Missouri Gov. Mike Parson makes St. Joseph one of the last stops
of his campaign, speaking to supporters at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

Parson, a Republican, is running for election after becoming
governor two-and-a-half years ago when Gov. Eric Greitens resigned in disgrace.

“And since Day One, it’s been a difficult job to be governor
in the state of Missouri,” Parson tells supporters gathered in an airport hangar.
“It does matter what kind of experience you have in life to be able to do this
job.”

Parson won election as Lt. Governor four years ago after
serving in both the Missouri House and Senate. He served as Polk County Sheriff
previously.

His opponent, Democratic State Auditor Nicole Galloway, has
harshly criticized his handling of COVID-19.

Parson says he never worried about the politics of the state
response.

“It’s become a political issue and it’s unfortunate that it’s
become such a political issue, because it should be about working together,”
Parson says. “But it is what it is.”

Parson says he’s not necessarily surprised that Galloway made
his response to COVID-19 the center piece of her campaign.

“I don’t think any of us knew exactly how COVID-19 was going
to affect us,” Parson says. “If we go back to the beginning of this, nobody
knew what was going to happen. There were no experts on the East or West Coast
to know how to deal with it. There were no great think tanks. There was no
playbook (on) how to deal with it.”

Parson, appearing with other Republican state officeholders at
Rosecrans, expresses optimism the day before the election.

“I think we’re going to win,” Parson says. “If you look at the
polling and the data, for the last 60 days we’ve been somewhere from 6 points to
a 9-point margin. I think it’s been pretty steady. I think people like the
balanced approach we’ve taken.”

Parson is hitting northern and southern Missouri in the fly
around, flying to Kirksville, Hannibal, Cape Girardeau, and ending the day in
Cassville.

“I think it looks good. I look forward to being the next
governor of the state of Missouri.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Gov. Mike Parson makes St. Joseph one of the last stops
of his campaign, speaking to supporters at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.Parson, a Republican, is running for election after becoming
governor two-and-a-half years ago when Gov. Eric Greitens resigned in disgrace.“And since Day One, it’s been a difficult job to be governor
in the state of Missouri,” Parson tells supporters gathered in an airport hangar.
“It does matter what kind of experience you have in life to be able to do this
job.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604352822440.jpeg" alt="Gov. Mike Parson exits his plane at Rosecrans Memorial Airport/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Parson exits his plane at Rosecrans Memorial Airport/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Parson won election as Lt. Governor four years ago after
serving in both the Missouri House and Senate. He served as Polk County Sheriff
previously.His opponent, Democratic State Auditor Nicole Galloway, has
harshly criticized his handling of COVID-19.Parson says he never worried about the politics of the state
response.“It’s become a political issue and it’s unfortunate that it’s
become such a political issue, because it should be about working together,”
Parson says. “But it is what it is.”Parson says he’s not necessarily surprised that Galloway made
his response to COVID-19 the center piece of her campaign.“I don’t think any of us knew exactly how COVID-19 was going
to affect us,” Parson says. “If we go back to the beginning of this, nobody
knew what was going to happen. There were no experts on the East or West Coast
to know how to deal with it. There were no great think tanks. There was no
playbook (on) how to deal with it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604352921499.jpeg" alt="Gov Parson, with Republican statewide officeholders and supporters behind him, speaks at an airport hangar at Rosecrans/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Gov Parson, with Republican statewide officeholders and supporters behind him, speaks at an airport hangar at Rosecrans/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Parson, appearing with other Republican state officeholders at
Rosecrans, expresses optimism the day before the election.“I think we’re going to win,” Parson says. “If you look at the
polling and the data, for the last 60 days we’ve been somewhere from 6 points to
a 9-point margin. I think it’s been pretty steady. I think people like the
balanced approach we’ve taken.”Parson is hitting northern and southern Missouri in the fly
around, flying to Kirksville, Hannibal, Cape Girardeau, and ending the day in
Cassville.“I think it looks good. I look forward to being the next
governor of the state of Missouri.”

Gov. Parson makes stop in St. Joseph in whirlwind last day pitch

Kansas Republicans find themselves fighting more tenaciously
than anticipated to keep a U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Sen. Pat Roberts
since 1996.

Republican Roger Marshall is locked in a tight race with Democrat Barbara Bollier.

University of Kansas Political Science Department chair, Don
Haider-Markel, sees the tightness of this race as an outgrowth of a Republican
split during the administration of former Governor Sam Brownback.

“I really can’t downplay the experience that Brownback
provided for especially moderate Republicans and certainly those independents
in the state as well that that just really left a bad taste in people’s mouths
and it’s not ancient history here,” Haider-Markel tells St. Joseph Post.

Haider-Markel&nbsp;says the national Republican party has poured millions into a race once considered safe for the GOP.

“But it tells you too just how disturbed Republicans are by
the closeness of this race,” Haider-Markel says. “This is just one they can’t
lose. If they lose this, they lose all hope of holding on to their Senate
majority for sure.”

Haider-Markel says the national Republican Party has been
forced to use money in Kansas it would like to spend in other races, perhaps
even races in which the party could pick up a seat.

Republicans first sweated out the primary with leading Kansas Republican
officials breathing a sigh of relief when Marshall, the First District
Congressman, defeated former Secretary of State Kris Kobach. But the
contentious primary gave Bollier time to raise money and sharpen her message
for the General Election.

Both Marshall and Bollier are doctors. Bollier is a former
Republican who served in the Kansas Legislature until deciding to run for U.S.
Senate.

Haider-Markel says the race remains a likely Republican win.

“Well, I still think the odds favor Marshall, but again if we
do see this kind of blue-tinged turnout on election night, if we’re seeing it
in other parts of the country, I think the wave is going to crash on the shores
here, too.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKansas Republicans find themselves fighting more tenaciously
than anticipated to keep a U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Sen. Pat Roberts
since 1996.Republican Roger Marshall is locked in a tight race with Democrat Barbara Bollier.University of Kansas Political Science Department chair, Don
Haider-Markel, sees the tightness of this race as an outgrowth of a Republican
split during the administration of former Governor Sam Brownback.“I really can’t downplay the experience that Brownback
provided for especially moderate Republicans and certainly those independents
in the state as well that that just really left a bad taste in people’s mouths
and it’s not ancient history here,” Haider-Markel tells St. Joseph Post.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604086469655.png" alt="Republican U.S. Senate candidate Roger Marshall/Photo by Tim Carpenter with Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Republican U.S. Senate candidate Roger Marshall/Photo by Tim Carpenter with Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>Haider-Markel&nbsp;says the national Republican party has poured millions into a race once considered safe for the GOP.“But it tells you too just how disturbed Republicans are by
the closeness of this race,” Haider-Markel says. “This is just one they can’t
lose. If they lose this, they lose all hope of holding on to their Senate
majority for sure.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604086532586.png" alt="Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Bollier/Photo Tim Carpenter with Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Bollier/Photo Tim Carpenter with Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>Haider-Markel says the national Republican Party has been
forced to use money in Kansas it would like to spend in other races, perhaps
even races in which the party could pick up a seat.Republicans first sweated out the primary with leading Kansas Republican
officials breathing a sigh of relief when Marshall, the First District
Congressman, defeated former Secretary of State Kris Kobach. But the
contentious primary gave Bollier time to raise money and sharpen her message
for the General Election.Both Marshall and Bollier are doctors. Bollier is a former
Republican who served in the Kansas Legislature until deciding to run for U.S.
Senate.Haider-Markel says the race remains a likely Republican win.“Well, I still think the odds favor Marshall, but again if we
do see this kind of blue-tinged turnout on election night, if we’re seeing it
in other parts of the country, I think the wave is going to crash on the shores
here, too.”

Safe no longer:  Republicans hope to retain Kansas U.S. Senate seat

State Representative Brenda Shields of St. Joseph is running
for re-election, facing the same opponent she faced two years ago.

Shields, a Republican, is running for her second term; opposed
by Democrat Brady Lee O’Dell of St. Joseph. It’s a rematch from 2018.

Shields says the legislature must consider what to do to pay
for road and bridge maintenance.

“I know that no one likes to pay additional tax and we will go
back and we will cut government as much as we can, but at some point in time we’re
going to have to realize that the cost of maintenance has gone up, we haven’t
done anything since the early 1990’s on our gas tax,” Shields tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Shields says when she goes to Jefferson City for a legislative
session, she works to reflect the values of her district.

“When I am in the legislature, I don’t necessarily vote how I
feel, I vote how I know my district feels,” Shields says.

O’Dell calls himself a blue-collar worker who first got into
politics as a volunteer in the 2008 Barack Obama campaign. O’Dell says the more
he saw of the state legislature, the more he didn’t like what was going on in
Jefferson City.

“The more that politicians in Jeff City would reintroduce Right-to-Work
or try and alter Clean Missouri to their own ends, it really kind of (ticked)
me off,” O’Dell states on the KFEQ Hotline. “So, I said if nobody else is going
to stand up to that than I’m going to try to.”

O’Dell says money plays too large a role in politics and he
vows not to accept special interest campaign contributions.

“But I believe we need more people like myself that aren’t
collecting those big checks and everything like that that can actually take
phone calls more from their constituents than from their donor base and follow
their will,” O’Dell says.

The 11th Missouri State Representative District is
comprised of southern Buchanan and northern Platte Counties.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostState Representative Brenda Shields of St. Joseph is running
for re-election, facing the same opponent she faced two years ago.Shields, a Republican, is running for her second term; opposed
by Democrat Brady Lee O’Dell of St. Joseph. It’s a rematch from 2018.Shields says the legislature must consider what to do to pay
for road and bridge maintenance.“I know that no one likes to pay additional tax and we will go
back and we will cut government as much as we can, but at some point in time we’re
going to have to realize that the cost of maintenance has gone up, we haven’t
done anything since the early 1990’s on our gas tax,” Shields tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604344253764.jpeg" alt="Rep. Brenda Shields/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brenda Shields/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Shields says when she goes to Jefferson City for a legislative
session, she works to reflect the values of her district.“When I am in the legislature, I don’t necessarily vote how I
feel, I vote how I know my district feels,” Shields says.O’Dell calls himself a blue-collar worker who first got into
politics as a volunteer in the 2008 Barack Obama campaign. O’Dell says the more
he saw of the state legislature, the more he didn’t like what was going on in
Jefferson City.“The more that politicians in Jeff City would reintroduce Right-to-Work
or try and alter Clean Missouri to their own ends, it really kind of (ticked)
me off,” O’Dell states on the KFEQ Hotline. “So, I said if nobody else is going
to stand up to that than I’m going to try to.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604344293757.jpeg" alt="Brady Lee O'Dell/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Brady Lee O'Dell/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>O’Dell says money plays too large a role in politics and he
vows not to accept special interest campaign contributions.“But I believe we need more people like myself that aren’t
collecting those big checks and everything like that that can actually take
phone calls more from their constituents than from their donor base and follow
their will,” O’Dell says.The 11th Missouri State Representative District is
comprised of southern Buchanan and northern Platte Counties.

11th Missouri State Rep race features a rematch

Mosaic Life Care reports COVID-19 hospitalizations fell on Sunday, but went up a bit on Monday.

Mosaic reports it is treating 56 COVID-19 patients at its St.
Joseph hospital as of Monday morning, up from 50 on Sunday. Two coronavirus patients are being treated in Maryville.

Mosaic has now tested 42,610 area residents with
3,872 testing positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 99 tests.

St. Joseph health officials reported another coronavirus-related
death on Friday, bringing the Buchanan County total to 48. Buchanan County has
recorded a total of 4,051 cases since the pandemic began.

Health officials say a man in his 70’s with underlying health
conditions died of COVID-19.

Andrew County reported another death on its COVID-19
dashboard, bringing the county total to 10. Andrew County reports a total of
706 cases.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports a total of 211 cases.

Missouri health officials report 185,535 cases,
resulting in 3,026 deaths.

Kansas health officials report a total of 85,181 cases and 1,029.

This articles has been updated with the latest numbers from Mosaic Life Care.

By&nbsp; BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care reports COVID-19 hospitalizations fell on Sunday, but went up a bit on Monday.Mosaic reports it is treating 56 COVID-19 patients at its St.
Joseph hospital as of Monday morning, up from 50 on Sunday. Two coronavirus patients are being treated in Maryville.Mosaic has now tested 42,610 area residents with
3,872 testing positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 99 tests.St. Joseph health officials reported another coronavirus-related
death on Friday, bringing the Buchanan County total to 48. Buchanan County has
recorded a total of 4,051 cases since the pandemic began.Health officials say a man in his 70’s with underlying health
conditions died of COVID-19.Andrew County reported another death on its COVID-19
dashboard, bringing the county total to 10. Andrew County reports a total of
706 cases.Doniphan County, Kansas reports a total of 211 cases.Missouri health officials report 185,535 cases,
resulting in 3,026 deaths.Kansas health officials report a total of 85,181 cases and 1,029.This articles has been updated with the latest numbers from Mosaic Life Care.

COVID-19 hospitalizations fall in St. Joseph

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4a.m. Sunday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Honda Civic driven by Zachary R. Stratton, 17, Cowgill, was westbound on MO 116 one mile east of MO 13.

The car traveled off the west side of the road, struck a driveway, became airborne, overturned end over end and came to rest on its top.

Caldwell County EMS transported Stratton to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4a.m. Sunday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Honda Civic driven by Zachary R. Stratton, 17, Cowgill, was westbound on MO 116 one mile east of MO 13.The car traveled off the west side of the road, struck a driveway, became airborne, overturned end over end and came to rest on its top.Caldwell County EMS transported Stratton to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen hospitalized after violent crash

GREENE COUNTY — A DeKalb County man was injured in an accident just before 3a.m. Sunday in Greene County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Toyota Tundra driven by Luke A. Thompson, 20, Union Star, was eastbound on Interstate 44 seven miles west of Springfield.

The vehicle ran off the road, overturned and struck the guard cables. EMS transported Thompson to Cox South Hospital in Springfield.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;He was also cited for DWI and not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GREENE COUNTY — A DeKalb County man was injured in an accident just before 3a.m. Sunday in Greene County, Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Toyota Tundra driven by Luke A. Thompson, 20, Union Star, was eastbound on Interstate 44 seven miles west of Springfield.The vehicle ran off the road, overturned and struck the guard cables. EMS transported Thompson to Cox South Hospital in Springfield.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was also cited for DWI and not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DeKalb Co. man hospitalized after alleged DWI crash

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A St. Joseph boy was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2000 Honda 250EX driven by a 9-year-old St. Joseph boy was southbound on private property along County Road 387 one half mile north of St. Joseph.

The vehicle's engine stalled. It rolled down an embankment, overturned and ejected the driver and a passenger.&nbsp;

Buchanan County EMS transported the 11-year-old male passenger to Mosaic Life Care. The 9-year-old was not injured. They were wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A St. Joseph boy was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2000 Honda 250EX driven by a 9-year-old St. Joseph boy was southbound on private property along County Road 387 one half mile north of St. Joseph.The vehicle's engine stalled. It rolled down an embankment, overturned and ejected the driver and a passenger.&nbsp;Buchanan County EMS transported the 11-year-old male passenger to Mosaic Life Care. The 9-year-old was not injured. They were wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph boy hospitalized after ATV accident

You will get an extra hour of sleep on Sunday as the time change will "fall back".&nbsp; Be sure to change your clocks back as at 2 am on Sunday, the clock will change back to 1 am.

Even though this does mean an extra hour of sleep, it also means the days will seem shorter, as it gets darker earlier, so be aware as the amount of daylight will continue to shorten until the Winter Solstice on December 21st

You will get an extra hour of sleep on Sunday as the time change will "fall back".&nbsp; Be sure to change your clocks back as at 2 am on Sunday, the clock will change back to 1 am.Even though this does mean an extra hour of sleep, it also means the days will seem shorter, as it gets darker earlier, so be aware as the amount of daylight will continue to shorten until the Winter Solstice on December 21st

Daylight savings time "fall back" will happen on Sunday

Halloween safety is likely more important than ever this year, especially in the era of COVID-19.

Angie Springs with Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas says federal health officials advise against going door-to-door trick or treating this year.

"We're in unprecedented times and really that requires us to think outside the box to keep everybody safe" Springs says "so the CDC is not recommending going door to door trick or treating or going out on those hay rides that we normally would do this time of year"

Springs says the CDC recommends family activities instead, such as carving pumpkins or even having a virtual Halloween costume contest.

"Carve or decorate pumpkins with those members in your household, maybe even do a virtual Halloween costume contest a lot of us now are in the virtual environment and virtual world so that is certainly something that we're all used to now" Springs adds

The CDC simply says the risk of COVID-19 is too great to stick to the traditional trick-or-treat Halloween evening or, for adults, going to those Halloween parties.

Springs says feel free to walk the neighborhood for exercise, but not for treats.

"The CDC does not recommend going door to door or doing those social interactions that we normally would do," says Springs "again and hopefully is that the more that we can socially distance and follow those CDC guidelines, the sooner that hopefully we'll get past this pandemic"

Below is a more extensive list of some of the CDC recommendations to do this Halloween season rather then being out trick or treating

Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door

Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots

Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming

Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household

Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors

Traveling to a fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19

CELEBRATE WITH THESE LOWER-RISK ACTIVITIES

Carve or decorate pumpkins with members of your household

Carve or decorate pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends

Do a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance

Have a Halloween movie night with people with whom you live

Have a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to

BY MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostHalloween safety is likely more important than ever this year, especially in the era of COVID-19.Angie Springs with Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas says federal health officials advise against going door-to-door trick or treating this year."We're in unprecedented times and really that requires us to think outside the box to keep everybody safe" Springs says "so the CDC is not recommending going door to door trick or treating or going out on those hay rides that we normally would do this time of year"Springs says the CDC recommends family activities instead, such as carving pumpkins or even having a virtual Halloween costume contest."Carve or decorate pumpkins with those members in your household, maybe even do a virtual Halloween costume contest a lot of us now are in the virtual environment and virtual world so that is certainly something that we're all used to now" Springs addsThe CDC simply says the risk of COVID-19 is too great to stick to the traditional trick-or-treat Halloween evening or, for adults, going to those Halloween parties.Springs says feel free to walk the neighborhood for exercise, but not for treats."The CDC does not recommend going door to door or doing those social interactions that we normally would do," says Springs "again and hopefully is that the more that we can socially distance and follow those CDC guidelines, the sooner that hopefully we'll get past this pandemic"Below is a more extensive list of some of the CDC recommendations to do this Halloween season rather then being out trick or treatingAVOID THESE HIGH-RISK ACTIVITIESParticipating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to doorHaving trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lotsAttending crowded indoor costume partiesGoing to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screamingGoing on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your householdUsing alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviorsTraveling to a fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19CELEBRATE WITH THESE LOWER-RISK ACTIVITIESCarve or decorate pumpkins with members of your householdCarve or decorate pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friendsDecorate your living spaceDo a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distanceHave a virtual Halloween costume contestHave a Halloween movie night with people with whom you liveHave a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to

Red Cross advises people how to have a safe Halloween during a pandemic

A Congressional race in Kansas is shaping up to be much more
competitive that first thought.

State Treasurer Jake LaTurner defeated incumbent Steve Watkins
in the Second Congressional District Republican primary and faces Democrat
Michelle De La Isla, the Topeka Mayor, in the General Election.

University of Kansas Political Science Department chair, Don
Haider-Markel, says De La Isla has emerged as a tough Democratic challenger in
a Republican-leaning Congressional district.

“I think she has a strong personal story and she’s certainly
played on that in her advertising. She has not used the kind of tactics thus
far that we’ve seen, the sort of attack tactics that we’ve seen in a number of
races,” Haider-Markel tells St. Joseph Post.

Haider-Markel says LaTurner began with an advantage, simply
because he’s a Republican. He adds LaTurner also has name recognition, since he
serves as the state Treasurer.

Haider-Markel says normally LaTurner would coast to victory.

“It’s just that this is an unusual year, much like 2018 was an
unusual year and we have largely to thank Republicans in the White House and Republicans
in the form of (Sam) Brownback in the governor’s office to thank for that,”
Haider-Markel says.

The Second Congressional District incorporates not just
northeast Kansas, but runs from the Nebraska border all the way down to the
Oklahoma border on the eastern side of the state with a carve out for the Third
Congressional District of the greater Kansas City metropolitan region.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Congressional race in Kansas is shaping up to be much more
competitive that first thought.State Treasurer Jake LaTurner defeated incumbent Steve Watkins
in the Second Congressional District Republican primary and faces Democrat
Michelle De La Isla, the Topeka Mayor, in the General Election.University of Kansas Political Science Department chair, Don
Haider-Markel, says De La Isla has emerged as a tough Democratic challenger in
a Republican-leaning Congressional district.“I think she has a strong personal story and she’s certainly
played on that in her advertising. She has not used the kind of tactics thus
far that we’ve seen, the sort of attack tactics that we’ve seen in a number of
races,” Haider-Markel tells St. Joseph Post.Haider-Markel says LaTurner began with an advantage, simply
because he’s a Republican. He adds LaTurner also has name recognition, since he
serves as the state Treasurer.Haider-Markel says normally LaTurner would coast to victory.“It’s just that this is an unusual year, much like 2018 was an
unusual year and we have largely to thank Republicans in the White House and Republicans
in the form of (Sam) Brownback in the governor’s office to thank for that,”
Haider-Markel says.The Second Congressional District incorporates not just
northeast Kansas, but runs from the Nebraska border all the way down to the
Oklahoma border on the eastern side of the state with a carve out for the Third
Congressional District of the greater Kansas City metropolitan region.

Unusual year leads to competitive race in Kansas' 2nd Congressional District

State Representative Bill Falkner of St. Joseph is running for
a second term, being challenged by political newcomer, Democrat Colby Murphy.

Falkner is a former city council member and St. Joseph Mayor
and is proud of forming the Local Government Caucus in the state legislature.

“And our goal is not to kill the bill, it’s try to work with
the bill handler in order to make it more acceptable to municipalities. It’s a
win-win for everyone and that’s our goal,” Falkner tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “It’s been a great two years. I’ve been honored to serve St. Joe down
in Jefferson City.”

Falkner also favors an issue which Missouri’s cities have longed
for for some time:&nbsp; requiring online retailers
to collect and remit the state sales tax. Falkner points out regular, brick and
mortar stores collect the tax.

“It’s a revenue source for municipalities that should be
collected and because we are not collecting those types of taxes, then we have
to start looking at special taxes, whether it be a safety tax or any type of
other tax, to help fill in the void, because of the revenue we’re not getting
from the Internet sales tax,” according to Falkner.

Murphy is Executive Director of Medicaid and Veterans In-Home
Division at Freudenthal Home Health of St. Joseph.

Murphy says education is a priority of his and he says the
first step the state needs to take is to quit cutting education funding.

“So, the first thing that we need to do for both local, K-through-12
and higher education, is to stop cutting from it and to actually reinvest in it,”
Falkner says during his time on the KFEQ Hotline. “Not to sound cheesy, but our
children really are our future. They’re going to decide what this next century
looks like and we are doing them no fair justice by undercutting their
education.”

Murphy says Missouri needs to improve its roads and bridges
and he says an increase in the state gas tax would provide the money needed.

“I still hold that I think the best option would be an
increase in the gas tax,” according to Murphy. “I know ‘tax’ is a dirty word in
America for a lot of people, but as I stated in the (St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce) forum, Missouri’s gas tax is 17-cents per gallon. If you look at our
neighbors, Kansas and Iowa, theirs are 37 and 24 and their roads are so much
better than ours.”

The 10th state representative district is comprised
of downtown and mid-town St. Joseph.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostState Representative Bill Falkner of St. Joseph is running for
a second term, being challenged by political newcomer, Democrat Colby Murphy.Falkner is a former city council member and St. Joseph Mayor
and is proud of forming the Local Government Caucus in the state legislature.“And our goal is not to kill the bill, it’s try to work with
the bill handler in order to make it more acceptable to municipalities. It’s a
win-win for everyone and that’s our goal,” Falkner tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “It’s been a great two years. I’ve been honored to serve St. Joe down
in Jefferson City.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604080359734.jpeg" alt="Rep. Bill Falkner of St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Bill Falkner of St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Falkner also favors an issue which Missouri’s cities have longed
for for some time:&nbsp; requiring online retailers
to collect and remit the state sales tax. Falkner points out regular, brick and
mortar stores collect the tax.“It’s a revenue source for municipalities that should be
collected and because we are not collecting those types of taxes, then we have
to start looking at special taxes, whether it be a safety tax or any type of
other tax, to help fill in the void, because of the revenue we’re not getting
from the Internet sales tax,” according to Falkner.Murphy is Executive Director of Medicaid and Veterans In-Home
Division at Freudenthal Home Health of St. Joseph.Murphy says education is a priority of his and he says the
first step the state needs to take is to quit cutting education funding.“So, the first thing that we need to do for both local, K-through-12
and higher education, is to stop cutting from it and to actually reinvest in it,”
Falkner says during his time on the KFEQ Hotline. “Not to sound cheesy, but our
children really are our future. They’re going to decide what this next century
looks like and we are doing them no fair justice by undercutting their
education.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604080414283.jpeg" alt="Colby Murphy/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Colby Murphy/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Murphy says Missouri needs to improve its roads and bridges
and he says an increase in the state gas tax would provide the money needed.“I still hold that I think the best option would be an
increase in the gas tax,” according to Murphy. “I know ‘tax’ is a dirty word in
America for a lot of people, but as I stated in the (St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce) forum, Missouri’s gas tax is 17-cents per gallon. If you look at our
neighbors, Kansas and Iowa, theirs are 37 and 24 and their roads are so much
better than ours.”The 10th state representative district is comprised
of downtown and mid-town St. Joseph.

State Rep. Falkner's re-election bid challenged by political newcomer

The Buchanan County Sherriff's Department will be keeping an eye on registered sex offenders this Halloween.

Buchanan County Sherriff Bill Puett says they do this effort every year

"Every year we pull in a group of our folks and we will go out and we will verify that every registered sex offender in Buchanan County is in compliance and that will mean checking the residence" 

Puett says they will check for a variety of things making sure the offender is being compliant

"Making sure they are there, making sure the residence is posted, no lights are on, they're not handing out candy" Puett says "Not doing the things that are prohibited by statute"

Puett adds that just because they check a sex offenders' residence once, doesn't mean they won't come back again on Halloween night

"You know we're kind of like Santa Clause" Puett says "Just because we check once, does not mean we aren't going to check twice, especially some individuals that have tendencies to be non compliant or a little difficult" 

Puett says though that while there are a few the department has trouble with, most do a good job

"Most do a great job overall but if we think that we have issues, there's a specific time between 5:30 pm and 10 pm, that is on Halloween" 

Puett says that the safety of the children is of the utmost importance to the Sherriff's department

BY MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Buchanan County Sherriff's Department will be keeping an eye on registered sex offenders this Halloween.Buchanan County Sherriff Bill Puett says they do this effort every year"Every year we pull in a group of our folks and we will go out and we will verify that every registered sex offender in Buchanan County is in compliance and that will mean checking the residence" Puett says they will check for a variety of things making sure the offender is being compliant"Making sure they are there, making sure the residence is posted, no lights are on, they're not handing out candy" Puett says "Not doing the things that are prohibited by statute"Puett adds that just because they check a sex offenders' residence once, doesn't mean they won't come back again on Halloween night"You know we're kind of like Santa Clause" Puett says "Just because we check once, does not mean we aren't going to check twice, especially some individuals that have tendencies to be non compliant or a little difficult" Puett says though that while there are a few the department has trouble with, most do a good job"Most do a great job overall but if we think that we have issues, there's a specific time between 5:30 pm and 10 pm, that is on Halloween" Puett says that the safety of the children is of the utmost importance to the Sherriff's department

Buchanan County Sherriff's office monitoring registered sex offenders

St.
Joseph health officials report total coronavirus cases have surpassed
4,000 in Buchanan County with one additional COVID-19 related death.

Officials
say a man in his 70’s with underlying health conditions has become Buchanan
County’s 47th death since the pandemic began.

Buchanan
County recorded 57 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, bringing the county total
to 4,002.

Mosaic
Life Care reports 58 COVID-19 patients are being treated in the St. Joseph
hospital with three being treated in Maryville as of Friday morning.

Mosaic
has tested 42,149 area residents with 3,753 testing positive.

Andrew
County reports 13 new coronavirus cases, bringing that county’s total to 678.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 207 cases.

Missouri
health officials report 177,693 total cases since the pandemic began,
resulting in 2,899 deaths.

Kansas
health officials report 82,045 cases. COVID-19 related deaths in Kansas since the pandemic began has now topped 1,000 with state officials reporting 1,007 deaths.

This article has been updated to reflect latest Mosaic numbers.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report total coronavirus cases have surpassed
4,000 in Buchanan County with one additional COVID-19 related death.Officials
say a man in his 70’s with underlying health conditions has become Buchanan
County’s 47th death since the pandemic began.Buchanan
County recorded 57 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, bringing the county total
to 4,002.Mosaic
Life Care reports 58 COVID-19 patients are being treated in the St. Joseph
hospital with three being treated in Maryville as of Friday morning.Mosaic
has tested 42,149 area residents with 3,753 testing positive.Andrew
County reports 13 new coronavirus cases, bringing that county’s total to 678.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 207 cases.Missouri
health officials report 177,693 total cases since the pandemic began,
resulting in 2,899 deaths.Kansas
health officials report 82,045 cases. COVID-19 related deaths in Kansas since the pandemic began has now topped 1,000 with state officials reporting 1,007 deaths.This article has been updated to reflect latest Mosaic numbers.

Buchanan County COVID-19 cases top 4,000 with nearly 50 deaths

Long-time Republican Congressman Sam Graves is running for
re-election once again.

“I never take a race for granted, ever, because you just never
know,” Graves tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Still, Graves is expected to win re-election easily to a
district which has grown since he first won election to Congress in 2000.

“All the way from the Illinois state line, the Mississippi
River, over here to the Nebraska, Kansas state line and the Missouri River and
then on the south, the Missouri River,” says Graves. “It’s literally a third of
the state, geographically. It’s a big district, but you know what, it’s a great
district, too, because I mentioned it’s rural and that’s what I am and we want
to keep it that way.”

Graves farms in the extreme northwestern part of the state
near Tarkio.

Graves, a Republican, is opposed by Democrat Gena Ross, an
assistant college professor who is running for public office for the first
time.

Graves is a big supporter of President Donald Trump. He says
the tax cut package the president pushed through Congress helped the economy and
he rejects how Democrats have characterized their proposal to repeal it.

“This idea that rolling back the Trump tax cuts is only going
to affect the rich is the most ridiculous thing ever,” Graves asserts.

Graves insists the tax cut helped everyone, across the board.

“Obviously, people paying more tax got more of a cut, because
they pay more tax, because it’s a graduated tax system,” according to Graves. “So,
to say that only the rich are going to be affected is ridiculous.”

Graves claims no one is talking about what he sees as the top
issue facing the country:&nbsp; the growing federal
debt.

Graves says the debt had grown enough before Congress approved
the $2.2 trillion CARES Act to provide help in the fight against COVID-19 and
to stimulate an economy wrecked by the coronavirus pandemic.

“It was already bad. It was already horrible,” Graves says. “And
we get into these budget battles going back and forth and you know you have one
side that wants this in the budget and one side that wants this. We’re going
through that right now with the stimulus that we’re talking about.”

Congress has yet to reach an agreement on a new stimulus
package, expected to be in the $1.8 trillion to $2 trillion range.

The Congressional Budget Office projects a federal budget
deficit this year of $3.3 trillion, more than triple the budget shortfall
recorded last year. The CBO says that would be the largest deficit since after
World War II, in 1945. The federal debt has exceeded $20 trillion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603982610138.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves on the KFEQ Hotline/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves on the KFEQ Hotline/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostLong-time Republican Congressman Sam Graves is running for
re-election once again.“I never take a race for granted, ever, because you just never
know,” Graves tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Still, Graves is expected to win re-election easily to a
district which has grown since he first won election to Congress in 2000.“All the way from the Illinois state line, the Mississippi
River, over here to the Nebraska, Kansas state line and the Missouri River and
then on the south, the Missouri River,” says Graves. “It’s literally a third of
the state, geographically. It’s a big district, but you know what, it’s a great
district, too, because I mentioned it’s rural and that’s what I am and we want
to keep it that way.”Graves farms in the extreme northwestern part of the state
near Tarkio.Graves, a Republican, is opposed by Democrat Gena Ross, an
assistant college professor who is running for public office for the first
time.Graves is a big supporter of President Donald Trump. He says
the tax cut package the president pushed through Congress helped the economy and
he rejects how Democrats have characterized their proposal to repeal it.“This idea that rolling back the Trump tax cuts is only going
to affect the rich is the most ridiculous thing ever,” Graves asserts.Graves insists the tax cut helped everyone, across the board.“Obviously, people paying more tax got more of a cut, because
they pay more tax, because it’s a graduated tax system,” according to Graves. “So,
to say that only the rich are going to be affected is ridiculous.”Graves claims no one is talking about what he sees as the top
issue facing the country:&nbsp; the growing federal
debt.Graves says the debt had grown enough before Congress approved
the $2.2 trillion CARES Act to provide help in the fight against COVID-19 and
to stimulate an economy wrecked by the coronavirus pandemic.“It was already bad. It was already horrible,” Graves says. “And
we get into these budget battles going back and forth and you know you have one
side that wants this in the budget and one side that wants this. We’re going
through that right now with the stimulus that we’re talking about.”Congress has yet to reach an agreement on a new stimulus
package, expected to be in the $1.8 trillion to $2 trillion range.The Congressional Budget Office projects a federal budget
deficit this year of $3.3 trillion, more than triple the budget shortfall
recorded last year. The CBO says that would be the largest deficit since after
World War II, in 1945. The federal debt has exceeded $20 trillion.

Veteran Congressman Graves eyes yet another re-election campaign

Bishop Leblond High School in St. Joseph is shifting to online learning for a two-week period.

Since school started, Leblond had been all in-class learning.

Leblond Principal Ann Lachowitzer says Leblond is just being cautious.

"Really the whole reason that we moved to virtual is really for precautionary measures to hopefully keep that spread down and avoid an outbreak of anymore cases" says Lachowitzer

Lachowitzer says one more student tested positive this week, bringing the total cases to three, which has led to a higher number of students quarantining.

"We did have another student test positive so now we're basically sitting with three positive cases of students" Lachowitzer says "and when you do that it technically leads to higher numbers of kids that have to be quarantined that we figured out based on contact tracing, utilizing CDC guidelines."

"When we reached a number that was relatively high, we decided at that point that it was time to just move to virtual learning for a two week period." Lachowitzer adds  "to avoid that outbreak of anymore cases to keep our kids healthy and our staff healthy so we can get back to in person learning on November 9th"

Bishop Leblond began virtual learning on Tuesday and hopes to welcome students back to the classroom by Monday, November 9th

BY MATT PIKESt. Joesph PostBishop Leblond High School in St. Joseph is shifting to online learning for a two-week period.Since school started, Leblond had been all in-class learning.Leblond Principal Ann Lachowitzer says Leblond is just being cautious."Really the whole reason that we moved to virtual is really for precautionary measures to hopefully keep that spread down and avoid an outbreak of anymore cases" says LachowitzerLachowitzer says one more student tested positive this week, bringing the total cases to three, which has led to a higher number of students quarantining."We did have another student test positive so now we're basically sitting with three positive cases of students" Lachowitzer says "and when you do that it technically leads to higher numbers of kids that have to be quarantined that we figured out based on contact tracing, utilizing CDC guidelines.""When we reached a number that was relatively high, we decided at that point that it was time to just move to virtual learning for a two week period." Lachowitzer adds "to avoid that outbreak of anymore cases to keep our kids healthy and our staff healthy so we can get back to in person learning on November 9th"Bishop Leblond began virtual learning on Tuesday and hopes to welcome students back to the classroom by Monday, November 9th

Bishop Leblond going to online learning until November 9th

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Freightliner utility truck driven by Jeffrey R. Tredway, 34, Plattsburg, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Schwader Road five miles north of Gower.

The truck rear-ended a 2006 Toyota Scion driven by Melissa D. Nauman, 42, Gower, that had come to a stop due to a deer in the road.

Tri-County ambulance transported Nauman to Mosaic Life Care. Tredway was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Freightliner utility truck driven by Jeffrey R. Tredway, 34, Plattsburg, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Schwader Road five miles north of Gower.The truck rear-ended a 2006 Toyota Scion driven by Melissa D. Nauman, 42, Gower, that had come to a stop due to a deer in the road.Tri-County ambulance transported Nauman to Mosaic Life Care. Tredway was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Woman from Gower hospitalized after rear-end crash

St. Joseph health officials report 37 new cases of coronavirus
on Wednesday, bringing the Buchanan County total to 3,945.

Andrew County reported another coronavirus-related death on
its COVID-19 dashboard, bringing that county’s death toll to nine. Andrew
County reports 12 new cases of COVID-19, bringing its total since the pandemic
began to 665.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports a total of 207 cases.

Mosaic Life Care reports an increase in hospitalizations:&nbsp; 64 COVID-19 patients at its St. Joseph
hospital with three in Maryville.

Mosaic has now tested 41,769 area residents with 3-Thousand, 712
testing positive.

Missouri health officials report 174,632 cases of
COVID-19, resulting in 2,870 deaths.

In Kansas, health officials report a total of 82,045 cases and 1,007 deaths.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 37 new cases of coronavirus
on Wednesday, bringing the Buchanan County total to 3,945.Buchanan County has recorded 46 deaths.Andrew County reported another coronavirus-related death on
its COVID-19 dashboard, bringing that county’s death toll to nine. Andrew
County reports 12 new cases of COVID-19, bringing its total since the pandemic
began to 665.Doniphan County, Kansas reports a total of 207 cases.Mosaic Life Care reports an increase in hospitalizations:&nbsp; 64 COVID-19 patients at its St. Joseph
hospital with three in Maryville.Mosaic has now tested 41,769 area residents with 3-Thousand, 712
testing positive.Missouri health officials report 174,632 cases of
COVID-19, resulting in 2,870 deaths.In Kansas, health officials report a total of 82,045 cases and 1,007 deaths.This article has been updated with the latest numbers from Mosaic.

Buchanan County sees 37 new COVID-19 cases; Andrew County reports another death

A drop in students has led to a drop in revenue for the St.
Joseph School District.

There are 217 fewer students enrolled in St. Joseph schools
this year than last, which means about a million dollars less in state funding.

St. Joseph School Superintendent Doug Van Zyl says it’s not a
huge loss in a $135 million annual budget.

“It’s serious, because you don’t want to continue to lose
money, but I don’t think it’s a dire situation and we’re trying to be proactive
in dealing with it,” Van Zyl tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

St. Joseph will also use an outside company to help it fill a
shortage of substitute teachers. Van Zyl says the district typically needs
50-to-80 subs daily and with the coronavirus making some subs leery of being in
the classroom, the district has fallen as many as 30 subs short some days.

“It just didn’t happen overnight and it’s just not happening
here in St. Joe, it’s happening all over that finding substitutes, finding
teachers in general, is harder and harder to do. There just aren’t as many
people going into teaching either,” according to Van Zyl. “So, it’s the whole
spectrum of education that’s being impacted in finding quality folks to fill
positions.”

Van Zyl says the district at one time had as many as 350
substitute teachers it could call on. That has dwindled to about 150 and, of
those, not all are available every day.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA drop in students has led to a drop in revenue for the St.
Joseph School District.There are 217 fewer students enrolled in St. Joseph schools
this year than last, which means about a million dollars less in state funding.St. Joseph School Superintendent Doug Van Zyl says it’s not a
huge loss in a $135 million annual budget.“It’s serious, because you don’t want to continue to lose
money, but I don’t think it’s a dire situation and we’re trying to be proactive
in dealing with it,” Van Zyl tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.St. Joseph will also use an outside company to help it fill a
shortage of substitute teachers. Van Zyl says the district typically needs
50-to-80 subs daily and with the coronavirus making some subs leery of being in
the classroom, the district has fallen as many as 30 subs short some days.“It just didn’t happen overnight and it’s just not happening
here in St. Joe, it’s happening all over that finding substitutes, finding
teachers in general, is harder and harder to do. There just aren’t as many
people going into teaching either,” according to Van Zyl. “So, it’s the whole
spectrum of education that’s being impacted in finding quality folks to fill
positions.”Van Zyl says the district at one time had as many as 350
substitute teachers it could call on. That has dwindled to about 150 and, of
those, not all are available every day.

Drop in students hits the St. Joseph School District bottom line

Manufacturing Day is typically
a day each year when local manufacturers open their doors for high school
students to take a tour. 
Kristi Bailey with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce says Manufacturing Day is
still happening this year and it will be expanded.

"This year, of course, is different. There are no field
trips for school and companies aren't allowing people in, so this year,
Manufacturing Day has moved online," Bailey says. "Instead of one
day, there will be five days of materials that teachers can share with
students, featuring some of our local companies."

Bailey says the companies participating created videos for students to view
during class. She adds that while this year’s Manufacturing Day is different,
they are still working to get the message to students about all the
opportunities for well-paying careers in manufacturing in St. Joseph. For more
information click <a href="https://edgefactor.com/rock-MFG-Day-st-joseph?referrer=chamber">here</a>.

By SARAH THOMACKSt. Joseph PostManufacturing Day is typically
a day each year when local manufacturers open their doors for high school
students to take a tour. 
Kristi Bailey with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce says Manufacturing Day is
still happening this year and it will be expanded."This year, of course, is different. There are no field
trips for school and companies aren't allowing people in, so this year,
Manufacturing Day has moved online," Bailey says. "Instead of one
day, there will be five days of materials that teachers can share with
students, featuring some of our local companies." 
Bailey says the companies participating created videos for students to view
during class. She adds that while this year’s Manufacturing Day is different,
they are still working to get the message to students about all the
opportunities for well-paying careers in manufacturing in St. Joseph. For more
information click <a href="https://edgefactor.com/rock-MFG-Day-st-joseph?referrer=chamber">here</a>.