The St. Joseph School District has never had a sanctioned middle school or junior high football program.

Bantam football, a volunteer-based youth program, filled that need in the community for years - until it fell off 5-6 years ago.

"It's a lot of work to maintain," said Robert Sigrist, the SJSD director of student services. "Equipment, and being able to organize that every year and everything."

Since Bantam football's decline in St. Joseph, Sigrist says there's been a missing opportunity for young players across the district.

"It's a gap we have in our community," he said. "It's an opportunity that we are missing to engage a pretty significant number of kids annually. It's an opportunity also to give our kids a better opportunity to be more competitive once they get to the high school level."

That might explain why St. Joseph high school football hasn't had as much success as nearby programs like Savannah or Mid-Buchanan or Stanberry.

Benton, Lafayette and St. Joseph Central all had losing records in football in 2020. The Cardinals haven't had a winning season since 2010. For Central, it's been since 2013.

The Irish have had the most success with eight winning seasons since 2010, including four playoff wins within the last five years. But even so, Sigrist feels like consistent success in football is lacking at the high school level within the city.

"Consistent success and extended success deep into the postseason has been pretty few and far between in the St. Joseph community for quite some time."

Middle school football, Sigrist believes, could teach the city's players more fundamentals and techniques at an earlier age. It also gives St. Joseph student-athletes the same opportunities for competition as some of its rural neighbors.

"If you live in Savannah, Cameron or across the river in Troy or in the Riverside school district or Mid-Buchanan, all of those kids have that (middle school football) opportunity."

Middle school football has been a discussion within the St. Joseph District for years. The problem is - the idea never really got out of the discussion phase. That is, until the last year or so.

Sigrist believes the district is in a solid enough financial state to support the program. He also believes the interest from the school board and area families is at an all-time high.

"When we're talking about over 70 percent of (SJSD) families in 4th-8th grade saying that they probably would or definitely would participate, that's a pretty strong indicator that not only is there a need, but from our families, there's a want."

The cost of starting a middle-school football program would be about $100,000. The four middle schools (Truman, Bode, Robidoux, Spring Garden) would create two co-ops. Therefore, there would be two middle school football teams in St. Joseph to start.

Sigrist says the plan is to bring a formal proposal to the district board sometime next year, with the goal of starting middle school football in the 2022-23 academic year.

"We want to take our time," Sigrist said. "We want to make sure the planning goes into place. We don't want to go in halfway. We want to be committed and we want to do it the right way."

Making St. Joseph high school teams more competitive is a key, long-term potential benefit of adding middle school football.

The more important benefit though, Sigrist says, is giving the city's youth an extra opportunity to compete, develop and succeed overall.

"If we can have 120 kids involved in an activity that would not have been involved otherwise," Sigrist noted, "that's 120 kids in our middle schools that are going to be more engaged with school. They're more likely to be present at school and more likely to have better grades and better behaviors."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616010729699.jpeg" alt="The Lafayette football team has had the most success of any St. Joseph high school team in the last decade, but school officials believe the addition of a middle school football program would benefit all of the district's high school teams. Photo via Theresa Paolillo on Pinterest." />
 <figcaption>The Lafayette football team has had the most success of any St. Joseph high school team in the last decade, but school officials believe the addition of a middle school football program would benefit all of the district's high school teams. Photo via Theresa Paolillo on Pinterest.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School District has never had a sanctioned middle school or junior high football program.Bantam football, a volunteer-based youth program, filled that need in the community for years - until it fell off 5-6 years ago."It's a lot of work to maintain," said Robert Sigrist, the SJSD director of student services. "Equipment, and being able to organize that every year and everything."Since Bantam football's decline in St. Joseph, Sigrist says there's been a missing opportunity for young players across the district."It's a gap we have in our community," he said. "It's an opportunity that we are missing to engage a pretty significant number of kids annually. It's an opportunity also to give our kids a better opportunity to be more competitive once they get to the high school level."That might explain why St. Joseph high school football hasn't had as much success as nearby programs like Savannah or Mid-Buchanan or Stanberry.Benton, Lafayette and St. Joseph Central all had losing records in football in 2020. The Cardinals haven't had a winning season since 2010. For Central, it's been since 2013.The Irish have had the most success with eight winning seasons since 2010, including four playoff wins within the last five years. But even so, Sigrist feels like consistent success in football is lacking at the high school level within the city."Consistent success and extended success deep into the postseason has been pretty few and far between in the St. Joseph community for quite some time."Middle school football, Sigrist believes, could teach the city's players more fundamentals and techniques at an earlier age. It also gives St. Joseph student-athletes the same opportunities for competition as some of its rural neighbors."If you live in Savannah, Cameron or across the river in Troy or in the Riverside school district or Mid-Buchanan, all of those kids have that (middle school football) opportunity."Middle school football has been a discussion within the St. Joseph District for years. The problem is - the idea never really got out of the discussion phase. That is, until the last year or so.Sigrist believes the district is in a solid enough financial state to support the program. He also believes the interest from the school board and area families is at an all-time high."When we're talking about over 70 percent of (SJSD) families in 4th-8th grade saying that they probably would or definitely would participate, that's a pretty strong indicator that not only is there a need, but from our families, there's a want."The cost of starting a middle-school football program would be about $100,000. The four middle schools (Truman, Bode, Robidoux, Spring Garden) would create two co-ops. Therefore, there would be two middle school football teams in St. Joseph to start.Sigrist says the plan is to bring a formal proposal to the district board sometime next year, with the goal of starting middle school football in the 2022-23 academic year."We want to take our time," Sigrist said. "We want to make sure the planning goes into place. We don't want to go in halfway. We want to be committed and we want to do it the right way."Making St. Joseph high school teams more competitive is a key, long-term potential benefit of adding middle school football.The more important benefit though, Sigrist says, is giving the city's youth an extra opportunity to compete, develop and succeed overall."If we can have 120 kids involved in an activity that would not have been involved otherwise," Sigrist noted, "that's 120 kids in our middle schools that are going to be more engaged with school. They're more likely to be present at school and more likely to have better grades and better behaviors."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Discussions on SJSD middle school football program gaining traction

Doniphan County, Kansas is opening vaccine clinics to phases 3 and 4.

The county has its first Johnson and Johnson clinic Thursday.

Doniphan County Health Department Administrator Sheryl Pierce says there are no more openings for the vaccine at this clinic.

"At this time, we don't know when we'll get more of the one dose, Johnson and Johnson," says Pierce. "The state says maybe around April 1st."

Pierce says they will be administering 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine to all eligible phases on March 23rd.

"We still have probably 70 open slots for that. For anybody that's in phase 1,2,3 or 4 that lives or works in Doniphan County," Pierce tells St. Joseph Post. 

Pierce says 20 percent of the eligible population has received the vaccine. 

"We've administered 1,160 doses, first doses of the Moderna, and 560 boosters of that, of the Moderna."

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostDoniphan County, Kansas is opening vaccine clinics to phases 3 and 4.The county has its first Johnson and Johnson clinic Thursday.Doniphan County Health Department Administrator Sheryl Pierce says there are no more openings for the vaccine at this clinic."At this time, we don't know when we'll get more of the one dose, Johnson and Johnson," says Pierce. "The state says maybe around April 1st."Pierce says they will be administering 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine to all eligible phases on March 23rd."We still have probably 70 open slots for that. For anybody that's in phase 1,2,3 or 4 that lives or works in Doniphan County," Pierce tells St. Joseph Post. Pierce says 20 percent of the eligible population has received the vaccine. "We've administered 1,160 doses, first doses of the Moderna, and 560 boosters of that, of the Moderna."

Doniphan County, Kansas opens COVID vaccine clinics for phases 3 and 4

More money is coming Buchanan County’s way in wake of Congress
passing the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief and economic stimulus package
pushed by President Joe Biden.

“I think it’s kind of interesting that it’s called the
American Rescue Plan and I think one of the really good things that I can say
about Buchanan County is we don’t really need to be rescued,” Buchanan County
Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says. “And, I’m proud about that fact.”

Sawyer expects the commission to follow the guidelines it used
the last time it received federal funds.

“What we did with the CARES Act money, which was a little
different, we had a good program. We put a lot of thought into it, a lot of
time and energy,” Sawyer tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “We met
with a lot of people and I think we were good stewards of that money and that’s
exactly what we need to do with this next round.”

Buchanan County is likely to receive two installments of
federal funds this time around. The county received $10.2 million dollars in
CARES Act funding. It could receive up to $17 million from the latest package
approved by Congress.

Sawyer expects the commission to approach the latest
appropriation that same way it approached the last.

“We’ll be looking at kind of a similar approach when it comes
to that whole thought of how can we affect the most people within Buchanan
County.”

Buchanan County distributed federal coronavirus money last
year in a variety of ways, helping small businesses with loans, offsetting
COVID-19 expenses at area agencies, helping Mosaic Life Care test area
residents.

Sawyer says commissioners are reviewing everything they can to
determine how much the county will receive and how best it should be spent.

“We need to get the biggest return that we can with different
types of programs and we will certainly set that up once we know what we can and
can’t do,” according to Sawyer. “I guess in the end, the way it should be
looked at from a Buchanan County standpoint is that we should be thankful that
we are in a good position, that we can use this to maybe really make a difference
and not just like pay down debt or something like that,” Sawyer says with a
chuckle.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMore money is coming Buchanan County’s way in wake of Congress
passing the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief and economic stimulus package
pushed by President Joe Biden.“I think it’s kind of interesting that it’s called the
American Rescue Plan and I think one of the really good things that I can say
about Buchanan County is we don’t really need to be rescued,” Buchanan County
Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says. “And, I’m proud about that fact.”Sawyer expects the commission to follow the guidelines it used
the last time it received federal funds.“What we did with the CARES Act money, which was a little
different, we had a good program. We put a lot of thought into it, a lot of
time and energy,” Sawyer tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “We met
with a lot of people and I think we were good stewards of that money and that’s
exactly what we need to do with this next round.”Buchanan County is likely to receive two installments of
federal funds this time around. The county received $10.2 million dollars in
CARES Act funding. It could receive up to $17 million from the latest package
approved by Congress.Sawyer expects the commission to approach the latest
appropriation that same way it approached the last.“We’ll be looking at kind of a similar approach when it comes
to that whole thought of how can we affect the most people within Buchanan
County.”Buchanan County distributed federal coronavirus money last
year in a variety of ways, helping small businesses with loans, offsetting
COVID-19 expenses at area agencies, helping Mosaic Life Care test area
residents.Sawyer says commissioners are reviewing everything they can to
determine how much the county will receive and how best it should be spent.“We need to get the biggest return that we can with different
types of programs and we will certainly set that up once we know what we can and
can’t do,” according to Sawyer. “I guess in the end, the way it should be
looked at from a Buchanan County standpoint is that we should be thankful that
we are in a good position, that we can use this to maybe really make a difference
and not just like pay down debt or something like that,” Sawyer says with a
chuckle.

Buchanan County might get even more COVID relief money this year

A single gun shot hit a moving vehicle in St. Joseph, but no
one was hurt in the shooting.

St. Joseph police report the driver of the vehicle stated
another car chasing him fired two shots at his car. One hit the vehicle.

The shooting occurred just after midnight on 22nd
Street near Garfield.

No one has been arrested. The investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA single gun shot hit a moving vehicle in St. Joseph, but no
one was hurt in the shooting.St. Joseph police report the driver of the vehicle stated
another car chasing him fired two shots at his car. One hit the vehicle.The shooting occurred just after midnight on 22nd
Street near Garfield.No one has been arrested. The investigation continues.

Gun shot hits car during chase in St. Joseph

With the St. Joseph school district bond issue just around the corner, St. Jospeh school officials say there are a few things you should know before voting. 

Project Executive with McCrownGordon Construction Chris Hess then says renovating an existing building is a faster option. 

"If you look at building a new high school on a new sight, you're looking at about three years from the time the bond would pass its about one year of design and then two years of construction," Hess tells St. Joseph Post. 

Hess says the American Family building is ready for renovations. 

"Verses American Family is, in essence, the structure's there the infrastructure's there so you pretty much get to start renovating the building right off," says Hess. 

Hess says a new high school would take a year longer to build than renovating the American Family Headquarters. 

"High school number two would be operational by summer of 2023 as opposed to new construction would be the following summer," says Hess.

Hess says there will be space left unused at the American Family Headquarters that can be used in the future. 

"In the future, once the district has a need, there might be an opportunity just to continue to expand programs there," says Hess. 

The 107-Million Dollar bond issue is on this coming April 6th ballot. 

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostWith the St. Joseph school district bond issue just around the corner, St. Jospeh school officials say there are a few things you should know before voting. Project Executive with McCrownGordon Construction Chris Hess then says renovating an existing building is a faster option. "If you look at building a new high school on a new sight, you're looking at about three years from the time the bond would pass its about one year of design and then two years of construction," Hess tells St. Joseph Post. Hess says the American Family building is ready for renovations. "Verses American Family is, in essence, the structure's there the infrastructure's there so you pretty much get to start renovating the building right off," says Hess. Hess says a new high school would take a year longer to build than renovating the American Family Headquarters. "High school number two would be operational by summer of 2023 as opposed to new construction would be the following summer," says Hess.Hess says there will be space left unused at the American Family Headquarters that can be used in the future. "In the future, once the district has a need, there might be an opportunity just to continue to expand programs there," says Hess. The 107-Million Dollar bond issue is on this coming April 6th ballot.

St. Joseph's school bond issue is around the corner

The hospitalization of COVID-19 patients continues to moderate
in the area.

Mosaic Life Care has seen a steady decline of coronavirus
patients in its system.

“The numbers had been running pretty much around 10 or less now
for the last several weeks,” Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner
tells reporters. “Our positivity rate for the last three weeks is around 5% roughly.”

Turner notes the numbers had dropped to the low single-digits
before rising to 11 on Monday, with two patients in the St. Joseph ICU on ventilators.

This morning, Mosaic reports 10 COVID-19 patients in its system;
nine in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

Mosaic has vaccinated more than 25,000 area residents at its
operation in the old Gordman’s store at East Hills Mall in St. Joseph.

Missouri has based eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine on<a href="https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/">
occupation and need</a>.

It began with Phase 1A, which included health care workers as
well as nursing home patients. That expanded to Phase 1B, which is broken down
into three tiers. Phase 1B, Tier 1 includes First Responders, those in
emergency services and public health. Phase 1B, Tier 2 includes high-risk
individuals, such as cancer patients who are more vulnerable. Phase 1B, Tier 3
includes workers in critical infrastructure, such as teachers, day care
workers, workers in the agricultural and food sector, transportation, and water
and wastewater sector among others.

Turner welcomes the expansion of those eligible for the
vaccine.

“This expands now to your K through 12 teachers, ag, other certain
businesses, to include information technology, energy, transportation.”

Turner says Mosaic is receiving enough vaccine to keep up with
demand. He adds Mosaic could vaccinate many more residents if more would sign
up. He encourages residents to go to the Mosaic website:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.mymlc.com/">mymlc.com</a> or the <a href="https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/navigator/">Missouri COVID-19 navigator
site</a> to sign up.

“The numbers that we’re seeing sign up are about lining up
with the number of vaccine that we are receiving,” Turner says.

Turner says Mosaic encourages those eligible to register.

“We would just like to see more folks sign up,” Turner says. “If
you’re eligible, you meet criteria, please sign up, because if our sign-up list
is longer that gives us the ability to go to the state and say we need more vaccine.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615918503008.jpeg" alt="Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner speaks with reporters./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner speaks with reporters./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe hospitalization of COVID-19 patients continues to moderate
in the area.Mosaic Life Care has seen a steady decline of coronavirus
patients in its system.“The numbers had been running pretty much around 10 or less now
for the last several weeks,” Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner
tells reporters. “Our positivity rate for the last three weeks is around 5% roughly.”Turner notes the numbers had dropped to the low single-digits
before rising to 11 on Monday, with two patients in the St. Joseph ICU on ventilators.This morning, Mosaic reports 10 COVID-19 patients in its system;
nine in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.Mosaic has vaccinated more than 25,000 area residents at its
operation in the old Gordman’s store at East Hills Mall in St. Joseph.Missouri has based eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine on<a href="https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/">
occupation and need</a>.It began with Phase 1A, which included health care workers as
well as nursing home patients. That expanded to Phase 1B, which is broken down
into three tiers. Phase 1B, Tier 1 includes First Responders, those in
emergency services and public health. Phase 1B, Tier 2 includes high-risk
individuals, such as cancer patients who are more vulnerable. Phase 1B, Tier 3
includes workers in critical infrastructure, such as teachers, day care
workers, workers in the agricultural and food sector, transportation, and water
and wastewater sector among others.Turner welcomes the expansion of those eligible for the
vaccine.“This expands now to your K through 12 teachers, ag, other certain
businesses, to include information technology, energy, transportation.”Turner says Mosaic is receiving enough vaccine to keep up with
demand. He adds Mosaic could vaccinate many more residents if more would sign
up. He encourages residents to go to the Mosaic website:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.mymlc.com/">mymlc.com</a> or the <a href="https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/navigator/">Missouri COVID-19 navigator
site</a> to sign up.“The numbers that we’re seeing sign up are about lining up
with the number of vaccine that we are receiving,” Turner says.Turner says Mosaic encourages those eligible to register.“We would just like to see more folks sign up,” Turner says. “If
you’re eligible, you meet criteria, please sign up, because if our sign-up list
is longer that gives us the ability to go to the state and say we need more vaccine.”

Mosaic encourages area residents to register for COVID-19 vaccine

Repairs of Missouri River levees damaged by the 2019 flood
continue, though floating ice on the Missouri in February halted work for a
while.

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says the Army Corps
of Engineers has moved faster than he thought it could.

“I think they did a phenomenal job of getting many of the
repairs done,” Graves tells St. Joseph Post.

Still, Graves remains critical of how the Corps plans to
manage the Missouri River.

“They’re talking about restoration of the southern part of the
Missouri River by December of 2022, but they’re not going to get the northern portion
back to full capacity until 2025,” Graves says. “We have to do better.”

Graves says navigation on the Missouri depends on the weather,
but also on the priorities the Corps has for the Missouri. Graves says the
Corps needs to return to considering flood control and navigation the top
priorities guiding how it manages the Missouri River.

Graves says the extent of the damage done by the 2019 flood
will force changes to the levee system along the Missouri.

“In some cases, we had holes that we just simply can’t fill,”
according to Graves. “They are scour holes and many of them 70 to 100 feet deep
and you just can’t fill holes like that. So, we’re looking to realign the river
and that’s in process and moving forward.”

The Army Corps of Engineers adds that the deep freeze in
February created ice on the river, forcing workers to quit until the recent
thaw.

Graves says the Corps could ease the risk of flooding through
its control of the six Missouri River upstream reservoirs. Releases from those reservoirs
at the Gavins Point Dam along the Nebraska-South Dakota border determine the
level of the Missouri River downstream. Graves has been pushing the Corps to
make flood control and navigation the top priorities guiding management of the
Missouri.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRepairs of Missouri River levees damaged by the 2019 flood
continue, though floating ice on the Missouri in February halted work for a
while.Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says the Army Corps
of Engineers has moved faster than he thought it could.“I think they did a phenomenal job of getting many of the
repairs done,” Graves tells St. Joseph Post.Still, Graves remains critical of how the Corps plans to
manage the Missouri River.“They’re talking about restoration of the southern part of the
Missouri River by December of 2022, but they’re not going to get the northern portion
back to full capacity until 2025,” Graves says. “We have to do better.”Graves says navigation on the Missouri depends on the weather,
but also on the priorities the Corps has for the Missouri. Graves says the
Corps needs to return to considering flood control and navigation the top
priorities guiding how it manages the Missouri River.Graves says the extent of the damage done by the 2019 flood
will force changes to the levee system along the Missouri.“In some cases, we had holes that we just simply can’t fill,”
according to Graves. “They are scour holes and many of them 70 to 100 feet deep
and you just can’t fill holes like that. So, we’re looking to realign the river
and that’s in process and moving forward.”The Army Corps of Engineers adds that the deep freeze in
February created ice on the river, forcing workers to quit until the recent
thaw.Graves says the Corps could ease the risk of flooding through
its control of the six Missouri River upstream reservoirs. Releases from those reservoirs
at the Gavins Point Dam along the Nebraska-South Dakota border determine the
level of the Missouri River downstream. Graves has been pushing the Corps to
make flood control and navigation the top priorities guiding management of the
Missouri.

Levee system repairs in wake of 2019 Missouri River flood continue

St. Joseph health officials report just seven new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County since Friday and no new fatalities.

The county's case total stands at 10,158 with 172 virus-related fatalities since the pandemic began.

Over 16,000 doses of the COVID cases have been administered in Buchanan County.

Andrew County has eclipsed over 2,000 total COVID cases with 20 fatalities.&nbsp; Over 4,500 doses of vaccine have been administered in Andrew County.

Mosaic Life Care reports 11 COVID-19 patients in its system - 10 of those patients are being treated in St. Joseph with one in Maryville.

On Monday, Mosaic announced changes to their patient visitor policy, with two visitors-per-patient now being allowed. The age restrictions on Mosaic hospital visitors have also been lifted.

Statewide, over 1.1 million Missourians have been vaccinated while over 550,000 Kansans have received their first dose of the COVID vaccine.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report just seven new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County since Friday and no new fatalities.The county's case total stands at 10,158 with 172 virus-related fatalities since the pandemic began.Over 16,000 doses of the COVID cases have been administered in Buchanan County.Andrew County has eclipsed over 2,000 total COVID cases with 20 fatalities.&nbsp; Over 4,500 doses of vaccine have been administered in Andrew County.Mosaic Life Care reports 11 COVID-19 patients in its system - 10 of those patients are being treated in St. Joseph with one in Maryville.On Monday, Mosaic announced changes to their patient visitor policy, with two visitors-per-patient now being allowed. The age restrictions on Mosaic hospital visitors have also been lifted.Statewide, over 1.1 million Missourians have been vaccinated while over 550,000 Kansans have received their first dose of the COVID vaccine.

St. Joseph health officials report seven new COVID cases, hospitalizations up slightly

The Amber Alert issued Monday afternoon regarding a St. Joseph man and a two-year-old child has been called off, and the child has been recovered safely.

Authorities say 29-year-old Jeremiah LaTour forced entry into the home of two-year-old Miah LaTour with two other unknown males and took the child by force just after 3:30 p.m. Monday afternoon in St. Joseph. 

LaTour is said to have responded to St. Joseph Police and the child was recovered safely.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued he Amber Alert just after 4:30 Monday afternoon with a white GMC Acadia being the vehicle of interest.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AMBER ALERT 2021-3 CANCELLED: THE SUSPECT RESPONDED TO SAINT JOSEPH POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE CHILD WAS RECOVERED SAFE. <a href="https://t.co/LHna6U2udy">pic.twitter.com/LHna6U2udy</a>&mdash; Missouri State Highway Patrol Alerts (@MSHPAlerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPAlerts/status/1371588142516465666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Amber Alert issued Monday afternoon regarding a St. Joseph man and a two-year-old child has been called off, and the child has been recovered safely.Authorities say 29-year-old Jeremiah LaTour forced entry into the home of two-year-old Miah LaTour with two other unknown males and took the child by force just after 3:30 p.m. Monday afternoon in St. Joseph. LaTour is said to have responded to St. Joseph Police and the child was recovered safely.The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued he Amber Alert just after 4:30 Monday afternoon with a white GMC Acadia being the vehicle of interest.

Amber Alert for two-year-old St. Joseph child called off, child recovered safely

This Year's Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison, KS scheduled for July 16th and 17th has been canceled. 

Due to the continuing threat of COVID-19, and for the safety of volunteer and those who would attend the event, the festival has been canceled for this year. Even with vaccines, it's not enough to ensure the safety of the large community event. 

The committee will begin planning to return in July 2022 with a celebrations of Atchison's famous aviatrix. 

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostThis Year's Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison, KS scheduled for July 16th and 17th has been canceled. Due to the continuing threat of COVID-19, and for the safety of volunteer and those who would attend the event, the festival has been canceled for this year. Even with vaccines, it's not enough to ensure the safety of the large community event. The committee will begin planning to return in July 2022 with a celebrations of Atchison's famous aviatrix.

Atchison's Amelia Earhart Festival has been Canceled

Steady rainfall over the last few days has swelled rivers and streams in northwest Missouri, including the 102 River.

A Flood Warning remains in effect for the 102 River at Rosendale, affecting Andrew and Buchanan counties until Tuesday evening.

The river will crest just above the flood stage of 18 feet Monday before going back down Monday night into Tuesday.

National Weather Service meteorologist Chris Bowman from the Pleasant Hill office says the recent rains from over the weekend and any more rain that falls this week will largely impact the smaller streams and tributaries.

"It's more like multiple rounds of moderate rain," Bowman said. "The flood threat will be more into the area creeks and streams and rivers."

Monday also brings the first chance of severe weather to the area. There is a marginal risk for severe storms along and south of Interstate 70 in the Kansas City area.

Bowman says the best time frame for severe storms Monday would be between 3-9 p.m.

"The most likely hazard will be hail up to the size of quarters," he said. "Although, with the setup that we have, we can't rule out a brief tornado. We're moving into the beginning of severe weather season. As we move deeper into March, April and May, the weather can evolve pretty quickly. So, just keep an eye on the sky and be weather aware."

Damaging winds are also possible Monday evening.

As of Monday, St. Joseph reported an 1.55" of rain over the last 24 hours, with Savannah reporting an 1.46" and Doniphan, KS getting 1.39."

While Kansas and Missouri have gotten rain, far western Nebraska, Colorado and portions of Iowa saw extremely high snowfall totals over the weekend.

Denver reported two feet of snow, while Cheyenne, WY reported three feet. Portions of the Nebraska panhandle saw about 1.5 feet.

Bowman says it was all part of the same storm system.

"Out in western Nebraska, some crazy snow amounts if you think about it," Bowman said. "Not usually something we see around here."

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSteady rainfall over the last few days has swelled rivers and streams in northwest Missouri, including the 102 River.A Flood Warning remains in effect for the 102 River at Rosendale, affecting Andrew and Buchanan counties until Tuesday evening.The river will crest just above the flood stage of 18 feet Monday before going back down Monday night into Tuesday.National Weather Service meteorologist Chris Bowman from the Pleasant Hill office says the recent rains from over the weekend and any more rain that falls this week will largely impact the smaller streams and tributaries."It's more like multiple rounds of moderate rain," Bowman said. "The flood threat will be more into the area creeks and streams and rivers."Monday also brings the first chance of severe weather to the area. There is a marginal risk for severe storms along and south of Interstate 70 in the Kansas City area.Bowman says the best time frame for severe storms Monday would be between 3-9 p.m."The most likely hazard will be hail up to the size of quarters," he said. "Although, with the setup that we have, we can't rule out a brief tornado. We're moving into the beginning of severe weather season. As we move deeper into March, April and May, the weather can evolve pretty quickly. So, just keep an eye on the sky and be weather aware."Damaging winds are also possible Monday evening.As of Monday, St. Joseph reported an 1.55" of rain over the last 24 hours, with Savannah reporting an 1.46" and Doniphan, KS getting 1.39."While Kansas and Missouri have gotten rain, far western Nebraska, Colorado and portions of Iowa saw extremely high snowfall totals over the weekend.Denver reported two feet of snow, while Cheyenne, WY reported three feet. Portions of the Nebraska panhandle saw about 1.5 feet.Bowman says it was all part of the same storm system."Out in western Nebraska, some crazy snow amounts if you think about it," Bowman said. "Not usually something we see around here."

Flood warning continues for 102 River in Andrew, Buchanan counties

Mosaic Life Care has changed its visitation policy, now allowing
two visitors per patient as COVID-19 hospitalization continues at low levels.

Mosaic has reported single-digit hospitalizations in its
system the past few weeks until this morning, when Mosaic reported 11 COVID-19
patients overall; 10 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner says the drop in hospitalizations
prompted a change in visitor policy.

“For the overall system, we will start allowing two visitors
for every patient or person here receiving care and as for restrictions of 18
and below, that will be eliminated,” Turner tells reporters during a news
conference. “So, we will not have an age limit.”

Mosaic will continue to prohibit visits to COVID-19 patients
in isolation.

Turner says Mosaic understands the importance of visitors.

“We know that when folks are ill that having the support of
their loved one causes different chemical reactions in their body that improves
their overall body’s ability to fight off disease,” Turner says.

Mosaic had been limiting patients to one visitor and had not
been allowing children to visit.

Everyone at Mosaic is required to wear a mask. All visitors will be screened before being allowed to enter.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care has changed its visitation policy, now allowing
two visitors per patient as COVID-19 hospitalization continues at low levels.Mosaic has reported single-digit hospitalizations in its
system the past few weeks until this morning, when Mosaic reported 11 COVID-19
patients overall; 10 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner says the drop in hospitalizations
prompted a change in visitor policy.“For the overall system, we will start allowing two visitors
for every patient or person here receiving care and as for restrictions of 18
and below, that will be eliminated,” Turner tells reporters during a news
conference. “So, we will not have an age limit.”Mosaic will continue to prohibit visits to COVID-19 patients
in isolation.Turner says Mosaic understands the importance of visitors.“We know that when folks are ill that having the support of
their loved one causes different chemical reactions in their body that improves
their overall body’s ability to fight off disease,” Turner says.Mosaic had been limiting patients to one visitor and had not
been allowing children to visit.Everyone at Mosaic is required to wear a mask. All visitors will be screened before being allowed to enter.

Mosaic Life Care changes visitor policy with drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations

A Platte County man has died after the car he was driving was struck by another vehicle and overturned.

It happened just after 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;

The Platte County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash at the intersection of 92 Highway and Interurban Road.

Initial investigations show that a Lincoln sedan was struck by a Chevrolet pickup when the Lincoln entered 92 Highway from Interurban.

The Lincoln rolled over and came to rest on the north side of 92 Highway. The driver of the Lincoln, a 52-year-old man from Platte County died at the scene. The passenger of the Lincoln was transported to an area hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the pickup received minor injuries.

The driver of the Lincoln has not yet been identified. The crash remains under investigation.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA Platte County man has died after the car he was driving was struck by another vehicle and overturned.It happened just after 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;The Platte County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash at the intersection of 92 Highway and Interurban Road.Initial investigations show that a Lincoln sedan was struck by a Chevrolet pickup when the Lincoln entered 92 Highway from Interurban.The Lincoln rolled over and came to rest on the north side of 92 Highway. The driver of the Lincoln, a 52-year-old man from Platte County died at the scene. The passenger of the Lincoln was transported to an area hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.The driver of the pickup received minor injuries.The driver of the Lincoln has not yet been identified. The crash remains under investigation.

Platte County man dead after two-car accident on Sunday afternoon

A 21-year-old who pleaded guilty in the shooting death of a
two-year-old St. Joseph girl has been sentenced to 26 years in prison.

Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg sentenced 21-year-old Marcain
Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph after an emotional hearing in a Buchanan County
courtroom in which tears were shed by family members of both the victim and the
defendant. The prosecutor's office requested life in prison.

Kimbrough-Ballard, in an earlier court hearing, admitted to
firing shots into another car in August of last year. He stated he didn’t know
Raelynn Craig was a passenger in the back seat.

Kellogg pronounced the sentenced after hearing emotional testimony
from Raelynn’s family and pleas for mercy from the family of Kimbrough-Ballard.

Two others are accused in the shooting at the Frog Hop at 20th
and Messanie August 9th. Fourteen shots were fired into the car,
wounding two adults in the car, plus the fatal shot to the head of Raelynn.

Twenty-one-year-old Caimon Ramone Stillman of St. Joseph
pleaded guilty for his role in the deadly shooting. His sentencing is set for
later in April.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615830048625.jpeg" alt="Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard goes over paperwork with his attorney prior to the sentencing hearing in Buchanan County./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard goes over paperwork with his attorney prior to the sentencing hearing in Buchanan County./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp; BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 21-year-old who pleaded guilty in the shooting death of a
two-year-old St. Joseph girl has been sentenced to 26 years in prison.Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg sentenced 21-year-old Marcain
Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph after an emotional hearing in a Buchanan County
courtroom in which tears were shed by family members of both the victim and the
defendant. The prosecutor's office requested life in prison.Kimbrough-Ballard, in an earlier court hearing, admitted to
firing shots into another car in August of last year. He stated he didn’t know
Raelynn Craig was a passenger in the back seat.Kellogg pronounced the sentenced after hearing emotional testimony
from Raelynn’s family and pleas for mercy from the family of Kimbrough-Ballard.Two others are accused in the shooting at the Frog Hop at 20th
and Messanie August 9th. Fourteen shots were fired into the car,
wounding two adults in the car, plus the fatal shot to the head of Raelynn.Twenty-one-year-old Caimon Ramone Stillman of St. Joseph
pleaded guilty for his role in the deadly shooting. His sentencing is set for
later in April.A third man involved in the shooting, 20-year-old Te’Avion
Hawkins of Platte City, is scheduled to appear in court in late April.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615830265124.jpeg" alt="The family of Raelynn Craig displayed her photographs during the hearing./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>The family of Raelynn Craig displayed her photographs during the hearing./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>

Man who pleaded guilty in shooting death of 2-year-old St. Joseph girl gets 26 years in prison

St. Joseph health officials report eight new COVID-19 cases on
Friday, the last time they issued a report.

Buchanan County has now recorded 10,151 cases.

No new deaths have been reported. The Buchanan County death
toll remains at 172.

Andrew County reports 1,290 total cases of COVID-19.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 957 total cases.

The state of Missouri reports 483,748 total cases since the
pandemic began, resulting in 8,310 death.

Kansas reports its case total is closing in on 300,000 with 297,748
total cases reported with 4,824 deaths.

Mosaic Life Care reports eight COVID-19 patients in its system
on Sunday; seven in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report eight new COVID-19 cases on
Friday, the last time they issued a report.Buchanan County has now recorded 10,151 cases.No new deaths have been reported. The Buchanan County death
toll remains at 172.Andrew County reports 1,290 total cases of COVID-19.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 957 total cases.The state of Missouri reports 483,748 total cases since the
pandemic began, resulting in 8,310 death.Kansas reports its case total is closing in on 300,000 with 297,748
total cases reported with 4,824 deaths.Mosaic Life Care reports eight COVID-19 patients in its system
on Sunday; seven in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

Mosaic Life Care reports 8 COVID-19 patients in its system

Some
want the switch to Daylight Savings Time to serve as an important reminder.

Daylight
Savings Time begins overnight as we set our clocks up one hour and both the
American Red Cross and the State Fire Marshal use this time to remind residents
to change the batteries in their smoke alarms.

The
American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas reports it has helped nearly 2,500
families with urgent needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance, and
recovery after nearly 2,000 home fires.

“Home fires
remain the nation’s most frequent disaster during COVID-19,” Chris Harmon,
Regional Disaster Officer for the Missouri Arkansas Region, said in a written
statement.&nbsp; “This weekend, take a moment
to test your smoke alarms to help protect your family against home fires.”

The Red Cross
reports working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including
inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace
the batteries at least once a year if your model
requires it.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because
the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke
alarms and follow the instructions.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Practice your two-minute escape plan. Make sure
everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of
time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late. Include at
least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe
distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a
specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcross.org/fire" target="_blank">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more
information, including an escape plan to practice with your family.

The Red Cross
reports a family has just two minutes to escape a home fire to safety.

Missouri Fire
Marshal Tim Bean also recommends changing smoke alarm batteries when “springing”
clocks head. Bean also recommends
families practice their family escape plan regularly.

Bean says should get into the habit of
regularly planning how to evacuate their home in the event of a fire.

"Your risk of dying in a fire is
reduced by one-half if you have a working smoke alarm in your home,” Fire
Marshal Bean said in a written statement released by his office. “Having
working smoke alarms in your home is one of simplest and most important things
you can do to protect your family. Three of five home fire deaths occur in
homes without working smoke alarms.”

Bean says every family member, including
children, should know two escape routes from every room in their residence.
Parents should also go over fire evacuation plans with babysitters. Bean says about
half of home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when the family is
asleep.

· Explain the family escape plan, including
the location of the designated outside meeting place, to overnight guests.

· Show guests the two escape routes from the
room in which they will be staying.

· Make sure guests know the address of your
home so that they will be able to call 911 once safely out of the house.

· If you host a children’s “sleep over”
party, make sure to show them the two escape routes from the room in which they
will be staying.

Bean also reminds Missourians that they
should have carbon monoxide alarms for their homes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an
odorless, tasteless, invisible gas that results from the incomplete combustion
of fossil fuels, which can be deadly if undetected.

· Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
monthly by pushing the test button.

· Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
because they lose their effectiveness over time.

· Install additional smoke alarms if you
don’t have a minimum of one alarm on every level of the home, inside all
bedrooms, and outside bedrooms.

· Plan two different escape routes from your
home and practice the routes with the entire family.

Daylight Savings Time officially begins a 2
a.m. Sunday.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWe
lose an hour of sleep tonight.Some
want the switch to Daylight Savings Time to serve as an important reminder.Daylight
Savings Time begins overnight as we set our clocks up one hour and both the
American Red Cross and the State Fire Marshal use this time to remind residents
to change the batteries in their smoke alarms.The
American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas reports it has helped nearly 2,500
families with urgent needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance, and
recovery after nearly 2,000 home fires.“Home fires
remain the nation’s most frequent disaster during COVID-19,” Chris Harmon,
Regional Disaster Officer for the Missouri Arkansas Region, said in a written
statement.&nbsp; “This weekend, take a moment
to test your smoke alarms to help protect your family against home fires.”The Red Cross
reports working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.The Red Cross
recommends:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including
inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace
the batteries at least once a year if your model
requires it.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because
the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke
alarms and follow the instructions.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Practice your two-minute escape plan. Make sure
everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of
time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late. Include at
least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe
distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a
specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcross.org/fire" target="_blank">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more
information, including an escape plan to practice with your family.The Red Cross
reports a family has just two minutes to escape a home fire to safety.Missouri Fire
Marshal Tim Bean also recommends changing smoke alarm batteries when “springing”
clocks head. Bean also recommends
families practice their family escape plan regularly.Bean says should get into the habit of
regularly planning how to evacuate their home in the event of a fire."Your risk of dying in a fire is
reduced by one-half if you have a working smoke alarm in your home,” Fire
Marshal Bean said in a written statement released by his office. “Having
working smoke alarms in your home is one of simplest and most important things
you can do to protect your family. Three of five home fire deaths occur in
homes without working smoke alarms.”Bean says every family member, including
children, should know two escape routes from every room in their residence.
Parents should also go over fire evacuation plans with babysitters. Bean says about
half of home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when the family is
asleep.The Fire Marshal recommends:· Explain the family escape plan, including
the location of the designated outside meeting place, to overnight guests.· Show guests the two escape routes from the
room in which they will be staying.· Make sure guests know the address of your
home so that they will be able to call 911 once safely out of the house.· If you host a children’s “sleep over”
party, make sure to show them the two escape routes from the room in which they
will be staying.Bean also reminds Missourians that they
should have carbon monoxide alarms for their homes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an
odorless, tasteless, invisible gas that results from the incomplete combustion
of fossil fuels, which can be deadly if undetected.The Fire Marshal also recommendations:· Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
monthly by pushing the test button.· Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
because they lose their effectiveness over time.· Install additional smoke alarms if you
don’t have a minimum of one alarm on every level of the home, inside all
bedrooms, and outside bedrooms.· Plan two different escape routes from your
home and practice the routes with the entire family.Daylight Savings Time officially begins a 2
a.m. Sunday.

Don't forget to spring forward and check your smoke alarm batteries

An executive with the Herzog Contracting Corporation of St.
Joseph has been appointed to the Northwester Missouri State Board of Regents.

Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Shanda Durbin of St. Joseph to the governing
body over the Maryville campus. 

Durbin has
served as the Director of Human Resources for the Herzog since 2010. She is
also a member of the Society of Human Resource Professionals, NWMSU Alumni
Association, and Human Resources of Northwest Missouri.

Durbin earned a Bachelor of Science in corporate
recreation and wellness from NMSU.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn executive with the Herzog Contracting Corporation of St.
Joseph has been appointed to the Northwester Missouri State Board of Regents.Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Shanda Durbin of St. Joseph to the governing
body over the Maryville campus. Durbin has
served as the Director of Human Resources for the Herzog since 2010. She is
also a member of the Society of Human Resource Professionals, NWMSU Alumni
Association, and Human Resources of Northwest Missouri.Durbin earned a Bachelor of Science in corporate
recreation and wellness from NMSU.

Durbin appointed to NWMSU Board of Regents

Missouri Western State University is working through a spring
semester dominated by coronavirus concerns and looking forward to a fall
semester largely back to normal.

Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says the St.
Joseph campus is again seeing the basketball hoops and volleyball nets go back
up, and students hitting the tennis courts.

“The campus is starting to come alive and to me that’s one of
the most exciting things,” Kennedy tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Spring
is my favorite season anyway, because you see the flowers coming up and you
hear the birds coming back. Well, on campus we’re seeing the life come back.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University is working through a spring
semester dominated by coronavirus concerns and looking forward to a fall
semester largely back to normal.Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says the St.
Joseph campus is again seeing the basketball hoops and volleyball nets go back
up, and students hitting the tennis courts.“The campus is starting to come alive and to me that’s one of
the most exciting things,” Kennedy tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Spring
is my favorite season anyway, because you see the flowers coming up and you
hear the birds coming back. Well, on campus we’re seeing the life come back.”Kennedy says current plans call for 85% of the classes offered
by Missouri Western this fall to have some in-class component to them with a
bit more than 70% entirely face-to-face.Masks and social distancing will remain in force unless the
pandemic eases even more.Kennedy says she’s excited about the possibility of a semester
on the St. Joseph campus beginning with COVID-19 mostly in the rear-view
mirror.“I’m just so excited. It’s like we’re opening up again and
here comes life back to Missouri Western.”Much has changed since this academic calendar year began.Kennedy points out there was a lot at stake when Missouri
Western began the fall semester.“When I look back at the fall, one of the big fears that we
had, and I think the community reasonably had, was that we were going to bring all
of these students in and be a super spreader for St. Joe. So, the burden was
really on us to do everything we could to mitigate and I would say almost that
the exact opposite (happened),” Kennedy says. “We were able to keep our numbers
down, deal with the cases that came up, mitigate those circumstances.”Kennedy says the university has learned a lot about coping
with the pandemic and Missouri Western students have met a challenge they will
remember for the rest of their lives.

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