The
St. Joseph Health Department reports 112 new COVID-19 cases since last
reporting on Wednesday, prior to the Veterans Day holiday.

The
health department reports 56 new cases on Thursday and Friday with another 56 cases
between Saturday and Monday.

The
Buchanan County positivity rate has increased slightly to 7.42%.

Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 32 COVID-19 patients in its system as for Monday morning, all being
treated in St. Joseph.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe
St. Joseph Health Department reports 112 new COVID-19 cases since last
reporting on Wednesday, prior to the Veterans Day holiday.The
health department reports 56 new cases on Thursday and Friday with another 56 cases
between Saturday and Monday.The
Buchanan County positivity rate has increased slightly to 7.42%.Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 32 COVID-19 patients in its system as for Monday morning, all being
treated in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph reports 112 new COVID-19 cases since last week

A 17-year-old St. Joseph man has died from wounds suffered in
that shooting at Oak Ridge Apartments last week.

St. Joseph police identify the victim as Chance Kelley.

St. Joseph police say officers responded to a shooting at the
Oak Ridge Apartments in the 1200 block of Angelique Street shortly before five
o’clock last Thursday afternoon. Paramedics rushed Kelley to the emergency room
at the Mosaic Life Care St. Joseph hospital, who was suffering from a critical gunshot wound.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 17-year-old St. Joseph man has died from wounds suffered in
that shooting at Oak Ridge Apartments last week.St. Joseph police identify the victim as Chance Kelley.St. Joseph police say officers responded to a shooting at the
Oak Ridge Apartments in the 1200 block of Angelique Street shortly before five
o’clock last Thursday afternoon. Paramedics rushed Kelley to the emergency room
at the Mosaic Life Care St. Joseph hospital, who was suffering from a critical gunshot wound.The investigation continues.

St. Joseph teen dies of wounds suffered in last week's shooting

MERCER COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just after 5:40p.m. Monday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford F250 driven by Gary L. Sexton, 64, Liberty, was northbound on U.S. 65 one mile north of Mercer.

The Ford was traveling without headlights, crossed the center line and struck the drivers side of a southbound Born Free motorhome driven by Merlin N. Hall, 71, State Center, Iowa, and the motor homes towed 2008 Chevy Trailblazer.

After impact, the motorhome traveled off the road and overturned. Sexton was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported by the Mercer County Coroner to Bethany for the Jackson County Medical Examiner. 

Mercer County ambulance transported Hall to the Wayne County Iowa hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Sexton was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

MERCER COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just after 5:40p.m. Monday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford F250 driven by Gary L. Sexton, 64, Liberty, was northbound on U.S. 65 one mile north of Mercer.The Ford was traveling without headlights, crossed the center line and struck the drivers side of a southbound Born Free motorhome driven by Merlin N. Hall, 71, State Center, Iowa, and the motor homes towed 2008 Chevy Trailblazer.After impact, the motorhome traveled off the road and overturned. Sexton was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported by the Mercer County Coroner to Bethany for the Jackson County Medical Examiner. Mercer County ambulance transported Hall to the Wayne County Iowa hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Sexton was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man dies, another injured after pickup strikes RV

Northwest Missouri State University is celebrating Agriculture this week. 

As a part of that celebration Mike Adams is going to be doing his show, Adams on Agriculture on location at Northwest's new Agricultural Learning Center on Tuesday, November 16th.

In an interview with KFEQ, Adams says he has been at Northwest in the past and was really impressed by their program.  

"I always look forward to going to locations like this and telling the story.  I think a lot of times these smaller schools don't always get the attention and people may not be aware of the great work that they do and the great programs they have," Adams says.

"Adams on Agriculture" is broadcast daily on KFEQ from 11 am to Noon.

Adams is excited to come back to talk to everyone at Northwest and is looking forward to being in Northwest Missouri again.

Adams says that when he does his show, he tries to look at what is in the news,  and what are the stories that will impact farmers, ranchers and rural america. 

He says, "His job is to conduct a conversation, a discussion about the issues, make people aware of what is going on and then let them make their own choices and decisions."

Adams says there have been some tough transitions that agriculture is going through with the Biden Administration.  

And while that is true with any new administration, Adams says, "There are some frustrations here when it comes to biofuels, some uncertainty about what is going to happen with taxes, and great concern with what is happening with the supply chain issues."

Adams says the biofuel industry had some frustration with the Trump Administration and that frustration continues with the Biden Administration.  He says, "The frustration is that both parties have neglected to follow the law (The Renewable Fuel Standard) and this leaves a lot of uncertainty."  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637010593627.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of Adams on Agriculture" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Adams on Agriculture</figcaption>
 </figure>BY DIONNE BERTLINGSt. Joseph PostNorthwest Missouri State University is celebrating Agriculture this week. As a part of that celebration Mike Adams is going to be doing his show, Adams on Agriculture on location at Northwest's new Agricultural Learning Center on Tuesday, November 16th.In an interview with KFEQ, Adams says he has been at Northwest in the past and was really impressed by their program. "I always look forward to going to locations like this and telling the story. I think a lot of times these smaller schools don't always get the attention and people may not be aware of the great work that they do and the great programs they have," Adams says."Adams on Agriculture" is broadcast daily on KFEQ from 11 am to Noon.Adams is excited to come back to talk to everyone at Northwest and is looking forward to being in Northwest Missouri again.Adams says that when he does his show, he tries to look at what is in the news, and what are the stories that will impact farmers, ranchers and rural america. He says, "His job is to conduct a conversation, a discussion about the issues, make people aware of what is going on and then let them make their own choices and decisions."Adams says there have been some tough transitions that agriculture is going through with the Biden Administration. And while that is true with any new administration, Adams says, "There are some frustrations here when it comes to biofuels, some uncertainty about what is going to happen with taxes, and great concern with what is happening with the supply chain issues."Adams says the biofuel industry had some frustration with the Trump Administration and that frustration continues with the Biden Administration. He says, "The frustration is that both parties have neglected to follow the law (The Renewable Fuel Standard) and this leaves a lot of uncertainty."

Adams on Agriculture to broadcast from NWMSU campus

Theft rings have been operating in Buchanan County, grabbing
easily accessible items and taking off.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says his office is working
to bust groups of people seeking easy opportunity.

“Meaning trailers and some of those things; stuff out of
vehicles, tools,” Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And we have
had some entries into sheds and garages and barns, a few burglaries and things
like that.”

Puett says the thieves are looking for items that are easy to
take; they grab the goods and leave the premises.

Puett urges residents to take steps to reduce easily
accessible items.

“One of the best pieces of advice obviously is make sure
things are locked up,” Puett says, adding he has talked with one county
resident who said a theft crew attempted to steal his trailer, but it had a lock
on it. The resident said the thieves didn’t stick around. They left as soon as
they found out they couldn’t quickly take the trailer.

Puett urges residents to secure their things and not give the
thieves an easy target.

“Making sure that equipment, toys, those types of things are
not left out in the yard or near a road, because it’s very easy to roll up, grab
something, throw it in the vehicle, and be gone,” according to Puett.

Puett urges residents to call his office if they see something
suspicious in their neighborhood.

“When you see something, go ahead and give us a call and let
us get deputies on the way,” Puett says.

Puett says if residents hesitate to call, the thieves will be
gone. He suggests calling his office, then contacting neighbors.

“Please call us first. Then, you can call your neighbor or your
relative or whatever the case is,” Puett says. “But, if the deputy is in Easton
and they need to get to Rushville, there’s some travel time there.”

Puett suspects many of the theft rings are seeking targets of
opportunity and selling them quickly to raise cash, often to purchase drugs. Puett
says his deputies have made some arrests, but he believes groups are still
operating in the county.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTheft rings have been operating in Buchanan County, grabbing
easily accessible items and taking off.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says his office is working
to bust groups of people seeking easy opportunity.“Meaning trailers and some of those things; stuff out of
vehicles, tools,” Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And we have
had some entries into sheds and garages and barns, a few burglaries and things
like that.”Puett says the thieves are looking for items that are easy to
take; they grab the goods and leave the premises.Puett urges residents to take steps to reduce easily
accessible items.“One of the best pieces of advice obviously is make sure
things are locked up,” Puett says, adding he has talked with one county
resident who said a theft crew attempted to steal his trailer, but it had a lock
on it. The resident said the thieves didn’t stick around. They left as soon as
they found out they couldn’t quickly take the trailer.Puett urges residents to secure their things and not give the
thieves an easy target.“Making sure that equipment, toys, those types of things are
not left out in the yard or near a road, because it’s very easy to roll up, grab
something, throw it in the vehicle, and be gone,” according to Puett.Puett urges residents to call his office if they see something
suspicious in their neighborhood.“When you see something, go ahead and give us a call and let
us get deputies on the way,” Puett says.Puett says if residents hesitate to call, the thieves will be
gone. He suggests calling his office, then contacting neighbors.“Please call us first. Then, you can call your neighbor or your
relative or whatever the case is,” Puett says. “But, if the deputy is in Easton
and they need to get to Rushville, there’s some travel time there.”Puett suspects many of the theft rings are seeking targets of
opportunity and selling them quickly to raise cash, often to purchase drugs. Puett
says his deputies have made some arrests, but he believes groups are still
operating in the county.

Sheriff warns Buchanan County residents about theft rings

BUCHANAN COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Silverado driven by Joshua R. Oliver, 36, Agency, was northbound on U.S. 169 five miles south of St. Joseph.

The pickup traveled off the road, went airborne over an embankment and struck a tree. The pickup landed, started to skid and overturned.

Buchanan County EMS transported Oliver to Mosaic Life Cere where he was pronounced&nbsp; dead. He was wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Silverado driven by Joshua R. Oliver, 36, Agency, was northbound on U.S. 169 five miles south of St. Joseph.The pickup traveled off the road, went airborne over an embankment and struck a tree. The pickup landed, started to skid and overturned.Buchanan County EMS transported Oliver to Mosaic Life Cere where he was pronounced&nbsp; dead. He was wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Buchanan Co. man dies after pickup strikes tree, overturns

Missouri
Western State University will reinstate its mask mandate Monday.

Missouri
Western President Elizabeth Kennedy announced the decision in a message late
Friday afternoon to everyone on the St. Joseph campus.

Kennedy
wrote, “Missouri Western State University will
reinstate its face coverings policy. Effective Monday, Nov. 15, all students,
faculty, staff and visitors must wear a mask covering their nose and mouth in
all public indoor spaces on Missouri Western’s campus.”

Kennedy says the decision was made
after the university COVID-19 response team reviewed the coronavirus data for
the greater St. Joseph area, observing increases in case numbers, positivity
rates, and hospitalizations in recent weeks.

“The response team will continue to
review the data weekly; however, given the current conditions and the fact that
we are entering cold-and-flu season, there is good reason to anticipate that
the mask policy will remain in place for the campus community through at least
the end of the fall semester,” Kennedy wrote.

Kennedy added that if conditions change, so could the policy.

Kennedy concluded the message to the
campus community with a plea for everyone to take precautions to help control
the spread of COVID-19:

We strongly encourage you to get
vaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated, please contact your health care
provider or local pharmacist.

If you qualify for a booster, Mosaic
Life Care will conduct a COVID-19 vaccine booster event from 7 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at the Community Vaccine Site (formerly
Gordmans) at the East Hills Shopping Center. Appointments are now available for
Moderna and Pfizer at <a href="http://www.mymlc.com/vaccine"></a><a href="http://www.mymlc.com/vaccine">www.mymlc.com/vaccine</a>.

If you are experiencing COVID-19
symptoms, testing is available through the Esry Health Center by appointment
only Monday through Thursday. Call the Health Center at 816-271-4495 to
schedule your appointment. Other than a testing appointment in the Health
Center, if you are experiencing symptoms please do not come to campus.&nbsp;

The Griffon family is a caring and
resilient community. Let’s work together to make our campus as safe as possible.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri
Western State University will reinstate its mask mandate Monday.Missouri
Western President Elizabeth Kennedy announced the decision in a message late
Friday afternoon to everyone on the St. Joseph campus.Kennedy
wrote, “Missouri Western State University will
reinstate its face coverings policy. Effective Monday, Nov. 15, all students,
faculty, staff and visitors must wear a mask covering their nose and mouth in
all public indoor spaces on Missouri Western’s campus.”Kennedy says the decision was made
after the university COVID-19 response team reviewed the coronavirus data for
the greater St. Joseph area, observing increases in case numbers, positivity
rates, and hospitalizations in recent weeks.“The response team will continue to
review the data weekly; however, given the current conditions and the fact that
we are entering cold-and-flu season, there is good reason to anticipate that
the mask policy will remain in place for the campus community through at least
the end of the fall semester,” Kennedy wrote. 
Kennedy added that if conditions change, so could the policy.Kennedy concluded the message to the
campus community with a plea for everyone to take precautions to help control
the spread of COVID-19:Vaccines:We strongly encourage you to get
vaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated, please contact your health care
provider or local pharmacist.If you qualify for a booster, Mosaic
Life Care will conduct a COVID-19 vaccine booster event from 7 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at the Community Vaccine Site (formerly
Gordmans) at the East Hills Shopping Center. Appointments are now available for
Moderna and Pfizer at <a href="http://www.mymlc.com/vaccine"></a><a href="http://www.mymlc.com/vaccine">www.mymlc.com/vaccine</a>.Testing:If you are experiencing COVID-19
symptoms, testing is available through the Esry Health Center by appointment
only Monday through Thursday. Call the Health Center at 816-271-4495 to
schedule your appointment. Other than a testing appointment in the Health
Center, if you are experiencing symptoms please do not come to campus.&nbsp;The Griffon family is a caring and
resilient community. Let’s work together to make our campus as safe as possible.

Missouri Western to bring back mask mandate

HOLT COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Silverado driven by Mason W. Bragg, 19, Oregon, Mo., was southbound on U.S. 59 two miles south of Oregon.

The pickup traveled off the road, returned to the road, skidded across the highway and off the north side of the road. It struck a culvert and rolled.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported a passenger Kyle L. Harrison, 27, Fillmore to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Bragg was not injured. Harrison was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Holt County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chevy Silverado driven by Mason W. Bragg, 19, Oregon, Mo., was southbound on U.S. 59 two miles south of Oregon.The pickup traveled off the road, returned to the road, skidded across the highway and off the north side of the road. It struck a culvert and rolled.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported a passenger Kyle L. Harrison, 27, Fillmore to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Bragg was not injured. Harrison was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after pickup rollover accident

COVID-19 cases are back on the rise with a third wave coming a
little sooner than health officials anticipated.

Mosaic Life Care Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Davin Turner, says
the coronavirus patients Mosaic is seeing display harsher symptoms.

“They are sicker,” Turner tells reporters. “Again the
majority, well over 70-80% of all the patients are unvaccinated, that are being
admitted to our hospital.”

Turner says the elderly remain vulnerable to the most severe
effects of COVID.

“This disease really does hit those 70, 80, 90 year olds very
hard, whether you’ve been vaccinated or not.”

Mosaic reports it is treating 28 total coronavirus patients as
of Thursday morning; 27 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

Mosaic primarily serves a five-county area of northwest
Missouri, though it also serves counties in northeast Kansas. Turner says the
five-county positivity rate is steadily rising, now up a little over 14%.

Turner says Mosaic has noticed COVID waves before, but they
didn’t come this quickly.

“It’s happening a little quicker than we anticipated,”
according to Turner. “We were seeing a 16-week cycle. When we had our first
wave, it lasted about 16-17 weeks before we saw it dropping off. Then we had
that lull of about 16 weeks. It happened again this summer. We’ve only had
about a four-week lull and we’re seeing it go back up again.”

Turner says the origin of this third wave of the pandemic is
hard to pinpoint.

“I don’t know that we have a good answer, because we can’t
pick one specific point to say well, here’s what’s going on,” Turner says. “We’re
seeing it pretty much across all our counties that we’re seeing these folks
have an increased positivity rate. But we can’t link it to any specific event
or events.”

Mosaic Life Care has resurrected the vaccination site in the
old Gordman’s store at East Hills Mall in St. Joseph to hold vaccination
clinics again. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available Wednesday,
November 17th, between 7am and 3pm. The Mosaic facility in Maryville
will hold a vaccination clinic at the Hughes Fieldhouse on the Northwest
Missouri State University campus in Maryville on the 18th from 9am
until 1pm. Mosaic is working with the Tri County Health Department on
scheduling a vaccination clinic in Albany.

Mosaic has received 600
doses of the Pfizer vaccine for children, ages five to 11, with a vaccination
clinic for children scheduled for the Mosaic Life Care Family North Pointe.

Click <a href="https://www.mymlc.com/vaccine">here</a> for more information on the vaccination clinics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636738586423.jpeg" alt="Dr. Davin Turner, Mosaic Life Care Chief Medical Officer, goes over research during a news conference/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Davin Turner, Mosaic Life Care Chief Medical Officer, goes over research during a news conference/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostCOVID-19 cases are back on the rise with a third wave coming a
little sooner than health officials anticipated.Mosaic Life Care Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Davin Turner, says
the coronavirus patients Mosaic is seeing display harsher symptoms.“They are sicker,” Turner tells reporters. “Again the
majority, well over 70-80% of all the patients are unvaccinated, that are being
admitted to our hospital.”Turner says the elderly remain vulnerable to the most severe
effects of COVID.“This disease really does hit those 70, 80, 90 year olds very
hard, whether you’ve been vaccinated or not.”Mosaic reports it is treating 28 total coronavirus patients as
of Thursday morning; 27 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.Mosaic primarily serves a five-county area of northwest
Missouri, though it also serves counties in northeast Kansas. Turner says the
five-county positivity rate is steadily rising, now up a little over 14%.Turner says Mosaic has noticed COVID waves before, but they
didn’t come this quickly.“It’s happening a little quicker than we anticipated,”
according to Turner. “We were seeing a 16-week cycle. When we had our first
wave, it lasted about 16-17 weeks before we saw it dropping off. Then we had
that lull of about 16 weeks. It happened again this summer. We’ve only had
about a four-week lull and we’re seeing it go back up again.”Turner says the origin of this third wave of the pandemic is
hard to pinpoint.“I don’t know that we have a good answer, because we can’t
pick one specific point to say well, here’s what’s going on,” Turner says. “We’re
seeing it pretty much across all our counties that we’re seeing these folks
have an increased positivity rate. But we can’t link it to any specific event
or events.”Mosaic Life Care has resurrected the vaccination site in the
old Gordman’s store at East Hills Mall in St. Joseph to hold vaccination
clinics again. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available Wednesday,
November 17th, between 7am and 3pm. The Mosaic facility in Maryville
will hold a vaccination clinic at the Hughes Fieldhouse on the Northwest
Missouri State University campus in Maryville on the 18th from 9am
until 1pm. Mosaic is working with the Tri County Health Department on
scheduling a vaccination clinic in Albany.Mosaic has received 600
doses of the Pfizer vaccine for children, ages five to 11, with a vaccination
clinic for children scheduled for the Mosaic Life Care Family North Pointe.Click <a href="https://www.mymlc.com/vaccine">here</a> for more information on the vaccination clinics.

3rd COVID-19 wave hits St. Joseph area

Luke Theis was named the interim director of the e-sports program at Missouri Western State University this past fall.

Theis had previously served as a grad assistant coach on the e-sports team, and was a punter on the Missouri Western football team in his undergrad years.

"I'm kind of just trying to give our student-athletes and coaches we do have the tools to succeed," Theis said during an appearance on KFEQ's The Hotline. "Just supervising and helping out. You know, if they have troubles that come up, I try and assist them in any way I can."

As a former student-athlete, Theis is hoping to bring some of what he learned as a football player into the gaming arena, as each player has a physical activity requirement and practice regiment.

"I was a punter," he said. "So, you try and perfect your punting, you want to perfect your movement so it becomes muscle memory. That's kind of the goal of practices and stuff like that. We also do study tables, too. I came from football, so I brought a lot of that over."

Theis takes over the e-sports director role previously filled by Christian Konczal, who left this past summer&nbsp;after serving as the University's first e-sports director and head coach for two seasons.

Missouri Western started team-based competition in select video games in the fall of 2020 and dedicated a large E-Sports arena in the Blum Student Union full of gaming computers, which are open for use to all students. There was an official ribbon cutting for that arena this past March.

The team also hosts its events and competitions from that arena.

"That's open for all students to walk in and play video games freely," Theis said. "(The arena) is very much viewed as a recreational space. As would be a gymnasium or a weight room."

The varsity players also have a training room for practice, muscle memory exercises and things of that nature.

E-Sports was one activity for Missouri Western that could go on in 2020 after things were shut down in March, and after the fall sports season was postponed. Competitions were fully remote.&nbsp;For e-sports, the pandemic mostly meant league championships couldn't be held in person.

The Griffons' E-sports program was just getting started in 2020, and they had no team competitions before the pandemic. The fall of 2021 marks just the third semester of having varsity teams.

The team has been busy, competing in an Overwatch tournament in South Carolina the weekend of Halloween.

 They also had a 24-hour livestream on Twitch on Oct. 28-29 from 4 p.m. - 4 p.m. All proceeds from that event went toward KU pediatrics, thanks to Extra Life - a non-profit which takes proceeds from charity gaming events and sends them to branches of the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

"I mean, it's just a lot of events for 24 hours that students get to partake in," Theis said, "that's all being streamed on Twitch, and donations throughout the stream go to Extra Life."

The biggest challenge COVID-19 presented to Missouri Western's new E-sports team in 2020 was, how do you spread the word and recruit members when campus is shut down?

When campus reopened last fall, the Griffons entered their first semester of varsity competition with a pretty strong response. The E-sports Arena at the Blum Student Union just opened this past spring to the public, which helped as well.

"If we have the foundation of our community, then it really helps our program a lot," Theis said. "Then, we can get more students and get more support and more people interested and that's really what we want - showing what e-sports is about and showing what we have as a program."

There were about 30 students enrolled in Missouri Western's E-sports team this past spring. The Griffons compete in four leagues - Rocket League, League of Legends, Overwatch and Fortnite. They also have two club leagues - Super Smash Bros. and Valorant.

"Rocket League is pry the (closest game we have) to a sport," Theis explained. "It's basically car soccer. So, you have a ball on a field and you try and score it into the goal, and you have cars driving around kind of racing in a way, but they're really just trying to score the ball into the net just like soccer."

Missouri Western's e-sports program have varsity teams that compete with multiple schools in many different tournaments and events throughout the school year. They also have club teams for players who may not have made it on varsity during tryouts, but can still hone their skills and work on their game.

Championships can involve the top 12-24 teams from across the country in each league, with the season typically ending when the school year does, or shortly thereafter. The team takes a break, like everyone else, over the winer holiday.

The E-Sports Arena on Missouri Western's campus also features a broadcasting suite and production room, which allows students to produce YouTube shows, podcasts and other projects.

There are also scholarships available for MWSU e-sports athletes, student-coaches and managers, with scholarships possibly coming for the team's production staff at some point.

As for employment opportunities after college, Theis says professional gaming is a goal for some on his team, but being a part of e-sports opens so many more doors in the real world than just playing games for a living.

"A lot of them are interested in professional organizations as well," Theis said. "Job opportunities there as like a manager, social media person, marketing person. Being their play-by-play announcer, stuff like that. So, there is a professional side to e-sports that students have a lot of interest in."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636659154002.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostLuke Theis was named the interim director of the e-sports program at Missouri Western State University this past fall.Theis had previously served as a grad assistant coach on the e-sports team, and was a punter on the Missouri Western football team in his undergrad years."I'm kind of just trying to give our student-athletes and coaches we do have the tools to succeed," Theis said during an appearance on KFEQ's The Hotline. "Just supervising and helping out. You know, if they have troubles that come up, I try and assist them in any way I can."As a former student-athlete, Theis is hoping to bring some of what he learned as a football player into the gaming arena, as each player has a physical activity requirement and practice regiment."I was a punter," he said. "So, you try and perfect your punting, you want to perfect your movement so it becomes muscle memory. That's kind of the goal of practices and stuff like that. We also do study tables, too. I came from football, so I brought a lot of that over."Theis takes over the e-sports director role previously filled by Christian Konczal, who left this past summer&nbsp;after serving as the University's first e-sports director and head coach for two seasons.Missouri Western started team-based competition in select video games in the fall of 2020 and dedicated a large E-Sports arena in the Blum Student Union full of gaming computers, which are open for use to all students. There was an official ribbon cutting for that arena this past March.The team also hosts its events and competitions from that arena."That's open for all students to walk in and play video games freely," Theis said. "(The arena) is very much viewed as a recreational space. As would be a gymnasium or a weight room."The varsity players also have a training room for practice, muscle memory exercises and things of that nature.E-Sports was one activity for Missouri Western that could go on in 2020 after things were shut down in March, and after the fall sports season was postponed. Competitions were fully remote.&nbsp;For e-sports, the pandemic mostly meant league championships couldn't be held in person.The Griffons' E-sports program was just getting started in 2020, and they had no team competitions before the pandemic. The fall of 2021 marks just the third semester of having varsity teams.The team has been busy, competing in an Overwatch tournament in South Carolina the weekend of Halloween. They also had a 24-hour livestream on Twitch on Oct. 28-29 from 4 p.m. - 4 p.m. All proceeds from that event went toward KU pediatrics, thanks to Extra Life - a non-profit which takes proceeds from charity gaming events and sends them to branches of the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals."I mean, it's just a lot of events for 24 hours that students get to partake in," Theis said, "that's all being streamed on Twitch, and donations throughout the stream go to Extra Life."The biggest challenge COVID-19 presented to Missouri Western's new E-sports team in 2020 was, how do you spread the word and recruit members when campus is shut down?When campus reopened last fall, the Griffons entered their first semester of varsity competition with a pretty strong response. The E-sports Arena at the Blum Student Union just opened this past spring to the public, which helped as well."If we have the foundation of our community, then it really helps our program a lot," Theis said. "Then, we can get more students and get more support and more people interested and that's really what we want - showing what e-sports is about and showing what we have as a program."There were about 30 students enrolled in Missouri Western's E-sports team this past spring. The Griffons compete in four leagues - Rocket League, League of Legends, Overwatch and Fortnite. They also have two club leagues - Super Smash Bros. and Valorant."Rocket League is pry the (closest game we have) to a sport," Theis explained. "It's basically car soccer. So, you have a ball on a field and you try and score it into the goal, and you have cars driving around kind of racing in a way, but they're really just trying to score the ball into the net just like soccer."Missouri Western's e-sports program have varsity teams that compete with multiple schools in many different tournaments and events throughout the school year. They also have club teams for players who may not have made it on varsity during tryouts, but can still hone their skills and work on their game.Championships can involve the top 12-24 teams from across the country in each league, with the season typically ending when the school year does, or shortly thereafter. The team takes a break, like everyone else, over the winer holiday.The E-Sports Arena on Missouri Western's campus also features a broadcasting suite and production room, which allows students to produce YouTube shows, podcasts and other projects.There are also scholarships available for MWSU e-sports athletes, student-coaches and managers, with scholarships possibly coming for the team's production staff at some point.As for employment opportunities after college, Theis says professional gaming is a goal for some on his team, but being a part of e-sports opens so many more doors in the real world than just playing games for a living."A lot of them are interested in professional organizations as well," Theis said. "Job opportunities there as like a manager, social media person, marketing person. Being their play-by-play announcer, stuff like that. So, there is a professional side to e-sports that students have a lot of interest in."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636659214038.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Luke Theis overseeing young, thriving MWSU e-sports program as interim director

One person has been critically wounded in a shooting at a St.
Joseph apartment complex.

St. Joseph police say officers responded to a shooting at the
Oak Ridge Apartments in the 1200 block of Angelique Street shortly before five
o’clock Thursday afternoon. Paramedics rushed the victim to the emergency room
at the Mosaic Life Care St. Joseph hospital.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostOne person has been critically wounded in a shooting at a St.
Joseph apartment complex.St. Joseph police say officers responded to a shooting at the
Oak Ridge Apartments in the 1200 block of Angelique Street shortly before five
o’clock Thursday afternoon. Paramedics rushed the victim to the emergency room
at the Mosaic Life Care St. Joseph hospital.The investigation continues.

One person critically wounded in St. Joseph shooting

Human remains have been found in a Union Star residence and two occupants
have been taken into custody on weapons charges as a homicide investigation in
DeKalb County continues.

DeKalb County Sheriff Kasey Keesaman says in a news release that
his office received a tip from an outside agency about a possible homicide at
162 South 7th Street in Union Star.

Keesaman is not providing details about the investigation other
than to say two residents of a house, 59-year-old Kevin McGinnis and
26-year-old Kori McGinnis, have been taken into custody on weapons possession
charges.

His department called in help from several neighboring law
enforcement agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the St.
Joseph Police Department, the Cameron Police Department, the Andrew County
Sheriff’s Office, and the Country Club Village Police Department. Officers
executed several search warrants, according to Keesaman.

Keesaman reports the human remains were found Wednesday while
officers executed a search warrant. Authorities are working to identify the
remains.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostHuman remains have been found in a Union Star residence and two occupants
have been taken into custody on weapons charges as a homicide investigation in
DeKalb County continues.DeKalb County Sheriff Kasey Keesaman says in a news release that
his office received a tip from an outside agency about a possible homicide at
162 South 7th Street in Union Star.Keesaman is not providing details about the investigation other
than to say two residents of a house, 59-year-old Kevin McGinnis and
26-year-old Kori McGinnis, have been taken into custody on weapons possession
charges.His department called in help from several neighboring law
enforcement agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the St.
Joseph Police Department, the Cameron Police Department, the Andrew County
Sheriff’s Office, and the Country Club Village Police Department. Officers
executed several search warrants, according to Keesaman.Keesaman reports the human remains were found Wednesday while
officers executed a search warrant. Authorities are working to identify the
remains.The investigation continues.KXCV contributed to this story.

Human remains found in Union Star home; 2 taken into custody

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a two-county high-speed chase.

Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a pursuit by the PBPN Police Department northbound on U.S. 75 Highway near 206th Road for allegedly speeding over 100 mph, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Jackson County Deputies continued the pursuit into Brown County.  Brown County Deputies deployed tire deflation devices which disabled the vehicle and ended the vehicle pursuit. 

 The suspect vehicle traveled into a ditch west of Fairview on U.S. 36 Highway.  The driver later identified as 31-year-old Brendon Dion Stephens of Sachse, Texas,&nbsp; fled the vehicle on foot. 

 Law enforcement officers located Stephens and took him into custody just before 6p.m. He is being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony flee and elude, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636773752728.png" alt="Stephens photo Jackson Co" />
 <figcaption>Stephens photo Jackson Co</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a two-county high-speed chase.Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a pursuit by the PBPN Police Department northbound on U.S. 75 Highway near 206th Road for allegedly speeding over 100 mph, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Jackson County Deputies continued the pursuit into Brown County. Brown County Deputies deployed tire deflation devices which disabled the vehicle and ended the vehicle pursuit. The suspect vehicle traveled into a ditch west of Fairview on U.S. 36 Highway. The driver later identified as 31-year-old Brendon Dion Stephens of Sachse, Texas,&nbsp; fled the vehicle on foot. Law enforcement officers located Stephens and took him into custody just before 6p.m. He is being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony flee and elude, according to Morse.

Texas man captured after 100 mph chase across 2 Kansas counties

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas sex offender on new charges.

Shortly after 10a.m. Wednesday, police investigated the theft of items, which included a carton of cigarettes, binoculars, a video game, and a leather cigarette case, from a parked truck in a parking lot in the 1900 block South U.S.73 Highway in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police identified two suspects and located them in the area. They took 39-year-old Brett A. Johnson, Lansing, into custody and recovered all of the stolen items. Johnson is being held on requested charges of burglary and theft.

On Nov. 4, police arrested Johnson&nbsp;on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation, according to Wilson.

Johnson has three previous convictions for aggravated indecent liberties with a child. In addition, Johnson has eight previous convictions for theft and burglary and has convictions for aggravated battery, criminal restraint and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636036816185.png" alt="Johnson-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas sex offender on new charges.Shortly after 10a.m. Wednesday, police investigated the theft of items, which included a carton of cigarettes, binoculars, a video game, and a leather cigarette case, from a parked truck in a parking lot in the 1900 block South U.S.73 Highway in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Police identified two suspects and located them in the area. They took 39-year-old Brett A. Johnson, Lansing, into custody and recovered all of the stolen items. Johnson is being held on requested charges of burglary and theft.On Nov. 4, police arrested Johnson&nbsp;on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation, according to Wilson.Johnson has three previous convictions for aggravated indecent liberties with a child. In addition, Johnson has eight previous convictions for theft and burglary and has convictions for aggravated battery, criminal restraint and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Registered sex offender jailed for alleged burglary, theft

People from the St. Joseph community will camp out in their cars and on the Missouri Western State University campus during a special event Friday.

For the third year in a row, the Sisters of Solace will host this event to raise awareness about homelessness.

Board chair Elishia Carrillo says the event is a way to raise awareness of what the homeless experience on a night-to-night basis.

"It's called Sleep Out St. Joe, which is also SOS, we didn't do that on purpose but it was really fun that that happened that way," Carrillo tells Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "And we just ask people to step into a night of homelessness and be cold and experience what homeless people experience for one night, so that fragile women in our community don't have to do that." 

Carrillo says the Sisters invite everyone to come out to experience a night of homelessness to raise awareness, asking people to sleep in their cars.

"A lot of homeless women, and men, find themselves homeless in their car or you know, you can sleep in a box, or just throw your sleeping bag out under the stars if you're so inclined," Carrillo says. "But, it's just to draw awareness to what people experience." 

Executive Director Stacey Kerns says that for last year’s event, she spent all day preparing warm clothes and packing coolers, but even with that it was still a tough night.

 "If I were to suddenly find myself in that reality, for real, there would be no time to plan, to pack my stuff and to be ready, and we were all ready and still it was a miserable night," Kerns explains to Birr. "And so, that's just kind of my invitation to the community, if you find yourself thinking that's horrible I don't want to do that, that then begs the question would I then let someone else do that?"

The event begins at six o’clock Friday night and runs until six Saturday morning.

You can find out more information about the event <a href="https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTMxNzI2">HERE</a>.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostPeople from the St. Joseph community will camp out in their cars and on the Missouri Western State University campus during a special event Friday.For the third year in a row, the Sisters of Solace will host this event to raise awareness about homelessness.Board chair Elishia Carrillo says the event is a way to raise awareness of what the homeless experience on a night-to-night basis."It's called Sleep Out St. Joe, which is also SOS, we didn't do that on purpose but it was really fun that that happened that way," Carrillo tells Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "And we just ask people to step into a night of homelessness and be cold and experience what homeless people experience for one night, so that fragile women in our community don't have to do that." Carrillo says the Sisters invite everyone to come out to experience a night of homelessness to raise awareness, asking people to sleep in their cars."A lot of homeless women, and men, find themselves homeless in their car or you know, you can sleep in a box, or just throw your sleeping bag out under the stars if you're so inclined," Carrillo says. "But, it's just to draw awareness to what people experience." Executive Director Stacey Kerns says that for last year’s event, she spent all day preparing warm clothes and packing coolers, but even with that it was still a tough night. "If I were to suddenly find myself in that reality, for real, there would be no time to plan, to pack my stuff and to be ready, and we were all ready and still it was a miserable night," Kerns explains to Birr. "And so, that's just kind of my invitation to the community, if you find yourself thinking that's horrible I don't want to do that, that then begs the question would I then let someone else do that?"The event begins at six o’clock Friday night and runs until six Saturday morning.You can find out more information about the event <a href="https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTMxNzI2">HERE</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636662494348.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Sisters of Solace Facebook page." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Sisters of Solace Facebook page.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Sleep Out St. Joe event on Missouri Western campus aims to raise awareness of homelessness

St.
Joseph health officials report 56 new cases of the coronavirus since last
reporting on Monday.

The
St. Joseph Health Department, which normally issues officials reports on
Mondays and Thursdays, issued the report this week a day early due to Veterans
Day.

The
department reports 26 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday with 30 new cases on
Wednesday.

Nearly
40% of Buchanan County residents have received their first dose of the
coronavirus vaccine with nearly 36% completing vaccination. In raw numbers,
33,919 Buchanan County residents have initiated vaccination with 31,337
completing it.

Buchanan
County has had a total of 15,526 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began,
resulting in 224 deaths. The Buchanan County positivity rate has increased, now
at 7.3%.

Andrew
County reports 199 active coronavirus cases. Andrew County has recorded 3,111 COVID-19
cases since the pandemic began with 28 coronavirus-related deaths. 

Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 27 COVID-19 patients in its system; 24 in St.
Joseph, two in Maryville, and one in Albany.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report 56 new cases of the coronavirus since last
reporting on Monday.The
St. Joseph Health Department, which normally issues officials reports on
Mondays and Thursdays, issued the report this week a day early due to Veterans
Day.The
department reports 26 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday with 30 new cases on
Wednesday.Nearly
40% of Buchanan County residents have received their first dose of the
coronavirus vaccine with nearly 36% completing vaccination. In raw numbers,
33,919 Buchanan County residents have initiated vaccination with 31,337
completing it.Buchanan
County has had a total of 15,526 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began,
resulting in 224 deaths. The Buchanan County positivity rate has increased, now
at 7.3%.Andrew
County reports 199 active coronavirus cases. Andrew County has recorded 3,111 COVID-19
cases since the pandemic began with 28 coronavirus-related deaths. Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 27 COVID-19 patients in its system; 24 in St.
Joseph, two in Maryville, and one in Albany.

St. Joseph records 56 new COVID cases, positivity rate rises

Few details have been released, but a murder investigation is
underway in Union Star.

Law enforcement officers have searched a Union Star home, looking for a
suspect. One person has been taken into custody, charged initially with
possession of a weapon.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has called on neighboring law
enforcement to help in the investigation.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFew details have been released, but a murder investigation is
underway in Union Star.Law enforcement officers have searched a Union Star home, looking for a
suspect. One person has been taken into custody, charged initially with
possession of a weapon.The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has called on neighboring law
enforcement to help in the investigation.

Murder investigation underway in Union Star

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 International semi driven by Daniel K. Nold, 32, Cosby, was southbound on Route Z four miles east of St. Joseph.

The driver failed to yield after stopping at a stop sign at MO. 6. The semi drive into the path of a westbound 1999 Toyota Corolla driven by Kailey N. Huff, 24, Clarksdale. The Corolla struck the front of the semi, rotated&nbsp; clockwise and came to rest in eastbound lanes of MO 6.

A private vehicle transported Huff to Mosaic Life Care. Nold was not injured. Huff was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 International semi driven by Daniel K. Nold, 32, Cosby, was southbound on Route Z four miles east of St. Joseph.The driver failed to yield after stopping at a stop sign at MO. 6. The semi drive into the path of a westbound 1999 Toyota Corolla driven by Kailey N. Huff, 24, Clarksdale. The Corolla struck the front of the semi, rotated&nbsp; clockwise and came to rest in eastbound lanes of MO 6.A private vehicle transported Huff to Mosaic Life Care. Nold was not injured. Huff was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after Buchanan Co. crash with a semi

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for alleged drug violations.

On Tuesday, police arrested 30-year-old Julia A. Holt of Atchison, in the 1600 block Main Street for unlawful possession of a controlled substance (pharmaceutical) and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636566790965.png" alt="Holt-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Holt-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for alleged drug violations.On Tuesday, police arrested 30-year-old Julia A. Holt of Atchison, in the 1600 block Main Street for unlawful possession of a controlled substance (pharmaceutical) and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Police: Kansas woman jailed for drug possession 

HARRISON COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just before 8a.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge Dakota driven by Gaige B. Sherer, 22, Ridgeway, was northbound on County Road 205 three quarters of a mile southwest of Bethany.

The pickup crested a hill and struck the implement pulled by a southbound John Deere 8345 farm tractor driven by Andrew C. Darby, 28, Bethany.

Darby had pulled the tractor partially off the west side of the road in an attempt to avoid the pickup.

Sherer was pronounced dead at Cameron Regional Medical Center. Darby was not injured. Sherer was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592389654778.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HARRISON COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just before 8a.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge Dakota driven by Gaige B. Sherer, 22, Ridgeway, was northbound on County Road 205 three quarters of a mile southwest of Bethany.The pickup crested a hill and struck the implement pulled by a southbound John Deere 8345 farm tractor driven by Andrew C. Darby, 28, Bethany.Darby had pulled the tractor partially off the west side of the road in an attempt to avoid the pickup.Sherer was pronounced dead at Cameron Regional Medical Center. Darby was not injured. Sherer was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Mo. man dies after pickup strikes implement towed by tractor

Mosaic Life Care has announced all of its employees must be
fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by early next year, in compliance with
federal rules.

Mosaic CEO, Dr. Mark Laney, says the health care system had
intended to follow the guidelines of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services, which just issued a mandate that health care workers be full
vaccinated by January 4th.

“So, by December 5th, all care givers need to have
their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, be it Pfizer, Moderna, or J&amp;J. By January
4th, 2022 all care givers need to be fully vaccinated to continue working
at Mosaic,” Laney tells reporters during a news conference in St. Joseph.

Laney acknowledges the move is also motivated by finances. CMS
has stated that all hospitals receiving Medicare funding must comply or face
stiff fines and penalties.

Mosaic reports that approximately 75% of its 4,500 health care
employees have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, leaving only about 1,000
unvaccinated.

Laney says the move is not just about following the law, but
about following Mosaic’s primary value that the needs of the patient come
first.

“This is our value statement and it guides every single decision
that we make,” according to Laney. “Our patients when they come to Mosaic expect
great care and they expect to be safe and receive excellent medical care. They
trust us and we want to honor that trust.”

Laney says the federal government does allow for two types of
exemptions.

“The medical exemptions are rather narrow. The religious
exemptions are more broad,” Laney says. “Those requests are being handled by a
committee in our Hurman Resources Department. So, it’s not me or one person
making a judgment, based on the request.”

Laney says he doesn’t have an estimate about how many Mosaic
employees might file for an exemption.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636578023882.jpeg" alt="Mosaic Life Care CEO, Dr. Mark Laney, addresses the news media/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Mosaic Life Care CEO, Dr. Mark Laney, addresses the news media/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care has announced all of its employees must be
fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by early next year, in compliance with
federal rules.Mosaic CEO, Dr. Mark Laney, says the health care system had
intended to follow the guidelines of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services, which just issued a mandate that health care workers be full
vaccinated by January 4th.“So, by December 5th, all care givers need to have
their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, be it Pfizer, Moderna, or J&amp;J. By January
4th, 2022 all care givers need to be fully vaccinated to continue working
at Mosaic,” Laney tells reporters during a news conference in St. Joseph.Laney acknowledges the move is also motivated by finances. CMS
has stated that all hospitals receiving Medicare funding must comply or face
stiff fines and penalties.Mosaic reports that approximately 75% of its 4,500 health care
employees have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, leaving only about 1,000
unvaccinated.Laney says the move is not just about following the law, but
about following Mosaic’s primary value that the needs of the patient come
first.“This is our value statement and it guides every single decision
that we make,” according to Laney. “Our patients when they come to Mosaic expect
great care and they expect to be safe and receive excellent medical care. They
trust us and we want to honor that trust.”Laney says the federal government does allow for two types of
exemptions.“The medical exemptions are rather narrow. The religious
exemptions are more broad,” Laney says. “Those requests are being handled by a
committee in our Hurman Resources Department. So, it’s not me or one person
making a judgment, based on the request.”Laney says he doesn’t have an estimate about how many Mosaic
employees might file for an exemption.

Mosaic to require all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID by Jan. 4th

The Doniphan County Health Department has seen a spike in positive COVID-19 cases over the past couple weeks, mainly due to an outbreak at a northeast Kansas school.

County Health Director Sheryl Pierce says that the numbers the department have seen have climbed steadily over the last two weeks.

"We've essentially tripled our numbers in the past two weeks, as you notice two weeks ago we had 12 and then last Friday we had 34," Pierce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Most of those numbers are coming from an outbreak we have at USD-429 school district, Troy School District." 

Pierce says that the school has seen a few teachers and other staff test positive, but most of the outbreak is in students 18 and under, many of them are asymptomatic.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Doniphan County Health Department has seen a spike in positive COVID-19 cases over the past couple weeks, mainly due to an outbreak at a northeast Kansas school.County Health Director Sheryl Pierce says that the numbers the department have seen have climbed steadily over the last two weeks."We've essentially tripled our numbers in the past two weeks, as you notice two weeks ago we had 12 and then last Friday we had 34," Pierce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Most of those numbers are coming from an outbreak we have at USD-429 school district, Troy School District." Pierce says that the school has seen a few teachers and other staff test positive, but most of the outbreak is in students 18 and under, many of them are asymptomatic.Many schools in Kansas are also participating in the Stay to Learn program, meaning kids can stay in school if they test negative instead having to quarantine.Pierce says the department has seen positive cases start to surge over the past couple weeks, this after a lull in cases over the summer.Pierce adds the health departments biggest concern right now is the number of people still hesitant to get vaccinated."I was around the health department in 2009 when we had the H1N1, it was an influenza, somewhat of an outbreak, not like a pandemic, but H1N1 surfaced," Pierce says. "And at that point, parents were pleased, and they about broke down our door to get that vaccine."Pierce says though she hasn't seen that demand with the COVID vaccine.The Doniphan County Health Department offers all forms of the COVID vaccine. The department is hopeful that with the recent Pfizer approval for children ages five to eleven, more people will come get the shot.Pierce says that the department has already started fielding calls, and has received doses of the vaccine for young children. She says the department has also begun planning another vaccination event, which it hopes to hold in the coming weeks."Now's a pretty good time because we're kind of between sports, I don't believe basketball has started yet, they're practicing but there's no basketball games yet, so that's what we're hoping to do," Pierce says. "And then hopefully the schools will allow us to come in and we can get more takers that way, we want to make getting the vaccine as easy and accessible to these parents and children as we can."

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