ATCHISON COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Taurus driven by Bonnie S. Womeldorff, 47, Westboro, was eastbound on Route C one mile west of Westboro.

The car traveled off the north side of the road, struck the embankment, became airborne, struck the ground and the front drivers side struck an embankment.

Lifeflight transported Womeldorff to Mosaic Life Care. Atchison-Holt EMS transported passenger James R. McDonald, 28, Westboro, to Fairfax Community Hospital. They also transported passengers Ethan J. Colwell, 19, and Makayla S. Kephart, 18, both of Westboro to Shenandoah Medical Center.&nbsp; The passengers in the car were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Taurus driven by Bonnie S. Womeldorff, 47, Westboro, was eastbound on Route C one mile west of Westboro.The car traveled off the north side of the road, struck the embankment, became airborne, struck the ground and the front drivers side struck an embankment.Lifeflight transported Womeldorff to Mosaic Life Care. Atchison-Holt EMS transported passenger James R. McDonald, 28, Westboro, to Fairfax Community Hospital. They also transported passengers Ethan J. Colwell, 19, and Makayla S. Kephart, 18, both of Westboro to Shenandoah Medical Center.&nbsp; The passengers in the car were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

4 hospitalized after violent Atchison Co. crash

DAVIESS COUNTY –One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Nissan Altima driven by Ronald S. Bumgarner, 37, Pattonsburg, was southbound on Route AA two and one half miles west of Old Pattonsburg.&nbsp;

The driver failed to stop at the intersection and traveled across Route Z, off the south side of the road and impacted the ground.

NTA transported Bumgarner to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY –One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Nissan Altima driven by Ronald S. Bumgarner, 37, Pattonsburg, was southbound on Route AA two and one half miles west of Old Pattonsburg.&nbsp;The driver failed to stop at the intersection and traveled across Route Z, off the south side of the road and impacted the ground.NTA transported Bumgarner to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after Daviess County crash

A charity program providing a little bit of Christmas to those
struggling has seen a big impact from the coronavirus pandemic.

Still, the Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program marches on,
according to Executive Director Penny Adams with AFL-CIO Community Services of
St. Joseph.

“Even though COVID is here and life has turned upside down,
children still are hoping and tried to be good all year so Santa comes to see
them. So, we couldn’t tell Santa skip St. Joe,” Adams says during a visit on
the KFEQ Hotline. “We had to figure out how are we going to get this done.”

Adams says 748 families applied to be adopted this Christmas
with around 400 still needing to be adopted.

The program provides profiles of northwest Missouri and
northeast Kansas families which have applied. Donors can choose which to adopt.
The program estimates it costs $50 to adopt a child under five, around $75 to
adopt children from 5 to 12, and $75-to-100 dollars to adopt a teenager.

Coronavirus concerns have changed how Adopt-A-Family operates.
Families applying for assistance normally come to the AFL-CIO Community
Services office and fill out the four-page application in person. The office normally
gets very crowded this time of year. This year though, applications have been
filed online or, if families don’t have access to the Internet, families have
picked up an application from the office, fill it out and return it.

Donors often make the annual Christmastime trek to the office
to pore over applications and choose families. Adams says many adopters,
worried about COVID-19, have reviewed files remotely, either online or by
phone.

“Things have just changed completely here. And, every day, we face
a new issue, like, oh gosh, we can’t do it that way,” Adams says with a chuckle.
“So, we are having to be very, very flexible here.”

Families that might never consider applying for assistance
have this year, according to Adams, often because one or both parents have lost
jobs due to the pandemic. Some regular donors cannot afford to adopt as many
families due a drop in income.

“In our regular line of work, we see people every day that
have a decent income or good income that fall into some kind of crisis and need
help, according to Adams. “Well, the same thing happens at Christmas. People that
have worked all year suddenly for some reason aren’t able to work and have no
income.”

Click <a href="https://helpmenow.org/programs/adopt-a-family/">here</a> for information on the Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607619020585.jpeg" alt="Adopt-a-Family Christmas Program/Photo courtesy of AFL-CIO Community Services" />
 <figcaption>Adopt-a-Family Christmas Program/Photo courtesy of AFL-CIO Community Services</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA charity program providing a little bit of Christmas to those
struggling has seen a big impact from the coronavirus pandemic.Still, the Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program marches on,
according to Executive Director Penny Adams with AFL-CIO Community Services of
St. Joseph.“Even though COVID is here and life has turned upside down,
children still are hoping and tried to be good all year so Santa comes to see
them. So, we couldn’t tell Santa skip St. Joe,” Adams says during a visit on
the KFEQ Hotline. “We had to figure out how are we going to get this done.”Adams says 748 families applied to be adopted this Christmas
with around 400 still needing to be adopted.The program provides profiles of northwest Missouri and
northeast Kansas families which have applied. Donors can choose which to adopt.
The program estimates it costs $50 to adopt a child under five, around $75 to
adopt children from 5 to 12, and $75-to-100 dollars to adopt a teenager.Coronavirus concerns have changed how Adopt-A-Family operates.
Families applying for assistance normally come to the AFL-CIO Community
Services office and fill out the four-page application in person. The office normally
gets very crowded this time of year. This year though, applications have been
filed online or, if families don’t have access to the Internet, families have
picked up an application from the office, fill it out and return it.Donors often make the annual Christmastime trek to the office
to pore over applications and choose families. Adams says many adopters,
worried about COVID-19, have reviewed files remotely, either online or by
phone.“Things have just changed completely here. And, every day, we face
a new issue, like, oh gosh, we can’t do it that way,” Adams says with a chuckle.
“So, we are having to be very, very flexible here.”The pandemic has had other effects.Families that might never consider applying for assistance
have this year, according to Adams, often because one or both parents have lost
jobs due to the pandemic. Some regular donors cannot afford to adopt as many
families due a drop in income.“In our regular line of work, we see people every day that
have a decent income or good income that fall into some kind of crisis and need
help, according to Adams. “Well, the same thing happens at Christmas. People that
have worked all year suddenly for some reason aren’t able to work and have no
income.”Click <a href="https://helpmenow.org/programs/adopt-a-family/">here</a> for information on the Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program.

Adopt-A-Family Christmas Programs looking for adopters, donors

St.
Joseph health officials reported 107 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday with
two additional deaths.

A
man in his 70s and a woman in her 90s both with underlying health conditions
died of COVID-19.

The
deaths bring the total in Buchanan County to 94. Buchanan County has had a
total of 7,128 cases since the pandemic began.

Mosaic
Life Care reports treating 72 COVID-19 patients in its system as of Wednesday
morning; 60 in St. Joseph, seven in Maryville, and five in Albany.

Mosaic
has tested 55,122 area residents with 6,852 testing
positive.

Andrew
County reports 1,344 total cases with 13 deaths.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports a total of 571 cases.

Atchison
County, Kansas reports total cases there topped one thousand, with a total of
1,012 cases.

Missouri
health officials report 330,846 total cases since this pandemic
began, leading to 4,383 deaths.

Kansas
health officials report 179,803 total cases with 1,941
deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials reported 107 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday with
two additional deaths.A
man in his 70s and a woman in her 90s both with underlying health conditions
died of COVID-19.The
deaths bring the total in Buchanan County to 94. Buchanan County has had a
total of 7,128 cases since the pandemic began.Mosaic
Life Care reports treating 72 COVID-19 patients in its system as of Wednesday
morning; 60 in St. Joseph, seven in Maryville, and five in Albany.Mosaic
has tested 55,122 area residents with 6,852 testing
positive.Andrew
County reports 1,344 total cases with 13 deaths.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports a total of 571 cases.Atchison
County, Kansas reports total cases there topped one thousand, with a total of
1,012 cases.Missouri
health officials report 330,846 total cases since this pandemic
began, leading to 4,383 deaths.Kansas
health officials report 179,803 total cases with 1,941
deaths.

St. Joseph reports 107 new COVID-19 cases, two more deaths

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford Focus driven by Brooke M. Hildenbrand, 20, Cameron, was westbound on U.S. 36 at Route AB four miles east of St. Joseph.

&nbsp;A 2018 Yamaha driven by Michael J. Harris, 78, Clarksdale, failed to yield to the Ford. The car rear-ended the Yamaha.&nbsp;

DeKalb County EMS transported Harris to Mosaic Life Care. Hildenbrand was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.&nbsp;

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford Focus driven by Brooke M. Hildenbrand, 20, Cameron, was westbound on U.S. 36 at Route AB four miles east of St. Joseph.&nbsp;A 2018 Yamaha driven by Michael J. Harris, 78, Clarksdale, failed to yield to the Ford. The car rear-ended the Yamaha.&nbsp;DeKalb County EMS transported Harris to Mosaic Life Care. Hildenbrand was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.&nbsp;

Missouri man hospitalized after car rear-ends motorcycle

A 27-year-old St. Joseph man died in a two-car collision on
Interstate 29 in St. Joseph early this morning after his car crashed into
another being pushed by its driver.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Bryton Bohon was
pronounced dead at the scene, the southbound lanes of I-29 near U.S. 169.

The patrol reports 37-year-old Chet Lake, Jr. of St. Joseph was
pushing his car in the driving lane of southbound I-29 when Bohon struck the
rear of his vehicle at 4:18 this morning. Lake suffered serious injuries. The
collision left Bohon’s car on the east side of the roadway. Lake’s car came to
rest in the driving lane.

St. Joseph police officers, Buchanan County sheriff’s
deputies, and troopers from the patrol responded. St. Joseph police closed
southbound I-29 to traffic between Frederick Boulevard and U.S. 169 for hours
as officers investigated the crash.

One person died at the scene, another was taken to the
hospital in an early morning accident on I-29 in St. Joseph, which clogged the
morning commute and backed up interstate traffic.

No details yet on an accident which occurred near US 169 at around
4:20 this morning.

St. Joseph police closed south bound I-29 from Frederick to
South US Highway 169 after the accident occurred.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 27-year-old St. Joseph man died in a two-car collision on
Interstate 29 in St. Joseph early this morning after his car crashed into
another being pushed by its driver.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Bryton Bohon was
pronounced dead at the scene, the southbound lanes of I-29 near U.S. 169.The patrol reports 37-year-old Chet Lake, Jr. of St. Joseph was
pushing his car in the driving lane of southbound I-29 when Bohon struck the
rear of his vehicle at 4:18 this morning. Lake suffered serious injuries. The
collision left Bohon’s car on the east side of the roadway. Lake’s car came to
rest in the driving lane.St. Joseph police officers, Buchanan County sheriff’s
deputies, and troopers from the patrol responded. St. Joseph police closed
southbound I-29 to traffic between Frederick Boulevard and U.S. 169 for hours
as officers investigated the crash.-----------------------EARLIER:One person died at the scene, another was taken to the
hospital in an early morning accident on I-29 in St. Joseph, which clogged the
morning commute and backed up interstate traffic.No details yet on an accident which occurred near US 169 at around
4:20 this morning.St. Joseph police closed south bound I-29 from Frederick to
South US Highway 169 after the accident occurred.

27-year-old St. Joseph man dies in rear-end crash on I-29

The St. Joseph Health Department and the CDC are reducing the number of days needed to quarantine from COVID-19.

St. Joseph Health Department spokeswoman Stephanie Malita says the biggest difference in going from 14 to 10 days, is the last four days of quarantine.

"Monitor for fever, cough, everything else you would be monitoring for during those ten days it's just that those last four days of quarantine, the original quarantine period, can be used to sort of reintroduce yourself back into regular activity."

There is a third option to get tested after the fifth day.  Doing that means you can break quarantine after the seventh day.

Malita says though that the health department is still pushing for people to do the ten-day quarantine period

But quarantine is only one method recommended by the department to reduce the spread of the virus.

"But in addition to quarantine we want to use strategies like physical distancing, wearing masks, washing and sanitizing hands and surfaces that are frequently touched, stay home when there's any kind of illness, get a flu vaccine, and avoid group gatherings"

The department hopes that reducing the number of days needed to quarantine will help reduce the hardships felt by people needing to be in isolation.

The St. Joseph Health Department and the CDC are reducing the number of days needed to quarantine from COVID-19.St. Joseph Health Department spokeswoman Stephanie Malita says the biggest difference in going from 14 to 10 days, is the last four days of quarantine."Monitor for fever, cough, everything else you would be monitoring for during those ten days it's just that those last four days of quarantine, the original quarantine period, can be used to sort of reintroduce yourself back into regular activity."There is a third option to get tested after the fifth day. Doing that means you can break quarantine after the seventh day.Malita says though that the health department is still pushing for people to do the ten-day quarantine periodBut quarantine is only one method recommended by the department to reduce the spread of the virus."But in addition to quarantine we want to use strategies like physical distancing, wearing masks, washing and sanitizing hands and surfaces that are frequently touched, stay home when there's any kind of illness, get a flu vaccine, and avoid group gatherings"The department hopes that reducing the number of days needed to quarantine will help reduce the hardships felt by people needing to be in isolation.

St. Joseph Health Department reducing recommended days to quarantine

A sharp increase in new coronavirus cases brings the total
number of COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County to more than 7,000.

St. Joseph health officials report 142 new COVID-19 cases on
Tuesday, bringing the county total since the pandemic began to 7,021. 

Two additional deaths have been reported. A woman in her 80s
and a woman in her 90s, both with underlying health conditions, died from
COVID-19. Buchanan County has recorded a total of 92 deaths.

The St. Joseph Health Department says the 142 new cases on Tuesday
surpasses the previous one-day record of 133 cases set on November 16th.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 70 total coronavirus patients
in its system. Mosaic reports it has 58 COVID-19 patients in St. Joseph as of
Wednesday morning, which is down from 63 the day before. Mosaic is treating
seven COVID-19 patients Maryville, down from 11. Five coronavirus patients are
being treated in Albany.

Mosaic has tested 54,734 area residents with 6,792 testing positive.
Mosaic is awaiting results from 230 tests.

Andrew County reports a total of 1,344 cases with 13
deaths.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 556 total cases.

Missouri health officials report 328,206 total cases
with 4,355 deaths.

Kansas health officials report a total of 174,025
cases, resulting in 1,856 deaths.

This article has been updated with the latest figures from Mosaic.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA sharp increase in new coronavirus cases brings the total
number of COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County to more than 7,000.St. Joseph health officials report 142 new COVID-19 cases on
Tuesday, bringing the county total since the pandemic began to 7,021. Two additional deaths have been reported. A woman in her 80s
and a woman in her 90s, both with underlying health conditions, died from
COVID-19. Buchanan County has recorded a total of 92 deaths.The St. Joseph Health Department says the 142 new cases on Tuesday
surpasses the previous one-day record of 133 cases set on November 16th.The St. Joseph Health Department says the 142 new cases on Tuesday
surpasses the previous one-day record of 133 cases set on November 16th.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 70 total coronavirus patients
in its system. Mosaic reports it has 58 COVID-19 patients in St. Joseph as of
Wednesday morning, which is down from 63 the day before. Mosaic is treating
seven COVID-19 patients Maryville, down from 11. Five coronavirus patients are
being treated in Albany.Mosaic has tested 54,734 area residents with 6,792 testing positive.
Mosaic is awaiting results from 230 tests.Andrew County reports a total of 1,344 cases with 13
deaths.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 556 total cases.Missouri health officials report 328,206 total cases
with 4,355 deaths.Kansas health officials report a total of 174,025
cases, resulting in 1,856 deaths.This article has been updated with the latest figures from Mosaic.

St. Joseph has record daily COVID-19 count, two additional deaths

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A St. Joseph man died in an accident just before 4:30a.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Nissan Sentra driven by Bryton D. Bohon, 27, St. Joseph, was southbound on Interstate 29 just south of northbound Interstate 229. The car rear-ended a 2005 BMW X3 being pushed by Chet E. Lake, Jr., 37, St.&nbsp; Joseph.

Bohon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Jackson County Medical Examiner's office.&nbsp; EMS transported Lake Jr. to Mosaic Life Care.

St. Joseph police closed south bound I-29 from Frederick to South US Highway 169 after the accident occurred.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A St. Joseph man died in an accident just before 4:30a.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Nissan Sentra driven by Bryton D. Bohon, 27, St. Joseph, was southbound on Interstate 29 just south of northbound Interstate 229. The car rear-ended a 2005 BMW X3 being pushed by Chet E. Lake, Jr., 37, St.&nbsp; Joseph.Bohon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Jackson County Medical Examiner's office.&nbsp; EMS transported Lake Jr. to Mosaic Life Care.St. Joseph police closed south bound I-29 from Frederick to South US Highway 169 after the accident occurred.------By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostOne person died at the scene, another was taken to the
hospital in an early morning accident on I-29 in St. Joseph, which clogged the
morning commute and backed up interstate traffic.No details yet on an accident which occurred near US 169 at around
4:20 this morning.St. Joseph police closed south bound I-29 from Frederick to
South US Highway 169 after the accident occurred.

Fatal accident on I-29 shuts down southbound lanes of interstate in St. Joseph

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Ford Focus driven by Amanda R. Plowman-Martin, 31, Princeton, was southbound on U.S. 65 four miles north of Princeton.

The car rear-ended a 2020 Jeep Renegade that was disabled in the road from an earlier crash.

Lifeflight transported Plowman-Martin to Iowa Methodist in Des Moines. She was properly restrained a the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Tuesday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Ford Focus driven by Amanda R. Plowman-Martin, 31, Princeton, was southbound on U.S. 65 four miles north of Princeton.The car rear-ended a 2020 Jeep Renegade that was disabled in the road from an earlier crash.Lifeflight transported Plowman-Martin to Iowa Methodist in Des Moines. She was properly restrained a the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman airlifted to hospital after crash

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal officials say the amount of water being released into the Missouri River from a key dam on the Nebraska-South Dakota border has been reduced to winter levels. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said in a news release Tuesday that the amount of water flowing out of Gavins Point Dam has been reduced to a rate of about 17,000 cubic feet per second. 

That’s down significantly from the reduction seen a year earlier, after heavy rain and snow melt in the spring of 2019 sent the river to record levels and flooded parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal officials say the amount of water being released into the Missouri River from a key dam on the Nebraska-South Dakota border has been reduced to winter levels. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said in a news release Tuesday that the amount of water flowing out of Gavins Point Dam has been reduced to a rate of about 17,000 cubic feet per second. That’s down significantly from the reduction seen a year earlier, after heavy rain and snow melt in the spring of 2019 sent the river to record levels and flooded parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

Amount of water released into Missouri River to be reduced

Photo Courtesy of Missouri Farm Bureau

Missouri Farm Bureau Federation members elected Garrett Hawkins as its next President, taking the reins from long-time outgoing president Blake Hurst. As noted by Agri-Pulse, Hawkins becomes the youngest state farm bureau president at 40. 

Over the weekend, the organization elected Hawkins over Vice President Todd Hays and USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce. Hawkins has deep roots within Missouri Farm Bureau. He served as a Youth Ambassador and was active in Collegiate Farm Bureau at Missouri State University. 

He also served as a summer legislative intern for the organization before leading its national lobbying efforts and policy development process for nearly 15 years as the director of national legislative programs. 

From 2017 to 2019, Hawkins served as deputy director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Hawkins says, "Our family made this decision together and we intend to serve together, adding, "We believe strongly in the grassroots mission of this organization and look forward to serving its members over the next two years."

Photo Courtesy of Missouri Farm Bureau Missouri Farm Bureau Federation members elected Garrett Hawkins as its next President, taking the reins from long-time outgoing president Blake Hurst. As noted by Agri-Pulse, Hawkins becomes the youngest state farm bureau president at 40. Over the weekend, the organization elected Hawkins over Vice President Todd Hays and USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce. Hawkins has deep roots within Missouri Farm Bureau. He served as a Youth Ambassador and was active in Collegiate Farm Bureau at Missouri State University. He also served as a summer legislative intern for the organization before leading its national lobbying efforts and policy development process for nearly 15 years as the director of national legislative programs. From 2017 to 2019, Hawkins served as deputy director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Hawkins says, "Our family made this decision together and we intend to serve together, adding, "We believe strongly in the grassroots mission of this organization and look forward to serving its members over the next two years."

Missouri Farm Bureau elects youngest state farm bureau president

St.
Joseph health officials report four additional COVID-19 deaths since their last
coronavirus report on Friday as well as 126 new coronavirus cases on Monday.

A
man in his 80s, two women in their 80s and a woman in her 70s are listed as
dying from the virus.

Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 79 COVID-19 patients in its system; 63 in St.
Joseph, 11 in Maryville, and five in Albany.

Mosaic
has tested 54,399 area residents with 6,689 testing positive. Mosaic is
awaiting results from 378 tests.

Andrew
County health officials report a total of 1,327 coronavirus cases and 13
deaths.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 556 total cases.

Missouri
reports nearly 324,956 cases of COVID-19, resulting in 4,194 deaths.

Kansas
reports more than 174,025 cases with 1,856 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report four additional COVID-19 deaths since their last
coronavirus report on Friday as well as 126 new coronavirus cases on Monday.A
man in his 80s, two women in their 80s and a woman in her 70s are listed as
dying from the virus.Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treating 79 COVID-19 patients in its system; 63 in St.
Joseph, 11 in Maryville, and five in Albany.Mosaic
has tested 54,399 area residents with 6,689 testing positive. Mosaic is
awaiting results from 378 tests.Andrew
County health officials report a total of 1,327 coronavirus cases and 13
deaths.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 556 total cases.Missouri
reports nearly 324,956 cases of COVID-19, resulting in 4,194 deaths.Kansas
reports more than 174,025 cases with 1,856 deaths.

126 new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County; 4 additional deaths

An effort to make sure that when first responders use their
cell phones whether for calls, texts, or data the broadband network is there
for the information to go through is nearly complete.

Former Phoenix police officer David Faulkner works for 1st
Net Authority within the Commerce Department. He says 1st Net won’t
replace police and fire radios, but enhances emergency communication.

“The goal is data,” Faulkner tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ
Hotline. “We need data when we go out and do these things. When the network
gets congested, if you can picture a college football game where there’s a
large number of people in one area, the network gets congested. And, it’s tough
for our calls to go through. So, the goal of 1st Net is that our
calls always go through.”

Faulkner says police, fire, emergency workers, even Homeland
Security have one overriding request when discussing the use of cell phones.

“I would say their main concern and the number one thing I
hear is coverage,” according to Faulkner. “In the state of Arizona, two years-plus
ago when we first started doing this and AT&amp;T started building out, things
have changed dramatically.”

Faulkner says the 1st Net Authority is about 80%
complete.

“Our coverage, which is always the main concern, has
dramatically improved and it gets better every day.”

The idea for 1st Net Authority grew out of tragedy.
The 9/11 Commission identified communication failures as devastating to
response in wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City. Congress
created the 1st Responders Network Authority. In 2017, AT&amp;T won
the bid to build the special high-speed bandwidth for police, fire, emergency
crews, and the like to use in times of crisis.

Mike Chambers with AT&amp;T in northwest Missouri says some
disasters leave little wireless broadband network left, such as the devastating
tornado that hit Joplin in 2011. Chambers says 1st Net Authority gives
first responders priority and preemption.

“If the disaster gets big and there’s very little network
left, say in Joplin where many towers were taken out. Then, we can activate preemption
where that network kind of kicks everybody off and the first responders are on,”
Chambers says. “That would only be done at a time when it is pretty much
critical.”

Chambers says AT&amp;T has built about 80% of the first
responder network and is concentrating on building towers to reach rural
America, including parts of northern Missouri with little cell phone service.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn effort to make sure that when first responders use their
cell phones whether for calls, texts, or data the broadband network is there
for the information to go through is nearly complete.Former Phoenix police officer David Faulkner works for 1st
Net Authority within the Commerce Department. He says 1st Net won’t
replace police and fire radios, but enhances emergency communication.“The goal is data,” Faulkner tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ
Hotline. “We need data when we go out and do these things. When the network
gets congested, if you can picture a college football game where there’s a
large number of people in one area, the network gets congested. And, it’s tough
for our calls to go through. So, the goal of 1st Net is that our
calls always go through.”Faulkner says police, fire, emergency workers, even Homeland
Security have one overriding request when discussing the use of cell phones.“I would say their main concern and the number one thing I
hear is coverage,” according to Faulkner. “In the state of Arizona, two years-plus
ago when we first started doing this and AT&amp;T started building out, things
have changed dramatically.”Faulkner says the 1st Net Authority is about 80%
complete.“Our coverage, which is always the main concern, has
dramatically improved and it gets better every day.”The idea for 1st Net Authority grew out of tragedy.
The 9/11 Commission identified communication failures as devastating to
response in wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City. Congress
created the 1st Responders Network Authority. In 2017, AT&amp;T won
the bid to build the special high-speed bandwidth for police, fire, emergency
crews, and the like to use in times of crisis.Mike Chambers with AT&amp;T in northwest Missouri says some
disasters leave little wireless broadband network left, such as the devastating
tornado that hit Joplin in 2011. Chambers says 1st Net Authority gives
first responders priority and preemption.“If the disaster gets big and there’s very little network
left, say in Joplin where many towers were taken out. Then, we can activate preemption
where that network kind of kicks everybody off and the first responders are on,”
Chambers says. “That would only be done at a time when it is pretty much
critical.”Chambers says AT&amp;T has built about 80% of the first
responder network and is concentrating on building towers to reach rural
America, including parts of northern Missouri with little cell phone service.

1st Net seeks to clear the way for 1st responders during a crisis

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves would like Congress
to pass two pieces of legislation during this lame-duck session.

Graves says Congress needs to approve a spending bill to keep
the federal government funded and it needs to pass the Water Resources
Development Act, which passed the House on a bipartisan vote and moved on to
the Senate for its consideration.

“So those are two bills that we need to get done and done
right away,” Graves tells St. Joseph Post. “We’ve got a couple of weeks of work
left to do in Washington before the Christmas break and hopefully we’re going
to be able to get those things done.”

Graves is hopeful Congress will also approve another
coronavirus relief bill, meant to provide money to the states in their fight
against COVID-19 and give assistance to the public to help prop up an ailing
economy.

Congress returned to Washington in a lame-duck session
following a very tight election.

Democrats retained only a narrow majority in the United States
House with the Senate nearly evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.

Graves, a Republican, says Congress will look much different
when the new session begins next year.

“That could create problems. It may actually provide some opportunities,
too, because there’s more opportunity for compromise in many cases when the
margins are so narrow,” according to Graves. “It’s just a lot of anxiety over
what could happen and it comes down to leadership in the both the House and the
Senate.”

Fox News reports Democrats now hold 222 seats in the U.S.
House with Republicans claiming 211 seats. Two races remain undecided.
Republicans have 50 seats in the U.S. Senate. Democrats hold 48 seats. Two
Senate seats will be decided during a special runoff election January 5th
in Georgia.

Graves says Republican gains will lead to some changes in
Washington.

“Well, it prevents the majority from being able to just ram
things through,” Graves says. “They have to be more diligent when it comes to
compromises and when it comes to the ideas that come from both sides.”

Graves will remain the top Republican on the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Republicans in the House voted to
keep Graves as the minority leader on the committee.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves would like Congress
to pass two pieces of legislation during this lame-duck session.Graves says Congress needs to approve a spending bill to keep
the federal government funded and it needs to pass the Water Resources
Development Act, which passed the House on a bipartisan vote and moved on to
the Senate for its consideration.“So those are two bills that we need to get done and done
right away,” Graves tells St. Joseph Post. “We’ve got a couple of weeks of work
left to do in Washington before the Christmas break and hopefully we’re going
to be able to get those things done.”Graves is hopeful Congress will also approve another
coronavirus relief bill, meant to provide money to the states in their fight
against COVID-19 and give assistance to the public to help prop up an ailing
economy.Congress returned to Washington in a lame-duck session
following a very tight election.Democrats retained only a narrow majority in the United States
House with the Senate nearly evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.Graves, a Republican, says Congress will look much different
when the new session begins next year.“That could create problems. It may actually provide some opportunities,
too, because there’s more opportunity for compromise in many cases when the
margins are so narrow,” according to Graves. “It’s just a lot of anxiety over
what could happen and it comes down to leadership in the both the House and the
Senate.”Fox News reports Democrats now hold 222 seats in the U.S.
House with Republicans claiming 211 seats. Two races remain undecided.
Republicans have 50 seats in the U.S. Senate. Democrats hold 48 seats. Two
Senate seats will be decided during a special runoff election January 5th
in Georgia.Graves says Republican gains will lead to some changes in
Washington.“Well, it prevents the majority from being able to just ram
things through,” Graves says. “They have to be more diligent when it comes to
compromises and when it comes to the ideas that come from both sides.”Graves will remain the top Republican on the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Republicans in the House voted to
keep Graves as the minority leader on the committee.

Graves says Congress needs to pass 2 bills during lame-duck session

KFEQ agricultural market news reporter Greg Clement has been inducted into the Ag Hall of Fame.

The
St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce reports Clement received the honor during the 16th
annual Farm City Breakfast it sponsors along with LifeLine Foods of St. Joseph.

Clement was born and raised on a northwest Missouri
farm on which the family grew crops and raised cattle. The family first raised
steers, then converted to a cow-calf operation. The family also had brood mares
and two stallions. He broke horses from age 13 to 40.

In 1984, Clement became an auctioneer and began
work at the St. Joseph Stockyards. In 1992, he became a Missouri State Champion
Auctioneer. Clement served as a full-time livestock auctioneer from 1984 to
2013. He began as a market news reporter on KFEQ in 1989.

Clement worked many benefit auctions in the St.
Joseph area for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, the Noyes Home, the Albrecht-Kemper
Museum of Art, Ducks Unlimited, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and several
others.

Clement is married to his wife of 49 years,
Kathi. They have two children, Amy and Jennifer.

The Farm City Breakfast was held virtually this
year on November 24th due to coronavirus concerns. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607355159915.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee chair, Donnie Miller (right), presents Ag Hall of Fame plaque to KFEQ ag market reporter Greg Clement/Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee chair, Donnie Miller (right), presents Ag Hall of Fame plaque to KFEQ ag market reporter Greg Clement/Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKFEQ agricultural market news reporter Greg Clement has been inducted into the Ag Hall of Fame.The
St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce reports Clement received the honor during the 16th
annual Farm City Breakfast it sponsors along with LifeLine Foods of St. Joseph.Clement was born and raised on a northwest Missouri
farm on which the family grew crops and raised cattle. The family first raised
steers, then converted to a cow-calf operation. The family also had brood mares
and two stallions. He broke horses from age 13 to 40.In 1984, Clement became an auctioneer and began
work at the St. Joseph Stockyards. In 1992, he became a Missouri State Champion
Auctioneer. Clement served as a full-time livestock auctioneer from 1984 to
2013. He began as a market news reporter on KFEQ in 1989.Clement worked many benefit auctions in the St.
Joseph area for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, the Noyes Home, the Albrecht-Kemper
Museum of Art, Ducks Unlimited, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and several
others.Clement is married to his wife of 49 years,
Kathi. They have two children, Amy and Jennifer.The Farm City Breakfast was held virtually this
year on November 24th due to coronavirus concerns.

KFEQ ag market reporter Greg Clement inducted into Ag Hall of Fame

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 74 patients in its
system as of Monday morning; 63 in St. Joseph, seven in Maryville, and four in
Albany.

Those numbers are up slightly from the numbers released
Sunday.

Mosaic has now tested 53,950 area residents with 6,650 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 76 tests.

St. Joseph health officials reported 104 new COVID-19 cases in
Buchanan County on Friday, bringing the county total to 6,607.
Buchanan County has recorded 86 deaths.

Andrew County reports 1,238 cases with 13 deaths.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 547 cases.

Missouri health officials report 324,956 total coronavirus cases since the pandemic began with 4,194 deaths.

Kansas reports 168,295 cases, resulting in
1,786 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care reports it is treating 74 patients in its
system as of Monday morning; 63 in St. Joseph, seven in Maryville, and four in
Albany.Those numbers are up slightly from the numbers released
Sunday.Mosaic has now tested 53,950 area residents with 6,650 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 76 tests.St. Joseph health officials reported 104 new COVID-19 cases in
Buchanan County on Friday, bringing the county total to 6,607.
Buchanan County has recorded 86 deaths.Andrew County reports 1,238 cases with 13 deaths.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 547 cases.Missouri health officials report 324,956 total coronavirus cases since the pandemic began with 4,194 deaths.Kansas reports 168,295 cases, resulting in
1,786 deaths.

Mosaic Life Care reports 74 COVID-19 patients in system

St. Joseph police report responding to two shootings
overnight.

Police report officers responded to a shots fired call shortly
before 7 o’clock last night at the apartment complex at 2807 Pembroke Lane.
Police say one shot was fired from an assault rifle during a domestic
disturbance. No one was hurt in the incident. One person was taken into
custody.

Officers responded to a call from Mosaic Life Care hospital in
St. Joseph after a man checked himself into the emergency room shortly after
midnight, suffering from a single gunshot wound to his left upper thigh. Police
say the wound is not life-threatening. The wounded man claims he was sitting in
his car near 17th and Olive when a man shot him while attempting to
rob him, though police say they have found nothing to support his story.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police report responding to two shootings
overnight.Police report officers responded to a shots fired call shortly
before 7 o’clock last night at the apartment complex at 2807 Pembroke Lane.
Police say one shot was fired from an assault rifle during a domestic
disturbance. No one was hurt in the incident. One person was taken into
custody.Officers responded to a call from Mosaic Life Care hospital in
St. Joseph after a man checked himself into the emergency room shortly after
midnight, suffering from a single gunshot wound to his left upper thigh. Police
say the wound is not life-threatening. The wounded man claims he was sitting in
his car near 17th and Olive when a man shot him while attempting to
rob him, though police say they have found nothing to support his story.

St. Joseph police respond to two shootings overnight

ANDREW COUNTY—A teenager was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Polaris Ranger driven by a 15-year-old girl from Rea was northbound on County Road 218 one mile northwest of Rea.

The ATV traveled off the west side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle returned to the road and overturned.

Andrew County EMS transported the teen to Mosaic Life Care and later she was airlifted to KU Medical Center.

The patrol withheld the name of the injured teen, because she is a juvenile.

ANDREW COUNTY—A teenager was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Sunday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Polaris Ranger driven by a 15-year-old girl from Rea was northbound on County Road 218 one mile northwest of Rea.The ATV traveled off the west side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle returned to the road and overturned.Andrew County EMS transported the teen to Mosaic Life Care and later she was airlifted to KU Medical Center.The patrol withheld the name of the injured teen, because she is a juvenile.

Andrew Co. teen airlifted to hospital after ATV overturns

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;2002 Toyota Camry driven by James L. Helton, 75, Gilman City, was westbound on&nbsp;330th Street five miles east of Bethany.&nbsp;

The Toyota crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2011 Ford Fusion driven by Lisa R. Appel, 55, Bethany.

Lifeflight Eagle transported Appel's husband Christopher A. Appel, 57, Bethany, to Mosaic Life Care in St. Jospeh.&nbsp; There were no other injuries reported. All were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Saturday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;2002 Toyota Camry driven by James L. Helton, 75, Gilman City, was westbound on&nbsp;330th Street five miles east of Bethany.&nbsp;The Toyota crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2011 Ford Fusion driven by Lisa R. Appel, 55, Bethany.Lifeflight Eagle transported Appel's husband Christopher A. Appel, 57, Bethany, to Mosaic Life Care in St. Jospeh.&nbsp; There were no other injuries reported. All were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Man from Bethany airlifted to hospital after head-on crash

MERCER COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Saturday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Malibu driven by Luka D. Nicholas, 18, Princeton, was westbound on Route AA five miles west of Ravanna.

The car traveled through a T intersection, struck a fence and came to rest in a field.&nbsp;

Mercer County ambulance transported a passenger Maci J. Lisle, 17, Bethany, to Harrison County Community Hospital. A private vehicle transported Nicholas to Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton.&nbsp; Lisle was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

MERCER COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Saturday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Malibu driven by Luka D. Nicholas, 18, Princeton, was westbound on Route AA five miles west of Ravanna.The car traveled through a T intersection, struck a fence and came to rest in a field.&nbsp;Mercer County ambulance transported a passenger Maci J. Lisle, 17, Bethany, to Harrison County Community Hospital. A private vehicle transported Nicholas to Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton.&nbsp; Lisle was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 Missouri teens hospitalized after car strikes fence

Bessie Ellison Elementary School, which switched to remote
learning on Friday, will continue with virtual lessons through next week because
of positive and pending COVID-19 cases arising among staff.

Bessie Ellison Principal Kara Anderson notified parents in a
letter the school will not hold classes in the building, but will switch to
remote learning from Monday, December 7th, through Friday, December
11th.

“This decision was made with the best interest of our
students and staff, especially for their health and safety,” Anderson wrote in
the letter. “Teaching and learning will continue during this time of remote
learning.”

Bessie Ellison staff will reach out to parents about the
remote learning plan and expectations, which will resemble the plans put into
place for Friday.

No names of anyone testing positive will be released.

“Our school and the SJSD are currently following guidance
from the Center for Disease Control &amp; Prevention (CDC), Missouri Department
of Health &amp; Senior Services (DHSS), Department of Elementary &amp;
Secondary Education (DESE) as well as local health department guidelines,”
Anderson wrote. “The school has been disinfected repeatedly, and our staff will
continue to clean and disinfect rooms regularly.”

Parents are referred to the St. Joseph School District
<a href="https://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/covid-19">website</a> for more information. Parents also can call the school office at (816)
671-4120.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607185048476.jpeg" alt="Bessie Eillison Elementary School/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Bessie Eillison Elementary School/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBessie Ellison Elementary School, which switched to remote
learning on Friday, will continue with virtual lessons through next week because
of positive and pending COVID-19 cases arising among staff.Bessie Ellison Principal Kara Anderson notified parents in a
letter the school will not hold classes in the building, but will switch to
remote learning from Monday, December 7th, through Friday, December
11th.“This decision was made with the best interest of our
students and staff, especially for their health and safety,” Anderson wrote in
the letter. “Teaching and learning will continue during this time of remote
learning.”Bessie Ellison staff will reach out to parents about the
remote learning plan and expectations, which will resemble the plans put into
place for Friday.No names of anyone testing positive will be released.“Our school and the SJSD are currently following guidance
from the Center for Disease Control &amp; Prevention (CDC), Missouri Department
of Health &amp; Senior Services (DHSS), Department of Elementary &amp;
Secondary Education (DESE) as well as local health department guidelines,”
Anderson wrote. “The school has been disinfected repeatedly, and our staff will
continue to clean and disinfect rooms regularly.”Parents are referred to the St. Joseph School District
<a href="https://www.sjsd.k12.mo.us/covid-19">website</a> for more information. Parents also can call the school office at (816)
671-4120.

Bessie Ellison to switch to remote learning next week due to COVID-19 cases

St. Joseph health officials reported 104 new coronavirus cases
on Friday.

The St. Joseph Health Department reports the total COVID-19
cases for Buchanan County since the pandemic began is 6,607, resulting in 86
deaths.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 64 COVID-19 patients
in its system; 55 in St. Joseph, five in Maryville, and four in Albany.

Mosaic has now tested 53,730 area residents with 6,555 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 315 tests.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials reported 104 new coronavirus cases
on Friday.The St. Joseph Health Department reports the total COVID-19
cases for Buchanan County since the pandemic began is 6,607, resulting in 86
deaths.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 64 COVID-19 patients
in its system; 55 in St. Joseph, five in Maryville, and four in Albany.Mosaic has now tested 53,730 area residents with 6,555 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 315 tests.

St. Joseph reports 104 new COVID-19 cases

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Friday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Ranger driven by Timothy J. Oswald, 39, Fairfax, was southbound on U.S. 59 just north of Fairfax.

The pickup traveled off the road and struck a utility pole.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Oswald to Mosaic in Maryville. He&nbsp; was cited for DWI; failure to not driver on the right half of the road and for not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Friday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Ranger driven by Timothy J. Oswald, 39, Fairfax, was southbound on U.S. 59 just north of Fairfax.The pickup traveled off the road and struck a utility pole.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Oswald to Mosaic in Maryville. He&nbsp; was cited for DWI; failure to not driver on the right half of the road and for not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after alleged DUI crash

NODAWAY COUNTY —Seven people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Friday in Nodaway County.

NODAWAY COUNTY —Seven people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Friday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Escape driven by Juliann S. Cruz, 19, College Springs, IA. was northbound on U.S. 71 at 250th Street just north of Maryville.The Ford rear-ended a 2009 Dodge Journey driven by Angela M. Meese, 39, Bedford IA.,&nbsp; who was stopped behind a 2017 Ford Explorer driven by Mary E. Metcalf, 68, Maryville, that had stopped to make a left turn.Nodaway County EMS transported Cruz, Metcalf, Meese and passengers in the Dodge identified as Suzie Meese, 17; Bryant D. Youngs, 17; Aniah Meese, 20 and Anne M. Dunlap, 60, all of Bedford, Iowa, to Mosaic in Maryville. The driver and passengers in the Dodge were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

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