FAUCETT - Whether you're leaving St. Joseph, or headed north out of Kansas City, you really can't miss it.

You know, that big suspended 70s-era Peterbilt on top the hill, 50 feet in the air off Exit 35.

That unmistakable landmark lets travelers know - that's Farris Truck Stop. And once they stop, they tend to stop back. Time and again.

"That diesel up in the air," manager Tina Masterson remarked, "Everybody knows Faucett by Farris' Truck Stop."

John Farris first opened the truck stop in 1976 and expanded on the property over the next several years. His kids, Fred, Michael and Sandra, have since taken ownership of the 40-acre complex.

But after 42 years, with no relatives in line to take it over, the family-friendly trucker's haven has been sold, and the property will soon be turned over to Pilot/Flying J.

"Everybody is getting older," said Fred Farris. "We just decided it was probably the way to go."

The ever-changing and modernizing of the trucking industry also contributed to the closure, according to Fred.

"Nobody purchases fuel with cash anymore," he said. "If you can't take a certain credit card, you can't sell fuel. That's the way the trucking industry is going. You use a Pilot or Love credit card, and if you can't use them, they won't fuel. It just got to where it was less and less of everything, so...it was just time."

The purchase of the Farris property by Pilot/Flying J was made official in mid-March, though the discussions had started several years prior to that.

Word soon spread on CB Radios up and down the interstate that the convenience store, along with the family-style Big Rigs diner, the Barlow motel and all the rest will soon become a thing of the past.

"(Pilot/Flying J) will probably just bulldoze everything," Fred said. "Nothing would be to their specs. The way they want. I'm sure that's what they're going to do. That's what they initially said. If they decide to save some of it, that'd be up to them."

Farris' can park up to 150 trucks per night. It features showers and laundry facilities. RV parking. Scales. A deli. All the bells and whistles you could ever want.

But talk to truckers and customers, and you'll soon learn that it's not the amenities that will be missed.

Jason Davis drives for J-n-J Transport out of Battle Lake, Minnesota. He's stopped at Farris' 2-3 times per week over the last eight years.

"I go in there and I know the waitresses and I know everybody at the fuel desk," Davis said. "They know me. I know Mike the owner. I've spent the weekends here before. It's just homey. Everybody is friendly. You can just sit down and visit and talk."

That irreplaceable service, coupled with a hearty meal at Big Rig's, is what has kept dozens of truckers coming back in over and over.

"Truckers like to come in and sit down and have a good meal," said Masterson, who's managed Farris for the last seven years. "They like people to talk to and socialize and just be a person. Not just a, you know, employee at a gas station."

Dayne Matthews is a truck driver for Matthews Transportation out of St. Joseph. He's stopped at Farris' nearly every day for the last decade.

"I eat here a lot," he chuckled. "Probably more than I should. I usually get the tenderloin."

A Faucett resident, Matthews is sad to know that the Farris property will likely become another ordinary truck stop in an already saturated backdrop of run-of-the-mill, corporate-owned fueling stations with fast food joints coupled next to them.

"You don't get to go places and sit out down and eat," Matthews said. "It's all fast food. It's just not like this. You can tell when it's not family owned. There's just not any of that out there. It's all just big corporations like Love's or TA's or Pilot's, like what's coming here."

Pilot/Flying J officially takes ownership of the property on May 17, but the first Sunday in May will be the last day for Farris.

John Fenney was one of the first customers, and intends on being the last.

"I've been coming here ever since it opened," since Fenney. "It's the same breakfast. Two eggs, peanut butter and a piece of toast. It hasn't changed at all. I hate to see it go, but I guess it's going to happen."

The entire Farris complex employs more than 20 people. While some retention is possible, Pilot/Flying J plans to bring in its own staff once the transition is complete.

A native to the area, Masterson never imagined she'd work anywhere else. If one of her usuals doesn't stop in, she'll call to check in on them.

For her, and so many of her loyal customers, the closing of Farris likely brings an end to their daily family gatherings.

"I never thought I'd have to look for another job," Masterson said. "Everybody around here is family. It's not just Farris' Truck Stop. We see everybody every day. So, it's sad to see it go. Never thought I would have to worry about it, but...it's really sad."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617998043639.jpeg" alt="A 1974 Peterbilt truck with a '65 Fruehauf trailer mounted 50 feet in the air lets you know one thing - you're at Farris' Truck Stop. The family owned fueling station and restaurant will become a Pilot/Flying J in May./ Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>A 1974 Peterbilt truck with a '65 Fruehauf trailer mounted 50 feet in the air lets you know one thing - you're at Farris' Truck Stop. The family owned fueling station and restaurant will become a Pilot/Flying J in May./ Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostFAUCETT - Whether you're leaving St. Joseph, or headed north out of Kansas City, you really can't miss it.You know, that big suspended 70s-era Peterbilt on top the hill, 50 feet in the air off Exit 35.That unmistakable landmark lets travelers know - that's Farris Truck Stop. And once they stop, they tend to stop back. Time and again."That diesel up in the air," manager Tina Masterson remarked, "Everybody knows Faucett by Farris' Truck Stop."John Farris first opened the truck stop in 1976 and expanded on the property over the next several years. His kids, Fred, Michael and Sandra, have since taken ownership of the 40-acre complex.But after 42 years, with no relatives in line to take it over, the family-friendly trucker's haven has been sold, and the property will soon be turned over to Pilot/Flying J.The last day of Farris is May 2."Everybody is getting older," said Fred Farris. "We just decided it was probably the way to go."The ever-changing and modernizing of the trucking industry also contributed to the closure, according to Fred."Nobody purchases fuel with cash anymore," he said. "If you can't take a certain credit card, you can't sell fuel. That's the way the trucking industry is going. You use a Pilot or Love credit card, and if you can't use them, they won't fuel. It just got to where it was less and less of everything, so...it was just time."The purchase of the Farris property by Pilot/Flying J was made official in mid-March, though the discussions had started several years prior to that.Word soon spread on CB Radios up and down the interstate that the convenience store, along with the family-style Big Rigs diner, the Barlow motel and all the rest will soon become a thing of the past."(Pilot/Flying J) will probably just bulldoze everything," Fred said. "Nothing would be to their specs. The way they want. I'm sure that's what they're going to do. That's what they initially said. If they decide to save some of it, that'd be up to them."Farris' can park up to 150 trucks per night. It features showers and laundry facilities. RV parking. Scales. A deli. All the bells and whistles you could ever want.But talk to truckers and customers, and you'll soon learn that it's not the amenities that will be missed.Jason Davis drives for J-n-J Transport out of Battle Lake, Minnesota. He's stopped at Farris' 2-3 times per week over the last eight years."I go in there and I know the waitresses and I know everybody at the fuel desk," Davis said. "They know me. I know Mike the owner. I've spent the weekends here before. It's just homey. Everybody is friendly. You can just sit down and visit and talk."That irreplaceable service, coupled with a hearty meal at Big Rig's, is what has kept dozens of truckers coming back in over and over."Truckers like to come in and sit down and have a good meal," said Masterson, who's managed Farris for the last seven years. "They like people to talk to and socialize and just be a person. Not just a, you know, employee at a gas station."Dayne Matthews is a truck driver for Matthews Transportation out of St. Joseph. He's stopped at Farris' nearly every day for the last decade."I eat here a lot," he chuckled. "Probably more than I should. I usually get the tenderloin."A Faucett resident, Matthews is sad to know that the Farris property will likely become another ordinary truck stop in an already saturated backdrop of run-of-the-mill, corporate-owned fueling stations with fast food joints coupled next to them."You don't get to go places and sit out down and eat," Matthews said. "It's all fast food. It's just not like this. You can tell when it's not family owned. There's just not any of that out there. It's all just big corporations like Love's or TA's or Pilot's, like what's coming here."Pilot/Flying J officially takes ownership of the property on May 17, but the first Sunday in May will be the last day for Farris.John Fenney was one of the first customers, and intends on being the last."I've been coming here ever since it opened," since Fenney. "It's the same breakfast. Two eggs, peanut butter and a piece of toast. It hasn't changed at all. I hate to see it go, but I guess it's going to happen."The entire Farris complex employs more than 20 people. While some retention is possible, Pilot/Flying J plans to bring in its own staff once the transition is complete.A native to the area, Masterson never imagined she'd work anywhere else. If one of her usuals doesn't stop in, she'll call to check in on them.For her, and so many of her loyal customers, the closing of Farris likely brings an end to their daily family gatherings."I never thought I'd have to look for another job," Masterson said. "Everybody around here is family. It's not just Farris' Truck Stop. We see everybody every day. So, it's sad to see it go. Never thought I would have to worry about it, but...it's really sad."<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1028023222&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/tommy-rezac" title="KFEQ Radio, St. Joseph Post" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">KFEQ Radio, St. Joseph Post</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/tommy-rezac/family-owned-farris-truck-stop-in-faucett-closing-in-may" title="Family-owned Farris&#x27; Truck Stop in Faucett closing in May" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Family-owned Farris&#x27; Truck Stop in Faucett closing in May</a></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617998121845.jpeg" alt="Farris Truck Stop manager Tina Masterson (left) talks with a customer on Thursday at the Farris Truck Stop convenience store. Masterson has been the truck stop's manager the last seven years./ Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Farris Truck Stop manager Tina Masterson (left) talks with a customer on Thursday at the Farris Truck Stop convenience store. Masterson has been the truck stop's manager the last seven years./ Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617998184870.jpeg" alt="Big Rig's Restaurant, a family-style diner at Farris Truck Stop, was a staple for both the local area and for truckers pulling off Exit 35 on I-29./Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Big Rig's Restaurant, a family-style diner at Farris Truck Stop, was a staple for both the local area and for truckers pulling off Exit 35 on I-29./Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617998236387.jpeg" alt="A pair of semis take on fuel on a rainy Thursday morning at Farris' Truck Stop./Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>A pair of semis take on fuel on a rainy Thursday morning at Farris' Truck Stop./Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Family friendly Farris Truck Stop closing after 42 years

Second Harvest Community Food Bank is participating in the "Fight Hunger. Spark Change." campaign.

Second Harvest Spokesperson Blake Haynes says "Fight Hunger. Spark Change." is a nationwide campaign.  

"It is a partnership between Feeding America, Walmart, the Walmart Foundation, and Sam's Club," Haynes tells St. Joseph Post. 

Haynes says there a few ways you can give to this initiative including purchasing specific items from suppliers at the store. 

"There's 27 different suppliers so it's suppliers like Kellogs and General Mills, Coke, Monster, Great Value, some of those other ones, Live Well Be Strong," says Haynes. 

Haynes says you can also participate in the campaign through donations. 

"You can also donate online on the app and/or in-store at like Kiosks or check out stations," says Haynes. "You'll be prompted to there on your screen either roll up your dollar amount to make a donation or then donate a certain amount like $5, $10, things like that."

The campaign started on April 5th and will run through May 3rd. 

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostSecond Harvest Community Food Bank is participating in the "Fight Hunger. Spark Change." campaign.Second Harvest Spokesperson Blake Haynes says "Fight Hunger. Spark Change." is a nationwide campaign. "It is a partnership between Feeding America, Walmart, the Walmart Foundation, and Sam's Club," Haynes tells St. Joseph Post. Haynes says there a few ways you can give to this initiative including purchasing specific items from suppliers at the store. "There's 27 different suppliers so it's suppliers like Kellogs and General Mills, Coke, Monster, Great Value, some of those other ones, Live Well Be Strong," says Haynes. Haynes says you can also participate in the campaign through donations. "You can also donate online on the app and/or in-store at like Kiosks or check out stations," says Haynes. "You'll be prompted to there on your screen either roll up your dollar amount to make a donation or then donate a certain amount like $5, $10, things like that."The campaign started on April 5th and will run through May 3rd.

Fight Hunger. Spark Change. 

There is a new full-body scanner at the Buchanan County Jail.

Sheriff Bill Puett says the jail was able to get the body scanner with some of the Cares Act funding. 

"The close proximity of being in contact with people and the pandemic and all those things, we were able to get what's called a body scanner," Puett tells St. Joseph Post.

The $165,000 scanner takes images that detect contraband on or in an inmate’s body. 

Puett says this could protect inmates as well as staff. 

"It's a safety measure for staff. It's a safety measure for the inmate who might be carrying the contraband as well as the inmate population. If somebody's bringing in a quantity of some type of narcotic and then they would get into the population and they would take it, they could overdose and die. They could distribute it to other inmates which could overdose and die, says Puett. "They could expose staff, obviously with a weapon, I mean that's a serious thing."

The scanner has been in use for a couple of weeks.

By WHITNEE ICE St. Joseph PostThere is a new full-body scanner at the Buchanan County Jail.Sheriff Bill Puett says the jail was able to get the body scanner with some of the Cares Act funding. "The close proximity of being in contact with people and the pandemic and all those things, we were able to get what's called a body scanner," Puett tells St. Joseph Post.The $165,000 scanner takes images that detect contraband on or in an inmate’s body. Puett says this could protect inmates as well as staff. "It's a safety measure for staff. It's a safety measure for the inmate who might be carrying the contraband as well as the inmate population. If somebody's bringing in a quantity of some type of narcotic and then they would get into the population and they would take it, they could overdose and die. They could distribute it to other inmates which could overdose and die, says Puett. "They could expose staff, obviously with a weapon, I mean that's a serious thing."The scanner has been in use for a couple of weeks.

Buchanan County Jail gets full-body scanner

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha commander says the
Corps took a different approach to rebuilding a major levee breached by
Missouri River floodwaters in 2019, an approach which could prove to be a model
for future projects.

Colonel Mark Himes says the Corps listened when local
officials and residents suggested not rebuilding the levee near Corning as it
was before the 2019 flood, but moving it a bit.

“We created a very large setback, which created more space,
more conveyance for the river to flow, particularly at flood stages,” Himes
tells St. Joseph Post.

Federal regulations prevent the Corps from improving flood-damaged
levees, allowing the Corps only to restore levees to pre-flood conditions.

Himes says the Corps used a bit of creativity when rebuilding
Levee 536, located near the Holt-Atchison County line.

“But in this case, we were actually able to use a lower cost
alternative which is what the setback allowed us to do,” according to Himes. “So,
it’s essentially the same levee built back at a lower cost, which is why we
were able to do that under the public law 84-99 program.”

A reimbursable contract allowed the contractor to begin work
immediately. Dredge from the Missouri River was used as material in the
rebuild, which the Corps estimates saved millions of dollars. Work continued throughout
the winter, pausing only briefly during the bitterly cold spell in February.

It is that setback, moving the levee farther away from the
Missouri River channel that the Corps hopes will keep floodwaters from
breaching the levee again.

“The levee is structurally the same. So, it’s built with the resiliency
to stand up to a flood such as 2019,” Himes says. “The difference is the
setback, right, giving more room for the river to flow through that particular section.”

It is hoped that when the Missouri River floods again, and it
will flood again, that floodwaters will pool in the setback, taking pressure
off the levee.

Himes has heard Gov. Mike Parson say the L-536 project can be
used as a model.

“I think it’s a model in the sense of the teamwork, the
collaboration, the ability to think outside the box and try different things,”
Himes says. “I think that is certainly a model that we and other agencies are
looking to replicate.”

The 2019 flood destroyed the Missouri River levee system, flooding
millions of acres of farmland, destroying homes and businesses all along the
river. When the L-536 failed, tens of thousands of acres of northwest Missouri
farmland went under water.

The Omaha district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has
jurisdiction down to Atchison County in Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617990843383.jpeg" alt="Rebuilding L-536 in northwest Missouri./Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers" />
 <figcaption>Rebuilding L-536 in northwest Missouri./Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha commander says the
Corps took a different approach to rebuilding a major levee breached by
Missouri River floodwaters in 2019, an approach which could prove to be a model
for future projects.Colonel Mark Himes says the Corps listened when local
officials and residents suggested not rebuilding the levee near Corning as it
was before the 2019 flood, but moving it a bit.“We created a very large setback, which created more space,
more conveyance for the river to flow, particularly at flood stages,” Himes
tells St. Joseph Post.Federal regulations prevent the Corps from improving flood-damaged
levees, allowing the Corps only to restore levees to pre-flood conditions.Himes says the Corps used a bit of creativity when rebuilding
Levee 536, located near the Holt-Atchison County line.“But in this case, we were actually able to use a lower cost
alternative which is what the setback allowed us to do,” according to Himes. “So,
it’s essentially the same levee built back at a lower cost, which is why we
were able to do that under the public law 84-99 program.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617990915038.jpeg" alt="Before reconstruction could begin, the breach on L-536 had to be closed./Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers" />
 <figcaption>Before reconstruction could begin, the breach on L-536 had to be closed./Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</figcaption>
 </figure>The Corps used other innovations.A reimbursable contract allowed the contractor to begin work
immediately. Dredge from the Missouri River was used as material in the
rebuild, which the Corps estimates saved millions of dollars. Work continued throughout
the winter, pausing only briefly during the bitterly cold spell in February.It is that setback, moving the levee farther away from the
Missouri River channel that the Corps hopes will keep floodwaters from
breaching the levee again.“The levee is structurally the same. So, it’s built with the resiliency
to stand up to a flood such as 2019,” Himes says. “The difference is the
setback, right, giving more room for the river to flow through that particular section.”It is hoped that when the Missouri River floods again, and it
will flood again, that floodwaters will pool in the setback, taking pressure
off the levee.Himes has heard Gov. Mike Parson say the L-536 project can be
used as a model.“I think it’s a model in the sense of the teamwork, the
collaboration, the ability to think outside the box and try different things,”
Himes says. “I think that is certainly a model that we and other agencies are
looking to replicate.”The 2019 flood destroyed the Missouri River levee system, flooding
millions of acres of farmland, destroying homes and businesses all along the
river. When the L-536 failed, tens of thousands of acres of northwest Missouri
farmland went under water.The Omaha district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has
jurisdiction down to Atchison County in Missouri.<div><iframe width='500' height='300' scrolling='no' frameborder='0' style='border: none; overflow: hidden; width: 500px; height: 300px;' allowtransparency='true' src='https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/676237'></iframe>
</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617990986819.jpeg" alt="An aerial view of the L-536 breach as late as September of 2019./Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers" />
 <figcaption>An aerial view of the L-536 breach as late as September of 2019./Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</figcaption>
 </figure>

Rebuild of NW MO levee could be model for other rebuilds

CALDWELL COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Sunday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Polaris ATV driven by Nichole S. Burton, 42, Kearney, Mo., was southbound on 240th Street one mile south of Plattsburg.

The ATV struck a pothole. The driver overcorrected and the ATV overturned.

Tri-County EMS transported a 15-year-old passenger to Liberty Hospital. Burton was not injured.

CALDWELL COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Sunday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Polaris ATV driven by Nichole S. Burton, 42, Kearney, Mo., was southbound on 240th Street one mile south of Plattsburg.The ATV struck a pothole. The driver overcorrected and the ATV overturned.Tri-County EMS transported a 15-year-old passenger to Liberty Hospital. Burton was not injured.

Missouri teen hospitalized after ATV accident

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Peterbilt 379 driven by Jason B. Mick, 25, Mound City, was northbound on Route Y five miles south of Graham.

The truck crossed the center of the road, traveled off the west side of the road and overturned.

Andrew County EMS transported Mick to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY— A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Saturday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Peterbilt 379 driven by Jason B. Mick, 25, Mound City, was northbound on Route Y five miles south of Graham.The truck crossed the center of the road, traveled off the west side of the road and overturned.Andrew County EMS transported Mick to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Mound City man hospitalized after truck overturns

A head-on crash on a St. Joseph city street late Friday night sent
a car into a water-filled ditch, killing a 22-year-old mother and her two young
children. A third child died later at a local hospital.

St. Joseph police report the crash occurred in the 2900 block
of Pear Street around 11 o’clock Friday night.

Police say the two cars collided. One of the cars rolled over
into the ditch, filled with water from recent rains. The woman and two of her
children, ages one and four, were pronounced dead at the scene. The third
child, a three-year-old, died today at the hospital.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/3047874325443557/4295113780541023/">A fundraiser has been set up on Facebook</a> by Cynthia Davis, the
sister of Amy Morse, killed in that crash. Davis identifies the children killed
as 4-year-old Rosalie, 2-year-old Braxton, and one-year-old Anastasia.

The Facebook post reports $38,000 of the $40,000 goal has already been raised. The money will be used to offset funeral and
burial expenses.

Two people in the other car suffered non-life-threatening
injuries, according to police.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA head-on crash on a St. Joseph city street late Friday night sent
a car into a water-filled ditch, killing a 22-year-old mother and her two young
children. A third child died later at a local hospital.St. Joseph police report the crash occurred in the 2900 block
of Pear Street around 11 o’clock Friday night.Police say the two cars collided. One of the cars rolled over
into the ditch, filled with water from recent rains. The woman and two of her
children, ages one and four, were pronounced dead at the scene. The third
child, a three-year-old, died today at the hospital.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/3047874325443557/4295113780541023/">A fundraiser has been set up on Facebook</a> by Cynthia Davis, the
sister of Amy Morse, killed in that crash. Davis identifies the children killed
as 4-year-old Rosalie, 2-year-old Braxton, and one-year-old Anastasia.The Facebook post reports $38,000 of the $40,000 goal has already been raised. The money will be used to offset funeral and
burial expenses.Two people in the other car suffered non-life-threatening
injuries, according to police.The wreck remains under investigation.

Mother, 3 children killed in St. Joseph head-on crash

Sen. Blunt visits new UMKC Medical School Campus in St. Joseph

All Missouri adults are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

Phase 3 of Missouri's vaccination rollout plan opened Friday, and local health officials are hopeful that this will help boost Buchanan County's, so far, low vaccination rate.

As of Thursday, over 22,700 doses of vaccine had been administered in Buchanan County, with over 9,200 residents having received both doses.

Buchanan County's vaccination rate, the amount of people who have initiated vaccination, stands at 15.9 percent - still well behind the state's rate of 28.9 percent.

St. Joseph Health Department director Debra Bradley hopes that the expanded vaccine eligibility will help eliminate confusion and hesitancy for those who haven't yet signed up for the vaccine.

"Now that it's opening up, we're hoping that people will get registered and get the vaccine," Bradley said, "and hopefully they won't have that confusion anymore."

Bradley added that there's been hesitancy among healthy residents&nbsp;to sign up out of fear that they'd be "jumping the line" ahead of someone more vulnerable and more in need of the vaccination.

She says anyone interested in and eligible for the vaccine should get one as soon as they can.

"There's plenty of vaccine for everyone," Bradley reiterated. "If you are eligible and interested, please go get the vaccine."

Bradley encourages anyone who has questions about the vaccine to reach out to their medical provider, or friends and family members who've had the shot in order to gather more information about it.

"Get your questions answered so you can get the vaccine," Bradley said, "and protect yourself, your family members and those who cannot get the vaccine."

The vaccine is safe for nearly all adults, including those who are pregnant, breastfeeding and have underlying health conditions.

 However, anyone who's had an allergic reaction to the first dose should not get a second one. In addition, anyone who has autoimmune or other conditions are encouraged to check with their doctors before getting the shot.

Bradley also mentioned that those who are 16 and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, but encourages teens to call ahead to see if they are of age to receive the correct shot. Anyone between the age of 16-18 will also need to be accompanied by a guardian while getting vaccinated.

Many Buchanan County residents will be getting their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine Friday at St. Joseph's Community Vaccine Clinic at the East Hills Shopping Center inside the old Gordman's.

Over 1,100 doses will be administered to people who got their first dose on March 19. The vaccination clinic will take place from 12-4 p.m.

This comes as Mosaic Life Care considers shutting down the vaccine clinic at East Hills on April 16. Bradley clarified that it would only close for first-dose appointments, and would stay open longer, should demand for first-dose appointments pick back up.

"They will stay open long enough to get everyone fully vaccinated," she said. "The second-dose clinic would end some time later in May."

Bradley said that the vaccination effort in Buchanan County won't end if and when Mosaic closes its East Hills clinic. She says local pharmacies and smaller-scale clinics will help people get vaccinated if they haven't already.

"They're not going to shut the clinic down just to shut it down," she clarified. "We may be doing some more vaccinating, so there's a lot of different opportunities we have out there.

"It's just that the (East Hills) clinic, because it is a large space, takes a large amount of man power to operate. It may not be needed if we're just having a few people coming in every day. We could do it in a smaller clinic setting. So, we're looking at all of the options to see what makes sense."

Like all health officials, Bradley and her staff are closely monitoring the <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/76db832b-b793-4b64-8ad2-eca9501e2ab4">spread of the COVID-19 variant known as B.1.1.7.</a>, or the UK variant.

The first case of <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/0346f5a2-ebcd-44ee-8746-ecf0616c4396">a South African variant</a> was found in Missouri this week.

No cases of the variants have been confirmed in Buchanan County as of now, but Bradley stresses it's important to get vaccinated in order to protect yourself, and others, from these new strains.

"The variants tend to increase the number of cases," Bradley said, noting that the new variants tend to be more contagious. "Fortunately, our cases have been low these last few weeks, and that's how we want to keep it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617126125108.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph's Community Vaccine Center, which is operated out of the old Gordman's space by Mosaic Life Care at East Hills Shopping Center, may close for first-dose COVID vaccine appointments as soon as next week due to a lower demand. /Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph's Community Vaccine Center, which is operated out of the old Gordman's space by Mosaic Life Care at East Hills Shopping Center, may close for first-dose COVID vaccine appointments as soon as next week due to a lower demand. /Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAll Missouri adults are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.Phase 3 of Missouri's vaccination rollout plan opened Friday, and local health officials are hopeful that this will help boost Buchanan County's, so far, low vaccination rate.As of Thursday, over 22,700 doses of vaccine had been administered in Buchanan County, with over 9,200 residents having received both doses.Buchanan County's vaccination rate, the amount of people who have initiated vaccination, stands at 15.9 percent - still well behind the state's rate of 28.9 percent.St. Joseph Health Department director Debra Bradley hopes that the expanded vaccine eligibility will help eliminate confusion and hesitancy for those who haven't yet signed up for the vaccine."Now that it's opening up, we're hoping that people will get registered and get the vaccine," Bradley said, "and hopefully they won't have that confusion anymore."Bradley added that there's been hesitancy among healthy residents&nbsp;to sign up out of fear that they'd be "jumping the line" ahead of someone more vulnerable and more in need of the vaccination.She says anyone interested in and eligible for the vaccine should get one as soon as they can."There's plenty of vaccine for everyone," Bradley reiterated. "If you are eligible and interested, please go get the vaccine."Bradley encourages anyone who has questions about the vaccine to reach out to their medical provider, or friends and family members who've had the shot in order to gather more information about it."Get your questions answered so you can get the vaccine," Bradley said, "and protect yourself, your family members and those who cannot get the vaccine."The vaccine is safe for nearly all adults, including those who are pregnant, breastfeeding and have underlying health conditions. However, anyone who's had an allergic reaction to the first dose should not get a second one. In addition, anyone who has autoimmune or other conditions are encouraged to check with their doctors before getting the shot.Bradley also mentioned that those who are 16 and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, but encourages teens to call ahead to see if they are of age to receive the correct shot. Anyone between the age of 16-18 will also need to be accompanied by a guardian while getting vaccinated.Many Buchanan County residents will be getting their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine Friday at St. Joseph's Community Vaccine Clinic at the East Hills Shopping Center inside the old Gordman's.Over 1,100 doses will be administered to people who got their first dose on March 19. The vaccination clinic will take place from 12-4 p.m.This comes as Mosaic Life Care considers shutting down the vaccine clinic at East Hills on April 16. Bradley clarified that it would only close for first-dose appointments, and would stay open longer, should demand for first-dose appointments pick back up."They will stay open long enough to get everyone fully vaccinated," she said. "The second-dose clinic would end some time later in May."Bradley said that the vaccination effort in Buchanan County won't end if and when Mosaic closes its East Hills clinic. She says local pharmacies and smaller-scale clinics will help people get vaccinated if they haven't already."They're not going to shut the clinic down just to shut it down," she clarified. "We may be doing some more vaccinating, so there's a lot of different opportunities we have out there."It's just that the (East Hills) clinic, because it is a large space, takes a large amount of man power to operate. It may not be needed if we're just having a few people coming in every day. We could do it in a smaller clinic setting. So, we're looking at all of the options to see what makes sense."Like all health officials, Bradley and her staff are closely monitoring the <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/76db832b-b793-4b64-8ad2-eca9501e2ab4">spread of the COVID-19 variant known as B.1.1.7.</a>, or the UK variant.The first case of <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/0346f5a2-ebcd-44ee-8746-ecf0616c4396">a South African variant</a> was found in Missouri this week.No cases of the variants have been confirmed in Buchanan County as of now, but Bradley stresses it's important to get vaccinated in order to protect yourself, and others, from these new strains."The variants tend to increase the number of cases," Bradley said, noting that the new variants tend to be more contagious. "Fortunately, our cases have been low these last few weeks, and that's how we want to keep it."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

All Missouri adults eligible for COVID vaccine; local officials hope it raises vaccination rate

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson returns to Atchison County, hearing
about repairs to a major Missouri River levee which broke in 2019, flooding a
wide swath of northwest Missouri.

Governor Parson recalls seeing the devastation that spring.

“You wondered how in the world are we going to put all the
pieces back together? And, more importantly, how are you going to prevent it
from happening in the future?” Parson tells reporters after visiting with local
officials as well as officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the
White Barn Event Center near Rock Port.

Local officials thought they had answers to the questions
Parson asked.

Officials with the Atchison County Levee District along with
local elective officials began pushing for a levee setback. They reasoned
moving the levee, officially called L-536 near the Holt-Atchison County line,
back would give floodwaters room to pool, taking pressure off the levee. That
extra room could make the difference between the levee holding or the levee
breaking as it did in 2019, 2011, and 1993.

Parson says members of his administration, especially within
the Department of Natural Resources, warmed to the idea. Then, they actively
lobbied for it with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal
agencies.

The result:&nbsp; a rebuilt
levee, set back and ready for the next major Missouri River flood.

“But I do believe this will be the model of the future for a
lot of other counties in our state,” Parson says. “We’re going to be able to
look at this county in particular and say, when all the pieces fall together you
can get some really good things done.”

Parson says the state had to work with the Corps and work with
local agencies and landowners to pull it off. First, he needed to get various
state agencies to unite behind the project.

“The state has a tremendous amount of resources when we can
put all our agencies together and see what’s the best way to move forward,”
according to Parson.

It also took work on the local level and the cooperation of
farmers who owned the land needed for a setback.

“And saying, okay, what are the obstacles to moving back a
levee? I understand the value of land being a farmer myself, but I also know
sometimes you have to do the better good for other people as you move forward,”
Parson says.

Parson also credits the new cooperation he is seeing from his
fellow governors who have seen Missouri River flooding do too much destruction
too many times.

“I think also the governors being united with what happened in
Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas,” Parson says. “We all knew this was a major project
for this river and that we were all going to have to do something. So, again, I
think it’s bringing a lot of people to the table that have knowledge (about)
how to change things. But, look, there’s a lot of work to be done. This is a
great success story today, but this is a big river.”

Parson has been meeting with governors from the three other
states, uniting to change the Missouri River levee system, which failed so
spectacularly in 2019. He left the meeting in Atchison County for Council
Bluffs, Iowa where he met with the governors of the three other states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617915728615.jpeg" alt="Gov. Mike Parson speaks to a crowd gathered at the White Barn Event Center near Rock Pork/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Parson speaks to a crowd gathered at the White Barn Event Center near Rock Pork/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Gov. Mike Parson returns to Atchison County, hearing
about repairs to a major Missouri River levee which broke in 2019, flooding a
wide swath of northwest Missouri.Governor Parson recalls seeing the devastation that spring.“You wondered how in the world are we going to put all the
pieces back together? And, more importantly, how are you going to prevent it
from happening in the future?” Parson tells reporters after visiting with local
officials as well as officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the
White Barn Event Center near Rock Port.Local officials thought they had answers to the questions
Parson asked.But they needed the state’s help.Officials with the Atchison County Levee District along with
local elective officials began pushing for a levee setback. They reasoned
moving the levee, officially called L-536 near the Holt-Atchison County line,
back would give floodwaters room to pool, taking pressure off the levee. That
extra room could make the difference between the levee holding or the levee
breaking as it did in 2019, 2011, and 1993.Parson says members of his administration, especially within
the Department of Natural Resources, warmed to the idea. Then, they actively
lobbied for it with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal
agencies.The result:&nbsp; a rebuilt
levee, set back and ready for the next major Missouri River flood.“But I do believe this will be the model of the future for a
lot of other counties in our state,” Parson says. “We’re going to be able to
look at this county in particular and say, when all the pieces fall together you
can get some really good things done.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617915817164.jpeg" alt="Gov. Parson speaks with some prior to the meeting/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Parson speaks with some prior to the meeting/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Parson says the state had to work with the Corps and work with
local agencies and landowners to pull it off. First, he needed to get various
state agencies to unite behind the project.“The state has a tremendous amount of resources when we can
put all our agencies together and see what’s the best way to move forward,”
according to Parson.It also took work on the local level and the cooperation of
farmers who owned the land needed for a setback.“And saying, okay, what are the obstacles to moving back a
levee? I understand the value of land being a farmer myself, but I also know
sometimes you have to do the better good for other people as you move forward,”
Parson says.Parson also credits the new cooperation he is seeing from his
fellow governors who have seen Missouri River flooding do too much destruction
too many times.“I think also the governors being united with what happened in
Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas,” Parson says. “We all knew this was a major project
for this river and that we were all going to have to do something. So, again, I
think it’s bringing a lot of people to the table that have knowledge (about)
how to change things. But, look, there’s a lot of work to be done. This is a
great success story today, but this is a big river.”Parson has been meeting with governors from the three other
states, uniting to change the Missouri River levee system, which failed so
spectacularly in 2019. He left the meeting in Atchison County for Council
Bluffs, Iowa where he met with the governors of the three other states.

Gov. Parson hears of repair to Missouri River levee broken in 2019

Restaurants and bars devastated by restrictions imposed during
the coronavirus pandemic will soon receive help from the federal government.

Eating and drinking establishments can apply for grants under
the new $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief and economic stimulus plan pushed by
President Joe Biden and approved by Congress.

Regional Director Rebecca Lobina with the Northwest Missouri
State University Small Business Development Center says the numbers presented to
the center by bars closed when governments worried they would spread COVID-19
are astonishing.

“Some of the percentages were, like, 4,000%,” Lobina says
during an appearance on the KFEQ Hotline. “Not 400; 4,000% on the decrease from
one year to the next. So, it was like a phenomenal amount of funding that they
lost.”

The federal program is not available yet, but Lobina suggests
restaurant and bar owners begin preparation now. Owners will need a Dun and
Bradstreet number and a SAM number from the Small Business Administration. The
grants will be based on gross receipts, comparing 2019 business to business in
2020.

Lobina says the federal grants could help many survive. Still,
Lobina says eating and drinking establishments learned a lot through the
pandemic, such as the importance of communication with customers, such as
informing customers of their hours or simple things such as how to order and
pick up curbside.

“They started learning, if they didn’t already know, they
learned quickly that you have to communicate that or your customers get
frustrated and leave.”

Lobina says the toll on some business owners has been devastating.

“People are crying on the phone,” Lobina recalls about owners
calling the Small Business Development Center. “People sound desperate, because
they are. Because things didn’t bounce back as quickly as people hoped that
they would, even when they were back open. It’s hard. It’s been really hard for
people and it continues to be hard for some.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRestaurants and bars devastated by restrictions imposed during
the coronavirus pandemic will soon receive help from the federal government.Eating and drinking establishments can apply for grants under
the new $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief and economic stimulus plan pushed by
President Joe Biden and approved by Congress.Regional Director Rebecca Lobina with the Northwest Missouri
State University Small Business Development Center says the numbers presented to
the center by bars closed when governments worried they would spread COVID-19
are astonishing.“Some of the percentages were, like, 4,000%,” Lobina says
during an appearance on the KFEQ Hotline. “Not 400; 4,000% on the decrease from
one year to the next. So, it was like a phenomenal amount of funding that they
lost.”The federal program is not available yet, but Lobina suggests
restaurant and bar owners begin preparation now. Owners will need a Dun and
Bradstreet number and a SAM number from the Small Business Administration. The
grants will be based on gross receipts, comparing 2019 business to business in
2020.Lobina says the federal grants could help many survive. Still,
Lobina says eating and drinking establishments learned a lot through the
pandemic, such as the importance of communication with customers, such as
informing customers of their hours or simple things such as how to order and
pick up curbside.“They started learning, if they didn’t already know, they
learned quickly that you have to communicate that or your customers get
frustrated and leave.”Lobina says the toll on some business owners has been devastating.“People are crying on the phone,” Lobina recalls about owners
calling the Small Business Development Center. “People sound desperate, because
they are. Because things didn’t bounce back as quickly as people hoped that
they would, even when they were back open. It’s hard. It’s been really hard for
people and it continues to be hard for some.”

Restaurants, bars get federal relief in $1.9T coronavirus package

St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray signed a 'Start By Believing Day' proclamation at City Hall Wednesday in an effort to raise awareness for sexual assault.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and McMurray says that signing this proclamation will hopefully motivate people to reach out and support victims of sexual assault.

"It's designed to improve the responses of friends, family members and community professionals," McMurray said, "so they can help victims get access to supportive resources and engage the criminal justice system."

The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) in St. Joseph says only one in five sexual assaults will be reported, while less than three percent of perpetrators will be convicted or incarcerated.

One in two women and one in five men have experienced some form of sexual violence, with assaults happening every 73 seconds on average, according to national statistics.

Karla Hanlan, the YWCA's Sexual Assault Awareness Advocate, says the purpose of the 'Start by Believing Day' proclamation is to have productive and supportive conversations with victims.

"We just need to believe our survivors," she said. "We need to let them know that it's not their fault. We go to Mosaic Life Care and we help sexual assault victims go through their trauma. Just to be with them as an advocate."

Hanlan added that the YWCA also provides housing assistance, free therapy and a 24-hour crisis line to help victims of sexual assault.

She said that COVID-19 had a significant impact on how YWCA helps people, especially with a lack of face-to-face contact. With certain restrictions now being lifted locally, Hanlan says more advocates have been able to go back to Mosaic to help victims of sexual violence.

"Right when (the pandemic) first started, we weren't allowed to go to the hospital," Hanlan pointed out. "I don't think men or women were going to the hospital to get checked out. In the last three months, I've seen an increase of us going back out to the hospital."

Sexual assault awareness, McMurray says, is not limited only to the month of April, but by signing the proclamation Wednesday, he hopes it shows that the city stands with assault victims and is committed to getting them the help that they need.

"The city of St. Joseph shares a critical concern for victims of sexual violence," he asserted, "and a desire to support their needs for justice and healing."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617823573771.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray signs the 'Start by Believing Day' proclamation Wednesday at City Hall./ Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray signs the 'Start by Believing Day' proclamation Wednesday at City Hall./ Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray signed a 'Start By Believing Day' proclamation at City Hall Wednesday in an effort to raise awareness for sexual assault.April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and McMurray says that signing this proclamation will hopefully motivate people to reach out and support victims of sexual assault."It's designed to improve the responses of friends, family members and community professionals," McMurray said, "so they can help victims get access to supportive resources and engage the criminal justice system."The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) in St. Joseph says only one in five sexual assaults will be reported, while less than three percent of perpetrators will be convicted or incarcerated.One in two women and one in five men have experienced some form of sexual violence, with assaults happening every 73 seconds on average, according to national statistics.Karla Hanlan, the YWCA's Sexual Assault Awareness Advocate, says the purpose of the 'Start by Believing Day' proclamation is to have productive and supportive conversations with victims."We just need to believe our survivors," she said. "We need to let them know that it's not their fault. We go to Mosaic Life Care and we help sexual assault victims go through their trauma. Just to be with them as an advocate."Hanlan added that the YWCA also provides housing assistance, free therapy and a 24-hour crisis line to help victims of sexual assault.She said that COVID-19 had a significant impact on how YWCA helps people, especially with a lack of face-to-face contact. With certain restrictions now being lifted locally, Hanlan says more advocates have been able to go back to Mosaic to help victims of sexual violence."Right when (the pandemic) first started, we weren't allowed to go to the hospital," Hanlan pointed out. "I don't think men or women were going to the hospital to get checked out. In the last three months, I've seen an increase of us going back out to the hospital."Sexual assault awareness, McMurray says, is not limited only to the month of April, but by signing the proclamation Wednesday, he hopes it shows that the city stands with assault victims and is committed to getting them the help that they need."The city of St. Joseph shares a critical concern for victims of sexual violence," he asserted, "and a desire to support their needs for justice and healing."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

McMurray signs 'Start by Believing Day' proclamation, brings awareness to sexual assault

St. Joseph voters rejected the 107 million dollar school bond issue that would have turned the American Family Insurance regional headquarters into a second high school and remodeled Central High school.

School Board President Tammi Pasley, in her statement on behalf of the school board, says something has to change. 

"The voters have spoken and we the board respect that," says Pasley to the St. Joseph Post. "What is clear is that status quo is not sustainable. While we are disappointed that this bond initiative was not successful, it is the beginning of a discussion with the community that our facilities are not up to 21 Century educational standards."

All three incumbents on the St. Joseph School Board: Lute Atieh, Larry Koch, and Rick Gehring lost their seats to Kenneth Reeder, David Foster, and LaTonya Williams according to unofficial results.

Incumbent Rick Gehring says he was disappointed in the election outcome. 

"It was a great learning experience, I don't regret anything," says Gehring. "As I said, I am disappointed by the outcome tonight. I am concerned for the future of our district, but I'm not going anywhere as long as I have kids in the district I'm going to have a voice and try to do what I can."

School Board Vice President Lute Atieh says the school board still has some great members. 

"The change of board members really doesn't change the situation that we're in," says Atieh. "We must adapt. We must change."

Superintendent Doug Van Zyl says the outcome of the election was a disappointment. 

"I think with anything, any time you have an election you have to take a look at what the voters have said and I think the voters have had their opportunity to say what they wanted to say and of course it's disappointing," says Van Zyl. "I'm very proud of what the work that our administrative team and the board put in to try to put a plan together but obviously that's why you have elections. People have the opportunity to voice their opinions through their votes."

Under the bond proposal, Benton High School and Lafayette High School would have been turned into middle schools and the district would have ended the three-high school model in exchange for a new two-high school model.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617779779777.jpeg" alt="School Board Vice President Lute Atieh and community member Mike Moore watch as election returns come in / Photo by Whitnee Ice" />
 <figcaption>School Board Vice President Lute Atieh and community member Mike Moore watch as election returns come in / Photo by Whitnee Ice</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph voters rejected the 107 million dollar school bond issue that would have turned the American Family Insurance regional headquarters into a second high school and remodeled Central High school.School Board President Tammi Pasley, in her statement on behalf of the school board, says something has to change. "The voters have spoken and we the board respect that," says Pasley to the St. Joseph Post. "What is clear is that status quo is not sustainable. While we are disappointed that this bond initiative was not successful, it is the beginning of a discussion with the community that our facilities are not up to 21 Century educational standards."All three incumbents on the St. Joseph School Board: Lute Atieh, Larry Koch, and Rick Gehring lost their seats to Kenneth Reeder, David Foster, and LaTonya Williams according to unofficial results.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617831163224.jpeg" alt="Incumbent Rick Gehring and community member Mike Moore converse as the polls come in / Photo by Whitnee Ice" />
 <figcaption>Incumbent Rick Gehring and community member Mike Moore converse as the polls come in / Photo by Whitnee Ice</figcaption>
 </figure>Incumbent Rick Gehring says he was disappointed in the election outcome. "It was a great learning experience, I don't regret anything," says Gehring. "As I said, I am disappointed by the outcome tonight. I am concerned for the future of our district, but I'm not going anywhere as long as I have kids in the district I'm going to have a voice and try to do what I can."School Board Vice President Lute Atieh says the school board still has some great members. "The change of board members really doesn't change the situation that we're in," says Atieh. "We must adapt. We must change."Superintendent Doug Van Zyl says the outcome of the election was a disappointment. "I think with anything, any time you have an election you have to take a look at what the voters have said and I think the voters have had their opportunity to say what they wanted to say and of course it's disappointing," says Van Zyl. "I'm very proud of what the work that our administrative team and the board put in to try to put a plan together but obviously that's why you have elections. People have the opportunity to voice their opinions through their votes."Under the bond proposal, Benton High School and Lafayette High School would have been turned into middle schools and the district would have ended the three-high school model in exchange for a new two-high school model.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617831307241.jpeg" alt="School board members await the final election results / Photo: Whitnee Ice" />
 <figcaption>School board members await the final election results / Photo: Whitnee Ice</figcaption>
 </figure>

St. Joseph school district, board incumbents move on after election losses

Voters soundly rejected the $107 million St. Joseph school
bond issue, dashing hopes to convert the American Family Insurance regional headquarters
into a second high school to go along with a refurbished Central High School.

Under the proposal, Benton High School and Lafayette High School
would have been turned into middle schools as the district ended the three-high
school model in favor of a new two-high school model.

All three incumbents on the St. Joseph School Board lost in a
crowded field.

The bond issue drew little support. Only 4,573 voters cast
ballots in favor of it while 8,330 voted against it; a split of 64.56% opposed to
35.44% in favor, according to unofficial election results reported by the
Buchanan County Clerk’s office.

A very vocal opponent to the bond issue, Kenneth Reeder, led
the crowded field for three St. Joseph school board seats, receiving 4,982 votes,
according to unofficial results. David Foster came in second with 4,876 votes
and LaTonya Williams took the third school board seat, receiving 4,200 votes.
St. Joseph School Board Vice President Lute Atieh came in fourth behind Colby
Oyerly. Atieh garnered only 3,921 votes. Incumbent Larry Koch finished fifth
with 3,267 votes with Rick Gehring, who had been appointed to replace Seth Wright
after he left, finished last with 3,151 votes. Michelle Traster, who mounted a
last-minute write-in campaign, receiving 1,754 votes.

In total, 13,450 votes were cast in the election, 26.7% of the
registered voters in Buchanan County, better than the 20% turnout projected by
Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey.

Click <a href="https://www.livevoterturnout.com/buchananmo/LiveResults/en/Index_9.html">here</a> for full election results from the Buchanan County Clerk's office.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostVoters soundly rejected the $107 million St. Joseph school
bond issue, dashing hopes to convert the American Family Insurance regional headquarters
into a second high school to go along with a refurbished Central High School.Under the proposal, Benton High School and Lafayette High School
would have been turned into middle schools as the district ended the three-high
school model in favor of a new two-high school model.All three incumbents on the St. Joseph School Board lost in a
crowded field.The bond issue drew little support. Only 4,573 voters cast
ballots in favor of it while 8,330 voted against it; a split of 64.56% opposed to
35.44% in favor, according to unofficial election results reported by the
Buchanan County Clerk’s office.A very vocal opponent to the bond issue, Kenneth Reeder, led
the crowded field for three St. Joseph school board seats, receiving 4,982 votes,
according to unofficial results. David Foster came in second with 4,876 votes
and LaTonya Williams took the third school board seat, receiving 4,200 votes.
St. Joseph School Board Vice President Lute Atieh came in fourth behind Colby
Oyerly. Atieh garnered only 3,921 votes. Incumbent Larry Koch finished fifth
with 3,267 votes with Rick Gehring, who had been appointed to replace Seth Wright
after he left, finished last with 3,151 votes. Michelle Traster, who mounted a
last-minute write-in campaign, receiving 1,754 votes.In total, 13,450 votes were cast in the election, 26.7% of the
registered voters in Buchanan County, better than the 20% turnout projected by
Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey.Click <a href="https://www.livevoterturnout.com/buchananmo/LiveResults/en/Index_9.html">here</a> for full election results from the Buchanan County Clerk's office.

Voters reject St. Joseph school bond issue; oust all school board incumbents

A couple rounds of showers and thunderstorms will move across eastern Kansas and into western Missouri late Tuesday night and into the day on Wednesday, bringing with it a chance for isolated severe weather.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed nearly all of eastern Kansas into a slight risk for severe weather, while the western third of Missouri is in a marginal risk for late Tuesday and early Wednesday.

A marginal risk then continues for eastern Kansas and western Missouri into the day on Wednesday.

National Weather Service meteorologist Hallie Bova says the first chance for severe weather may not be until after midnight Tuesday night.

"Storms will develop (Tuesday night) across central Kansas and then push to the east overnight into eastern Kansas and western Missouri and that'll mostly be after midnight. It's not looking like a real widespread severe weather threat, but there is some chances that a few of the storms could have some hail in them or stronger winds."

The tornado threat for Tuesday night and Wednesday is expected to be quite low. Bova says the area will see a break in the storms Wednesday morning, with a second chance coming in Wednesday afternoon.

"Again, a similar risk of hail and strong winds with those," Bova explained.

Rain chances will continue into Thursday with cooler temperatures, but sunshine returns Friday with highs staying in the 60s through the weekend and into early next week.

While the region has enjoyed some warmer and drier-than-normal days recently, Bova reminds people that the Midwest is currently in its peak severe weather season.

"We're definitely into severe weather season now and that'll continue into the summer," she said.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Storms become possible overnight into early Wednesday AM (Midnight to 6AM). An additional round of storms is expected to develop after noon on Wednesday. Both tonight and Wednesday PM, a few of the storms may be strong to severe with hail and strong winds as the main threat. <a href="https://t.co/3drkqjjZ55">pic.twitter.com/3drkqjjZ55</a>&mdash; NWS Kansas City (@NWSKansasCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSKansasCity/status/1379504422191919105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA couple rounds of showers and thunderstorms will move across eastern Kansas and into western Missouri late Tuesday night and into the day on Wednesday, bringing with it a chance for isolated severe weather.The Storm Prediction Center has placed nearly all of eastern Kansas into a slight risk for severe weather, while the western third of Missouri is in a marginal risk for late Tuesday and early Wednesday.A marginal risk then continues for eastern Kansas and western Missouri into the day on Wednesday.National Weather Service meteorologist Hallie Bova says the first chance for severe weather may not be until after midnight Tuesday night."Storms will develop (Tuesday night) across central Kansas and then push to the east overnight into eastern Kansas and western Missouri and that'll mostly be after midnight. It's not looking like a real widespread severe weather threat, but there is some chances that a few of the storms could have some hail in them or stronger winds."The tornado threat for Tuesday night and Wednesday is expected to be quite low. Bova says the area will see a break in the storms Wednesday morning, with a second chance coming in Wednesday afternoon."Again, a similar risk of hail and strong winds with those," Bova explained.Rain chances will continue into Thursday with cooler temperatures, but sunshine returns Friday with highs staying in the 60s through the weekend and into early next week.While the region has enjoyed some warmer and drier-than-normal days recently, Bova reminds people that the Midwest is currently in its peak severe weather season."We're definitely into severe weather season now and that'll continue into the summer," she said.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Forecasters eyeing severe weather threat in KS, MO Tuesday and Wednesday

JACKSON COUNTY—Four people including two children were seriously injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Jackson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Infiniti G5 driven by Wayne A. Dunn, 83, Lyndon, was northbound on U.S. 75 at 158th Road. 

The car struck an eastbound 2003 Ford F150 driven by Rachael Louise McCoy, 29, Holton.&nbsp; She was ejected from the pickup, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

EMS transported McCoy, Dunn and two children in the pickup identified as Dililah Anderson, 10 and Wyatt E. McCoy, 7, both of Holton, to Stormont Vail in Topeka.

The occupants of the pickup were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617734931246.png" alt="Kansas Highway Patro investigating Tuesday's violent crash photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Highway Patro investigating Tuesday's violent crash photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Four people including two children were seriously injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Jackson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Infiniti G5 driven by Wayne A. Dunn, 83, Lyndon, was northbound on U.S. 75 at 158th Road. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617734844820.png" alt="View of the crash damage to the Infiniti G5 -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>View of the crash damage to the Infiniti G5 -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>The car struck an eastbound 2003 Ford F150 driven by Rachael Louise McCoy, 29, Holton.&nbsp; She was ejected from the pickup, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.EMS transported McCoy, Dunn and two children in the pickup identified as Dililah Anderson, 10 and Wyatt E. McCoy, 7, both of Holton, to Stormont Vail in Topeka.The occupants of the pickup were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Sheriff: 2 adults, 2 children injured in Kansas crash

The St. Joseph Stockyards has been sold by Mark Servaes, who has been the owner since 2012.

He has been connected to the St. Joseph Stockyards since 1991, first as a worker, then as a manager and then the owner.

It was previously owned by the Canal Capital Corporation since 1963.

The St. Joseph Stockyards has been sold by Mark Servaes, who has been the owner since 2012.He has been connected to the St. Joseph Stockyards since 1991, first as a worker, then as a manager and then the owner.It was previously owned by the Canal Capital Corporation since 1963.The last livestock sale will be on May 19, 2021.&nbsp; More details later.