St. Joseph lost approximately 2,000 jobs due to the
coronavirus pandemic shut down, but the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce president
says it could have been much worse.

Chamber President Patt Lilly says St. Joseph hasn’t taken the
economic hit many cities have, primarily because many St. Joseph businesses
were considered vital and did not have to shut down in March.

“The good news for St. Joe is that the economy is doing pretty
well here, we’ve had some job loss, but it’s around year-over-year about 3.2% I
think, 3-and-a-half percent, which equates to about 2,000 jobs,” Lilly tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “That’s really better than most of our
peers.”

Kansas City had a job loss of a little more than five percent,
according to Lilly. Lilly says the long-term effects of this pandemic have yet
to be seen.

“But I do worry about the 2,000 jobs that are still not back
and how many of those jobs will come back,” Lilly says. “So, that will just
remain to be seen.”

Lilly says the mask mandate, though controversial, has helped,
because it brought reluctant consumers back to the stores.

“Nobody likes wearing the mask, but at the same time I think
people understand the need for it and have grown to accept it for lack of a
better way of putting it.”

Lilly supports the city council decision to require masks be
worn inside of any St. Joseph businesses, retail or other, unless a six-foot
distance can be maintained between employees and customers.

“I’m a proponent for wearing the mask when you’re out and
about and I think many of the businesses that I spoke to felt the same way.
They might not have said it publicly,” Lilly says. “But my rationale behind
that was we need to do everything we can to try to control the virus, but without
closing down again, without shutting down businesses.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph lost approximately 2,000 jobs due to the
coronavirus pandemic shut down, but the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce president
says it could have been much worse.Chamber President Patt Lilly says St. Joseph hasn’t taken the
economic hit many cities have, primarily because many St. Joseph businesses
were considered vital and did not have to shut down in March.“The good news for St. Joe is that the economy is doing pretty
well here, we’ve had some job loss, but it’s around year-over-year about 3.2% I
think, 3-and-a-half percent, which equates to about 2,000 jobs,” Lilly tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “That’s really better than most of our
peers.”Kansas City had a job loss of a little more than five percent,
according to Lilly. Lilly says the long-term effects of this pandemic have yet
to be seen.“But I do worry about the 2,000 jobs that are still not back
and how many of those jobs will come back,” Lilly says. “So, that will just
remain to be seen.”Lilly says the mask mandate, though controversial, has helped,
because it brought reluctant consumers back to the stores.“Nobody likes wearing the mask, but at the same time I think
people understand the need for it and have grown to accept it for lack of a
better way of putting it.”Lilly supports the city council decision to require masks be
worn inside of any St. Joseph businesses, retail or other, unless a six-foot
distance can be maintained between employees and customers.“I’m a proponent for wearing the mask when you’re out and
about and I think many of the businesses that I spoke to felt the same way.
They might not have said it publicly,” Lilly says. “But my rationale behind
that was we need to do everything we can to try to control the virus, but without
closing down again, without shutting down businesses.”

St. Joseph took hit from COVID-19, but not as big a hit as others

It could be hard to get anything to burn today, but just in case you wanted to try, the City of St. Joseph has canceled open burning for today.

The city says the wind is too strong to allow for open burning. So, open burning has been canceled for today.

It could be hard to get anything to burn today, but just in case you wanted to try, the City of St. Joseph has canceled open burning for today.The city says the wind is too strong to allow for open burning. So, open burning has been canceled for today.

Open burning canceled in St. Joseph today

COVID-19
hospitalizations in St. Joseph have now topped 80.

Mosaic
Life Care reports 82 coronavirus patients at its St. Joseph hospital Tuesday
morning with five in Maryville. Mosaic reported 74 COVID-19 patients in St.
Joseph Monday.

Mosaic
reports testing 45,217 area residents with 4,376 testing
positive.

Mosaic
is awaiting results from 499 tests.

St.
Joseph health officials report 66 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday with an
additional death.

Officials
say a man in his 70’s with underlying health issues died of COVID-19.

Buchanan
County now reports 4,528 total cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic
began. Buchanan County has recorded 53 deaths.

Andrew
County reported one new coronavirus case, bringing its total to 795. Andrew
County has recorded 12 deaths.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 270 total cases.

Missouri
health officials report 212,441 total cases with 3,153
deaths.

Kansas
health officials report 103,553 cases resulting in 1,181
deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostCOVID-19
hospitalizations in St. Joseph have now topped 80.Mosaic
Life Care reports 82 coronavirus patients at its St. Joseph hospital Tuesday
morning with five in Maryville. Mosaic reported 74 COVID-19 patients in St.
Joseph Monday.Mosaic
reports testing 45,217 area residents with 4,376 testing
positive.Mosaic
is awaiting results from 499 tests.St.
Joseph health officials report 66 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday with an
additional death.Officials
say a man in his 70’s with underlying health issues died of COVID-19.Buchanan
County now reports 4,528 total cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic
began. Buchanan County has recorded 53 deaths.Andrew
County reported one new coronavirus case, bringing its total to 795. Andrew
County has recorded 12 deaths.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 270 total cases.Missouri
health officials report 212,441 total cases with 3,153
deaths.Kansas
health officials report 103,553 cases resulting in 1,181
deaths.

COVID-19 hospitalizations top 80

St. Joseph-area state legislators have quickly turned from the
election to planning for the upcoming legislative session.

State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph expects one issue to
be paramount during the regular legislative session.

“I serve on the Budget Committee and I think it will be one of
the most important committees to serve on this coming year in the legislature,
because I think we will have a tough year,” Shields tells St. Joseph Post. “We
really will not know the results of the effects of COVID on our state budget
until probably April the 15th.”

Shields says that should give lawmakers time to adjust to
whatever happens to the budget.

“We will have time if the budget comes in strong to correct that,
but I think that we’ll be having to look at having a very tight budget and that’ll
be our top priority when we go back in January,” according to Shields.

The coronavirus pandemic at first brought down state revenue,
but an influx of federal funds combined with consumer spending has helped bring
state revenue back up.

State Rep. Bill Falkner of St. Joseph isn’t wasting any time,
getting to work as soon as the elections were over.

“I have a couple of bills being researched right now,” Falkner
tells St. Joseph Post.

Falkner says he’s interested in how tax incentives such as Tax
Increment Financing (TIF), Community Improvement Districts (CID), and
Transportation Development Districts (TDD) can help local economic development
efforts. Falkner, the former St. Joseph mayor, will also be pushing to pass
state law to require online retailers to collect state sales tax as brick and
mortar businesses do.

Falkner expects workforce development to remain a major issue,
especially working to train young people for various high-skill trade jobs.

“Then we’ll be working on trying to get some type of trade
education in the schools or something along that line where we offer the training
for the trades and try to get that at a younger age to where they can kind of step
into these occupations,” according to Falkner.

Falkner says he also wants to push through the legislature
bills which would allow for a statewide plumbing and mechanical license.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph-area state legislators have quickly turned from the
election to planning for the upcoming legislative session.State Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph expects one issue to
be paramount during the regular legislative session.“I serve on the Budget Committee and I think it will be one of
the most important committees to serve on this coming year in the legislature,
because I think we will have a tough year,” Shields tells St. Joseph Post. “We
really will not know the results of the effects of COVID on our state budget
until probably April the 15th.”Shields says that should give lawmakers time to adjust to
whatever happens to the budget.“We will have time if the budget comes in strong to correct that,
but I think that we’ll be having to look at having a very tight budget and that’ll
be our top priority when we go back in January,” according to Shields.The coronavirus pandemic at first brought down state revenue,
but an influx of federal funds combined with consumer spending has helped bring
state revenue back up.State Rep. Bill Falkner of St. Joseph isn’t wasting any time,
getting to work as soon as the elections were over.“I have a couple of bills being researched right now,” Falkner
tells St. Joseph Post.Falkner says he’s interested in how tax incentives such as Tax
Increment Financing (TIF), Community Improvement Districts (CID), and
Transportation Development Districts (TDD) can help local economic development
efforts. Falkner, the former St. Joseph mayor, will also be pushing to pass
state law to require online retailers to collect state sales tax as brick and
mortar businesses do.Falkner expects workforce development to remain a major issue,
especially working to train young people for various high-skill trade jobs.“Then we’ll be working on trying to get some type of trade
education in the schools or something along that line where we offer the training
for the trades and try to get that at a younger age to where they can kind of step
into these occupations,” according to Falkner.Falkner says he also wants to push through the legislature
bills which would allow for a statewide plumbing and mechanical license.

Elections over, lawmakers look ahead to legislative session

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Monday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Toyota Tacoma driven by Gideon J. Stutzman, 18, Trenton, was eastbound on Harmonica Road four miles south of Princeton.

The driver lost control of the pickup on the gravel road. The pickup traveled off the road and overturned.

Mercer County EMS transported a passenger David S. Swartzentruber, 17, Trenton, to Wright Memorial Hospital. Stutzman refused treatment at the scene. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Monday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Toyota Tacoma driven by Gideon J. Stutzman, 18, Trenton, was eastbound on Harmonica Road four miles south of Princeton.The driver lost control of the pickup on the gravel road. The pickup traveled off the road and overturned.Mercer County EMS transported a passenger David S. Swartzentruber, 17, Trenton, to Wright Memorial Hospital. Stutzman refused treatment at the scene. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen hospitalized after pickup overturns

The American Red Cross is seeking more blood donations heading into the holidays.

External Communications Manager for the Red Cross Blood Service, Joe Zydlo, says that early on in the COVID-19 pandemic it was a struggle to get donations.

"I use the comparison of a see saw," Zydlo explains. " You know we were down, really stuck in the mud, couldn't get up, didn't have someone on the other end to help boost us up."

Zydlo adds though, "And then we were able to stabilize it, people came out and they donated and we got a lot of support from communities."

Zydlo says a big part of the "see saw" going back up was also thanks to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson reminding people to get out and donate blood.

The American Red Cross is also looking for ways to help solve the coronavirus pandemic with blood donations.

Zydlo says that they began testing for coronavirus antibodies in June.

"We started testing for COVID-19 antibodies on June 15th, that was just one particular test of the blood donations," Zydlo says. "Now we know that sometimes people would get a false positive test out of that, so we incorporated the second test."

The second test allows the Red Cross to streamline the donating process, allowing donors to only have to come in once.

Prior to the second test, a person may have to come in a second time to donate plasma after finding out they had the COVID antibodies.

Zydlo says testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies also got more people to come donate.

"We started to test all of our blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies and we got a huge push from people because some were curious,” Zydlo says, stating donors wanted to know if they were exposed and didn't even know it or if they were asymptomatic and never got tested.

Zydlo says the testing "gave people a peace of mind."

The Red Cross runs two tests on each blood donation in an attempt to streamline the process.

If both tests come back positive for coronavirus antibodies, they are then sent off to local hospitals to help hospitalized COVID-19 patients

-BY MATT PIKEST JOSEPH POSTThe American Red Cross is seeking more blood donations heading into the holidays.External Communications Manager for the Red Cross Blood Service, Joe Zydlo, says that early on in the COVID-19 pandemic it was a struggle to get donations."I use the comparison of a see saw," Zydlo explains. " You know we were down, really stuck in the mud, couldn't get up, didn't have someone on the other end to help boost us up."Zydlo adds though, "And then we were able to stabilize it, people came out and they donated and we got a lot of support from communities."Zydlo says a big part of the "see saw" going back up was also thanks to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson reminding people to get out and donate blood.The American Red Cross is also looking for ways to help solve the coronavirus pandemic with blood donations.Zydlo says that they began testing for coronavirus antibodies in June."We started testing for COVID-19 antibodies on June 15th, that was just one particular test of the blood donations," Zydlo says. "Now we know that sometimes people would get a false positive test out of that, so we incorporated the second test."The second test allows the Red Cross to streamline the donating process, allowing donors to only have to come in once.Prior to the second test, a person may have to come in a second time to donate plasma after finding out they had the COVID antibodies.Zydlo says testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies also got more people to come donate."We started to test all of our blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies and we got a huge push from people because some were curious,” Zydlo says, stating donors wanted to know if they were exposed and didn't even know it or if they were asymptomatic and never got tested.Zydlo says the testing "gave people a peace of mind."The Red Cross runs two tests on each blood donation in an attempt to streamline the process.If both tests come back positive for coronavirus antibodies, they are then sent off to local hospitals to help hospitalized COVID-19 patients

American Red Cross seeking more blood donations heading into holiday season

Hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients have jumped with Mosaic
Life Care reporting 74 patients being treated at its St. Joseph hospital as of Monday
morning with seven in Maryville.

Mosaic has now tested 44,724 area residents with
4,361 testing positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 52 tests.

The latest numbers from St. Joseph health officials show an
increase of 63 new coronavirus cases on Friday, bringing the Buchanan County
total of 4,379 cases.

Buchanan County also recorded its 52nd death, a
woman in her 70’s with underlying health conditions.

Andrew County reports three new cases, bringing its total to
780. Andrew County has reported 12 deaths.

Doniphan County now reports 245 total cases.

Cases in Missouri have topped 200,000, with health
officials reporting 209,197 total cases statewide, resulting in 3,153 deaths.

Kansas health officials report 97,633 cases
statewide with 1,166 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostHospitalizations of COVID-19 patients have jumped with Mosaic
Life Care reporting 74 patients being treated at its St. Joseph hospital as of Monday
morning with seven in Maryville.Mosaic has now tested 44,724 area residents with
4,361 testing positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 52 tests.The latest numbers from St. Joseph health officials show an
increase of 63 new coronavirus cases on Friday, bringing the Buchanan County
total of 4,379 cases.Buchanan County also recorded its 52nd death, a
woman in her 70’s with underlying health conditions.Andrew County reports three new cases, bringing its total to
780. Andrew County has reported 12 deaths.Doniphan County now reports 245 total cases.Cases in Missouri have topped 200,000, with health
officials reporting 209,197 total cases statewide, resulting in 3,153 deaths.Kansas health officials report 97,633 cases
statewide with 1,166 deaths.

COVID-19 hospitalizations jump in St. Joseph

MERCER COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Friday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Ford Grain Truck driven by Greg W. Widner, 47, Mercer, was eastbound on U.S. 136 three miles east of Princeton.&nbsp;

The driver attempted to pass a 2008 Case Combine driven by John L. Wells, 39, Princeton.

The truck struck a bridge rail, traveled up onto the bridge rail, crossed the road, traveled off the south side of the road and overturned.

Widner was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Roberson Funeral Home. Wells was not injured. Widner was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

MERCER COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Friday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Ford Grain Truck driven by Greg W. Widner, 47, Mercer, was eastbound on U.S. 136 three miles east of Princeton.&nbsp; The driver attempted to pass a 2008 Case Combine driven by John L. Wells, 39, Princeton.The truck struck a bridge rail, traveled up onto the bridge rail, crossed the road, traveled off the south side of the road and overturned.Widner was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Roberson Funeral Home. Wells was not injured. Widner was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man dies after grain truck strikes bridge rail, overturns

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Kia Optima driven by a 16-year-old Maryville boy was southbound on Imperial Road two miles west of Pickering.

The driver attempted to make a U-turn at the intersection. A southbound 1997 Chevy 1500 driven by Brayden R. Buck, 17, Maryville, struck the Kia in the drivers side.

A private vehicle transported a 15-year-old girl in the Kia from Chillicothe to Mosaic in Maryville. The Kia driver refused treatment at the scene. Buck was not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Kia Optima driven by a 16-year-old Maryville boy was southbound on Imperial Road two miles west of Pickering.The driver attempted to make a U-turn at the intersection. A southbound 1997 Chevy 1500 driven by Brayden R. Buck, 17, Maryville, struck the Kia in the drivers side.A private vehicle transported a 15-year-old girl in the Kia from Chillicothe to Mosaic in Maryville. The Kia driver refused treatment at the scene. Buck was not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen hospitalized after 2-vehicle Nodaway Co. crash

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 GMC Jimmy driven by Kevin W. Armstrong, 36, Atchison, Kansas, was eastbound on U.S. 59 just west of Fowler Road one mile east of Atchison.

The SUV traveled off the road, struck a large rock and the driver overcorrrected. The SUV began to skid and rolled. Buchanan County EMS transported&nbsp; Armstrong to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 GMC Jimmy driven by Kevin W. Armstrong, 36, Atchison, Kansas, was eastbound on U.S. 59 just west of Fowler Road one mile east of Atchison.The SUV traveled off the road, struck a large rock and the driver overcorrrected. The SUV began to skid and rolled. Buchanan County EMS transported&nbsp; Armstrong to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after SUV rolls

MERCER COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Saturday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Silverado driven by Darren G. Hamilton, 54, Bethany, was northbound on U.S. 65 one mile south of Princeton.

The driver fell asleep or had a medical issue. The pickup crossed the center line and off the road. It struck a culvert at the edge of a driveway and became airborne. The front of the pickup struck the ground and the vehicle rolled.

Mercer County EMS transported Hamilton and a 15-year-old female passenger to Wright Memorial Hospital. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

MERCER COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Saturday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Silverado driven by Darren G. Hamilton, 54, Bethany, was northbound on U.S. 65 one mile south of Princeton.The driver fell asleep or had a medical issue. The pickup crossed the center line and off the road. It struck a culvert at the edge of a driveway and became airborne. The front of the pickup struck the ground and the vehicle rolled.Mercer County EMS transported Hamilton and a 15-year-old female passenger to Wright Memorial Hospital. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man, teen hospitalized after violent crash

Missouri lawmakers are meeting in special session, once again.

This time, Gov. Mike Parson has called legislators back to
Jefferson City on budget matters.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville says the legislature
dealt with federal funds allocated Missouri in both the fight against COVID-19
and to help stimulate the economy in the regular session which ended in May.

“We have received additional money since we appropriated that
money from the federal government, and so the governor has called us back to
give additional spending authority to allow that money to get out and start
doing the important good that it’s intended to do,” Luetkemeyer tells host
Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “While we are there, one of the other things that
we’re going to do is we’re going to fund the state witness protection fund.”

COVID-19 interrupted the legislative session this year,
forcing lawmakers out of the Capitol in March. They returned in May to wrap up
some business, including appropriating approximately $3 billion in CARES Act
money, the money given to the state by Congress to help in the fight against
the coronavirus and to help a wounded economy. Missouri has received a bit more
than $1 billion more in CARES Act money that has not been appropriated by the
legislature.

The General Assembly created a Witness Protection Program
during the previous special session earlier this year, created to help address
violent crime in Missouri. Lawmakers did not appropriate any money for it. The
governor is asking for an initial two million dollars.

“And so, as a part of the special legislative session from September,
we passed a bill creating the Witness Protection Fund,” according to Luetkemeyer.
“At that time, it was not funded and so, as a part of this new special session,
in addition to getting the CARES Act money out, we’re also going to appropriate
money to fund the Witness Protection Fund.”

Luetkemeyer says lawmakers hope the witness protection program
will encourage more witnesses to violent crime to come forward and testify.

Budget worries could dominate the upcoming legislative session.

At present, the budget is sound, according to Luetkemeyer, who
says the federal funds helped and Missourians also spent more than anticipated
during the coronavirus shutdown as they stocked up on necessities.

“Right now, the state’s budget is in relatively good shape it
looks like at this point in time. Now, we don’t know projecting into the future,
is there going to be another round of shutdowns? I certainly hope that is not
the case,” Luetkemeyer says. “But, if it were, that’s going to have a dramatic
impact on the state’s budget. And so, I would just say for right now, I’m
cautiously optimistic that we are weathering the storm, but it’s just very
difficult to predict where we we’re gong to be in January when we go back into
session.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri lawmakers are meeting in special session, once again.This time, Gov. Mike Parson has called legislators back to
Jefferson City on budget matters.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville says the legislature
dealt with federal funds allocated Missouri in both the fight against COVID-19
and to help stimulate the economy in the regular session which ended in May.“We have received additional money since we appropriated that
money from the federal government, and so the governor has called us back to
give additional spending authority to allow that money to get out and start
doing the important good that it’s intended to do,” Luetkemeyer tells host
Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “While we are there, one of the other things that
we’re going to do is we’re going to fund the state witness protection fund.”COVID-19 interrupted the legislative session this year,
forcing lawmakers out of the Capitol in March. They returned in May to wrap up
some business, including appropriating approximately $3 billion in CARES Act
money, the money given to the state by Congress to help in the fight against
the coronavirus and to help a wounded economy. Missouri has received a bit more
than $1 billion more in CARES Act money that has not been appropriated by the
legislature.The General Assembly created a Witness Protection Program
during the previous special session earlier this year, created to help address
violent crime in Missouri. Lawmakers did not appropriate any money for it. The
governor is asking for an initial two million dollars.“And so, as a part of the special legislative session from September,
we passed a bill creating the Witness Protection Fund,” according to Luetkemeyer.
“At that time, it was not funded and so, as a part of this new special session,
in addition to getting the CARES Act money out, we’re also going to appropriate
money to fund the Witness Protection Fund.”Luetkemeyer says lawmakers hope the witness protection program
will encourage more witnesses to violent crime to come forward and testify.Budget worries could dominate the upcoming legislative session.At present, the budget is sound, according to Luetkemeyer, who
says the federal funds helped and Missourians also spent more than anticipated
during the coronavirus shutdown as they stocked up on necessities.“Right now, the state’s budget is in relatively good shape it
looks like at this point in time. Now, we don’t know projecting into the future,
is there going to be another round of shutdowns? I certainly hope that is not
the case,” Luetkemeyer says. “But, if it were, that’s going to have a dramatic
impact on the state’s budget. And so, I would just say for right now, I’m
cautiously optimistic that we are weathering the storm, but it’s just very
difficult to predict where we we’re gong to be in January when we go back into
session.”

Missouri special session to distribute federal funds, fund witness protection

Free COVID-19 testing will be offered in St. Joseph Saturday.

The City of St. Joseph Health Department says it is working
with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to provide free drive-through
COVID-19 testing at Heritage Park Softball Complex, 2202 Waterworks Road from
7am until 3pm Saturday.

Testing is being offered to any Missouri resident at least
seven years old, regardless of whether they have symptoms (which may appear
anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure).

Testing for COVID-19 involves using a swab to take a sample
from inside the nose and determine if there is an active infection with
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This is an active COVID-19 test,
not an antibody test. Pre-registration is strongly advised and can be completed
online. You can go to the website by clicking <a href="https://dcphdo02redcap.azurewebsites.net/redcap/surveys/?s=XTLH7FCLD7">here</a>. Or, you can call the
State's COVID-19 Hotline at 877-435-8411. Pre-registration guarantees a test
and much faster processing at the testing site.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFree COVID-19 testing will be offered in St. Joseph Saturday.The City of St. Joseph Health Department says it is working
with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to provide free drive-through
COVID-19 testing at Heritage Park Softball Complex, 2202 Waterworks Road from
7am until 3pm Saturday.Testing is being offered to any Missouri resident at least
seven years old, regardless of whether they have symptoms (which may appear
anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure).Testing for COVID-19 involves using a swab to take a sample
from inside the nose and determine if there is an active infection with
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This is an active COVID-19 test,
not an antibody test. Pre-registration is strongly advised and can be completed
online. You can go to the website by clicking <a href="https://dcphdo02redcap.azurewebsites.net/redcap/surveys/?s=XTLH7FCLD7">here</a>. Or, you can call the
State's COVID-19 Hotline at 877-435-8411. Pre-registration guarantees a test
and much faster processing at the testing site.

Free COVID-19 testing offered in St. Joseph Saturday

St.
Joseph health officials report a huge spike in COVID-19 cases and Buchanan
County’s 51st coronavirus-related death.

St.
Joseph health officials reported on Thursday a man in his 60’s with no known
underlying health issues has died of COVID-19.

Health
officials also reported 92 new cases of COVID-19, a big increase after
reporting 35 on Tuesday and 36 on Wednesday.

Andrew
County reports eight new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 756. Andrew County
has recorded 12 deaths.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 235 total cases.

Mosaic
Life Care reports treating 60 COVID-19 patients at its St. Joseph hospital as
of Friday morning with six in Maryville.

Mosaic
has now tested 44,054 area residents with 4,126 testing positive.

Missouri
health officials report 196,576 total COVID-19 cases with 3,106 deaths.

Kansas
health officials report 92,215 cases with 1,087 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report a huge spike in COVID-19 cases and Buchanan
County’s 51st coronavirus-related death.St.
Joseph health officials reported on Thursday a man in his 60’s with no known
underlying health issues has died of COVID-19.Health
officials also reported 92 new cases of COVID-19, a big increase after
reporting 35 on Tuesday and 36 on Wednesday.Andrew
County reports eight new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 756. Andrew County
has recorded 12 deaths.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 235 total cases.Mosaic
Life Care reports treating 60 COVID-19 patients at its St. Joseph hospital as
of Friday morning with six in Maryville.Mosaic
has now tested 44,054 area residents with 4,126 testing positive.Missouri
health officials report 196,576 total COVID-19 cases with 3,106 deaths.Kansas
health officials report 92,215 cases with 1,087 deaths.

Huge spike in COVID-19 cases in St. Joseph; 51st death recorded

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The amount of water being released into the Missouri River from a key dam on the Nebraska-South Dakota border will be reduced later this month. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says that the amount of water flowing out of Gavins Point Dam will be reduced starting on Nov. 22 by about 3,000 cubic feet per second each day until reaching a winter release 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) — The amount of water being released into the Missouri River from a key dam on the Nebraska-South Dakota border will be reduced later this month. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says that the amount of water flowing out of Gavins Point Dam will be reduced starting on Nov. 22 by about 3,000 cubic feet per second each day until reaching a winter release 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

On  Thursday morning two Livingston County Sheriff Deputies were in Mooresville on fugitive investigation as an adult was wanted on outstanding arrest warrant for alleged third degree domestic assault charges

The Livingston County Sheriff's office says that a deputy found the man lying in bed and made multiple attempts to get the man to comply.  When he would not, the man pulled out a gun and shot himself in the head area

Emergency Medical was requested and attempts to provide first aid were given.  Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services Ambulance arrived on scene and an Air Ambulance was also summoned and the injured person flown to an area hospital.  

At this time the Livingston County Sheriff's office does not have confirmation on the status of the injured person. An investigation is underway by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control.

On Thursday morning two Livingston County Sheriff Deputies were in Mooresville on fugitive investigation as an adult was wanted on outstanding arrest warrant for alleged third degree domestic assault chargesThe Livingston County Sheriff's office says that a deputy found the man lying in bed and made multiple attempts to get the man to comply. When he would not, the man pulled out a gun and shot himself in the head areaEmergency Medical was requested and attempts to provide first aid were given. Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services Ambulance arrived on scene and an Air Ambulance was also summoned and the injured person flown to an area hospital. At this time the Livingston County Sheriff's office does not have confirmation on the status of the injured person. An investigation is underway by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control.

Livingston County Sheriff reports self inflicted gun shot wound during investigation

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves comes off an easy
re-election bid, ready to work on major issues facing Congress.

Graves, a Republican, won 67% of the vote on Tuesday in the 6th
Congressional District race, once again winning a seat he first won in the 2000
election.

Graves expects to still be in the minority when he returns to
the U.S. House and doesn’t expect much of a change in the Washington landscape.

“I think it’s going to be very similar to the way it was and
the Transportation Committee will continue to carry a bipartisan note,” Graves
tells St. Joseph Post. “A lot of that does depend on what happens with the
presidential election. But, it’s just hard to tell at this point.”

Graves serves as the top Republican on the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee. He also serves on the House Armed Services Committee.

Much is yet to be decided on Capitol Hill.

Former Vice President Joe Biden appears poised to get the 270
Electoral College votes needed to capture the presidency, but President Donald
Trump still has a path, though narrow, to victory with crucial states yet to be
decided.

It appears Republicans gained ground in the U.S. House of Representatives,
though will almost certainly still be in the minority when the new Congress
convenes next year. Not all Senate races have been decided with the chamber now
split 48-48 until the remaining states complete their vote count.

Graves doesn’t anticipate Congress waiting until a new session
to deal with the major issue it left undone before the elections:&nbsp; another large economic stimulus package. He
believes Congress will take up the measure during the lame-duck session.

A major package, costing close to $2 trillion, has been
negotiated without resolution.

Graves says Congress will likely address that before the end
of the year.

“I do expect something to be done, but we have to drop the
provisions, things like giving checks to illegal immigrants,” Graves says. “The
fact that U.S. tax dollars are being used to give stimulus checks to illegals
in this country that are here, and not lawfully, has got to go.&nbsp; And that is one of the sticking points with
Speaker Pelosi that has got to go and cannot be a part of that package.”

House Democrats and the White House seemed to be close to a
deal prior to the elections, but no deal was struck.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604600609864.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves comes off an easy
re-election bid, ready to work on major issues facing Congress.Graves, a Republican, won 67% of the vote on Tuesday in the 6th
Congressional District race, once again winning a seat he first won in the 2000
election.Graves expects to still be in the minority when he returns to
the U.S. House and doesn’t expect much of a change in the Washington landscape.“I think it’s going to be very similar to the way it was and
the Transportation Committee will continue to carry a bipartisan note,” Graves
tells St. Joseph Post. “A lot of that does depend on what happens with the
presidential election. But, it’s just hard to tell at this point.”Graves serves as the top Republican on the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee. He also serves on the House Armed Services Committee.Much is yet to be decided on Capitol Hill.Former Vice President Joe Biden appears poised to get the 270
Electoral College votes needed to capture the presidency, but President Donald
Trump still has a path, though narrow, to victory with crucial states yet to be
decided.It appears Republicans gained ground in the U.S. House of Representatives,
though will almost certainly still be in the minority when the new Congress
convenes next year. Not all Senate races have been decided with the chamber now
split 48-48 until the remaining states complete their vote count.Graves doesn’t anticipate Congress waiting until a new session
to deal with the major issue it left undone before the elections:&nbsp; another large economic stimulus package. He
believes Congress will take up the measure during the lame-duck session.A major package, costing close to $2 trillion, has been
negotiated without resolution.Graves says Congress will likely address that before the end
of the year.“I do expect something to be done, but we have to drop the
provisions, things like giving checks to illegal immigrants,” Graves says. “The
fact that U.S. tax dollars are being used to give stimulus checks to illegals
in this country that are here, and not lawfully, has got to go.&nbsp; And that is one of the sticking points with
Speaker Pelosi that has got to go and cannot be a part of that package.”House Democrats and the White House seemed to be close to a
deal prior to the elections, but no deal was struck.

Graves, coming off easy re-election win, looks forward to new Congress

Buchanan
County has recorded its 50th coronavirus-related death, a man in his
80’s with underlying health conditions.

St.
Joseph health officials report 36 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing
the county total since the pandemic began to 4,224.

Buchanan
County reported nine new cases on Monday, 35 on Tuesday, and 36 yesterday.

Andrew
County reports 747 total cases, up 14. Andrew County has recorded 12 deaths.

Mosaic
Life Care reports 58 COVID-19 patients are being treated at its St. Joseph hospital
as of Thursday morning with four being treated in Maryville.

Mosaic
has now tested 43,652 area residents with 4,064 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 257 tests.

Missouri
health officials report 193,023 total cases, resulting in 3,088 deaths.

Kansas
health officials report 92,215 total cases and 1,087 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan
County has recorded its 50th coronavirus-related death, a man in his
80’s with underlying health conditions.St.
Joseph health officials report 36 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing
the county total since the pandemic began to 4,224.Buchanan
County reported nine new cases on Monday, 35 on Tuesday, and 36 yesterday.Andrew
County reports 747 total cases, up 14. Andrew County has recorded 12 deaths.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 235 total cases.Mosaic
Life Care reports 58 COVID-19 patients are being treated at its St. Joseph hospital
as of Thursday morning with four being treated in Maryville.Mosaic
has now tested 43,652 area residents with 4,064 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 257 tests.Missouri
health officials report 193,023 total cases, resulting in 3,088 deaths.Kansas
health officials report 92,215 total cases and 1,087 deaths.

Buchanan County records 50th COVID-19 related death

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Equinox driven by James M. Broyles, 87, Maryville, was westbound on Highway V just east of Skidmore.

The driver failed to yield as he attempted a left turn at the T-intersection at MO 113.&nbsp; The front left of a northbound 2018 Ford Explorer driven by Robin D. Lewis, 48, Fairfax, struck the Chevy.

Nodaway County ambulance transported Broyles to Mosaic in Maryville and Lewis to Fairfax hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Chevy Equinox driven by James M. Broyles, 87, Maryville, was westbound on Highway V just east of Skidmore.The driver failed to yield as he attempted a left turn at the T-intersection at MO 113.&nbsp; The front left of a northbound 2018 Ford Explorer driven by Robin D. Lewis, 48, Fairfax, struck the Chevy.Nodaway County ambulance transported Broyles to Mosaic in Maryville and Lewis to Fairfax hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after Nodaway County crash

Republicans win big in Buchanan County, sweeping the three contested county races.

Republican Dean Wilson defeats Democrat Chad Farrow for Assessor 22,129 to 13,086 in the unofficial tally released by the county.

Republican David Gall, appointed by Gov. Mike Parson, wins election to the office of Treasurer over Democrat Jimmy Nash. Gall received 19,304 votes. Nash got 16,250 votes.

Republican Annette Bertelsen defeats incumbent Democrat Megan Kennedy Stickley for Public Administrator by a margin of 19,079 to 16,034.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRepublicans win big in Buchanan County, sweeping the three contested county races.Republican Dean Wilson defeats Democrat Chad Farrow for Assessor 22,129 to 13,086 in the unofficial tally released by the county.Republican David Gall, appointed by Gov. Mike Parson, wins election to the office of Treasurer over Democrat Jimmy Nash. Gall received 19,304 votes. Nash got 16,250 votes.Republican Annette Bertelsen defeats incumbent Democrat Megan Kennedy Stickley for Public Administrator by a margin of 19,079 to 16,034.

Republicans win contested Buchanan County races

Republicans swept to victory in the St. Joseph area state
representative races.

Rep. Bill Falkner of St. Joseph won re-election to the 10th
Representative District and says the victory makes him want to work hard for
the community.

“It was surprising and like I said before, really humbling as
well. I’m excited and honored to be able to represent the 10th
District in Jefferson City.” Falkner tells St. Joseph Post.

Falkner easily defeated Democrat Colby Murphy 7,110 votes to
4,541.

Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph also won re-election to the
11th State Representative District.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve
the citizens of the 11th District,” Shields tells St. Joseph Post. “It’s
just a real honor to be able to represent them in Jefferson City.”

Shields won in Buchanan County 9,737 to 4,115 over Democrat
Brady Lee O’Dell. Shields won by a margin of 2,397 to 934 in Platte County.

Republican Dean VanSchoiack won big in both Buchanan and
Andrew Counties over Democrat Karen Planalp. VanSchoiack won 6,598 to 3,537 in
Buchanan County and even bigger in Andrew County:&nbsp; 7,449 to 2,129.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRepublicans swept to victory in the St. Joseph area state
representative races.Rep. Bill Falkner of St. Joseph won re-election to the 10th
Representative District and says the victory makes him want to work hard for
the community.“It was surprising and like I said before, really humbling as
well. I’m excited and honored to be able to represent the 10th
District in Jefferson City.” Falkner tells St. Joseph Post.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604469840974.jpeg" alt="Rep. Bill Falkner/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Bill Falkner/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Falkner easily defeated Democrat Colby Murphy 7,110 votes to
4,541.Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph also won re-election to the
11th State Representative District.“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve
the citizens of the 11th District,” Shields tells St. Joseph Post. “It’s
just a real honor to be able to represent them in Jefferson City.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604469818817.jpeg" alt="Rep. Brenda Shields/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brenda Shields/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Shields won in Buchanan County 9,737 to 4,115 over Democrat
Brady Lee O’Dell. Shields won by a margin of 2,397 to 934 in Platte County.Republican Dean VanSchoiack won big in both Buchanan and
Andrew Counties over Democrat Karen Planalp. VanSchoiack won 6,598 to 3,537 in
Buchanan County and even bigger in Andrew County:&nbsp; 7,449 to 2,129.

Republicans sweep St. Joseph-area state rep races

CALDWELL COUNTY —Three juveniles were injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Focus driven by Tristan J. Wessell, 23, Higginsville, was southbound on Main Street in Braymer.

The driver turned left into the path of northbound 2016 Chevy Traverse driven by Marsha K. Dunwoodie, 36, Braymer.&nbsp;

Caldwell County EMS transported an 8-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl in the Chevy from Braymer to Hedrick Medical Center and a 15-year-old girl in the Ford from Braymer to Liberty Hospital.

The MSHP reported no other injuries. Tristan Wessell and a 29-year-old woman in the Ford were not wearing weat belts, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY —Three juveniles were injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Focus driven by Tristan J. Wessell, 23, Higginsville, was southbound on Main Street in Braymer.The driver turned left into the path of northbound 2016 Chevy Traverse driven by Marsha K. Dunwoodie, 36, Braymer.&nbsp;Caldwell County EMS transported an 8-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl in the Chevy from Braymer to Hedrick Medical Center and a 15-year-old girl in the Ford from Braymer to Liberty Hospital.The MSHP reported no other injuries. Tristan Wessell and a 29-year-old woman in the Ford were not wearing weat belts, according to the MSHP.

Three juveniles hospitalized after Caldwell Co. crash

St.
Joseph health officials reported another coronavirus-related death Monday,
bringing the total in Buchanan County to 49.

Health
officials report a man in his 80’s with underlying health conditions died of COVID-19.

Buchanan
County reported a huge drop in new COVID-19 cases on Monday. Health officials
say there were nine new cases Monday, after 51 new cases were reported Sunday
and 42 on Saturday. Total cases in Buchanan County stand at 4,153.

Mosaic
Life Care reports 61 COVID-19 cases at its St. Joseph hospital and four in
Maryville. Hospitalizations in St. Joseph had dropped down to 50 earlier.

Mosaic
has tested 43,038 area residents with 3,907 testing
positive.

Andrew
County reported eight new cases, bringing its total to 713. Andrew County has
recorded 10 deaths.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 219 total cases.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials reported another coronavirus-related death Monday,
bringing the total in Buchanan County to 49.Health
officials report a man in his 80’s with underlying health conditions died of COVID-19.Buchanan
County reported a huge drop in new COVID-19 cases on Monday. Health officials
say there were nine new cases Monday, after 51 new cases were reported Sunday
and 42 on Saturday. Total cases in Buchanan County stand at 4,153.Mosaic
Life Care reports 61 COVID-19 cases at its St. Joseph hospital and four in
Maryville. Hospitalizations in St. Joseph had dropped down to 50 earlier.Mosaic
has tested 43,038 area residents with 3,907 testing
positive.Andrew
County reported eight new cases, bringing its total to 713. Andrew County has
recorded 10 deaths.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 219 total cases.Missouri
health officials report 188,186 total cases, resulting in 3,031 deaths.Kansas
health officials report 89,227 total cases with 1,046
deaths.

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