across northwest Missouri.<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/ba447dc1-6cb4-4106-b535-2809b748228e">A Stewartsville woman was injured</a> in a crash just east of St. Joseph on U.S. Highway 36 Tuesday morning, but Troop H Public Information Officer Jake Angle says the morning commute wasn't all too bad, since a lot of the snow didn't stick to the roadway."It did affect traffic a little bit," Angle said. "Not too bad. We had a few slide-offs and a couple traffic crashes. Nothing serious. All-in-all, it wasn't very late in the morning, and everything had melted off. It wasn't a major snow event by any stretch of the imagination."Angle says 3-4 inches was the average snowfall total across Troop H. Kansas City International Airport officially recorded 3.5 inches.While the snow threat was short-lived, troopers are keeping an eye out for impaired drivers as well.Troop H conducted a Hazardous Moving Operation in Buchanan, DeKalb, Caldwell and Livingston counties Tuesday, but law enforcement statewide has been cracking down on drug-impaired drivers all this week, especially with Tuesday being '420' - a celebratory day for marijuana users across the country.Cannabis is now legal for recreational use in many states and medicinal use in Missouri, but it's illegal in all states to drive under the influence of it."Part of our (hazardous moving) operation will include looking for impaired drivers under the influence of marijuana," Angle said. "Troopers will be extra vigilant for that, as well as enforcing all traffic laws, especially those violations that contribute to traffic crashes."Preliminary 2021 data shows that 93 people were killed and 180 more were seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes that involved at least one drug-impaired driver.&nbsp;Driver impairment could be a reason why deaths on Missouri roadways are once again on the rise. The State Highway Patrol report 233 deaths on Missouri roads so far this year - up nine percent from this time in 2020.This includes a seven percent increase in deadly crashes across Troop H."What we're concerned about is getting those numbers to go the other way," said Angle. "Traffic safety, highway safety, that's our bread and butter. Just like last year, this year we're going to be conducting hazardous moving operations, click it or ticket operations and enforcing driving while impaired, as that's sometimes a key factor in those numbers."The increase in deadly crashes continues a trend seen in 2020, where 989 lives were lost on Missouri roads - a 12 percent increase from the 881 traffic fatalities in 2019."With the increase last year, we don't want to see another increase this year," Angle said. "So, we're going to do everything we can to get those numbers going the other way. Sometimes, the X factor in that is getting the public's help. We need people to buckle up, and we need them to obey all traffic laws."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Missouri has seen a 9% increase in fatalities.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/buckleup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#buckleup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/payattention?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#payattention</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/drivesober?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#drivesober</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/slowdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#slowdown</a> <a href="https://t.co/m3KPFeL98b">pic.twitter.com/m3KPFeL98b</a>&mdash; MSHP General HQ (@MSHPTrooperGHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperGHQ/status/1384182544770367493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Troop H responds to a few slide-offs Tuesday, eyeing the roads for impaired drivers

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford Taurus driven by Ashley M. Buzzard, 31, Stewartsville, was westbound on U.S. 36 at the Platte River Bridge two miles east of St. Joseph.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford Taurus driven by Ashley M. Buzzard, 31, Stewartsville, was westbound on U.S. 36 at the Platte River Bridge two miles east of St. Joseph.The car began to slide on the ice covered road and struck the guardrail.Buchanan County EMS transported Buzzard to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.