PARKVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Two men have been fatally shot in northwest Missouri by another man in a dispute over firewood, police there said.

Police in Parkville said the deadly confrontation happened between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday after two men in a truck hauling a trailer of firewood met with another man at a Platte County home to sell the firewood. There was a dispute, and the men with the firewood left, Police Chief Kevin Chrisman said.

Police believe the other man then followed the truck and fired shots at both men inside, hitting them. The driver of the truck died at the scene, while the passenger was taken to a hospital, where he later died, Chrisman said.

The suspected shooter drove back to his home and called police to report the shooting, and he was later arrested, Chrisman said. Police have not released the names of the men killed or the suspect.

The Kansas City Police Department helped collect evidence at the crime scene, which was “in the middle of the road” on Highway 9 between Park University and Coffey Road, Chrisman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613058596707.png" alt="Police near the scene of the investigation Wednesday night ph oto courtesy Fox4Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the investigation Wednesday night ph oto courtesy Fox4Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>PARKVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Two men have been fatally shot in northwest Missouri by another man in a dispute over firewood, police there said.Police in Parkville said the deadly confrontation happened between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday after two men in a truck hauling a trailer of firewood met with another man at a Platte County home to sell the firewood. There was a dispute, and the men with the firewood left, Police Chief Kevin Chrisman said.Police believe the other man then followed the truck and fired shots at both men inside, hitting them. The driver of the truck died at the scene, while the passenger was taken to a hospital, where he later died, Chrisman said.The suspected shooter drove back to his home and called police to report the shooting, and he was later arrested, Chrisman said. Police have not released the names of the men killed or the suspect.The Kansas City Police Department helped collect evidence at the crime scene, which was “in the middle of the road” on Highway 9 between Park University and Coffey Road, Chrisman said.

Police: 2 fatally shot in spat over firewood

The St. Joseph Board of Education selected Rebecca Schilling as the Spring Garden Middle School principal for the 2021-22 school year.

Schilling has been the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Robidoux Middle School for six years. She received the district’s Shining Star Award last school year.

Prior to joining the St. Joseph School District, Schilling taught social studies at East Buchanan High School for 10 years and was the head softball and basketball coach as well as the supervisor for National Honor Society.

Schilling will replace Dr. Lara Gilpin who was recently selected by the Board of Education as the Benton High School principal for the 2021-22 school year. 

Schilling is in her 16th year in education and is currently completing her doctorate from Williams Woods University in Fulton, MO.

Schilling received her education specialist degree in Secondary Leadership and her M.S. in Education with an emphasis in history from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

She received her B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Public Communication from Northwest Missouri State University, where she played basketball from 1996-2001. She earned her teaching certification in secondary social studies from Northwest Missouri State as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612996015944.jpeg" alt="Rebecca Schilling." />
 <figcaption>Rebecca Schilling.</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Board of Education selected Rebecca Schilling as the Spring Garden Middle School principal for the 2021-22 school year.Schilling has been the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Robidoux Middle School for six years. She received the district’s Shining Star Award last school year.Prior to joining the St. Joseph School District, Schilling taught social studies at East Buchanan High School for 10 years and was the head softball and basketball coach as well as the supervisor for National Honor Society.Schilling will replace Dr. Lara Gilpin who was recently selected by the Board of Education as the Benton High School principal for the 2021-22 school year. Schilling is in her 16th year in education and is currently completing her doctorate from Williams Woods University in Fulton, MO.Schilling received her education specialist degree in Secondary Leadership and her M.S. in Education with an emphasis in history from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.She received her B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Public Communication from Northwest Missouri State University, where she played basketball from 1996-2001. She earned her teaching certification in secondary social studies from Northwest Missouri State as well.

Rebecca Schilling named new principal at Spring Garden Middle School

St. Joseph will retain its connection to the pancake mix and
syrup formerly known by the Aunt Jemima brand.

PepsiCo has announced the debut of the Pearl Milling Company
brand, a nod to the St. Joseph company that developed the self-rising flour
which became “Aunt Jemima Pancake Flour.” Pearl Milling Company was founded in
1888 in St. Joseph.

The Aunt Jemima brand came under fire as playing on racial
stereotypes. It first featured the image of Nancy Green, a former slave who
portrayed Aunt Jemima and served pancakes to an ever-growing crowd during the
1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The Quaker Oats Company purchased the Aunt Jemima
brand in 1925 and though it updated the image over the years, it couldn’t shake
the criticism.

PepsiCo announced in June of last year it would quit using the
Aunt Jemima name and likeness and pledged a $5 million dollar commitment to the black
community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612989999410.jpeg" alt="The new Aunt Jemima/Photo courtesy of PepsiCo" />
 <figcaption>The new Aunt Jemima/Photo courtesy of PepsiCo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph will retain its connection to the pancake mix and
syrup formerly known by the Aunt Jemima brand.PepsiCo has announced the debut of the Pearl Milling Company
brand, a nod to the St. Joseph company that developed the self-rising flour
which became “Aunt Jemima Pancake Flour.” Pearl Milling Company was founded in
1888 in St. Joseph.The Aunt Jemima brand came under fire as playing on racial
stereotypes. It first featured the image of Nancy Green, a former slave who
portrayed Aunt Jemima and served pancakes to an ever-growing crowd during the
1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The Quaker Oats Company purchased the Aunt Jemima
brand in 1925 and though it updated the image over the years, it couldn’t shake
the criticism.PepsiCo announced in June of last year it would quit using the
Aunt Jemima name and likeness and pledged a $5 million dollar commitment to the black
community.

Aunt Jemima might be leaving, but St. Joseph retains connection to brand

St. Joseph health officials report just eight new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Wednesday.

There have been 9,897 total cases in the county since the pandemic began, resulting in 157 fatalities. There hasn't been a COVID-related death in Buchanan County yet this week.

Local COVID-19 hospitalizations remain low. Mosaic Life Care reports just 14 COVID patients in its system - all are being treated in the St. Joseph hospital.

Andrew County reports four new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 1,953. They've also reported 20 virus-related fatalities.

Missouri reports an additional 867 cases (468,189 total) and 13 new deaths (7,161 total).

Since Monday, Kansas has reported 1,934 new cases (284,984 total) and 106 new deaths (4,303 total). Over 8,800 Kansans are hospitalized due to COVID complications.

Doniphan County reported 920 cases, Atchison County, KS reports 1,492 and Brown County reports 1,188 total cases of COVID-19.

More local and regional news on the coronavirus pandemic <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/coronavirus-update">here</a>.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report just eight new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Wednesday.There have been 9,897 total cases in the county since the pandemic began, resulting in 157 fatalities. There hasn't been a COVID-related death in Buchanan County yet this week.Local COVID-19 hospitalizations remain low. Mosaic Life Care reports just 14 COVID patients in its system - all are being treated in the St. Joseph hospital.Andrew County reports four new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 1,953. They've also reported 20 virus-related fatalities.Missouri reports an additional 867 cases (468,189 total) and 13 new deaths (7,161 total).Since Monday, Kansas has reported 1,934 new cases (284,984 total) and 106 new deaths (4,303 total). Over 8,800 Kansans are hospitalized due to COVID complications.Doniphan County reported 920 cases, Atchison County, KS reports 1,492 and Brown County reports 1,188 total cases of COVID-19.More local and regional news on the coronavirus pandemic <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/coronavirus-update">here</a>.

COVID-19 update - eight new cases in Buchanan County, hospitalizations steady

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts says President Joe Biden is
off-base in his assessment of the Keystone XL oil pipeline and wrong to deny TC
Energy a permit to build it.

The president followed the lead of President Barack Obama in
denying a permit to build the pipeline designed to carry crude produced from
the oil sands of western Canada to refineries in Texas, along the Gulf Coast.

Ricketts acknowledges he wasn’t surprised Biden reversed the
approval granted the pipeline by President Donald Trump.

“This is something that is, again, is just going to be bad for
the country. So, I’m not surprised,” Ricketts tells St. Joseph Post. “It’s disappointing
to see the administration is really not going to be looking at the science
around why this is important to do it or the economics about why it is
important to do it and just go to political reasons.”

The $8 billion dollar, 1,200 mile oil pipeline would have
extended from western Canada to Steele City, Nebraska. From there, it would
have connected with the existing pipeline to travel to the oil refineries along
the Gulf Coast in Texas. It is estimated it would carry more than 800,000
barrels of oil a day.

It needs a presidential permit, because it is crossing the
northern border.

The pipeline has become a political lightening rod since TC
Energy, TransCanada at the time, first proposed in 2008. Environmentalists have
rallied against it, seeing it as a symbol of the county’s reliance on oil.

A State Department report on Keystone XL first found little to
no environmental impact from the pipeline. The department reversed course
later, recommending President Obama deny the request for a presidential permit.
When Obama did decide against the project, he claimed approving it would have
undercut the United States global leadership on climate change.

Trump approved it early in his presidency, but court battles,
primarily in Nebraska, tied up the project and kept construction from
proceeding.

Ricketts rejects Biden’s statement that the pipeline would not
serve the national interest.

“It’s obviously not true,” Ricketts says. “It absolutely is in
the U.S. national interest to be able to have energy independence in North
America, to do business with one of our closest allies, Canada, to be able to
get energy from them versus getting it from the Middle East or from Russia.”

Ricketts also disagrees with Biden’s assessment that Keystone
XL would worsen greenhouse gases. Ricketts argues the crude produced from
western Canadian oil sands will be transported somehow and if taken by truck or
train, that would use more carbon than if through the pipeline.

“Because the oil will either be produced in Canada and shipped
by a way that is going to create more greenhouse gases or it’s going to be
created in countries that don’t have the same environmental regulations we do
and that will create more greenhouse gases.”

Ricketts says cancellation of Keystone XL will cost Nebraska
jobs. The governor estimates TC Energy would need between 1,000 to 2,700
construction workers with the pipeline needing 35-to-100 workers to maintain it
once operational. It is estimated the pipeline would have produced $12 million
in property tax revenue for local jurisdictions in Nebraska.

Even with all that is aligned against it after the Biden decision,
Keystone XL isn’t dead, according to Ricketts.

“I don’t believe Keystone XL pipeline is dead,” Ricketts says.
“I believe this administration is refusing to grant the permit. A future
administration could change that. And, given our energy demand in this country,
I think we’re going to continue to need things like the Keystone XL pipeline to
be able to have an all of the above energy strategy to have energy independence
here in North America.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts says President Joe Biden is
off-base in his assessment of the Keystone XL oil pipeline and wrong to deny TC
Energy a permit to build it.The president followed the lead of President Barack Obama in
denying a permit to build the pipeline designed to carry crude produced from
the oil sands of western Canada to refineries in Texas, along the Gulf Coast.Ricketts acknowledges he wasn’t surprised Biden reversed the
approval granted the pipeline by President Donald Trump.“This is something that is, again, is just going to be bad for
the country. So, I’m not surprised,” Ricketts tells St. Joseph Post. “It’s disappointing
to see the administration is really not going to be looking at the science
around why this is important to do it or the economics about why it is
important to do it and just go to political reasons.”The $8 billion dollar, 1,200 mile oil pipeline would have
extended from western Canada to Steele City, Nebraska. From there, it would
have connected with the existing pipeline to travel to the oil refineries along
the Gulf Coast in Texas. It is estimated it would carry more than 800,000
barrels of oil a day.It needs a presidential permit, because it is crossing the
northern border.The pipeline has become a political lightening rod since TC
Energy, TransCanada at the time, first proposed in 2008. Environmentalists have
rallied against it, seeing it as a symbol of the county’s reliance on oil.A State Department report on Keystone XL first found little to
no environmental impact from the pipeline. The department reversed course
later, recommending President Obama deny the request for a presidential permit.
When Obama did decide against the project, he claimed approving it would have
undercut the United States global leadership on climate change.Trump approved it early in his presidency, but court battles,
primarily in Nebraska, tied up the project and kept construction from
proceeding.Ricketts rejects Biden’s statement that the pipeline would not
serve the national interest.“It’s obviously not true,” Ricketts says. “It absolutely is in
the U.S. national interest to be able to have energy independence in North
America, to do business with one of our closest allies, Canada, to be able to
get energy from them versus getting it from the Middle East or from Russia.”Ricketts also disagrees with Biden’s assessment that Keystone
XL would worsen greenhouse gases. Ricketts argues the crude produced from
western Canadian oil sands will be transported somehow and if taken by truck or
train, that would use more carbon than if through the pipeline.Or, oil will be sought somewhere else.“Because the oil will either be produced in Canada and shipped
by a way that is going to create more greenhouse gases or it’s going to be
created in countries that don’t have the same environmental regulations we do
and that will create more greenhouse gases.”Ricketts says cancellation of Keystone XL will cost Nebraska
jobs. The governor estimates TC Energy would need between 1,000 to 2,700
construction workers with the pipeline needing 35-to-100 workers to maintain it
once operational. It is estimated the pipeline would have produced $12 million
in property tax revenue for local jurisdictions in Nebraska.Even with all that is aligned against it after the Biden decision,
Keystone XL isn’t dead, according to Ricketts.“I don’t believe Keystone XL pipeline is dead,” Ricketts says.
“I believe this administration is refusing to grant the permit. A future
administration could change that. And, given our energy demand in this country,
I think we’re going to continue to need things like the Keystone XL pipeline to
be able to have an all of the above energy strategy to have energy independence
here in North America.”

Nebraska Gov. Ricketts disappointed in Biden rejection of Keystone XL

Two people are confirmed dead after a single-engine aircraft was found crashed in Grundy County.

The Grundy County Sheriff's Office confirmed&nbsp;Tuesday night that the men killed in the crash were a father and his adult son, both from the St. Louis area.

The small plane went missing overnight Monday and was found Tuesday afternoon near the town of Galt.

The search had been focused earlier Tuesday near Humphreys in Sullivan County.

Law enforcement says an aircraft disappeared from radar around 10 p.m. Monday. The Grundy County Sheriff's office was contacted by the Sullivan County Sheriff Tuesday morning, regarding the possibility of a downed aircraft in eastern Grundy County.

Grundy County Emergency Manager Glen Briggs tells the Post a white, single-engine Cessna airplane with red stripes was en route from near Moberly and was last reported near Humphreys in rural Sullivan County on Monday afternoon.

It's believed the plane departed from Saint Louis Monday night. Authorities say it landed in Moberly before taking off for Kirksville Regional Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612906192903.jpeg" alt="A Cessna airplane. Photo via Flying Magazine." />
 <figcaption>A Cessna airplane. Photo via Flying Magazine.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostTwo people are confirmed dead after a single-engine aircraft was found crashed in Grundy County.The Grundy County Sheriff's Office confirmed&nbsp;Tuesday night that the men killed in the crash were a father and his adult son, both from the St. Louis area.The small plane went missing overnight Monday and was found Tuesday afternoon near the town of Galt.The search had been focused earlier Tuesday near Humphreys in Sullivan County.Law enforcement says an aircraft disappeared from radar around 10 p.m. Monday. The Grundy County Sheriff's office was contacted by the Sullivan County Sheriff Tuesday morning, regarding the possibility of a downed aircraft in eastern Grundy County.Grundy County Emergency Manager Glen Briggs tells the Post a white, single-engine Cessna airplane with red stripes was en route from near Moberly and was last reported near Humphreys in rural Sullivan County on Monday afternoon.It's believed the plane departed from Saint Louis Monday night. Authorities say it landed in Moberly before taking off for Kirksville Regional Airport.The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.<div><div id="fb-root"></div>
<script async defer crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v9.0" nonce="8pwPjM3c"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/grundycountymoema/posts/3735869349802035" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/grundycountymoema/posts/3735869349802035" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">The plane has been located.

Thanks to all the searches.

No additional information at this time.Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/grundycountymoema/">Grundy County Missouri Emergency Management</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/grundycountymoema/posts/3735869349802035">Tuesday, February 9, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>

Two confirmed dead after aircraft found crashed in Grundy County

The weather is not getting better any time soon.

District Engineer Chris Redline for Missouri Department of Transportation says bitter cold temperatures makes it difficult for MoDOT to clear roads properly. . .

"They're calling for snow Wednesday through Saturday and these temperatures are going to be really low, Redline tells St. Joseph Post. "They get really low towards the weekend to and so it's just gonna make it that much harder for us to remove the snow from the road." 

With below freezing temperatures all week, the MoDOT cautions drivers to watch out for slick roads. 

Redline says the aftermath of our current weather conditions cause salts and products used to thaw roads not to work as well as they normally would. . . 

"The aftermath is very difficult because the temperatures drop so low, our chemicals just don't work very well," says Redline. 

The Missouri Department of Transportation encourages drivers to pack some supplies in their vehicles during these below freezing temperatures. 

Redline says to make sure to have jumper cables in case your car doesn't start or dies. It is good to have other essentials available in your car. 

"Be sure to bring plenty of warm stuff if you have to travel, a little bit of food, a little bit of water," says Redline. 

Redline says to plan your trip if you have to go out and check MoDOT's Travel Information Map.  

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostThe weather is not getting better any time soon.District Engineer Chris Redline for Missouri Department of Transportation says bitter cold temperatures makes it difficult for MoDOT to clear roads properly. . ."They're calling for snow Wednesday through Saturday and these temperatures are going to be really low, Redline tells St. Joseph Post. "They get really low towards the weekend to and so it's just gonna make it that much harder for us to remove the snow from the road." With below freezing temperatures all week, the MoDOT cautions drivers to watch out for slick roads. Redline says the aftermath of our current weather conditions cause salts and products used to thaw roads not to work as well as they normally would. . . "The aftermath is very difficult because the temperatures drop so low, our chemicals just don't work very well," says Redline. The Missouri Department of Transportation encourages drivers to pack some supplies in their vehicles during these below freezing temperatures. Redline says to make sure to have jumper cables in case your car doesn't start or dies. It is good to have other essentials available in your car. "Be sure to bring plenty of warm stuff if you have to travel, a little bit of food, a little bit of water," says Redline. Redline says to plan your trip if you have to go out and check MoDOT's Travel Information Map.

Bitter cold weather ahead

HOLT COUNTY—Two people avoided serious injury after a violent crash just after noon Tuesday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Colorado driven by Heidi N. Blacketer, 39, Savannah, was northbound on MO 111 just north of U.S. 59, city limits of Big Lake.

The driver attempted to pass another vehicle. The pickup traveled off the road, struck the entrance to a driveway, became airborne and overturned.

Blacketer and a 17-year-old passenger from Craig refused medical treatment at the scene. They were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY—Two people avoided serious injury after a violent crash just after noon Tuesday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Colorado driven by Heidi N. Blacketer, 39, Savannah, was northbound on MO 111 just north of U.S. 59, city limits of Big Lake.The driver attempted to pass another vehicle. The pickup traveled off the road, struck the entrance to a driveway, became airborne and overturned.Blacketer and a 17-year-old passenger from Craig refused medical treatment at the scene. They were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

2 avoid serious injury after violent pickup crash

St. Joseph health officials report just nine new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Tuesday with no additional deaths.

The county has seen 9,889 total cases and 157 virus-related fatalities.

The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations at Mosaic Life Care continues to go down. There are just 15 patients being treated with COVID complications in the Mosaic system - all of whom are in St. Joseph.

Andrew County has reported no new cases or fatalities due to COVID-19 Tuesday. The county has seen 1,949 total cases and 20 fatalities due to virus complications.

Statewide, Missouri reports 649 new cases (467,313 total) and five new deaths (7,148 total) Tuesday.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 918 total cases. Statewide, Kansas has reports 282,960 total cases and 4,197 total deaths related to COVID-19.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report just nine new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Tuesday with no additional deaths.The county has seen 9,889 total cases and 157 virus-related fatalities.The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations at Mosaic Life Care continues to go down. There are just 15 patients being treated with COVID complications in the Mosaic system - all of whom are in St. Joseph.Andrew County has reported no new cases or fatalities due to COVID-19 Tuesday. The county has seen 1,949 total cases and 20 fatalities due to virus complications.Statewide, Missouri reports 649 new cases (467,313 total) and five new deaths (7,148 total) Tuesday.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 918 total cases. Statewide, Kansas has reports 282,960 total cases and 4,197 total deaths related to COVID-19.

New COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations continue to drop in Buchanan County

St. Joseph fire crews battled a house fire near 17th and Colhoun on Tuesday afternoon.

An abandoned brick house was reported on fire just after 1 p.m. and was fully engulfed by the time crews arrived.

Two occupied, adjacent houses, one to the north and one to the south, also caught fire, but inspector Mindy Andrasevits says damage to the occupied homes was minimal.

"While they worked to put the fire out, they really wanted to protect the two occupied structures," Andrasevits told the Post on scene. "And they did that. Both structures were saved with little damage."

Andrasevits says people in the neighboring houses got out safely and without injury.

The abandoned house has been deemed a total loss. The blaze was almost fully out by 2:40 p.m. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

Andrasevits says battling a blaze in such bitterly cold conditions creates challenges.

"Everything just turns to ice immediately," she says. "It's dangerous. So, they have to be really careful with that."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612905451755.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Fire crews battle a house fire at 17th and Colhoun on Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Fire crews battle a house fire at 17th and Colhoun on Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph fire crews battled a house fire near 17th and Colhoun on Tuesday afternoon.An abandoned brick house was reported on fire just after 1 p.m. and was fully engulfed by the time crews arrived.Two occupied, adjacent houses, one to the north and one to the south, also caught fire, but inspector Mindy Andrasevits says damage to the occupied homes was minimal."While they worked to put the fire out, they really wanted to protect the two occupied structures," Andrasevits told the Post on scene. "And they did that. Both structures were saved with little damage."Andrasevits says people in the neighboring houses got out safely and without injury.The abandoned house has been deemed a total loss. The blaze was almost fully out by 2:40 p.m. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.Andrasevits says battling a blaze in such bitterly cold conditions creates challenges."Everything just turns to ice immediately," she says. "It's dangerous. So, they have to be really careful with that."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612905483580.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Fire crews battle a house fire at 17th and Colhoun on Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Fire crews battle a house fire at 17th and Colhoun on Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>

St. Joseph Fire crews battle house fire at 17th and Colhoun Tuesday, no one hurt

And, it isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

Meteorologist Dan Holiday with The Storm Report says an arctic
air mass has taken a dive south out of Canada and settled in over the Midwest.

“It just happened that this arctic air mass got dislodged from
Canada. It moved down into the Midwest and eventually sunk further south. A lot
of that is due to the jet stream, which plays into the pattern,” Holiday tells
St. Joseph Post. “And because of that, we need something to move it out and the
problem is there’s nothing to move it back out of where it is now for quite some
time.”

Holiday doesn’t expect much snow to come with the bitter cold
temperatures. The weather forecast does hold out the possibility of snow on
Friday and Saturday. Otherwise, cloudy skies and cold temperatures dominate.

Holiday says the high might not reach the freezing mark until
the 19th or 20th.

“But just the long-range outlook shows that it may be around the
21st of February before we see anything above freezing,” according
to Holiday. “So, this is going to be a long-duration, very cold event.”

Lows are expected to dip below zero beginning on Thursday
night which is forecast at present to have a low of -3 degrees. It could be -5
Friday night with the possibility of the low dipping down to -14 Saturday
night.

Holiday says this arctic blast from Canada, which is bringing
these bitter cold temperatures, will remain until something pushes it out, probably
in about two weeks.

“So, there will be a system that will likely come in and help
sort of lift this on up to the north again, I would say by February 21st,
22nd and we will see temperatures back in the low to mid-30s, but
even then, they’re still going to be running a little below normal for this time
of year.”

These temperatures are well below normal for this time of year
as much as 30 to 35 degrees below normal. Holiday says, typically, the high
temperature this time of year is around 40 degrees.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBitter cold has moved into our area.And, it isn’t going anywhere any time soon.Meteorologist Dan Holiday with The Storm Report says an arctic
air mass has taken a dive south out of Canada and settled in over the Midwest.“It just happened that this arctic air mass got dislodged from
Canada. It moved down into the Midwest and eventually sunk further south. A lot
of that is due to the jet stream, which plays into the pattern,” Holiday tells
St. Joseph Post. “And because of that, we need something to move it out and the
problem is there’s nothing to move it back out of where it is now for quite some
time.”Holiday doesn’t expect much snow to come with the bitter cold
temperatures. The weather forecast does hold out the possibility of snow on
Friday and Saturday. Otherwise, cloudy skies and cold temperatures dominate.Holiday says the high might not reach the freezing mark until
the 19th or 20th.“But just the long-range outlook shows that it may be around the
21st of February before we see anything above freezing,” according
to Holiday. “So, this is going to be a long-duration, very cold event.”Lows are expected to dip below zero beginning on Thursday
night which is forecast at present to have a low of -3 degrees. It could be -5
Friday night with the possibility of the low dipping down to -14 Saturday
night.Holiday says this arctic blast from Canada, which is bringing
these bitter cold temperatures, will remain until something pushes it out, probably
in about two weeks.“So, there will be a system that will likely come in and help
sort of lift this on up to the north again, I would say by February 21st,
22nd and we will see temperatures back in the low to mid-30s, but
even then, they’re still going to be running a little below normal for this time
of year.”These temperatures are well below normal for this time of year
as much as 30 to 35 degrees below normal. Holiday says, typically, the high
temperature this time of year is around 40 degrees.

Bitter cold moves in; won't move out for a couple of weeks

The city of St. Joseph will have a mask mandate for at least another two months.

The St. Joseph City Council passed a resolution Monday night to extend the city's mask mandate by 60 days, which would stretch it just beyond Easter Sunday, which falls on April 4.

The mandate, which was first issued in July, was set to expire Sunday.

Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner recommended the mandate be extended by 120 days into early June.

"It gets us out of flu season," Dr. Turner said. "It gives us the time to have vaccinated a much larger population along with those who've already had the illness. By then, we'd be in Tier 3 (of vaccinations) and it gets us past Memorial Day."

Phase 1b - Tier 3 in Missouri includes education and childcare workers, government employees, people working in the energy and communications sector and more.

Councilmember Kent O'Dell was the first to express interest in a 60-day extension, while councilmember P.J. Kovac made a motion to extend the mandate by just 30 days. Councilmember Gary Roach seconded.

"We need to give the public something positive to look at," Roach said. "I'd prefer zero, but I'd only go up to 30 at this point."

"I think 30 days (is good)," Novak said, "and then we can keep evaluating it as we move forward."

The motion to extend the mask mandate by just 30 days failed by a 5-4 vote.

Right after, councilmember Bryan Myers motioned to extend the mandate by 60 days. Councilmember Russel Moore seconded.

"If the medical community and health department say in 45 days from now we should extend it beyond the 60 days, I think we should do it at that point in time," Myers interjected.

The motion to extend the mask mandate by 60 days in St. Joseph passed with a 7-2 margin - Roach and councilmember Madison Davis were the dissenting votes.

The council then voted 5-4 on a resolution to resume in-person city council meetings immediately, with the next one set for Feb. 22.

This includes regular and special meetings.

Councilmembers Roach, Brenda Blessing, Kovac and Moore voted to keep meetings virtual.

Davis sponsored the resolution to resume in-person meetings at the city council chambers.

"There's times that we can discuss things in a special meeting or a regular city council meeting on Zoom, and there's times that we can't," Davis said. "Sometimes, it has to be an in-person meeting. We're doing a disservice to our citizens by postponing projects continuously.

"It's time for us to meet in person, show up, do the work we were elected to do and stop meeting virtually."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1570205199615.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph City Council meetings will resume in-person at the council chambers in city hall on Feb. 22." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph City Council meetings will resume in-person at the council chambers in city hall on Feb. 22.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe city of St. Joseph will have a mask mandate for at least another two months.The St. Joseph City Council passed a resolution Monday night to extend the city's mask mandate by 60 days, which would stretch it just beyond Easter Sunday, which falls on April 4.The mandate, which was first issued in July, was set to expire Sunday.Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner recommended the mandate be extended by 120 days into early June."It gets us out of flu season," Dr. Turner said. "It gives us the time to have vaccinated a much larger population along with those who've already had the illness. By then, we'd be in Tier 3 (of vaccinations) and it gets us past Memorial Day."Phase 1b - Tier 3 in Missouri includes education and childcare workers, government employees, people working in the energy and communications sector and more.Councilmember Kent O'Dell was the first to express interest in a 60-day extension, while councilmember P.J. Kovac made a motion to extend the mandate by just 30 days. Councilmember Gary Roach seconded."We need to give the public something positive to look at," Roach said. "I'd prefer zero, but I'd only go up to 30 at this point."Councilmember Marty Novak agreed."I think 30 days (is good)," Novak said, "and then we can keep evaluating it as we move forward."The motion to extend the mask mandate by just 30 days failed by a 5-4 vote.Right after, councilmember Bryan Myers motioned to extend the mandate by 60 days. Councilmember Russel Moore seconded."If the medical community and health department say in 45 days from now we should extend it beyond the 60 days, I think we should do it at that point in time," Myers interjected.The motion to extend the mask mandate by 60 days in St. Joseph passed with a 7-2 margin - Roach and councilmember Madison Davis were the dissenting votes.The council then voted 5-4 on a resolution to resume in-person city council meetings immediately, with the next one set for Feb. 22.This includes regular and special meetings.Councilmembers Roach, Brenda Blessing, Kovac and Moore voted to keep meetings virtual.Davis sponsored the resolution to resume in-person meetings at the city council chambers."There's times that we can discuss things in a special meeting or a regular city council meeting on Zoom, and there's times that we can't," Davis said. "Sometimes, it has to be an in-person meeting. We're doing a disservice to our citizens by postponing projects continuously."It's time for us to meet in person, show up, do the work we were elected to do and stop meeting virtually."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph City Council extends mask mandate by 60 days, will resume in-person meetings

St. Joseph health officials report 39 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday - 28 of those were reported Monday. There were no new COVID-related fatalities reported in Buchanan County over the weekend.

The county now reports 9,880 total cases, resulting in 157 fatalities. The positivity rate in Buchanan County has also dropped to 7.4 percent.

COVID-19 vaccinations continue to go up, with 7,138 Buchanan County residents getting their first dose and 5,548 of those receiving their second dose to date.

Meanwhile, Mosaic Life Care reports only 19 coronavirus patients in its system - all of whom are being treated in St. Joseph. 

Andrew County health officials report one new death, bringing its total to 20 with 1,949 total cases. Grundy County reports three additional deaths since Friday, putting their pandemic death toll at 39.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 918 total cases - that’s up five since Friday. Statewide,&nbsp;Kansas has seen 1,398 new cases (282,960 total) and 96 (4,197 total) more deaths since Friday.

Missouri reports more than 2,220 new cases over the weekend (466,664 total) with an additional 13 fatalities (7,143 total).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611966312972.jpeg" alt="The former Gordman's at the East Hills Shopping Center has been transformed into a mass vaccination site. A little more than 100 people have been vaccinated per day at this site. Photo by Whitnee Ice." />
 <figcaption>The former Gordman's at the East Hills Shopping Center has been transformed into a mass vaccination site. A little more than 100 people have been vaccinated per day at this site. Photo by Whitnee Ice.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 39 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday - 28 of those were reported Monday. There were no new COVID-related fatalities reported in Buchanan County over the weekend.The county now reports 9,880 total cases, resulting in 157 fatalities. The positivity rate in Buchanan County has also dropped to 7.4 percent.COVID-19 vaccinations continue to go up, with 7,138 Buchanan County residents getting their first dose and 5,548 of those receiving their second dose to date.Meanwhile, Mosaic Life Care reports only 19 coronavirus patients in its system - all of whom are being treated in St. Joseph. Andrew County health officials report one new death, bringing its total to 20 with 1,949 total cases. Grundy County reports three additional deaths since Friday, putting their pandemic death toll at 39.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 918 total cases - that’s up five since Friday. Statewide,&nbsp;Kansas has seen 1,398 new cases (282,960 total) and 96 (4,197 total) more deaths since Friday.Missouri reports more than 2,220 new cases over the weekend (466,664 total) with an additional 13 fatalities (7,143 total).

Over 7,100 Buchanan County residents have gotten first dose of COVID vaccine to date

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Monday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Chevy pickup driven by Joshua S. Rauber, 37, Cameron, was wesbound on U.S. 36 one mile south of Kidder.

The driver lost control of the vehicle and spun out into a ditch.

Caldwell County EMS transported a passenger Leda J. Powell, 20, Cameron, to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Rauber was not injured. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Monday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Chevy pickup driven by Joshua S. Rauber, 37, Cameron, was wesbound on U.S. 36 one mile south of Kidder.The driver lost control of the vehicle and spun out into a ditch.Caldwell County EMS transported a passenger Leda J. Powell, 20, Cameron, to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Rauber was not injured. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Cameron woman hospitalized after pickup lands in ditch

New cases and hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to fall.

Mosaic Life Care reports only 19 coronavirus patients in its
system as of Sunday morning, all being treated in St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph Health Department reported only 24 new cases in
its last report on Friday. Buchanan County has recorded a total of 9,841 cases since the coronavirus pandemic began, resulting in 157 deaths.

Andrew County health officials report one new death, bringing
its total to 20 with 1,949 total cases.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 913 total cases.

Missouri health officials report around 466,664 COVID-19
cases statewide with 7,143 deaths.

Kansas health officials report deaths statewide have exceeded
4,101 with 281,562 total cases.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNew cases and hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to fall.Mosaic Life Care reports only 19 coronavirus patients in its
system as of Sunday morning, all being treated in St. Joseph.The St. Joseph Health Department reported only 24 new cases in
its last report on Friday. Buchanan County has recorded a total of 9,841 cases since the coronavirus pandemic began, resulting in 157 deaths.Andrew County health officials report one new death, bringing
its total to 20 with 1,949 total cases.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 913 total cases.Missouri health officials report around 466,664 COVID-19
cases statewide with 7,143 deaths.Kansas health officials report deaths statewide have exceeded
4,101 with 281,562 total cases.

New COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations continue to fall

This time of year, can turn dangerous…and turn dangerous quickly…if safety is not taken into account.  

The American Red Cross says taking time to properly prepare can keep you safe on these bitterly cold winter days.   

Red Cross spokesperson Angie Springs says different safety measures are needed if you are going to use additional forms of heat to warm your home. . .

“I want to remind people of that three feet rule with a space heater. Make sure that there is nothing with in a three feet circumference around that. If their not in their room with the space heater, make sure you unplug it. Turn it off and unplug it when you’re not in that room. We also want to make sure people are safe if they are also burning wood in the fire place. Again, never leave it unattended. Make sure you have a safety screen in front of it, again to help from those embers from coming out.”  

Springs says it’s important to stay safe in your home, but also important to make sure your neighbors are safe as well. . .

“Make sure as the temperatures are dropping and it gets cold out, that you’re checking on those  neighbors especially the elderly, those perhaps living alone, people perhaps with disabilities, and maybe even those with children. That, again, as we see that school’s been out, we want to make sure that just everyone is staying safe. Kids are home for longer hours when school is canceled or maybe they’re doing remote learning and it’s, again just a time to check on our neighbors, make sure that everyone is safe.” 

It’s important to make sure pets have what they need to stay warm. . .

“We also want to make sure that our four legged friends are also safe, so bring your pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure that they have a warm shelter outside. Make sure that they have access to fresh water so that they're able to get something to drink."

Spring says to take safety precautions when out on the roads as well. . .

"Make sure that you have a disaster supplies kit in your car in the event that you were to get stuck along side the road. Make sure also that you have a blanket in your car. Make sure you have an ice scraper. That's something that's very important right now and also make sure that you're keeping your electronic devices charged, so that away when you leave home, even though most of us have the ability to charge them in our car, make sure that it's fully charged when you leave incase you do need to call somebody to come assist you." 

Spring suggests downloading the Red Cross emergency App. . .

"Another great tool for people to have right now is the American Red Cross Emergency App. This is free to download and it is a great way for you to keep on track with what is going on around the nation with emergencies. It will give you winter weather notifications that come through. You can also monitor areas outside of where you live, so lets say you have family that live in a different part of the state and you want to make sure they are staying safe too, you can actually monitor their zip code too. It's free and it could potentially save your life."

For more information on staying safe during the winter months, visit The American Red Cross website; <a href="https://www.redcross.org/">redcross.org. </a>

By WHITNEE ICE St. Joseph Post This time of year, can turn dangerous…and turn dangerous quickly…if safety is not taken into account. The American Red Cross says taking time to properly prepare can keep you safe on these bitterly cold winter days. Red Cross spokesperson Angie Springs says different safety measures are needed if you are going to use additional forms of heat to warm your home. . .“I want to remind people of that three feet rule with a space heater. Make sure that there is nothing with in a three feet circumference around that. If their not in their room with the space heater, make sure you unplug it. Turn it off and unplug it when you’re not in that room. We also want to make sure people are safe if they are also burning wood in the fire place. Again, never leave it unattended. Make sure you have a safety screen in front of it, again to help from those embers from coming out.” Springs says it’s important to stay safe in your home, but also important to make sure your neighbors are safe as well. . .“Make sure as the temperatures are dropping and it gets cold out, that you’re checking on those neighbors especially the elderly, those perhaps living alone, people perhaps with disabilities, and maybe even those with children. That, again, as we see that school’s been out, we want to make sure that just everyone is staying safe. Kids are home for longer hours when school is canceled or maybe they’re doing remote learning and it’s, again just a time to check on our neighbors, make sure that everyone is safe.” It’s important to make sure pets have what they need to stay warm. . .“We also want to make sure that our four legged friends are also safe, so bring your pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure that they have a warm shelter outside. Make sure that they have access to fresh water so that they're able to get something to drink."Spring says to take safety precautions when out on the roads as well. . ."Make sure that you have a disaster supplies kit in your car in the event that you were to get stuck along side the road. Make sure also that you have a blanket in your car. Make sure you have an ice scraper. That's something that's very important right now and also make sure that you're keeping your electronic devices charged, so that away when you leave home, even though most of us have the ability to charge them in our car, make sure that it's fully charged when you leave incase you do need to call somebody to come assist you." Spring suggests downloading the Red Cross emergency App. . ."Another great tool for people to have right now is the American Red Cross Emergency App. This is free to download and it is a great way for you to keep on track with what is going on around the nation with emergencies. It will give you winter weather notifications that come through. You can also monitor areas outside of where you live, so lets say you have family that live in a different part of the state and you want to make sure they are staying safe too, you can actually monitor their zip code too. It's free and it could potentially save your life."For more information on staying safe during the winter months, visit The American Red Cross website; <a href="https://www.redcross.org/">redcross.org. </a>

Winter weather is dangerous if safety precautions aren't taken

CLINTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Toyota Corolla driven by Jurell P. Medina, 26, Kansas City, was eastbound on MO 116 one mile east of Lathrop.&nbsp;

The vehicle was traveling too fast for conditions. The Toyota began to spin and slid into the path of a westbound on 2009 Chevy Silverado driven by Wendell D. Segar, 47, Polo. The Toyota struck the Chevy head-on.

Tri-County Ambulance transported Medina to Liberty Hospital. Cameron Ambulance transported a passenger in the Toyota Nezareth M. Viramontes, 37, Kansas City, to Liberty Hospital. Segar was not injured.&nbsp; The MSHP did not have complete seat belt information.

CLINTON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Toyota Corolla driven by Jurell P. Medina, 26, Kansas City, was eastbound on MO 116 one mile east of Lathrop.&nbsp;The vehicle was traveling too fast for conditions. The Toyota began to spin and slid into the path of a westbound on 2009 Chevy Silverado driven by Wendell D. Segar, 47, Polo. The Toyota struck the Chevy head-on.Tri-County Ambulance transported Medina to Liberty Hospital. Cameron Ambulance transported a passenger in the Toyota Nezareth M. Viramontes, 37, Kansas City, to Liberty Hospital. Segar was not injured.&nbsp; The MSHP did not have complete seat belt information.

2 hospitalized after NW Missouri head-on crash

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Nissan Kicks driven by Spencer C. Mellow, 20, Palm Coast, FL., was westbound on U.S. 36 ten miles east of Chillicothe.&nbsp;

The vehicle began to slide and rear-ended a 2014 Volkswagen Passat driven by Nick S. Hansen, 44, Chillicothe. The Volkswagen traveled off the road and overturned.

Chillicothe EMS transported Hansen to Hedrick Medical Center. Mellow was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Nissan Kicks driven by Spencer C. Mellow, 20, Palm Coast, FL., was westbound on U.S. 36 ten miles east of Chillicothe.&nbsp;The vehicle began to slide and rear-ended a 2014 Volkswagen Passat driven by Nick S. Hansen, 44, Chillicothe. The Volkswagen traveled off the road and overturned.Chillicothe EMS transported Hansen to Hedrick Medical Center. Mellow was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after rear-end crash

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Sunday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Cobalt driven by Karen L. Pender, 48, Omaha, was southbound on Interstate 29 five miles south of Mound City.

The vehicle attempted to pass a semi and rear-ended a 2010 International MODOT truck that was plowing snow in the passing lane.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Pender to Fairfax Community Hospital. The MODOT driver Brenten W. Hughes, 32, Forest City, was not injured. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Sunday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Cobalt driven by Karen L. Pender, 48, Omaha, was southbound on Interstate 29 five miles south of Mound City.The vehicle attempted to pass a semi and rear-ended a 2010 International MODOT truck that was plowing snow in the passing lane.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Pender to Fairfax Community Hospital. The MODOT driver Brenten W. Hughes, 32, Forest City, was not injured. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

1 hospitalized after car rear-ends MODOT snow plow truck

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford Fiesta driven by Cheyanne A. Libert, 54, St. George, UT., was northbound on Route K five miles south of Savannah.

The vehicle attempted to turn northbound onto Interstate 29 and struck the concrete barrier.

Andrew County EMS transported Libert to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Sunday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford Fiesta driven by Cheyanne A. Libert, 54, St. George, UT., was northbound on Route K five miles south of Savannah.The vehicle attempted to turn northbound onto Interstate 29 and struck the concrete barrier.Andrew County EMS transported Libert to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Woman hospitalized after car strikes concrete barrier

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Saturday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Chevy Silverado driven by Robert W. Skipper, 44, Chillicothe, was southbound on Route A eight miles north of Chillicothe.

The driver lost control of the pickup. It left the road and rolled.&nbsp; Livingston Co. ambulance transported Skipper to Hedrick Medical Center. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Saturday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Chevy Silverado driven by Robert W. Skipper, 44, Chillicothe, was southbound on Route A eight miles north of Chillicothe.The driver lost control of the pickup. It left the road and rolled.&nbsp; Livingston Co. ambulance transported Skipper to Hedrick Medical Center. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after pickup rolls

The St. Joseph Police Department, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt and the Missouri State Highway Patrol announced Saturday that a successful human trafficking operation was completed late Friday night at two St. Joseph truck stops – Bucky’s and Love’s Travel Stop.

The joint operation, organized by St. Joseph Police, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Attorney General’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, resulted in three arrests, with an additional arrest pending, and the rescue of six adult victims – five female and one male.

Two children, a two-year-old and an infant, were also rescued. The victims were offered food, lodging, onsite medical services, counseling/therapy and drug rehabilitation.

St. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Police Department, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt and the Missouri State Highway Patrol announced Saturday that a successful human trafficking operation was completed late Friday night at two St. Joseph truck stops – Bucky’s and Love’s Travel Stop.The joint operation, organized by St. Joseph Police, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Attorney General’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, resulted in three arrests, with an additional arrest pending, and the rescue of six adult victims – five female and one male.Two children, a two-year-old and an infant, were also rescued. The victims were offered food, lodging, onsite medical services, counseling/therapy and drug rehabilitation.“Last night, my Office’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, in coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, conducted a successful human trafficking operation at two truck stops in St. Joseph, resulting in 6 victims and 2 children being rescued and 3 arrests,” said Attorney General Schmitt in a release.“This operation was successful because of cooperation between my Office, the St. Joseph Police Department, the state highway patrol, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, and 13 other agencies and departments. This unprecedented success should send clear a message to traffickers: you are not welcome in Missouri, and you can’t hide any longer.”The Attorney General’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force consists of law enforcement and victim service providers from around the state working together to combat human trafficking, rescue victims and making communities safer.In all, 16 agencies participated in the operation, including St. Joseph Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Attorney General’s Office, Kansas City Police Department, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals, Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole, State Parks and others.Further details about the operation cannot be released at this time, as the investigation is ongoing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612626481308.jpeg" alt="A photo from Friday night's operation, courtesy of the Missouri Attorney General's Office." />
 <figcaption>A photo from Friday night's operation, courtesy of the Missouri Attorney General's Office.</figcaption>
 </figure>