HOLT COUNTY — A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Friday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by a 16-year-old Mound City boy was northbound on Interstate 29 eleven miles south of Mound City.

The pickup traveled off the road down an embankment and struck several trees.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported the teen to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY — A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Friday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by a 16-year-old Mound City boy was northbound on Interstate 29 eleven miles south of Mound City. The pickup traveled off the road down an embankment and struck several trees.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported the teen to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Mound City teen hospitalized after pickup crash

Labor Day weekend is upon us and that means roads packed with travelers across Missouri.

Seargent Jake Angle with Troop H in St. Joseph says while the roads last year saw less travelers during the coronavirus pandemic, it's hard to pinpoint if we will see more drivers out this year.

"Whether to put your finger on it will be busier this year, sometimes that is hard to try to predetermine," Angle tells St. Joseph Post. "But, obviously our mission is the same, and that's traffic safety, we're going to be out there in full force, we're going to be conducting operations."

Angle adds that whether the roads are packed or not, troopers will still be out in full force assisting drivers and enforcing highway safety.

Angle says troops will be out enforcing all weekend, but are expecting peak travel times at the beginning and end of the weekend to be the busiest.

"We designate our peak travel days, and you know obviously this year it will probably be Friday and Monday, once again hard to determine when people are going to decide to get out and travel to their labor day holiday plans," Angle says. "That's kind of what we plan on, but obviously we're going to have a presence all weekend." 

Angle says that troopers will be out and about enforcing safe driving, but it isn't all about pulling over drivers going to fast.

"And not just patrolling, you know everybody sees us out there and thinks we're just out there to pull people over, we're out there to assist the public, someone becomes stranded, heaven forbid there's a traffic crash, we're out there to provide that service as well," Angle tells people. "So, we're going to be out there all weekend." 

Angle says that the highway patrol is expecting peak travel times to be on Friday evening and Monday, but that it is hard to predict when people will decide to travel.

BY MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostLabor Day weekend is upon us and that means roads packed with travelers across Missouri.Seargent Jake Angle with Troop H in St. Joseph says while the roads last year saw less travelers during the coronavirus pandemic, it's hard to pinpoint if we will see more drivers out this year."Whether to put your finger on it will be busier this year, sometimes that is hard to try to predetermine," Angle tells St. Joseph Post. "But, obviously our mission is the same, and that's traffic safety, we're going to be out there in full force, we're going to be conducting operations."Angle adds that whether the roads are packed or not, troopers will still be out in full force assisting drivers and enforcing highway safety.Angle says troops will be out enforcing all weekend, but are expecting peak travel times at the beginning and end of the weekend to be the busiest."We designate our peak travel days, and you know obviously this year it will probably be Friday and Monday, once again hard to determine when people are going to decide to get out and travel to their labor day holiday plans," Angle says. "That's kind of what we plan on, but obviously we're going to have a presence all weekend." Angle says that troopers will be out and about enforcing safe driving, but it isn't all about pulling over drivers going to fast."And not just patrolling, you know everybody sees us out there and thinks we're just out there to pull people over, we're out there to assist the public, someone becomes stranded, heaven forbid there's a traffic crash, we're out there to provide that service as well," Angle tells people. "So, we're going to be out there all weekend." Angle says that the highway patrol is expecting peak travel times to be on Friday evening and Monday, but that it is hard to predict when people will decide to travel.

Highway Patrol out in full force Labor Day weekend 

Missouri U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt worries the chaotic, deadly
evacuation from Afghanistan sends a negative message to the world.

Blunt says the whole plan backed by President Joe Biden was
faulty.

“Really sent a message to the world that one, our commitment
may not be a commitment you can rely on, and two, our execution and planning
may not be the execution and planning that people have for a long time thought that
the United States could be counted on to perform,” Blunt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post in an interview.

Thirteen American service members and at least 169 Afghans
died in suicide bombings at the Kabul airport as the United States airlifted
Americans and Afghan allies out of the country. Biden, a Democrat, called the airlift
to extract more than 120,000 Americans, Afghans, and others from Afghanistan an
“extraordinary success.”

Blunt, a Republican, doesn’t see it that way. He faults Biden for
relying on the Taliban to provide security during the evacuation.

“A faulty plan and pretty poorly executed and I’m afraid the
rest of the world saw this plan the same way,” according to Blunt.

Blunt never backed calls to remove the American military presence
from Afghanistan, a withdrawal that began during the tenure of President Donald
Trump, a Republican.

Still, Blunt says if the United States was determined to
leave, it should not have left Bagram Air Field which had two secured runways.
He says the Biden Administration should have brought the Afghan government into
talks with the Taliban about the plan for the U.S. military to withdraw from
the country. He says NATO allies should have been consulted, noting that while
the United States had 2,500 troops there, NATO had 7,500 troops in the country.

Blunt says it was a poor plan, poorly carried out.

“We left people behind. We left Americans behind that want to
leave the country and I think we’ll regret that as we try to deal with the Taliban
to get them out,” Blunt says. “And we left a number of people behind that
clearly had been so identified with our efforts there and that helped us there
that they’re in imminent danger.”

Blunt questions Biden’s assertion the U.S. has leverage to get
those left behind out.

“It’s hard to imagine what leverage we have now that we didn’t
have 90 days ago or 120 days ago,” Blunt says. “Clearly, the decision was wrong
in terms of how quickly the government of Afghanistan would fall. And it may
very well turn out to be wrong in how much leverage that we have.”

Blunt says the rushed evacuation has damaged America’s
relationship with its NATO allies, pointing to one European leader’s assessment
that it was the lowest moment in the 70-year history of NATO.

Blunt says the duty of Congress now is to investigate whether
the president had been given wrong information that led to the troubled
military exit from Afghanistan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630087261414.png" alt="U.S. Army soldiers with the&nbsp; 82nd Airborne Division&nbsp;escort evacuees to buses at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. -photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Army soldiers with the&nbsp; 82nd Airborne Division&nbsp;escort evacuees to buses at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. -photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt worries the chaotic, deadly
evacuation from Afghanistan sends a negative message to the world.Blunt says the whole plan backed by President Joe Biden was
faulty.“Really sent a message to the world that one, our commitment
may not be a commitment you can rely on, and two, our execution and planning
may not be the execution and planning that people have for a long time thought that
the United States could be counted on to perform,” Blunt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph
Post in an interview.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629817206585.png" alt="Evacuees board a C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Evacuees board a C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>Thirteen American service members and at least 169 Afghans
died in suicide bombings at the Kabul airport as the United States airlifted
Americans and Afghan allies out of the country. Biden, a Democrat, called the airlift
to extract more than 120,000 Americans, Afghans, and others from Afghanistan an
“extraordinary success.”Blunt, a Republican, doesn’t see it that way. He faults Biden for
relying on the Taliban to provide security during the evacuation.“A faulty plan and pretty poorly executed and I’m afraid the
rest of the world saw this plan the same way,” according to Blunt.Blunt never backed calls to remove the American military presence
from Afghanistan, a withdrawal that began during the tenure of President Donald
Trump, a Republican.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629894518244.png" alt="Afghans wait at the Kabul airport gates in late August- photo courtesy Rep. Seth Moulton" />
 <figcaption>Afghans wait at the Kabul airport gates in late August- photo courtesy Rep. Seth Moulton</figcaption>
 </figure>Still, Blunt says if the United States was determined to
leave, it should not have left Bagram Air Field which had two secured runways.
He says the Biden Administration should have brought the Afghan government into
talks with the Taliban about the plan for the U.S. military to withdraw from
the country. He says NATO allies should have been consulted, noting that while
the United States had 2,500 troops there, NATO had 7,500 troops in the country.Blunt says it was a poor plan, poorly carried out.“We left people behind. We left Americans behind that want to
leave the country and I think we’ll regret that as we try to deal with the Taliban
to get them out,” Blunt says. “And we left a number of people behind that
clearly had been so identified with our efforts there and that helped us there
that they’re in imminent danger.”Blunt questions Biden’s assertion the U.S. has leverage to get
those left behind out.“It’s hard to imagine what leverage we have now that we didn’t
have 90 days ago or 120 days ago,” Blunt says. “Clearly, the decision was wrong
in terms of how quickly the government of Afghanistan would fall. And it may
very well turn out to be wrong in how much leverage that we have.”Blunt says the rushed evacuation has damaged America’s
relationship with its NATO allies, pointing to one European leader’s assessment
that it was the lowest moment in the 70-year history of NATO.Blunt says the duty of Congress now is to investigate whether
the president had been given wrong information that led to the troubled
military exit from Afghanistan.

Sen. Blunt:  whole Afghan exit plan was faulty

St.
Joseph health officials report 102 new cases of coronavirus since last
reporting on Monday.

The
St. Joseph Health Department reports 31 new cases on Tuesday, 43 on Wednesday,
and 28 on Thursday.

Buchanan
County has recorded 14,197 total cases since the coronavirus pandemic
began with 209 deaths, according to the St. Joseph Health Department. 

Buchanan
County now has a 10.62% positivity rate.

Mosaic
Life Care reports 27 total patients in its system as of Thursday morning with
26 being treated at the St. Joseph hospital and one being treated in Maryville.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt.
Joseph health officials report 102 new cases of coronavirus since last
reporting on Monday.The
St. Joseph Health Department reports 31 new cases on Tuesday, 43 on Wednesday,
and 28 on Thursday.Buchanan
County has recorded 14,197 total cases since the coronavirus pandemic
began with 209 deaths, according to the St. Joseph Health Department. Buchanan
County now has a 10.62% positivity rate.Mosaic
Life Care reports 27 total patients in its system as of Thursday morning with
26 being treated at the St. Joseph hospital and one being treated in Maryville.

St. Joseph records 102 new COVID-19 cases since Monday

GENTRY COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Robert E. Hunter, 72, Maryville, was westbound on U.S. 136 three miles west of Stanberry.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The motorcycle traveled off the road, through a ditch and the driver was ejected.

Lifenet transported Hunter to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.&nbsp; He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Robert E. Hunter, 72, Maryville, was westbound on U.S. 136 three miles west of Stanberry.The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The motorcycle traveled off the road, through a ditch and the driver was ejected.Lifenet transported Hunter to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.&nbsp; He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Maryville man airlifted to hospital after motorcycle accident

An excited crowd gathered at Word of Life church in St. Joseph, Missouri for the 17th annual Farm City Breakfast.&nbsp; Former General Manager for Eagle Radio St. Joseph, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/461fd131-5dfe-4eb6-83af-00d848948473">Gary Exline</a> emceed the event.

There were many sponsors for the event, but the presenting sponsor was <a href="https://www.lifeline-foods.com/">Lifeline Foods</a>.&nbsp; The President and CEO of Lifeline, Kevin Kelly wore a distinctive corn suit while presenting a video about Lifeline.&nbsp;&nbsp;Patt Lilly, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce spoke and introduced all the elected officials that were in attendance.&nbsp;

Donnie Miller, a member of the Chamber’s Agribusiness Committee, who was described as the "heart and soul" of the Farm City Breakfast, recognized the many sponsors of the event.&nbsp; &nbsp;Miller also introduced and recognized <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/6267d882-115f-4bf5-b40b-ea28a47a3e92">Greg Clement, the 2020 Ag Hall of Fame award winner</a>.&nbsp;

A St. Joe Stockyards video tribute was presented by <a href="https://www.coinlogcreative.com/">Coin In A Log Creative</a> that highlighted Clement's career and others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Clement then presented the 2021 Ag Hall of Fame award to businessman <a href="https://saintjoseph.com/bob-wollenman-inducted-into-ag-hall-of-fame/">Bob Wollenman</a>.

The Farm City Breakfast is a fundraiser for <a href="https://www.agfuture.org/s/1342/rd16/start.aspx">Agriculture Future of America</a> (AFA), which provides scholarships to local students who pursue degrees and careers in the agriculture field.&nbsp; Exline recognized the students who had received the 2021 scholarships.

The keynote speaker was Scott Stump, FFA Chief Executive Officer.&nbsp; He talked about the FFA being one of the largest school based organizations.&nbsp; He concluded by saying that one should "set goals that both scare and excite you."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630612198593.jpeg" alt="Greg Clement and Bob Wollenman at Farm City Breakfast" />
 <figcaption>Greg Clement and Bob Wollenman at Farm City Breakfast</figcaption>
 </figure>by DIONNE BERTLINGSt. Joseph PostAn excited crowd gathered at Word of Life church in St. Joseph, Missouri for the 17th annual Farm City Breakfast.&nbsp; Former General Manager for Eagle Radio St. Joseph, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/461fd131-5dfe-4eb6-83af-00d848948473">Gary Exline</a> emceed the event.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630612288852.jpeg" alt="Kevin Kelly -Lifeline Foods" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Kelly -Lifeline Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>There were many sponsors for the event, but the presenting sponsor was <a href="https://www.lifeline-foods.com/">Lifeline Foods</a>.&nbsp; The President and CEO of Lifeline, Kevin Kelly wore a distinctive corn suit while presenting a video about Lifeline.&nbsp;&nbsp;Patt Lilly, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce spoke and introduced all the elected officials that were in attendance.&nbsp;Donnie Miller, a member of the Chamber’s Agribusiness Committee, who was described as the "heart and soul" of the Farm City Breakfast, recognized the many sponsors of the event.&nbsp; &nbsp;Miller also introduced and recognized <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/6267d882-115f-4bf5-b40b-ea28a47a3e92">Greg Clement, the 2020 Ag Hall of Fame award winner</a>.&nbsp;A St. Joe Stockyards video tribute was presented by <a href="https://www.coinlogcreative.com/">Coin In A Log Creative</a> that highlighted Clement's career and others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Clement then presented the 2021 Ag Hall of Fame award to businessman <a href="https://saintjoseph.com/bob-wollenman-inducted-into-ag-hall-of-fame/">Bob Wollenman</a>.The Farm City Breakfast is a fundraiser for <a href="https://www.agfuture.org/s/1342/rd16/start.aspx">Agriculture Future of America</a> (AFA), which provides scholarships to local students who pursue degrees and careers in the agriculture field.&nbsp; Exline recognized the students who had received the 2021 scholarships.The keynote speaker was Scott Stump, FFA Chief Executive Officer.&nbsp; He talked about the FFA being one of the largest school based organizations.&nbsp; He concluded by saying that one should "set goals that both scare and excite you."

St. Joseph's 2021 Farm City Breakfast

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph kicked off its campaign season with the annual Pacesetter Campaign.

After being unable to hold the event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supporters gathered at Felix Street Square for the event. United Way officials say the Pacesetter kickoff event raised $1,116,966.30

Campaign Director Renita Neville for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph says much like last year due to the uncertainties of the pandemic, they have opted not to set a specific goal.

"Things are still very fluid and volatile and it's pretty much impossible to know what we're going to be able to raise, so we really haven't set a goal for this year," Neville tells St. Joseph Post. 

Neville adds that the overall goal is to do just as good, if not better, than last year’s campaign, when the United Way raised $2.4 million dollars. She says now the challenge as the pandemic continues, is holding events for businesses to promote the United Way.

"Some people are mitigating that issue by holding virtual campaigns, but others are really trying to adjust their current approaches, and maybe having more meetings, spreading people farther apart." Neville says.

Neville adds that it is all about finding the right balance and the perfect "sweet spot" to make it work for the organization to raise money.

Neville says while the United Way has not set a specific goal for the fundraising season, the overall goal is always to be better, or at least just as good, as last year.

"Even though we're not working towards a certain number, we do have hopes that we will raise more than last year, at a minimum the same, but hopefully more, and last year we raised $2.4 million," Neville says. "But the thing is, how difficult it's going to be is really the same answer whether we had a specific goal or not."

As the fundraising campaign is underway, Neville explains that for her, it is more than just being a worker for the United Way, it is knowing that she’s making a difference 

"It is the fact that I can give a gift to one organization, and support 17 non profit partner agencies in our community, so I don't have to think about, you know I don't have unlimited funds, I don't have to think about if I give here, I'm not going to be able to support there," Neville says. "I can give to one place, and the community decides how to spread that out across those 17 agencies."

The campaign will run until November 4th. To donate to the campaign online you can visit <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&amp;id=1">HERE</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630610748962.jpeg" alt="Donors gathered in Felix Street Square for the Campaign Kickoff/ Staff Photo" />
 <figcaption>Donors gathered in Felix Street Square for the Campaign Kickoff/ Staff Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe United Way of Greater St. Joseph kicked off its campaign season with the annual Pacesetter Campaign.After being unable to hold the event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supporters gathered at Felix Street Square for the event. United Way officials say the Pacesetter kickoff event raised $1,116,966.30Campaign Director Renita Neville for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph says much like last year due to the uncertainties of the pandemic, they have opted not to set a specific goal."Things are still very fluid and volatile and it's pretty much impossible to know what we're going to be able to raise, so we really haven't set a goal for this year," Neville tells St. Joseph Post. Neville adds that the overall goal is to do just as good, if not better, than last year’s campaign, when the United Way raised $2.4 million dollars. She says now the challenge as the pandemic continues, is holding events for businesses to promote the United Way."Some people are mitigating that issue by holding virtual campaigns, but others are really trying to adjust their current approaches, and maybe having more meetings, spreading people farther apart." Neville says.Neville adds that it is all about finding the right balance and the perfect "sweet spot" to make it work for the organization to raise money.Neville says while the United Way has not set a specific goal for the fundraising season, the overall goal is always to be better, or at least just as good, as last year."Even though we're not working towards a certain number, we do have hopes that we will raise more than last year, at a minimum the same, but hopefully more, and last year we raised $2.4 million," Neville says. "But the thing is, how difficult it's going to be is really the same answer whether we had a specific goal or not."As the fundraising campaign is underway, Neville explains that for her, it is more than just being a worker for the United Way, it is knowing that she’s making a difference "It is the fact that I can give a gift to one organization, and support 17 non profit partner agencies in our community, so I don't have to think about, you know I don't have unlimited funds, I don't have to think about if I give here, I'm not going to be able to support there," Neville says. "I can give to one place, and the community decides how to spread that out across those 17 agencies."The campaign will run until November 4th. To donate to the campaign online you can visit <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&amp;id=1">HERE</a>

United Way of St. Joseph kicks off campaign season with Pacesetter Campaign

Federal
officials have approved Missouri’s request for a major disaster declaration to
recover from the damage left in wake of storms late June through the first of
July.

With
approval of the request made by Gov. Mike Parson, federal funds will flow to 21
counties, including many in northwest Missouri. Among the counties are Andrew,
Buchanan, Caldwell, Daviess, Grundy, Holt, and Ray.

The Governor’s August 13th request included $10 million in
qualifying disaster-related expenses that had already been identified.

“FEMA’s approval of our request means millions of dollars in
federal and state reimbursements will now go to hard-hit communities in 21
Missouri counties,”&nbsp;Parson&nbsp;said in a written statement
released by the governor’s office. “We appreciate the hard work of our local
emergency managers and officials to assess the damage and tally expenses to
meet the initial federal reporting requirements. Their communities and
taxpayers will now benefit from their efforts.”

The counties included in the disaster declaration qualify
for reimbursement for emergency response costs and repairs to roads, bridges,
and other public infrastructure.

Missouri’s request to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency was for damage and emergency response costs incurred due to severe
storms and flooding from June 19th through July 1st. FEMA only granted
relief for damage done from June 24th to July 1st.

State Emergency&nbsp;Management&nbsp;Agency officials are
lobbying FEMA to expand the declaration to include June 19th through
the 23rd.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFederal
officials have approved Missouri’s request for a major disaster declaration to
recover from the damage left in wake of storms late June through the first of
July.With
approval of the request made by Gov. Mike Parson, federal funds will flow to 21
counties, including many in northwest Missouri. Among the counties are Andrew,
Buchanan, Caldwell, Daviess, Grundy, Holt, and Ray.The Governor’s August 13th request included $10 million in
qualifying disaster-related expenses that had already been identified.“FEMA’s approval of our request means millions of dollars in
federal and state reimbursements will now go to hard-hit communities in 21
Missouri counties,”&nbsp;Parson&nbsp;said in a written statement
released by the governor’s office. “We appreciate the hard work of our local
emergency managers and officials to assess the damage and tally expenses to
meet the initial federal reporting requirements. Their communities and
taxpayers will now benefit from their efforts.”The counties included in the disaster declaration qualify
for reimbursement for emergency response costs and repairs to roads, bridges,
and other public infrastructure.Missouri’s request to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency was for damage and emergency response costs incurred due to severe
storms and flooding from June 19th through July 1st. FEMA only granted
relief for damage done from June 24th to July 1st.State Emergency&nbsp;Management&nbsp;Agency officials are
lobbying FEMA to expand the declaration to include June 19th through
the 23rd.

Feds approve Missouri request for disaster relief from late June storms

Students are back on the Missouri Western State University
campus as the university resumes in-person classes after a year dealing with
the coronavirus pandemic.

Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says it was great
to see students return to the St. Joseph campus.

“Monday, when it was bright and sunny outside it was great to
pull in the parking lot and see the lots filled with cars, students walking on
campus going to class, faculty talking to students, staff talking with
students. It was wonderful,” Kennedy tells St. Joseph Post.

First-day enrollment at Missouri Western was 4,204.

Kennedy says she had hoped this semester would be back to
normal for the students.

“I look back to when we were thinking about the fall last
March and April, we were at that time, because we didn’t have the Delta variant
in our area, we were pretty sure we would be close to being back to normal,”
Kennedy says. “Well, that’s not the case.”

Kennedy says the mask mandates seems to be going over well,
mainly because students are willing to put up with masks to be back in the
classroom. She says there has been good response to the university vaccination
incentive program called Max the Vax. Kennedy says the university is trying its
best to keep on top of the coronavirus pandemic.

“And we’ve looked at the science as well as the CDC guidelines,
which is why we reinstituted our indoor public space mask mandate, because we
need to try to keep everyone safe and healthy,” Kennedy says. “Part of that
mandate is to review the situation - our numbers, hospitalizations, cases, positivity
rates, those kinds of things - every two weeks.”

Since the coronavirus pandemic lingers, it poses difficulties for
the campus to return to normal. It also poses challenges for the Missouri
Western administration. Kennedy says university officials work hard to keep up
on the latest.

“So, in terms of planning for the semester, it’s really been
taking into account what’s going on with COVID, how do we keep our campus safe,
healthy, and operational,” according to Kennedy.

Kennedy says she isn’t discouraged by the low vaccination rate
in Buchanan County, but is intent on encouraging students and staff as well as
community residents to get the vaccine.

“We continue to push out information, like I said, to everyone
about the vaccine information to dispel some of the misconceptions and myths that
are out there and encourage as many people as can to get vaccination so that we
are safe, healthy, and operational,” Kennedy says. “Those are our goals.”

Final enrollment totals will be tallied in the fourth week of
classes.

Freshman transfers from other colleges are up substantially
and not just from two-year community colleges, but also from Northwest Missouri
State University, the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Missouri State
University.

Missouri Western has also seen an increase in freshmen coming
from the surrounding area, including St. Joseph and Kansas City area students.
The number of freshmen coming from Buchanan County is up 12%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630598711655.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostStudents are back on the Missouri Western State University
campus as the university resumes in-person classes after a year dealing with
the coronavirus pandemic.Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says it was great
to see students return to the St. Joseph campus.“Monday, when it was bright and sunny outside it was great to
pull in the parking lot and see the lots filled with cars, students walking on
campus going to class, faculty talking to students, staff talking with
students. It was wonderful,” Kennedy tells St. Joseph Post.First-day enrollment at Missouri Western was 4,204.Kennedy says she had hoped this semester would be back to
normal for the students.“I look back to when we were thinking about the fall last
March and April, we were at that time, because we didn’t have the Delta variant
in our area, we were pretty sure we would be close to being back to normal,”
Kennedy says. “Well, that’s not the case.”Kennedy says the mask mandates seems to be going over well,
mainly because students are willing to put up with masks to be back in the
classroom. She says there has been good response to the university vaccination
incentive program called Max the Vax. Kennedy says the university is trying its
best to keep on top of the coronavirus pandemic.“And we’ve looked at the science as well as the CDC guidelines,
which is why we reinstituted our indoor public space mask mandate, because we
need to try to keep everyone safe and healthy,” Kennedy says. “Part of that
mandate is to review the situation - our numbers, hospitalizations, cases, positivity
rates, those kinds of things - every two weeks.”Since the coronavirus pandemic lingers, it poses difficulties for
the campus to return to normal. It also poses challenges for the Missouri
Western administration. Kennedy says university officials work hard to keep up
on the latest.“So, in terms of planning for the semester, it’s really been
taking into account what’s going on with COVID, how do we keep our campus safe,
healthy, and operational,” according to Kennedy.Kennedy says she isn’t discouraged by the low vaccination rate
in Buchanan County, but is intent on encouraging students and staff as well as
community residents to get the vaccine.“We continue to push out information, like I said, to everyone
about the vaccine information to dispel some of the misconceptions and myths that
are out there and encourage as many people as can to get vaccination so that we
are safe, healthy, and operational,” Kennedy says. “Those are our goals.”Final enrollment totals will be tallied in the fourth week of
classes.Freshman transfers from other colleges are up substantially
and not just from two-year community colleges, but also from Northwest Missouri
State University, the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Missouri State
University.Missouri Western has also seen an increase in freshmen coming
from the surrounding area, including St. Joseph and Kansas City area students.
The number of freshmen coming from Buchanan County is up 12%.

MWSU comes back to life as students return to campus

DEKALB COUNTY—A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in DaKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1967 Chevy Camaro driven by Michael L. Coon, St. Joseph, was eastbound on the private road at U.S. 36 drag strip one mile north of Osborn.

The driver lost control of the car. It struck a guardrail and rolled.

DeKalb-Clinton County ambulance transported Coon to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in DaKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1967 Chevy Camaro driven by Michael L. Coon, St. Joseph, was eastbound on the private road at U.S. 36 drag strip one mile north of Osborn.The driver lost control of the car. It struck a guardrail and rolled.DeKalb-Clinton County ambulance transported Coon to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph man injured after drag strip crash

CALDWELL COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Monte Carlo driven by Pearl R. Rogers, 95, Braymer, was leaving a parking lot at the Caldwell County Health Department in Kingston.

The car traveled off the end of the parking lot, down a steep embankment and struck the ground.

Cameron Ambulance transported Rogers to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Monte Carlo driven by Pearl R. Rogers, 95, Braymer, was leaving a parking lot at the Caldwell County Health Department in Kingston.The car traveled off the end of the parking lot, down a steep embankment and struck the ground.Cameron Ambulance transported Rogers to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

95-year-old Missouri woman injured after crash 

The Doniphan County Health Department will be hosting a vaccine clinic on Friday on the Highland Community College campus.

Clinic Supervisor Sheryl Pierce says college reached out to the health department.

"The dean of the college reached out to us a few days ago and said they had some football players maybe to bring in on Friday for us to do COVID vaccine," Pierce tells St. Joseph Post. "And I said, how about we come up to the college and see if we can catch a few more college kids."

Pierce adds that the clinic is also open and available to the public and not just students of Highland.

Pierce says the whole goal for these vaccine clinics is to make the vaccine as accessible to the public as can be.

"Anytime we go out to a business or to a public location like the college, we typically do invite the entire public, when we went enrollments at the schools, the schools were ok with us inviting anybody in the public," Pierce says. "We just want to be available and accessible so that no-one really has an excuse to not get the vaccine."

An additional shot was made available last week by the Health Department for immuno-compromised individuals, and clinic supervisor Sheryl Pierce says that shot will be available on Friday.

"If you're immuno-compromised and meet the criteria, it will be available, it's the same exact vaccine, it's still the same Pfizer, the same Moderna vaccine." Pierce elaborates.

The clinic will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday on the lower level of the Stadium Center.  Doses of the Pfizer, Moderna and single shot Johnson and Johnson will be available.

BY MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Doniphan County Health Department will be hosting a vaccine clinic on Friday on the Highland Community College campus.Clinic Supervisor Sheryl Pierce says college reached out to the health department."The dean of the college reached out to us a few days ago and said they had some football players maybe to bring in on Friday for us to do COVID vaccine," Pierce tells St. Joseph Post. "And I said, how about we come up to the college and see if we can catch a few more college kids."Pierce adds that the clinic is also open and available to the public and not just students of Highland.Pierce says the whole goal for these vaccine clinics is to make the vaccine as accessible to the public as can be."Anytime we go out to a business or to a public location like the college, we typically do invite the entire public, when we went enrollments at the schools, the schools were ok with us inviting anybody in the public," Pierce says. "We just want to be available and accessible so that no-one really has an excuse to not get the vaccine."An additional shot was made available last week by the Health Department for immuno-compromised individuals, and clinic supervisor Sheryl Pierce says that shot will be available on Friday."If you're immuno-compromised and meet the criteria, it will be available, it's the same exact vaccine, it's still the same Pfizer, the same Moderna vaccine." Pierce elaborates.The clinic will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday on the lower level of the Stadium Center. Doses of the Pfizer, Moderna and single shot Johnson and Johnson will be available.

Doniphan Co. Health Department hosting Vaccine Clinic Friday

American Red Cross volunteers from the northwest Missouri and
greater Kansas City area are responding to national emergencies.

And Red Cross officials hope more area residents respond to
the need and volunteer with the Red Cross.

Red Cross spokeswoman Angie Springs calls this a crazy, busy
season.

“We are working on the West Coast with wildfires there to
flooding in the Midwest,” Springs says. “We have local volunteers from this
area that are in Tennessee right now, responding to flooding to, of course, the
hurricane that came in over weekend with Ida, impacting an already devastated
area that’s still picking up the pieces from hurricanes last year.”

The Red Cross has sent 11 people from the northwest Missouri
and Kansas City region to respond to various national disasters, including to
New Orleans in wake of Hurricane Ida.

All volunteers are trained by the Red Cross before being
deployed to disaster zones. More than 90% of the Red Cross workforce is made up
of volunteers.

Springs says a group of volunteers from this region spent the
last couple of weeks in California, assisting in wildfire relief.

“I had a gentleman this morning from this area that had spent
14 days in California, got back a couple of days ago and he just raised his
hand to go again. And he’s driving an emergency response vehicle down, right as
we speak, to go provide assistance to those impacted by Hurricane Ida,” Springs
tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Springs says all volunteers go through extensive training
before being sent out.

“So, we want to ensure that you are as equipped and
comfortable as possible before you hit the ground running,” Springs says. “Whether
that is being a local volunteer here responding to that home fire or, let’s
say, responding to that national disaster and going across the country to
provide help.”

The Red Cross anticipates needing more volunteers than normal
this fall, because there are predictions for active hurricane and wildfire
seasons.

Click <a href="https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=vms_public_form&amp;form_id=8042">here</a> if interested in volunteering with the American Red
Cross.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630520144104.jpeg" alt="American Red Cross photo" />
 <figcaption>American Red Cross photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAmerican Red Cross volunteers from the northwest Missouri and
greater Kansas City area are responding to national emergencies.And Red Cross officials hope more area residents respond to
the need and volunteer with the Red Cross.Red Cross spokeswoman Angie Springs calls this a crazy, busy
season.“We are working on the West Coast with wildfires there to
flooding in the Midwest,” Springs says. “We have local volunteers from this
area that are in Tennessee right now, responding to flooding to, of course, the
hurricane that came in over weekend with Ida, impacting an already devastated
area that’s still picking up the pieces from hurricanes last year.”The Red Cross has sent 11 people from the northwest Missouri
and Kansas City region to respond to various national disasters, including to
New Orleans in wake of Hurricane Ida.All volunteers are trained by the Red Cross before being
deployed to disaster zones. More than 90% of the Red Cross workforce is made up
of volunteers.Springs says a group of volunteers from this region spent the
last couple of weeks in California, assisting in wildfire relief.“I had a gentleman this morning from this area that had spent
14 days in California, got back a couple of days ago and he just raised his
hand to go again. And he’s driving an emergency response vehicle down, right as
we speak, to go provide assistance to those impacted by Hurricane Ida,” Springs
tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Springs says all volunteers go through extensive training
before being sent out.“So, we want to ensure that you are as equipped and
comfortable as possible before you hit the ground running,” Springs says. “Whether
that is being a local volunteer here responding to that home fire or, let’s
say, responding to that national disaster and going across the country to
provide help.”The Red Cross anticipates needing more volunteers than normal
this fall, because there are predictions for active hurricane and wildfire
seasons.Click <a href="https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=vms_public_form&amp;form_id=8042">here</a> if interested in volunteering with the American Red
Cross.

Red Cross volunteers responding to disasters with more needed

Mosaic Life Care reports mostly steady coronavirus hospitalization
numbers.

Mosaic reports that as of Wednesday morning it is treating 25 COVID-19 patients in its system; 24 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

The St. Joseph Health Department reports on its Facebook page
that Buchanan County recorded 31 new coronavirus cases on Monday.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care reports mostly steady coronavirus hospitalization
numbers.Mosaic reports that as of Wednesday morning it is treating 25 COVID-19 patients in its system; 24 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.The St. Joseph Health Department reports on its Facebook page
that Buchanan County recorded 31 new coronavirus cases on Monday.

COVID-19 hospitalization numbers hold steady in Buchanan County

A 28-year-old Savannah
man has been found guilty of first-degree rape after a two-day trial in
Buchanan County.

Buchanan County Prosecutor
Ron Holliday reports the jury returned a verdict of guilty against James
McBride after deliberating for two hours.

The trial was held in
front of Judge Dan Kellogg in Division 4 of the Buchanan County Circuit Court.

McBride has been taken
into custody at the request of Holliday. He will be sentenced at the end of the
month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630525426597.png" alt="McBride photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>McBride photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 28-year-old Savannah
man has been found guilty of first-degree rape after a two-day trial in
Buchanan County.Buchanan County Prosecutor
Ron Holliday reports the jury returned a verdict of guilty against James
McBride after deliberating for two hours.The trial was held in
front of Judge Dan Kellogg in Division 4 of the Buchanan County Circuit Court.McBride has been taken
into custody at the request of Holliday. He will be sentenced at the end of the
month.

Savannah man convicted of 1st degree rape after Buchanan County trial

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Tuesday in Atchison.

A 2005 Honda SUV driven by Mary Yankovich, 83, Kansas City Kan., was westbound on Pine Street when it entered the intersection at Woodlawn Avenue and collided with a 2015 Ford SUV driven by Emily Armstrong, 35, Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

EMS transported Yankovich to Amberwell for examination. 

EMS examined Emily Armstrong and her passenger 40-year-old Jerad Armstrong at the scene, according to Wilson

 Yankovich was cited for failure to yield. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Tuesday in Atchison.A 2005 Honda SUV driven by Mary Yankovich, 83, Kansas City Kan., was westbound on Pine Street when it entered the intersection at Woodlawn Avenue and collided with a 2015 Ford SUV driven by Emily Armstrong, 35, Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.EMS transported Yankovich to Amberwell for examination. EMS examined Emily Armstrong and her passenger 40-year-old Jerad Armstrong at the scene, according to Wilson Yankovich was cited for failure to yield. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

 Kan. woman hospitalized after SUVs collide

The AFL-CIO Community Services' has named its new director to take over for current director Penny Adams.

Incoming Director Nichi Seckinger is excited and nervous to take over for the long time director, and while her goals are to continue Adams work, she does have ideas of where she would like to expand.

"I'm hoping to get a little more involved with some civic organizations, we have kind of fallen away from that," Seckinger says. "So I'm hoping that we'll get them not only, well kind of a two fold, one to increase volunteers and also potentially to increase fundraising in the agency."

Seckinger knows she has some big shoes to fill replacing Adams, who was successful in her time as director.  While Seckingers biggest goal for the future is to further Adams success, her hope for the future includes funding more programs.

"Right now we have seven programs at the agency, and so unfortunately funding is always an issue for non profits," Seckinger tells St. Joseph Post. "And so, some of those programs have kind of fallen away, we don't have as many materials or supplies to go with those programs, so I'm hoping to increase our resources there."

Seckinger will be named the third director of the agency.  One big help for her will be Adams assisting in the transition and passing on her knowledge about the job.

"Having that knowledge, that's not something you can pass onto anybody in just a couple weeks," Seckinger says. "Even if we had six months to play follow through, it would be near impossible for her to teach one person everything that she's done."

Luckily for Seckinger she has been working the job for 12 years and has learned some things by doing them.  But she also has an added benefit to learning from Adams.

"Beyond just being the last director, she is my mother, so it's going to be a lot harder for her to say no." Seckinger jokes.

Seckinger will officially take over for Adams on September 3oth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630451174895.jpeg" alt="Incoming Executive Director Nichi Seckinger/Photo Courtesy of Penny Adams" />
 <figcaption>Incoming Executive Director Nichi Seckinger/Photo Courtesy of Penny Adams</figcaption>
 </figure>BY MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe AFL-CIO Community Services' has named its new director to take over for current director Penny Adams.Incoming Director Nichi Seckinger is excited and nervous to take over for the long time director, and while her goals are to continue Adams work, she does have ideas of where she would like to expand."I'm hoping to get a little more involved with some civic organizations, we have kind of fallen away from that," Seckinger says. "So I'm hoping that we'll get them not only, well kind of a two fold, one to increase volunteers and also potentially to increase fundraising in the agency."Seckinger knows she has some big shoes to fill replacing Adams, who was successful in her time as director. While Seckingers biggest goal for the future is to further Adams success, her hope for the future includes funding more programs."Right now we have seven programs at the agency, and so unfortunately funding is always an issue for non profits," Seckinger tells St. Joseph Post. "And so, some of those programs have kind of fallen away, we don't have as many materials or supplies to go with those programs, so I'm hoping to increase our resources there."Seckinger will be named the third director of the agency. One big help for her will be Adams assisting in the transition and passing on her knowledge about the job."Having that knowledge, that's not something you can pass onto anybody in just a couple weeks," Seckinger says. "Even if we had six months to play follow through, it would be near impossible for her to teach one person everything that she's done."Luckily for Seckinger she has been working the job for 12 years and has learned some things by doing them. But she also has an added benefit to learning from Adams."Beyond just being the last director, she is my mother, so it's going to be a lot harder for her to say no." Seckinger jokes.Seckinger will officially take over for Adams on September 3oth.

Nichi Seckinger named as new AFL-CIO Communtiy Services' Executive Director

The St. Joseph Parks Department had a nice victory at the polls during a special election on August 3.

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7a743db7-ff9a-449f-abac-c472d80f18ff">More than 71 percent of voters</a> showed their support for a half-cent sales tax increase to make broad improvements to the city's parks system, including Krug Park, Hyde Park, the Bode Sports Complex, Civic Arena and more.

City manager Bryan Carter says it was satisfying to see so much of the community wanting to invest in its parks and overall beautification.

"It speaks to the value that this community has for its parks system," Carter said. "That system is a great strength, but it's also a lot to maintain, because of that strength. It costs quite a bit to maintain it and keep it up to speed, and voters sent an impressive message about the value they do have for it."

The half-cent sales tax increase, which has a 10-year sunset clause, is expected to generate around $50-60 million in that time.&nbsp;

The Park Sales Tax Committee <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/28045d5a-47d6-484a-b0ee-c2bc6866f10a">agreed on a list of projects</a> this past summer, including improvements to Krug Park, the Aquatic Park, Phil Welch Stadium, the Bode Parks Complex, Hyde Park and smaller parks all across town.

That list was approved by the city council with a 9-0 vote in late June.

A portion of the money will improve park restrooms and shelters. Another key investment will be in new equipment. Around $4.2 million will go toward equipment alone.

St. Joseph parks director Chuck Kempf says the smaller projects that deal with safety and day-to-day needs will be the first items crossed off the improvement list.

"I think what you're going to see early on is a lot of things that involve safety and ADA access, lighting projects at the youth sports fields," Kempf said.

Kempf also mentioned roof repairs to the Phil Welch Stadium grand stand and also to the Missouri Theater as renovations that are high on the priority list.

There are also more expensive items. A new Aquatic Park Lap Pool and Northside Splash Park are two of the bigger projects. Those two things combined would be about $9.7 million. The Krug Park project alone would equate to about $12 million.

Kempf says the best way to start making improvements to parks in a timely manner, and to start rolling out this tax money in a more manageable way, will be through obligation bonds.

"I feel pretty comfortable that if we bite these off three years at a time, we could start that next three-year period as the first one is ending and so on," Kempf said. "Just so we're able to get new projects."

Any obligation bond will need the approval of city council. Kempf says several members have already indicated they would be in favor of going in that direction.

Before those bonds are approved, Kempf says the other big task is prioritizing which big projects get worked on first.

"The money doesn't start accumulating until January 1," Kempf pointed out. "We won't get money in the bank until March, so we have to be a little bit careful. And then, that first six months there's only about $2.5 million...and hopefully here in about six months, we'll start seeing some fruits of this money and then over the next 2-3 years, I think some big things will happen."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629827267961.jpeg" alt="Improvements to Phil Welch Stadium, particularly to the grand stand roof, could be one of the first projects that gets worked on after the passage of the parks sales tax in early August." />
 <figcaption>Improvements to Phil Welch Stadium, particularly to the grand stand roof, could be one of the first projects that gets worked on after the passage of the parks sales tax in early August.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Parks Department had a nice victory at the polls during a special election on August 3.<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7a743db7-ff9a-449f-abac-c472d80f18ff">More than 71 percent of voters</a> showed their support for a half-cent sales tax increase to make broad improvements to the city's parks system, including Krug Park, Hyde Park, the Bode Sports Complex, Civic Arena and more.City manager Bryan Carter says it was satisfying to see so much of the community wanting to invest in its parks and overall beautification."It speaks to the value that this community has for its parks system," Carter said. "That system is a great strength, but it's also a lot to maintain, because of that strength. It costs quite a bit to maintain it and keep it up to speed, and voters sent an impressive message about the value they do have for it."The half-cent sales tax increase, which has a 10-year sunset clause, is expected to generate around $50-60 million in that time.&nbsp;The Park Sales Tax Committee <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/28045d5a-47d6-484a-b0ee-c2bc6866f10a">agreed on a list of projects</a> this past summer, including improvements to Krug Park, the Aquatic Park, Phil Welch Stadium, the Bode Parks Complex, Hyde Park and smaller parks all across town.That list was approved by the city council with a 9-0 vote in late June.A portion of the money will improve park restrooms and shelters. Another key investment will be in new equipment. Around $4.2 million will go toward equipment alone.St. Joseph parks director Chuck Kempf says the smaller projects that deal with safety and day-to-day needs will be the first items crossed off the improvement list."I think what you're going to see early on is a lot of things that involve safety and ADA access, lighting projects at the youth sports fields," Kempf said.Kempf also mentioned roof repairs to the Phil Welch Stadium grand stand and also to the Missouri Theater as renovations that are high on the priority list.There are also more expensive items. A new Aquatic Park Lap Pool and Northside Splash Park are two of the bigger projects. Those two things combined would be about $9.7 million. The Krug Park project alone would equate to about $12 million.Kempf says the best way to start making improvements to parks in a timely manner, and to start rolling out this tax money in a more manageable way, will be through obligation bonds."I feel pretty comfortable that if we bite these off three years at a time, we could start that next three-year period as the first one is ending and so on," Kempf said. "Just so we're able to get new projects."Any obligation bond will need the approval of city council. Kempf says several members have already indicated they would be in favor of going in that direction.Before those bonds are approved, Kempf says the other big task is prioritizing which big projects get worked on first."The money doesn't start accumulating until January 1," Kempf pointed out. "We won't get money in the bank until March, so we have to be a little bit careful. And then, that first six months there's only about $2.5 million...and hopefully here in about six months, we'll start seeing some fruits of this money and then over the next 2-3 years, I think some big things will happen."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624046815544.jpeg" alt="Over $12 million of the $50-$60 million generated from the half-cent park sales tax increase is expected to go toward Krug Park amphitheater improvements. Photo by Brent Martin." />
 <figcaption>Over $12 million of the $50-$60 million generated from the half-cent park sales tax increase is expected to go toward Krug Park amphitheater improvements. Photo by Brent Martin.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Parks department has lots of work ahead after passing of parks tax

St. Joseph city council members have a big decision ahead, one
they have been pondering for some time.

The city faces the task of redistricting in accordance with
the 2020 Census and the voter-approved charter change that reduced council
districts from five to four.

St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter says the first work session
on city council redistricting was held in March. The council is scheduled to
consider proposals next week.

“So, we’ve been able to make adjustments based on feedback we’ve
gotten from the community and from the council during a series of work sessions,”
Carter tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Carter estimates the city council has spent five work sessions
on the issue since first considering redistricting proposals in March. The
council has also held three public hearings on various redistricting proposals.

All of the proposals have boiled down to two alternatives, one
which has received a slim majority of votes. That one would carve out the
downtown as a city council district as a hub from which three other council
districts would serve as spokes. The other proposal calls for a more-or-less
equal division of the city into quadrants.

Carter says the council faces a difficult challenge, reshaping
districts according to shifting population centers while maintaining the districts
that historically have shaped St. Joseph.

“A lot of discussion about the shapes and then a lot of
discussion about preserving the integrity of the north end and south end
concept that’s developed, of course, in St. Joseph over years,” according to
Carter.

The hub and spoke plan with downtown St. Joseph as the core
district has received a 5-4 vote from the city council in previous meetings.

“There’s been a lot of discussion from proponents of the
proposal,” Carter says. “There’s been a lot of discussion about the fact that
it captures many different demographics within each district. So that’s been
one of the major points of discussion.”

Carter says there is some urgency to the council’s action,
because candidates for city council seats must know the districts in order to
file for office.

“As soon as that’s adopted, we will be preparing to start
getting petitions from potential candidates,” Carter says.

The council meets next Tuesday, September 7th, to
consider the two proposals.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph city council members have a big decision ahead, one
they have been pondering for some time.The city faces the task of redistricting in accordance with
the 2020 Census and the voter-approved charter change that reduced council
districts from five to four.St. Joseph City Manager Bryan Carter says the first work session
on city council redistricting was held in March. The council is scheduled to
consider proposals next week.“So, we’ve been able to make adjustments based on feedback we’ve
gotten from the community and from the council during a series of work sessions,”
Carter tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Carter estimates the city council has spent five work sessions
on the issue since first considering redistricting proposals in March. The
council has also held three public hearings on various redistricting proposals.All of the proposals have boiled down to two alternatives, one
which has received a slim majority of votes. That one would carve out the
downtown as a city council district as a hub from which three other council
districts would serve as spokes. The other proposal calls for a more-or-less
equal division of the city into quadrants.Carter says the council faces a difficult challenge, reshaping
districts according to shifting population centers while maintaining the districts
that historically have shaped St. Joseph.“A lot of discussion about the shapes and then a lot of
discussion about preserving the integrity of the north end and south end
concept that’s developed, of course, in St. Joseph over years,” according to
Carter.The hub and spoke plan with downtown St. Joseph as the core
district has received a 5-4 vote from the city council in previous meetings.“There’s been a lot of discussion from proponents of the
proposal,” Carter says. “There’s been a lot of discussion about the fact that
it captures many different demographics within each district. So that’s been
one of the major points of discussion.”Carter says there is some urgency to the council’s action,
because candidates for city council seats must know the districts in order to
file for office.“As soon as that’s adopted, we will be preparing to start
getting petitions from potential candidates,” Carter says.The council meets next Tuesday, September 7th, to
consider the two proposals.

St. Joseph still considering city council redistricting plans

St. Joseph health officials report 89 new coronavirus cases
since last issuing an official report on Thursday, with one additional coronavirus-related
death.

The St. Joseph Health Department also reports a drop in the
Buchanan County positivity rate.

The department reports 30 new cases on Friday and 59
cumulative between Saturday and Monday. A woman in her 70s has died of a coronavirus-related
illness. Buchanan County has now recorded 209 deaths since the pandemic began.

The Buchanan County positivity rate has fallen more than two
percentage points to 10.62%.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 24 COVID-19 patients
in its system; 22 in St. Joseph and two in Maryville.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 89 new coronavirus cases
since last issuing an official report on Thursday, with one additional coronavirus-related
death.The St. Joseph Health Department also reports a drop in the
Buchanan County positivity rate.The department reports 30 new cases on Friday and 59
cumulative between Saturday and Monday. A woman in her 70s has died of a coronavirus-related
illness. Buchanan County has now recorded 209 deaths since the pandemic began.The Buchanan County positivity rate has fallen more than two
percentage points to 10.62%.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 24 COVID-19 patients
in its system; 22 in St. Joseph and two in Maryville.

Local