Jefferson City (AP) — Missouri will get $458 million to help victims of the opioid epidemic as part of a settlement with the three biggest U.S. drug distribution companies and the drugmaker Johnson &amp; Johnson, the state attorney general announced Friday.

Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt said it’s the biggest “victim-centric” settlement ever in Missouri.

“Today we have the opportunity to right some of the wrongs caused by the greed and deception of the opioid manufacturers and distributors,” Schmitt said at a press conference in St. Louis. “Today is about getting some sort of justice for the victims and their families and helping those who need it most.”

Schmitt said the money likely will be spent on more beds at in-patient addiction centers and emergency medicine used to counteract opioid overdoses, among other addiction resources.

Missouri reached a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-michael-brown-opioids-2b4fde985f2d24be7e47d1bda2c96446">tentative deal</a>&nbsp;with Johnson &amp; Johnson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson in July 2021. Schmitt's office has been working since then to get counties to sign on to the agreement so the state could get it's full share of the deal.

Attorney General's Office spokesman Chris Nuelle said $458 million is the maximum amount Missouri could have received under the deal.

The state of Missouri will get 60% of the settlement money and dole it out in grants to addiction treatment and prevention programs throughout the state, Schmitt said. The other 40% will go directly to cities and other municipalities.

The money represents Missouri’s share of a broader $26 billion deal between opioid makers and distributers and other state and local governments across the U.S. Lawyers for state and local governments reached the settlement after suing to force the pharmaceutical industry to help pay to fix a nationwide opioid addiction and overdose crisis.

Jefferson City (AP) — Missouri will get $458 million to help victims of the opioid epidemic as part of a settlement with the three biggest U.S. drug distribution companies and the drugmaker Johnson &amp; Johnson, the state attorney general announced Friday.Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt said it’s the biggest “victim-centric” settlement ever in Missouri.“Today we have the opportunity to right some of the wrongs caused by the greed and deception of the opioid manufacturers and distributors,” Schmitt said at a press conference in St. Louis. “Today is about getting some sort of justice for the victims and their families and helping those who need it most.”Schmitt said the money likely will be spent on more beds at in-patient addiction centers and emergency medicine used to counteract opioid overdoses, among other addiction resources.Missouri reached a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-michael-brown-opioids-2b4fde985f2d24be7e47d1bda2c96446">tentative deal</a>&nbsp;with Johnson &amp; Johnson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson in July 2021. Schmitt's office has been working since then to get counties to sign on to the agreement so the state could get it's full share of the deal.Attorney General's Office spokesman Chris Nuelle said $458 million is the maximum amount Missouri could have received under the deal.The state of Missouri will get 60% of the settlement money and dole it out in grants to addiction treatment and prevention programs throughout the state, Schmitt said. The other 40% will go directly to cities and other municipalities.The money represents Missouri’s share of a broader $26 billion deal between opioid makers and distributers and other state and local governments across the U.S. Lawyers for state and local governments reached the settlement after suing to force the pharmaceutical industry to help pay to fix a nationwide opioid addiction and overdose crisis.

Missouri finalizes $458M deal in opioid epidemic lawsuit

Inflation threatens to take a bite out of the Buchanan County
budget.

Presiding County Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the county
likely will see it hit the budget the hardest as gas prices rise. Sawyer points
out between patrols by the sheriff’s department and the road department, the
county uses a lot of fuel.

“Although we budgeted for increases in some of those areas, it’s
hard to predict and hard to know how much,” Sawyer says during his appearance
on the KFEQ Hotline. “So, you hate to see those inflationary costs affect your
situation, but it’s happening.”

Sawyer says as crude oil prices head toward $100 a barrel, the
cost of fuel takes a bigger bite out of the county budget. Sawyer adds it’s no
different than what consumers are facing when they go to the gas station.

“There’s a lot of people going and filling up their truck for
work that’s now $60 or $70 to fill up when it was $30 or $35 fill up a year,
year-and-a-half ago,” Sawyer says. “That makes a significant difference and that’s
just a real impact.”

He says the county did catch a break in health care costs with
health insurance premiums for county employees holding steady even with the
increased costs of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645206040279.jpeg" alt="Buchanan County Courthouse/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Buchanan County Courthouse/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostInflation threatens to take a bite out of the Buchanan County
budget.Presiding County Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the county
likely will see it hit the budget the hardest as gas prices rise. Sawyer points
out between patrols by the sheriff’s department and the road department, the
county uses a lot of fuel.“Although we budgeted for increases in some of those areas, it’s
hard to predict and hard to know how much,” Sawyer says during his appearance
on the KFEQ Hotline. “So, you hate to see those inflationary costs affect your
situation, but it’s happening.”Sawyer says as crude oil prices head toward $100 a barrel, the
cost of fuel takes a bigger bite out of the county budget. Sawyer adds it’s no
different than what consumers are facing when they go to the gas station.“There’s a lot of people going and filling up their truck for
work that’s now $60 or $70 to fill up when it was $30 or $35 fill up a year,
year-and-a-half ago,” Sawyer says. “That makes a significant difference and that’s
just a real impact.”He says the county did catch a break in health care costs with
health insurance premiums for county employees holding steady even with the
increased costs of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inflation concerns rising with prices for Buchanan County

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo.—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Friday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Kaitlyn G. Hall, 18, Westboro, was southbound on Route M six and one half miles east of Tarkio.

The passenger side tires traveled off the road. The car returned to the road, began to skid, traveled off the road, struck a ditch and overturned.

A private vehicle transported Hall to Fairfax Community Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo.—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Friday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Kaitlyn G. Hall, 18, Westboro, was southbound on Route M six and one half miles east of Tarkio.The passenger side tires traveled off the road. The car returned to the road, began to skid, traveled off the road, struck a ditch and overturned.A private vehicle transported Hall to Fairfax Community Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen injured after car skids, overturns

Masks will no longer be required indoors on the campus of Missouri Western State University, effective immediately.

“This University masking policy change reflects several indicators reviewed by the COVID-19 Response Team every week,” Missouri Western president Elizabeth Kennedy says in an email sent to faculty, staff, and students.

 “We’ve seen both the positivity rates and the number of positive cases decline on campus and for Buchanan County," Kennedy says in the email. "Additionally, we’ve seen the same decreasing trend in the local hospitalization rates.”

Missouri Western continues to recommend masks for those who are unvaccinated or have underlying health concerns.

Missouri Western will also host another COVID-19 vaccination clinic on campus, with Heart to Heart international, on Thursday.

Missouri Western's COVID-19 Response Team will continue to meet weekly to review data and adjust mitigation strategies, including the campus face covering policy, as warranted.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMasks will no longer be required indoors on the campus of Missouri Western State University, effective immediately.“This University masking policy change reflects several indicators reviewed by the COVID-19 Response Team every week,” Missouri Western president Elizabeth Kennedy says in an email sent to faculty, staff, and students. “We’ve seen both the positivity rates and the number of positive cases decline on campus and for Buchanan County," Kennedy says in the email. "Additionally, we’ve seen the same decreasing trend in the local hospitalization rates.”Missouri Western continues to recommend masks for those who are unvaccinated or have underlying health concerns.Missouri Western will also host another COVID-19 vaccination clinic on campus, with Heart to Heart international, on Thursday.Missouri Western's COVID-19 Response Team will continue to meet weekly to review data and adjust mitigation strategies, including the campus face covering policy, as warranted.&nbsp;

Missouri Western says masks 'encouraged', but no longer required

A judge
has denied the request of a St. Joseph at-large city council candidate to throw
out certain ballots cast in the municipal primary election, which could lead to
a recount that could certify him as winning the seat outright.

Kenton
Randolph fell just short of the total needed to win the seat and had challenged
the results, arguing that ballots cast February 8th that had no at-large
candidate selected be tossed, which could provide him the margin needed to win
the seat outright.

Buchanan
County Circuit Judge Kate Schaefer turned down his request.

Randolph came in second in the city primary election,
receiving 3,924 votes out of 7,863 votes cast, just short of the votes needed to win a seat outright. Randy Schultz won an at-large seat
outright by receiving 4,054 votes, a majority of the votes cast.

Randolph will be on the ballot
along with Marty Novak, Jeff Schomburg, Brenda Blessing, Kenneth Reeder, and
Kent “Spanky” O’Dell for three at-large seats to be decided in the April 5th
city General Election.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA judge
has denied the request of a St. Joseph at-large city council candidate to throw
out certain ballots cast in the municipal primary election, which could lead to
a recount that could certify him as winning the seat outright.Kenton
Randolph fell just short of the total needed to win the seat and had challenged
the results, arguing that ballots cast February 8th that had no at-large
candidate selected be tossed, which could provide him the margin needed to win
the seat outright.Seven
voters cast blank ballots.Buchanan
County Circuit Judge Kate Schaefer turned down his request.Randolph came in second in the city primary election,
receiving 3,924 votes out of 7,863 votes cast, just short of the votes needed to win a seat outright. Randy Schultz won an at-large seat
outright by receiving 4,054 votes, a majority of the votes cast.Randolph will be on the ballot
along with Marty Novak, Jeff Schomburg, Brenda Blessing, Kenneth Reeder, and
Kent “Spanky” O’Dell for three at-large seats to be decided in the April 5th
city General Election.

St. Joseph council candidate loses bid to force primary recount

New
COVID-19 cases continue to decline locally, with the St. Joseph Health
Department reporting only 115 new cases since last issuing a report on Monday.

St.
Joseph health officials report 27 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, 52 on
Wednesday, and 36 on Thursday.

That
is in stark contrast to the cases reported at the end of last month when St.
Joseph health officials reported a total of 729 new cases with daily numbers well
above 200 and some even close to 300.

Mosaic Life Care continues to report a drop in COVID hospitalizations. Mosaic reports it is treating 30 COVID-19 patients system-wide; 29 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

This article has been updated with the latest numbers.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNew
COVID-19 cases continue to decline locally, with the St. Joseph Health
Department reporting only 115 new cases since last issuing a report on Monday.St.
Joseph health officials report 27 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, 52 on
Wednesday, and 36 on Thursday.That
is in stark contrast to the cases reported at the end of last month when St.
Joseph health officials reported a total of 729 new cases with daily numbers well
above 200 and some even close to 300.Mosaic Life Care continues to report a drop in COVID hospitalizations. Mosaic reports it is treating 30 COVID-19 patients system-wide; 29 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.This article has been updated with the latest numbers.

COVID-19 cases continue to drop in Buchanan County

With tax season in full swing, the Missouri Western Accounting Club is offering free tax prep for people in low-income households. &nbsp;

Assistant Professor of Accounting Curtis Atchley says part of the Missouri Western Accounting Club mission is to serve the community.&nbsp;

Atchley says this program that is being put on by the students, is part of an IRS program.&nbsp;

"And it's for lower income housing households," Atchley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, it's students, it's the entire community, and as long as you qualify, you're more than welcome to come up to Missouri Western."&nbsp;

Atchley says this is a great way for accounting students to learn more, and serve the community.&nbsp;

"This is a nice way of providing for those that really can't afford to do their own taxes," Atchley says. "A way to not only get them filed, but a way to actually get them electronically processed as well."&nbsp;

The program will run the next three Saturdays, beginning tomorrow (Sat.), in Popplewell Hall Room 307. The program will run from 10 am to 3pm.&nbsp;

But what qualifies someone for help through this program?&nbsp;

"Your household income, for all means of income, has to be less than $60,000," Atchley explains. "You must live and work in the state of Missouri, we're not able to cross from Kansas to Missouri and vice-versa."&nbsp;

The Missouri Western Accounting Club was founded last fall.&nbsp;

Atchley says accounting students will work through an IRS program to help those in low-income households file their taxes. &nbsp;

Atchley says the program is a great opportunity for accounting students to put the skills they've learned to the test. &nbsp;

"If they're going to provide community service, what a benefit to do it in a type of community service that's going to be related to their profession," Atchley says. "So, I thought this was just a great opportunity for these students to practically benefit the community on what they're going to school for, which is to be accountants."&nbsp;

Atchley says for now it will only be the next three Saturdays that people can come to Missouri Western for assistance, but they will reevaluate to see if more days can added.&nbsp;

Atchley reminds everyone who qualifies and wants to come out that Missouri Western does currently have a mask mandate in place.&nbsp; Masks will also be provided. &nbsp;

More information can be found <a href="https://files.ctctusercontent.com/81da173b701/f37b6380-8c23-493d-a0a4-1862c05e9aa6.pdf?rdr=true">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;With tax season in full swing, the Missouri Western Accounting Club is offering free tax prep for people in low-income households. &nbsp;Assistant Professor of Accounting Curtis Atchley says part of the Missouri Western Accounting Club mission is to serve the community.&nbsp;Atchley says this program that is being put on by the students, is part of an IRS program.&nbsp;"And it's for lower income housing households," Atchley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, it's students, it's the entire community, and as long as you qualify, you're more than welcome to come up to Missouri Western."&nbsp;Atchley says this is a great way for accounting students to learn more, and serve the community.&nbsp;"This is a nice way of providing for those that really can't afford to do their own taxes," Atchley says. "A way to not only get them filed, but a way to actually get them electronically processed as well."&nbsp;The program will run the next three Saturdays, beginning tomorrow (Sat.), in Popplewell Hall Room 307. The program will run from 10 am to 3pm.&nbsp;But what qualifies someone for help through this program?&nbsp;"Your household income, for all means of income, has to be less than $60,000," Atchley explains. "You must live and work in the state of Missouri, we're not able to cross from Kansas to Missouri and vice-versa."&nbsp;The Missouri Western Accounting Club was founded last fall.&nbsp;Atchley says accounting students will work through an IRS program to help those in low-income households file their taxes. &nbsp;Atchley says the program is a great opportunity for accounting students to put the skills they've learned to the test. &nbsp;"If they're going to provide community service, what a benefit to do it in a type of community service that's going to be related to their profession," Atchley says. "So, I thought this was just a great opportunity for these students to practically benefit the community on what they're going to school for, which is to be accountants."&nbsp;Atchley says for now it will only be the next three Saturdays that people can come to Missouri Western for assistance, but they will reevaluate to see if more days can added.&nbsp;Atchley reminds everyone who qualifies and wants to come out that Missouri Western does currently have a mask mandate in place.&nbsp; Masks will also be provided. &nbsp;More information can be found <a href="https://files.ctctusercontent.com/81da173b701/f37b6380-8c23-493d-a0a4-1862c05e9aa6.pdf?rdr=true">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

Missouri Western Accounting Club ready to help with your taxes

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home-invasion burglary and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a burglary in progress at a residence in the 1000 block North 10th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

A 59 year old resident was inside the home at the time of the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers arrived and located a suspect identified as 25-year-old Jarvis Grace leaving the residence. 

After a brief struggle he was taken into custody. An investigation determined that the suspect was acquainted with the resident and had previously been banned from the property, according to Wilson.

 The suspect had forced entry into the residence through a door and was attempting to steal a television when officers arrived and took him into custody. The homeowner was not injured.

Grace is being held on requested charges of aggravated burglary, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, and interference with law enforcement, according to Wilson.

On Feb. 7, police arrested Grace for alleged criminal damage to property and in December of 2020 he was jailed on requested charges of domestic battery, according to online jail records. He had a previous burglary arrest in 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645114740493.png" alt="Grace-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Grace-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home-invasion burglary and have a suspect in custody.Just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a burglary in progress at a residence in the 1000 block North 10th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.A 59 year old resident was inside the home at the time of the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers arrived and located a suspect identified as 25-year-old Jarvis Grace leaving the residence. After a brief struggle he was taken into custody. An investigation determined that the suspect was acquainted with the resident and had previously been banned from the property, according to Wilson. The suspect had forced entry into the residence through a door and was attempting to steal a television when officers arrived and took him into custody. The homeowner was not injured.Grace is being held on requested charges of aggravated burglary, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, and interference with law enforcement, according to Wilson.On Feb. 7, police arrested Grace for alleged criminal damage to property and in December of 2020 he was jailed on requested charges of domestic battery, according to online jail records. He had a previous burglary arrest in 2018.

Police arrest Kansas man for home-invasion burglary

Triumph Foods has promoted Chief Operations Officer Matt
England to President and Chief Executive Officer.

“It is an honor to be named
president and CEO for Triumph Foods,” England said in a written statement
released by the company. “This is an exciting time for the company. We are
making strides as a local employer that provides meaningful contributions to
the community and where all of our team members can have excellent careers.
Together, we’re moving forward to write Triumph’s next great chapter.”

Former CEO Mark Campbell will
become the Executive Vice President, Business Development, at Triumph.

“Under Mark’s service,
Triumph has grown to become a leader in our industry,” England said in a
written statement. “Today, we’re in a position of strength as we feed the world
and continue to expand a leading St. Joseph-based company.”

England is a veteran with
Triumph, first coming to the company in 2006 as Director of Strategic Planning.
He served as Chief Integrated Business Strategy Officer before being promoted
to COO. England, a graduate of the University of Nebraska, began his career as
an accountant for a regional firm based in Kansas City.

Triumph has also named Josh
Kleinlein as Chief Financial Officer. Kleinlein began working at Triumph in
2016 as Vice President of Finance and Accounting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645120427233.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTriumph Foods has promoted Chief Operations Officer Matt
England to President and Chief Executive Officer.“It is an honor to be named
president and CEO for Triumph Foods,” England said in a written statement
released by the company. “This is an exciting time for the company. We are
making strides as a local employer that provides meaningful contributions to
the community and where all of our team members can have excellent careers.
Together, we’re moving forward to write Triumph’s next great chapter.”Former CEO Mark Campbell will
become the Executive Vice President, Business Development, at Triumph.“Under Mark’s service,
Triumph has grown to become a leader in our industry,” England said in a
written statement. “Today, we’re in a position of strength as we feed the world
and continue to expand a leading St. Joseph-based company.”England is a veteran with
Triumph, first coming to the company in 2006 as Director of Strategic Planning.
He served as Chief Integrated Business Strategy Officer before being promoted
to COO. England, a graduate of the University of Nebraska, began his career as
an accountant for a regional firm based in Kansas City.Triumph has also named Josh
Kleinlein as Chief Financial Officer. Kleinlein began working at Triumph in
2016 as Vice President of Finance and Accounting.

England named new CEO of Triumph Foods

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a 32-year-old St. Joseph man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole for his role in a $4 million drug-trafficking ring.

 Prosecutors said Christopher Dean Parton, known as “Big Baby," was sentenced Wednesday. He pleaded guilty in April to two conspiracy charges and one gun charge.

 Prosecutors allege the entire conspiracy distributed more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine in northwest Missouri over three years. Parton regularly got 1 to 2 kilograms of meth in Kansas City and took it to St. Joseph. He also admitted he traded at least 50 guns he received through his drug trafficking. Parton is the first of 25 defendants sentenced in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593565283737.jpeg" alt="Christopher Dean Parton/Buchanan County photo" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Dean Parton/Buchanan County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a 32-year-old St. Joseph man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole for his role in a $4 million drug-trafficking ring. Prosecutors said Christopher Dean Parton, known as “Big Baby," was sentenced Wednesday. He pleaded guilty in April to two conspiracy charges and one gun charge. Prosecutors allege the entire conspiracy distributed more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine in northwest Missouri over three years. Parton regularly got 1 to 2 kilograms of meth in Kansas City and took it to St. Joseph. He also admitted he traded at least 50 guns he received through his drug trafficking. Parton is the first of 25 defendants sentenced in the case.

'Big Baby' sent to prison for $4M drug ring in St. Joseph area

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says he’s very
worried about the crisis building as Russia carries out military exercises
along the border of Ukraine.

Graves, a Republican, sees vulnerability in the United States’
foreign policy.

“And I fault President Biden. This is where I get political,
because I think he has handled this thing extraordinarily wrong,” Graves says
in an interview with KFEQ. “And he walked away from our allies in Afghanistan,
left hundreds of Americans behind in that disastrous pullout.”

That, according to Graves, is why Russia is flexing its
muscles on Ukraine and China is flexing its muscles on Taiwan.

“It’s because they see weakness right now in the United States
and that’s what the president is projecting and you can’t put out these
deadlines or draw lines in the sand and then let our opposition cross them.”

Graves says Russia wants Ukraine for its natural resources and
says President Biden must display strength to avert war.

Graves charges Biden has displayed weakness, which Graves
claims is similar to how President Obama handled Russia’s takeover of Crimea.
Graves adds Biden has tipped his hand too much. 

“That’s one of the criticisms I have with the administration,
too, is you don’t telegraph your playbook. You don’t tell them what you’re
going to do or how you’re going to do it and what conditions that you’re going
to do this or that under to your enemies or to your opposition,” Graves says. “I
wouldn’t necessarily call Russia an enemy, but they’re definitely our opposition,
our opponents, in this process and you don’t telegraph that.”

Not all conflicts among countries are on the battlefield anymore.

Graves expects a propaganda war or, rather, sees a
continuation of the propaganda war already underway, spread using the most
sophisticated methods available through social media. Graves worries that U.S.
residents have become too gullible to false information spread through social
media by the country’s enemies.

“A lot of this stuff that’s put up on social media is just
garbage information,” according to Graves. “It’s designed to steer people in
certain directions and create distrust and create divisions and get the country
all worked up and we walk right into it.”

Graves says all sides are too willing to believe anything put
out on social media.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645043905029.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says he’s very
worried about the crisis building as Russia carries out military exercises
along the border of Ukraine.Graves, a Republican, sees vulnerability in the United States’
foreign policy.“And I fault President Biden. This is where I get political,
because I think he has handled this thing extraordinarily wrong,” Graves says
in an interview with KFEQ. “And he walked away from our allies in Afghanistan,
left hundreds of Americans behind in that disastrous pullout.”That, according to Graves, is why Russia is flexing its
muscles on Ukraine and China is flexing its muscles on Taiwan.“It’s because they see weakness right now in the United States
and that’s what the president is projecting and you can’t put out these
deadlines or draw lines in the sand and then let our opposition cross them.”Graves says Russia wants Ukraine for its natural resources and
says President Biden must display strength to avert war.Graves charges Biden has displayed weakness, which Graves
claims is similar to how President Obama handled Russia’s takeover of Crimea.
Graves adds Biden has tipped his hand too much. “That’s one of the criticisms I have with the administration,
too, is you don’t telegraph your playbook. You don’t tell them what you’re
going to do or how you’re going to do it and what conditions that you’re going
to do this or that under to your enemies or to your opposition,” Graves says. “I
wouldn’t necessarily call Russia an enemy, but they’re definitely our opposition,
our opponents, in this process and you don’t telegraph that.”Not all conflicts among countries are on the battlefield anymore.Graves expects a propaganda war or, rather, sees a
continuation of the propaganda war already underway, spread using the most
sophisticated methods available through social media. Graves worries that U.S.
residents have become too gullible to false information spread through social
media by the country’s enemies.“A lot of this stuff that’s put up on social media is just
garbage information,” according to Graves. “It’s designed to steer people in
certain directions and create distrust and create divisions and get the country
all worked up and we walk right into it.”Graves says all sides are too willing to believe anything put
out on social media.

Graves says US needs to project strength to keep Russia from invading Ukraine

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Dodge Ram driven by Clayton S. Redmond, 25, St. Joseph, was westbound on Southeast Bush Road in St. Joseph.

The pickup traveled off the road onto a private drive, through a yard and over a dirt pile. Buchanan County EMS transported Redmond to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Dodge Ram driven by Clayton S. Redmond, 25, St. Joseph, was westbound on Southeast Bush Road in St. Joseph.The pickup traveled off the road onto a private drive, through a yard and over a dirt pile. Buchanan County EMS transported Redmond to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph man injured after pickup crash into a private yard

KANSAS CITY – A St. Joseph, Missouri man was sentenced in federal court Wednesday for his role in a $4 million drug-trafficking conspiracy that distributed more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine over three years, according to the United State's Attorney.

Christapher Dean Parton, also known as “Big Baby,” 32, was sentenced by United States District Judge Greg Kays to 15 years in federal prison without parole.

On April 16, 2021, Parton pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2017, to July 21, 2020, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

For approximately a year and a half, Parton was regularly provided one to two kilograms of methamphetamine each week by a drug trafficking organization based in Kansas City, Missouri. Parton, who transported the methamphetamine from Kansas City to the St. Joseph area for distribution, was found by the court to be involved in approximately 91 kilograms of methamphetamine. Additionally, Parton admitted he traded at least 50 guns, that he received through his drug distribution activities, for methamphetamine.

The entire drug trafficking organization received more than $4 million in exchange for the unlawful distribution of more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, based on an average street price of $8,000 per kilogram of methamphetamine.

Parton is among 25 defendants charged in this case, and the first defendant to be sentenced.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bruce Rhoades and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the FBI, and the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595352228910.jpeg" alt="Parton photo Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption>Parton photo Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A St. Joseph, Missouri man was sentenced in federal court Wednesday for his role in a $4 million drug-trafficking conspiracy that distributed more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine over three years, according to the United State's Attorney.Christapher Dean Parton, also known as “Big Baby,” 32, was sentenced by United States District Judge Greg Kays to 15 years in federal prison without parole.On April 16, 2021, Parton pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2017, to July 21, 2020, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.For approximately a year and a half, Parton was regularly provided one to two kilograms of methamphetamine each week by a drug trafficking organization based in Kansas City, Missouri. Parton, who transported the methamphetamine from Kansas City to the St. Joseph area for distribution, was found by the court to be involved in approximately 91 kilograms of methamphetamine. Additionally, Parton admitted he traded at least 50 guns, that he received through his drug distribution activities, for methamphetamine.The entire drug trafficking organization received more than $4 million in exchange for the unlawful distribution of more than 520 kilograms of methamphetamine, based on an average street price of $8,000 per kilogram of methamphetamine.Parton is among 25 defendants charged in this case, and the first defendant to be sentenced.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bruce Rhoades and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the FBI, and the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

St. Joseph man sentenced for role in $4 million meth conspiracy

Temperatures are expected to drop overnight into Thursday, bringing more snow and ice to the roads. 

MODOT Traffic Operations Engineer Adam Wood says despite the warmer weather we've been seeing these past couple weeks, MODOTs message to drivers during winter weather remains the same.

"Of course this is probably, you're right we've had nicer weather, but this is probably the third or fourth storm we've had this year, so overall winter weather is nothing new this year," Wood tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So the messages we always send are to give our drivers extra care, keep your distance from them, don't get out if you don't have to."

The weather service expects rain at first. It could turn to freezing rain, then snow; as much as three inches.

As temperatures drop overnight and snow is expected, snowplow crews will be back on the roads for the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Wood says the department is still seeing a shortage of snowplow drivers.

"We're using all resources we have right now, but we have 1,600 snowplows available and 2,800 workers to fill those plows, but you have to remember we've got to fill those trucks days and nights," Wood says. "So when you do the math we're a few 100 people short of filling all those trucks."

Wood says its a high turnover rate for snowplow drivers, so most of the departments drivers are in their first year plowing snow. 

"We give them the appropriate training and prepare them as much as we can, but this is still new territory to them," Wood says. "So, it's always going to be a little bit of a hurdle when you've got a high rate of turnover and you're constantly using newer employees to remove snow."

Wood says snowplow crews will begin work monitoring the road and weather conditions at 7pm tonight. Fresh crews will be deployed at 7am tomorrow.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostTemperatures are expected to drop overnight into Thursday, bringing more snow and ice to the roads. MODOT Traffic Operations Engineer Adam Wood says despite the warmer weather we've been seeing these past couple weeks, MODOTs message to drivers during winter weather remains the same."Of course this is probably, you're right we've had nicer weather, but this is probably the third or fourth storm we've had this year, so overall winter weather is nothing new this year," Wood tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So the messages we always send are to give our drivers extra care, keep your distance from them, don't get out if you don't have to."The weather service expects rain at first. It could turn to freezing rain, then snow; as much as three inches.As temperatures drop overnight and snow is expected, snowplow crews will be back on the roads for the Missouri Department of Transportation.Wood says the department is still seeing a shortage of snowplow drivers."We're using all resources we have right now, but we have 1,600 snowplows available and 2,800 workers to fill those plows, but you have to remember we've got to fill those trucks days and nights," Wood says. "So when you do the math we're a few 100 people short of filling all those trucks."Wood says its a high turnover rate for snowplow drivers, so most of the departments drivers are in their first year plowing snow. "We give them the appropriate training and prepare them as much as we can, but this is still new territory to them," Wood says. "So, it's always going to be a little bit of a hurdle when you've got a high rate of turnover and you're constantly using newer employees to remove snow."Wood says snowplow crews will begin work monitoring the road and weather conditions at 7pm tonight. Fresh crews will be deployed at 7am tomorrow.

MODOT preparing for another round of winter storms

We may have reached our high temperature for today.

The National Weather Service expects temperatures to drop
drastically tonight as a winter storm moves into the listening area. The
weather service expects rain at first. It could turn to freezing rain, then
snow; as much as three inches.

St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally says no matter what
falls, drivers need to plan ahead and be careful.

“The thing I’m always more concern with is ice,” Connally says.
“I haven’t seen anything about an ice warning, yet, so I’m glad of that. But,
just really have to be careful when it comes to that; really be careful driving.”

Patchy, blowing snow is expected to continue into tomorrow and
Friday.

Connally warns drivers not to place too much faith in that
four-wheel-drive vehicle.

“A lot of cars are all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive and I
know they accelerate a whole lot better in the snow in general, especially if
they have good tires,” Connally says. “But they still don’t stop that well on
the ice.”

The NWS expects temperatures to warm up Friday afternoon with
patching, blowing snow still expected. Saturday is expected to be sunny and 45.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWe may have reached our high temperature for today.The National Weather Service expects temperatures to drop
drastically tonight as a winter storm moves into the listening area. The
weather service expects rain at first. It could turn to freezing rain, then
snow; as much as three inches.St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally says no matter what
falls, drivers need to plan ahead and be careful.“The thing I’m always more concern with is ice,” Connally says.
“I haven’t seen anything about an ice warning, yet, so I’m glad of that. But,
just really have to be careful when it comes to that; really be careful driving.”Patchy, blowing snow is expected to continue into tomorrow and
Friday.Connally warns drivers not to place too much faith in that
four-wheel-drive vehicle.“A lot of cars are all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive and I
know they accelerate a whole lot better in the snow in general, especially if
they have good tires,” Connally says. “But they still don’t stop that well on
the ice.”The NWS expects temperatures to warm up Friday afternoon with
patching, blowing snow still expected. Saturday is expected to be sunny and 45.

Winter returns; up to three inches of snow expected

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is looking ahead to 2022 after battling through challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic the last two years. 

United Way President Kylee Strough says volunteers and partner agencies of the United Way faced challenges, such as not being able to meet with people face-to-face to raise money, and even having to shut down certain programs. 

But, Strough says despite all those challenges that the agency faced, there was one big lesson that was learned.

"All those things showed that we were able to adapt, and heaven forbid I use that overused word pivot, but pivot to still meet the need," Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "But we knew that while we were meeting the need, it could have been done better if we weren't in the midst of a pandemic." 

Strough says there were some other silver linings for the United Way as well, such as learning how to do things more efficiently.

Strough says the biggest success is that it was able to survive.

"We're all still standing, so that is the success story," Strough says. "You know, we're all still here, we're all still delivering, but it's been really trying over time." 

Strough says as a leader she had to learn how to not only balance the needs of those they serve others, while also protecting her employees and staff, while still trying to meet those needs.

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is focusing on its goals for 2022 as it works through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic that have plagued it for the last two years. 

Strough says one big focus this year for the agency is working to help everyone get involved, even those in the community outside of the United Way. 

"They might not be social workers, they might not be mental health clinicians, they might not be childcare providers, but people in our community care about one another, they want to do good, and they want to help, " Strough says. "How can we create avenues for them to be engaged in making our community better, because we all live here, let's make it the very best it can be." 

Strough says one other thing that is coming in 2022 for the United Way is a brand-new website to make it easier for people to learn about them and get engaged with them.

United way of Greater St. Joseph held its annual report meeting last week, you can see the 2021 annual report <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/sites/stjosephunitedway.org/files/UW%20Annual%20Report%202021.pdf">HERE</a>.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe United Way of Greater St. Joseph is looking ahead to 2022 after battling through challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic the last two years. United Way President Kylee Strough says volunteers and partner agencies of the United Way faced challenges, such as not being able to meet with people face-to-face to raise money, and even having to shut down certain programs. But, Strough says despite all those challenges that the agency faced, there was one big lesson that was learned."All those things showed that we were able to adapt, and heaven forbid I use that overused word pivot, but pivot to still meet the need," Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "But we knew that while we were meeting the need, it could have been done better if we weren't in the midst of a pandemic." Strough says there were some other silver linings for the United Way as well, such as learning how to do things more efficiently.Strough says the biggest success is that it was able to survive."We're all still standing, so that is the success story," Strough says. "You know, we're all still here, we're all still delivering, but it's been really trying over time." Strough says as a leader she had to learn how to not only balance the needs of those they serve others, while also protecting her employees and staff, while still trying to meet those needs.The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is focusing on its goals for 2022 as it works through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic that have plagued it for the last two years. Strough says one big focus this year for the agency is working to help everyone get involved, even those in the community outside of the United Way. "They might not be social workers, they might not be mental health clinicians, they might not be childcare providers, but people in our community care about one another, they want to do good, and they want to help, " Strough says. "How can we create avenues for them to be engaged in making our community better, because we all live here, let's make it the very best it can be." Strough says one other thing that is coming in 2022 for the United Way is a brand-new website to make it easier for people to learn about them and get engaged with them.United way of Greater St. Joseph held its annual report meeting last week, you can see the 2021 annual report <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/sites/stjosephunitedway.org/files/UW%20Annual%20Report%202021.pdf">HERE</a>.

United Way of Greater St Joseph is ready for 2022

An Iowa woman was seriously injured in an accident Tuesday evening on Interstate 29.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Sara F. Skalberg, 24, Shenandoah, Iowa, was southbound on I-29 13 miles south of Mound City when she attempted to change lanes and struck the back of a semi.

Skalberg was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment of reported serious injured, the patrol said. The driver of the semi was not injured.

An Iowa woman was seriously injured in an accident Tuesday evening on Interstate 29.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Sara F. Skalberg, 24, Shenandoah, Iowa, was southbound on I-29 13 miles south of Mound City when she attempted to change lanes and struck the back of a semi.Skalberg was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment of reported serious injured, the patrol said. The driver of the semi was not injured.

Iowa woman seriously injured in Tuesday accident on I-29

Second Harvests volunteer week is helping give volunteers more opportunities to help out those who are food insecure. &nbsp;

Second Harvest Volunteer Coordinator Andrew Foster says Second Harvest serves 19 counties, with 15 in Missouri and 4 in Kansas, serving 30,000 pounds of food a day. &nbsp;

Foster says Second Harvest provides many different nonperishable food items, but it also serves some fresh produce. &nbsp;

"We understand as families are struggling financially, if they are living on a fixed income and they are at the grocery store right now as food prices and costs have increased so dramatically," Foster tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "If they're living on that tight income, most often they're skipping fresh fruits and veggies because they're just so expensive."&nbsp;

Foster says the produce is donated by stores, or even at times, from individuals.&nbsp; &nbsp;

With more food being demanded in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, Second Harvests volunteer week is helping give volunteers more opportunities to help.&nbsp;

Second Harvest is part of the Feeding America Food Bank and operates two mobile pantries, as well as at least one food pantry in each county.&nbsp;

Foster says Second Harvest relies on its volunteers to help with the Fill-the-van food drives and campus cupboards at schools.&nbsp; Second Harvest also helps run the summer food programs while school is out.&nbsp;

"So, we have what we call 'No Hunger Summer' where we provide sack lunches Monday through Friday most of the weeks through the summer, and kids across the region receive a free nutritious sack lunch," Foster says. "And it takes literally hundreds of volunteers to facilitate that programming."&nbsp;

Second Harvest spokesperson Mackenzie Osborn says she started out as a Second Harvest volunteer, helping with its summer lunch program.&nbsp;

"A lot of the other things you don't get to see the direct impact, but when I started pre-COVID, the kids would have to sit there, and they would tell you how thankful they were as they were eating, and how they may not have had any lunch that day if we had not brought them any food," Osborn says.&nbsp;

This is Volunteer Week of Caring with extra volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644960198171.png" alt="Photo provided by Second Harvest" />
 <figcaption>Photo provided by Second Harvest</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Second Harvests volunteer week is helping give volunteers more opportunities to help out those who are food insecure. &nbsp;Second Harvest Volunteer Coordinator Andrew Foster says Second Harvest serves 19 counties, with 15 in Missouri and 4 in Kansas, serving 30,000 pounds of food a day. &nbsp;Foster says Second Harvest provides many different nonperishable food items, but it also serves some fresh produce. &nbsp;"We understand as families are struggling financially, if they are living on a fixed income and they are at the grocery store right now as food prices and costs have increased so dramatically," Foster tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "If they're living on that tight income, most often they're skipping fresh fruits and veggies because they're just so expensive."&nbsp;Foster says the produce is donated by stores, or even at times, from individuals.&nbsp; &nbsp;With more food being demanded in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, Second Harvests volunteer week is helping give volunteers more opportunities to help.&nbsp;Second Harvest is part of the Feeding America Food Bank and operates two mobile pantries, as well as at least one food pantry in each county.&nbsp;Foster says Second Harvest relies on its volunteers to help with the Fill-the-van food drives and campus cupboards at schools.&nbsp; Second Harvest also helps run the summer food programs while school is out.&nbsp;"So, we have what we call 'No Hunger Summer' where we provide sack lunches Monday through Friday most of the weeks through the summer, and kids across the region receive a free nutritious sack lunch," Foster says. "And it takes literally hundreds of volunteers to facilitate that programming."&nbsp;Second Harvest spokesperson Mackenzie Osborn says she started out as a Second Harvest volunteer, helping with its summer lunch program.&nbsp;"A lot of the other things you don't get to see the direct impact, but when I started pre-COVID, the kids would have to sit there, and they would tell you how thankful they were as they were eating, and how they may not have had any lunch that day if we had not brought them any food," Osborn says.&nbsp;This is Volunteer Week of Caring with extra volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups.&nbsp;

Second Harvest Volunteer Week is underway

A Republican Congressman hopes his fellow Republicans in the
Missouri Senate drop their opposition to a redistricting map and let proposed
new lines for Congressional districts pass.

Congressman Sam Graves, who represents northern Missouri, says
the Conservative Caucus in the Missouri Senate is playing a dangerous game,
mounting a filibuster against a plan that likely keeps the political status quo
and promoting one caucus members hope could result in a Missouri Congressional
delegation of seven Republicans and one Democrat. 

“The problem is you’re going to have years that are Republican
years and years that are Democrat years,” Graves tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “So if you’re thinking in terms of partisan politics, in a
Democrat year it could be disaster for the state if you make those districts so
that you have so many un-commonalities within a district it could turn the
state into a 4-4 state rather than a 6-2 state.”

Graves, the senior member of the state Congressional
delegation, favors the redistricting plan passed by the Missouri House that
likely retains the state’s Congressional delegation as is. He says the push for
a 7-1 map would likely backfire on Republicans, making once safe Republican
districts vulnerable to a strong Democratic challenger.

Graves says such efforts don’t always turn out the way
supporters plan.

“There isn’t always going to be a Republican wave or a
Democrat wave,” according to Graves. “It is going to go back and forth,
depending on what’s going on at the federal level.”

Graves says he doesn’t understand the opposition to the map
favored by Republican leaders in the Missouri Senate.

“I thought we had a good consensus map in the House that came
out of the Missouri House and, again, then it broke down in the Senate, which
is unfortunate, because then it goes to the courts it’s a coin toss,” Graves
says. “We have no way of knowing what we get.”

The Conservative Caucus has used the filibuster to prevent a
vote on the plan approved in the Missouri House.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644951354219.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves on the KFEQ Hotline/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves on the KFEQ Hotline/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Republican Congressman hopes his fellow Republicans in the
Missouri Senate drop their opposition to a redistricting map and let proposed
new lines for Congressional districts pass.Congressman Sam Graves, who represents northern Missouri, says
the Conservative Caucus in the Missouri Senate is playing a dangerous game,
mounting a filibuster against a plan that likely keeps the political status quo
and promoting one caucus members hope could result in a Missouri Congressional
delegation of seven Republicans and one Democrat. “The problem is you’re going to have years that are Republican
years and years that are Democrat years,” Graves tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “So if you’re thinking in terms of partisan politics, in a
Democrat year it could be disaster for the state if you make those districts so
that you have so many un-commonalities within a district it could turn the
state into a 4-4 state rather than a 6-2 state.”Graves, the senior member of the state Congressional
delegation, favors the redistricting plan passed by the Missouri House that
likely retains the state’s Congressional delegation as is. He says the push for
a 7-1 map would likely backfire on Republicans, making once safe Republican
districts vulnerable to a strong Democratic challenger.Graves says such efforts don’t always turn out the way
supporters plan.“There isn’t always going to be a Republican wave or a
Democrat wave,” according to Graves. “It is going to go back and forth,
depending on what’s going on at the federal level.”Graves says he doesn’t understand the opposition to the map
favored by Republican leaders in the Missouri Senate.“I thought we had a good consensus map in the House that came
out of the Missouri House and, again, then it broke down in the Senate, which
is unfortunate, because then it goes to the courts it’s a coin toss,” Graves
says. “We have no way of knowing what we get.”The Conservative Caucus has used the filibuster to prevent a
vote on the plan approved in the Missouri House.

Graves warns fellow Republicans redistricting fight in MO Senate could backfire

A veteran health care executive has been named interim Chief
Executive Officer of Mosaic Life Care.

Mike Poore, currently interim CEO for Faquier Health in Virginia,
will begin his duties in St. Joseph March 14th. He will fill the
vacancy left with the abrupt early retirement of CEO Dr. Mark Laney, part of
the leadership shakeup at Mosaic that also saw the departure of Chief Operating
Officer Michael Pulido. Mosaic has been silent on their departures, other than
a statement issued earlier this month by the Mosaic Life Care Board of
Trustees.

Poore has an MBA and is a Fellow of the American College of
Health Care Executives.

“We have great confidence in Mike to lead our executive team and
caregivers during this transition time,” Serena Naylor, chair of the Mosaic
Life Care Board, said in a written statement released by Mosaic. “Mike has
tremendous experience and will continue the momentum the leadership team has in
place to ensure excellent patient care and seamless transition for our
caregivers and communities. We welcome him to this temporary role while Mosaic
begins the search for our next CEO.”

In addition to his current role with Faquier, Poore has served
as interim CEO for numerous health systems through LifePoint Health, a
diversified health care delivery network that operates in 29 states.

Mosaic says Poore has more than 20 years of experience as a
CEO and more than 30 years’ experience in health care.

“I look forward to meeting Mosaic caregivers and the
leadership team,” Poore said in a written statement released by Mosaic. “They
have demonstrated a strong commitment to the communities they serve. My goal,
even though I am here temporarily, is to listen, assess and provide a strong
path forward for the next CEO.”

Mosaic says Gallagher, one of the world’s largest consulting
firms with expertise in human resources and executive recruitment, will conduct
the nationwide search for Mosaic’s next chief executive officer which is
expected to take approximately six months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644945503476.jpeg" alt="Mike Poore/Photo courtesy of Mosaic Life Care" />
 <figcaption>Mike Poore/Photo courtesy of Mosaic Life Care</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA veteran health care executive has been named interim Chief
Executive Officer of Mosaic Life Care.Mike Poore, currently interim CEO for Faquier Health in Virginia,
will begin his duties in St. Joseph March 14th. He will fill the
vacancy left with the abrupt early retirement of CEO Dr. Mark Laney, part of
the leadership shakeup at Mosaic that also saw the departure of Chief Operating
Officer Michael Pulido. Mosaic has been silent on their departures, other than
a statement issued earlier this month by the Mosaic Life Care Board of
Trustees.Poore has an MBA and is a Fellow of the American College of
Health Care Executives.“We have great confidence in Mike to lead our executive team and
caregivers during this transition time,” Serena Naylor, chair of the Mosaic
Life Care Board, said in a written statement released by Mosaic. “Mike has
tremendous experience and will continue the momentum the leadership team has in
place to ensure excellent patient care and seamless transition for our
caregivers and communities. We welcome him to this temporary role while Mosaic
begins the search for our next CEO.”In addition to his current role with Faquier, Poore has served
as interim CEO for numerous health systems through LifePoint Health, a
diversified health care delivery network that operates in 29 states.Mosaic says Poore has more than 20 years of experience as a
CEO and more than 30 years’ experience in health care.“I look forward to meeting Mosaic caregivers and the
leadership team,” Poore said in a written statement released by Mosaic. “They
have demonstrated a strong commitment to the communities they serve. My goal,
even though I am here temporarily, is to listen, assess and provide a strong
path forward for the next CEO.”Mosaic says Gallagher, one of the world’s largest consulting
firms with expertise in human resources and executive recruitment, will conduct
the nationwide search for Mosaic’s next chief executive officer which is
expected to take approximately six months.

Mosaic Life Care names interim CEO

COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases are continuing to trend downward in Buchanan County. 

St. Joseph health officials report 104 new positive cases of coronavirus, 33 on Friday and 71 cumulatively between Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The three day weekend numbers are not finalized due to Lincoln's birthday on Friday and state offices were closed. 

Health officials also report one new death due to COVID complications, a woman in her 80's.  

The Buchanan County positivity rate continues to decline dropping 5.74%, to 15.63%.

Mosaic Life Care reports 36 COVID patients system wide with 35 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostCOVID-19 hospitalizations and cases are continuing to trend downward in Buchanan County. St. Joseph health officials report 104 new positive cases of coronavirus, 33 on Friday and 71 cumulatively between Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The three day weekend numbers are not finalized due to Lincoln's birthday on Friday and state offices were closed. Health officials also report one new death due to COVID complications, a woman in her 80's. The Buchanan County positivity rate continues to decline dropping 5.74%, to 15.63%.Mosaic Life Care reports 36 COVID patients system wide with 35 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

Buchanan County continuing to see steady decline in COVID numbers

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

Late Friday police arrested 30-year-old Keiflan B. Kelley of Atchison on requested charges for domestic battery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 1000 block Hickory, according to police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police arrested Kelley in September for alleged failure to appear and in July of 2020 on requested charges of disorderly conduct, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644854094672.png" alt="Kelley-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Kelley-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on new charges after a weekend arrest.Late Friday police arrested 30-year-old Keiflan B. Kelley of Atchison on requested charges for domestic battery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 1000 block Hickory, according to police Chief Mike Wilson.Police arrested Kelley in September for alleged failure to appear and in July of 2020 on requested charges of disorderly conduct, according to online jail records.

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