St.
Joseph health officials report 123 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, also
reporting two additional deaths.

Mosaic
Life Care reports hospitalizations continue to drop.

Health
officials say a man in his 80’s and another in his 90’s, both with underlying health
conditions, died of COVID-19.

Buchanan
County has now recorded 6,503 cases since the pandemic began,
resulting in 86 deaths.

Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treated 60 COVID-19 patients as of Friday morning; 52
in St. Joseph, four in Maryville, and four in Albany. Mosaic reported 58
COVID-19 patients at the St. Joseph hospital on Thursday.

Mosaic
has now tested 53,327 area residents with 6,458 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 403 tests.

Andrew
County reports 1,238 cases, resulting in 13 deaths.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 534 cases.

Missouri
health officials report 313,421 total cases, resulting in 4,122 deaths.

Kansas
health officials report 162,061 cases with 1,679 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report 123 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, also
reporting two additional deaths.Mosaic
Life Care reports hospitalizations continue to drop.Health
officials say a man in his 80’s and another in his 90’s, both with underlying health
conditions, died of COVID-19.Buchanan
County has now recorded 6,503 cases since the pandemic began,
resulting in 86 deaths.Mosaic
Life Care reports it is treated 60 COVID-19 patients as of Friday morning; 52
in St. Joseph, four in Maryville, and four in Albany. Mosaic reported 58
COVID-19 patients at the St. Joseph hospital on Thursday.Mosaic
has now tested 53,327 area residents with 6,458 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 403 tests.Andrew
County reports 1,238 cases, resulting in 13 deaths.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 534 cases.Missouri
health officials report 313,421 total cases, resulting in 4,122 deaths.Kansas
health officials report 162,061 cases with 1,679 deaths.

St. Joseph reports 123 new COVID-19 patients as hospitalizations drop

NODAWAY COUNTY — Four people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Suburban driven by Amber T. McClain, 39, Quitman, was southbound on MO 113 just south of Quitman.

The SUV traveled off the road and struck a field entrance and came to rest off the road.

A private vehicle transported McClain and passengers ages 7, 11, and 12, to Mosaic in Maryville. Two of the children were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY — Four people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Suburban driven by Amber T. McClain, 39, Quitman, was southbound on MO 113 just south of Quitman.The SUV traveled off the road and struck a field entrance and came to rest off the road.A private vehicle transported McClain and passengers ages 7, 11, and 12, to Mosaic in Maryville. Two of the children were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

NW Missouri woman, 3 children hospitalized after crash

BROWN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Thursday in Brown County.

&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford 500 driven by Patricia Anne McKinney, 30, Horton, was southbound in the 1400 Block of Kingfisher. The driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a utility pole.

EMS transported&nbsp;McKinney to the hospital in Hiawatha. The KHP did not report seat belt information.

BROWN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Thursday in Brown County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford 500 driven by Patricia Anne McKinney, 30, Horton, was southbound in the 1400 Block of Kingfisher. The driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a utility pole.EMS transported&nbsp;McKinney to the hospital in Hiawatha. The KHP did not report seat belt information.

Kan. woman hospitalized after car strikes utility pole

Ellison Elementary School in St. Joseph will move to remote
learning on Friday, due to staff members testing positive for COVID-19.

Whether Ellison continues with off-campus learning depends on
test results of staff members, according to the St. Joseph School District.

School officials say the move is being made in the best
interest of students and staff. Classes will continue at Ellison, only remotely.
Ellison staff will be reaching out to students and parents with the remote
learning plan and expectations.

The St. Joseph School District states it will offer further
communication about the status of Ellison Elementary later.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEllison Elementary School in St. Joseph will move to remote
learning on Friday, due to staff members testing positive for COVID-19.Whether Ellison continues with off-campus learning depends on
test results of staff members, according to the St. Joseph School District.School officials say the move is being made in the best
interest of students and staff. Classes will continue at Ellison, only remotely.
Ellison staff will be reaching out to students and parents with the remote
learning plan and expectations.The St. Joseph School District states it will offer further
communication about the status of Ellison Elementary later.

COVID-19 cases force Ellison Elementary to go to remote learning

A rise in the number of coronavirus cases has prompted the St.
Joseph Health Department to change its COVID-19 contact tracing protocol.

Stephanie Malita with the department says health officials
have been trying to talk with anyone who had come into close contact with those
testing positive for COVID-19.

“We asked them to review who they had been around for 15
minutes or longer and within six feet or less whether they were wearing a mask
or not,” Malita tells St. Joseph Post.

That contact tracing has become more and more of a burden with
the recent rise in coronavirus numbers. The 14-day average in Buchanan County
has nearly doubled in the past month, from 45 to 82.

Malita says the St. Joseph Health Department has used up to
eight staff members to reach out to those who have been in close contact with
anyone testing positive for COVID-19. They can no longer keep up with the
demands of contact tracing with the increase in daily numbers rising so
dramatically. The highest number of positive tests reported in the last two
weeks was 121 on the 24th of November just before Thanksgiving with
the lowest being the 38 cases reported on Monday. The department reported Buchanan
County had 107 new cases on Wednesday.

Now, the department is asking those infected to contact those with
whom they came into close contact.

“If somebody’s home and isolating like they should be, we’re
hopeful that they’ll be able to take the time to make those calls,” Malita
says.

If a person tests positive for COVID-19 they are asked to
quarantine for at least 10 days.

Malita says the change in contact tracing protocol is in line
with changes suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and the Missouri
Department of Health.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA rise in the number of coronavirus cases has prompted the St.
Joseph Health Department to change its COVID-19 contact tracing protocol.Stephanie Malita with the department says health officials
have been trying to talk with anyone who had come into close contact with those
testing positive for COVID-19.“We asked them to review who they had been around for 15
minutes or longer and within six feet or less whether they were wearing a mask
or not,” Malita tells St. Joseph Post.That contact tracing has become more and more of a burden with
the recent rise in coronavirus numbers. The 14-day average in Buchanan County
has nearly doubled in the past month, from 45 to 82.Malita says the St. Joseph Health Department has used up to
eight staff members to reach out to those who have been in close contact with
anyone testing positive for COVID-19. They can no longer keep up with the
demands of contact tracing with the increase in daily numbers rising so
dramatically. The highest number of positive tests reported in the last two
weeks was 121 on the 24th of November just before Thanksgiving with
the lowest being the 38 cases reported on Monday. The department reported Buchanan
County had 107 new cases on Wednesday.Now, the department is asking those infected to contact those with
whom they came into close contact.“If somebody’s home and isolating like they should be, we’re
hopeful that they’ll be able to take the time to make those calls,” Malita
says.If a person tests positive for COVID-19 they are asked to
quarantine for at least 10 days.Malita says the change in contact tracing protocol is in line
with changes suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and the Missouri
Department of Health.

Rising COVID-19 numbers forces change in St. Joseph contact tracing

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6a.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Cadillac SRX driven by Mitchell C. Berndt, 19, Excelsior Springs, was northbound on Interstate 29 one mile north of Faucett.

The driver attempted to avoid another vehicle. He overcorrected and the SUV traveled down an embankment and struck several trees.&nbsp; Berndt was properly restrained at the time of the accident and refused treatment at the scene, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6a.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Cadillac SRX driven by Mitchell C. Berndt, 19, Excelsior Springs, was northbound on Interstate 29 one mile north of Faucett.The driver attempted to avoid another vehicle. He overcorrected and the SUV traveled down an embankment and struck several trees.&nbsp; Berndt was properly restrained at the time of the accident and refused treatment at the scene, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man refused treatment after SUV travels down embankment

St. Joseph health officials report 107 new coronavirus cases in
Buchanan County even as hospitalizations dropped in St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph Health Department reports an additional death,
a woman in her 90’s with underlying health conditions.

Buchanan County has now recorded 6,380 cases resulting in 84
deaths.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 66 COVID-19 patients
in its system as of Thursday morning; 58 in St. Joseph, four in Maryville, and four in Albany.

Mosaic reported 86 total COVID-19 cases in its system Monday
with 74 patients in St. Joseph.

Mosaic has tested 52,913 area residents with 6,358 testing positive.

Andrew County reports 1,238 total COVID-19 cases with 13
deaths.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 534 total cases.

Missouri reports a total of 305,370 cases, resulting in 4,043
deaths.

Kansas reports 162,061 with 1,679 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 107 new coronavirus cases in
Buchanan County even as hospitalizations dropped in St. Joseph.The St. Joseph Health Department reports an additional death,
a woman in her 90’s with underlying health conditions.Buchanan County has now recorded 6,380 cases resulting in 84
deaths.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 66 COVID-19 patients
in its system as of Thursday morning; 58 in St. Joseph, four in Maryville, and four in Albany.Mosaic reported 86 total COVID-19 cases in its system Monday
with 74 patients in St. Joseph.Mosaic has tested 52,913 area residents with 6,358 testing positive.Andrew County reports 1,238 total COVID-19 cases with 13
deaths.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 534 total cases.Missouri reports a total of 305,370 cases, resulting in 4,043
deaths.Kansas reports 162,061 with 1,679 deaths.

St. Joseph reports 107 new COVID-19 cases as hospitalizations drop

Federal
officials would be prevented from making homeowners refund disaster assistance
mistakenly given them under a bill passing the House in Washington.

Northern
Missouri Congressman Sam Graves sponsors the measure which came as a response
to an incident in northwest Missouri.

“So,
what we basically said is that if FEMA makes a mistake like this they can’t
come and claw the money back, as long as there is no fraud involved. If it was
a mistake on FEMA’s part then they can’t do that,” Graves tells St. Joseph
Post. “This amounted to $12,000. That’s not a lot of money to FEMA, but it’s a
tremendous amount of money to an individual, particularly after the money had
been spent rebuilding their home.”

Graves
says the Holt County resident lost the family home in the 2019 flood. The
Federal Emergency Management Agency granted the homeowner $12,000 in FEMA
Individual Assistance funds. Later, the agency determined the homeowner didn’t qualify
for the money and demanded it be repaid.

Graves
says others have been caught in the crosshairs of FEMA; asked to refund disaster
assistance given them by FEMA after the agency determined they really weren’t
eligible. The legislation allows the disaster victim to keep the money. It also
requires FEMA report to Congress how many times that happens and what it is
doing to prevent it.

Graves
says efforts to get back disaster assistance once awarded can put the homeowner
in a real bind.

“This
was FEMA’s fault and so they need to be held accountable for it and the fact of
the matter is the money was used and it was used for exactly the purpose that FEMA
originally laid it out for and, in my opinion, they shouldn’t be penalized as a
result,” Graves says.

The
Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act would require FEMA waive the debt of
someone who received federal assistance by mistake, as long as applicant sought
the assistance in good faith and no fraud was involved. The Congressman’s office
claims that under current law, FEMA can demand repayment weeks, months, even
years later.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606931490158.jpeg" alt="Submerged house in 2019 flood/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Submerged house in 2019 flood/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFederal
officials would be prevented from making homeowners refund disaster assistance
mistakenly given them under a bill passing the House in Washington.Northern
Missouri Congressman Sam Graves sponsors the measure which came as a response
to an incident in northwest Missouri.“So,
what we basically said is that if FEMA makes a mistake like this they can’t
come and claw the money back, as long as there is no fraud involved. If it was
a mistake on FEMA’s part then they can’t do that,” Graves tells St. Joseph
Post. “This amounted to $12,000. That’s not a lot of money to FEMA, but it’s a
tremendous amount of money to an individual, particularly after the money had
been spent rebuilding their home.”Graves
says the Holt County resident lost the family home in the 2019 flood. The
Federal Emergency Management Agency granted the homeowner $12,000 in FEMA
Individual Assistance funds. Later, the agency determined the homeowner didn’t qualify
for the money and demanded it be repaid.Graves
says others have been caught in the crosshairs of FEMA; asked to refund disaster
assistance given them by FEMA after the agency determined they really weren’t
eligible. The legislation allows the disaster victim to keep the money. It also
requires FEMA report to Congress how many times that happens and what it is
doing to prevent it.Graves
says efforts to get back disaster assistance once awarded can put the homeowner
in a real bind.“This
was FEMA’s fault and so they need to be held accountable for it and the fact of
the matter is the money was used and it was used for exactly the purpose that FEMA
originally laid it out for and, in my opinion, they shouldn’t be penalized as a
result,” Graves says.The
Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act would require FEMA waive the debt of
someone who received federal assistance by mistake, as long as applicant sought
the assistance in good faith and no fraud was involved. The Congressman’s office
claims that under current law, FEMA can demand repayment weeks, months, even
years later.

Bill would block FEMA from seeking refund of assistance given by mistake

A St. Joseph city councilmember hopes a new hiking and biking
trail on the bluffs of the Missouri River will attract tourists to the city.

Councilmember Madison Davis is pleased the council has entered
into a contract with Nomad Trails Development and Ideker to create a multi-use
trail along the bluff ridge above the Missouri River in north St. Joseph.

“Many people would remember that as the park that’s not a
park,” Davis says. “It had the WPA ruins built there many, many years ago and were
never really ever able to be utilized by the citizens.”

Once completed, there will be bike trails off the main hiking
trail.

The new trail is located between I-229 and Waterworks Road,
north of Highland Avenue. The River Bluff Bike Trail Project contract is not to
exceed $1.55 million.

Plans call for creation of an approximately 10,000-foot recreational
bicycle and hiking trail with as much as 20,000 feet specifically devoted to a
mountain bike trail.

The Missouri River bluffs hiking and biking trail will pass by
the remnants of two old, WPA structures and a farmstead, opening public land
mostly cut off from the public.

“Areas that are public property, that don’t get used very much,
where you could for a low cost generate tourism dollars off of it,” Davis says.
“There are several places that have done studies (about) spending for trails of
this type and they are saying on an annual basis you (will) get twice as much
back as what you’ve put into it in the beginning.”

Davis says turning a long-neglected piece of public property
into a tourist attraction isn’t a far-fetched idea. He says several studies
outline the attraction of hiking and biking trails, bringing enthusiasts to a
city where they spend money for lodging and meals.

And Davis adds, it’s a low risk investment.

“We’ve never gotten any use out of it beyond people being able
to walk and hike up there currently,” according to Davis. “To be able to
develop it so it can generate tourism dollars is the idea.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606929149128.jpeg" alt="Work is underway to outline the Missouri River bluffs trail in St. Joseph/Photo courtesy of&nbsp;&nbsp;Nomad Trails Development, LLC. " />
 <figcaption>Work is underway to outline the Missouri River bluffs trail in St. Joseph/Photo courtesy of&nbsp;&nbsp;Nomad Trails Development, LLC. </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph city councilmember hopes a new hiking and biking
trail on the bluffs of the Missouri River will attract tourists to the city.Councilmember Madison Davis is pleased the council has entered
into a contract with Nomad Trails Development and Ideker to create a multi-use
trail along the bluff ridge above the Missouri River in north St. Joseph.“Many people would remember that as the park that’s not a
park,” Davis says. “It had the WPA ruins built there many, many years ago and were
never really ever able to be utilized by the citizens.”Once completed, there will be bike trails off the main hiking
trail.The new trail is located between I-229 and Waterworks Road,
north of Highland Avenue. The River Bluff Bike Trail Project contract is not to
exceed $1.55 million.Plans call for creation of an approximately 10,000-foot recreational
bicycle and hiking trail with as much as 20,000 feet specifically devoted to a
mountain bike trail.The Missouri River bluffs hiking and biking trail will pass by
the remnants of two old, WPA structures and a farmstead, opening public land
mostly cut off from the public.“Areas that are public property, that don’t get used very much,
where you could for a low cost generate tourism dollars off of it,” Davis says.
“There are several places that have done studies (about) spending for trails of
this type and they are saying on an annual basis you (will) get twice as much
back as what you’ve put into it in the beginning.”Davis says turning a long-neglected piece of public property
into a tourist attraction isn’t a far-fetched idea. He says several studies
outline the attraction of hiking and biking trails, bringing enthusiasts to a
city where they spend money for lodging and meals.And Davis adds, it’s a low risk investment.“We’ve never gotten any use out of it beyond people being able
to walk and hike up there currently,” according to Davis. “To be able to
develop it so it can generate tourism dollars is the idea.”

Hiking and biking as a key to more foot traffic in St. Joseph

New COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County jumped back up after falling
for a few days in a row, hospitalizations have fallen.

The St. Joseph Health Department reported 121 new coronavirus
cases in Buchanan County on Tuesday after reporting 38 on Monday and 49 on
Sunday.

St. Joseph health officials also reported another death:&nbsp; a man in his 70’s with underlying health
conditions.

Buchanan County now has recorded 6,273 cases since
the pandemic began resulting in 83 deaths.

Mosaic Life Care reports another drop in hospitalizations with
67 COVID-19 patients in its system as of Wednesday morning; 60 in St. Joseph, four
in Maryville, and three in Albany. Mosaic had been treating 80 COVID-19
patients as of Tuesday morning.

Mosaic has now tested 52,218 residents with 6,242 testing positive.
Mosaic is awaiting results from 596 tests.

Andrew County has recorded 1,238 total cases with 13
deaths.

Doniphan County, Kansas has reported 516 total cases.

Missouri health officials report the total coronavirus cases
in the state is 3102,691 with 4,006 deaths.

Kansas health officials report 157,446 total cases resulting in 1,560 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNew COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County jumped back up after falling
for a few days in a row, hospitalizations have fallen.The St. Joseph Health Department reported 121 new coronavirus
cases in Buchanan County on Tuesday after reporting 38 on Monday and 49 on
Sunday.St. Joseph health officials also reported another death:&nbsp; a man in his 70’s with underlying health
conditions.Buchanan County now has recorded 6,273 cases since
the pandemic began resulting in 83 deaths.Mosaic Life Care reports another drop in hospitalizations with
67 COVID-19 patients in its system as of Wednesday morning; 60 in St. Joseph, four
in Maryville, and three in Albany. Mosaic had been treating 80 COVID-19
patients as of Tuesday morning.Mosaic has now tested 52,218 residents with 6,242 testing positive.
Mosaic is awaiting results from 596 tests.Andrew County has recorded 1,238 total cases with 13
deaths.Doniphan County, Kansas has reported 516 total cases.Missouri health officials report the total coronavirus cases
in the state is 3102,691 with 4,006 deaths.Kansas health officials report 157,446 total cases resulting in 1,560 deaths.

New COVID-19 cases back up in Buchanan County; hospitalizations down

HARRISON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta driven by Craynes K. McGinley, 31, Newton, IA., was southbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Eagleville.&nbsp;

The vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a northbound 2019 Ford F550 driven by Randy C. Allen, 32, Oklahoma, City, Ok., nearly head-on.

North Harrison EMS transported McGinley to Decatur County Hospital. Decatur County EMS transported Allen and a passenger in the Ford Joshua M. Thompson, 35, Perry, OK., to Harrison County Community Hospital. Thompson was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta driven by Craynes K. McGinley, 31, Newton, IA., was southbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Eagleville.&nbsp;The vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a northbound 2019 Ford F550 driven by Randy C. Allen, 32, Oklahoma, City, Ok., nearly head-on.North Harrison EMS transported McGinley to Decatur County Hospital. Decatur County EMS transported Allen and a passenger in the Ford Joshua M. Thompson, 35, Perry, OK., to Harrison County Community Hospital. Thompson was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

3 hospitalized after near head-on NW Missouri crash

The Salvation Army is in desperate need of more bell ringers.

Major Ron Key of the Salvation Army says that the number of volunteers this year has been lower due to the pandemic.

"Some volunteer groups that we had chose not to ring this year for COVID, just out of concern," Key points out. "And then there's some other volunteer groups that instead of taking a whole day, maybe they take less of a time, so we're not covering places all day sometimes."

Key adds that due to the pandemic, the number of donations has also dropped about twenty percent so far, because there is less foot traffic at the stores in town.

"So, with less foot traffic comes less chance of getting a donation," Key says. "I will say that places that we are at, when we are at them, the people are generous in giving, it's just not as many people that are walking by. So, that's why we're offering other ways for people to donate to us to make it easier for them and safer for them."

Though the Salvation Army is currently looking for bell ringers, Key says there are other ways to give. 

"There are several ways we're offering to people just out of safety or whatever," Key says. "On our signs at the bell ringing spots there's a way they can pay with Google pay or Apple pay, so all you have to do is just click on that and it will ask them how much they want to give."

Key also says that you can access the Salvation Army's registry at Walmart to donate either toys or money. 

You can also send a check or money to the Salvation Army's office with your donation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606856190847.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph City Councilmember&nbsp; Marty Novak and wife Rose Mary ring bells for the Salvation Army/Photo Courtesy of the Salvation Army" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph City Councilmember&nbsp; Marty Novak and wife Rose Mary ring bells for the Salvation Army/Photo Courtesy of the Salvation Army</figcaption>
 </figure>BY MATT PIKEST. JOSEPH POSTThe Salvation Army is in desperate need of more bell ringers.Major Ron Key of the Salvation Army says that the number of volunteers this year has been lower due to the pandemic."Some volunteer groups that we had chose not to ring this year for COVID, just out of concern," Key points out. "And then there's some other volunteer groups that instead of taking a whole day, maybe they take less of a time, so we're not covering places all day sometimes."Key adds that due to the pandemic, the number of donations has also dropped about twenty percent so far, because there is less foot traffic at the stores in town."So, with less foot traffic comes less chance of getting a donation," Key says. "I will say that places that we are at, when we are at them, the people are generous in giving, it's just not as many people that are walking by. So, that's why we're offering other ways for people to donate to us to make it easier for them and safer for them."Though the Salvation Army is currently looking for bell ringers, Key says there are other ways to give. "There are several ways we're offering to people just out of safety or whatever," Key says. "On our signs at the bell ringing spots there's a way they can pay with Google pay or Apple pay, so all you have to do is just click on that and it will ask them how much they want to give."Key also says that you can access the Salvation Army's registry at Walmart to donate either toys or money. You can also send a check or money to the Salvation Army's office with your donation.

Salvation Army looking for more volunteer bell ringers

St. Joseph city councilmembers met virtually on Monday, once
again deciding to meet remotely rather than at city hall, due to the
coronavirus pandemic.

St. Joseph Mayor Bill McMurray says a recent rise in COVID-19
cases convinced the city council to use technology to meet this evening.

“Given the numbers, we felt that it would be better if we did
it via Zoom rather than in person and do our part to combat the community spread
of the virus,” McMurray tells St. Joseph Post.

McMurray says meeting remotely serves two purposes. One, it
protects councilmembers, staff, and the public from any possibility of
spreading the coronavirus during a meeting. Two, it emphasizes one of the steps
needed to keep down the spread of the virus:&nbsp;
not holding large gatherings.

“Certainly, in the council chamber, even with the numbers restricted
we still have a large gathering there and with people who are asymptomatic being
in the population, we really want to err on the side of caution here and go to
a Zoom meeting,” McMurray says.

The St. Joseph City Council earlier began meeting remotely as
the COVID-19 numbers began to rise in the area. It resumed meeting at city hall
once the cases began to fall. With cases on the rise again, the council has
returned to virtual meetings.

McMurray says those who defy the mask mandate and fail to maintain
recommended social distance and wash their hands thoroughly put others at risk
of contracting the coronavirus.

“The experts seem to suggest, not just nationally but our
local physician leadership at Mosaic, says these are the things that are going
to lead to pretty serious community spread,” according to McMurray.

McMurray says the city just needs to keep up with the
precautions a few more months and, then, he hopes a vaccine will be widely
distributed enough to ease restrictions locally and throughout the nation.

During the virtual meeting Monday, the councilmember who filed
a bill to ban smoking at the St. Jo Frontier Casino withdrew the measure. He
says he plans to bring it back when the council resumes meeting in person.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph city councilmembers met virtually on Monday, once
again deciding to meet remotely rather than at city hall, due to the
coronavirus pandemic.St. Joseph Mayor Bill McMurray says a recent rise in COVID-19
cases convinced the city council to use technology to meet this evening.“Given the numbers, we felt that it would be better if we did
it via Zoom rather than in person and do our part to combat the community spread
of the virus,” McMurray tells St. Joseph Post.McMurray says meeting remotely serves two purposes. One, it
protects councilmembers, staff, and the public from any possibility of
spreading the coronavirus during a meeting. Two, it emphasizes one of the steps
needed to keep down the spread of the virus:&nbsp;
not holding large gatherings.“Certainly, in the council chamber, even with the numbers restricted
we still have a large gathering there and with people who are asymptomatic being
in the population, we really want to err on the side of caution here and go to
a Zoom meeting,” McMurray says.The St. Joseph City Council earlier began meeting remotely as
the COVID-19 numbers began to rise in the area. It resumed meeting at city hall
once the cases began to fall. With cases on the rise again, the council has
returned to virtual meetings.McMurray says those who defy the mask mandate and fail to maintain
recommended social distance and wash their hands thoroughly put others at risk
of contracting the coronavirus.“The experts seem to suggest, not just nationally but our
local physician leadership at Mosaic, says these are the things that are going
to lead to pretty serious community spread,” according to McMurray.McMurray says the city just needs to keep up with the
precautions a few more months and, then, he hopes a vaccine will be widely
distributed enough to ease restrictions locally and throughout the nation.During the virtual meeting Monday, the councilmember who filed
a bill to ban smoking at the St. Jo Frontier Casino withdrew the measure. He
says he plans to bring it back when the council resumes meeting in person.

COVID-19 concerns prompt St. Joseph council to meet remotely

There
is a lot of information to digest from the latest coronavirus numbers released
by the St. Joseph Health Department.

The
department reports 253 new cases since its last report, which was issued on
Wednesday, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. No new cases were reported on Thanksgiving
Day. There were 106 new cases reported on Friday with numbers falling afterward:&nbsp; 60 on Saturday, 49 on Sunday, and 38 on
Monday.

Five
coronavirus-related deaths have been reported since Wednesday:&nbsp; a man in his 80’s,
two women in their 80’s, one woman in her 70’s, and one woman in her 60’s. All
had underlying health conditions.

Buchanan
County has now recorded 6,152 cases of COVID-19 since the
pandemic began with 82 deaths. St. Joseph health officials report the number of women testing positive for the coronavirus has now exceeded the number of men for the first time since
counting began; 3,078 women to 3,073 men.

Mosaic
Life Care reports 80 COVID-19 patients in its system as of Tuesday morning; 69
in St. Joseph, seven in Maryville, and four in Albany.

Mosaic
has tested 52,218 area residents with 6,191 testing positive. Mosaic is awaiting
results from 430 tests.

Andrew
County reports 1,207 total cases with 13 deaths.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 516 total cases.

Missouri
health officials report 299,762 total cases, resulting in
3,829 deaths.

Kansas
health officials report 157,446 total cases with 1,560
deaths.

The article has been updated with the latest numbers from Mosaic.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThere
is a lot of information to digest from the latest coronavirus numbers released
by the St. Joseph Health Department.The
department reports 253 new cases since its last report, which was issued on
Wednesday, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. No new cases were reported on Thanksgiving
Day. There were 106 new cases reported on Friday with numbers falling afterward:&nbsp; 60 on Saturday, 49 on Sunday, and 38 on
Monday.Five
coronavirus-related deaths have been reported since Wednesday:&nbsp; a man in his 80’s,
two women in their 80’s, one woman in her 70’s, and one woman in her 60’s. All
had underlying health conditions.Buchanan
County has now recorded 6,152 cases of COVID-19 since the
pandemic began with 82 deaths. St. Joseph health officials report the number of women testing positive for the coronavirus has now exceeded the number of men for the first time since
counting began; 3,078 women to 3,073 men.Mosaic
Life Care reports 80 COVID-19 patients in its system as of Tuesday morning; 69
in St. Joseph, seven in Maryville, and four in Albany.Mosaic
has tested 52,218 area residents with 6,191 testing positive. Mosaic is awaiting
results from 430 tests.Andrew
County reports 1,207 total cases with 13 deaths.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 516 total cases.Missouri
health officials report 299,762 total cases, resulting in
3,829 deaths.Kansas
health officials report 157,446 total cases with 1,560
deaths.The article has been updated with the latest numbers from Mosaic.

Good and bad in latest Buchanan County COVID-19 report

Two teen-agers were injured in a hit and run wreck in St.
Joseph last night.

St. Joseph police report the crash left an 18-year-old woman
who was a passenger unconscious. She has been hospitalized with moderate to
serious injuries. The 17-year-old woman driving the car that was struck suffered
minor injuries.

The crash occurred in the 19-Hundred block of Messanie Street
shortly before 10 o’clock last night.

Police say they have located the car which fled the scene.
They are working to identify the driver.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTwo teen-agers were injured in a hit and run wreck in St.
Joseph last night.St. Joseph police report the crash left an 18-year-old woman
who was a passenger unconscious. She has been hospitalized with moderate to
serious injuries. The 17-year-old woman driving the car that was struck suffered
minor injuries.The crash occurred in the 19-Hundred block of Messanie Street
shortly before 10 o’clock last night.Police say they have located the car which fled the scene.
They are working to identify the driver.

Two teens injured in hit-and-run crash in St. Joseph

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 10p.m. Monday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford Focus driven by Donald C. Sipes, 28, Savannah, was northbound on Interstate 29 three miles north of St. Joseph.&nbsp; The car traveled off the east side of County Road 352, returned to the road and traveled off the west side, struck a building and a tractor trailer in the parking lot.

Andrew County EMS transported Sipes and a passenger Breanna A. Hostetler, 25, Maryville, to Mosaic Life Care. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 10p.m. Monday in Andrew County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford Focus driven by Donald C. Sipes, 28, Savannah, was northbound on Interstate 29 three miles north of St. Joseph.&nbsp; The car traveled off the east side of County Road 352, returned to the road and traveled off the west side, struck a building and a tractor trailer in the parking lot.Andrew County EMS transported Sipes and a passenger Breanna A. Hostetler, 25, Maryville, to Mosaic Life Care. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after crash into building 

As the need for blood donations continues to become ever-more critical, the American Red Cross is partnering with Eagle Radio to both raise awareness and funding for the organization.

In conjunction with the Robert E &amp; Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation, Eagle Radio markets in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri will also be raising funds in an effort to help bolster the Red Cross vehicle fleet.

Donations will help the Red Cross purchase new community emergency vehicles that deliver critical blood needs across the region.

Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Schmidt Foundation.

“The mission of the American Red Cross is more important today than ever, and Eagle Radio is proud to help strengthen the organization and its life-saving efforts,” said Eagle Radio Chairman Gary Shorman, who is also the Schmidt Foundation chairman of the board. “We urge our listeners and readers to consider helping this great cause — and strengthen the health and safety of our community at the same time.”

• Text to give: You can be a part of our community emergency vehicle campaign by texting the word RCFLEET to 41411 to make a donation.&nbsp;

• <a href="http://bit.ly/donateeagleradioschmidt">Eagle Radio microsite</a>

• <a href="http://bit.ly/GoFundMeEagleRadioRedCross">GoFundMe</a>

• Mail:&nbsp;American Red Cross 707 N. Main St., Wichita, KS 67203. Please indicate&nbsp;Eagle Radio Blood Fleet Campaign&nbsp;on the memo line of your check. Or you can download a mail-in donation form <a href="https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/donations/2019_Updated%20IRF%20Form_v1_FINAL_RSG00000MCDF.PDF">HERE</a>.

Last year, in the Eagle Radio markets, Red Cross collected over 370,000 units of lifesaving blood in support of more than 200 area hospitals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605915957336.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As the need for blood donations continues to become ever-more critical, the American Red Cross is partnering with Eagle Radio to both raise awareness and funding for the organization.In conjunction with the Robert E &amp; Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation, Eagle Radio markets in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri will also be raising funds in an effort to help bolster the Red Cross vehicle fleet.Donations will help the Red Cross purchase new community emergency vehicles that deliver critical blood needs across the region.Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Schmidt Foundation.“The mission of the American Red Cross is more important today than ever, and Eagle Radio is proud to help strengthen the organization and its life-saving efforts,” said Eagle Radio Chairman Gary Shorman, who is also the Schmidt Foundation chairman of the board. “We urge our listeners and readers to consider helping this great cause — and strengthen the health and safety of our community at the same time.”Donations can be made by:• Text to give: You can be a part of our community emergency vehicle campaign by texting the word RCFLEET to 41411 to make a donation.&nbsp;• <a href="http://bit.ly/donateeagleradioschmidt">Eagle Radio microsite</a>• <a href="http://bit.ly/GoFundMeEagleRadioRedCross">GoFundMe</a>• Mail:&nbsp;American Red Cross 707 N. Main St., Wichita, KS 67203. Please indicate&nbsp;Eagle Radio Blood Fleet Campaign&nbsp;on the memo line of your check. Or you can download a mail-in donation form <a href="https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/donations/2019_Updated%20IRF%20Form_v1_FINAL_RSG00000MCDF.PDF">HERE</a>.Last year, in the Eagle Radio markets, Red Cross collected over 370,000 units of lifesaving blood in support of more than 200 area hospitals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604516806024.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Eagle Radio teams with Red Cross to replenish vehicle fleet

Imagine St. Joseph 2040 is striving not just to set goals, but
to achieve change.

Director Tama Wagner of The Community Alliance of St. Joseph
says she is working with the St. Joseph School District on the improvements
needed to public education in the city.

“You can drive 30 minutes south of us and you can be in a
school district that’s in the top 10% of all schools in Missouri,” Wagner tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And so, a lot of people that have the means
to do so have made that decision and taken their kids and now live in Platte
City or Parkville or Liberty and we have to think about that. We have to think
about what makes us competitive.”

The Imagine St. Joseph 2040 effort is focused in three
areas:&nbsp; invest in people, create a better
place, and grow prosperity.

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce has joined with the United
Way to survey St. Joseph residents over the years. In 2010, 79% of those
surveyed stated St. Joseph was a good place to live. By 2018, that had fallen
drastically with only 29% of respondents declaring St. Joseph a good place to
live.

The Chamber and the United Way commissioned another survey of
1,000 residents, asking what they perceived as the city’s problems and what
solution they might offer. Out of that survey, Imagine St. Joseph 2040 was
born.

Wagner says the goal of investing in people has primarily
focused on the school system and helping the St. Joseph School District take
the steps necessary to improve education locally.

The goal of creating a better place has been broadly
interpreted, from picking up trash to rehabilitating housing.

Housing presents one of St. Joseph’s greatest potentials, due
to the historic nature of so many of city’s older neighborhoods. Making the
most of that potential, though, will take a lot of work.

“We have a lot of older neighborhoods that have been neglected
for quite a while and we need to do something to address the blight and the abandoned
housing,” Wagner says.

Though the older historic housing stock in the city hides some
gems, restoring them to past glory will take more than a little effort.

“All cities have derelict housing, but their housing might be
a thousand square feet,” according to Wagner. “Our housing is 25-hundred to
3,000 square feet and so it’s quite expensive to rehab an historic property.”

Currently, work has concentrated on rehabilitating the
Cathedral Hill area of St. Joseph near the downtown.

As for the effort to grow prosperity, the Chamber of Commerce
continues its mission to market St. Joseph. A move at Rosecrans Memorial
Airport presents opportunity. The Air National Guard is moving the 139th
Airlift Wing headquarters north of the airport to get it out of the flood zone
at Rosecrans.

Wagner says the move of the 139th into new
buildings north of the airport presents some economic opportunity for the
buildings left behind.

“And, what kind of industry can we put into those buildings
that will bring new jobs and new wealth to St. Joseph?”

Wagner adds Imagine St. Joseph 2040 is working to develop new
leadership to guide the city’s growth in the future, working to raise leaders less
focused on output and more focused on outcomes; less on how much work is being
produced and more on achieving goals.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostImagine St. Joseph 2040 is striving not just to set goals, but
to achieve change.Director Tama Wagner of The Community Alliance of St. Joseph
says she is working with the St. Joseph School District on the improvements
needed to public education in the city.“You can drive 30 minutes south of us and you can be in a
school district that’s in the top 10% of all schools in Missouri,” Wagner tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And so, a lot of people that have the means
to do so have made that decision and taken their kids and now live in Platte
City or Parkville or Liberty and we have to think about that. We have to think
about what makes us competitive.”The Imagine St. Joseph 2040 effort is focused in three
areas:&nbsp; invest in people, create a better
place, and grow prosperity.The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce has joined with the United
Way to survey St. Joseph residents over the years. In 2010, 79% of those
surveyed stated St. Joseph was a good place to live. By 2018, that had fallen
drastically with only 29% of respondents declaring St. Joseph a good place to
live.The Chamber and the United Way commissioned another survey of
1,000 residents, asking what they perceived as the city’s problems and what
solution they might offer. Out of that survey, Imagine St. Joseph 2040 was
born.Wagner says the goal of investing in people has primarily
focused on the school system and helping the St. Joseph School District take
the steps necessary to improve education locally.The goal of creating a better place has been broadly
interpreted, from picking up trash to rehabilitating housing.Housing presents one of St. Joseph’s greatest potentials, due
to the historic nature of so many of city’s older neighborhoods. Making the
most of that potential, though, will take a lot of work.“We have a lot of older neighborhoods that have been neglected
for quite a while and we need to do something to address the blight and the abandoned
housing,” Wagner says.Though the older historic housing stock in the city hides some
gems, restoring them to past glory will take more than a little effort.“All cities have derelict housing, but their housing might be
a thousand square feet,” according to Wagner. “Our housing is 25-hundred to
3,000 square feet and so it’s quite expensive to rehab an historic property.”Currently, work has concentrated on rehabilitating the
Cathedral Hill area of St. Joseph near the downtown.As for the effort to grow prosperity, the Chamber of Commerce
continues its mission to market St. Joseph. A move at Rosecrans Memorial
Airport presents opportunity. The Air National Guard is moving the 139th
Airlift Wing headquarters north of the airport to get it out of the flood zone
at Rosecrans.Wagner says the move of the 139th into new
buildings north of the airport presents some economic opportunity for the
buildings left behind.“And, what kind of industry can we put into those buildings
that will bring new jobs and new wealth to St. Joseph?”Wagner adds Imagine St. Joseph 2040 is working to develop new
leadership to guide the city’s growth in the future, working to raise leaders less
focused on output and more focused on outcomes; less on how much work is being
produced and more on achieving goals.

Imagining a different St. Joseph focuses on three main areas

Mosaic
Life Care reports a drop in coronavirus hospitalizations in its system.

Mosaic
reported on Sunday it was treating 71 COVID-19 patients; 63 in St. Joseph, five
in Maryville, and three in Albany. Those numbers rose Monday morning, with
Mosaic treating a total of 86 COVID-19 patients in its system; 74 in St. Joseph,
seven in Maryville, and five in Albany.

Mosaic
had 88 COVID-19 patients in its system Friday.

Mosaic
has now tested 51,716 area residents with 6,156 testing positive. Mosaic is
awaiting results from 51 tests.

The
St. Joseph Health Department last reported COVID-19 numbers on Wednesday, prior
to the Thanksgiving break. St. Joseph health officials reported 106 new cases
on Wednesday, bringing the county total since the pandemic began to 5,899 with 77 deaths. Buchanan County reported on Wednesday two men in their 80's with underlying
health conditions died of the coronavirus.

Andrew
County reports 1,207 total coronavirus cases with 13 deaths.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports a total of 503 cases.

Nemaha
County, Kansas reports it has topped 1,000 total cases with 1,012.

Missouri
health officials report a total of 295,933 cases, resulting in 3,823 deaths.

Kansas
health officials report 153,021 cases with 1,529 deaths.

This article has been updated to reflect more recent Mosaic numbers.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic
Life Care reports a drop in coronavirus hospitalizations in its system.Mosaic
reported on Sunday it was treating 71 COVID-19 patients; 63 in St. Joseph, five
in Maryville, and three in Albany. Those numbers rose Monday morning, with
Mosaic treating a total of 86 COVID-19 patients in its system; 74 in St. Joseph,
seven in Maryville, and five in Albany.Mosaic
had 88 COVID-19 patients in its system Friday.Mosaic
has now tested 51,716 area residents with 6,156 testing positive. Mosaic is
awaiting results from 51 tests.The
St. Joseph Health Department last reported COVID-19 numbers on Wednesday, prior
to the Thanksgiving break. St. Joseph health officials reported 106 new cases
on Wednesday, bringing the county total since the pandemic began to 5,899 with 77 deaths. Buchanan County reported on Wednesday two men in their 80's with underlying
health conditions died of the coronavirus.Andrew
County reports 1,207 total coronavirus cases with 13 deaths.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports a total of 503 cases.Nemaha
County, Kansas reports it has topped 1,000 total cases with 1,012.Missouri
health officials report a total of 295,933 cases, resulting in 3,823 deaths.Kansas
health officials report 153,021 cases with 1,529 deaths.This article has been updated to reflect more recent Mosaic numbers.

COVID-19 hospitalizations drop in St. Joseph

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Honda Odyssey driven by Stacey L. McClellan, 51, Bethany, was westbound on Route T at Abbey Road three miles west of McFall.

The vehicle traveled off the north side of the road, struck a ditch and came to rest in a corn field.

NTA ambulance transported McClellan to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Honda Odyssey driven by Stacey L. McClellan, 51, Bethany, was westbound on Route T at Abbey Road three miles west of McFall.The vehicle traveled off the north side of the road, struck a ditch and came to rest in a corn field.NTA ambulance transported McClellan to Harrison County Community Hospital. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after Daviess Co. crash

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by Todd A. Churchill, 37, Maysville, was westbound on Route E one mile east of Fairport.

The pickup traveled off the south side of the road, struck the ground, rolled and the driver was ejected.

DeKalb-Clinton County ambulance transported Churchill to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by Todd A. Churchill, 37, Maysville, was westbound on Route E one mile east of Fairport.The pickup traveled off the south side of the road, struck the ground, rolled and the driver was ejected.DeKalb-Clinton County ambulance transported Churchill to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

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