ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal trespass, according to online jail records.

On Tuesday, police arrested Jordan H. Albright, 34, Atchison on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She was jailed for failure to appear in 2015, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642003397235.png" alt="Albright-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Albright-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal trespass, according to online jail records.On Tuesday, police arrested Jordan H. Albright, 34, Atchison on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.She was jailed for failure to appear in 2015, according to online jail records.

Police: Kansas woman jailed again for alleged failure to appear

It's National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol is working with the Department of Transportation to focus on combatting the problem, as concern across Missouri grows. 

Sargent Jake Angle with Troop H in St. Joseph says with two key interstates running through the area, patrols are on the lookout for all sorts of interstate crimes all the time.  

"Weapons violations, drugs, and people being trafficked I'm sure up and down the interstate systems here in Missouri, especially, you know we have I-29 and I-35 goes through northwest Missouri here," Angle tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. " So, it's more of officers being vigilant when they conduct traffic stops, conducting a complete traffic stop, and looking for any inconsistencies they might detect." 

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month marks the anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, enacted in 2000. 

Angle says the Highway Patrol urges everyone if they see something that doesn't seem right, to say something, adding that sometimes people have a hard time with that.  

"A lot of times, people will see something going on, and they'll convince themselves well, I don't want to bother them, or they'll convince themselves well, I'm probably reading into that," Angle explains. "No, if you see something that doesn't seem right, the hair stands up on the back of your neck, you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach, report it, cause that's what we're out here for." 

Missouri State Highway Patrol Spokesman Captain John Hotz says everyone should be aware of some of the circumstances to be aware of when looking out for potential trafficking.  

"The presence of an older boyfriend or girlfriend, or someone who appears to be traveling with an older male or female companion who is acting as their guardian or controlling what they do," Hotz tells Missourinet. "Are there any signs of psychological coercion, does the person look like they're depressed or anxious, or are they overly submissive to the person they happen to be with." 

Suspected human trafficking can be reported by calling 1-888-373-7888. 

By MATT PIKE	 St. Joseph Post It's National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The Missouri Highway Patrol is working with the Department of Transportation to focus on combatting the problem, as concern across Missouri grows. Sargent Jake Angle with Troop H in St. Joseph says with two key interstates running through the area, patrols are on the lookout for all sorts of interstate crimes all the time. "Weapons violations, drugs, and people being trafficked I'm sure up and down the interstate systems here in Missouri, especially, you know we have I-29 and I-35 goes through northwest Missouri here," Angle tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. " So, it's more of officers being vigilant when they conduct traffic stops, conducting a complete traffic stop, and looking for any inconsistencies they might detect." National Human Trafficking Prevention Month marks the anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, enacted in 2000. Angle says the Highway Patrol urges everyone if they see something that doesn't seem right, to say something, adding that sometimes people have a hard time with that. "A lot of times, people will see something going on, and they'll convince themselves well, I don't want to bother them, or they'll convince themselves well, I'm probably reading into that," Angle explains. "No, if you see something that doesn't seem right, the hair stands up on the back of your neck, you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach, report it, cause that's what we're out here for." Missouri State Highway Patrol Spokesman Captain John Hotz says everyone should be aware of some of the circumstances to be aware of when looking out for potential trafficking. "The presence of an older boyfriend or girlfriend, or someone who appears to be traveling with an older male or female companion who is acting as their guardian or controlling what they do," Hotz tells Missourinet. "Are there any signs of psychological coercion, does the person look like they're depressed or anxious, or are they overly submissive to the person they happen to be with." Suspected human trafficking can be reported by calling 1-888-373-7888.

Missouri Highway Patrol cracking down on human trafficking

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Harley Davidson driven by David A. Kretzer, 63, St. Joseph, was southbound on Bluff Road north of Contrary Creek five miles south of St. Joseph.

The motorcycle crossed the center line, traveled off the east side of the road and struck a 2008 Jeep Wrangler driven by Catherine M. Jacobs, 43, Savannah, that was on the right shoulder of Bluff Road.

Buchanan Co. EMS transported Kretzer and Jacobs to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Harley Davidson driven by David A. Kretzer, 63, St. Joseph, was southbound on Bluff Road north of Contrary Creek five miles south of St. Joseph.The motorcycle crossed the center line, traveled off the east side of the road and struck a 2008 Jeep Wrangler driven by Catherine M. Jacobs, 43, Savannah, that was on the right shoulder of Bluff Road.Buchanan Co. EMS transported Kretzer and Jacobs to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

2 injured after head-on motorcycle crash

ANDREW COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford Escape driven by Calen L. Chappell, 40, Savannah, westbound on CR 191 one half mile east of Savannah.

The driver fell asleep. The car traveled down an embankment and into a creek. Andrew County EMS transported&nbsp; Chappell to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford Escape driven by Calen L. Chappell, 40, Savannah, westbound on CR 191 one half mile east of Savannah.The driver fell asleep. The car traveled down an embankment and into a creek. Andrew County EMS transported&nbsp; Chappell to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Savannah man injured after he falls asleep, car lands in creek

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT driven by Gabriela L. Maurico, 20, St. Joseph, was entering northbound on Interstate 29 from U.S. 36.&nbsp;

The driver lost control of the vehicle on the frost covered road. The car became perpendicular on the highway. A northbound 2013 Peterbilt semi driven by Richard J. Jindra, 60, Boise, ID, struck the Lincoln. After impact, the Lincoln rotated counter clockwise and struck a 2012 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp; Zachariah A. Smith, 26, St. Joseph.&nbsp; The semi's trailer then struck the Chevy and forced it into the bridge rail.

A private vehicle transported Mauricio and Smith to Mosaic Life Care. Nindra was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT driven by Gabriela L. Maurico, 20, St. Joseph, was entering northbound on Interstate 29 from U.S. 36.&nbsp;The driver lost control of the vehicle on the frost covered road. The car became perpendicular on the highway. A northbound 2013 Peterbilt semi driven by Richard J. Jindra, 60, Boise, ID, struck the Lincoln. After impact, the Lincoln rotated counter clockwise and struck a 2012 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp; Zachariah A. Smith, 26, St. Joseph.&nbsp; The semi's trailer then struck the Chevy and forced it into the bridge rail.A private vehicle transported Mauricio and Smith to Mosaic Life Care. Nindra was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP.

2 from St. Joe injured after 3-vehicle I-29 crash

“We want to give this update to everyone to let you know that
we are experiencing record high COVID numbers, record high COVID in-patients,
and unfortunately staff shortages,” Mosaic CEO, Dr Mark Laney opens a news
media briefing with a sobering message.

“We must not let our guard down,” Laney says. “We know that
everyone is weary of COVID after two years of it disrupting our lives, but we
are in a circumstance today where we have more COVID patients and more
challenges than even a year ago.”

Mosaic Life Care officials say the Omicron variant is causing
a surge in COVID-19 infections in its five-county region, putting pressure on
Mosaic staffing and services.

Chief Quality Officer, Dr. Edward Kammerer, says as the coronavirus
pandemic enters its third year, the strain of the pandemic is evident on the
staff.

“The staff is tired. We’ve been working hard for a long time,”
Kammerer tells reporters. “We do have an extensive plan in place. We’re here to
take care of your needs. We are not curtailing any of our other activities,
because we want to make sure that we don’t harm any patients by not doing the
appropriate care at the right time at the right place.”

Infections have gone up rapidly in northwest Missouri,
according to Mosaic officials, though they add the Omicron variant has not
produced as many hospitalizations as other strains. Mosaic reports that at the
beginning of the week it is treating 76 COVID-19 patients system-wide; 73 in
St. Joseph, two in Maryville, and one in Albany.

The seven-day coronavirus positivity rate in the five-county
northwest Missouri region Mosaic serves is up to 38.83%.

A rush to seek COVID testing has placed an incredible strain
on the Mosaic Emergency Room in St. Joseph. Mosaic has set up a COVID-19
Hotline to ease the strain and officials urge residents to seek tests with
their primary care doctors or at a local pharmacy. The Hotline number is
855-577-0211.

Laney says the spikes in cases has not spared the Mosaic staff.

“We have about 100 care givers out with COVID right now,”
according to Laney. “And so that’s just an additional stress on the system.
This is one of the reasons that we have mandated vaccinations for our care
givers.”

Laney says Mosaic isn’t pushing the panic button, yet.

“Things are very tight,” he says. “The system on a daily basis
and our care givers are undergoing a stress test. Are we in a crisis mode? No.
Could we be in a crisis mode? Yes.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641937873922.jpeg" alt="Mosaic Life Care CEO Dr. Mark Laney speaks with reporters as Chief Quality Officer Dr. Edward Kammerer and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner/Photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Mosaic Life Care CEO Dr. Mark Laney speaks with reporters as Chief Quality Officer Dr. Edward Kammerer and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner/Photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn urgent message from Mosaic Life Care.“We want to give this update to everyone to let you know that
we are experiencing record high COVID numbers, record high COVID in-patients,
and unfortunately staff shortages,” Mosaic CEO, Dr Mark Laney opens a news
media briefing with a sobering message.“We must not let our guard down,” Laney says. “We know that
everyone is weary of COVID after two years of it disrupting our lives, but we
are in a circumstance today where we have more COVID patients and more
challenges than even a year ago.”Mosaic Life Care officials say the Omicron variant is causing
a surge in COVID-19 infections in its five-county region, putting pressure on
Mosaic staffing and services.Chief Quality Officer, Dr. Edward Kammerer, says as the coronavirus
pandemic enters its third year, the strain of the pandemic is evident on the
staff.“The staff is tired. We’ve been working hard for a long time,”
Kammerer tells reporters. “We do have an extensive plan in place. We’re here to
take care of your needs. We are not curtailing any of our other activities,
because we want to make sure that we don’t harm any patients by not doing the
appropriate care at the right time at the right place.”Infections have gone up rapidly in northwest Missouri,
according to Mosaic officials, though they add the Omicron variant has not
produced as many hospitalizations as other strains. Mosaic reports that at the
beginning of the week it is treating 76 COVID-19 patients system-wide; 73 in
St. Joseph, two in Maryville, and one in Albany.The seven-day coronavirus positivity rate in the five-county
northwest Missouri region Mosaic serves is up to 38.83%.A rush to seek COVID testing has placed an incredible strain
on the Mosaic Emergency Room in St. Joseph. Mosaic has set up a COVID-19
Hotline to ease the strain and officials urge residents to seek tests with
their primary care doctors or at a local pharmacy. The Hotline number is
855-577-0211.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641938031386.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Laney says the spikes in cases has not spared the Mosaic staff.“We have about 100 care givers out with COVID right now,”
according to Laney. “And so that’s just an additional stress on the system.
This is one of the reasons that we have mandated vaccinations for our care
givers.”Laney says Mosaic isn’t pushing the panic button, yet.“Things are very tight,” he says. “The system on a daily basis
and our care givers are undergoing a stress test. Are we in a crisis mode? No.
Could we be in a crisis mode? Yes.”

COVID-19 case surge prompts caution from Mosaic Life Care

DONIPHAN COUNTY—A St. Joseph man died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Tuesday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Honda Accord driven by Raymond Sauter, 59, St. Joseph, was westbound on U.S. 36 one mile west of Kansas 238.

The Honda rear-ended a 2019 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Robert&nbsp;Varnum, 57, Watertown Massachusetts, that had slowed due to another vehicle and report of a dog in the road, according to the&nbsp; KHP.

Sauter was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Rupp Funeral Home.&nbsp; Varnum and a passenger were not injured. Sauter was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

DONIPHAN COUNTY —Authorities are on the scene of fatal crash on U.S. 36 near Elwood, according to the sheriff's department.

A small passenger car rear-ended a westbound semi that had slowed down for another vehicle and report of a dog in the road, according to Kansas Highway Patrol.

Westbound U.S. 36 in Elwood is closed between Kansas-238 and Missouri state line due to the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

DONIPHAN COUNTY—A St. Joseph man died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Tuesday in Doniphan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Honda Accord driven by Raymond Sauter, 59, St. Joseph, was westbound on U.S. 36 one mile west of Kansas 238.The Honda rear-ended a 2019 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Robert&nbsp;Varnum, 57, Watertown Massachusetts, that had slowed due to another vehicle and report of a dog in the road, according to the&nbsp; KHP.Sauter was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Rupp Funeral Home.&nbsp; Varnum and a passenger were not injured. Sauter was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.------------DONIPHAN COUNTY —Authorities are on the scene of fatal crash on U.S. 36 near Elwood, according to the sheriff's department.A small passenger car rear-ended a westbound semi that had slowed down for another vehicle and report of a dog in the road, according to Kansas Highway Patrol.Westbound U.S. 36 in Elwood is closed between Kansas-238 and Missouri state line due to the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

St. Joseph man dies after car rear-ends a semi

SAVANNAH - Online voting has started for a new school mascot at Savannah.

Savannah parents, community members and alumni are invited to choose from five mascot designs in an online survey. The five choices were narrowed down by the school board in December after a total of 83 submissions.

New mascot designs were submitted by students, community members and alumni.

"We really truly had submissions from all of those areas," Savannah district spokesperson Jess Gillett said. "It was really kind of fun to see. We have several alumni who are now graphic artists and we got things on that end of the spectrum all the way to submissions from young elementary students. So, that was fun to see."

Any submissions with copyrighted imagery, or anything that had negative connotations, were thrown out. Students eventually narrowed it down to their favorite 10 submissions with a vote. That 10 was then narrowed down further to five. The final five were presented to the board in December.

"Students voted on the top 10," Gillett said. "Taking the top 10 to their favorite five. That's what went to the board last month, and the board was in agreement that those top five were good and we could move forward and that's where we are now."

Voting on the mascot opened Monday and will close on Friday, January 14.&nbsp;Students and staff members are voting on campus.&nbsp;

The five new mascot choices&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MesOUpFZxwr-I1P2QZpmM13J2ND84Pt9GdjhgHg-UQQ/edit#slide=id.g10764e4012a_0_20">can be viewed here</a>. Savannah parents, alums and community members&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PXRQS9B">can vote online here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The school colors and the name "Savages" will be retained. The Savannah school board voted <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.

A final decision on the new mascot imagery will be announced after the next board meeting on Thursday, January 20.

Once the new mascot is chosen, Gillett says the final and biggest step will be replacing the equipment and uniforms that bear the original 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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618368461365.jpeg" alt="Newly appointed Savannah Board of Education president Joseph Barbosa addresses the room after being appointed president and after a vote to change the Savannah mascot imagery last April. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Newly appointed Savannah Board of Education president Joseph Barbosa addresses the room after being appointed president and after a vote to change the Savannah mascot imagery last April. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph Post&nbsp;SAVANNAH - Online voting has started for a new school mascot at Savannah.Savannah parents, community members and alumni are invited to choose from five mascot designs in an online survey. The five choices were narrowed down by the school board in December after a total of 83 submissions.New mascot designs were submitted by students, community members and alumni."We really truly had submissions from all of those areas," Savannah district spokesperson Jess Gillett said. "It was really kind of fun to see. We have several alumni who are now graphic artists and we got things on that end of the spectrum all the way to submissions from young elementary students. So, that was fun to see."Any submissions with copyrighted imagery, or anything that had negative connotations, were thrown out. Students eventually narrowed it down to their favorite 10 submissions with a vote. That 10 was then narrowed down further to five. The final five were presented to the board in December."Students voted on the top 10," Gillett said. "Taking the top 10 to their favorite five. That's what went to the board last month, and the board was in agreement that those top five were good and we could move forward and that's where we are now."Voting on the mascot opened Monday and will close on Friday, January 14.&nbsp;Students and staff members are voting on campus.&nbsp;

The five new mascot choices&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MesOUpFZxwr-I1P2QZpmM13J2ND84Pt9GdjhgHg-UQQ/edit#slide=id.g10764e4012a_0_20">can be viewed here</a>. Savannah parents, alums and community members&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PXRQS9B">can vote online here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The school colors and the name "Savages" will be retained. The Savannah school board voted <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.A final decision on the new mascot imagery will be announced after the next board meeting on Thursday, January 20.Once the new mascot is chosen, Gillett says the final and biggest step will be replacing the equipment and uniforms that bear the original 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/2021/4/1618430580582.png" alt="Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Voting underway for new Savannah mascot, five finalists selected

This Missouri legislative session in Jefferson City will have
to move a bit faster than normal at the beginning.

St. Joseph State Rep. Bill Falkner of St. Joseph says
legislators will need to agree to redistricting maps and not just the
Congressional districts. Falkner says the state representative and senate
districts need to be re-drawn according to the Census numbers as well.

“That’s going to have to get done, because in February you’ve got
to start signing up to run and some of these districts are going to be changing
and so you’re going to have to need to know what those districts are going to
be,” Falkner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph suggests Missouri is running
a bit behind on redistricting.

“Most states were called into special session by their
governors to address it before they began session the first of January,”
Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, that will be, I think, our number one
top priority along with the supplemental budget. We have a lot of federal
dollars that we need to appropriate. We need to appropriate them quickly.”

The General Assembly will redraw the lines for the state’s
Congressional Districts in accordance with the latest Census numbers. Missouri
has eight Congressional seats and most at the state Capitol in Jefferson City
expect the legislature to settle on a map that maintains the status quo:&nbsp; six safe Republican seats and two safe
Democratic seats.

An Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission will redraw the
lines for state representative and state senate seats.

Financial matters also need to be decided early in the
session.

Congress approved certain educational funding in the American
Rescue Plan.

Shields says the education funding must be appropriated, like
the rest of the federal COVID relief funds, by the end of March. Shields says
the legislature must spend that money wisely.

“My hope and desire is that we spend this money on capital
improvements, things that will make long-term changes to the state of Missouri in
which we can see the benefits for years to come,” Shields says.

Shields, a member of the House Budget Committee, says a
spending plan for the federal funds must be approved by the House by the end of
this month so it gets to the Senate in February.

State Sen. Dan Hegeman of Cosby, the Senate Appropriations
Committee chair, says even as the legislature faces some early deadlines on key
funding measures, legislators also face the task of implementing Medicaid
expansion as approved by voters.

“And the Medicaid expansion will be a topic of continued
discussion,” Hegeman says.

Local lawmakers worry politics could interfere with the work of
the House and Senate at the state Capitol.

Rep. Dean Van Schoiack of Savannah says the legislature will simply
have to put up with politics this year.

“We’ve got state reps running for state senate. We’ve got a
state rep running for Congress,” Van Schoiack points out during an interview
with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “They’re going to be pushing things and making a lot
of speeches. So, yes, we’re going to have a busy session this year.”

Van Schoiack wants the legislature to clean up state election
laws and re-write the voter photo ID bill in line with the Missouri State
Supreme Court ruling on the issue.

Falkner hopes the work of the legislature will continue even
as some lawmakers look to advance their political careers.

“Hopefully, they’re not going to use the session as a platform
and we’ll continue to work on what’s best for the state of Missouri,” Falkner
says.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641916087655.jpeg" alt="Missouri Capitol/Photo courtesy of the Missouri House Communications Office" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Capitol/Photo courtesy of the Missouri House Communications Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThis Missouri legislative session in Jefferson City will have
to move a bit faster than normal at the beginning.St. Joseph State Rep. Bill Falkner of St. Joseph says
legislators will need to agree to redistricting maps and not just the
Congressional districts. Falkner says the state representative and senate
districts need to be re-drawn according to the Census numbers as well.“That’s going to have to get done, because in February you’ve got
to start signing up to run and some of these districts are going to be changing
and so you’re going to have to need to know what those districts are going to
be,” Falkner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph suggests Missouri is running
a bit behind on redistricting.“Most states were called into special session by their
governors to address it before they began session the first of January,”
Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, that will be, I think, our number one
top priority along with the supplemental budget. We have a lot of federal
dollars that we need to appropriate. We need to appropriate them quickly.”The General Assembly will redraw the lines for the state’s
Congressional Districts in accordance with the latest Census numbers. Missouri
has eight Congressional seats and most at the state Capitol in Jefferson City
expect the legislature to settle on a map that maintains the status quo:&nbsp; six safe Republican seats and two safe
Democratic seats.An Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission will redraw the
lines for state representative and state senate seats.Financial matters also need to be decided early in the
session.Congress approved certain educational funding in the American
Rescue Plan.Shields says the education funding must be appropriated, like
the rest of the federal COVID relief funds, by the end of March. Shields says
the legislature must spend that money wisely.“My hope and desire is that we spend this money on capital
improvements, things that will make long-term changes to the state of Missouri in
which we can see the benefits for years to come,” Shields says.Shields, a member of the House Budget Committee, says a
spending plan for the federal funds must be approved by the House by the end of
this month so it gets to the Senate in February.State Sen. Dan Hegeman of Cosby, the Senate Appropriations
Committee chair, says even as the legislature faces some early deadlines on key
funding measures, legislators also face the task of implementing Medicaid
expansion as approved by voters.“And the Medicaid expansion will be a topic of continued
discussion,” Hegeman says.This is 2022, an election year.Local lawmakers worry politics could interfere with the work of
the House and Senate at the state Capitol.Rep. Dean Van Schoiack of Savannah says the legislature will simply
have to put up with politics this year.“We’ve got state reps running for state senate. We’ve got a
state rep running for Congress,” Van Schoiack points out during an interview
with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “They’re going to be pushing things and making a lot
of speeches. So, yes, we’re going to have a busy session this year.”Van Schoiack wants the legislature to clean up state election
laws and re-write the voter photo ID bill in line with the Missouri State
Supreme Court ruling on the issue.Falkner hopes the work of the legislature will continue even
as some lawmakers look to advance their political careers.“Hopefully, they’re not going to use the session as a platform
and we’ll continue to work on what’s best for the state of Missouri,” Falkner
says.

Missouri lawmakers need to start session at faster pace than normal

Doniphan County health officials are seeing a recent spike in the number of positive COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Doniphan County reports 56 active cases.&nbsp;

County Health Director Sheryl Pierce says that the spike has been about the same on a week-to- week basis, but she also reminds everyone, those numbers are fluid as well, with people coming out of isolation from testing positive.&nbsp;

"We continue to spike with our numbers with COVID positives, each day, I know over the weekend we probably worked up 10 to 12 over the weekend, everyday we're probably getting that&nbsp;amount&nbsp;of positives," Pierce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "What you need to understand is, with those numbers we have people coming off of isolation everyday also."&nbsp;

Pierce says with the new five and five rule recommended by the CDC, which is five days in isolation and five days of masking up, the&nbsp;departments&nbsp;goal is to keep people educated about what they should be doing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"With the new five and five CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, where it's the five days of isolation and then five days of masking up, we just really want to educate the public that you're still infectious for 10 days," Pierce says.&nbsp;

Pierce says they are only releasing people on the sixth day if they are symptom free and have no fever without the help of fever reducers, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.&nbsp;

Pierce says as the county sees this spike, the health departments message is the same as it has been for months now.&nbsp;

"Same old thing," Pierce says. "Get vaccinated, get what we're calling fully vaccinated, whatever status you are on your vaccination series, make sure you're keeping it current, like if you need that booster and it's been six months since your Moderna or Pfizer, then get the booster, and actually with Pfizer now it's five months."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pierce says there have been no issues with&nbsp;distributing&nbsp;the vaccine as the health department continues hosting vaccine clinics every Wednesday, and also says as more individual doses become available the health department will explore giving the shot other days of the week.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Doniphan County health officials are seeing a recent spike in the number of positive COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;Doniphan County reports 56 active cases.&nbsp;County Health Director Sheryl Pierce says that the spike has been about the same on a week-to- week basis, but she also reminds everyone, those numbers are fluid as well, with people coming out of isolation from testing positive.&nbsp;"We continue to spike with our numbers with COVID positives, each day, I know over the weekend we probably worked up 10 to 12 over the weekend, everyday we're probably getting that&nbsp;amount&nbsp;of positives," Pierce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "What you need to understand is, with those numbers we have people coming off of isolation everyday also."&nbsp;Pierce says with the new five and five rule recommended by the CDC, which is five days in isolation and five days of masking up, the&nbsp;departments&nbsp;goal is to keep people educated about what they should be doing.&nbsp;&nbsp;"With the new five and five CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, where it's the five days of isolation and then five days of masking up, we just really want to educate the public that you're still infectious for 10 days," Pierce says.&nbsp;Pierce says they are only releasing people on the sixth day if they are symptom free and have no fever without the help of fever reducers, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.&nbsp;Pierce says as the county sees this spike, the health departments message is the same as it has been for months now.&nbsp;"Same old thing," Pierce says. "Get vaccinated, get what we're calling fully vaccinated, whatever status you are on your vaccination series, make sure you're keeping it current, like if you need that booster and it's been six months since your Moderna or Pfizer, then get the booster, and actually with Pfizer now it's five months."&nbsp;&nbsp;Pierce says there have been no issues with&nbsp;distributing&nbsp;the vaccine as the health department continues hosting vaccine clinics every Wednesday, and also says as more individual doses become available the health department will explore giving the shot other days of the week.&nbsp;

Doniphan County COVID numbers spiking; Health officials urging people to get vaccinated

GENTRY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30a.m. Monday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Fusion driven by Tyler W.&nbsp; Parkhurst, 27, Albany, was southbound on Route A at 45th Street three miles south of Evona.&nbsp;

The car traveled off the west side of the road and struck a tree. Grand River Regional Ambulance transported Parkhurst to Mosaic in Albany. The MSHP did not have seat belt usage details.

GENTRY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30a.m. Monday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Fusion driven by Tyler W.&nbsp; Parkhurst, 27, Albany, was southbound on Route A at 45th Street three miles south of Evona.&nbsp;The car traveled off the west side of the road and struck a tree. Grand River Regional Ambulance transported Parkhurst to Mosaic in Albany. The MSHP did not have seat belt usage details.

Missouri man injured after car strikes a tree

HOLT COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Monday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kia Soul driven by Samantha. J. Seubert, 27, Pleasant Valley, was southbound on Interstate 29 five miles south of Mound City.

The car traveled off the road into the media, struck a sign post, an embankment, became airborne and landed in the median.

EMS transported Seubert and a passenger Cory&nbsp; M. Suebert, 30, Pleasant Valley, to Mosaic Life Care. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Monday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kia Soul driven by Samantha. J. Seubert, 27, Pleasant Valley, was southbound on Interstate 29 five miles south of Mound City.The car traveled off the road into the media, struck a sign post, an embankment, became airborne and landed in the median.EMS transported Seubert and a passenger Cory&nbsp; M. Suebert, 30, Pleasant Valley, to Mosaic Life Care. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized in St. Joe after car strikes sign post, goes airborne

A northwest Missouri state senator entering his final legislative
session hopes to leave a lasting legacy.

Sen. Dan Hegeman first won election to the Missouri Senate in
2014, winning re-election four years later. He must leave office after this
year due to term limits.

Hegeman, the Senate Appropriations Committee chair, says this
year he hopes to make the most of a healthy state budget with some fund
reserves.

“And certainly would like to leave the state in good shape
there that will direct us well into the future and have some fund reserves so that
other legislatures will be able to utilize them should they ever get into a
pinch we’ll have some reserves to get us through some tight times,” Hegeman
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Hegeman says he hopes to help state lawmakers effectively use
current fund balances in a state budget doing much better than most expected.

“And that’s one of the things I’m looking forward to,” Hegeman
says of this legislative session. “I would love that to be my legacy that we
balanced the budget and actually had some reserves set aside to be able to
guide us through tough times.”

Hegeman says the legislature needs to carefully invest the
fund balances in the state budget as well as wisely spend federal coronavirus
relief funds. He says that if handled correctly, the current healthy state of
the budget could benefit legislatures for years to come.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue to serve
the folks of the great northwest part of the state and will do my best to leave
it in better shape than what I found it,” Hegeman says.

Hegeman, a Republican from Cosby, served in the Missouri House
from 1991 to 2002 before deciding to run again for the Senate in 2014. He won
re-election four years later.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641829520145.jpeg" alt="Sen. Dan Hegeman listens as Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer addresses a candidate forum/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Dan Hegeman listens as Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer addresses a candidate forum/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA northwest Missouri state senator entering his final legislative
session hopes to leave a lasting legacy.Sen. Dan Hegeman first won election to the Missouri Senate in
2014, winning re-election four years later. He must leave office after this
year due to term limits.Hegeman, the Senate Appropriations Committee chair, says this
year he hopes to make the most of a healthy state budget with some fund
reserves.“And certainly would like to leave the state in good shape
there that will direct us well into the future and have some fund reserves so that
other legislatures will be able to utilize them should they ever get into a
pinch we’ll have some reserves to get us through some tight times,” Hegeman
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Hegeman says he hopes to help state lawmakers effectively use
current fund balances in a state budget doing much better than most expected.“And that’s one of the things I’m looking forward to,” Hegeman
says of this legislative session. “I would love that to be my legacy that we
balanced the budget and actually had some reserves set aside to be able to
guide us through tough times.”Hegeman says the legislature needs to carefully invest the
fund balances in the state budget as well as wisely spend federal coronavirus
relief funds. He says that if handled correctly, the current healthy state of
the budget could benefit legislatures for years to come.“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue to serve
the folks of the great northwest part of the state and will do my best to leave
it in better shape than what I found it,” Hegeman says.Hegeman, a Republican from Cosby, served in the Missouri House
from 1991 to 2002 before deciding to run again for the Senate in 2014. He won
re-election four years later.

Powerful NW Missouri Senator looks to future as he enters final session

City officials are trying to figure out what to do with the I-229 double decker bridge in downtown St. Joseph.&nbsp;

St. Joseph City Councilmember Brenda Blessing says the council is waiting for a meeting with Missouri Department of Transportation officials, as well as hopefully other state officials, to decide what to do with the bridge, as well as I-229 overall.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Blessing says she hopes that what comes from this meeting, when it happens, are options for the city to consider, rather than MoDOT dictating to the city.&nbsp;

"We have choices, you know instead of saying this is the way it's going to be, we have choices," Blessing tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "We will see how it's going to better downtown, that's something we're always concerned about the riverfront area, you know what's it going to do to that."&nbsp;

Blessing says she knows many have fond memories of the downtown bridge.&nbsp; But as the city awaits a meeting with&nbsp;MoDOT about plans for the bridge, Blessing is unsure if keeping it will be viable.&nbsp;

"People can remember back when the bridge was done, and it all depends will work need to be done on the bridge, what are we going to do with the bridge, are we going to move it over around by the airport and then come back in, whatever way it's going to go," Blessing says. "But I think we've got to look at viable options you know, is the cost worth it as well."&nbsp;

Blessing says whatever plans they come up with, she hopes that they work with plans the city currently has for the riverfront and the downtown.&nbsp;

"We want to have a riverfront park down there, I think we've seen plans for that, I just hate to see that we have some plans and we have some ideas of what we want and maybe we need to convey more to them that this is what we have planned for the riverfront, this is what we have planned for downtown."&nbsp;

Blessing is unsure when this meeting will happen with&nbsp;MoDOT, but says when it&nbsp;does,&nbsp;she hopes that citizens also come out to voice their opinions so the council can hear what the city thinks should be done with I-229.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641592115993.jpeg" alt="I-229 Double decker overpass/ Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>I-229 Double decker overpass/ Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;City officials are trying to figure out what to do with the I-229 double decker bridge in downtown St. Joseph.&nbsp;St. Joseph City Councilmember Brenda Blessing says the council is waiting for a meeting with Missouri Department of Transportation officials, as well as hopefully other state officials, to decide what to do with the bridge, as well as I-229 overall.&nbsp;&nbsp;Blessing says she hopes that what comes from this meeting, when it happens, are options for the city to consider, rather than MoDOT dictating to the city.&nbsp;"We have choices, you know instead of saying this is the way it's going to be, we have choices," Blessing tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "We will see how it's going to better downtown, that's something we're always concerned about the riverfront area, you know what's it going to do to that."&nbsp;Blessing says she knows many have fond memories of the downtown bridge.&nbsp; But as the city awaits a meeting with&nbsp;MoDOT about plans for the bridge, Blessing is unsure if keeping it will be viable.&nbsp;"People can remember back when the bridge was done, and it all depends will work need to be done on the bridge, what are we going to do with the bridge, are we going to move it over around by the airport and then come back in, whatever way it's going to go," Blessing says. "But I think we've got to look at viable options you know, is the cost worth it as well."&nbsp;Blessing says whatever plans they come up with, she hopes that they work with plans the city currently has for the riverfront and the downtown.&nbsp;"We want to have a riverfront park down there, I think we've seen plans for that, I just hate to see that we have some plans and we have some ideas of what we want and maybe we need to convey more to them that this is what we have planned for the riverfront, this is what we have planned for downtown."&nbsp;Blessing is unsure when this meeting will happen with&nbsp;MoDOT, but says when it&nbsp;does,&nbsp;she hopes that citizens also come out to voice their opinions so the council can hear what the city thinks should be done with I-229.&nbsp;

St. Joseph City Council contemplating what to do with I-229, double decker bridge

The Missouri Department of Transportation is trying to hire snow plow operators and maintenance workers before the winter is over.

Marty Liles, District Engineer for the MoDOT Northwest Region says they advertised for these open positions early in the fall. Now that winter is here, they're still trying to hire people to drive snow plows.

"A lot of companies are having problems trying to hire people and keep them and keep their labor force going," Liles said. "We're struggling to statewide to have those employees hired."

Liles says there are plenty of snow plow trucks - it's now a matter of finding enough employees who are available to operate them around the clock in emergency situations.

"One of the things we still struggle with is having enough people to maintain the snow trucks 24 hours a day."

Full-time maintenance workers and emergency snow plow operators are what's needed for MoDOT, which has 1,580 snow plow trucks statewide, including 181 in the Northwest region.

Applicants need to be at least 18 years old, successfully complete a criminal background check and have a commercial driver’s license.

For now, Liles says the Northwest District works with other districts statewide to move employees around to make sure there are enough snow plow drivers available to clear the roads in areas of the state that are being impacted by winter weather.

"We really work with our neighboring districts whenever we have an emergency operation to move people around to try and help out," Liles said. "Depending on the labor force and on the winter event that you actually have."

Northwest Missouri saw its first significant winter storm during the New Years weekend, where nearly a foot of snow was predicted for the region. Fortunately, Liles says, it didn't pan out that way, and the roads were cleared without any problems.

"They were predicting anywhere from 11-12 inches of snow for (the Northwest) region," he said. "Fortunately, we didn't get that much. I think we had places with maybe as much as five inches?"

While MoDOT continues to try and fill their snow plow driver vacancies, Liles also reminds everyday motorists to be ready when winter weather strikes.

"Be prepared," he said. "Have things in place. Make sure to look at our traveler information map. Really look at what the conditions of the roads are going to be and plan accordingly."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609443991612.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Department of Transportation is trying to hire snow plow operators and maintenance workers before the winter is over.Marty Liles, District Engineer for the MoDOT Northwest Region says they advertised for these open positions early in the fall. Now that winter is here, they're still trying to hire people to drive snow plows."A lot of companies are having problems trying to hire people and keep them and keep their labor force going," Liles said. "We're struggling to statewide to have those employees hired."Liles says there are plenty of snow plow trucks - it's now a matter of finding enough employees who are available to operate them around the clock in emergency situations."One of the things we still struggle with is having enough people to maintain the snow trucks 24 hours a day."Full-time maintenance workers and emergency snow plow operators are what's needed for MoDOT, which has 1,580 snow plow trucks statewide, including 181 in the Northwest region.Applicants need to be at least 18 years old, successfully complete a criminal background check and have a commercial driver’s license.For now, Liles says the Northwest District works with other districts statewide to move employees around to make sure there are enough snow plow drivers available to clear the roads in areas of the state that are being impacted by winter weather."We really work with our neighboring districts whenever we have an emergency operation to move people around to try and help out," Liles said. "Depending on the labor force and on the winter event that you actually have."Northwest Missouri saw its first significant winter storm during the New Years weekend, where nearly a foot of snow was predicted for the region. Fortunately, Liles says, it didn't pan out that way, and the roads were cleared without any problems."They were predicting anywhere from 11-12 inches of snow for (the Northwest) region," he said. "Fortunately, we didn't get that much. I think we had places with maybe as much as five inches?"While MoDOT continues to try and fill their snow plow driver vacancies, Liles also reminds everyday motorists to be ready when winter weather strikes."Be prepared," he said. "Have things in place. Make sure to look at our traveler information map. Really look at what the conditions of the roads are going to be and plan accordingly."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MoDOT trying to fill vacant snow plow operater jobs in the Northwest, statewide

BUCHANAN COUNTY—A Missouri woman died in an accident just before 1a.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Jeep Renegade driven by Kim R. Pawling, 53, Kansas City, Mo. was southbound in the driving lane of northbound Interstate 29 one mile north of Faucett.

Vehicles swerved to avoid a crash. The front left corner of the Jeep stuck&nbsp; the front left corner of a 2020 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Donald J. Hill, 49, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Pawling was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Meierhoffer Funeral Home. Hill was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—A Missouri woman died in an accident just before 1a.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Jeep Renegade driven by Kim R. Pawling, 53, Kansas City, Mo. was southbound in the driving lane of northbound Interstate 29 one mile north of Faucett.Vehicles swerved to avoid a crash. The front left corner of the Jeep stuck&nbsp; the front left corner of a 2020 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Donald J. Hill, 49, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.Pawling was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Meierhoffer Funeral Home. Hill was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman dead after Buchanan Co. crash with a semi

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two from St. Joseph were injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Taurus driven by Dawn M. Reital, 48, St. Joseph, was northbound on U.S. 169 just south of Route E five miles north of Gower.

The car slid on the icy road. The vehicle traveled off the road, struck a ditch and rolled.

EMS transported Reital and a passenger Peter F. Stroud, 50, St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two from St. Joseph were injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Taurus driven by Dawn M. Reital, 48, St. Joseph, was northbound on U.S. 169 just south of Route E five miles north of Gower.The car slid on the icy road. The vehicle traveled off the road, struck a ditch and rolled.EMS transported Reital and a passenger Peter F. Stroud, 50, St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

2 from St. Joe injured after car slides on the ice and rolls 

DONIPHAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Saturday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Scott B.&nbsp;Hoffman, 58, Wathena, was southbound on Randolph Road and attempted to turn east onto US 36. 

A westbound&nbsp; 2014 Chevy Cruz driven by Devan J. Rule, 23, Liberty, Nebraska, t-boned the Pontiac. After impact the Pontiac came to rest in the south ditch of U.S. 36.&nbsp;

EMS transported Hoffman and a passenger Sherri R&nbsp;Seymour, 55. St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Rule was not injured. Hoffman was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DONIPHAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Saturday in Doniphan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Scott B.&nbsp;Hoffman, 58, Wathena, was southbound on Randolph Road and attempted to turn east onto US 36. A westbound&nbsp; 2014 Chevy Cruz driven by Devan J. Rule, 23, Liberty, Nebraska, t-boned the Pontiac. After impact the Pontiac came to rest in the south ditch of U.S. 36.&nbsp;EMS transported Hoffman and a passenger Sherri R&nbsp;Seymour, 55. St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Rule was not injured. Hoffman was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph woman among 2 injured after T-bone crash

HARRISON COUNTY —Two Missouri teens were injured in an accident just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford F250 driven by Joseph L. Kinnison, 26, Ridgeway, was northbound on 330th Avenue one mile east of Mount Moriah.

The driver failed to yield to a westbound 2005 Chevy Impala driven by Cally M. Brandon, 18, Bollivar. The Ford pickup struck the Chevy at the intersection of 270th Avenue.&nbsp; The impact caused the Impala to overturn.

NTA ambulance transported Brandon and a 14-year-old male passenger from Cameron to Harrison County Hospital. Kinnison was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY —Two Missouri teens were injured in an accident just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford F250 driven by Joseph L. Kinnison, 26, Ridgeway, was northbound on 330th Avenue one mile east of Mount Moriah.The driver failed to yield to a westbound 2005 Chevy Impala driven by Cally M. Brandon, 18, Bollivar. The Ford pickup struck the Chevy at the intersection of 270th Avenue.&nbsp; The impact caused the Impala to overturn.NTA ambulance transported Brandon and a 14-year-old male passenger from Cameron to Harrison County Hospital. Kinnison was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Two Missouri teens hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

St.
Joseph police report a 24-year-old woman died in an apartment fire Friday
afternoon.

Police
say firefighters found the body of Amber Nagle after putting out the fire at
1703 North 36th Street, the Brittany Village Apartment Complex.

Police
report firefighters and police officers responded to the apartment complex
shortly before four o’clock Friday afternoon. Fire and police located a
structure fire in Apartment 8. Police ushered residents to safety and began a
count of residents. Firefighters broke into the apartment and extinguished the
fire. They discovered Nagle’s body in a bedroom.

The
cause of the fire is under investigation. The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s
Office is performing an autopsy.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph police report a 24-year-old woman died in an apartment fire Friday
afternoon.Police
say firefighters found the body of Amber Nagle after putting out the fire at
1703 North 36th Street, the Brittany Village Apartment Complex.Police
report firefighters and police officers responded to the apartment complex
shortly before four o’clock Friday afternoon. Fire and police located a
structure fire in Apartment 8. Police ushered residents to safety and began a
count of residents. Firefighters broke into the apartment and extinguished the
fire. They discovered Nagle’s body in a bedroom.The
cause of the fire is under investigation. The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s
Office is performing an autopsy.

Woman dies in St. Joseph apartment fire

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s administration is set to open debate next week on increased spending this year for state employee pay and other services.

The Republican governor proposes adding $91 million in additional spending to give 5.5% raises to prison guards, social service workers and people who treat the mentally ill. Parson also calls for paying all state employees at least $15 an hour.

The proposal is set for a hearing in the House Budget Committee Monday. Parson's administration says the raises could address high job vacancy and turnover rates that have caused problems for years.

The pay raises are part of $5.3 billion in additional spending Parson is proposing for this year, a move possible because federal emergency relief dollars.

The spending plan includes $2 billion in federal funds for schools, mostly for local school districts and charter schools.

The plan includes a $100 million to help state agencies deal with pandemic-related expenses.

Home heating and cooling programs for those with low-incomes, efforts to expand telehealth options for Medicaid patients and senior meal programs also would get funding.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s administration is set to open debate next week on increased spending this year for state employee pay and other services.The Republican governor proposes adding $91 million in additional spending to give 5.5% raises to prison guards, social service workers and people who treat the mentally ill. Parson also calls for paying all state employees at least $15 an hour.The proposal is set for a hearing in the House Budget Committee Monday. Parson's administration says the raises could address high job vacancy and turnover rates that have caused problems for years.The pay raises are part of $5.3 billion in additional spending Parson is proposing for this year, a move possible because federal emergency relief dollars.The spending plan includes $2 billion in federal funds for schools, mostly for local school districts and charter schools.The plan includes a $100 million to help state agencies deal with pandemic-related expenses.Home heating and cooling programs for those with low-incomes, efforts to expand telehealth options for Medicaid patients and senior meal programs also would get funding.

Missouri lawmakers set to debate raises for state employee 

DONIPHAN COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities arrested a Doniphan County man&nbsp; Thursday night after a child abuse investigation, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Just after 11:15 p.m., KBI agents, along with the Highland Police Department and the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Seth T. Ramsey, 19, on requested charges of abuse of a child, aggravated battery, and aggravated endangering a child. The crimes allege Ramsey physically abused his 2-month-old daughter.

Following the arrest, Ramsey was booked into the Doniphan County Jail.

The case began on Jan. 2, when a family member noticed the infant was having trouble breathing and sought help for her at Hiawatha Community Hospital. 

Due to the severity of the infant’s injuries, medical staff contacted police and transferred her to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

On Jan. 4 at around 9 a.m., the Highland Police Department requested KBI assistance with the investigation. At that time, search warrants were executed at the infant’s residence at 307 N. Carolina, Apt. 7, in Highland, and for her parents’ cellular phones.

The infant was treated and released from Children’s Mercy Hospital and is currently recovering from her injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641590933782.png" alt="Ramsey-photo Doniphan Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Ramsey-photo Doniphan Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>DONIPHAN COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities arrested a Doniphan County man&nbsp; Thursday night after a child abuse investigation, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Just after 11:15 p.m., KBI agents, along with the Highland Police Department and the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Seth T. Ramsey, 19, on requested charges of abuse of a child, aggravated battery, and aggravated endangering a child. The crimes allege Ramsey physically abused his 2-month-old daughter.Following the arrest, Ramsey was booked into the Doniphan County Jail.The case began on Jan. 2, when a family member noticed the infant was having trouble breathing and sought help for her at Hiawatha Community Hospital. Due to the severity of the infant’s injuries, medical staff contacted police and transferred her to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.On Jan. 4 at around 9 a.m., the Highland Police Department requested KBI assistance with the investigation. At that time, search warrants were executed at the infant’s residence at 307 N. Carolina, Apt. 7, in Highland, and for her parents’ cellular phones.The infant was treated and released from Children’s Mercy Hospital and is currently recovering from her injuries.