HOLT COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Thursday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford passenger vehicle driven by Kylie M. Holman, 43, Falls City, NE., was northbound on U.S. 159 four miles north of Fortescue.

The vehicle crossed the center line and struck the front left of a southbound&nbsp; 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Jessie J. Knapp, 62, Craig.

After impact the Ford spun around and traveled off the road. The semi struck a MODOT sign.

Lifeflight transported Holman to Mosaic Life Care. A private vehicle transported a 12-year-old female passenger in the Ford to Mosaic. Knapp was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Thursday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford passenger vehicle driven by Kylie M. Holman, 43, Falls City, NE., was northbound on U.S. 159 four miles north of Fortescue.The vehicle crossed the center line and struck the front left of a southbound&nbsp; 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Jessie J. Knapp, 62, Craig.After impact the Ford spun around and traveled off the road. The semi struck a MODOT sign.Lifeflight transported Holman to Mosaic Life Care. A private vehicle transported a 12-year-old female passenger in the Ford to Mosaic. Knapp was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP.

Woman airlifted to hospital in St. Joe after crash with semi

St. Joseph Health officials report 448 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County in the latest report as well as two new deaths. 

There were 80 new cases reported on Tuesday, 204 on Wednesday and 164 Thursday. The department reports the death of a woman in her 70's and a man in his 90's.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 70 COVID-19 patients system wide with 65 in St. Joseph and five in Maryville

St. Joseph Health officials report 448 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County in the latest report as well as two new deaths. There were 80 new cases reported on Tuesday, 204 on Wednesday and 164 Thursday. The department reports the death of a woman in her 70's and a man in his 90's.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 70 COVID-19 patients system wide with 65 in St. Joseph and five in Maryville

COVID-19 cases continue to rise locally; Mosaic reports 70 hospitalizations system-wide

ANDREW COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before noon Thursday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer driven by Leandra d. Adamczyk, 42, Rosendale, was southbound on Route C two miles south of Rosendale.

The car traveled off the road, struck an embankment, went airborne over a culvert and landed on its wheels.

Buchanan County EMS transported Adamczyk to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before noon Thursday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer driven by Leandra d. Adamczyk, 42, Rosendale, was southbound on Route C two miles south of Rosendale.The car traveled off the road, struck an embankment, went airborne over a culvert and landed on its wheels.Buchanan County EMS transported Adamczyk to Mosaic Life Care. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after car goes airborne over culvert

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (AP) — A man and a woman from Missouri have been charged in the Christmas Eve death of a toddler.

Christopher Robert Wilson, 46, and Avery Nicole Young, 22, were arrested Tuesday on warrants charging them with second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child, according to online court documents.

Police have said that medics called around 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 24 to a home in Chillicothe found a 2-year-old child unresponsive. The toddler was rushed to a hospital and later pronounced dead. Authorities have not released the name of the child or given the child’s cause of death.

Police have not said how Wilson and Young are related to the child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641500156494.png" alt="Wilson-photo&nbsp;Chillicothe Police" />
 <figcaption>Wilson-photo&nbsp;Chillicothe Police</figcaption>
 </figure>CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (AP) — A man and a woman from Missouri have been charged in the Christmas Eve death of a toddler.Christopher Robert Wilson, 46, and Avery Nicole Young, 22, were arrested Tuesday on warrants charging them with second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child, according to online court documents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641500131529.png" alt="Young-Chillicothe Police" />
 <figcaption>Young-Chillicothe Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Police have said that medics called around 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 24 to a home in Chillicothe found a 2-year-old child unresponsive. The toddler was rushed to a hospital and later pronounced dead. Authorities have not released the name of the child or given the child’s cause of death.Police have not said how Wilson and Young are related to the child.

Missouri man, woman charged in toddler's death on Christmas Eve 

A St. Joseph state representative will put his experience at
the city level to work as chair of the House Local Government Committee.

Rep. Bill Falkner, the former St. Joseph city council member
and mayor, says municipalities face numerous challenges, including the belief
among some state lawmakers that all taxes are bad.

“And a lot of people feel that way, too, but you have to
understand government still has to run,” Falkner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “A
municipality still has to provide services.”

Falkner says one of the biggest problems city governments faces
is that their employees can make more money in the private sector.

“So, the juggling act is trying to keep qualified and valuable
employees to do the job instead of the constant turnover,” Falkner says.

Falkner says cities must have the ability to ask their citizens
to raise money to recruit and retain good workers.

“It’s a tightrope that you walk on, trying to make sure that
you have adequate funding to pay the people that work for the municipalities to
where you can keep qualified people and that’s hard.”

Falkner is bracing for efforts to force all local tax issues onto
the November General Election ballot, rather than allow them to remain on the
spring or summer election periods. Supporters claim that would shift tax issues
to the election which attracts the greatest turnout. Falkner counters that
would make an already crowded ballot even more difficult for voters to
navigate.

“My biggest concern if they want to try to make everything
voted on in November, especially the years where there’s a presidential
election, some of those ballots would be three or four pages long,” according
to Falkner who says that could also make it difficult for cities to get their
message across over all the other campaigns vying for voter attention.

Falkner also argues that while some legislators oppose all tax
increases, city residents still expect a certain level of services.

“Everybody still wants their streets fixed, everybody still
wants the sewers to work, and snow shoveled and all that,” Falkner says. “It
all takes funding and just like everybody else, the wages are going up, the
cost of materials is going up, so the cost of running a municipality also goes
up.”

Falkner says as St. Joseph mayor he often felt that city
government simply served as a training ground to employees who left to take
higher pay positions in the private sector.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph state representative will put his experience at
the city level to work as chair of the House Local Government Committee.Rep. Bill Falkner, the former St. Joseph city council member
and mayor, says municipalities face numerous challenges, including the belief
among some state lawmakers that all taxes are bad.“And a lot of people feel that way, too, but you have to
understand government still has to run,” Falkner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “A
municipality still has to provide services.”Falkner says one of the biggest problems city governments faces
is that their employees can make more money in the private sector.“So, the juggling act is trying to keep qualified and valuable
employees to do the job instead of the constant turnover,” Falkner says.Falkner says cities must have the ability to ask their citizens
to raise money to recruit and retain good workers.“It’s a tightrope that you walk on, trying to make sure that
you have adequate funding to pay the people that work for the municipalities to
where you can keep qualified people and that’s hard.”Falkner is bracing for efforts to force all local tax issues onto
the November General Election ballot, rather than allow them to remain on the
spring or summer election periods. Supporters claim that would shift tax issues
to the election which attracts the greatest turnout. Falkner counters that
would make an already crowded ballot even more difficult for voters to
navigate.“My biggest concern if they want to try to make everything
voted on in November, especially the years where there’s a presidential
election, some of those ballots would be three or four pages long,” according
to Falkner who says that could also make it difficult for cities to get their
message across over all the other campaigns vying for voter attention.Falkner also argues that while some legislators oppose all tax
increases, city residents still expect a certain level of services.“Everybody still wants their streets fixed, everybody still
wants the sewers to work, and snow shoveled and all that,” Falkner says. “It
all takes funding and just like everybody else, the wages are going up, the
cost of materials is going up, so the cost of running a municipality also goes
up.”Falkner says as St. Joseph mayor he often felt that city
government simply served as a training ground to employees who left to take
higher pay positions in the private sector.

St. Joseph state rep to put city experience to work during legislative session

A Buchanan County jury
has found a 39-year-old man guilty of a gruesome assault in February of last
year that left a woman with a four-inch scar on her neck.

The Buchanan County Prosecuting
Attorney’s Office reports jurors deliberated for about an hour-an-a-half after the
two-day trial before finding Leryan Lewis guilty.

Lewis, who is from
Mexico, Missouri, was convicted of assaulting a woman with whom he had a
romantic relationship while sitting in her car at a St. Joseph gas station
February 12th. The victim testified that Lewis pulled her towards
him and cut her neck and fingers with a razor blade.

Bystanders at the gas
station came to the aid of the victim. St. Joseph police officers arrested
Lewis at the scene before he could escape in her car.

The victim survived
after undergoing emergency surgery at the Mosaic Life Care hospital in St.
Joseph. She testified during the trial she still suffered neck pain and had
limited mobility nearly a year after the attack.

Lewis also faces assault
charges in Lafayette County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614373664393.jpeg" alt="LEWIS-photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>LEWIS-photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Buchanan County jury
has found a 39-year-old man guilty of a gruesome assault in February of last
year that left a woman with a four-inch scar on her neck.The Buchanan County Prosecuting
Attorney’s Office reports jurors deliberated for about an hour-an-a-half after the
two-day trial before finding Leryan Lewis guilty.Lewis, who is from
Mexico, Missouri, was convicted of assaulting a woman with whom he had a
romantic relationship while sitting in her car at a St. Joseph gas station
February 12th. The victim testified that Lewis pulled her towards
him and cut her neck and fingers with a razor blade.Bystanders at the gas
station came to the aid of the victim. St. Joseph police officers arrested
Lewis at the scene before he could escape in her car.The victim survived
after undergoing emergency surgery at the Mosaic Life Care hospital in St.
Joseph. She testified during the trial she still suffered neck pain and had
limited mobility nearly a year after the attack.Lewis also faces assault
charges in Lafayette County.

Jury finds man guilty of slashing woman's neck in St. Joseph last year

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Harry Roberts of St.
Joseph as the Missouri Military Advocate.

Roberts, the former Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner, recently
served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Roberts
also served as president of the Buchanan County EMS Board. A Northwest Missouri
State University alum, Roberts also helped run Roberts and Sons Senior
Insurance Agency.

Parson also appointed Daviess County Circuit Court Deputy
Clerk Sandy Dustman of Jamesport as Circuit Clerk. Dustman, who graduated from
York Christian College in York, Nebraska, has been with the Daviess County
Circuit Court for more than 20 years.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Harry Roberts of St.
Joseph as the Missouri Military Advocate.Roberts, the former Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner, recently
served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Roberts
also served as president of the Buchanan County EMS Board. A Northwest Missouri
State University alum, Roberts also helped run Roberts and Sons Senior
Insurance Agency.Parson also appointed Daviess County Circuit Court Deputy
Clerk Sandy Dustman of Jamesport as Circuit Clerk. Dustman, who graduated from
York Christian College in York, Nebraska, has been with the Daviess County
Circuit Court for more than 20 years.

Gov. Parson appoints Roberts Missouri Military Advocate

An investigation is underway into the cause of fires that
spread from one house to another along Faraon Street, between North 15th
and 16th Street.

Flames engulfed multiple houses with smoke from the fire so
intense portions of Jules Street closed for a while late Tuesday night into Wednesday
morning.

Firefighters responded to a structure fire call at around 9:30
Tuesday night in the 1500 block of Faraon Street. The fire left two houses as
total losses. Another house was heavily damaged and two others didn’t catch
fire, but still were damaged by the flames.

The investigation into the cause of the fires continues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641415132302.jpeg" alt="Fire heavily damaged houses on Faraon Street late Tuesday night/Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Fire heavily damaged houses on Faraon Street late Tuesday night/Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn investigation is underway into the cause of fires that
spread from one house to another along Faraon Street, between North 15th
and 16th Street.Flames engulfed multiple houses with smoke from the fire so
intense portions of Jules Street closed for a while late Tuesday night into Wednesday
morning.Firefighters responded to a structure fire call at around 9:30
Tuesday night in the 1500 block of Faraon Street. The fire left two houses as
total losses. Another house was heavily damaged and two others didn’t catch
fire, but still were damaged by the flames.The investigation into the cause of the fires continues.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641415190313.jpeg" alt="A couple of the houses were total losses/Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>A couple of the houses were total losses/Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>

Investigation into multiple house fires continues in St. Joseph

Another round of bitterly cold temperatures will impact northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas on Wednesday night into Thursday.

A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect from midnight until noon Thursday for far southeast Nebraska and most of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. Wind chills late Wednesday and early Thursday can be as low as 15 degrees below zero.

"That's not what the actual temperatures are," National Weather Service meteorologist Jared Leighton said. "The actual temperature will be around zero, but with the wind around 10-20 mph, it'll cause the hypothermia and frost bite process to speed up quite a bit more if it was just zero degrees."

There's a slight chance of snow late Wednesday night, but accumulations are not expected. Highs on Thursday will only reach the low teens, and northwest winds of 15-25 mph will continue through the day.

Lows will hit the single digits Thursday night before temperatures rebound into the 20s for Friday and then the mid 40s by Saturday.

Leighton says the first half of winter has been drier and warmer than normal, which could be an indication of what to expect going forward.

"So far, it's been incredibly warm," Leighton said. "I think our December was in third place for the warmest December of all time. That goes back to the late 1880s. With the outlook being warm and dry for the middle part of (January), it looks pretty likely we'll get halfway through the winter season without much in the way of impact."

The entire region saw its first shot of significant snow fall over the New Years Day weekend, though most areas saw less snow than what was forecast. St. Joseph reported around three inches, the Kansas City Airport had two, while portions of Worth and Harrison counties near the Iowa line reported six inch totals.

Leighton reminds people that the forecast can always rapidly change during this time of year.

"All it takes is one big system to make all of that up and turn it into a pretty average year and be pretty impactful."

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

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAnother round of bitterly cold temperatures will impact northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas on Wednesday night into Thursday.A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect from midnight until noon Thursday for far southeast Nebraska and most of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. Wind chills late Wednesday and early Thursday can be as low as 15 degrees below zero."That's not what the actual temperatures are," National Weather Service meteorologist Jared Leighton said. "The actual temperature will be around zero, but with the wind around 10-20 mph, it'll cause the hypothermia and frost bite process to speed up quite a bit more if it was just zero degrees."There's a slight chance of snow late Wednesday night, but accumulations are not expected. Highs on Thursday will only reach the low teens, and northwest winds of 15-25 mph will continue through the day.Lows will hit the single digits Thursday night before temperatures rebound into the 20s for Friday and then the mid 40s by Saturday.Leighton says the first half of winter has been drier and warmer than normal, which could be an indication of what to expect going forward."So far, it's been incredibly warm," Leighton said. "I think our December was in third place for the warmest December of all time. That goes back to the late 1880s. With the outlook being warm and dry for the middle part of (January), it looks pretty likely we'll get halfway through the winter season without much in the way of impact."The entire region saw its first shot of significant snow fall over the New Years Day weekend, though most areas saw less snow than what was forecast. St. Joseph reported around three inches, the Kansas City Airport had two, while portions of Worth and Harrison counties near the Iowa line reported six inch totals.Leighton reminds people that the forecast can always rapidly change during this time of year."All it takes is one big system to make all of that up and turn it into a pretty average year and be pretty impactful."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Bitter cold temps expected Wednesday and Thursday, dry and warm weather ahead

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Tuesday in Atchison County.

According to Police Chief Mike Wilson,&nbsp; a 2000 Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Francis Wiltz, 74, Atchison, was eastbound on Commercial Street when it left the roadway at River Road and struck the Veteran’s Park pavilion. 

It is believed the driver was suffering a medical episode that caused the accident. EMS transported&nbsp; Wiltz to Amberwell for treatment of injuries, according to Wilson.&nbsp;

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Tuesday in Atchison County.According to Police Chief Mike Wilson,&nbsp; a 2000 Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Francis Wiltz, 74, Atchison, was eastbound on Commercial Street when it left the roadway at River Road and struck the Veteran’s Park pavilion. It is believed the driver was suffering a medical episode that caused the accident. EMS transported&nbsp; Wiltz to Amberwell for treatment of injuries, according to Wilson.&nbsp;

Kansas man injured after pickup crash into park pavilion 

The St. Joseph School District is seeing a dramatic drop in attendance.  

Kendra Lau Director of School Improvement with the district says that the attendance rate of the school district has dropped from where it was pre-pandemic. 

"Right now, for example, we are right at about 71% attendance in the St. Joe School District, and if you look back pre-pandemic, we were close to 90%," Lau tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, what we need to do is begin to see, right now we just need to start seeing an increase in that student attendance." 

Lau says the district is enacting what it calls the 'Attendance Comeback program', which strives to get back to the 90-percent rate that the district saw through the previous Strive for Five attendance program, which helped bring attendance back up. 

Lau says the district is going into action by enacting, what they call, a 'Comeback Attendance plan'. 

"And we say attendance comeback because the St. Joe School District through a previous program called 'Strive for Five' had really made a lot of gains in improving attendance," Lau says. 

Student attendance was at 90% prior to the coronavirus pandemic 

"And so, what we need to do is reestablish that communication, reestablish that encouragement, reestablish students that show growth in their attendance month to month are celebrated for that achievement," Lau explains. 

Lau says that good attendance is a lifelong skill that is valued by workplaces as well as the districts community partners, and she wants students to understand the value of it as well. 

Lau says the new plan hopes to help more students get back in the classroom, with professional workers assisting students as they come back, but she does understand that everyone has been through a lot this past year. 

"Everyone's been through quite a bit, and so reengaging families in some social and emotional learning, and also school climate, how do we reengage parents in schools when for a year they couldn't even go inside?" Lau says. 

Lau hopes that this new program brings awareness to parents of how their students' absence not only affects the student but also the rate in the district. 

The renewed focus by the district on attendance begins as students returned. 

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School District is seeing a dramatic drop in attendance. Kendra Lau Director of School Improvement with the district says that the attendance rate of the school district has dropped from where it was pre-pandemic. "Right now, for example, we are right at about 71% attendance in the St. Joe School District, and if you look back pre-pandemic, we were close to 90%," Lau tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, what we need to do is begin to see, right now we just need to start seeing an increase in that student attendance." Lau says the district is enacting what it calls the 'Attendance Comeback program', which strives to get back to the 90-percent rate that the district saw through the previous Strive for Five attendance program, which helped bring attendance back up. Lau says the district is going into action by enacting, what they call, a 'Comeback Attendance plan'. "And we say attendance comeback because the St. Joe School District through a previous program called 'Strive for Five' had really made a lot of gains in improving attendance," Lau says. Student attendance was at 90% prior to the coronavirus pandemic "And so, what we need to do is reestablish that communication, reestablish that encouragement, reestablish students that show growth in their attendance month to month are celebrated for that achievement," Lau explains. Lau says that good attendance is a lifelong skill that is valued by workplaces as well as the districts community partners, and she wants students to understand the value of it as well. Lau says the new plan hopes to help more students get back in the classroom, with professional workers assisting students as they come back, but she does understand that everyone has been through a lot this past year. "Everyone's been through quite a bit, and so reengaging families in some social and emotional learning, and also school climate, how do we reengage parents in schools when for a year they couldn't even go inside?" Lau says. Lau hopes that this new program brings awareness to parents of how their students' absence not only affects the student but also the rate in the district. The renewed focus by the district on attendance begins as students returned.

Dramatic attendance drop forces St. Joseph schools to launch new program

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Mazda passenger vehicle driven by Gerald J. Barousse, 67, Lafayette, La., was southbound on Interstate 35 two miles south of Bethany.

The Mazda rear-ended a 2014 Dodge Ram 3500 and tow unit driven by Kenneth F. Zaczkowsi, 76, Columbia, Minnesota.

EMS transported a passenger in the Mazda Shannon L. Barkousse, 66, Lafayette, La., to Harrison County Community Hospital. The drivers were not injured.&nbsp; All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Mazda passenger vehicle driven by Gerald J. Barousse, 67, Lafayette, La., was southbound on Interstate 35 two miles south of Bethany.The Mazda rear-ended a 2014 Dodge Ram 3500 and tow unit driven by Kenneth F. Zaczkowsi, 76, Columbia, Minnesota.EMS transported a passenger in the Mazda Shannon L. Barkousse, 66, Lafayette, La., to Harrison County Community Hospital. The drivers were not injured.&nbsp; All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Woman hospitalized after rear-end crash

The St. Joseph Mustangs announced a change in the team's ownership Tuesday.

Dan Gerson, who has owned the team since its inception in 2009, announced on Facebook Tuesday afternoon that he has sold the team to general manager Ky Turner - a St. Joseph native who has been in the GM role since 2014.

"For me, it's a tremendous honor," Turner said. "Obviously I feel a little of bit of pressure to continue this, but it'll be a lot of fun and I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to do so."

The talk of passing the torch to Turner had been there for about 3-4 years. But when COVID-19 canceled the season in 2020, Gerson thought it best to hold off on such a big change at that time.

"It wouldn't have been fair to Ky to put him in a situation where we didn't even play for a year," Gerson pointed out. "So, we got through 2020 and early in 2021, we knew that this is what was going to happen."

Turner has been involved with the Mustangs in multiple capacities since the team's first season in 2009. Since then, Gerson watched Turner do any job or assignment he could get his hands on. Now, it's Turner who'll be making the big decisions.

"When you make yourself indispensable in a company, you're always creating space for yourself," Gerson said. "Ky just worked hard, did whatever was necessary and look where he is today."

Beyond that, Gerson emphasized that Turner was absolutely the right fit to be the team's next owner.

"Ky was the right guy for this," Gerson said. "He was the right guy for St. Joe. I didn't want to sell it to an out-of-town person. So, it all just fell into place. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that Ky is the right person to carry on the Mustangs."

While there is some added pressure with this new role, Turner knows he can lean on Gerson for guidance as he's done in years past.

"Dan is still in my corner as a mentor to answer any questions," Turner said. "So, I like to set the bar high and have big goals and we're excited to push those goals."

The Mustangs have won seven MINK League championships in 12 years, including in 2021, when the Mustangs defeated Sedalia, 12-2, in the championship series on July 30 at Phil Welch Stadium.

The team also had an&nbsp;eighth straight top 10 finish in national attendance rankings for summer&nbsp;collegiate baseball teams.

The Mustangs finished the 2021 season, averaging 2,246 fans per game. A total of 53,904 people walked through the gates at Phil Welch Stadium last summer. According to BaseballDigest.com, St. Joseph ranked ninth nationally and first in the MINK League in per game attendance.

Gerson says those numbers represent something rare.

"How many things in St. Joe over the years get unanimous support?" he pondered. "And we got it from that original city government, and I'll always be thankful, because otherwise, this would have never been successful."

When asked what he'll miss the most about being the owner, Gerson thought about the attendance ratings and all of the championships. But, he'll more so miss the everyday conversations at the ballpark.

"Those are the kind of things I'll miss," he said. "Talking to (coach) Johnny (Coy) about baseball and just those things and seeing the fans in the stands. But, the moment I start thinking I'm going to miss it, I know that I'll still be around."

The Mustangs will begin their 13th season in 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641321989611.jpeg" alt="Ky Turner will take over as the new owner of the St. Joseph Mustangs in 2022. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Ky Turner will take over as the new owner of the St. Joseph Mustangs in 2022. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs announced a change in the team's ownership Tuesday.Dan Gerson, who has owned the team since its inception in 2009, announced on Facebook Tuesday afternoon that he has sold the team to general manager Ky Turner - a St. Joseph native who has been in the GM role since 2014."For me, it's a tremendous honor," Turner said. "Obviously I feel a little of bit of pressure to continue this, but it'll be a lot of fun and I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to do so."The talk of passing the torch to Turner had been there for about 3-4 years. But when COVID-19 canceled the season in 2020, Gerson thought it best to hold off on such a big change at that time."It wouldn't have been fair to Ky to put him in a situation where we didn't even play for a year," Gerson pointed out. "So, we got through 2020 and early in 2021, we knew that this is what was going to happen."Turner has been involved with the Mustangs in multiple capacities since the team's first season in 2009. Since then, Gerson watched Turner do any job or assignment he could get his hands on. Now, it's Turner who'll be making the big decisions."When you make yourself indispensable in a company, you're always creating space for yourself," Gerson said. "Ky just worked hard, did whatever was necessary and look where he is today."Beyond that, Gerson emphasized that Turner was absolutely the right fit to be the team's next owner."Ky was the right guy for this," Gerson said. "He was the right guy for St. Joe. I didn't want to sell it to an out-of-town person. So, it all just fell into place. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that Ky is the right person to carry on the Mustangs."While there is some added pressure with this new role, Turner knows he can lean on Gerson for guidance as he's done in years past."Dan is still in my corner as a mentor to answer any questions," Turner said. "So, I like to set the bar high and have big goals and we're excited to push those goals."The Mustangs have won seven MINK League championships in 12 years, including in 2021, when the Mustangs defeated Sedalia, 12-2, in the championship series on July 30 at Phil Welch Stadium.The team also had an&nbsp;eighth straight top 10 finish in national attendance rankings for summer&nbsp;collegiate baseball teams.The Mustangs finished the 2021 season, averaging 2,246 fans per game. A total of 53,904 people walked through the gates at Phil Welch Stadium last summer. According to BaseballDigest.com, St. Joseph ranked ninth nationally and first in the MINK League in per game attendance.Gerson says those numbers represent something rare."How many things in St. Joe over the years get unanimous support?" he pondered. "And we got it from that original city government, and I'll always be thankful, because otherwise, this would have never been successful."When asked what he'll miss the most about being the owner, Gerson thought about the attendance ratings and all of the championships. But, he'll more so miss the everyday conversations at the ballpark."Those are the kind of things I'll miss," he said. "Talking to (coach) Johnny (Coy) about baseball and just those things and seeing the fans in the stands. But, the moment I start thinking I'm going to miss it, I know that I'll still be around."The Mustangs will begin their 13th season in 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627707540785.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Mustangs change ownership, GM Ky Turner takes over as new owner

Long time St. Joseph disc jockey Rick Reynolds has retired
after 47-and-a-half years in radio, much of it spent on KKJO 105.5 FM.

Reynolds says the lure of radio came early in his life.

“When I was eight years old, I heard some really crackerjack
DJ on WHB in Kansas City and thought, I want to do that,” Reynolds tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Of course, I was eight years old. I never thought I’d
really do it and somebody talked me into doing it, saying you have a voice to
do that, adding I know a guy. And then I got into radio stations and started
making audition tapes and bugging the hell out of everybody.”

Reynolds began in Cameron on KMRN in 1974. He moved to St.
Joseph two years later to be on the now defunct KUSN/KSFT. Then, Reynolds moved
on to Topeka, to Boise, and to Seattle. He returned to St. Joseph where he worked
the mid-afternoon shift on K-Jo.

“Because I would just be a bum otherwise,” Reynolds jokes (we
think). “What do you do when you’re a total loser? You get into radio.”

Reynolds took on a short, punchy style on the air, saying he
loves quips and gives an example of his style.

“A song that was a hit at the time I got into radio:&nbsp; Olivia Newton John ‘Have You Never Been
Mello?’ And I would say, here’s Olivia Newton Jaundice ‘Have You Never Been
Yellow?’ You know, stupid stuff like that. But it was fun.”

Reynolds wrapped up his career on KFEQ and Joe Town 107.5 FM.

“One thing that I really love doing, to the last, is on Joe
Town 107.5, ‘Super 70s Saturday Night,’” Reynolds says. “It was basically,
okay, I have five hours of radio show here, what can I get away with?”

Reynolds says technology has changed considerably over the
nearly 50 years he worked as a DJ, going from vinyl 45 rpm records to carts, to
discs, to digital; moving from being on the air live to recording nearly every
segment.

Times have indeed changed and not just technology.

“I did get called (out) for one word that I said,” Reynolds
recalls an incident early in his career. “I said the word ‘crap’ even on the
radio. I said, ‘Well, what a load of crap.’ The program director thought that
was awful and I was thinking a couple of years earlier Kodachrome by Paul Simon
was a hit and it had that word in it.”

When Eagle Radio created Joe Town, playing classic rock, Reynolds
felt right at home.

“That is more me,” Reynolds says. “It’s kind of like leaving
on Joe Town is leaving on a high note for me, because doing afternoons on Joe Town
is kind of doing the radio that I got into this business to do.”

Reynolds hopes he leaves before the audience wants him to go.

“Here’s the one thing I was really hard core about and I hope
I’ve achieved; you always want to leave people wanting more,” Reynolds says,
adding he never wanted to be pushed into retirement or have people question why
he hadn’t retired yet. “Leave them wanting more.”

A native of St. Joseph, Reynolds plans to retire here. He says
he wants to read more, reflect more, exercise more; work on self-improvement.
He adds he might want to get engaged in civic matters, perhaps even attend a
few candidate forums and lob a question or two at the candidates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641324314761.jpeg" alt="Rick Reynolds leaves radio after a nearly 50-year career/Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Rick Reynolds leaves radio after a nearly 50-year career/Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostLong time St. Joseph disc jockey Rick Reynolds has retired
after 47-and-a-half years in radio, much of it spent on KKJO 105.5 FM.Reynolds says the lure of radio came early in his life.“When I was eight years old, I heard some really crackerjack
DJ on WHB in Kansas City and thought, I want to do that,” Reynolds tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Of course, I was eight years old. I never thought I’d
really do it and somebody talked me into doing it, saying you have a voice to
do that, adding I know a guy. And then I got into radio stations and started
making audition tapes and bugging the hell out of everybody.”Reynolds began in Cameron on KMRN in 1974. He moved to St.
Joseph two years later to be on the now defunct KUSN/KSFT. Then, Reynolds moved
on to Topeka, to Boise, and to Seattle. He returned to St. Joseph where he worked
the mid-afternoon shift on K-Jo.Why radio?“Because I would just be a bum otherwise,” Reynolds jokes (we
think). “What do you do when you’re a total loser? You get into radio.”Reynolds took on a short, punchy style on the air, saying he
loves quips and gives an example of his style.“A song that was a hit at the time I got into radio:&nbsp; Olivia Newton John ‘Have You Never Been
Mello?’ And I would say, here’s Olivia Newton Jaundice ‘Have You Never Been
Yellow?’ You know, stupid stuff like that. But it was fun.”Reynolds wrapped up his career on KFEQ and Joe Town 107.5 FM.“One thing that I really love doing, to the last, is on Joe
Town 107.5, ‘Super 70s Saturday Night,’” Reynolds says. “It was basically,
okay, I have five hours of radio show here, what can I get away with?”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641324396054.jpeg" alt="Reynolds says he enjoyed making quips and having fun on the radio/Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Reynolds says he enjoyed making quips and having fun on the radio/Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>Reynolds says technology has changed considerably over the
nearly 50 years he worked as a DJ, going from vinyl 45 rpm records to carts, to
discs, to digital; moving from being on the air live to recording nearly every
segment.Times have indeed changed and not just technology.“I did get called (out) for one word that I said,” Reynolds
recalls an incident early in his career. “I said the word ‘crap’ even on the
radio. I said, ‘Well, what a load of crap.’ The program director thought that
was awful and I was thinking a couple of years earlier Kodachrome by Paul Simon
was a hit and it had that word in it.”When Eagle Radio created Joe Town, playing classic rock, Reynolds
felt right at home.“That is more me,” Reynolds says. “It’s kind of like leaving
on Joe Town is leaving on a high note for me, because doing afternoons on Joe Town
is kind of doing the radio that I got into this business to do.”Reynolds hopes he leaves before the audience wants him to go.“Here’s the one thing I was really hard core about and I hope
I’ve achieved; you always want to leave people wanting more,” Reynolds says,
adding he never wanted to be pushed into retirement or have people question why
he hadn’t retired yet. “Leave them wanting more.”A native of St. Joseph, Reynolds plans to retire here. He says
he wants to read more, reflect more, exercise more; work on self-improvement.
He adds he might want to get engaged in civic matters, perhaps even attend a
few candidate forums and lob a question or two at the candidates.

Veteran St. Joseph DJ, Rick Reynolds, retires after nearly 50 years in radio

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports no fatalities during the long New Year’s holiday counting period.

Sergeant Jake Angle with Troop H in St. Joseph says that number is amazing to see considering the factors that go into the New Year’s counting period. 

"Not only here in Troop H but statewide, zero traffic fatalities, and you know honestly when you're looking at a counting period like that over New Year’s, you know people out celebrating and stuff, and then also a winter event in there as well, it was really good to see," Angle tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

Angle says in northwest Missouri, troopers arrested 16 people for impaired driving, and worked 29 traffic crashes that resulted in 10 injuries. 

Angle says that it’s fair to assume the New Year’s holiday is more dangerous than most, but he says it’s hard to predict if it actually is the most dangerous or not.

"Those things are hard to put your finger on sometimes, you know we've had counting periods where we've had obviously fatalities and stuff, and then you have some where you have very few, and then one like this where you have none," Angle says. "And of course, you ask yourself, what did we do different, what was different about this one, and I think sometimes that’s hard to put your finger on."

Angle says that there were some numbers that stood out to him from Troop H. 

"There were 16 impaired drivers removed from the roadway, which obviously is not only a danger to themselves but a danger to every other motorist out there on the roadway," Angle says. "Four drug arrests, we did have 29 crashes with 10 injuries, but zero fatalities."

"You know a pretty good New Year’s travel period," Angle proudly says.

Angle says the low number of crashes and fatalities could also be attributed to the weather we saw over the weekend, crediting drivers for being smart and staying home.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Missouri State Highway Patrol reports no fatalities during the long New Year’s holiday counting period.Sergeant Jake Angle with Troop H in St. Joseph says that number is amazing to see considering the factors that go into the New Year’s counting period. "Not only here in Troop H but statewide, zero traffic fatalities, and you know honestly when you're looking at a counting period like that over New Year’s, you know people out celebrating and stuff, and then also a winter event in there as well, it was really good to see," Angle tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Angle says in northwest Missouri, troopers arrested 16 people for impaired driving, and worked 29 traffic crashes that resulted in 10 injuries. Angle says that it’s fair to assume the New Year’s holiday is more dangerous than most, but he says it’s hard to predict if it actually is the most dangerous or not."Those things are hard to put your finger on sometimes, you know we've had counting periods where we've had obviously fatalities and stuff, and then you have some where you have very few, and then one like this where you have none," Angle says. "And of course, you ask yourself, what did we do different, what was different about this one, and I think sometimes that’s hard to put your finger on."Angle says that there were some numbers that stood out to him from Troop H. "There were 16 impaired drivers removed from the roadway, which obviously is not only a danger to themselves but a danger to every other motorist out there on the roadway," Angle says. "Four drug arrests, we did have 29 crashes with 10 injuries, but zero fatalities."And Angle says all things considered."You know a pretty good New Year’s travel period," Angle proudly says.Angle says the low number of crashes and fatalities could also be attributed to the weather we saw over the weekend, crediting drivers for being smart and staying home.

Missouri State Highway Patrol celebrates zero fatalities over New Years

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Monday in Atchison County.

According to Police Chief Mike Wilson, a 2002 Ford pickup driven by&nbsp;Terry Wall, 68, Atchison, was southbound in 1000 Block of River Road when the driver lost control. The pickup slid on the icy road, struck an embankment and rolled over on its side. 

Atchison County Rescue had responded to the scene and removed the windshield so the driver could be removed from the vehicle. EMS transported Wall to Amberwell Hospital for treatment. The accident remains under investigation, according to Wilson.

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Monday in Atchison County.According to Police Chief Mike Wilson, a 2002 Ford pickup driven by&nbsp;Terry Wall, 68, Atchison, was southbound in 1000 Block of River Road when the driver lost control. The pickup slid on the icy road, struck an embankment and rolled over on its side. Atchison County Rescue had responded to the scene and removed the windshield so the driver could be removed from the vehicle. EMS transported Wall to Amberwell Hospital for treatment. The accident remains under investigation, according to Wilson.

Kan. man hospitalized after pickup slides on icy road, rolls

We have seen a rise in COVID-19 cases locally along with an
increase in the positivity rate.

The St. Joseph Health Department reports 259 new coronavirus cases
since issuing its last report on Thursday. The Buchanan County positivity rate
has increased near three percent to just under 14%.

Northwest Missouri remains a COVID hotspot.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 62 total COVID-19
patients in its system; 57 in St. Joseph and five in Maryville.

Andrew County reports 100 active COVID-19 cases.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWe have seen a rise in COVID-19 cases locally along with an
increase in the positivity rate.The St. Joseph Health Department reports 259 new coronavirus cases
since issuing its last report on Thursday. The Buchanan County positivity rate
has increased near three percent to just under 14%.Northwest Missouri remains a COVID hotspot.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 62 total COVID-19
patients in its system; 57 in St. Joseph and five in Maryville.Andrew County reports 100 active COVID-19 cases.

Rise in COVID-19 cases locally; increase in Buchanan County positivity rate

Two men have been arrested after a St. Joseph police officer
heard gun shots very early this morning and saw a vehicle flee at a high
rate of speed.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports the incident began
shortly after 2:30 this morning when an officer had pulled over a car for a
traffic stop at the intersection of 13th and Hickory Streets. The
officer heard gun shots elsewhere and saw a vehicle take off at a high rate of speed.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle. Officers eventually were
able to disable it. Several occupants fled. Officers arrested two men. A
handgun was recovered from the fleeing vehicle.

No details on possible victims or the identity of the suspects
have been released.

This article has been updated with additional information from the St. Joseph Police Department.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTwo men have been arrested after a St. Joseph police officer
heard gun shots very early this morning and saw a vehicle flee at a high
rate of speed.The St. Joseph Police Department reports the incident began
shortly after 2:30 this morning when an officer had pulled over a car for a
traffic stop at the intersection of 13th and Hickory Streets. The
officer heard gun shots elsewhere and saw a vehicle take off at a high rate of speed.Police attempted to stop the vehicle. Officers eventually were
able to disable it. Several occupants fled. Officers arrested two men. A
handgun was recovered from the fleeing vehicle.No details on possible victims or the identity of the suspects
have been released.This article has been updated with additional information from the St. Joseph Police Department.

2 men arrested after officers hear shots fired in St. Joseph

As bitterly cold temperatures hit the region, the American Red Cross is urging people to keep themselves warm and stay safe. 

Red Cross spokesperson Angie Springs says as you go out and about traveling, or returning to work, be sure to be bundled up as you embark into the cold, remembering to put on plenty of warm clothes.

"Dress in layers, try to cover your mouth, keep your gloves on, make sure your head is covered, and make sure your clothes are staying dry," Springs tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Springs also says that you want to keep an eye on how your body is handling the cold temperatures.

" You want to watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite," Springs says. "Which would be for hypothermia confusion or dizziness, when you look at frostbite, you would have numbness and graying of your skin."

Springs says the Red Cross also is urging everyone to stay prepared by assembling an emergency kit with non-perishable foods and water for your family.

Springs adds the Red Cross is also urging people to stay prepared in their travel by preparing an emergency kit, with ice scrapers as well as those non-perishable food and water, for their cars. 

But Springs says you should also have an emergency kit for your home, and what goes in it is no different.

"Within your home though it doesn't matter what kind of disaster you're preparing for, make sure that you have non-perishable food items, that you have water for individuals, enough for the people that are in your family," Springs explains. "That you keep essential medication that you have, potentially items that are specific to those in your family."

Springs says those needs could include things such as diapers if you have an infant, adding that you should tailor your kit to how your family is built. 

As the cold weather rages on, there is one thing inside your house that you may not think of taking care of. 

Springs says to be sure to check your water pipes to avoid letting them freeze and risk bursting.  Springs advises to be sure to close your garage door if your pipes are in the garage, and inside your home.

"Make sure that you're keeping those cabinet doors open in your kitchen, in your bathroom, that helps warm air circulate around those pipes," Springs says. "And make sure that you can maybe keep your faucets at a drip, keep that cold water drip going on your faucet, especially overnight." 

Springs says if you find that your pipes are frozen, to thaw them out by applying heat on the frozen sections with things like a heating pad or a hair dryer, using indirect heat. 

You can find tips on how to take care of your pipes <a href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html">HERE</a>, as well as other winter safety <a href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html">HERE</a>.

By MATT PIKE	St. Joseph PostAs bitterly cold temperatures hit the region, the American Red Cross is urging people to keep themselves warm and stay safe. Red Cross spokesperson Angie Springs says as you go out and about traveling, or returning to work, be sure to be bundled up as you embark into the cold, remembering to put on plenty of warm clothes."Dress in layers, try to cover your mouth, keep your gloves on, make sure your head is covered, and make sure your clothes are staying dry," Springs tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Springs also says that you want to keep an eye on how your body is handling the cold temperatures." You want to watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite," Springs says. "Which would be for hypothermia confusion or dizziness, when you look at frostbite, you would have numbness and graying of your skin."Springs says the Red Cross also is urging everyone to stay prepared by assembling an emergency kit with non-perishable foods and water for your family.Springs adds the Red Cross is also urging people to stay prepared in their travel by preparing an emergency kit, with ice scrapers as well as those non-perishable food and water, for their cars. But Springs says you should also have an emergency kit for your home, and what goes in it is no different."Within your home though it doesn't matter what kind of disaster you're preparing for, make sure that you have non-perishable food items, that you have water for individuals, enough for the people that are in your family," Springs explains. "That you keep essential medication that you have, potentially items that are specific to those in your family."Springs says those needs could include things such as diapers if you have an infant, adding that you should tailor your kit to how your family is built. As the cold weather rages on, there is one thing inside your house that you may not think of taking care of. Springs says to be sure to check your water pipes to avoid letting them freeze and risk bursting. Springs advises to be sure to close your garage door if your pipes are in the garage, and inside your home."Make sure that you're keeping those cabinet doors open in your kitchen, in your bathroom, that helps warm air circulate around those pipes," Springs says. "And make sure that you can maybe keep your faucets at a drip, keep that cold water drip going on your faucet, especially overnight." Springs says if you find that your pipes are frozen, to thaw them out by applying heat on the frozen sections with things like a heating pad or a hair dryer, using indirect heat. You can find tips on how to take care of your pipes <a href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html">HERE</a>, as well as other winter safety <a href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html">HERE</a>.

Stay warm in these bitter cold temperatures says the American Red Cross

ANDREW COUNTY —Two Missouri women were injured in an accident just after 3p.m.&nbsp; Monday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Ford passenger vehicle driven by Nancy S. Rockwood, 78, Savannah, was northbound on Business 71 two miles south of Savannah. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, crossed a private drive and struck a tree.

Andrew County EMS transported Rockwood and a passenger Connie F. George, 82, Savannah, to Mosaic Life Care. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —Two Missouri women were injured in an accident just after 3p.m.&nbsp; Monday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Ford passenger vehicle driven by Nancy S. Rockwood, 78, Savannah, was northbound on Business 71 two miles south of Savannah. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, crossed a private drive and struck a tree.Andrew County EMS transported Rockwood and a passenger Connie F. George, 82, Savannah, to Mosaic Life Care. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 from Savannah hospitalized vehicle strikes a tree

CALDWELL COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Monday in Caldwell County..

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Honda Accord driven by Samuel F. Howard, 22, Kidder, was southbound on Route J one mile south of Kidder.

The car traveled off the west side of the road twice and the front undercarriage struck an embankment.&nbsp; The car came to rest on Theil Drive.

A private vehicle transported Howard to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was prop erly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Monday in Caldwell County..The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Honda Accord driven by Samuel F. Howard, 22, Kidder, was southbound on Route J one mile south of Kidder.The car traveled off the west side of the road twice and the front undercarriage struck an embankment.&nbsp; The car came to rest on Theil Drive.A private vehicle transported Howard to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was prop erly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after car travels off the road

A 29-year-old has died of injuries suffered in a confrontation
late Christmas evening and St. Joseph police now consider the case a homicide
investigation.

The St. Joseph Police Department identifies the victim as
Dallas Dakota Rails.

The initial report to the police department was that a
homeowner on Lakeview Avenue told police he confronted an alleged burglar
attempting to break in to his detached garage. A confrontation left Rails with
serious injuries. He was rushed to the Mosaic Life Care emergency room.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 29-year-old has died of injuries suffered in a confrontation
late Christmas evening and St. Joseph police now consider the case a homicide
investigation.The St. Joseph Police Department identifies the victim as
Dallas Dakota Rails.The initial report to the police department was that a
homeowner on Lakeview Avenue told police he confronted an alleged burglar
attempting to break in to his detached garage. A confrontation left Rails with
serious injuries. He was rushed to the Mosaic Life Care emergency room.

Man dies of injuries in St. Joseph Christmas confrontation; now considered homicide case

Buchanan County continues to visit with many community
residents as it determines how best to spend the $17 million in federal funding
coming its way through the American Rescue Plan.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County continues to visit with many community
residents as it determines how best to spend the $17 million in federal funding
coming its way through the American Rescue Plan.Presiding County Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the county is
considering allocating money to the Hillyard Technical Center in St. Joseph to
enhance its career development program.“There’s real opportunity, both for young people who are
looking to get into certain types of work and there’s a lot of opportunity for
those businesses that really want to try to expand their workforce and grow and
develop,” Sawyer says.Other possibilities, according to Sawyer, include water and sewer infrastructure and other long-term expenditures.“We just want to make sure that we get as much bang, if you
will, for the dollars that we have,” according to Sawyer. “So, we’re talking to
a lot of different folks.”Some of the folks the county has been talking to are those at
Mosaic Life Care, which has proposed locating a Children’s Discovery Center in
downtown St. Joseph. Mosaic Life Care Foundation officials say the center could occupy
between 35,000 and 50,000 square feet to incorporate core exhibits, traveling
exhibits, a space for newborns and toddlers, plus a gift shop and café. No
firm cost has been set for the center. The county is considering using as much
as $4 million from the American Rescue Plan to help finance the center. The City
of St. Joseph, which is receiving nearly $40 million in American Rescue Plan
funds, could pitch in to fund the center.Sawyer does say a lack of communication from the federal
government and incomplete guidelines have hampered the county’s efforts in
deciding how to spend the money.Sawyer says the county commission wants to focus on infrastructure
improvements.“There’s some sewer district needs at Lake Contrary and that’s
an area that we feel like fits very well with the idea behind the Rescue Plan
money, the guidance that we’ve been given,” Sawyer says.Broadband expansion might also get some funding.