A 34-year-old St. Joseph man wanted in the
shooting death of a 25-year-old woman in St. Joseph has been taken into
custody.

St. Joseph police report Michael Hadden
was arrested by officers around 10:30 last night without incident. No details
are being released at this time.

Police had been searching for Hadden
since February 23rd.

Hadden is the suspect in the shooting
which critically wounded 25-year-old Minda Miller. Police at the time said Miller
sustained a life-threatening wound. Police now confirm Miller has died from the
wound.

Police say Hadden and Miller argued out on the
street in the 1100 block of 11th Street around 8 p.m. on the 23rd.

Hadden allegedly pulled a gun, shot Miller and
then fled the scene in a car. Miller was rushed to Mosaic Life Care in St.
Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614771471256.jpeg" alt="Michael Hadden/Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Police Dept." />
 <figcaption>Michael Hadden/Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Police Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 34-year-old St. Joseph man wanted in the
shooting death of a 25-year-old woman in St. Joseph has been taken into
custody.St. Joseph police report Michael Hadden
was arrested by officers around 10:30 last night without incident. No details
are being released at this time.Police had been searching for Hadden
since February 23rd.Hadden is the suspect in the shooting
which critically wounded 25-year-old Minda Miller. Police at the time said Miller
sustained a life-threatening wound. Police now confirm Miller has died from the
wound.Police say Hadden and Miller argued out on the
street in the 1100 block of 11th Street around 8 p.m. on the 23rd.Hadden allegedly pulled a gun, shot Miller and
then fled the scene in a car. Miller was rushed to Mosaic Life Care in St.
Joseph.This article has been updated.

Man wanted in shooting death of St. Joseph woman arrested

GALT, Mo. (AP) — A pilot of a single-engine plane that went down in northern Missouri last month ignored warnings about bad weather before the crash, killing him and his passenger, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.

The plane&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trenton-transportation-michael-brown-st-louis-kirksville-6db5cf62f0b14cae98939cd74d44e208">went down</a>&nbsp;Feb. 8 near Galt in Grundy County, killing Philip Joseph LeFevre III, 82, of Glendale, and 47-year-old Philip Joseph LeFevre IV, of Sunset Hills.

The report said the plane took off from St. Louis. Its windscreen was obscured by ice and the plane was covered with ice when it landed in Moberly, the NTSB said. The pilot, who was not named in the report, asked for help de-icing the plane.

He ignored suggestions that they stay in Moberly until the weather improved, the NTSB said. Instead, he said he would fly north because he believed the weather was better.

Witnesses said the men planned to spend the night in Nebraska before flying to Colorado. The wreckage was found in a wooded area near Galt the next day.

The report said the initial impact occurred just 30 feet above the ground and the plane’s engine didn’t show any signs of losing power.

GALT, Mo. (AP) — A pilot of a single-engine plane that went down in northern Missouri last month ignored warnings about bad weather before the crash, killing him and his passenger, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.The plane&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trenton-transportation-michael-brown-st-louis-kirksville-6db5cf62f0b14cae98939cd74d44e208">went down</a>&nbsp;Feb. 8 near Galt in Grundy County, killing Philip Joseph LeFevre III, 82, of Glendale, and 47-year-old Philip Joseph LeFevre IV, of Sunset Hills.The report said the plane took off from St. Louis. Its windscreen was obscured by ice and the plane was covered with ice when it landed in Moberly, the NTSB said. The pilot, who was not named in the report, asked for help de-icing the plane.He ignored suggestions that they stay in Moberly until the weather improved, the NTSB said. Instead, he said he would fly north because he believed the weather was better.Witnesses said the men planned to spend the night in Nebraska before flying to Colorado. The wreckage was found in a wooded area near Galt the next day.The report said the initial impact occurred just 30 feet above the ground and the plane’s engine didn’t show any signs of losing power.

NTSB: Pilot in fatal Grundy Co. plane crash ignored ice warning

ATCHISON, KS - Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced the selection of Atchison, Baldwin City and Junction City as the newest members of the Kansas Main Street program Tuesday.

Speaking at the Santa Fe Depot in Atchison, Kelly says she was thrilled to announce this news in a timely fashion, and in an ideal location.

"I can't think of a better time, Women's History Month, or a better place to make this announcement than the hometown of aviator Amelia Earhart," Kelly said.

Atchison mayor Abby Bartlett says her city's historic qualities and attributes made it an appealing choice for state leaders to add it to the list of Main Street cities.

"It's one of the things we thrive on," Bartlett said of that history. "We love our brick streets. We love the buildings like (Santa Fe Depot). This is the heart of Atchison right here."

Atchison is one of the first new additions to the Kansas Main Street program since its reintroduction in 2019. With Baldwin and Junction City included,&nbsp;there are now 28 designated Main Street communities in the state.

"Becoming a part of the program will give us framework and knowledge to further develop and execute the full measure of the Main Street program," Bartlett said, "maximizing our full, economic development potential as a community."

When Main Street was relaunched in Kansas just over a year ago, leaders from the 25 cities already enrolled in the program signed up for Kansas Main Street's inaugural training.

A 26th community signed up, too. It was Atchison, but the training was only for community leaders who were already members of Kansas Main Street.

“We had to make an uncomfortable phone call," Kansas Lieutenant governor David Toland recalled, "and say, 'I'm sorry, this is just for those who are already in, but we're going to open up a competitive round (in December 2020).' So, how nice it is to be able to come full circle."

Communities interested in joining the program participated in a competitive application process this past December. Like Mayor Bartlett, Governor Kelly recognized Atchison's historic value, which made the city an appealing choice to state leaders.

"Atchison is just so full of history and historic structures," she told The Post in an interview. "They can leverage this Main Street program, both the financial and technical assistance resources that it brings, so they can build on their historic roots."

Kansas Main Street is a self-help technical assistance program administered by the Community Development Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The program targets preservation and revitalization of downtown districts based on four points of organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring.

"It also allows local officials to prioritize the restoration and preservation of unique, historic, downtown business districts," Kelly added.

The Kansas Main Street program, which started in 1985, helped mostly rural cities maintain and enhance their downtown districts before its shutdown in 2012.

"That included the opening and expansion of 3,800 small businesses," Kansas Main Street program director Scott Sewell said. "That resulted in over 8,600 new jobs to the state during that time."

Kansas Main Street was then brought back in late 2019 under Governor Kelly's administration.

“Main Street is about a lot of things, but at its core, it's about economic development," Lieutenant Governor Toland reiterated. "The Kelly administration is all in on building Kansas communities and strengthening our economies."

The Kansas Main Street program is affiliated with the National Main Street Center. While there's no federal funding that goes directly to Main Street communities, designated cities are eligible for training and technical assistance to help them become self-sufficient in their downtown revitalization.

Kelly credited Atchison's leaders for their efforts to restore their downtown, specifically the restoration of the Fox Theatre, a $2.5 million project which brought the 109-year-old building back to life "after being dormant for almost a decade," according to the Governor.

Mayor Bartlett says Kansas Main Street can be a huge asset for future projects, like the Pedestrian Mall demolition project, which just began in late February and is set to be complete by this June.

"We're looking to truly build our downtown and to truly build our main street," Bartlett said. "To feel that Hallmark movie feel. So, this program adds to that. This definitely enhances what we're trying to do down there for those businesses and for growth in Atchison."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614719889603.jpeg" alt="Kansas governor Laura Kelly (front row, second to the right) poses with Atchison mayor Abby Bartlett and other city leaders Tuesday after the announcement of Atchison being added to Kansas' Main Street Program - an initiative aimed at revitalizing downtown infrastructure in mostly rural cities. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Kansas governor Laura Kelly (front row, second to the right) poses with Atchison mayor Abby Bartlett and other city leaders Tuesday after the announcement of Atchison being added to Kansas' Main Street Program - an initiative aimed at revitalizing downtown infrastructure in mostly rural cities. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostATCHISON, KS - Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced the selection of Atchison, Baldwin City and Junction City as the newest members of the Kansas Main Street program Tuesday.Speaking at the Santa Fe Depot in Atchison, Kelly says she was thrilled to announce this news in a timely fashion, and in an ideal location."I can't think of a better time, Women's History Month, or a better place to make this announcement than the hometown of aviator Amelia Earhart," Kelly said.Atchison mayor Abby Bartlett says her city's historic qualities and attributes made it an appealing choice for state leaders to add it to the list of Main Street cities."It's one of the things we thrive on," Bartlett said of that history. "We love our brick streets. We love the buildings like (Santa Fe Depot). This is the heart of Atchison right here."Atchison is one of the first new additions to the Kansas Main Street program since its reintroduction in 2019. With Baldwin and Junction City included,&nbsp;there are now 28 designated Main Street communities in the state."Becoming a part of the program will give us framework and knowledge to further develop and execute the full measure of the Main Street program," Bartlett said, "maximizing our full, economic development potential as a community."When Main Street was relaunched in Kansas just over a year ago, leaders from the 25 cities already enrolled in the program signed up for Kansas Main Street's inaugural training.A 26th community signed up, too. It was Atchison, but the training was only for community leaders who were already members of Kansas Main Street.“We had to make an uncomfortable phone call," Kansas Lieutenant governor David Toland recalled, "and say, 'I'm sorry, this is just for those who are already in, but we're going to open up a competitive round (in December 2020).' So, how nice it is to be able to come full circle."Communities interested in joining the program participated in a competitive application process this past December. Like Mayor Bartlett, Governor Kelly recognized Atchison's historic value, which made the city an appealing choice to state leaders."Atchison is just so full of history and historic structures," she told The Post in an interview. "They can leverage this Main Street program, both the financial and technical assistance resources that it brings, so they can build on their historic roots."Kansas Main Street is a self-help technical assistance program administered by the Community Development Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce.The program targets preservation and revitalization of downtown districts based on four points of organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring."It also allows local officials to prioritize the restoration and preservation of unique, historic, downtown business districts," Kelly added.The Kansas Main Street program, which started in 1985, helped mostly rural cities maintain and enhance their downtown districts before its shutdown in 2012."That included the opening and expansion of 3,800 small businesses," Kansas Main Street program director Scott Sewell said. "That resulted in over 8,600 new jobs to the state during that time."Kansas Main Street was then brought back in late 2019 under Governor Kelly's administration.“Main Street is about a lot of things, but at its core, it's about economic development," Lieutenant Governor Toland reiterated. "The Kelly administration is all in on building Kansas communities and strengthening our economies."The Kansas Main Street program is affiliated with the National Main Street Center. While there's no federal funding that goes directly to Main Street communities, designated cities are eligible for training and technical assistance to help them become self-sufficient in their downtown revitalization.Kelly credited Atchison's leaders for their efforts to restore their downtown, specifically the restoration of the Fox Theatre, a $2.5 million project which brought the 109-year-old building back to life "after being dormant for almost a decade," according to the Governor.Mayor Bartlett says Kansas Main Street can be a huge asset for future projects, like the Pedestrian Mall demolition project, which just began in late February and is set to be complete by this June."We're looking to truly build our downtown and to truly build our main street," Bartlett said. "To feel that Hallmark movie feel. So, this program adds to that. This definitely enhances what we're trying to do down there for those businesses and for growth in Atchison."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614719874348.jpeg" alt="Kansas governor Laura Kelly announces that Atchison, along with Baldwin City and Junction City, have been added to the Kansas Main Street program at the Santa Fe Depot in Atchison Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Kansas governor Laura Kelly announces that Atchison, along with Baldwin City and Junction City, have been added to the Kansas Main Street program at the Santa Fe Depot in Atchison Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614720071011.jpeg" alt="Atchison mayor Abby Bartlett speaks at Tuesday's press conference, which was held with Governor Laura Kelly and other city and state leaders at the historic Santa Fe Depot in Atchison on Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Atchison mayor Abby Bartlett speaks at Tuesday's press conference, which was held with Governor Laura Kelly and other city and state leaders at the historic Santa Fe Depot in Atchison on Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Atchison added to Kansas Main Street Program, aimed at revitalizing downtown

St. Joseph is having its second annual Restaurant Week. It starts today and continues through March 11th. 

Vice President of Membership with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Natalie Redmond says the restaurants have been impacted by the COVID pandemic. 

"We've looked at the statistics of how it's affected the restaurant industry," Redmond tells St. Joseph Post. "It's been very impactful, so if you can support the restaurants, they need your support more now than ever because we'd love for them to be around for the next year."

Vice President of Membership with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Natalie Redmond says the chamber is requiring the participating restaurants to have a carry-out or delivery option. 

"So you can meet the needs of whatever your lifestyle is right now," says Redmond. 

Vice President of Membership with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Natalie Redmond says everyone is encouraged to participate in restaurant week and try something new that you don't normally have. 

"We just hope that the community will enjoy this," Redmond says. "This is not only a way to support local but it's a way to get out and enjoy our community and some of the uniqueness that makes us St. Joe."

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostRestaurant Week is back. St. Joseph is having its second annual Restaurant Week. It starts today and continues through March 11th. Vice President of Membership with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Natalie Redmond says the restaurants have been impacted by the COVID pandemic. "We've looked at the statistics of how it's affected the restaurant industry," Redmond tells St. Joseph Post. "It's been very impactful, so if you can support the restaurants, they need your support more now than ever because we'd love for them to be around for the next year."Vice President of Membership with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Natalie Redmond says the chamber is requiring the participating restaurants to have a carry-out or delivery option. "So you can meet the needs of whatever your lifestyle is right now," says Redmond. Vice President of Membership with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Natalie Redmond says everyone is encouraged to participate in restaurant week and try something new that you don't normally have. "We just hope that the community will enjoy this," Redmond says. "This is not only a way to support local but it's a way to get out and enjoy our community and some of the uniqueness that makes us St. Joe."

St. Joseph Restaurant Week is here again

Do you need help paying your utility bill after the bitter cold front we experienced? 

The Missouri Department of Social Services is helping residents with utility payments through the program LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). 

LIHEAP helps through two programs: Energy Assistance/Regular Heating and ECIP (Energy Crisis Intervention Program). 

Community Initiative Manager Kimberley Sprenger with the Missouri Department of Social Services says families that earn no more than 135% of the federal poverty level might qualify for LIHEAP.  

"The program is really based on client need and there are some limitations or caps rather with regard to the amount of services that the LIHEAP program can reimburse for," Sprenger tells St. Joseph Post. 

There are income guidelines that determine eligibility for the LIHEAP programs. Sprenger says the client would need to be ahead of a household in a home they either own or rent in which they are responsible for utility costs. 

"It is determined by household size so the more people in the home does change the income limit and then there are also some means testing limits that accompany the program such as 3000 dollars or less in assets and some other means testing that must occur at the time of application that is based on the individual circumstances," says Sprenger. 

We just went through nearly two weeks of below-freezing temperatures, at times below zero.

Sprenger says it is still a little early to see an increase in utility assistance requests from residents. 

"Cold weather really just ended within the last several days and it's very possible that customers haven't even received those bills for what they're referring to as that polar vortex where we had a couple of weeks of extremely cold conditions," says Sprenger. 

Sprenger says utilities usually do not disconnect clients during the bitterly cold weather fronts. 

"When the weather patterns stabilize the disconnections do begin to occur, so we are well-positioned to help clients who may receive a disconnection notice or a threat of disconnection and can certainly apply for our program if they believe that they meet those income requirements," says Sprenger. 

You need to meet these requirements to qualify for LIHEAP assistance... be responsible for paying home heating and cooling costs, be a United States citizen or a legal resident, have 3,000 dollars or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments, and meet specific income guidelines that vary according to household size and fuel type. 

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostDo you need help paying your utility bill after the bitter cold front we experienced? The Missouri Department of Social Services is helping residents with utility payments through the program LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). LIHEAP helps through two programs: Energy Assistance/Regular Heating and ECIP (Energy Crisis Intervention Program). Community Initiative Manager Kimberley Sprenger with the Missouri Department of Social Services says families that earn no more than 135% of the federal poverty level might qualify for LIHEAP. "The program is really based on client need and there are some limitations or caps rather with regard to the amount of services that the LIHEAP program can reimburse for," Sprenger tells St. Joseph Post. There are income guidelines that determine eligibility for the LIHEAP programs. Sprenger says the client would need to be ahead of a household in a home they either own or rent in which they are responsible for utility costs. "It is determined by household size so the more people in the home does change the income limit and then there are also some means testing limits that accompany the program such as 3000 dollars or less in assets and some other means testing that must occur at the time of application that is based on the individual circumstances," says Sprenger. We just went through nearly two weeks of below-freezing temperatures, at times below zero.Sprenger says it is still a little early to see an increase in utility assistance requests from residents. "Cold weather really just ended within the last several days and it's very possible that customers haven't even received those bills for what they're referring to as that polar vortex where we had a couple of weeks of extremely cold conditions," says Sprenger. Sprenger says utilities usually do not disconnect clients during the bitterly cold weather fronts. "When the weather patterns stabilize the disconnections do begin to occur, so we are well-positioned to help clients who may receive a disconnection notice or a threat of disconnection and can certainly apply for our program if they believe that they meet those income requirements," says Sprenger. You need to meet these requirements to qualify for LIHEAP assistance... be responsible for paying home heating and cooling costs, be a United States citizen or a legal resident, have 3,000 dollars or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments, and meet specific income guidelines that vary according to household size and fuel type.

LIHEAP can assist Missouri residents with utility payments

A new phrase drives economic development these days.

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly says
companies the past few years have suffered from a lack of trained workers. So,
the community has taken steps to address the problem.

“Growing our local workforce is really all about the
opportunity to have students and teachers, Barry, understand what the
opportunities here are,” Lilly tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Lilly says 12-to-15 St. Joseph companies have been hiring high
school students for years, giving them a taste of life in the working world.

“Oftentimes, in this day and age, kids are so busy doing
extracurricular things they don’t work,” Lilly says. “It dawned on me one day,
talking to some parents, it’s like, oh my goodness, I explored a lot of things
as a kid I didn’t want to do after I worked at it for a while. But, kids today,
a lot of kids, I think, go to college and have never actually had a part-time
job. And so that career exploration becomes very important.”

While St. Joseph area businesses seek trained workers, high
school students seek to become acquainted with various jobs, all in an effort
to see what might be attractive once they graduate. Lilly says high schoolers
need to explore as many opportunities as possible, adding career exploration
cannot be overemphasized, because it gives a teenager a taste of life in the
working world.

“That career exploration becomes very important, where they
can go in and actually do something that they think they want to do, whether
that’s being a machinist, whether that’s working at Mosaic, whatever the case
may be,” Lilly says. “But they can go in and experience the job. Then they’re
getting trained on the job.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA new phrase drives economic development these days.It is:&nbsp; workforce
development.St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly says
companies the past few years have suffered from a lack of trained workers. So,
the community has taken steps to address the problem.“Growing our local workforce is really all about the
opportunity to have students and teachers, Barry, understand what the
opportunities here are,” Lilly tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Lilly says 12-to-15 St. Joseph companies have been hiring high
school students for years, giving them a taste of life in the working world.“Oftentimes, in this day and age, kids are so busy doing
extracurricular things they don’t work,” Lilly says. “It dawned on me one day,
talking to some parents, it’s like, oh my goodness, I explored a lot of things
as a kid I didn’t want to do after I worked at it for a while. But, kids today,
a lot of kids, I think, go to college and have never actually had a part-time
job. And so that career exploration becomes very important.”While St. Joseph area businesses seek trained workers, high
school students seek to become acquainted with various jobs, all in an effort
to see what might be attractive once they graduate. Lilly says high schoolers
need to explore as many opportunities as possible, adding career exploration
cannot be overemphasized, because it gives a teenager a taste of life in the
working world.“That career exploration becomes very important, where they
can go in and actually do something that they think they want to do, whether
that’s being a machinist, whether that’s working at Mosaic, whatever the case
may be,” Lilly says. “But they can go in and experience the job. Then they’re
getting trained on the job.”

New phrase dominates economic development efforts

St. Joseph health officials report one additional COVID-19 related death in Buchanan County and 18 new cases from over the last weekend.

The death was in a woman in her 70s, putting the county's death toll at 172. The case total now stands at 10,072.

Over 7,700 Buchanan County residents have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Mosaic Life Care reports only four COVID-19 patients in its system - three are being treated in St. Joseph with one in Maryville. Statewide, nearly 850,000 Missourians have received the first dose of the vaccine.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 942 total cases of COVID-19, while over 393,000 Kansas residents have received the first dose of the vaccine.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report one additional COVID-19 related death in Buchanan County and 18 new cases from over the last weekend.The death was in a woman in her 70s, putting the county's death toll at 172. The case total now stands at 10,072.Over 7,700 Buchanan County residents have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.Mosaic Life Care reports only four COVID-19 patients in its system - three are being treated in St. Joseph with one in Maryville. Statewide, nearly 850,000 Missourians have received the first dose of the vaccine.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 942 total cases of COVID-19, while over 393,000 Kansas residents have received the first dose of the vaccine.

One new COVID-related death, 18 new cases reported in Buchanan County this past weekend

The St. Joseph Civic Arena first opened in 1979, and has been a downtown staple ever since, hosting events like the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame, concerts and rodeos.

As some events start to open back up to the public in the wake of COVID-19, St. Joseph city leaders know the Civic Arena is in need of some tender love and care.

St. Joseph Parks and Rec director Chuck Kempf, whose department oversees the building's upkeep, says the day-to-day maintenance is constant, but there hasn't been any major renovations in the arena since its opening 41 years ago.

"There's really not ever been a significant amount of money that's been put into it to upgrade the building since it was built," Kempf confirmed.

During a recent city council work session, Kempf says the parks department presented the arena's needs in a four-tier manner, with the top tier renovations being the most urgent needs.

The NCAA Elite 8 Division II basketball championships are set to be played at Civic Arena in two years' time, and Kempf says getting the building "NCAA ready" is the highest priority right now.

"We would like to get some funding at least in the short-term to address those needs," Kempf said. "Really, that's why we presented the projects to the city council the way we did. We tried to put some tiers of projects together."

Kempf says it's also important to make the arena more welcoming for small events as well.

"We would like to improve the lobby, and the meeting and conference room area," Kempf said, "for the same purpose. Just to make it a little more friendly and inviting for smaller-type events. For people who don't necessarily need to use the entire arena.

"There's a lot of concrete, plastic and metal in that building that doesn't make it an overly comfortable setting. So, we'd like to do some things to soften it up a little bit."

The cost of getting Civic Arena prepared for the NCAA tournament is around $1 million. However, when infrastructural needs are thrown in, like plumbing, lighting and electrical repairs, and then new amenities like suites or a new sound system, the total price tag is in the neighborhood of $25 million.

Just like any other major public project, the price tag is always a concern for taxpayers. But, Kempf says whatever amount the arena gets will be well spent, and will benefit the community and its visitors in the long haul.

"We're a great host for these types of events," Kempf said. "(St. Joseph Sports Commission Board Chair) Brett Easley always says, 'You can't take our geography and our hospitality away from us,' and those tend to be things that are set in stone with St. Joseph, and I don't know if we use those things to our advantage as much as we should."

As of now, there's no exact timetable on when Civic Arena might see major improvements, or when the funding will come to make improvements possible. Kempf says the most practical and efficient way to fund the project would be through a bond issue that passes through city council.

"If they want to do it in a quicker fashion, then obviously the bond issue is the best and easiest way to get that amount of money in a short period of time."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614629944321.jpeg" alt="The Civic Arena first opened in downtown St. Joseph in 1979. It's hosted many events through the years, but city leaders want to invest in its upkeep and maintenance to make it a more appealing event destination. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>The Civic Arena first opened in downtown St. Joseph in 1979. It's hosted many events through the years, but city leaders want to invest in its upkeep and maintenance to make it a more appealing event destination. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Civic Arena first opened in 1979, and has been a downtown staple ever since, hosting events like the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame, concerts and rodeos.As some events start to open back up to the public in the wake of COVID-19, St. Joseph city leaders know the Civic Arena is in need of some tender love and care.St. Joseph Parks and Rec director Chuck Kempf, whose department oversees the building's upkeep, says the day-to-day maintenance is constant, but there hasn't been any major renovations in the arena since its opening 41 years ago."There's really not ever been a significant amount of money that's been put into it to upgrade the building since it was built," Kempf confirmed.During a recent city council work session, Kempf says the parks department presented the arena's needs in a four-tier manner, with the top tier renovations being the most urgent needs.The NCAA Elite 8 Division II basketball championships are set to be played at Civic Arena in two years' time, and Kempf says getting the building "NCAA ready" is the highest priority right now."We would like to get some funding at least in the short-term to address those needs," Kempf said. "Really, that's why we presented the projects to the city council the way we did. We tried to put some tiers of projects together."Kempf says it's also important to make the arena more welcoming for small events as well."We would like to improve the lobby, and the meeting and conference room area," Kempf said, "for the same purpose. Just to make it a little more friendly and inviting for smaller-type events. For people who don't necessarily need to use the entire arena."There's a lot of concrete, plastic and metal in that building that doesn't make it an overly comfortable setting. So, we'd like to do some things to soften it up a little bit."The cost of getting Civic Arena prepared for the NCAA tournament is around $1 million. However, when infrastructural needs are thrown in, like plumbing, lighting and electrical repairs, and then new amenities like suites or a new sound system, the total price tag is in the neighborhood of $25 million.Just like any other major public project, the price tag is always a concern for taxpayers. But, Kempf says whatever amount the arena gets will be well spent, and will benefit the community and its visitors in the long haul."We're a great host for these types of events," Kempf said. "(St. Joseph Sports Commission Board Chair) Brett Easley always says, 'You can't take our geography and our hospitality away from us,' and those tend to be things that are set in stone with St. Joseph, and I don't know if we use those things to our advantage as much as we should."As of now, there's no exact timetable on when Civic Arena might see major improvements, or when the funding will come to make improvements possible. Kempf says the most practical and efficient way to fund the project would be through a bond issue that passes through city council."If they want to do it in a quicker fashion, then obviously the bond issue is the best and easiest way to get that amount of money in a short period of time."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

City leaders eyeing needed improvements for St. Joseph's Civic Arena

Missouri Western State University President Elizabeth Kennedy
says adjusting to life during the coronavirus pandemic continues to dominate
planning on the St. Joseph campus.

Kennedy has been named president after serving as interim
president for more than six months.

Kennedy says the effect of COVID-19 on campus life dominated
her work during the interim period.

“Dealing with the pandemic, dealing with our budget, looking
at our enrollment, looking at how do we get our university back to a – quote,
unquote – new normal, whatever that new normal is going to look like,” Kennedy
tells reporters after being named president.

Kennedy says planning a fall semester which must still take
the pandemic into account and working with an uncertain budget remain her
biggest challenges now as president.

"We've learned how to - quote, unquote - COVID and so what we're doing now is really focusing on getting our fall ready," Kennedy says. "We've been mapping out our course schedules, where we're going to be in the rooms, what we can do that way and looking at the budget. We do have our financial issues, but I will tell you we do have a plan to move forward."

Kennedy
took over after Matt Wilson left in July. She served as interim president
before the Board of Governors offered her a three-year contract to become
president.

Kennedy says the university won’t return to normal until the
campus returns to normal.

“I was a faculty member in the classroom, fulltime, for 17
years. I understand the dynamics, the rapport, what you build with your
students, whether it’s a 15-week class or an eight-week class. That’s what
education is about, just as much as content. If it were just content, we could
pass out books and say, ‘Let me know when you’re done,’” Kennedy says with a
chuckle.

And Kennedy calls on her experience in other parts of her life
to pull through the weight of running Missouri Western State University during
the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the university’s
budget.

“I happen to be a marathon runner. So, I have an endurance and
a high pain tolerance,” Kennedy jokes, but adds that allows her to manage
everyday affairs, while looking to get new initiatives off the ground and plan
for new ones as the university moves forward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614613496364.jpeg" alt="MWSU President Elizabeth Kennedy /Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>MWSU President Elizabeth Kennedy /Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University President Elizabeth Kennedy
says adjusting to life during the coronavirus pandemic continues to dominate
planning on the St. Joseph campus.Kennedy has been named president after serving as interim
president for more than six months.Kennedy says the effect of COVID-19 on campus life dominated
her work during the interim period.“Dealing with the pandemic, dealing with our budget, looking
at our enrollment, looking at how do we get our university back to a – quote,
unquote – new normal, whatever that new normal is going to look like,” Kennedy
tells reporters after being named president.Kennedy says planning a fall semester which must still take
the pandemic into account and working with an uncertain budget remain her
biggest challenges now as president."We've learned how to - quote, unquote - COVID and so what we're doing now is really focusing on getting our fall ready," Kennedy says. "We've been mapping out our course schedules, where we're going to be in the rooms, what we can do that way and looking at the budget. We do have our financial issues, but I will tell you we do have a plan to move forward."Kennedy
took over after Matt Wilson left in July. She served as interim president
before the Board of Governors offered her a three-year contract to become
president.Kennedy says the university won’t return to normal until the
campus returns to normal.“I was a faculty member in the classroom, fulltime, for 17
years. I understand the dynamics, the rapport, what you build with your
students, whether it’s a 15-week class or an eight-week class. That’s what
education is about, just as much as content. If it were just content, we could
pass out books and say, ‘Let me know when you’re done,’” Kennedy says with a
chuckle.And Kennedy calls on her experience in other parts of her life
to pull through the weight of running Missouri Western State University during
the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the university’s
budget.“I happen to be a marathon runner. So, I have an endurance and
a high pain tolerance,” Kennedy jokes, but adds that allows her to manage
everyday affairs, while looking to get new initiatives off the ground and plan
for new ones as the university moves forward.

New MWSU President Kennedy: coronavirus impact remains biggest challenge

St. Joseph police report gun shots were fired into an occupied
house in south St. Joseph, but no one inside was hurt.

Police say the shooting occurred shortly after 11 o’clock last night in the 300 block of West Indiana Street.

A witness reports hearing about four shots. Police say it hasn’t
been determined how many shots were fired into the house.

 The gunman or gunmen fled
the scene. Police have no suspects at this time.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police report gun shots were fired into an occupied
house in south St. Joseph, but no one inside was hurt.Police say the shooting occurred shortly after 11 o’clock last night in the 300 block of West Indiana Street.A witness reports hearing about four shots. Police say it hasn’t
been determined how many shots were fired into the house. The gunman or gunmen fled
the scene. Police have no suspects at this time.

Shots fired into occupied south St. Joseph house; no one hurt

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan driven by Joy L. Deathrage, 53, St. Joseph, was northbound on Route JJ five miles south of St. Joseph.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve, crossed the centerline and off the west side of the road. The motorcycle overturned and the driver was ejected.

Lifenet transported Deathrage to KU Medical Center. She was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.&nbsp;

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan driven by Joy L. Deathrage, 53, St. Joseph, was northbound on Route JJ five miles south of St. Joseph.The driver failed to negotiate a curve, crossed the centerline and off the west side of the road. The motorcycle overturned and the driver was ejected.Lifenet transported Deathrage to KU Medical Center. She was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.&nbsp;

St. Joseph woman air-lifted to hospital after motorcycle accident

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by a 17-year-old boy from Waverly, Nebraska, was northbound on Interstate 29 three miles south of Craig.

The car traveled off the road and struck an embankment. Atchison-Holt ambulance transported the teen to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by a 17-year-old boy from Waverly, Nebraska, was northbound on Interstate 29 three miles south of Craig.The car traveled off the road and struck an embankment. Atchison-Holt ambulance transported the teen to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Teen hospitalized in St. Joe after early-morning car crash

WORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Friday in Worth County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Toyota Camry driven by Jarrett R. Hargrave, 19, was westbound on MO 46 one and one half miles north of Parnell.&nbsp;

The car traveled off the road, struck an embankment, rolled and struck a fence. The car came to rest on its top in a pasture.&nbsp; 

Worth County Ambulance transported Hargrave to Mosaic in Maryville. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

WORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Friday in Worth County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Toyota Camry driven by Jarrett R. Hargrave, 19, was westbound on MO 46 one and one half miles north of Parnell.&nbsp;The car traveled off the road, struck an embankment, rolled and struck a fence. The car came to rest on its top in a pasture.&nbsp; Worth County Ambulance transported Hargrave to Mosaic in Maryville. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after car rolls, strikes fence

St. Joseph health officials report nine new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Friday, putting the county's case total at 10,056.

Over 7,100 Buchanan County residents have received the first dose of the COVID vaccine. The county has also lost 174 people due to virus complications.

The Tri-County Health Department, which covers Worth, Gentry and DeKalb counties, reported no new cases Friday.

As of Thursday, Mosaic Life Care reports just four COVID-19 inpatients system wide - all of whom are being treated in the St. Joseph hospital.

Missouri reports over 477,000 cases and 7,913 fatalities. Over 780,000 Missourians have received the first dose of the COVID vaccine.

Since Wednesday, Kansas reports 826 more COVID-19 cases (293,663 total) and 11 more fatalities (4,735 total). Doniphan County, Kansas has seen nine new cases since Wednesday for a total of 939.

Over 370,000 Kansans have received their first dose of the COVID vaccine, as the state works through Phase 2 of its vaccination plan.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report nine new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Friday, putting the county's case total at 10,056.Over 7,100 Buchanan County residents have received the first dose of the COVID vaccine. The county has also lost 174 people due to virus complications.The Tri-County Health Department, which covers Worth, Gentry and DeKalb counties, reported no new cases Friday.As of Thursday, Mosaic Life Care reports just four COVID-19 inpatients system wide - all of whom are being treated in the St. Joseph hospital.Missouri reports over 477,000 cases and 7,913 fatalities. Over 780,000 Missourians have received the first dose of the COVID vaccine.Since Wednesday, Kansas reports 826 more COVID-19 cases (293,663 total) and 11 more fatalities (4,735 total). Doniphan County, Kansas has seen nine new cases since Wednesday for a total of 939.Over 370,000 Kansans have received their first dose of the COVID vaccine, as the state works through Phase 2 of its vaccination plan.

New COVID-19 cases remain low locally, over 7,100 in Buchanan County have gotten vaccine

Missouri
Western State University introduced its newest president this morning.

Missouri
Western Board of Governors chair Lee Tieman says the board was united in
elevating interim President Elizabeth Kennedy to the position permanently.

“We
decided unanimously to remove the interim title from interim President Kennedy
to name her and enter into a contract with her to be the next president of Missouri
Western,” Tieman tells those gathered at Spratt Stadium.

Kennedy
says she has been overwhelmed by the support of Missouri Western she has
witnessed in the region.

“I’m
eager to continue building those relationships, building partnerships, and establishing
stronger collaborations for the betterment of both Missouri Western and our
entire community,” Kennedy says.

Kennedy,
formerly the university vice provost, was named interim president in July of
last year when President Matt Wilson left the post after only a year to become
dean of Temple University Japan.

Teiman
says Kennedy’s work as interim president convinced the board she was the right
candidate.

“Basically,
Elizabeth had a six-month job interview which we believe as a board that she has
excelled at and knocked out of the park,” Teiman says.

Kennedy
says she never considered the term “interim” to be a hindrance.

“I’ve
never viewed interim as anything other than an adjective,” Kennedy says. “I’m
not a place holder. I tend to get to work. And I was thinking about this when I
was on my way in, when people ask you what do you do as a president or a dean
or a department chair, you just pretty much say everything. I just go to work and
do what I know is best.”

Kennedy
says dealing with the coronavirus pandemic presented her biggest challenge
during her tenure as interim president.

“The
pandemic has really tested our tolerance for ambiguity,” according to Kennedy. “We’re
right now in February planning for fall, for August. What is that going to look
like? If you think back to July, what was this past fall going to look like?
And, keeping the campus both safe, open, operational, and engaging for our students
both on the academic side as well as the collegiate experience side, that was a
huge challenge.”

Kennedy
has signed a three-year contract to become the 6th Missouri Western
president.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614366845298.jpeg" alt="MWSU President Elizabeth Kennedy speaks at her introduction as 6th university president as Board of Governors chair Lee Tieman looks on/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>MWSU President Elizabeth Kennedy speaks at her introduction as 6th university president as Board of Governors chair Lee Tieman looks on/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri
Western State University introduced its newest president this morning.Missouri
Western Board of Governors chair Lee Tieman says the board was united in
elevating interim President Elizabeth Kennedy to the position permanently.“We
decided unanimously to remove the interim title from interim President Kennedy
to name her and enter into a contract with her to be the next president of Missouri
Western,” Tieman tells those gathered at Spratt Stadium.Kennedy
says she has been overwhelmed by the support of Missouri Western she has
witnessed in the region.“I’m
eager to continue building those relationships, building partnerships, and establishing
stronger collaborations for the betterment of both Missouri Western and our
entire community,” Kennedy says.Kennedy,
formerly the university vice provost, was named interim president in July of
last year when President Matt Wilson left the post after only a year to become
dean of Temple University Japan.Teiman
says Kennedy’s work as interim president convinced the board she was the right
candidate.“Basically,
Elizabeth had a six-month job interview which we believe as a board that she has
excelled at and knocked out of the park,” Teiman says.Kennedy
says she never considered the term “interim” to be a hindrance.“I’ve
never viewed interim as anything other than an adjective,” Kennedy says. “I’m
not a place holder. I tend to get to work. And I was thinking about this when I
was on my way in, when people ask you what do you do as a president or a dean
or a department chair, you just pretty much say everything. I just go to work and
do what I know is best.”Kennedy
says dealing with the coronavirus pandemic presented her biggest challenge
during her tenure as interim president.“The
pandemic has really tested our tolerance for ambiguity,” according to Kennedy. “We’re
right now in February planning for fall, for August. What is that going to look
like? If you think back to July, what was this past fall going to look like?
And, keeping the campus both safe, open, operational, and engaging for our students
both on the academic side as well as the collegiate experience side, that was a
huge challenge.”Kennedy
has signed a three-year contract to become the 6th Missouri Western
president.

MWSU introduces Elizabeth Kennedy as new president

A 28-year-old St. Joseph woman died in a one-vehicle crash yesterday afternoon at the intersection of North Belt Highway and Beck Road.

St. Joseph police identified the woman as Jessica A. Smith. Police say her maiden name is Edwards.

The crash, which occurred around 3:30 p.m., forced the closure of the southbound lanes of North Belt Highway for nearly five hours.

St. Joseph Traffic Sergeant James Tonn says no other vehicles were involved. 

"One vehicle was southbound on the Belt, just north of Beck Road it entered into the northbound lane so it was going the wrong way and it struck a concrete pillar holding up the street lights, overturned and came to rest in the intersection of Belt and Beck so it was a single vehicle crash, single occupant and the occupant is deceased," Tonn tells St. Joseph Post. 

This article has been updated since first published.

By WHITNEE ICE and TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA 28-year-old St. Joseph woman died in a one-vehicle crash yesterday afternoon at the intersection of North Belt Highway and Beck Road.St. Joseph police identified the woman as Jessica A. Smith. Police say her maiden name is Edwards.The crash, which occurred around 3:30 p.m., forced the closure of the southbound lanes of North Belt Highway for nearly five hours.St. Joseph Traffic Sergeant James Tonn says no other vehicles were involved. "One vehicle was southbound on the Belt, just north of Beck Road it entered into the northbound lane so it was going the wrong way and it struck a concrete pillar holding up the street lights, overturned and came to rest in the intersection of Belt and Beck so it was a single vehicle crash, single occupant and the occupant is deceased," Tonn tells St. Joseph Post. This article has been updated since first published.

St. Joseph woman dies in rollover crash on North Belt Highway

State Sen. Tony
Luetkemeyer of Parkville has introduced legislation which would make the “doxing”
of law enforcement in Missouri a felony.

“What that
basically is is when somebody takes the private information of an individual,
typically they post it on the Internet, and then they use that to encourage
activist groups to usually come to the person’s house and protest or somehow
intimidate them from doing their job,” Luetkemeyer tells St. Joseph Post.

Luetkemeyer sees
doxing as a growing problem in Missouri. 

“In Kansas City,
we actually had an incident where a protestor stood out in front of the Kansas
City Police Department headquarters and, on a megaphone, threatened to disclose
the location of several officers’ children to try to coerce the police department
to take some type of action and dismiss those officers and revoke their peace
officer licenses,” Luetkemeyer says.

Doxing has been
used to disclose a wide variety of personal information about people. Activists
have released information about where people live, where their children go to
school, and what routines people follow.

“You have officers
who have had people show up in front of their house, when they’re spouse is
trying to pull in the driveway and they’re blocking the driveway. This is very
terrifying for these law enforcement families,” according to Luetkemeyer. “Again,
these are folks who put their lives on the line every day to keep all of us safe
and we need to be making sure that we’re doing what we can to keep them safe.”

Luetkemeyer, chair
of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says the bill has received strong support in
the legislature.

The practice is already
a misdemeanor. Luetkemeyer’s measure, Senate Bill 129, would make it a felony.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614283991791.jpeg" alt="Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer testifies on SB 129 at the state Capitol/Photo courtesy of Sen. Luetkemeyer's office" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer testifies on SB 129 at the state Capitol/Photo courtesy of Sen. Luetkemeyer's office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostState Sen. Tony
Luetkemeyer of Parkville has introduced legislation which would make the “doxing”
of law enforcement in Missouri a felony.“What that
basically is is when somebody takes the private information of an individual,
typically they post it on the Internet, and then they use that to encourage
activist groups to usually come to the person’s house and protest or somehow
intimidate them from doing their job,” Luetkemeyer tells St. Joseph Post.Luetkemeyer sees
doxing as a growing problem in Missouri. “In Kansas City,
we actually had an incident where a protestor stood out in front of the Kansas
City Police Department headquarters and, on a megaphone, threatened to disclose
the location of several officers’ children to try to coerce the police department
to take some type of action and dismiss those officers and revoke their peace
officer licenses,” Luetkemeyer says.Doxing has been
used to disclose a wide variety of personal information about people. Activists
have released information about where people live, where their children go to
school, and what routines people follow.“You have officers
who have had people show up in front of their house, when they’re spouse is
trying to pull in the driveway and they’re blocking the driveway. This is very
terrifying for these law enforcement families,” according to Luetkemeyer. “Again,
these are folks who put their lives on the line every day to keep all of us safe
and we need to be making sure that we’re doing what we can to keep them safe.”Luetkemeyer, chair
of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says the bill has received strong support in
the legislature.The practice is already
a misdemeanor. Luetkemeyer’s measure, Senate Bill 129, would make it a felony.

Move underway to strengthen penalty against doxing police officers

A 34-year-old Elwood man has been convicted in Iowa of killing
his girlfriend in 2018.

Originally charged with first-degree murder, Zackery Bassett has
been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of 50-year-old Andrea
Solokowski in September of 2018 in Webster City, Iowa.

Prosecutors accused Bassett of abusing and stalking Solokowski,
who was from Sioux City, for more than a year before her death. An autopsy
indicated death by asphyxiation, but the cause of death is listed as
undetermined.

In November of 2018, police in St. Joseph arrested Bassett on an Iowa warrant.

He is scheduled to be sentenced in April 5th.
The charge of second-degree murder comes with a maximum sentence of 50 years in
prison.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614355180712.png" alt=" Bassett photo Hamilton County Jail" />
 <figcaption> Bassett photo Hamilton County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 34-year-old Elwood man has been convicted in Iowa of killing
his girlfriend in 2018.Originally charged with first-degree murder, Zackery Bassett has
been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of 50-year-old Andrea
Solokowski in September of 2018 in Webster City, Iowa.Prosecutors accused Bassett of abusing and stalking Solokowski,
who was from Sioux City, for more than a year before her death. An autopsy
indicated death by asphyxiation, but the cause of death is listed as
undetermined.In November of 2018, police in St. Joseph arrested Bassett on an Iowa warrant.He is scheduled to be sentenced in April 5th.
The charge of second-degree murder comes with a maximum sentence of 50 years in
prison.The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Elwood man convicted of killing girlfriend in Iowa

The Missouri Western State Board of Governors voted unanimously on Thursday to name Elizabeth Kennedy Missouri Western’s sixth president.&nbsp;

“I and other members of the Board have been very impressed with Dr. Kennedy’s capable and steady leadership during this very challenging time,” said Lee Tieman, Board of Governors chair in a release.

“Our Board received substantial input from students, alumni, faculty, staff and the community regarding adding stability and direction to the leadership of the University.&nbsp; We believe this is a tremendous step forward in addressing those objectives.&nbsp; While considering all options available to lead this outstanding institution, we came to the unanimous conclusion that the best leader for us already occupied the position.”

Kennedy
served as Missouri Western Vice Provost before being named interim president in
early August last year when President Matt Wilson left the school to become dean
of Temple University Japan.

“Missouri Western is moving forward with sure direction and clear purpose, and I’m honored and humbled to be a part of that,” Kennedy said in a written statement. “I believe there is much hope in the future of Missouri Western, and I am very confident and excited about what that will mean for us.”

A welcome and celebration event will be planned in the future, depending on COVID-19 protocol. Tieman and Kennedy will speak in a news conference at 9 a.m. Friday, which will be streamed live <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Xq7-Hu1AU&amp;feature=youtu.be">here</a>.

Kennedy became Missouri Western’s vice provost in January 2020, after being selected through a nationwide search.

Before coming to Missouri Western, Kennedy was dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology and interim dean of the College of Health Professions at the University of Akron. She had been at the University of Akron since 1997, beginning as an assistant professor of social science

 Her administrative experience began as a department chair in 2002. She became associate dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology in 2014, becoming dean in 2016.

Kennedy grew up in Kansas City, and graduated from Ruskin High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Psychology, Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Applied Cognitive Aging, all from the University of Akron.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614337244778.jpeg" alt="MWSU President Elizabeth Kennedy speaks prior to a ribbon cutting on the St. Joseph campus with Gov. Mike Parson in attendance/File photo" />
 <figcaption>MWSU President Elizabeth Kennedy speaks prior to a ribbon cutting on the St. Joseph campus with Gov. Mike Parson in attendance/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostShe is interim president no longer.The Missouri Western State Board of Governors voted unanimously on Thursday to name Elizabeth Kennedy Missouri Western’s sixth president.&nbsp;“I and other members of the Board have been very impressed with Dr. Kennedy’s capable and steady leadership during this very challenging time,” said Lee Tieman, Board of Governors chair in a release.“Our Board received substantial input from students, alumni, faculty, staff and the community regarding adding stability and direction to the leadership of the University.&nbsp; We believe this is a tremendous step forward in addressing those objectives.&nbsp; While considering all options available to lead this outstanding institution, we came to the unanimous conclusion that the best leader for us already occupied the position.”Kennedy
served as Missouri Western Vice Provost before being named interim president in
early August last year when President Matt Wilson left the school to become dean
of Temple University Japan.“Missouri Western is moving forward with sure direction and clear purpose, and I’m honored and humbled to be a part of that,” Kennedy said in a written statement. “I believe there is much hope in the future of Missouri Western, and I am very confident and excited about what that will mean for us.”A welcome and celebration event will be planned in the future, depending on COVID-19 protocol. Tieman and Kennedy will speak in a news conference at 9 a.m. Friday, which will be streamed live <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Xq7-Hu1AU&amp;feature=youtu.be">here</a>.Kennedy became Missouri Western’s vice provost in January 2020, after being selected through a nationwide search.Before coming to Missouri Western, Kennedy was dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology and interim dean of the College of Health Professions at the University of Akron. She had been at the University of Akron since 1997, beginning as an assistant professor of social science Her administrative experience began as a department chair in 2002. She became associate dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology in 2014, becoming dean in 2016.Kennedy grew up in Kansas City, and graduated from Ruskin High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Psychology, Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Applied Cognitive Aging, all from the University of Akron.

Missouri Western names Elizabeth Kennedy as university's sixth president

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 International Box Truck driven by George A. Robinson, 47, Blue Springs, was southbound on U.S. 169 two miles north of Gentry.

The truck traveled off the road, struck an embankment and overturned. Grand River EMS transported Robinson to Mosaic in Albany. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after noon Thursday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 International Box Truck driven by George A. Robinson, 47, Blue Springs, was southbound on U.S. 169 two miles north of Gentry.The truck traveled off the road, struck an embankment and overturned. Grand River EMS transported Robinson to Mosaic in Albany. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

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