It was made official at a board meeting this week that Benton head boys' basketball and girls' golf coach Gary Belcher has been hired to lead Lawson in a similar fashion this upcoming school year.

 Belcher was named the head boys' basketball coach, girls' and boys' golf coach and Math Instructor at Lawson High School.

A St. Joseph native and 1982 Central alum, Belcher has been a boys' basketball coach in northwest Missouri for 22 years and has guided Lathrop (1998-2001), Warrensburg (2001-2004), Kearney (2005-2014) and Benton all to winning records.

Belcher finished his tenure at Benton with a 101-80 record. He first informed his players and the administration of his decision last Thursday.

Belcher mentioned that the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f9528775-1917-4031-a70b-53a98649f034">$107 million bond issue</a> on the April 6 ballot was part of the reason why he applied to Lawson.

The proposed bond, if passed, would convert both Benton and Lafayette into middle schools and bring the addition of a new high school at the American Family Insurance regional headquarters building. That new high school would operate alongside St. Joseph Central.

"I grew up in St. Joe and I love St. Joe," Belcher said. "My parents still live there. But, kind of the uncertainty of what lies ahead makes you pause and think for a little bit. When these two opportunities are kind of out there, this one (at Lawson) kind of matches the one I have at Benton.

"All the talk is that within 1-2 years, regardless of whether the bond issue passes or not, they're looking to repurpose Benton into a middle school. You have to stop and think, 'You know, what does that mean for me, you know?'"

Belcher will take over for Brad Smith, who's retiring as the Lawson boys' basketball and boys' and girls' golf coach after 30 years.

Once Smith officially decided to step away this past November, he gave Belcher, an old coaching buddy, a call.

Belcher and Smith used to coach against each other during Belcher's days at Lathrop in the late 90s and early 2000s. Through offseason tournaments and the like, the two have kept in touch ever since.

"I wished him well," Belcher said of Smith's retirement. "I didn't really give it a whole lot of thought at first, but then I got to thinking, 'Well, you know what? He's a math teacher. He's a boys' basketball and coaches golf, too.' I know he's had a great program and a great run. Obviously, I have some big shoes to fill."

Belcher has compiled an overall coaching record of 353-237, including a Class 4 State Championship with Kearney in 2010, seven district Championships and a pair of conference titles.

 This past year, Belcher guided his girls' golf team to their first Conference Championship in school history and sent two golfers to the Class 2 State Tournament.

Belcher also serves as the Vice President of the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association and is a Past President of the Greater Kansas City Basketball Coaches Association.

Belcher's wife, Debbie, is a Special Education teacher at South Valley Middle School in Liberty and also a real estate agent for Reece Nichols Real Estate in Kansas City.

For Belcher, whose family has lived in the north Kansas City area the last 15 years, the daily commute does become significantly shorter.

"I still live in the Kansas City area, so the drive is 25 minutes shorter for basically the same financial package," Belcher pointed out. "It was just too hard of a thing to pass up."

The decision to leave a job in his hometown was a difficult one, and Belcher isn't the only one who has uncertain feelings about the current bond issue.

But all of that aside, Belcher remains grateful for the time he had in the South Side, and looks forward to what lies ahead.

"All things considered, I feel very blessed and fortunate to get this opportunity," he said. "It was just too hard to say no to. I look back at the relationships I've built with the players and the parents and the community and the staff members, I'll take those with me the rest of the way. Those types of things, in my opinion, are more important than wins and losses, because those span a lifetime...St. Joe will always have a special place in my heart."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616794880359.jpeg" alt="Gary Belcher will be headed to Lawson next year to take over as their boys' basketball and girls' and boys' golf coach after spending seven years in a similar role at Benton. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Gary Belcher will be headed to Lawson next year to take over as their boys' basketball and girls' and boys' golf coach after spending seven years in a similar role at Benton. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt was made official at a board meeting this week that Benton head boys' basketball and girls' golf coach Gary Belcher has been hired to lead Lawson in a similar fashion this upcoming school year. Belcher was named the head boys' basketball coach, girls' and boys' golf coach and Math Instructor at Lawson High School.A St. Joseph native and 1982 Central alum, Belcher has been a boys' basketball coach in northwest Missouri for 22 years and has guided Lathrop (1998-2001), Warrensburg (2001-2004), Kearney (2005-2014) and Benton all to winning records.Belcher finished his tenure at Benton with a 101-80 record. He first informed his players and the administration of his decision last Thursday.Belcher mentioned that the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f9528775-1917-4031-a70b-53a98649f034">$107 million bond issue</a> on the April 6 ballot was part of the reason why he applied to Lawson.The proposed bond, if passed, would convert both Benton and Lafayette into middle schools and bring the addition of a new high school at the American Family Insurance regional headquarters building. That new high school would operate alongside St. Joseph Central."I grew up in St. Joe and I love St. Joe," Belcher said. "My parents still live there. But, kind of the uncertainty of what lies ahead makes you pause and think for a little bit. When these two opportunities are kind of out there, this one (at Lawson) kind of matches the one I have at Benton."All the talk is that within 1-2 years, regardless of whether the bond issue passes or not, they're looking to repurpose Benton into a middle school. You have to stop and think, 'You know, what does that mean for me, you know?'"Belcher will take over for Brad Smith, who's retiring as the Lawson boys' basketball and boys' and girls' golf coach after 30 years.Once Smith officially decided to step away this past November, he gave Belcher, an old coaching buddy, a call.Belcher and Smith used to coach against each other during Belcher's days at Lathrop in the late 90s and early 2000s. Through offseason tournaments and the like, the two have kept in touch ever since."I wished him well," Belcher said of Smith's retirement. "I didn't really give it a whole lot of thought at first, but then I got to thinking, 'Well, you know what? He's a math teacher. He's a boys' basketball and coaches golf, too.' I know he's had a great program and a great run. Obviously, I have some big shoes to fill."Belcher has compiled an overall coaching record of 353-237, including a Class 4 State Championship with Kearney in 2010, seven district Championships and a pair of conference titles. This past year, Belcher guided his girls' golf team to their first Conference Championship in school history and sent two golfers to the Class 2 State Tournament.Belcher also serves as the Vice President of the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association and is a Past President of the Greater Kansas City Basketball Coaches Association.Belcher's wife, Debbie, is a Special Education teacher at South Valley Middle School in Liberty and also a real estate agent for Reece Nichols Real Estate in Kansas City.For Belcher, whose family has lived in the north Kansas City area the last 15 years, the daily commute does become significantly shorter."I still live in the Kansas City area, so the drive is 25 minutes shorter for basically the same financial package," Belcher pointed out. "It was just too hard of a thing to pass up."The decision to leave a job in his hometown was a difficult one, and Belcher isn't the only one who has uncertain feelings about the current bond issue.But all of that aside, Belcher remains grateful for the time he had in the South Side, and looks forward to what lies ahead."All things considered, I feel very blessed and fortunate to get this opportunity," he said. "It was just too hard to say no to. I look back at the relationships I've built with the players and the parents and the community and the staff members, I'll take those with me the rest of the way. Those types of things, in my opinion, are more important than wins and losses, because those span a lifetime...St. Joe will always have a special place in my heart."<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/1017019972&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/benton-basketball-and-golf-coach-gary-belcher-reflects-on-his-tenure-with-the-cardinals" title="Benton basketball and golf coach Gary Belcher reflects on his tenure with the Cardinals" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Benton basketball and golf coach Gary Belcher reflects on his tenure with the Cardinals</a></div></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton's Gary Belcher grateful for coaching career in his hometown as he heads to Lawson

Freshman Congressman Jake LaTurner says there is quite a bit
of difference between working in Topeka and working in Washington.

LaTurner won election to the Second Congressional District of
Kansas after serving as the Kansas State Treasurer. He describes his first few
months in Washington as crazy.

“What I’ve been doing is what I should be doing,” LaTurner
tells St. Joseph Post. “I’ve been digging deep in my committee work. I’m on the
Homeland Security Committee, the Oversight (and Reform) Committee, the Science,
Space, and Technology Committee. I’m really enjoying those experiences and
working hard on the committee work.”

LaTurner defeated incumbent Congressman Steve Watkins in the
Republican primary and then won the General Election over Democrat Michelle De
La Isla, the Topeka mayor.

LaTurner says he has been enjoying his first few months in
Washington.

“I am. It’s challenging,” according to LaTurner. “There’s a
lot to do. There is no shortage of serious issues that need a lot of attention.”

LaTurner, who also served as a state senator from southeast
Kansas, says he has found that things move much slower in Washington than they
did in Topeka.

“You can show up in Topeka in January, introduce a bill, and
within a 90-day session you can see that bill signed by the governor and
implemented and become law,” LaTurner says.

LaTurner says he hopes to keep in touch with his district even
while working in Washington. The Second Congressional District is a large one,
hugging the Kansas eastern border from Nebraska to Oklahoma with a carveout for
the Third Congressional District of the Kansas City metro area. LaTurner says
his office has set up mobile office hours in every county in the Second
Congressional District.

LaTurner says the pace in Washington has been hard to adjust
to.

“And so, it can be frustrating. It’s one of the reasons,
frankly, that I support term limits at the federal level,” LaTurner says. “You
see folks that have been here in Washington, D.C. for 20, 30, 40 years. They
are entrenched. They don’t want to fix Washington, D.C., because Washington, D.C.
is not broken for them; it works like a charm.&nbsp;
It’s broken for the rest of us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616776441320.jpeg" alt="Jake LaTurner campaigns/Photo courtesy of Turner for Congress" />
 <figcaption>Jake LaTurner campaigns/Photo courtesy of Turner for Congress</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFreshman Congressman Jake LaTurner says there is quite a bit
of difference between working in Topeka and working in Washington.LaTurner won election to the Second Congressional District of
Kansas after serving as the Kansas State Treasurer. He describes his first few
months in Washington as crazy.“What I’ve been doing is what I should be doing,” LaTurner
tells St. Joseph Post. “I’ve been digging deep in my committee work. I’m on the
Homeland Security Committee, the Oversight (and Reform) Committee, the Science,
Space, and Technology Committee. I’m really enjoying those experiences and
working hard on the committee work.”LaTurner defeated incumbent Congressman Steve Watkins in the
Republican primary and then won the General Election over Democrat Michelle De
La Isla, the Topeka mayor.LaTurner says he has been enjoying his first few months in
Washington.“I am. It’s challenging,” according to LaTurner. “There’s a
lot to do. There is no shortage of serious issues that need a lot of attention.”LaTurner, who also served as a state senator from southeast
Kansas, says he has found that things move much slower in Washington than they
did in Topeka.“You can show up in Topeka in January, introduce a bill, and
within a 90-day session you can see that bill signed by the governor and
implemented and become law,” LaTurner says.LaTurner says he hopes to keep in touch with his district even
while working in Washington. The Second Congressional District is a large one,
hugging the Kansas eastern border from Nebraska to Oklahoma with a carveout for
the Third Congressional District of the Kansas City metro area. LaTurner says
his office has set up mobile office hours in every county in the Second
Congressional District.LaTurner says the pace in Washington has been hard to adjust
to.“And so, it can be frustrating. It’s one of the reasons,
frankly, that I support term limits at the federal level,” LaTurner says. “You
see folks that have been here in Washington, D.C. for 20, 30, 40 years. They
are entrenched. They don’t want to fix Washington, D.C., because Washington, D.C.
is not broken for them; it works like a charm.&nbsp;
It’s broken for the rest of us.”

LaTurner finds DC different than Topeka as he begins Congressional career

By ALEX SMITH <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-03-25/officials-say-cause-of-death-unknown-for-kansas-woman-who-got-covid-19-shot">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansas officials confirmed on Thursday that a 68-year-old Atchison 
County woman experienced anaphylaxis and died after she received a 
COVID-19 vaccination, but said no link between the shot and her death had
 been determined.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said on Thursday it would investigate the case.

The
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 126 million 
doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the U.S. from 
mid-December through March 22. The agency received 2,216 reports of 
deaths following the administration of doses, but its reviews have found
 no evidence that the vaccines caused those deaths.

Doctors at the
 University of Kansas, who did not treat the patient, said on Thursday 
that more information would be needed to understand what occurred. But 
they cautioned against people basing opinions of vaccines on a single 
incident or media coverage of it.

“What you don’t want to do is, 
in this time where we have such great division in this country and such a
 great fight between red states and blues states — don’t take this event
 and take it to such an extreme that you say no one should be 
vaccinated, because the fact is that everyone should be vaccinated,” 
said University of Kansas Chief Medical Officer Steven Stites.

On 
its Facebook page Wednesday evening, NBC affiliate KSNT in Topeka cited 
the obituary of 68-year-old Jeanie Evans of Effingham, Kansas, which 
flatly stated that the cause of death was “a reaction to the Covid 
vaccine.” The obituary reported that Evans had died at Stormont Vail 
Hospital in Topeka. 

The story was then picked up by other TV 
stations, including KCTV Channel 5 and KMBC Channel 9 in Kansas City. By
 late Thursday morning, it had been shared more than 1,000 times on 
Facebook. Although many of those who shared it posted comments skeptical
 of the vaccines’ safety, others were critical of the news outlets’ 
reporting or attacked other commenters. 

By noon, the New York Post and Fox5 New York, had also published articles on Evans’ death.

KDHE
 confirmed to KCUR on Thursday that a 68-year-old Atchison County woman 
had died but said a cause of death had yet to be determined by a medical
 expert.

“Until the investigation is complete, it is premature to 
assign a specific cause of death,” Kansas Department of Health and 
Environment spokeswoman Kristi Zears said in an email.

The death will be investigated in accordance with standard protocol,  Zears added.

A
 spokesman for Stormont Vail confirmed that Evans, who was vaccinated 
elsewhere, had died after being transported to the hospital. 

"The
 individual was transported to our hospital after receiving the vaccine 
in the region. A cause of death has yet to be determined. Our thoughts 
and condolences are with the family," spokesman Matt Lara said in an 
email. 

KCUR was unable to reach Evans’ family on Thursday.

Stites,
 of KU, said that, while an extreme reaction to a vaccine dose is 
possible, deaths may occur following the administration of a vaccine due
 to many unrelated causes, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Stites
 encouraged the public to honor the Evans family's loss while also 
recognizing the overwhelming evidence of the vaccines' safety.

“The
 rest of us have to understand that that pain in that isolated instance 
is not measured," Stites said. "We can’t measure it for that family. We 
can’t find solace for that family. But we know that, throughout the 
world and throughout mankind, there is no question that vaccines save 
millions and millions and millions and millions of lives relative to the
 number of people who die.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616770405447.png" alt="Jeanie Evans of Atchison, Kansas, died on Wednesday, a day after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, according to her obituary. " />
 <figcaption>Jeanie Evans of Atchison, Kansas, died on Wednesday, a day after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, according to her obituary. </figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEX SMITH <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-03-25/officials-say-cause-of-death-unknown-for-kansas-woman-who-got-covid-19-shot">Kansas News Service</a>Kansas officials confirmed on Thursday that a 68-year-old Atchison 
County woman experienced anaphylaxis and died after she received a 
COVID-19 vaccination, but said no link between the shot and her death had
 been determined.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said on Thursday it would investigate the case.The
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 126 million 
doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the U.S. from 
mid-December through March 22. The agency received 2,216 reports of 
deaths following the administration of doses, but its reviews have found
 no evidence that the vaccines caused those deaths.Doctors at the
 University of Kansas, who did not treat the patient, said on Thursday 
that more information would be needed to understand what occurred. But 
they cautioned against people basing opinions of vaccines on a single 
incident or media coverage of it.“What you don’t want to do is, 
in this time where we have such great division in this country and such a
 great fight between red states and blues states — don’t take this event
 and take it to such an extreme that you say no one should be 
vaccinated, because the fact is that everyone should be vaccinated,” 
said University of Kansas Chief Medical Officer Steven Stites.On 
its Facebook page Wednesday evening, NBC affiliate KSNT in Topeka cited 
the obituary of 68-year-old Jeanie Evans of Effingham, Kansas, which 
flatly stated that the cause of death was “a reaction to the Covid 
vaccine.” The obituary reported that Evans had died at Stormont Vail 
Hospital in Topeka. The story was then picked up by other TV 
stations, including KCTV Channel 5 and KMBC Channel 9 in Kansas City. By
 late Thursday morning, it had been shared more than 1,000 times on 
Facebook. Although many of those who shared it posted comments skeptical
 of the vaccines’ safety, others were critical of the news outlets’ 
reporting or attacked other commenters. By noon, the New York Post and Fox5 New York, had also published articles on Evans’ death.KDHE
 confirmed to KCUR on Thursday that a 68-year-old Atchison County woman 
had died but said a cause of death had yet to be determined by a medical
 expert.“Until the investigation is complete, it is premature to 
assign a specific cause of death,” Kansas Department of Health and 
Environment spokeswoman Kristi Zears said in an email.The death will be investigated in accordance with standard protocol, Zears added.A
 spokesman for Stormont Vail confirmed that Evans, who was vaccinated 
elsewhere, had died after being transported to the hospital. "The
 individual was transported to our hospital after receiving the vaccine 
in the region. A cause of death has yet to be determined. Our thoughts 
and condolences are with the family," spokesman Matt Lara said in an 
email. KCUR was unable to reach Evans’ family on Thursday.Stites,
 of KU, said that, while an extreme reaction to a vaccine dose is 
possible, deaths may occur following the administration of a vaccine due
 to many unrelated causes, such as a heart attack or stroke.Stites
 encouraged the public to honor the Evans family's loss while also 
recognizing the overwhelming evidence of the vaccines' safety.“The
 rest of us have to understand that that pain in that isolated instance 
is not measured," Stites said. "We can’t measure it for that family. We 
can’t find solace for that family. But we know that, throughout the 
world and throughout mankind, there is no question that vaccines save 
millions and millions and millions and millions of lives relative to the
 number of people who die.”

Cause of death unknown for Atchison woman who got COVID shot

St. Joseph's Animal Shelter has been awarded a 1 million dollar grant from the City Council for the purchase and renovations of the new animal shelter. 

Friends of the Animal Shelter President Whitney Zoghby says the shelter has been fundraising since 2015 and heavily fundraising for the last few years. 

"We are approved to receive 1 million dollars in the CIP funds. That will be dispursed in the 2022-2023 fiscal year," Zoghby tells St. Joseph Post. "They asked us to raise 1.5 million in order to receive that 1 million for a total of 2.5 million that we estimated for the purchase of the Corporate Drive building and renovation to become the new animal shelter." 

Zoghby says the 2.5 million Dollars was the original estimated cost of the project however, it looks like renovations might cost even more now. 

"Obviously over the last few years inflation happens, COVID happened, so construction materials are especially expensive right now, so we are looking to continue fundraising," says Zoghby. 

Zoghby says the shelter will not be able to use the grant money immediately. 

"As much as I'd love to have the CIP money now, the 2022-23 cycle actually works out nicely to allow us to continue fundraising for the next year or so so that we can ensure that we have enough funds to cover renovations," says Zoghby. 

The shelter will continue fundraising for the next year or two waiting for the shelter to receive the grant in the 2022/2023 fiscal year. 

Also, sign-up for the Friends of the Animal Shelters' 7th Annual "Run/Walk for the Paws 5K" is available now. 

This 3.1-mile race is set for Saturday, April 17th at 2500 Southwest Parkway in St. Joseph. 

Zoghby notes that this is in fact a walk. 

"Typically people that participate in 5Ks are pretty competitive like to run however,  a majority of the people that participate in this one do walk they're joining the race because they care about our cause and it's really the only dog encouraging race in St. Joe," says Zoghby. 

Your dogs are encouraged to join you as long as they are friendly with other dogs and up to date on their rabies vaccination. There are typically over 100 dogs that participate in the race. 

Registration is 30 dollars and ends April 16th however, sign-up by  Saturday for a swag bag and a registration fee of 25 dollars. 

By WHITNEE ICE St. Joseph PostSt. Joseph's Animal Shelter has been awarded a 1 million dollar grant from the City Council for the purchase and renovations of the new animal shelter. Friends of the Animal Shelter President Whitney Zoghby says the shelter has been fundraising since 2015 and heavily fundraising for the last few years. "We are approved to receive 1 million dollars in the CIP funds. That will be dispursed in the 2022-2023 fiscal year," Zoghby tells St. Joseph Post. "They asked us to raise 1.5 million in order to receive that 1 million for a total of 2.5 million that we estimated for the purchase of the Corporate Drive building and renovation to become the new animal shelter." Zoghby says the 2.5 million Dollars was the original estimated cost of the project however, it looks like renovations might cost even more now. "Obviously over the last few years inflation happens, COVID happened, so construction materials are especially expensive right now, so we are looking to continue fundraising," says Zoghby. Zoghby says the shelter will not be able to use the grant money immediately. "As much as I'd love to have the CIP money now, the 2022-23 cycle actually works out nicely to allow us to continue fundraising for the next year or so so that we can ensure that we have enough funds to cover renovations," says Zoghby. The shelter will continue fundraising for the next year or two waiting for the shelter to receive the grant in the 2022/2023 fiscal year. Also, sign-up for the Friends of the Animal Shelters' 7th Annual "Run/Walk for the Paws 5K" is available now. This 3.1-mile race is set for Saturday, April 17th at 2500 Southwest Parkway in St. Joseph. Zoghby notes that this is in fact a walk. "Typically people that participate in 5Ks are pretty competitive like to run however, a majority of the people that participate in this one do walk they're joining the race because they care about our cause and it's really the only dog encouraging race in St. Joe," says Zoghby. Your dogs are encouraged to join you as long as they are friendly with other dogs and up to date on their rabies vaccination. There are typically over 100 dogs that participate in the race. Registration is 30 dollars and ends April 16th however, sign-up by Saturday for a swag bag and a registration fee of 25 dollars.

St. Joseph City Council awards the local animal shelter a 1 million dollar grant

Eight candidates for the St. Joseph school board differ in
their assessment of the school board’s proposal to buy the American Family
Insurance headquarters and turn it into a second high school.

School board Vice President Lute Atieh says retrofitting that
building saves time and money.

“I prefer to start with a structure,” Atieh says. “I’ve been
in the facility. I’ve spoken to the engineers. I’ve looked at it. American
Family did a great job maintaining that facility. It’s first class.”

Voters will choose three candidates from the field of eight
April 6th.

All eight discussed issues, primarily the $107 million bond
issue also on the April 6th ballot, during a candidate forum webcast
by the S<a href="https://www.facebook.com/saintjosephchamber">t. Joseph Chamber of Commerce on its Facebook page</a>.

The proposal calls for a dramatic shakeup of the St. Joseph
School District. It would provide the school district the money to buy the
American Family building across from Missouri Western State University and
convert it into a second high school. The district would retain Central High
School and convert Benton High School and Lafayette High School into middle
schools.

Investor David Foster favors the proposal, because it would
allow the high schools to offer equal curriculum.

“And that’s what’s most important to me,” Foster says. “I want
equal education, equal opportunity and as long as we can accomplish that then I’ll
be a happy guy.”

Opposed to converting the American Family headquarters is
Kenneth Reeder, a longtime community activist.

“Buying old, used buildings does not improve our education,”
Reeder asserts. “We’re talking about new, shiny buildings, not about the
education, not what’s in the classroom.”

LaTonya Williams owns a photography studio downtown and works at
the Bartlett Center. She says the location is not ideal, forcing some long bus
rides.

“Kids are not able to walk there,” Williams says. “Everyone
would need transportation. And so, as a Mom, I’m looking about the travel to
the building.”

Incumbent school board member Larry Koch supports the proposal,
calling it the best alternative.

“Long term, it is a very good option, a very good opportunity
for St. Joe, unlike any that I’ve seen in the past,” according to Koch.

The location of the American Family building concerns Colby
Oyerly.

“The amount of money that is going into that school compared
to what is going into the other ones, it just doesn’t sit for me,” Oyerly
states.

Disagreeing is incumbent Richard Gehring, who says the plan
will put St. Joseph high school students on equal footing.

“The building itself may be a little bit newer, but in the
end, if we get two high schools that offer equal academic, extra curriculars,
athletics, I am always going to be all for that,” Gehring says.

Retired educator David Jordan also says it is important to
realign the high schools to offer the same programs.

“Having similar offerings for all of our students; to me what
goes on inside that building is more important than what the actual building
looks like,” Jordan says.

St. Joseph voters will choose three for three-year terms on
the school board.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616706248916.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph school board candidates appear via Zoom on the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce forum." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph school board candidates appear via Zoom on the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce forum.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEight candidates for the St. Joseph school board differ in
their assessment of the school board’s proposal to buy the American Family
Insurance headquarters and turn it into a second high school.School board Vice President Lute Atieh says retrofitting that
building saves time and money.“I prefer to start with a structure,” Atieh says. “I’ve been
in the facility. I’ve spoken to the engineers. I’ve looked at it. American
Family did a great job maintaining that facility. It’s first class.”Voters will choose three candidates from the field of eight
April 6th.All eight discussed issues, primarily the $107 million bond
issue also on the April 6th ballot, during a candidate forum webcast
by the S<a href="https://www.facebook.com/saintjosephchamber">t. Joseph Chamber of Commerce on its Facebook page</a>.The proposal calls for a dramatic shakeup of the St. Joseph
School District. It would provide the school district the money to buy the
American Family building across from Missouri Western State University and
convert it into a second high school. The district would retain Central High
School and convert Benton High School and Lafayette High School into middle
schools.Investor David Foster favors the proposal, because it would
allow the high schools to offer equal curriculum.“And that’s what’s most important to me,” Foster says. “I want
equal education, equal opportunity and as long as we can accomplish that then I’ll
be a happy guy.”Opposed to converting the American Family headquarters is
Kenneth Reeder, a longtime community activist.“Buying old, used buildings does not improve our education,”
Reeder asserts. “We’re talking about new, shiny buildings, not about the
education, not what’s in the classroom.”LaTonya Williams owns a photography studio downtown and works at
the Bartlett Center. She says the location is not ideal, forcing some long bus
rides.“Kids are not able to walk there,” Williams says. “Everyone
would need transportation. And so, as a Mom, I’m looking about the travel to
the building.”Incumbent school board member Larry Koch supports the proposal,
calling it the best alternative.“Long term, it is a very good option, a very good opportunity
for St. Joe, unlike any that I’ve seen in the past,” according to Koch.The location of the American Family building concerns Colby
Oyerly.“The amount of money that is going into that school compared
to what is going into the other ones, it just doesn’t sit for me,” Oyerly
states.Disagreeing is incumbent Richard Gehring, who says the plan
will put St. Joseph high school students on equal footing.“The building itself may be a little bit newer, but in the
end, if we get two high schools that offer equal academic, extra curriculars,
athletics, I am always going to be all for that,” Gehring says.Retired educator David Jordan also says it is important to
realign the high schools to offer the same programs.“Having similar offerings for all of our students; to me what
goes on inside that building is more important than what the actual building
looks like,” Jordan says.St. Joseph voters will choose three for three-year terms on
the school board.

Eight candidates address St. Joseph school bond program during forum

The Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph officially opened the doors to its new Northside Head Start building on St. Joseph Avenue Thursday.

While CAP St. Joe held a small scale groundbreaking earlier in the year, the agency marked this occasion Thursday with a virtual grand opening on their Facebook page.

Ashley Phillips, the early childhood program director for CAP St. Joe, says this project has been nearly three years in the making.

"It really was about knowing that we have a lot of children and families in this part of town that needed service," she said. "So, it was about trying to find a facility that could have the capacity for that."

The building has multiple classrooms and play areas for youth ages newborn to five years old. Phillips says one of the main goals of the Head Start program is to insure young children feel prepared to enter kindergarten when that time comes.

"We really work to make sure that children and families in our community have the skills and the resources to be self sufficient going into kindergarten," Phillips said. "But also for just going out into our communities."

The $2.4 million project was made possible by funding from the federal Office of Head Start.

"A lot of our programs are five-hour days," Phillips explained. "These funds are so we can start to serve kids for a longer day. So, eight hours with busing, transportation and those kinds of things."

Thursday marked the first day that CAP St. Joe staff started work inside the Northside Head Start building. Phillips says it'll be about two or so weeks before kids start coming in.

Head Start's open enrollment period for the next academic year started this March. CAP St. Joe has similar facilities in not only Buchanan County, but in Andrew and Clinton County as well.

Families who are interested in signing up for the Head Start program are encouraged to call the main line at 816-233-8281.

"Everyone is excited for us to be investing in this part of our community," Phillips said. "They're excited for children to be able to come to a space that meets everyone's needs. Same thing for families."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616700373560.jpeg" alt="One of the play areas inside the Northside Head Start building in St. Joseph./ Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>One of the play areas inside the Northside Head Start building in St. Joseph./ Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph officially opened the doors to its new Northside Head Start building on St. Joseph Avenue Thursday.While CAP St. Joe held a small scale groundbreaking earlier in the year, the agency marked this occasion Thursday with a virtual grand opening on their Facebook page.Ashley Phillips, the early childhood program director for CAP St. Joe, says this project has been nearly three years in the making."It really was about knowing that we have a lot of children and families in this part of town that needed service," she said. "So, it was about trying to find a facility that could have the capacity for that."The building has multiple classrooms and play areas for youth ages newborn to five years old. Phillips says one of the main goals of the Head Start program is to insure young children feel prepared to enter kindergarten when that time comes."We really work to make sure that children and families in our community have the skills and the resources to be self sufficient going into kindergarten," Phillips said. "But also for just going out into our communities."The $2.4 million project was made possible by funding from the federal Office of Head Start."A lot of our programs are five-hour days," Phillips explained. "These funds are so we can start to serve kids for a longer day. So, eight hours with busing, transportation and those kinds of things."Thursday marked the first day that CAP St. Joe staff started work inside the Northside Head Start building. Phillips says it'll be about two or so weeks before kids start coming in.Head Start's open enrollment period for the next academic year started this March. CAP St. Joe has similar facilities in not only Buchanan County, but in Andrew and Clinton County as well.Families who are interested in signing up for the Head Start program are encouraged to call the main line at 816-233-8281."Everyone is excited for us to be investing in this part of our community," Phillips said. "They're excited for children to be able to come to a space that meets everyone's needs. Same thing for families."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616700411098.jpeg" alt="One of the classrooms inside the new Northside Head Start building in St. Joseph./ Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>One of the classrooms inside the new Northside Head Start building in St. Joseph./ Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

CAP St. Joseph officially opens new Northside Head Start building Thursday

The St. Joseph School District will continue to require the wearing of face masks within its buildings for the rest of the school year.

The district made that announcement Thursday - just days after the St. Joseph City council <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/73303b64-6840-4ed3-9f70-5d204800b116">decided to lift the mask mandate</a> that had been in place since September.

The mandate was lifted as of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, though many local establishments are still asking patrons to wear masks and observe social distancing.

The school district exercises jurisdiction over its buildings and has separately enforced a mask mandate its for students and staff for the current school year.

Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri State's campuses have also <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/9c7fa298-0116-42b2-872f-92296d604b69">kept their mask mandates in place</a>, as Maryville also lifted its mask mandate this week as well.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School District will continue to require the wearing of face masks within its buildings for the rest of the school year.The district made that announcement Thursday - just days after the St. Joseph City council <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/73303b64-6840-4ed3-9f70-5d204800b116">decided to lift the mask mandate</a> that had been in place since September.The mandate was lifted as of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, though many local establishments are still asking patrons to wear masks and observe social distancing.The school district exercises jurisdiction over its buildings and has separately enforced a mask mandate its for students and staff for the current school year.Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri State's campuses have also <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/9c7fa298-0116-42b2-872f-92296d604b69">kept their mask mandates in place</a>, as Maryville also lifted its mask mandate this week as well.

St. Joseph School District will continue to require face masks

Even with both St. Joseph and Maryville City Council's lifting their city-wide mask mandates, Missouri Western State University and Northwest Missouri State University have decided to keep their mandates in place at this time. 

Northwest's Vice President of Student Affairs Matt Baker says the school looks closely to the CDC and other federal agencies for guidance. 

"Given the proximity of our students within the classroom and our residence halls and our dining facilities, we felt like it was still very appropriate to continue our mitigation here as we have about a month left in our unground semester so wanted to keep that going," Baker tells St. Joseph Post. 

Missouri Western's President Elizabeth Kennedy looks forward to what this fall could bring for students and staff. 

"We're going to get through this semester and keep folks safe, healthy, keep our protocols in place, and hopefully we will all be vaccinated as folks are saying by this summer," says Kennedy. "Getting that herd immunity and be back to what college should look like in the fall."

Higher education is not yet eligible for the vaccine which also factored into Missouri Westerns' decision to continue with its mandates. 

By WHITNEE ICE St. Joseph Post Even with both St. Joseph and Maryville City Council's lifting their city-wide mask mandates, Missouri Western State University and Northwest Missouri State University have decided to keep their mandates in place at this time. Northwest's Vice President of Student Affairs Matt Baker says the school looks closely to the CDC and other federal agencies for guidance. "Given the proximity of our students within the classroom and our residence halls and our dining facilities, we felt like it was still very appropriate to continue our mitigation here as we have about a month left in our unground semester so wanted to keep that going," Baker tells St. Joseph Post. Missouri Western's President Elizabeth Kennedy looks forward to what this fall could bring for students and staff. "We're going to get through this semester and keep folks safe, healthy, keep our protocols in place, and hopefully we will all be vaccinated as folks are saying by this summer," says Kennedy. "Getting that herd immunity and be back to what college should look like in the fall."Higher education is not yet eligible for the vaccine which also factored into Missouri Westerns' decision to continue with its mandates.

MWSU and NWMSU keep campus mask mandates, despite St. Joseph and Maryville lifting them

The Caldwell County Commissioners passed a 'Second Amendment Preservation Resolution' on Wednesday as the Biden administration considers expanded gun control measures.

Presiding Caldwell County Commissioner Bud Motsinger says his county's resolution is a reinforcement of Missouri House Bill 85 and Missouri Senate Bill 39 - also known as the 'Second Amendment Preservation Act.'

"It's just expressing our support for the second amendment and for the House bill and the Senate Bill that is being considered right now (at the state level)," Motsinger said.

This resolution comes just two days after 10 people were killed in a shooting at a King's Supermarket in Boulder, Colorado and about a week after eight people were gunned down at Atlanta-area massage parlors.

In late-January and early February, Missouri legislators proposed the 'Second Amendment Preservation Act.' SB 39 declares, "...it is the duty of the courts and law enforcement agencies to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms."

With the Biden White House ramping up talks of gun control after the mass shooting in Boulder, Motsinger says he heard from constituents who wanted the county commissioners to take a stance in defense of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Consitution.

"We had been encouraged by several of our constituents in Caldwell County," Motsinger said. "They felt like we should have something in place to state that this is what our belief is in Caldwell County. That the state should have the supreme power of the federal government when it comes to regulating the second amendment."

Motsinger says DeKalb and several other counties across the state have drafted similar resolutions in recent days.

You can follow St. Joseph Post on Twitter @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616617900717.jpeg" alt="Caldwell County Courthouse. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Caldwell County Courthouse. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Caldwell County Commissioners passed a 'Second Amendment Preservation Resolution' on Wednesday as the Biden administration considers expanded gun control measures.Presiding Caldwell County Commissioner Bud Motsinger says his county's resolution is a reinforcement of Missouri House Bill 85 and Missouri Senate Bill 39 - also known as the 'Second Amendment Preservation Act.'"It's just expressing our support for the second amendment and for the House bill and the Senate Bill that is being considered right now (at the state level)," Motsinger said.This resolution comes just two days after 10 people were killed in a shooting at a King's Supermarket in Boulder, Colorado and about a week after eight people were gunned down at Atlanta-area massage parlors.In late-January and early February, Missouri legislators proposed the 'Second Amendment Preservation Act.' SB 39 declares, "...it is the duty of the courts and law enforcement agencies to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms."With the Biden White House ramping up talks of gun control after the mass shooting in Boulder, Motsinger says he heard from constituents who wanted the county commissioners to take a stance in defense of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Consitution."We had been encouraged by several of our constituents in Caldwell County," Motsinger said. "They felt like we should have something in place to state that this is what our belief is in Caldwell County. That the state should have the supreme power of the federal government when it comes to regulating the second amendment."Motsinger says DeKalb and several other counties across the state have drafted similar resolutions in recent days.You can follow St. Joseph Post on Twitter @StJosephPost.

Caldwell County Commissioners pass Second Amendment Preservation Resolution

A mask mandate has been lifted in St. Joseph, though masks
might still be required in many establishments in the city.

The St. Joseph City Council voted to end the mandate prior to
it expiring April 15th. Mayor Bill McMurray complied and lifted the
mandate.

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly expects
many businesses to retain their requirement that customers wear masks. 

“Many businesses will be, I think, pleased the fact that now
it becomes a personal decision if you will not only on the part of the individual,
but as you pointed out, the businesses as well,” Lilly tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline.

Lilly says he supported allowing the city mask mandate contained
in the mayor’s emergency declaration to run its course, but now that it has
been scrapped, it’s up to residents to keep safety measures in mind.

“Still encourage people to practice health safety if you will
and do those things that perhaps are necessary to make sure that we don’t find
ourselves in a situation where we’re going to have to return to the masks, God
forbid,” Lilly says.

Lilly says some St. Joseph businesses are pleased the mask
mandate has been lifted, others favored the mandate which put the city
authority behind requirements to wear masks.

The city council took the step despite a plea from Mosaic Life
Care to allow the emergency declaration to continue as planned until the middle
of next month.

Mosaic has reported a big decline in COVID-19 patients within
its system and especially at the St. Joseph hospital. Supporter of ending the
mask mandate pointed to those numbers of justify their support.

Mosaic’s Pat Dillon tells council members though Mosaic
coronavirus hospitalization numbers are down, Mosaic favored keeping the mask
mandate in place until its original April 15th expiration date.

“And you’re right, we’re not overwhelmed right now, thank
goodness,” Dillon tells council members. “We were at one time. It was very
difficult. I do think the masks have worked. I think the social distancing has
worked and I think something that we’ve all encouraged the community to do for
many years, the washing of hands, has worked and made a dramatic difference not
only in COVID but also in our flu cases this year.”

Mosaic reports three COVID-19 patients being treated in its system; all in St. Joseph.

The city council voted 5-to-4 to end the mask mandate. Mayor
McMurray could have forced those who favored ending the mask mandate to muster
a two-thirds vote, but decided to signed the order ending the emergency
declaration anyway.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA mask mandate has been lifted in St. Joseph, though masks
might still be required in many establishments in the city.The St. Joseph City Council voted to end the mandate prior to
it expiring April 15th. Mayor Bill McMurray complied and lifted the
mandate.St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly expects
many businesses to retain their requirement that customers wear masks. “Many businesses will be, I think, pleased the fact that now
it becomes a personal decision if you will not only on the part of the individual,
but as you pointed out, the businesses as well,” Lilly tells host Barry Birr on
the KFEQ Hotline.Lilly says he supported allowing the city mask mandate contained
in the mayor’s emergency declaration to run its course, but now that it has
been scrapped, it’s up to residents to keep safety measures in mind.“Still encourage people to practice health safety if you will
and do those things that perhaps are necessary to make sure that we don’t find
ourselves in a situation where we’re going to have to return to the masks, God
forbid,” Lilly says.Lilly says some St. Joseph businesses are pleased the mask
mandate has been lifted, others favored the mandate which put the city
authority behind requirements to wear masks.The city council took the step despite a plea from Mosaic Life
Care to allow the emergency declaration to continue as planned until the middle
of next month.Mosaic has reported a big decline in COVID-19 patients within
its system and especially at the St. Joseph hospital. Supporter of ending the
mask mandate pointed to those numbers of justify their support.Mosaic’s Pat Dillon tells council members though Mosaic
coronavirus hospitalization numbers are down, Mosaic favored keeping the mask
mandate in place until its original April 15th expiration date.“And you’re right, we’re not overwhelmed right now, thank
goodness,” Dillon tells council members. “We were at one time. It was very
difficult. I do think the masks have worked. I think the social distancing has
worked and I think something that we’ve all encouraged the community to do for
many years, the washing of hands, has worked and made a dramatic difference not
only in COVID but also in our flu cases this year.”Mosaic reports three COVID-19 patients being treated in its system; all in St. Joseph.The city council voted 5-to-4 to end the mask mandate. Mayor
McMurray could have forced those who favored ending the mask mandate to muster
a two-thirds vote, but decided to signed the order ending the emergency
declaration anyway.

Mask mandate lifted, St. Joseph residents still encouraged to wear masks

St. Joseph health officials report only three new coronavirus cases
on Tuesday, bringing the Buchanan County total since the pandemic began to
10,200.

Mosaic Life Care reports only three COVID-19 patients in its system; all in St. Joseph.

Missouri state health officials have been updating COVID-19
records, including updating death records. State officials informed the
St. Joseph Health Department Tuesday of six additional deaths of Buchanan County
residents over the past couple of months. The new coronavirus-related deaths
are a woman in her 50s, two women in their 70s, a woman in her 90s, and a man
in his 80s.

Andrew County health officials report a total of 2,020 cases of COVID-19, resulting in 20 deaths.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports a total of 959 cases.

Missouri health officials report a total of 486,917
cases statewide since the pandemic began with 8,434 deaths.

In Kansas, health officials report 300,125 total
cases, resulting in 4,850 deaths.

This article has been updated with new figures from Mosaic Life Care.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report only three new coronavirus cases
on Tuesday, bringing the Buchanan County total since the pandemic began to
10,200.Mosaic Life Care reports only three COVID-19 patients in its system; all in St. Joseph.Missouri state health officials have been updating COVID-19
records, including updating death records. State officials informed the
St. Joseph Health Department Tuesday of six additional deaths of Buchanan County
residents over the past couple of months. The new coronavirus-related deaths
are a woman in her 50s, two women in their 70s, a woman in her 90s, and a man
in his 80s.Andrew County health officials report a total of 2,020 cases of COVID-19, resulting in 20 deaths.Doniphan County, Kansas reports a total of 959 cases.Missouri health officials report a total of 486,917
cases statewide since the pandemic began with 8,434 deaths.In Kansas, health officials report 300,125 total
cases, resulting in 4,850 deaths.This article has been updated with new figures from Mosaic Life Care.

St. Joseph reports only 3 new COVID-19 cases

Missouri Western State University has signed an articulation partnership with North Central Missouri College. 

This agreement between the two schools will help students transfer from NCMC to Missouri Western with ease.  

Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications for Missouri Western Kent Heier says they are providing NCMC students with a clear pathway to transfer to Missouri Western. 

"Oftentimes when a community college student is looking to continue their education, they find that some of the classes they took at the community college don't transfer like they thought they would," Heier tells St. Joseph Post. 

Heier says this will help students complete their four-year degree. 

"It's going to eliminate course duplication and it's going to provide them with a very clear pathway towards getting that four-year degree," says Heier. 

Heier says this is an advantage for students that want to get a four-year degree after attending NCMC. 

"Certainly we hope that that means more students will choose to come to Missouri Western to finish their four-year degree and we hope that means more students recognize that NCMC is a great place for them to start their college career if that's the option for them," says Heier. 

Heier says he hopes this results in growing enrollment for both schools.

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University has signed an articulation partnership with North Central Missouri College. This agreement between the two schools will help students transfer from NCMC to Missouri Western with ease. Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications for Missouri Western Kent Heier says they are providing NCMC students with a clear pathway to transfer to Missouri Western. "Oftentimes when a community college student is looking to continue their education, they find that some of the classes they took at the community college don't transfer like they thought they would," Heier tells St. Joseph Post. Heier says this will help students complete their four-year degree. "It's going to eliminate course duplication and it's going to provide them with a very clear pathway towards getting that four-year degree," says Heier. Heier says this is an advantage for students that want to get a four-year degree after attending NCMC. "Certainly we hope that that means more students will choose to come to Missouri Western to finish their four-year degree and we hope that means more students recognize that NCMC is a great place for them to start their college career if that's the option for them," says Heier. Heier says he hopes this results in growing enrollment for both schools.

MWSU and NCMC sign an articulation partnership

DEKALB COUNTY— Two people were injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Malibu driven by Robert E. Kendall, 50, St. Joseph, was northbound on MO 6 at Route J three miles north of Amity. 

The driver failed to yield right of way to an eastbound 2013 Chevy Traverse driven by Krystal M. Frame, 36, McFall. The front of the Malibu struck the passenger side of the Traverse.

DeKalb-Clinton EMS transported Frame to Cameron Regional Medical Center. A passenger in the Malibu Susan L. Kendall, 48, St. Joseph, refused treatment for a minor injury at the scene. Robert Kendall was not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, accordin to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY— Two people were injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Malibu driven by Robert E. Kendall, 50, St. Joseph, was northbound on MO 6 at Route J three miles north of Amity. The driver failed to yield right of way to an eastbound 2013 Chevy Traverse driven by Krystal M. Frame, 36, McFall. The front of the Malibu struck the passenger side of the Traverse.DeKalb-Clinton EMS transported Frame to Cameron Regional Medical Center. A passenger in the Malibu Susan L. Kendall, 48, St. Joseph, refused treatment for a minor injury at the scene. Robert Kendall was not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, accordin to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after 2-vehicle DeKalb Co. crash

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt says he decided 26 years in Congress was
enough, that it was time to retire.

Blunt, in an interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, says he
didn’t have any concerns about winning re-election when he began contemplating
retiring from public service.

“Well, I will have been in the Congress 26 years at the end of
this term. That’s one thing to think about,” Blunt tells us. “Another is I
think it’s going to be a particularly good year for Republicans. I think it
would have been a good year for me, but I also think it will be a good year to
create the likelihood that I’ll be replaced by somebody in general agreement
with my view of the government.”

Blunt claims Democrats in Washington are overreaching, pushing
a very liberal agenda even though the elections in November shrunk their
margins in Congress. Blunt asserts the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief and
stimulus bill actually carries long-sought Democratic giveaways. He says the
infrastructure bill being pushed by President Joe Biden is weighed down by a
left-leaning environmental package and he accuses Democrats of attempting to
federalize elections.

The decision by Blunt puts many political wheels in motion,
never more evident than the announcement by former Gov. Eric Greitens that he
hopes to make a political comeback by winning the Republican nomination of
replace Blunt. Greitens left the governor’s office in disgrace after a sex
scandal surfaced in 2018.

Missouri might lean Republican, but an open Senate seat will prompt
some prominent Missouri Democrats to consider a run. The state has had a race
for an open Senate seat only twice in the past 30 years. 

Blunt says he has no successor in mind, but adds there are
many young Republican statewide officeholders who would make good candidates
and there might be some Republicans in the private sector who would consider entering
the race.

Blunt calls his decision personal, shared with few outside his
family. It had nothing to do with his re-election chances, he insists, but
everything to do with his age.

“This is not about not getting elected again,” Blunt says. “It
was really very much about do I want to spend my 70s in the Senate? And I
decided that was not what I wanted to do in the 70s.”

Some have speculated that Blunt, more of a traditional
Republican accustomed to brokering deals in Congress as a member of the
leadership in both the House and Senate, might have grown tired of the
increasingly bitter political environment in Washington; perhaps even worn down
by four years of dealing with President Donald Trump.

Blunt says the last four turbulent years with Trump as
president had nothing to do with his decision.

“President Trump, I didn’t always agree with the way he got
things done, but more often than not I was enthusiastically in agreement with
what was getting done,” according to Blunt.

Blunt says he plans to focus on health care research, placing
mental health care on the same level as health care, and legislation to create
jobs in his final two years in the Senate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616517316031.jpeg" alt="U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, at a meeting in St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, at a meeting in St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostU.S. Sen. Roy Blunt says he decided 26 years in Congress was
enough, that it was time to retire.Blunt, in an interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, says he
didn’t have any concerns about winning re-election when he began contemplating
retiring from public service.“Well, I will have been in the Congress 26 years at the end of
this term. That’s one thing to think about,” Blunt tells us. “Another is I
think it’s going to be a particularly good year for Republicans. I think it
would have been a good year for me, but I also think it will be a good year to
create the likelihood that I’ll be replaced by somebody in general agreement
with my view of the government.”Blunt claims Democrats in Washington are overreaching, pushing
a very liberal agenda even though the elections in November shrunk their
margins in Congress. Blunt asserts the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief and
stimulus bill actually carries long-sought Democratic giveaways. He says the
infrastructure bill being pushed by President Joe Biden is weighed down by a
left-leaning environmental package and he accuses Democrats of attempting to
federalize elections.The decision by Blunt puts many political wheels in motion,
never more evident than the announcement by former Gov. Eric Greitens that he
hopes to make a political comeback by winning the Republican nomination of
replace Blunt. Greitens left the governor’s office in disgrace after a sex
scandal surfaced in 2018.Missouri might lean Republican, but an open Senate seat will prompt
some prominent Missouri Democrats to consider a run. The state has had a race
for an open Senate seat only twice in the past 30 years. Blunt says he has no successor in mind, but adds there are
many young Republican statewide officeholders who would make good candidates
and there might be some Republicans in the private sector who would consider entering
the race.Blunt calls his decision personal, shared with few outside his
family. It had nothing to do with his re-election chances, he insists, but
everything to do with his age.“This is not about not getting elected again,” Blunt says. “It
was really very much about do I want to spend my 70s in the Senate? And I
decided that was not what I wanted to do in the 70s.”Blunt is 71.Some have speculated that Blunt, more of a traditional
Republican accustomed to brokering deals in Congress as a member of the
leadership in both the House and Senate, might have grown tired of the
increasingly bitter political environment in Washington; perhaps even worn down
by four years of dealing with President Donald Trump.Blunt says the last four turbulent years with Trump as
president had nothing to do with his decision.“President Trump, I didn’t always agree with the way he got
things done, but more often than not I was enthusiastically in agreement with
what was getting done,” according to Blunt.Blunt says he plans to focus on health care research, placing
mental health care on the same level as health care, and legislation to create
jobs in his final two years in the Senate.

Sen. Blunt says decision had nothing to do with re-election prospects

The St. Joseph city council showed their support for a major economic development project.

The council unanimously approved the issuance of Chapter 100 bonds at Monday night's meeting in the amount of $25.5 million. This money will be used for a new, 80,000 square foot manufacturing facility for Cereal Ingredients, Inc. at Eastowne Business Park.

Brad Lau, the senior VP for economic development at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, said Cereal Ingredients, based out of Leavenworth, KS, was looking at Leavenworth as a potential location for their new building.

The Chapter 100 bonds, Lau says, are a way to make the bidding process more competitive for the city.

"(The Chapter 100 bonds) is an economic development tool to make St. Joseph and the state of Missouri competitive," Lau said. "We were competing with Kansas and other parts of Missouri as well."

Cereal Ingredients is investing $25.5 million, which will go toward new equipment and jobs over the next three years. The project is expected to create 48 new jobs in St. Joseph within the first three years and 60 within the first six.

St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray expressed high optimism about the project.

"This is going to be great for St. Joe," he said. "We have a lot of allied industries in the food manufacturing business, so this will be great."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616522588931.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray called the Cereal Ingredients, Inc. project "a great thing for St. Joe" at Monday night's city council meeting. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray called the Cereal Ingredients, Inc. project "a great thing for St. Joe" at Monday night's city council meeting. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph city council showed their support for a major economic development project.The council unanimously approved the issuance of Chapter 100 bonds at Monday night's meeting in the amount of $25.5 million. This money will be used for a new, 80,000 square foot manufacturing facility for Cereal Ingredients, Inc. at Eastowne Business Park.Brad Lau, the senior VP for economic development at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, said Cereal Ingredients, based out of Leavenworth, KS, was looking at Leavenworth as a potential location for their new building.The Chapter 100 bonds, Lau says, are a way to make the bidding process more competitive for the city."(The Chapter 100 bonds) is an economic development tool to make St. Joseph and the state of Missouri competitive," Lau said. "We were competing with Kansas and other parts of Missouri as well."Cereal Ingredients is investing $25.5 million, which will go toward new equipment and jobs over the next three years. The project is expected to create 48 new jobs in St. Joseph within the first three years and 60 within the first six.St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray expressed high optimism about the project."This is going to be great for St. Joe," he said. "We have a lot of allied industries in the food manufacturing business, so this will be great."Each of the 48 new jobs will be salaried at an average of $48,000 annually.You can follow Tommy on Twitter@TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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