ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a second drug arrest this month.

Just before 9:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 48-year-old Brian M. Johnston of Atchison in the 100 block South 5th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Johnston is being held on a District Court warrant for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

On January 17, police arrested Johnston in the 500 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine, possession of an hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Wilson.

&nbsp;During the arrest he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, synthetic cannabinoid, and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642441538862.png" alt="Johnston photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnston photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a second drug arrest this month.Just before 9:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 48-year-old Brian M. Johnston of Atchison in the 100 block South 5th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Johnston is being held on a District Court warrant for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;On January 17, police arrested Johnston in the 500 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine, possession of an hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Wilson.&nbsp;During the arrest he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, synthetic cannabinoid, and drug paraphernalia.

Kansas man jailed second time in 8 days on drug allegations

A St. Joseph man is in custody, facing charges he robbed the St. Joseph Menards and ran over an employee as he fled the store.

The suspect has been identified as 40 year old Travis Graham of St. Joseph.

The employee suffered serious injuries and is currently at Mosaic Life Care.  The injuries do not appear to be life threatening

The St. Joseph Police Department reports officers responded to a call from Menards early Tuesday afternoon. The store off I-29 reported a man entered the store and stole several items. When an employee attempted to stop him from driving off in a black pick-up, he allegedly ran her over, causing serious injuries.

Graham fled the scene in the pick-up. Officers arrested him later and impounded the truck.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643196454111.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Police Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Police Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN and MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph man is in custody, facing charges he robbed the St. Joseph Menards and ran over an employee as he fled the store.The suspect has been identified as 40 year old Travis Graham of St. Joseph.The employee suffered serious injuries and is currently at Mosaic Life Care. The injuries do not appear to be life threateningThe St. Joseph Police Department reports officers responded to a call from Menards early Tuesday afternoon. The store off I-29 reported a man entered the store and stole several items. When an employee attempted to stop him from driving off in a black pick-up, he allegedly ran her over, causing serious injuries.Graham fled the scene in the pick-up. Officers arrested him later and impounded the truck.

Suspect faces robbery, hit-and-run charges after St. Joseph Menards incident

Missouri Western State University has seen a spike in the number of students admitting to Missouri Western for the fall semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Melissa Mace says the university has seen a 47-percent increase in the number of students being admitted to Missouri Western.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mace says despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the university decided to get back out and meet with prospective students.&nbsp;

"We're seeing our students, you know our prospective students, engaging with us, asking us great questions," Mace says. "We're meeting them out in the high schools, which is huge, have a great team of admission counselors who are meeting with prospective students face-to-face, texting with them."&nbsp;

Mace says she is excited about the future for the university as more students are engaging and choosing Missouri Western as their college destination.&nbsp;

Mace says Missouri Western has also put together a fun competition with its rival.&nbsp;

Mace says Missouri Westerns Student Government Association (SGA) has challenged the Northwest Missouri State University SGA to a pound for pound food drive.&nbsp;

"The two&nbsp;SGAs, or the two institutions, are doing this food drive where community members, the&nbsp;institution&nbsp;members, can bring in food and it's all weighed, or they can bring in a donation, a monetary donation," Mace tells Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.&nbsp;

Mace says the amount of the money donated will amount to the number of pounds added to each school. Missouri Western is accepting both nonperishable and perishable food donations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mace says the food drive will run until February 3rd, with the winner between the two schools being announced at the Missouri Western and Northwest basketball games on February 5th at the Looney Indoor Sports Complex.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Missouri Western State University has seen a spike in the number of students admitting to Missouri Western for the fall semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Melissa Mace says the university has seen a 47-percent increase in the number of students being admitted to Missouri Western.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mace says despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the university decided to get back out and meet with prospective students.&nbsp;"We're seeing our students, you know our prospective students, engaging with us, asking us great questions," Mace says. "We're meeting them out in the high schools, which is huge, have a great team of admission counselors who are meeting with prospective students face-to-face, texting with them."&nbsp;Mace says she is excited about the future for the university as more students are engaging and choosing Missouri Western as their college destination.&nbsp;Mace says Missouri Western has also put together a fun competition with its rival.&nbsp;Mace says Missouri Westerns Student Government Association (SGA) has challenged the Northwest Missouri State University SGA to a pound for pound food drive.&nbsp;"The two&nbsp;SGAs, or the two institutions, are doing this food drive where community members, the&nbsp;institution&nbsp;members, can bring in food and it's all weighed, or they can bring in a donation, a monetary donation," Mace tells Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.&nbsp;Mace says the amount of the money donated will amount to the number of pounds added to each school. Missouri Western is accepting both nonperishable and perishable food donations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mace says the food drive will run until February 3rd, with the winner between the two schools being announced at the Missouri Western and Northwest basketball games on February 5th at the Looney Indoor Sports Complex.&nbsp;

More students coming to Missouri Western; MWSU challenges NWMSU to food drive

The St. Joseph School District hasn't ever had a sanctioned middle school or junior high football program, but that'll be changing soon.

The school board last year approved the creation of two junior high football teams, involving seventh and eighth grade students, starting in the 2022-23 school year.

Spring Garden and Truman Middle School will combine for one team, while Bode and Robidoux Middle School combine for another. Dr. Robert Sigrist, the district's director for student services, updated the board Monday night on what this program will look like.

Sigrist says this fills a long-time need in the community.

"It's been a gap for a few years in St. Joe," he said. "This is a great opportunity for us to get a large number of kids active and involved in something. Also, we think the gravy of that is we think it'll also help us from a competitive standpoint."

The team colors will be in teal and gray - same color scheme as the St. Joseph School District. The mascots, which were chosen by district students, are 'Panthers' and 'Jaguars.'

"We wanted to make sure that we didn't do anything that was skewed toward any one of the high schools," Sigrist said. "The district's logo is teal and gray, and we thought, 'what a great opportunity to use that color scheme for uniforms.'"

The goal is to have about 60 players per team, involving seventh and eighth graders. The Panthers and the Jaguars will both have an 'A' and a 'B' team - the 'A' team having the top players on it. Sigrist the 'A' and 'B' teams will not be based on age level.

"We're not necessarily going to say it's eighth grade-seventh grade," Sigrist said. "It's similar to what we've done in basketball the last few years. If our seventh graders are able to compete on the A team, we do that. We want kids to be able to compete at the level they can compete at."&nbsp;

St. Joseph's junior high students used to participate in Bantam football - a volunteer-based youth program that filled the need for middle school football for years - until it fell off about six years ago.

That could be part of why St. Joseph high school football hasn't had as much success as nearby programs like East Buchanan or Maryville.

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, not since 2013.

The Irish have had the most success with nine winning seasons since 2010, including four playoff wins in the last six years and a 6-4 mark in 2021.

Middle school football had been a discussion in the St. Joseph District for years. The discussion really ramped up within the past year and earned unanimous approval from the board in 2021.

The cost of starting junior high football will be about $100,000. While uniforms and equipment need to be ordered, Sigrist says the other big piece to figure out is where these junior high teams will practice.

"The Truman-Spring Garden team will practice there," Sigrist said. "There's an area there behind Truman that'll be a good practice. Then, the Robidoux-Bode team will practice behind Robidoux. There's some good space up there."

Now with the board's approval, the district is also looking to hire coaches for the junior high program - a position that previously didn't exist.

"We hadn't a position in the district of middle school football coach," Sigrist said. "So, we kind of had to go through that (approval process). It was a formality, but we are taking applications right now for both head and assistant coaches for those programs."

While being more competitive at the high school level is an incentive, Sigrist says the far more important motivation for this is giving the city's youth an extra opportunity to compete, develop and succeed overall.

"It's going to have 120 kids engaged and involved in an activity," Sigrist said. "All of the research indicates that kids who are involved in activities, their attendance is better. Their grades are better. Everything is a positive for them in terms of school. It gives them more opportunities to be engaged at school."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629517591243.jpeg" alt="Stock photo by by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo by by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School District hasn't ever had a sanctioned middle school or junior high football program, but that'll be changing soon.The school board last year approved the creation of two junior high football teams, involving seventh and eighth grade students, starting in the 2022-23 school year.Spring Garden and Truman Middle School will combine for one team, while Bode and Robidoux Middle School combine for another. Dr. Robert Sigrist, the district's director for student services, updated the board Monday night on what this program will look like.Sigrist says this fills a long-time need in the community."It's been a gap for a few years in St. Joe," he said. "This is a great opportunity for us to get a large number of kids active and involved in something. Also, we think the gravy of that is we think it'll also help us from a competitive standpoint."The team colors will be in teal and gray - same color scheme as the St. Joseph School District. The mascots, which were chosen by district students, are 'Panthers' and 'Jaguars.'"We wanted to make sure that we didn't do anything that was skewed toward any one of the high schools," Sigrist said. "The district's logo is teal and gray, and we thought, 'what a great opportunity to use that color scheme for uniforms.'"The goal is to have about 60 players per team, involving seventh and eighth graders. The Panthers and the Jaguars will both have an 'A' and a 'B' team - the 'A' team having the top players on it. Sigrist the 'A' and 'B' teams will not be based on age level."We're not necessarily going to say it's eighth grade-seventh grade," Sigrist said. "It's similar to what we've done in basketball the last few years. If our seventh graders are able to compete on the A team, we do that. We want kids to be able to compete at the level they can compete at."&nbsp;St. Joseph's junior high students used to participate in Bantam football - a volunteer-based youth program that filled the need for middle school football for years - until it fell off about six years ago.That could be part of why St. Joseph high school football hasn't had as much success as nearby programs like East Buchanan or Maryville.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, not since 2013.The Irish have had the most success with nine winning seasons since 2010, including four playoff wins in the last six years and a 6-4 mark in 2021.Middle school football had been a discussion in the St. Joseph District for years. The discussion really ramped up within the past year and earned unanimous approval from the board in 2021.The cost of starting junior high football will be about $100,000. While uniforms and equipment need to be ordered, Sigrist says the other big piece to figure out is where these junior high teams will practice."The Truman-Spring Garden team will practice there," Sigrist said. "There's an area there behind Truman that'll be a good practice. Then, the Robidoux-Bode team will practice behind Robidoux. There's some good space up there."Now with the board's approval, the district is also looking to hire coaches for the junior high program - a position that previously didn't exist."We hadn't a position in the district of middle school football coach," Sigrist said. "So, we kind of had to go through that (approval process). It was a formality, but we are taking applications right now for both head and assistant coaches for those programs."While being more competitive at the high school level is an incentive, Sigrist says the far more important motivation for this is giving the city's youth an extra opportunity to compete, develop and succeed overall."It's going to have 120 kids engaged and involved in an activity," Sigrist said. "All of the research indicates that kids who are involved in activities, their attendance is better. Their grades are better. Everything is a positive for them in terms of school. It gives them more opportunities to be engaged at school."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph School District gives update on new junior high football teams

A
mask mandate has been issued for two Savannah R-3 School District elementary
schools and the Savannah Middle School.

Savannah
school district officials have announced masks will be required on the
Amazonia, John Glenn, and Savannah Middle School campuses for all students and
staff, beginning today. The Savannah R-3 guidelines call for a mask requirement at schools in
which more than 5% of its population tests positive for COVID-19. The mask
mandate will be dropped once the positivity rate falls below 5% for at least
two weeks.

Savannah
school officials say they hope the mask mandate is temporary. The requirement
only applies to the Amazonia, John Glenn, and SMS campuses.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA
mask mandate has been issued for two Savannah R-3 School District elementary
schools and the Savannah Middle School.Savannah
school district officials have announced masks will be required on the
Amazonia, John Glenn, and Savannah Middle School campuses for all students and
staff, beginning today. The Savannah R-3 guidelines call for a mask requirement at schools in
which more than 5% of its population tests positive for COVID-19. The mask
mandate will be dropped once the positivity rate falls below 5% for at least
two weeks.Savannah
school officials say they hope the mask mandate is temporary. The requirement
only applies to the Amazonia, John Glenn, and SMS campuses.

Savannah schools announce mask mandate for 2 elementary schools, middle school

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged failure to appear.

Early Tuesday, police arrested Kilah M. Castillo, 44, of St. Joseph on a Wathena Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police took her to the Atchison County Jail. She is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643154345263.png" alt="Castillo photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Castillo photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged failure to appear.Early Tuesday, police arrested Kilah M. Castillo, 44, of St. Joseph on a Wathena Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Police took her to the Atchison County Jail. She is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Police: St. Joe woman jailed for alleged failure to appear in court

St.
Joseph public schools hope to return to at least somewhat normal operations
this week.

School
Superintendent Doug Van Zyl says most school bus routes have opened, with only
a few canceled today.

“So,
some of our staff is feeling better, coming back in,” Van Zyl tells host Barry Birr
on the KFEQ Hotline. “It’s not necessarily all COVID-related, because there’s a
bunch of other crud going around out there. So now we’re down to nine routes
and our community really did a nice job yesterday by getting the students into
school. We had some really good attendance. It wasn’t hugely impacted by the bus
routes not running.”

Simple
addition led to the cancelation of public school last week.

Van
Zyl says the counting began before the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday on
Monday, the 17th.

“The
Friday before, we had about 55 open classrooms, where we didn’t have enough
substitutes or people from across the district to fill those positions,”
according to Van Zyl. “We also had quite a few students out as well. So that
helped a little bit, but that puts quite a bit of pressure on our staff.”

How
to get students to class also became a problem.

Bus
drivers, due to COVID-19 or other illnesses, couldn’t report to work, leaving
about half the district’s roughly 60 daily bus routes without drivers. Enough
returned today for the district to operate all but nine bus routes: 2, 14, 18,
19, 22, 41, 43, 54, 65 and all bus routes for students who attend the St.
Joseph Early Learning Center. All bus routes for Bode, Edison, Ellison, Eugene
Field, and Parkway Schools are back in operation.

&nbsp;Van Zyl says the district appreciates that
staff stay home when they feel sick.

“We
also know that it’s vital for our staff to be in front of our students and it’s
vital for our students to be in the classroom. So, we’re doing everything that we
can, in my opinion, to try to continue to move that forward,” Van Zyl says. “We
also, because of some of the days that we’ve missed, we’ve eliminated our early
out Wednesdays for the rest of the year. So that recaptures about 12 to 13
hours of instruction that we lost and we’re looking at other options as well to
be able to recoup some of those hours.”

Students
who had no transportation to school and reported it to their school will be
excused from classes. Time will be given for makeup assignments.

More
detail on bus routes can be found at <a href="http://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us">www.sjsd.k12.mo.us</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643140373170.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph public schools hope to return to at least somewhat normal operations
this week.School
Superintendent Doug Van Zyl says most school bus routes have opened, with only
a few canceled today.“So,
some of our staff is feeling better, coming back in,” Van Zyl tells host Barry Birr
on the KFEQ Hotline. “It’s not necessarily all COVID-related, because there’s a
bunch of other crud going around out there. So now we’re down to nine routes
and our community really did a nice job yesterday by getting the students into
school. We had some really good attendance. It wasn’t hugely impacted by the bus
routes not running.”Simple
addition led to the cancelation of public school last week.Van
Zyl says the counting began before the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday on
Monday, the 17th.“The
Friday before, we had about 55 open classrooms, where we didn’t have enough
substitutes or people from across the district to fill those positions,”
according to Van Zyl. “We also had quite a few students out as well. So that
helped a little bit, but that puts quite a bit of pressure on our staff.”How
to get students to class also became a problem.Bus
drivers, due to COVID-19 or other illnesses, couldn’t report to work, leaving
about half the district’s roughly 60 daily bus routes without drivers. Enough
returned today for the district to operate all but nine bus routes: 2, 14, 18,
19, 22, 41, 43, 54, 65 and all bus routes for students who attend the St.
Joseph Early Learning Center. All bus routes for Bode, Edison, Ellison, Eugene
Field, and Parkway Schools are back in operation.&nbsp;Van Zyl says the district appreciates that
staff stay home when they feel sick.“We
also know that it’s vital for our staff to be in front of our students and it’s
vital for our students to be in the classroom. So, we’re doing everything that we
can, in my opinion, to try to continue to move that forward,” Van Zyl says. “We
also, because of some of the days that we’ve missed, we’ve eliminated our early
out Wednesdays for the rest of the year. So that recaptures about 12 to 13
hours of instruction that we lost and we’re looking at other options as well to
be able to recoup some of those hours.”Students
who had no transportation to school and reported it to their school will be
excused from classes. Time will be given for makeup assignments.More
detail on bus routes can be found at <a href="http://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us">www.sjsd.k12.mo.us</a>.

More bus routes reopen as St. Joseph schools try to return to normal

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post

The St. Joseph Pregnancy Resource Clinic will hold a maternity clothes giveaway this weekend at the St. Joseph clinic. 

Executive Director Libby Owens says the clinic provides crisis clinics in both St. Joseph and Cameron, helping women at no cost through their pregnancy.

"A lot of times, crisis just means it's overwhelming, and it can be that way. But, again, the community has said this is so important that we provide a service to women. We've been doing this since 1998, and the last couple years just been offering the crisis pregnancy clinic also in Cameron," Owens tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Last year, we helped over 170 women just in our clinic." 

Owens says the Pregnancy Resource Clinic is completely community funded by individuals, businesses and churches in the St. Joseph area.  

Owens says clinic workers see women come from all over, not just northwest Missouri. Last year, the St. Joseph clinic saw more than 170 women come through its door.  

Owens says the clinic was not exempt from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, seeing a decline in appointments as well as not having as many opportunities for women to come to the clinic. 

"The crisis continued, even while there was a pandemic. Women were still facing really hard times, and yet, some of the appointments, maybe we weren't having as many calls as normal, and that's just because people weren't socializing. They weren't out and about as much," Owens explains. "Just within the last six to eight months, we've seen that sort of increase." 

Owens says the clinic seeks to help women feel calm as they consider their decision, even with the effects of the pandemic piling on top of each other, complicating their pregnancy.  

The St. Joseph Pregnancy Resource Clinic will hold a maternity clothes giveaway Friday and Saturday. 

Owens says the maternity closet is just in its third year of existence at the clinic. The idea came from some of her workers at one of the clinic retreats. 

"And I looked at them like, 'Are you kidding? Are we going to have enough clothes?' I was just imagining one little rack and a line of women that wanted to come for one little rack," she says. 

But Owens says in the first year of the maternity closet, more than 400 items donated. She couldn't believe it. 

"So, when that happened, I realized, this is important. No excuses now, we have the clothes," Owens says. "So, we continually have items going out the door, but we are always getting more donations in."

Owens says when that process is happening on its own in an organic way, it reaffirms her belief the service is one that is needed. 

The clothes giveaway at the clinic is by appointment. Call 816-387-8090 to set an appointment. 

You can find more information <a href="https://stjosephprc.org/event/maternity-closet/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643065110567.jpeg" alt="Racks of maternity clothes at the Pregnancy Resource Clinic maternity closet/ Photo provided by Libby Owens" />
 <figcaption>Racks of maternity clothes at the Pregnancy Resource Clinic maternity closet/ Photo provided by Libby Owens</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The St. Joseph Pregnancy Resource Clinic will hold a maternity clothes giveaway this weekend at the St. Joseph clinic. Executive Director Libby Owens says the clinic provides crisis clinics in both St. Joseph and Cameron, helping women at no cost through their pregnancy.But what exactly is a pregnancy crisis? "A lot of times, crisis just means it's overwhelming, and it can be that way. But, again, the community has said this is so important that we provide a service to women. We've been doing this since 1998, and the last couple years just been offering the crisis pregnancy clinic also in Cameron," Owens tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Last year, we helped over 170 women just in our clinic." Owens says the Pregnancy Resource Clinic is completely community funded by individuals, businesses and churches in the St. Joseph area. Owens says clinic workers see women come from all over, not just northwest Missouri. Last year, the St. Joseph clinic saw more than 170 women come through its door. Owens says the clinic was not exempt from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, seeing a decline in appointments as well as not having as many opportunities for women to come to the clinic. "The crisis continued, even while there was a pandemic. Women were still facing really hard times, and yet, some of the appointments, maybe we weren't having as many calls as normal, and that's just because people weren't socializing. They weren't out and about as much," Owens explains. "Just within the last six to eight months, we've seen that sort of increase." Owens says the clinic seeks to help women feel calm as they consider their decision, even with the effects of the pandemic piling on top of each other, complicating their pregnancy. The St. Joseph Pregnancy Resource Clinic will hold a maternity clothes giveaway Friday and Saturday. Owens says the maternity closet is just in its third year of existence at the clinic. The idea came from some of her workers at one of the clinic retreats. "And I looked at them like, 'Are you kidding? Are we going to have enough clothes?' I was just imagining one little rack and a line of women that wanted to come for one little rack," she says. But Owens says in the first year of the maternity closet, more than 400 items donated. She couldn't believe it. "So, when that happened, I realized, this is important. No excuses now, we have the clothes," Owens says. "So, we continually have items going out the door, but we are always getting more donations in."Owens says when that process is happening on its own in an organic way, it reaffirms her belief the service is one that is needed. The clothes giveaway at the clinic is by appointment. Call 816-387-8090 to set an appointment. You can find more information <a href="https://stjosephprc.org/event/maternity-closet/">HERE</a>.

St. Joseph Pregnancy Resource Clinic to give away maternity clothes this weekend

St.
Joseph public health officials report 740 new COVID-19 cases since last
issuing their report on Thursday. Buchanan County also recorded an additional
death.

The
St. Joseph Public Health Department recorded 297 new coronavirus cases on
Friday and 443 cumulatively over the weekend, plus Monday. The department says
a woman in her 80’s died of COVID-19 complications.

Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 78 COVID-19 patients as of Monday morning; 74
in St. Joseph and four in Maryville.

Buchanan
County reports 34,300 residents have received their first dose of the coronavirus
vaccine, nearly 40% of the population. More than 36% of the county has received
both doses of the vaccine. The COVID-19 positivity rate in Buchanan County has
risen by more than 6% to 33.93%.

Buchanan
County has recorded a total of 22,277 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began,
resulting in 242 deaths.

Andrew
County reports 210 active COVID-19 cases. Andrew County has recorded a total of
4,393 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began and 46 deaths.

Doniphan
County’s latest report stated the county had 154 active cases. Doniphan County
has recorded 1,984 cases since the pandemic began, resulting in 29 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph public health officials report 740 new COVID-19 cases since last
issuing their report on Thursday. Buchanan County also recorded an additional
death.The
St. Joseph Public Health Department recorded 297 new coronavirus cases on
Friday and 443 cumulatively over the weekend, plus Monday. The department says
a woman in her 80’s died of COVID-19 complications.Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 78 COVID-19 patients as of Monday morning; 74
in St. Joseph and four in Maryville.Buchanan
County reports 34,300 residents have received their first dose of the coronavirus
vaccine, nearly 40% of the population. More than 36% of the county has received
both doses of the vaccine. The COVID-19 positivity rate in Buchanan County has
risen by more than 6% to 33.93%.Buchanan
County has recorded a total of 22,277 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began,
resulting in 242 deaths.Andrew
County reports 210 active COVID-19 cases. Andrew County has recorded a total of
4,393 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began and 46 deaths.Doniphan
County’s latest report stated the county had 154 active cases. Doniphan County
has recorded 1,984 cases since the pandemic began, resulting in 29 deaths.

St. Joseph health officials record 740 new COVID cases, one additional death

St.
Joseph public school students returned to class Monday and more bus routes are
operating on this Tuesday morning.

The
St. Joseph School District reports only nine bus routes are canceled today. All
bus routes for Bode, Edison, Ellison, Eugene Field, and Parkway Schools are
back in operation.

The
nine bus routes not operating today are: 2, 14, 18, 19, 22, 41, 43, 54, 65 and ALL
bus routes for students who attend the St. Joseph Early Learning Center.

District
officials remind parents there will be no more Early Release Wednesdays for the
remainder of the school year.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph public school students returned to class Monday and more bus routes are
operating on this Tuesday morning.The
St. Joseph School District reports only nine bus routes are canceled today. All
bus routes for Bode, Edison, Ellison, Eugene Field, and Parkway Schools are
back in operation.The
nine bus routes not operating today are: 2, 14, 18, 19, 22, 41, 43, 54, 65 and ALL
bus routes for students who attend the St. Joseph Early Learning Center.More
detail on bus routes can be found at <a href="http://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us">www.sjsd.k12.mo.us</a>.District
officials remind parents there will be no more Early Release Wednesdays for the
remainder of the school year.

More St. Joseph school bus routes up and operating

St. Joseph City and Buchanan County officials are working to decide how best to spend American Rescue Plan Funds.

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says now that the federal government has enacted its final ruling on what funds can go towards local officials are getting closer to making their final rulings.  

"We're definitely closer than we've ever been to kind of get rolling," Sawyer tells Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "There's some exciting opportunities for the community, the region, Buchanan County obviously, I feel like there's some really good opportunities."

Buchanan County has received approximately $17 million.

Sawyer says the county will soon send out applications to people that applied for funds and review each one before coming to a final decision. 

St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter adds there are several uses the city has chosen that will benefit the community in numerous ways, especially parts of the community effected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Carter says this was a two-year funding process, and this round the city is working on the first-year funds.  

"We are working on the first year, the funds that were received in 2021 I believe we received them around June, we assembled a committee to make recommendations for how to spend most of those funds, and we're now kind of finalizing that," Carter says. "The next set of funds is scheduled to be received this summer; we don't have anything definitive planned for those funds quite yet." 

Carter says the city is pleased with the work the citizens committee did to help decide what projects the approximately $39 million the city has received should go towards. 

Carter says one thing future funds could go towards is the Mosaic Child Discovery Center, which is something new for the community.&nbsp;

"The essential component to it is it's going to be much like children's museums that you see in other cities," Carter explains to Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "A lot of folks are familiar with the children's museum in St. Louis, so it's going to have some of those types of features." 

Carter says the future center, from his understanding, will provide many great engaging activities. 

"But from what I understand, a lot of the concept is to get young children engaged, kind of get their minds churning and seeing some new things," Carter says. 

Carter adds there will be future work sessions where the Mosaic Life Care foundation will present more about the Discovery Center plans. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph City and Buchanan County officials are working to decide how best to spend American Rescue Plan Funds.Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says now that the federal government has enacted its final ruling on what funds can go towards local officials are getting closer to making their final rulings. "We're definitely closer than we've ever been to kind of get rolling," Sawyer tells Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "There's some exciting opportunities for the community, the region, Buchanan County obviously, I feel like there's some really good opportunities."Buchanan County has received approximately $17 million.Sawyer says the county will soon send out applications to people that applied for funds and review each one before coming to a final decision. St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter adds there are several uses the city has chosen that will benefit the community in numerous ways, especially parts of the community effected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Carter says this was a two-year funding process, and this round the city is working on the first-year funds. "We are working on the first year, the funds that were received in 2021 I believe we received them around June, we assembled a committee to make recommendations for how to spend most of those funds, and we're now kind of finalizing that," Carter says. "The next set of funds is scheduled to be received this summer; we don't have anything definitive planned for those funds quite yet." Carter says the city is pleased with the work the citizens committee did to help decide what projects the approximately $39 million the city has received should go towards. Carter says one thing future funds could go towards is the Mosaic Child Discovery Center, which is something new for the community.&nbsp;"The essential component to it is it's going to be much like children's museums that you see in other cities," Carter explains to Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "A lot of folks are familiar with the children's museum in St. Louis, so it's going to have some of those types of features." Carter says the future center, from his understanding, will provide many great engaging activities. "But from what I understand, a lot of the concept is to get young children engaged, kind of get their minds churning and seeing some new things," Carter says. Carter adds there will be future work sessions where the Mosaic Life Care foundation will present more about the Discovery Center plans.

City and county officials trying to decide how to best to spend federal COVID money

Doniphan County Health Officials are continuing to see rising positive COVID-19 cases as numbers continue to spike.  

Health Department Director Sheryl Pierce says the positivity rate in the northeast Kansas County has risen to 45%.  

Pierce says while not all tests at the health department disclose the COVID-19 variant patients might have, the state of Kansas reports about 90% of the counties positive tests have been the Omicron variant. 

"It is fast spreading, less severe, at least for the population that we are seeing getting it right now," Pierce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We are seeing some of the fully vaccinated people with it, but typically their symptoms aren't very severe at all." 

Pierce says the department saw a surge of residents coming in to get tested all through last week, and says she's appreciative of how aware the county has been to come get tested when they are feeling sick. 

As health officials test people for the virus, they now have to do it without contact tracing, after the Kansas Department of Health and Environment discontinued it.  

Pierce says previously, the health department and schools would contact those that were in close contact with a person who tested positive, and now it's all up to the individual.  

"We're just asking that people that are positive, that they notify everybody they've been around 48 hours before their symptoms started," Pierce says. "And inform them that their positive, and to watch for symptoms, and to get tested if they have any symptoms." 

Pierce says the health department is testing people Monday through Friday at the health department for free, but you need to call the health department in Troy by noon at 785-985-3591.  

Pierce says there is good news in the middle of this storm. 

As many people are testing positive, the county is also starting to see its vaccination rate starting to go up. 

"We were sitting on 33% for a long time, now we're close to 40% with the overall rate," Pierce says. "So, we're very pleased with that, although we'd like to see it at 70 or 75%, or at least over 50%, so we are working hard to educate and have the vaccine available readily for the public." 

Pierce says the department is still urging those five and older to come out and get the shot.&nbsp; The vaccination rate for ages five to 11 is one of the lowest in the county. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Doniphan County Health Officials are continuing to see rising positive COVID-19 cases as numbers continue to spike. Health Department Director Sheryl Pierce says the positivity rate in the northeast Kansas County has risen to 45%. Pierce says while not all tests at the health department disclose the COVID-19 variant patients might have, the state of Kansas reports about 90% of the counties positive tests have been the Omicron variant. "It is fast spreading, less severe, at least for the population that we are seeing getting it right now," Pierce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "We are seeing some of the fully vaccinated people with it, but typically their symptoms aren't very severe at all." Pierce says the department saw a surge of residents coming in to get tested all through last week, and says she's appreciative of how aware the county has been to come get tested when they are feeling sick. As health officials test people for the virus, they now have to do it without contact tracing, after the Kansas Department of Health and Environment discontinued it. Pierce says previously, the health department and schools would contact those that were in close contact with a person who tested positive, and now it's all up to the individual. "We're just asking that people that are positive, that they notify everybody they've been around 48 hours before their symptoms started," Pierce says. "And inform them that their positive, and to watch for symptoms, and to get tested if they have any symptoms." Pierce says the health department is testing people Monday through Friday at the health department for free, but you need to call the health department in Troy by noon at 785-985-3591. Pierce says there is good news in the middle of this storm. As many people are testing positive, the county is also starting to see its vaccination rate starting to go up. "We were sitting on 33% for a long time, now we're close to 40% with the overall rate," Pierce says. "So, we're very pleased with that, although we'd like to see it at 70 or 75%, or at least over 50%, so we are working hard to educate and have the vaccine available readily for the public." Pierce says the department is still urging those five and older to come out and get the shot.&nbsp; The vaccination rate for ages five to 11 is one of the lowest in the county.

Doniphan County COVID numbers continue to rise during spike

St. Joseph public school students return to class today after a spike in COVID-19 cases forced the cancelation of classes last week.

St. Joseph school officials say though classes resume, nearly
30 bus routes will not run, because of the large number of bus drivers who are
sick. Officials say parents need to find alternative ways to get their children
to school and if they can’t, they should contact the school and report the
absence. Students who cannot get to school will be excused from classes. Time
will be given for makeup assignments.

School officials worry more bus routes could be canceled later
this week.

Beginning Wednesday, early release days will be suspended for
the remainder of the school year.

The following bus routes are cancelled on Monday and Tuesday:
2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 27, 34, 38, 41, 43, 46,
47, 54, 61, 62, 63, 65 and ALL bus routes for students who attend the St.
Joseph Early Learning Center. If you are not sure what your student’s bus route
is, click <a href="https://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/departments/student_services/transportation">www.sjsd.info/busroutes</a> for more information.

Go to <a href="https://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/">www.sjsd.k12.mo.us</a> for more details.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph public school students return to class today after a spike in COVID-19 cases forced the cancelation of classes last week.There will be limited bus service today.St. Joseph school officials say though classes resume, nearly
30 bus routes will not run, because of the large number of bus drivers who are
sick. Officials say parents need to find alternative ways to get their children
to school and if they can’t, they should contact the school and report the
absence. Students who cannot get to school will be excused from classes. Time
will be given for makeup assignments.School officials worry more bus routes could be canceled later
this week.Beginning Wednesday, early release days will be suspended for
the remainder of the school year.Information will be updated as needed.The following bus routes are cancelled on Monday and Tuesday:
2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 27, 34, 38, 41, 43, 46,
47, 54, 61, 62, 63, 65 and ALL bus routes for students who attend the St.
Joseph Early Learning Center. If you are not sure what your student’s bus route
is, click <a href="https://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/departments/student_services/transportation">www.sjsd.info/busroutes</a> for more information.Go to <a href="https://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/">www.sjsd.k12.mo.us</a> for more details.

Classes resume today for St. Joseph public school students

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson wants to spend $10.4 million to create a new office that would help the state better prepare for floods and drought.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Connie Patterson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/gov-parson-seeks-new-office-to-improve-missouris-response-to-floods-and-drought/article_973dc19d-8b5f-5a91-b40f-55470267edd4.html">told&nbsp;</a>the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that creating the new Missouri Hydrology Information Center is part of the state's response to the 2019 floods in the Missouri and Mississippi river basins that caused roughly $20 billion damage. The proposal was part of Parson's budget plan released last week.

Patterson said the new office would help the state move “from a reactive to proactive response” to flood protection and recovery.

If it is approved, the new center would be asked to improve the current system of measuring stream depth to provide more real-time stream level data at numerous statewide locations.

“It will also help with the creation of flood inundation maps showing the extent and depth of predicted flood waters for dozens of Missouri communities,” Patterson said.

Some of the information the new office would collect may already exist at the U.S. Geologic Survey office or state emergency management agency, but Patterson said the new agency would be designed to be a user-friendly clearinghouse of information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559767690611.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson wants to spend $10.4 million to create a new office that would help the state better prepare for floods and drought.Missouri Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Connie Patterson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/gov-parson-seeks-new-office-to-improve-missouris-response-to-floods-and-drought/article_973dc19d-8b5f-5a91-b40f-55470267edd4.html">told&nbsp;</a>the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that creating the new Missouri Hydrology Information Center is part of the state's response to the 2019 floods in the Missouri and Mississippi river basins that caused roughly $20 billion damage. The proposal was part of Parson's budget plan released last week.Patterson said the new office would help the state move “from a reactive to proactive response” to flood protection and recovery.If it is approved, the new center would be asked to improve the current system of measuring stream depth to provide more real-time stream level data at numerous statewide locations.“It will also help with the creation of flood inundation maps showing the extent and depth of predicted flood waters for dozens of Missouri communities,” Patterson said.Some of the information the new office would collect may already exist at the U.S. Geologic Survey office or state emergency management agency, but Patterson said the new agency would be designed to be a user-friendly clearinghouse of information.

Missouri Gov. wants to create new flood response agency

NODAWAY COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Friday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Michael A. Poppa, 29, Hopkins, was eastbound on Route NN just west of Route E seven miles northwest of Parnell.

The driver lost control of the car. It crossed the center of the road, began to skid, traveled off the north side of the road, went airborne and struck&nbsp; Route E with the undercarriage. The car ehen crossed the center of the road, traveled off the east side of the road, struck the ground with the right front fender and rolled.

Nodaway County Ambulance transported Poppa to Mosaic in Maryville. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Friday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Michael A. Poppa, 29, Hopkins, was eastbound on Route NN just west of Route E seven miles northwest of Parnell.The driver lost control of the car. It crossed the center of the road, began to skid, traveled off the north side of the road, went airborne and struck&nbsp; Route E with the undercarriage. The car ehen crossed the center of the road, traveled off the east side of the road, struck the ground with the right front fender and rolled.Nodaway County Ambulance transported Poppa to Mosaic in Maryville. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Nodaway Co. man hospitalized after violent rollover crash

The St. Joseph School District will resume in-person classes on Monday, Jan. 24.

This comes after the district had to shut down both in-person and virtual learning all of this past week due to staff shortages related to COVID-19 and other illness.

The district said in a release Friday that bus transportation will still be limited, due a current shortage of drivers.

Roughly 27 bus routes will be canceled on Monday and Tuesday, with the possibility of different routes being canceled on Wednesday and Thursday as well.

All bus routes are cancelled for the St. Joseph Early Learning Center.

Parents are encouraged to find transportation alternatives, but if they can’t, parents can contact their school and report the absence. Students will be excused from classes and time will be allotted for students to makeup missed assignments.

The district is also canceling their Early Release Days on Wednesdays for the rest of the school year.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School District will resume in-person classes on Monday, Jan. 24.This comes after the district had to shut down both in-person and virtual learning all of this past week due to staff shortages related to COVID-19 and other illness.The district said in a release Friday that bus transportation will still be limited, due a current shortage of drivers.Roughly 27 bus routes will be canceled on Monday and Tuesday, with the possibility of different routes being canceled on Wednesday and Thursday as well.All bus routes are cancelled for the St. Joseph Early Learning Center.Parents are encouraged to find transportation alternatives, but if they can’t, parents can contact their school and report the absence. Students will be excused from classes and time will be allotted for students to makeup missed assignments.The district is also canceling their Early Release Days on Wednesdays for the rest of the school year.

St. Joseph Public Schools to resume classes on Monday

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack and have made an arrest.

Just after 7:00p.m. Thursday evening a domestic disturbance occurred at a residence in the 500 block Mound Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 During the disturbance a 36-year-old man was stabbed with a knife causing a non-life threatening injury. The victim left the residence and went to Police Headquarters. He was examined by EMS and subsequently drove himself to the hospital where he was treated and released. 

Officers located and arrested 35-year-old Shandalyn Foster at the home. She is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;aggravated battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642783813613.png" alt="Foster photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Foster photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack and have made an arrest.Just after 7:00p.m. Thursday evening a domestic disturbance occurred at a residence in the 500 block Mound Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. During the disturbance a 36-year-old man was stabbed with a knife causing a non-life threatening injury. The victim left the residence and went to Police Headquarters. He was examined by EMS and subsequently drove himself to the hospital where he was treated and released. Officers located and arrested 35-year-old Shandalyn Foster at the home. She is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;aggravated battery.

Police: Woman jailed for alleged stabbing at Kansas home

The Savannah school district has chosen its new mascot logo.

The school board announced during its Thursday night meeting that the new "Savage" logo will be a stand-alone 'S' with claw marks through it, replacing the Native American imagery.

The board voted unanimously in favor of this change.

More than 5,000 combined votes were cast by students, faculty and community members for their favorite designs, of which there were five finalists. The other finalists included a “Hawk/Falcon," “Lion,” “Sabretooth Tiger” and “Bison.”

The winning 'S' logo received 52.5% of the total vote.

The black and gold school colors, and the nickname "Savages" will be retained. The Savannah school board voted&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/db776f1c-5c82-46d3-9192-5fb6a33525ca">in April of last year</a>&nbsp;to retain the Savage name, but phase out&nbsp;the Native American imagery and symbolism associated with the mascot.

District spokesperson Jess Gillett says the final step will be replacing the equipment and uniforms that bear the original Native American mascot.

Gillett reiterated, just as the school board did at the time of their vote, not one cent of the school district's budget is going toward the mascot change.&nbsp;Instead, as it becomes necessary to replace items, the updated imagery will be used.

"Uniforms are on a five-year rotation," Gillett said. "So, when it's time for those uniforms to be replaced, we'll simply put the new mascot on the new uniform and move forward. And that's true of everything in the district. Gym floors, things like that. They'll just be replaced as they were already scheduled to be updated or replaced."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642810352861.png" alt="Savannah's new logo, as voted by the district and community members." />
 <figcaption>Savannah's new logo, as voted by the district and community members.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Savannah school district has chosen its new mascot logo.The school board announced during its Thursday night meeting that the new "Savage" logo will be a stand-alone 'S' with claw marks through it, replacing the Native American imagery.The board voted unanimously in favor of this change.More than 5,000 combined votes were cast by students, faculty and community members for their favorite designs, of which there were five finalists. The other finalists included a “Hawk/Falcon," “Lion,” “Sabretooth Tiger” and “Bison.”The winning 'S' logo received 52.5% of the total vote.The black and gold school colors, and the nickname "Savages" will be retained. The Savannah school board voted&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/db776f1c-5c82-46d3-9192-5fb6a33525ca">in April of last year</a>&nbsp;to retain the Savage name, but phase out&nbsp;the Native American imagery and symbolism associated with the mascot.District spokesperson Jess Gillett says the final step will be replacing the equipment and uniforms that bear the original Native American mascot.Gillett reiterated, just as the school board did at the time of their vote, not one cent of the school district's budget is going toward the mascot change.&nbsp;Instead, as it becomes necessary to replace items, the updated imagery will be used."Uniforms are on a five-year rotation," Gillett said. "So, when it's time for those uniforms to be replaced, we'll simply put the new mascot on the new uniform and move forward. And that's true of everything in the district. Gym floors, things like that. They'll just be replaced as they were already scheduled to be updated or replaced."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Savannah school board unveils new mascot logo at Thursday meeting

A free COVID testing clinic will be held on Sunday by the St. Joseph Health Department in St. Joseph. 

St. Joseph Health Department spokesperson Nancy King says at the beginning of the pandemic the goal was to not overwhelm the healthcare system but now with the Omicron variant, that is getting harder and harder. 

"We're two years into it, we have this very highly contagious variant going around, we have not only record number of cases, but nationwide we're also having record number of hospitalizations," King tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

King says while symptoms may be milder in those that are vaccinated, the record number of hospitalizations shows that is not the case for those unvaccinated. 

King says typically during these spikes you start to see the rise in positive cases first, but then 

"You know, two weeks later, that's when you'll start seeing your rise in hospitalizations, and then the increase in deaths will follow that," King says. "Well, we're having the rise in cases at the same time we're having the rise in hospitalizations as well, so I think the Delta variant is still out there with the Omicron." 

King says because of that you're still seeing a lot of patients that got sick during the holidays, along with the Omicron surge, which could cause more overcrowding in the healthcare system. 

King says the free clinic will be held on Sunday. 

"It's a drive-thru clinic from 10am to 6pm at the Remington Nature Center, you don't have to have symptoms, if you just think that you have been exposed to someone or work in a high-risk environment," King explains. 

King says anyone that feels the need to be tested for COVID is welcome to come out to the clinic 

The clinic is sponsored by the Department of Health and Senior Services. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619185705626.jpeg" alt="The Remington Nature Center will be the site of a free testing clinic by the St. Joseph Health Department/ Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>The Remington Nature Center will be the site of a free testing clinic by the St. Joseph Health Department/ Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A free COVID testing clinic will be held on Sunday by the St. Joseph Health Department in St. Joseph. St. Joseph Health Department spokesperson Nancy King says at the beginning of the pandemic the goal was to not overwhelm the healthcare system but now with the Omicron variant, that is getting harder and harder. "We're two years into it, we have this very highly contagious variant going around, we have not only record number of cases, but nationwide we're also having record number of hospitalizations," King tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. King says while symptoms may be milder in those that are vaccinated, the record number of hospitalizations shows that is not the case for those unvaccinated. King says typically during these spikes you start to see the rise in positive cases first, but then "You know, two weeks later, that's when you'll start seeing your rise in hospitalizations, and then the increase in deaths will follow that," King says. "Well, we're having the rise in cases at the same time we're having the rise in hospitalizations as well, so I think the Delta variant is still out there with the Omicron." King says because of that you're still seeing a lot of patients that got sick during the holidays, along with the Omicron surge, which could cause more overcrowding in the healthcare system. King says the free clinic will be held on Sunday. "It's a drive-thru clinic from 10am to 6pm at the Remington Nature Center, you don't have to have symptoms, if you just think that you have been exposed to someone or work in a high-risk environment," King explains. King says anyone that feels the need to be tested for COVID is welcome to come out to the clinic The clinic is sponsored by the Department of Health and Senior Services.

Free COVID-19 testing on Sunday in St. Joseph

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Friday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Explorer driven by Megan D. Hughes Capps, 40, Brookfield, was westbound on U.S. 36 one mile west of Utica.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Friday in Livingston County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Explorer driven by Megan D. Hughes Capps, 40, Brookfield, was westbound on U.S. 36 one mile west of Utica.The SUV rear-ended a&nbsp;2016 Mack CXU613 driven by Jeremy M. Taylor, 32, Kansas City, Kan., who was stationary on the shoulder of the highway.Livington County EMS transported Hughes to Hedrick Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

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