MAYSVILLE - Teresa McDonald works as the administrator for the Tri-County Health Department, which covers Worth, Gentry and DeKalb counties in Missouri.

She's also one of just three registered nurses covering the more than 21,000 people who live in this are a.

"We do have a very small team to cover three counties," McDonald said. "So, it's a lot of leg work. It's tight even before you go into pandemic mode."

Due to this staff shortage, and an overwhelming interest in the COVID-19 vaccine, the Tri-County Health Department created a vaccine waiting list to help streamline the process.

"It allows me to sort through the people who are calling in by the category they fall in on the state (priority) list," McDonald said. "It allows me to see where they're located and know what town to set a clinic up in. It allows me to be able to know how many vaccines to order."

Tri-County Health ordered a little more than 100 doses of the Pfizer vaccine for people in Phase 1a - medical personnel and residents of long-term care facilities. About 110 of those people were vaccinated this past Tuesday, and another 110 are set to get the vaccine this coming Tuesday (January 19), including first responders as well.

On Thursday, the state of Missouri announced changes to its vaccine plans. Specifically, the activation of Phase 1b, starting Monday. This includes people over age 65, high-risk individuals and first responders.

This plan was announced after Tri-County Health had already placed their second order of vaccines. That order was only for people in Phase 1a.

The Center for Disease Control requires any entity providing COVID-19 vaccines in Missouri to be registered with the state. It's also the state who decides what people fall under which tier, which ultimately dictates where people land on the vaccine priority list.

McDonald says this makes planning at the local level highly difficult.

"When the state made that change, it happened after I had placed my order," McDonald said. "There's a waiting period after your order and a waiting period after you make your distribution agreement with other counties. So, it makes it hard to order the correct amount and hard to determine when you're going to start those vaccination clinics."

With sudden changes announced, and a growing demand for the vaccine, McDonald started a waiting list for the Tri-County area. Those who fall in the Phase 1a or 1b category can call Tri-County to fill out a questionnaire.

"We get their name, age, phone number, what town they live in and occupation," McDonald said, "as well as any conditions that would put them in a high-risk category. Then, they're color coated (on a spreadsheet) whether they fall under Phase 1a, 1b, Tier 1 or 2, and so on."

The Tri-County Health Department's small staff has been spread thin during this pandemic, as have countless other health departments across rural America.

The battle against COVID is not over, but for McDonald and residents of the Tri-County area, the vaccine waiting list can provide some organization and clarity as the vaccine continues to be rolled out.

"I have 812 people on this waiting list (as of Friday)," McDonald said. "That does not count other people like the caregivers we just finished vaccinating this week. The first responders will be taken care of next week."

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

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMAYSVILLE - Teresa McDonald works as the administrator for the Tri-County Health Department, which covers Worth, Gentry and DeKalb counties in Missouri.She's also one of just three registered nurses covering the more than 21,000 people who live in this are a."We do have a very small team to cover three counties," McDonald said. "So, it's a lot of leg work. It's tight even before you go into pandemic mode."Due to this staff shortage, and an overwhelming interest in the COVID-19 vaccine, the Tri-County Health Department created a vaccine waiting list to help streamline the process."It allows me to sort through the people who are calling in by the category they fall in on the state (priority) list," McDonald said. "It allows me to see where they're located and know what town to set a clinic up in. It allows me to be able to know how many vaccines to order."Tri-County Health ordered a little more than 100 doses of the Pfizer vaccine for people in Phase 1a - medical personnel and residents of long-term care facilities. About 110 of those people were vaccinated this past Tuesday, and another 110 are set to get the vaccine this coming Tuesday (January 19), including first responders as well.On Thursday, the state of Missouri announced changes to its vaccine plans. Specifically, the activation of Phase 1b, starting Monday. This includes people over age 65, high-risk individuals and first responders.This plan was announced after Tri-County Health had already placed their second order of vaccines. That order was only for people in Phase 1a.The Center for Disease Control requires any entity providing COVID-19 vaccines in Missouri to be registered with the state. It's also the state who decides what people fall under which tier, which ultimately dictates where people land on the vaccine priority list.McDonald says this makes planning at the local level highly difficult."When the state made that change, it happened after I had placed my order," McDonald said. "There's a waiting period after your order and a waiting period after you make your distribution agreement with other counties. So, it makes it hard to order the correct amount and hard to determine when you're going to start those vaccination clinics."With sudden changes announced, and a growing demand for the vaccine, McDonald started a waiting list for the Tri-County area. Those who fall in the Phase 1a or 1b category can call Tri-County to fill out a questionnaire."We get their name, age, phone number, what town they live in and occupation," McDonald said, "as well as any conditions that would put them in a high-risk category. Then, they're color coated (on a spreadsheet) whether they fall under Phase 1a, 1b, Tier 1 or 2, and so on."The Tri-County Health Department's small staff has been spread thin during this pandemic, as have countless other health departments across rural America.The battle against COVID is not over, but for McDonald and residents of the Tri-County area, the vaccine waiting list can provide some organization and clarity as the vaccine continues to be rolled out."I have 812 people on this waiting list (as of Friday)," McDonald said. "That does not count other people like the caregivers we just finished vaccinating this week. The first responders will be taken care of next week."<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="fbDX0ceV"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/posts/3773884509334666" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/posts/3773884509334666" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">Good morning! Due to an overwhelming interest in COVID-19 vaccine we are going to try something new. Below are two...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/">Tri-County Health Department</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/posts/3773884509334666">Thursday, January 14, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Tri-County Health Department, staffed by just three nurses, creates COVID vaccine waiting list

MARYVILLE- Nodaway County Jail staff reported a fire in a men’s jail cell Thursday evening that prompted evacuations.

According to a Facebook post from the Nodaway County Sheriff's office, jailers began moving inmates from the jail with assistance from Maryville and Northwest Missouri State University Police.

The Maryville Fire Department quickly got the fire under control.  There were no reported injuries.   The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Due to fire, smoke and water damage, the Nodaway County Jail will be closed until further notice.  The inmates have been moved to the Andrew and Buchanan County Jails.

MARYVILLE- Nodaway County Jail staff reported a fire in a men’s jail cell Thursday evening that prompted evacuations.According to a Facebook post from the Nodaway County Sheriff's office, jailers began moving inmates from the jail with assistance from Maryville and Northwest Missouri State University Police.The Maryville Fire Department quickly got the fire under control. There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.Due to fire, smoke and water damage, the Nodaway County Jail will be closed until further notice. The inmates have been moved to the Andrew and Buchanan County Jails.<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="zpokpr57"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/Nodawaycountysheriffsoffice/posts/2847997342188582" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/Nodawaycountysheriffsoffice/posts/2847997342188582" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">FIRE

On Thursday, January 14, 2021, at about 7:57 pm, Nodaway County Jail staff reported a fire originating in a men’s...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Nodawaycountysheriffsoffice/">Nodaway County Sheriff&#039;s Office</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Nodawaycountysheriffsoffice/posts/2847997342188582">Friday, January 15, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>

No one injured in Nodaway County Jail fire, inmates taken to neighboring counties

Strong winds continues gust across a large portion of the Central Plains, with snow now mixing in.

This has prompted Blizzard Warnings for portions of northwest Missouri, including Maryville and Rock Port, until Friday evening. The rest of northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas are in a Winter Weather Advisory until 6 p.m. Friday.&nbsp;

National Weather Service meteorologist Taylor Nicolaisen says the forecast has changed quickly over the last couple of days.

"It's been this ramp-up over the last 36 hours or so and it's getting uglier," Nicolaisen said. "We're expecting blizzard conditions, based on the fact the winds will be so strong. Because of that, the visibility is going to be really reduced.

"We don't like to use the term 'blizzard conditions' all that much, but that's what we're expecting. White-out conditions at times and visibility impacted for at least a few hours."

Nicolaisen, who works out of the NWS office in Omaha/Valley, NE, says&nbsp; the worst impacts occurred during the Friday morning commute, with blizzard conditions occurring off and on throughout the day.

Snow totals across the northwest Missouri region are expected to be in the 2-4 inch range.

Snow is expected to taper off and move out of the area by Friday evening, but travel during the day Friday is highly discouraged.

"Boy, it doesn't take much snow to fall in a 50 mph wind gust to white things out in a hurry and make you wish that you were home," Nicolaisen said.

You can follow St. Joseph Post on Twitter @StJosephPost.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostStrong winds continues gust across a large portion of the Central Plains, with snow now mixing in.This has prompted Blizzard Warnings for portions of northwest Missouri, including Maryville and Rock Port, until Friday evening. The rest of northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas are in a Winter Weather Advisory until 6 p.m. Friday.&nbsp;National Weather Service meteorologist Taylor Nicolaisen says the forecast has changed quickly over the last couple of days."It's been this ramp-up over the last 36 hours or so and it's getting uglier," Nicolaisen said. "We're expecting blizzard conditions, based on the fact the winds will be so strong. Because of that, the visibility is going to be really reduced."We don't like to use the term 'blizzard conditions' all that much, but that's what we're expecting. White-out conditions at times and visibility impacted for at least a few hours."Nicolaisen, who works out of the NWS office in Omaha/Valley, NE, says&nbsp; the worst impacts occurred during the Friday morning commute, with blizzard conditions occurring off and on throughout the day.Snow totals across the northwest Missouri region are expected to be in the 2-4 inch range.Snow is expected to taper off and move out of the area by Friday evening, but travel during the day Friday is highly discouraged."Boy, it doesn't take much snow to fall in a 50 mph wind gust to white things out in a hurry and make you wish that you were home," Nicolaisen said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">The strong winds along with snow will make travel near impossible tomorrow across NE Kansas into NW Missouri. Do not travel tomorrow unless you have to. <a href="https://t.co/6jQ6pbbjUw">pic.twitter.com/6jQ6pbbjUw</a>&mdash; NWS Kansas City (@NWSKansasCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSKansasCity/status/1349777680812572672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Blizzard conditions are forecast to develop after midnight tonight for parts of eastern Nebraska, much of Iowa, and portions of Missouri, South Dakota and Minnesota. <a href="https://t.co/9boMcMXVtc">https://t.co/9boMcMXVtc</a>&mdash; NWS Omaha (@NWSOmaha) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSOmaha/status/1349772003863977985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>You can follow St. Joseph Post on Twitter @StJosephPost.

Northwest Missouri, southern Iowa battling snow, high winds Friday

Buchanan County Sheriff’s personnel have placed themselves at
risk during the coronavirus pandemic as the office attempts to navigate the
dangers of the pandemic as well as the extra costs incurred trying to fight COVID-19.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says one of his deputies contracted
COVID after responding to an emergency.

“Because it was a medical call, they knew it was a positive COVID
address, yet the individual went down and he went ahead and performed CPR and
everything else doing his duty and responsibility to try to save this man’s
life,” Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Puett says several of his personnel have been exposed to the coronavirus
simply by doing their job. The sheriff’s office cannot avoid contact with
others. In fact, Puett says his deputies are constantly in contact with others.

Puett praises staff members who he says are constantly
cleaning the facility. Jail inmates receive new masks daily. Inmates are being
given more separation than normal. Costs have risen dramatically and Puett says
the County Commission has provided federal funding from the CARES Act to offset
some of the costs of responding to the pandemic.

“This has been a really good team effort to try to keep
everybody safe and healthy,” according to Puett. “I think everybody is doing
the best that they can with what they know. It seems like there for awhile it
was changing daily with the information that we were receiving.”

Pandemic or not, the sheriff’s department carries out its
mission, but with precautions.

“If we have a bad guy that’s arrested in one of the hot spots,
for example, in Florida or in Oregon, or wherever that might be, and they are brought
to Buchanan County then they would go into quarantine isolation for 14 days,” Puett
says.

The department is awaiting its turn for vaccinations, though
Puett says only slightly more than half his staff has volunteered to get the
shot.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County Sheriff’s personnel have placed themselves at
risk during the coronavirus pandemic as the office attempts to navigate the
dangers of the pandemic as well as the extra costs incurred trying to fight COVID-19.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says one of his deputies contracted
COVID after responding to an emergency.“Because it was a medical call, they knew it was a positive COVID
address, yet the individual went down and he went ahead and performed CPR and
everything else doing his duty and responsibility to try to save this man’s
life,” Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Puett says several of his personnel have been exposed to the coronavirus
simply by doing their job. The sheriff’s office cannot avoid contact with
others. In fact, Puett says his deputies are constantly in contact with others.The jail also poses difficulties.Puett praises staff members who he says are constantly
cleaning the facility. Jail inmates receive new masks daily. Inmates are being
given more separation than normal. Costs have risen dramatically and Puett says
the County Commission has provided federal funding from the CARES Act to offset
some of the costs of responding to the pandemic.“This has been a really good team effort to try to keep
everybody safe and healthy,” according to Puett. “I think everybody is doing
the best that they can with what they know. It seems like there for awhile it
was changing daily with the information that we were receiving.”Pandemic or not, the sheriff’s department carries out its
mission, but with precautions.“If we have a bad guy that’s arrested in one of the hot spots,
for example, in Florida or in Oregon, or wherever that might be, and they are brought
to Buchanan County then they would go into quarantine isolation for 14 days,” Puett
says.The department is awaiting its turn for vaccinations, though
Puett says only slightly more than half his staff has volunteered to get the
shot.

Buchanan County deputies keep doing their duty, pandemic or not

As snow continues to fall in St. Joseph and across Northwest Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation is working hard to keep roads safe.

Northwest District Engineer Chris Redline says the department is expecting to see 2 to 4 inches of snow fall and that a big concern is the heavy winds blowing snow back onto the roadways.

"The winds are going to stay strong, we do expect it to starty dying off this afternoon sometime though," Redline tells St. Joseph Post "But those winds are still going to be a problem even once the snow stops."

MoDOT is advising motorists to stay home as much as they can. Redline adds that if you have to get out, just be very careful.

"If you can stay home and don't have to get out please don't, if you do have to go though, be sure to check the traveler information map first to see if we have any road closures for the crashes or whiteout."

(You can find a link to the MoDOT Traveler Information Map <a href="http://traveler.modot.org/map/index.html">HERE</a>)

Snowplows are out in full force today as falling snow and fierce winds make for difficult travel conditions.

Missouri Department of Transportation officials say snowplow drivers are working hard to keep roads clear in tough driving conditions. 

Northwest District Engineer Chris Redline says that if motorists do not have to go out, they should stay home. But, if you need to get out, be sure to buckle up and watch for snowplows.

"When your out there please give all the trucks plenty of room to work, and watch out for changing conditions," Redline says "We're hearing some reports of some snow bands coming through now, so it could get really light and clear and then all of a sudden your getting hit with heavy snow again so things could change real quick if your out."

Redline adds the department is expecting to see at least 2 to 4 inches of snow. He says the high winds could blow more snow back onto the roadways.

MoDOT urges drivers that have to get out to be sure to buckle up and be sure to give snowplows plenty of room to work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610731976446.jpeg" alt="Stock Photo Courtesy of the Missouri Department of Transportation&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Stock Photo Courtesy of the Missouri Department of Transportation&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAs snow continues to fall in St. Joseph and across Northwest Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation is working hard to keep roads safe.Northwest District Engineer Chris Redline says the department is expecting to see 2 to 4 inches of snow fall and that a big concern is the heavy winds blowing snow back onto the roadways."The winds are going to stay strong, we do expect it to starty dying off this afternoon sometime though," Redline tells St. Joseph Post "But those winds are still going to be a problem even once the snow stops."MoDOT is advising motorists to stay home as much as they can. Redline adds that if you have to get out, just be very careful."If you can stay home and don't have to get out please don't, if you do have to go though, be sure to check the traveler information map first to see if we have any road closures for the crashes or whiteout."(You can find a link to the MoDOT Traveler Information Map <a href="http://traveler.modot.org/map/index.html">HERE</a>)Snowplows are out in full force today as falling snow and fierce winds make for difficult travel conditions.Missouri Department of Transportation officials say snowplow drivers are working hard to keep roads clear in tough driving conditions. Northwest District Engineer Chris Redline says that if motorists do not have to go out, they should stay home. But, if you need to get out, be sure to buckle up and watch for snowplows."When your out there please give all the trucks plenty of room to work, and watch out for changing conditions," Redline says "We're hearing some reports of some snow bands coming through now, so it could get really light and clear and then all of a sudden your getting hit with heavy snow again so things could change real quick if your out."Redline adds the department is expecting to see at least 2 to 4 inches of snow. He says the high winds could blow more snow back onto the roadways.MoDOT urges drivers that have to get out to be sure to buckle up and be sure to give snowplows plenty of room to work.

MoDOT workers fight snow and high winds to clear roads

GRUNDY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Thursday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Volvo semi driven by Donald F. Hand III, 41, Sioux City, IA, was eastbound on MO 6 one mile east of Trenton.

The semi rear ended a 1999 Chevy Silverado driven by Jason E. Hunter, 47, Trenton, who had slowed to make a right turn.

Grundy County EMS transported Hunter to Wright Memorial Hospital. Hand was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Thursday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Volvo semi driven by Donald F. Hand III, 41, Sioux City, IA, was eastbound on MO 6 one mile east of Trenton.The semi rear ended a 1999 Chevy Silverado driven by Jason E. Hunter, 47, Trenton, who had slowed to make a right turn.Grundy County EMS transported Hunter to Wright Memorial Hospital. Hand was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Trenton man hospitalized after semi rear-ends pickup

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Thursday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford F150 driven by John C. Moots, 55, Kirksville, was southbound on U.S. 65 two miles south of Mercer.

The pickup traveled off the road, struck a large hole and overturned.

Mercer EMS transported Moots to Wright Memorial Hospital.&nbsp; Grundy County EMS then transferred him to St. Luke's on the Plaza. The MSHP did not report seat belt usage.

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Thursday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford F150 driven by John C. Moots, 55, Kirksville, was southbound on U.S. 65 two miles south of Mercer.The pickup traveled off the road, struck a large hole and overturned.Mercer EMS transported Moots to Wright Memorial Hospital.&nbsp; Grundy County EMS then transferred him to St. Luke's on the Plaza. The MSHP did not report seat belt usage.

Mo. man hospitalized after pickup strikes large hole, overturns

St. Joseph City Manger Gary Edwards has resigned, effective
immediately.

Edwards has been with the city for slightly more than two
months, starting November 9th.

A news release from the City of St. Joseph says Edwards
resigned “citing family health issues.” Edwards submitted his letter of
resignation to Mayor Bill McMurray today and it was accepted by the St. Joseph
City Council.

City Attorney Bryan Carter has been named Acting City Manager.
An ordinance will be prepared for the January 25th City Council meeting to name
Carter as the interim city manager.

Edwards came to St. Joseph from Aransas Pass, Texas, where he
served as City Manager.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph City Manger Gary Edwards has resigned, effective
immediately.Edwards has been with the city for slightly more than two
months, starting November 9th.A news release from the City of St. Joseph says Edwards
resigned “citing family health issues.” Edwards submitted his letter of
resignation to Mayor Bill McMurray today and it was accepted by the St. Joseph
City Council.City Attorney Bryan Carter has been named Acting City Manager.
An ordinance will be prepared for the January 25th City Council meeting to name
Carter as the interim city manager.Edwards came to St. Joseph from Aransas Pass, Texas, where he
served as City Manager.

St. Joseph City Manager Gary Edwards resigns after 2 months on job

St. Joseph health officials report 53 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Thursday, but no new deaths.

There have been 9,219 total cases and 146 deaths in Buchanan County since the pandemic started.

Mosaic Life Care reports 59 COVID patients in their system Thursday - down two from the day before. Fifty-five patients are in St. Joseph, two are in Maryville and two are in Albany.

Andrew County reports 1,828 cases and 16 total deaths.

Statewide, Missouri reports 2,780 new cases (431,957 total) and 24 new deaths (6,201 total).

Kansas has surpassed a quarter of a million cases with 252,041 total cases and 3,335 total deaths.

Doniphan County, Kansas has 819 total cases, Brown County has 1,128 total cases and Atichson County, KS reports 1,344.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 53 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Thursday, but no new deaths.There have been 9,219 total cases and 146 deaths in Buchanan County since the pandemic started.Mosaic Life Care reports 59 COVID patients in their system Thursday - down two from the day before. Fifty-five patients are in St. Joseph, two are in Maryville and two are in Albany.Andrew County reports 1,828 cases and 16 total deaths.Statewide, Missouri reports 2,780 new cases (431,957 total) and 24 new deaths (6,201 total).Kansas has surpassed a quarter of a million cases with 252,041 total cases and 3,335 total deaths.Doniphan County, Kansas has 819 total cases, Brown County has 1,128 total cases and Atichson County, KS reports 1,344.

St. Joseph Health Department reports 53 new COVID-19 cases Thursday

Northwest Health Services is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing events at many of their locations through the rest of January.

There was a testing event in Stanberry Thursday, and there'll be one at the St. Joseph location on Tuesday, Jan. 19 from noon - 4 p.m.

Cameron Corbet, Northwest's Communications Manager, says these events are a joint effort with the Missouri Primary Care Association.

"They've kind of coordinated these efforts with us," Corbet said. "So, we were able to get out there and have a testing run (in St. Joseph) through their partnership and get out to those rural areas."

Testing events are planned in Maryville on Jan. 21, Bethany on Jan. 26. Tarkio, Mound City and Grant City had them earlier this month.

Corbet says these drive-thru testing events have been the biggest, most readily available COVID testing for many residents living in rural northwest Missouri.

"Largely, the focus at the beginning was in the St. Joseph area," Corbet said. "These are some of the first events where we get to do community testing, where anyone who signs up can come in and get tested."

Those wanting to register can do so <a href="https://mako.exchange/splash/MOmakotesting/#test-site-id">at this link here</a>. Corbet also encourages people to visit the Northwest Health Services <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestHealthServices/events/?ref=page_internal">Facebook page</a>&nbsp;for a list of the testing event dates.

"Anybody can get a test," Corbet said, "whether you have symptoms or not."

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostNorthwest Health Services is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing events at many of their locations through the rest of January.There was a testing event in Stanberry Thursday, and there'll be one at the St. Joseph location on Tuesday, Jan. 19 from noon - 4 p.m.Cameron Corbet, Northwest's Communications Manager, says these events are a joint effort with the Missouri Primary Care Association."They've kind of coordinated these efforts with us," Corbet said. "So, we were able to get out there and have a testing run (in St. Joseph) through their partnership and get out to those rural areas."Testing events are planned in Maryville on Jan. 21, Bethany on Jan. 26. Tarkio, Mound City and Grant City had them earlier this month.Corbet says these drive-thru testing events have been the biggest, most readily available COVID testing for many residents living in rural northwest Missouri."Largely, the focus at the beginning was in the St. Joseph area," Corbet said. "These are some of the first events where we get to do community testing, where anyone who signs up can come in and get tested."Those wanting to register can do so <a href="https://mako.exchange/splash/MOmakotesting/#test-site-id">at this link here</a>. Corbet also encourages people to visit the Northwest Health Services <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestHealthServices/events/?ref=page_internal">Facebook page</a>&nbsp;for a list of the testing event dates."Anybody can get a test," Corbet said, "whether you have symptoms or not."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Northwest Health Services offering free, drive-thru COVID testing through January

In these pandemic times, many people have craved a sense of normalcy in some shape or form.

Perhaps no one more than students, teachers and school administrators, who've been forced to adjust to online learning and virtual curriculum since last spring.

With the spring semester just underway, the St. Joseph School District is ready to safely resume full-time, in-person learning for roughly 11,000 students, starting Thursday. A change that brings excitement, but also apprehension.

"There's still a lot of unknowns for people," said St. Joseph School district superintendent Doug Van Zyl. "There's a lot of what-ifs. That's how it's been since March since we've been dealing with this pandemic. It'll continue to be that way until it's fully resolved.

"But, those of us who are in education all realize that the best educational setting for most of our students is with us in the classroom face-to-face."

The decision to resume to full-time in person learning was made at the School District's last board meeting on Dec. 21. Many factors and data points were closely studied before a final decision was made - primarily students' performance with virtual learning and the case rate of COVID-19 in St. Joseph and Buchanan County.

"The online learning is good for some kids, but not good for all kids," Van Zyl said, echoing concerns of countless districts across the country. "We were hearing more and more concerns and seeing more and more information where students weren't being as successful as were wanting them to be.

"It's not just school districts (struggling with virtual learning).&nbsp; I think it's everyone involved with education, and not just St. Joseph. It's most every school district that is doing some form of virtual or remote learning."

St. Joseph schools are strictly enforcing safety measures so kids can stay in school. The district received just under $2 million from the county to purchase a variety of cleaning supplies and equipment. There'll also be sanitizing stations placed throughout each building.

"But, none of that really trumps anything other than wash your hands, wear your mask and stay home if you're sick," Van Zyl said. "Those are the things we still have to make sure we're doing. And wear your mask correctly."

St. Joseph School District is prepared if one or more schools have to go back to virtual learning, should a COVID outbreak occur. Van Zyl says communication with area health officials remains almost constant.

"(Health coordinator Maria Burnham) is in constant contact on a regular basis, almost daily if not more than daily," Van Zyl said. "I have at least a weekly phone call that involves the leadership of Mosaic Life Care, St. Joseph Health Department, the mayor and the county. We talk numbers and what we're seeing in the community. It's a pretty regular conversation."

Van Zyl summarizes the last 10 or so months as a challenge that's impacted everyone and every phase of life. With a vaccine rolling out, sports and activities underway and more kids getting back in the classroom, there's seemingly a light at the end of this long tunnel.

Even with a renewed sense of hope in 2021, Van Zyl stresses the importance of not letting one's guard down.

"We still have to make sure we're staying home if we're sick, wearing a mask, washing our hands...those types of preventative measures."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610043791226.jpeg" alt="Doug Van Zyl discusses the return to full-time, in-person learning with KFEQ and St. Joseph Post. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Doug Van Zyl discusses the return to full-time, in-person learning with KFEQ and St. Joseph Post. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIn these pandemic times, many people have craved a sense of normalcy in some shape or form.Perhaps no one more than students, teachers and school administrators, who've been forced to adjust to online learning and virtual curriculum since last spring.With the spring semester just underway, the St. Joseph School District is ready to safely resume full-time, in-person learning for roughly 11,000 students, starting Thursday. A change that brings excitement, but also apprehension."There's still a lot of unknowns for people," said St. Joseph School district superintendent Doug Van Zyl. "There's a lot of what-ifs. That's how it's been since March since we've been dealing with this pandemic. It'll continue to be that way until it's fully resolved."But, those of us who are in education all realize that the best educational setting for most of our students is with us in the classroom face-to-face."The decision to resume to full-time in person learning was made at the School District's last board meeting on Dec. 21. Many factors and data points were closely studied before a final decision was made - primarily students' performance with virtual learning and the case rate of COVID-19 in St. Joseph and Buchanan County."The online learning is good for some kids, but not good for all kids," Van Zyl said, echoing concerns of countless districts across the country. "We were hearing more and more concerns and seeing more and more information where students weren't being as successful as were wanting them to be."It's not just school districts (struggling with virtual learning).&nbsp; I think it's everyone involved with education, and not just St. Joseph. It's most every school district that is doing some form of virtual or remote learning."St. Joseph schools are strictly enforcing safety measures so kids can stay in school. The district received just under $2 million from the county to purchase a variety of cleaning supplies and equipment. There'll also be sanitizing stations placed throughout each building."But, none of that really trumps anything other than wash your hands, wear your mask and stay home if you're sick," Van Zyl said. "Those are the things we still have to make sure we're doing. And wear your mask correctly."St. Joseph School District is prepared if one or more schools have to go back to virtual learning, should a COVID outbreak occur. Van Zyl says communication with area health officials remains almost constant."(Health coordinator Maria Burnham) is in constant contact on a regular basis, almost daily if not more than daily," Van Zyl said. "I have at least a weekly phone call that involves the leadership of Mosaic Life Care, St. Joseph Health Department, the mayor and the county. We talk numbers and what we're seeing in the community. It's a pretty regular conversation."Van Zyl summarizes the last 10 or so months as a challenge that's impacted everyone and every phase of life. With a vaccine rolling out, sports and activities underway and more kids getting back in the classroom, there's seemingly a light at the end of this long tunnel.Even with a renewed sense of hope in 2021, Van Zyl stresses the importance of not letting one's guard down."We still have to make sure we're staying home if we're sick, wearing a mask, washing our hands...those types of preventative measures."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph school students go back to the classroom for new semester

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Wednesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria police vehicle driven by Brandon S. Williams, 33, Independence, MO., was northbound on Route D in Ludlow with lights activated and sirens on in a pursuit.

The vehicle came to a railroad crossing, became airborne, and struck the ground with the undercarriage.

Livingston County EMS transported Williams to Ray County Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Authorities have not released details on what prompted the chase.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Wednesday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria police vehicle driven by Brandon S. Williams, 33, Independence, MO., was northbound on Route D in Ludlow with lights activated and sirens on in a pursuit.The vehicle came to a railroad crossing, became airborne, and struck the ground with the undercarriage.Livingston County EMS transported Williams to Ray County Memorial Hospital. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.Authorities have not released details on what prompted the chase.

Mo. police officer injured after crash during pursuit

The St. Joseph Health Department received its <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5b5a7b57-261d-4c52-b568-53de3075357a">first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine</a> and began administering the shot Wednesday.

The department says in a Wednesday afternoon release that 175 people received the first round of shots with two more clinics scheduled for this week. The department hopes to vaccinate another 600 people in Phase 1A this week.

People in Phase 1A include healthcare personnel and residents of long-term care facilities. Once Phase 1A is complete, those in Phase 1B (high risk individuals and those under 65) will receive shots.

Over 526,000 Missourians have been vaccinated thus far, according to <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">data from the CDC</a>.

St. Joseph Health officials report one additional COVID-related death Wednesday - a man in his 80s. The Buchanan County death toll is now 146. There are also 59 new cases in Buchanan County for a total of 9,166.

Andrew County saw an increase in 10 cases for a total of 1,828. There have been 16 COVID-related deaths in Andrew County since the start of the pandemic.

Mosaic Life Care is treating 61 COVID-19 patients - that's up four from the previous day. Fifty-six patients are in St. Joseph, three in Maryville and two in Albany.

Statewide, Missouri reports 2,060 new COVID-19 cases (429,177) and 16 new deaths (6,171).

Kansas has surpassed a quarter of a million cases with 4,539 more cases (252,041 total) reported since Monday's update. There have been 100 more COVID-related deaths (3,335 total) and 189 more Kansans hospitalized (7,540 total) since Monday as well.

Doniphan County, Kansas saw nine new cases (819 total), Brown County 11 more (1,128 total) and Atichson County, KS has 12 more (1,344).

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Health Department received its <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5b5a7b57-261d-4c52-b568-53de3075357a">first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine</a> and began administering the shot Wednesday.The department says in a Wednesday afternoon release that 175 people received the first round of shots with two more clinics scheduled for this week. The department hopes to vaccinate another 600 people in Phase 1A this week.People in Phase 1A include healthcare personnel and residents of long-term care facilities. Once Phase 1A is complete, those in Phase 1B (high risk individuals and those under 65) will receive shots.Over 526,000 Missourians have been vaccinated thus far, according to <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations">data from the CDC</a>.St. Joseph Health officials report one additional COVID-related death Wednesday - a man in his 80s. The Buchanan County death toll is now 146. There are also 59 new cases in Buchanan County for a total of 9,166.Andrew County saw an increase in 10 cases for a total of 1,828. There have been 16 COVID-related deaths in Andrew County since the start of the pandemic.Mosaic Life Care is treating 61 COVID-19 patients - that's up four from the previous day. Fifty-six patients are in St. Joseph, three in Maryville and two in Albany.Statewide, Missouri reports 2,060 new COVID-19 cases (429,177) and 16 new deaths (6,171).Kansas has surpassed a quarter of a million cases with 4,539 more cases (252,041 total) reported since Monday's update. There have been 100 more COVID-related deaths (3,335 total) and 189 more Kansans hospitalized (7,540 total) since Monday as well.Doniphan County, Kansas saw nine new cases (819 total), Brown County 11 more (1,128 total) and Atichson County, KS has 12 more (1,344).<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="CiXm21DZ"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/stjoemo/posts/10159341010469626" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/stjoemo/posts/10159341010469626" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">The St. Joseph Health Department received its first shipment of Pfizer vaccine and began the process of vaccinating...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stjoemo/">City of St. Joseph, MO Government</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/stjoemo/posts/10159341010469626">Wednesday, January 13, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>

St. Joseph Health Department vaccinates 175 people with COVID shot Wednesday

St. Joseph Police and the Buchanan County Sheriff's department provided assistance for a stand-off in Trenton Wednesday.

Trenton Police were called to the 300 Block of Kavanaugh Street for a suicidal subject with a gun.

Officers secured the scene and first requested assistance from the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Assistance was then requested from the Special Response Team from St. Joseph Police and Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office in an effort to end the stand-off.

After more than eight hours, 37-year old Marquise Jones of Trenton was taken into custody and charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon. 

The Trenton Fire Department and the Grundy County Ambulance Service also provided assistance.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Police and the Buchanan County Sheriff's department provided assistance for a stand-off in Trenton Wednesday.Trenton Police were called to the 300 Block of Kavanaugh Street for a suicidal subject with a gun.Officers secured the scene and first requested assistance from the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.Assistance was then requested from the Special Response Team from St. Joseph Police and Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office in an effort to end the stand-off.After more than eight hours, 37-year old Marquise Jones of Trenton was taken into custody and charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon. The Trenton Fire Department and the Grundy County Ambulance Service also provided assistance.<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="5E0fWpyF"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=4899725283433358&amp;id=104179376321330" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=4899725283433358&amp;id=104179376321330" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">At approximately 2:25 p.m. on January 12th, 2021, Officers of the Trenton Police Department were called to the 300 Block...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Trenton-MO-Police-Department-104179376321330/">Trenton (MO) Police Department</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=4899725283433358&amp;id=104179376321330">Wednesday, January 13, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>

St. Joseph Police, Buchanan County Sheriff assist with stand-off in Trenton Wednesday

A Missouri Farm Bureau spokesman says agricultural interests
hope former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will have quite a bit of
influence when he resumes his old job under President-elect Joe Biden.

Eric Bohl says it has been interesting to see Biden call on
members of the former Obama Administration to join his team, saying Vilsack is
a key appointment for agriculture.

“Secretary Vilsack had a little better understanding of rural America
than I think a lot of the other people in that (Obama) administration did,”
Bohl tells KFEQ Agriculture Director Dione Bertling on the KFEQ Hotline. “He is
the former governor of Iowa. He has worked in the ag industry for many years
and seems to have a little bit better understanding about what is important for
us, especially on the trade front.”

Bohl says trade is vital to agriculture and he hopes the Biden
Administration will seek expanded trade opportunities.

Vilsack, the former Iowa governor, served all eight years
under President Obama. Biden persuaded Vilsack, who is 70 years old, to leave a
lucrative job in the private sector to return as the head of the USDA.

Bohl says it eases the concerns agriculture has about the
incoming administration that Biden spent years as a senator before becoming
Vice President and then winning the presidency.

“He will have a different approach than someone who is fresh
out of governorship or someone who was like President Trump who had never
served in government before,” according to Bohl. “Of course, his past
experience is going to influence him. Now, exactly what that means, I don’t
know if we can predict that. I think we’ll have to wait and see.”

Biden says he hopes the reports are true that Vilsack has a
close relationship with Biden.

“He’s someone President-elect Biden really respects and
listens to as a voice of rural states and rural reason,” Bohl says. “Unfortunately,
there doesn’t look like there’s going to be a lot of other voices, rural state
voices, that are in the cabinet.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Missouri Farm Bureau spokesman says agricultural interests
hope former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will have quite a bit of
influence when he resumes his old job under President-elect Joe Biden.Eric Bohl says it has been interesting to see Biden call on
members of the former Obama Administration to join his team, saying Vilsack is
a key appointment for agriculture.“Secretary Vilsack had a little better understanding of rural America
than I think a lot of the other people in that (Obama) administration did,”
Bohl tells KFEQ Agriculture Director Dione Bertling on the KFEQ Hotline. “He is
the former governor of Iowa. He has worked in the ag industry for many years
and seems to have a little bit better understanding about what is important for
us, especially on the trade front.”Bohl says trade is vital to agriculture and he hopes the Biden
Administration will seek expanded trade opportunities.Vilsack, the former Iowa governor, served all eight years
under President Obama. Biden persuaded Vilsack, who is 70 years old, to leave a
lucrative job in the private sector to return as the head of the USDA.Bohl says it eases the concerns agriculture has about the
incoming administration that Biden spent years as a senator before becoming
Vice President and then winning the presidency.“He will have a different approach than someone who is fresh
out of governorship or someone who was like President Trump who had never
served in government before,” according to Bohl. “Of course, his past
experience is going to influence him. Now, exactly what that means, I don’t
know if we can predict that. I think we’ll have to wait and see.”Biden says he hopes the reports are true that Vilsack has a
close relationship with Biden.“He’s someone President-elect Biden really respects and
listens to as a voice of rural states and rural reason,” Bohl says. “Unfortunately,
there doesn’t look like there’s going to be a lot of other voices, rural state
voices, that are in the cabinet.”

Choice of Vilsack eases concerns agriculture has about incoming Biden Administration

The Doniphan County Health Department is waiting for more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Department Administrator Sheryl Pierce says that the State of Kansas is not following the guidelines outline by the CDC.

"CDC has like a 1A and 1B and so forth, we're pretty much just phases 1, 2, 3, 4, 5," Pierce tells St. Joseph Post "So kind of wanted to let the people know that, mainly we've been lots of phone calls from our 65 and older population wondering when they can get the vaccine."

Pierce adds that at this point the health department is not sure when it will get its next allotment of the vaccine. 

Pierce says that the department is still trying to get through Phase 1 of the distribution plan.

"Our long-term care facilities haven't even, their residents or staff have not received a vaccine yet in Kansas."

Pierce says she felt it was important to keep the public informed on the status of the department.

"That's why we felt like we needed to get some information out, let them know that the local health departments are just waiting on pins and needles to hear from KDHE, Kansas Department of Health and Environment."

After completing Phase 1, the department will move to Phase 2.

"We've got a running list of those in Phase one that we need to finish up," Pierce says.

But Pierce adds that the process will be a little different once the department gets to Phase 2.

 "We will not be taking a list of the 65 and olders, we will just do a mass media blitz and let them know when that time arrives, because we don't know how many doses we might get, we might get 300 we might get 1,000."

Pierce says the health department is working hard to keep people informed through its Facebook page as well as pushing information to church bulletins.

So far, Doniphan County has received 50 doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine and as of January 5th had distributed it all to healthcare workers.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Doniphan County Health Department is waiting for more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.Department Administrator Sheryl Pierce says that the State of Kansas is not following the guidelines outline by the CDC."CDC has like a 1A and 1B and so forth, we're pretty much just phases 1, 2, 3, 4, 5," Pierce tells St. Joseph Post "So kind of wanted to let the people know that, mainly we've been lots of phone calls from our 65 and older population wondering when they can get the vaccine."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610558093974.png" alt="Photo Courtesy of the Doniphan County Health Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of the Doniphan County Health Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Pierce adds that at this point the health department is not sure when it will get its next allotment of the vaccine. Pierce says that the department is still trying to get through Phase 1 of the distribution plan."Our long-term care facilities haven't even, their residents or staff have not received a vaccine yet in Kansas."Pierce says she felt it was important to keep the public informed on the status of the department."That's why we felt like we needed to get some information out, let them know that the local health departments are just waiting on pins and needles to hear from KDHE, Kansas Department of Health and Environment."After completing Phase 1, the department will move to Phase 2."We've got a running list of those in Phase one that we need to finish up," Pierce says.But Pierce adds that the process will be a little different once the department gets to Phase 2. "We will not be taking a list of the 65 and olders, we will just do a mass media blitz and let them know when that time arrives, because we don't know how many doses we might get, we might get 300 we might get 1,000."Pierce says the health department is working hard to keep people informed through its Facebook page as well as pushing information to church bulletins.So far, Doniphan County has received 50 doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine and as of January 5th had distributed it all to healthcare workers.<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="yiuiAqxk"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/DoniphanCountyHealthDepartmentHomeHealth/posts/810123729716717" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/DoniphanCountyHealthDepartmentHomeHealth/posts/810123729716717" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">Vaccine Update: If you are a healthcare or healthcare-associated worker in Doniphan County and you are interested in...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DoniphanCountyHealthDepartmentHomeHealth/">Doniphan County Health Dept./Home Health</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DoniphanCountyHealthDepartmentHomeHealth/posts/810123729716717">Wednesday, January 13, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div><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="KvpvygBg"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/DoniphanCountyHealthDepartmentHomeHealth/posts/809005446495212" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/DoniphanCountyHealthDepartmentHomeHealth/posts/809005446495212" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION 

Doniphan County Health Dept./HH has been getting a lot of questions regarding COVID-19...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DoniphanCountyHealthDepartmentHomeHealth/">Doniphan County Health Dept./Home Health</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DoniphanCountyHealthDepartmentHomeHealth/posts/809005446495212">Monday, January 11, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>

Doniphan County health officials strive to keep public informed on COVID vaccinations

A woman who carried out one of the most gruesome murders in
northwest Missouri history has been put to death.

Federal officials executed Lisa Montgomery by lethal injection
early this morning at the federal prison complex in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Montgomery was pronounced dead at 1:31 a.m.

Montgomery killed 23-year-old Bobbie Jo Stinnett in her
Skidmore home in December 2004, but not before cutting out Stinnett’s baby.
Montgomery returned home with the baby, claiming the girl as her own.

A federal judge had stayed the execution, but the United
States Supreme Court declined to uphold the stay and allowed the execution to
proceed, the first execution of a female inmate by the United States government
in nearly seven decades.

Prosecutors say Montgomery traveled to Skidmore under the
guise of adopting a Rat Terrier puppy. When she arrived, Montgomery used a rope
to strangle Stinnett, who was eight months pregnant. Stinnett attempted to
defend herself as Montgomery used a kitchen knife to cut the baby from the
womb. Montgomery removed the baby and then killed Stinnett.

A jury rejected the defense contention that Montgomery had
been suffering from delusions when she killed Stinnett. The Supreme Court
refused to block the execution, rejecting the argument from Montgomery’s
defense lawyers that she should be given a competency hearing.

Montgomery’s attorneys and family had appealed to President
Donald Trump to commute her sentence to life without the possibility of parole.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610537488244.png" alt="Lisa Montgomery/U.S. prison photo" />
 <figcaption>Lisa Montgomery/U.S. prison photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA woman who carried out one of the most gruesome murders in
northwest Missouri history has been put to death.Federal officials executed Lisa Montgomery by lethal injection
early this morning at the federal prison complex in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Montgomery was pronounced dead at 1:31 a.m.Montgomery killed 23-year-old Bobbie Jo Stinnett in her
Skidmore home in December 2004, but not before cutting out Stinnett’s baby.
Montgomery returned home with the baby, claiming the girl as her own.A federal judge had stayed the execution, but the United
States Supreme Court declined to uphold the stay and allowed the execution to
proceed, the first execution of a female inmate by the United States government
in nearly seven decades.Prosecutors say Montgomery traveled to Skidmore under the
guise of adopting a Rat Terrier puppy. When she arrived, Montgomery used a rope
to strangle Stinnett, who was eight months pregnant. Stinnett attempted to
defend herself as Montgomery used a kitchen knife to cut the baby from the
womb. Montgomery removed the baby and then killed Stinnett.A jury rejected the defense contention that Montgomery had
been suffering from delusions when she killed Stinnett. The Supreme Court
refused to block the execution, rejecting the argument from Montgomery’s
defense lawyers that she should be given a competency hearing.Montgomery’s attorneys and family had appealed to President
Donald Trump to commute her sentence to life without the possibility of parole.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Stay lifted, federal government executes Lisa Montgomery

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Honda Accord driven by Zion W. Thornton, 20, Kansas City, was southbound on Interstate 29 one mile north of St. Joseph.

The car traveled off the east side of the road, crossed the median, the northbound lanes, struck a guardrail and overturned.

Buchanan County EMS transported Thornton to Mosaic Life Care. He was later transferred to KU Medical Center. Andrew County EMS transported a passenger Marquel D. Pettite-Pilgram, 20, Kansas City, to Mosaic Life Care. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 12:30a.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Honda Accord driven by Zion W. Thornton, 20, Kansas City, was southbound on Interstate 29 one mile north of St. Joseph.The car traveled off the east side of the road, crossed the median, the northbound lanes, struck a guardrail and overturned.Buchanan County EMS transported Thornton to Mosaic Life Care. He was later transferred to KU Medical Center. Andrew County EMS transported a passenger Marquel D. Pettite-Pilgram, 20, Kansas City, to Mosaic Life Care. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

2 Missouri men hospitalized after car overturns

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Chrysler Town and Country driven by William D. Gardner, 57, Wheeling, MO., was northbound on Route A and Wolf Grove Drive three miles south of Breckenridge.

The van traveled off the east side of the road and rolled. Caldwell County Ambulance transported to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Chrysler Town and Country driven by William D. Gardner, 57, Wheeling, MO., was northbound on Route A and Wolf Grove Drive three miles south of Breckenridge.The van traveled off the east side of the road and rolled. Caldwell County Ambulance transported to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after van rollover accident

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy passenger vehicle driven by Bryson D. Fattig, 23, St. Joseph, was westbound on Missouri 6 in Altamont.

The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road and struck a utility pole.&nbsp;

Fattig was transported to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The MSHP did not report seat belt information.

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy passenger vehicle driven by Bryson D. Fattig, 23, St. Joseph, was westbound on Missouri 6 in Altamont.The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road and struck a utility pole.&nbsp;Fattig was transported to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The MSHP did not report seat belt information.

Man from St. Joe hospitalized after vehicle strikes utility pole

The St. Joseph Health Department reports two more COVID-19 related deaths Tuesday. Ten Buchanan County residents have died from the virus since last Friday.

The most recent victims were men - one in his 60s and another in his 70s. The death toll in Buchanan County is now at 145.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Health Department reports two more COVID-19 related deaths Tuesday. Ten Buchanan County residents have died from the virus since last Friday.The most recent victims were men - one in his 60s and another in his 70s. The death toll in Buchanan County is now at 145.There were also 81 new cases in Buchanan County Tuesday, putting the total at 9,107.DeKalb County reports 14 news cases for a total of 955. Nodaway County reports 14 new cases (2,436 total) and one death (21 total).The number of COVID-19 patients being treated at Mosaic Life Care continues to stabilize.Mosaic reports 57 total patients Tuesday - that's down from 73 on Friday. There are 53 patients being treated in St. Joseph, while Albany and Maryville each have two patients in their hospital.Statewide, COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Missouri with an additional 2,131 cases (427,117 total) reported Tuesday. Missouri has also surpassed 6,000 deaths since the pandemic began. The state reported 204 more deaths Tuesday for a total of 6,155.Kansas reports 247,502 total cases and 3,255 deaths.&nbsp;Doniphan County, Kansas reports 810 cases. Atchison County, Kansas reports 1,332 and Brown County 1,117.

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