New COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County the last three days dropped
from the upward trend of last week, but hospitalizations are on the rise.

St. Joseph health officials report 14 new cases of the
coronavirus on Saturday, with 20 on Sunday, and 14 on Monday. Buchanan County
had reported four straight days of at least 20 new cases last week with a peak
of 25 on Thursday.

Mosaic Life Care reports 24 patients with COVID-19 are being
treated at the St. Joseph hospital.

Mosaic has tested 24,659 area residents with 1,410
testing positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 54 tests.

Buchanan County reports 1,403 cases since the counting
began; 1,173 confirmed and 230 probable. Buchanan County has reported
10 coronavirus-related deaths.

Andrew County reports 149 total cases; 125 confirmed and 24
probable. Andrew County has reported two deaths.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 65 total cases.

Missouri health officials report 84,697 total cases
with 1,530 deaths.

Kansas health officials report 42,612 total cases
with 446 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNew COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County the last three days dropped
from the upward trend of last week, but hospitalizations are on the rise.St. Joseph health officials report 14 new cases of the
coronavirus on Saturday, with 20 on Sunday, and 14 on Monday. Buchanan County
had reported four straight days of at least 20 new cases last week with a peak
of 25 on Thursday.Mosaic Life Care reports 24 patients with COVID-19 are being
treated at the St. Joseph hospital.Mosaic has tested 24,659 area residents with 1,410
testing positive. Mosaic is awaiting results from 54 tests.Buchanan County reports 1,403 cases since the counting
began; 1,173 confirmed and 230 probable. Buchanan County has reported
10 coronavirus-related deaths.Andrew County reports 149 total cases; 125 confirmed and 24
probable. Andrew County has reported two deaths.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 65 total cases.Missouri health officials report 84,697 total cases
with 1,530 deaths.Kansas health officials report 42,612 total cases
with 446 deaths.

Upward trend of COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County eases, but hospitalizations rise

Missouri Western State University Interim President Elizabeth
Kennedy says things seem to be going well on the St. Joseph campus, which began
classes August 17th.

Kennedy credits the university’s COVID-19 response team, which
has been working since March on the plan to return to campus during the
pandemic.

“We have been monitoring and watching and doing corrective
actions when we need to, which is to be expected when you’re bringing back students
that we have and faculty to just to make sure that our protocols and practices
are in play and underway,” Kennedy tells St. Joseph Post.

Kennedy says she has been keeping a close eye on happenings
elsewhere in the country where coronavirus outbreaks have caused campuses to
shut down in-class instruction and go solely to online offerings. The
University of North Carolina and Michigan State have made the decision to switch
to all online courses after coronavirus outbreaks on those campuses. Notre Dame
plans to resume classes on the South Bend, Indiana campus this week after a
COVID-19 outbreak forced students off the campus for two weeks.

Kennedy says Missouri Western has been working closely with
Mosaic Life Care as well as health officials from Buchanan County and St.
Joseph on how best to keep the campus community safe.

Kennedy says students seem to be adapting to all the changes
made on the St. Joseph campus in an effort to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak.

“And I think, for the most part, our students on campus are
learning how to do education, how to go to college in a COVID environment,”
Kennedy says. “I think this is one of the great challenges of their lifetime
probably thus far and who knows what the future will hold, but it will certainly
define their young adulthood, particularly in terms of their collegiate
experience.”

When asked whether there is a silver lining in all this, Kennedy
sees some good emerging from a very difficult, stressful time.

“I think it’s given us maybe a chance to step back and
appreciate what we find meaningful and important in our own lives, connecting
with family, connecting with loved ones, staying close,” Kennedy says. “I think
silver linings in that it shows us how to work together as a team and that sometimes
sacrifice is necessary for the greater good.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University Interim President Elizabeth
Kennedy says things seem to be going well on the St. Joseph campus, which began
classes August 17th.Kennedy credits the university’s COVID-19 response team, which
has been working since March on the plan to return to campus during the
pandemic.“We have been monitoring and watching and doing corrective
actions when we need to, which is to be expected when you’re bringing back students
that we have and faculty to just to make sure that our protocols and practices
are in play and underway,” Kennedy tells St. Joseph Post.Kennedy says she has been keeping a close eye on happenings
elsewhere in the country where coronavirus outbreaks have caused campuses to
shut down in-class instruction and go solely to online offerings. The
University of North Carolina and Michigan State have made the decision to switch
to all online courses after coronavirus outbreaks on those campuses. Notre Dame
plans to resume classes on the South Bend, Indiana campus this week after a
COVID-19 outbreak forced students off the campus for two weeks.Kennedy says Missouri Western has been working closely with
Mosaic Life Care as well as health officials from Buchanan County and St.
Joseph on how best to keep the campus community safe.Kennedy says students seem to be adapting to all the changes
made on the St. Joseph campus in an effort to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak.“And I think, for the most part, our students on campus are
learning how to do education, how to go to college in a COVID environment,”
Kennedy says. “I think this is one of the great challenges of their lifetime
probably thus far and who knows what the future will hold, but it will certainly
define their young adulthood, particularly in terms of their collegiate
experience.”When asked whether there is a silver lining in all this, Kennedy
sees some good emerging from a very difficult, stressful time.“I think it’s given us maybe a chance to step back and
appreciate what we find meaningful and important in our own lives, connecting
with family, connecting with loved ones, staying close,” Kennedy says. “I think
silver linings in that it shows us how to work together as a team and that sometimes
sacrifice is necessary for the greater good.”

Missouri Western learning to adjust in a COVID-19 world

The Savannah High School will open as usual
this morning, after abruptly closing early Monday afternoon due to a potential
COVID-19 outbreak.

Savannah High School officials caution
against panic and say there has been no outbreak.

High school officials say they released
students at one o’clock yesterday to deep clean the school as well as begin
notifying anyone who might have come into contact with students and staff diagnosed
with the coronavirus. The Savannah High School reports two new cases of COVID-19
and six cases total.

School officials state because the
specific positive cases resulted in the potential for several students and
staff contacts, a decision was made to close school early.

Students who might have come into contact
with anyone who contracted COVID-19 will be notified by school officials or the
Andrew County Health Department.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe Savannah High School will open as usual
this morning, after abruptly closing early Monday afternoon due to a potential
COVID-19 outbreak.Savannah High School officials caution
against panic and say there has been no outbreak.High school officials say they released
students at one o’clock yesterday to deep clean the school as well as begin
notifying anyone who might have come into contact with students and staff diagnosed
with the coronavirus. The Savannah High School reports two new cases of COVID-19
and six cases total.School officials state because the
specific positive cases resulted in the potential for several students and
staff contacts, a decision was made to close school early.Students who might have come into contact
with anyone who contracted COVID-19 will be notified by school officials or the
Andrew County Health Department.

Savannah High School will be open today after early dismissal Monday

Eagle Communications Inc. continues to grow its Midwest footprint. The employee-owned company announced Monday the acquisition of two western Nebraska radio stations.

Eagle, which operates 31 stations in three states, has acquired Paxton, Neb.-based KZTL-FM (93.5) and Sutherland, Neb.-based KRNP-FM (100.7) from Legacy Communications Inc., who was represented by Kalil &amp; Co. Inc.

"At Eagle Radio, serving our communities is what we do best, and we're proud to serve the Midwest from Kansas to Missouri, Nebraska to South Dakota and into Colorado," said Olivia Hasenauer, Eagle Regional Manager North Platte, Alliance and Chadron. "With the addition of these two new stations, it only strengthens our footprint and our ability to grow the communities we serve, our clients, as well as our listener and viewer engagement." &nbsp;

Eagle currently operates 7 Nebraska stations in North Platte, Alliance, and Chadron. Multiple stations within the Nebraska footprint were recently honored for on-air excellence by the Nebraska Broadcasters Association.

All current employees of the two new Eagle stations will become employee-owners of Eagle Communications, which is based in Hays, Kan., and employs 170.

"Eagle Communications is excited to continue to grow, and these new stations will be important pieces of our growth strategy in 2020 and beyond," Eagle Chairman Gary Shorman said. "And we are just as excited to bring these stations' listeners Eagle's commitment to quality entertainment, news, sports and information."

Country station KZTL-FM operates at 93.5 FM, and rock station KRNP-AM operates at 100.7 FM.

"This is an exciting time for our Nebraska team and Eagle Radio, and we look forward to what the future will bring with the continued expansion in western Nebraska," Hasenauer said.

Founded in 1948, Eagle Communications Inc. is a Kansas-based media company with over 165 employee-owners. The company operates more than 30 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. In addition to radio, the company offers online solutions, web development, video production and creative services. Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network. For more, visit <a href="https://eagleradio.net/">eagleradio.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598910820070.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Communications Inc. continues to grow its Midwest footprint. The employee-owned company announced Monday the acquisition of two western Nebraska radio stations.Eagle, which operates 31 stations in three states, has acquired Paxton, Neb.-based KZTL-FM (93.5) and Sutherland, Neb.-based KRNP-FM (100.7) from Legacy Communications Inc., who was represented by Kalil &amp; Co. Inc."At Eagle Radio, serving our communities is what we do best, and we're proud to serve the Midwest from Kansas to Missouri, Nebraska to South Dakota and into Colorado," said Olivia Hasenauer, Eagle Regional Manager North Platte, Alliance and Chadron. "With the addition of these two new stations, it only strengthens our footprint and our ability to grow the communities we serve, our clients, as well as our listener and viewer engagement." &nbsp;Eagle currently operates 7 Nebraska stations in North Platte, Alliance, and Chadron. Multiple stations within the Nebraska footprint were recently honored for on-air excellence by the Nebraska Broadcasters Association.All current employees of the two new Eagle stations will become employee-owners of Eagle Communications, which is based in Hays, Kan., and employs 170."Eagle Communications is excited to continue to grow, and these new stations will be important pieces of our growth strategy in 2020 and beyond," Eagle Chairman Gary Shorman said. "And we are just as excited to bring these stations' listeners Eagle's commitment to quality entertainment, news, sports and information."Country station KZTL-FM operates at 93.5 FM, and rock station KRNP-AM operates at 100.7 FM."This is an exciting time for our Nebraska team and Eagle Radio, and we look forward to what the future will bring with the continued expansion in western Nebraska," Hasenauer said.Founded in 1948, Eagle Communications Inc. is a Kansas-based media company with over 165 employee-owners. The company operates more than 30 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. In addition to radio, the company offers online solutions, web development, video production and creative services. Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network. For more, visit <a href="https://eagleradio.net/">eagleradio.net</a>.

Eagle expands with the acquisition of two new stations

The St. Joseph Public Library will be switching back to contactless service this week due to a reported accelerated spread of COVID-19 cases.

Library Director Mary Beth Revels says they have been following the <a href="https://globalepidemics.org/key-metrics-for-covid-suppression/">Global Epidemics website from Harvard</a> to determine the library’s level of service. Revels says Buchanan County moved from a risk level of yellow to orange on Friday.

“And that risk level indicates that there are growing cases in the county," Revels says. "That’s just an indication to us that we need to be careful. We… had already made the decision that if Buchanan County moved to the orange level that we would revert back to contactless service, we just feel like that’s safer for both library staff and the community.”

On Wednesday, the library branches will revert to contactless service, but patrons can call the downtown library location to schedule a computer session, if needed.&nbsp;

Library patrons can call each branch, email notices@sjpl.lib.mo.us, or place holds through the <a href="https://sjpl.lib.mo.us/">online catalog</a> to request materials. When the materials are ready to pick up, library patrons will be notified by phone and a designated time window will be scheduled for the pickup.

Revels says the library will reopen for in-person services when Buchanan County returns to the yellow risk level for at least three consecutive days.

East Hills: 236-2136, Downtown: 232-7729, Carnegie: 238-0526, Washington Park: 232-2052.&nbsp;

by SARAH THOMACKSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Public Library will be switching back to contactless service this week due to a reported accelerated spread of COVID-19 cases.Library Director Mary Beth Revels says they have been following the <a href="https://globalepidemics.org/key-metrics-for-covid-suppression/">Global Epidemics website from Harvard</a> to determine the library’s level of service. Revels says Buchanan County moved from a risk level of yellow to orange on Friday.“And that risk level indicates that there are growing cases in the county," Revels says. "That’s just an indication to us that we need to be careful. We… had already made the decision that if Buchanan County moved to the orange level that we would revert back to contactless service, we just feel like that’s safer for both library staff and the community.”On Wednesday, the library branches will revert to contactless service, but patrons can call the downtown library location to schedule a computer session, if needed.&nbsp;Library patrons can call each branch, email notices@sjpl.lib.mo.us, or place holds through the <a href="https://sjpl.lib.mo.us/">online catalog</a> to request materials. When the materials are ready to pick up, library patrons will be notified by phone and a designated time window will be scheduled for the pickup.Revels says the library will reopen for in-person services when Buchanan County returns to the yellow risk level for at least three consecutive days.East Hills: 236-2136, Downtown: 232-7729, Carnegie: 238-0526, Washington Park: 232-2052.&nbsp;

St. Joseph Public Library switching back to contactless service

Savannah High School will be releasing at 1 p.m. Monday, due to the potential for multiple COVID related exposures.

According to a press release from the district, the early release is to allow for cleaning and disinfecting of High School Facilities as well as contact tracing notifications.

All athletic and extracurricular activities, including practices, will be canceled for Savannah High School students only.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The district says all contacts of the positive cases will be contacted and to not call Savannah High School or the Andrew County Health Department with questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"At this time we feel the positive cases were brought onto our campus via outside community contact," the district says in the press release. "Savannah R3 continues to monitor the situation and will send out updates as they become available."

According to the district, High School classes will resume Tuesday morning as scheduled.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Savannah High School will be releasing at 1 p.m. Monday, due to the potential for multiple COVID related exposures.According to a press release from the district, the early release is to allow for cleaning and disinfecting of High School Facilities as well as contact tracing notifications.All athletic and extracurricular activities, including practices, will be canceled for Savannah High School students only.&nbsp;&nbsp;The district says all contacts of the positive cases will be contacted and to not call Savannah High School or the Andrew County Health Department with questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;"At this time we feel the positive cases were brought onto our campus via outside community contact," the district says in the press release. "Savannah R3 continues to monitor the situation and will send out updates as they become available."According to the district, High School classes will resume Tuesday morning as scheduled.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Savannah High School releasing early due to potential COVID-19 related exposures

St. Joseph schools open today in the face of an uncertain
school year as the coronavirus pandemic looms over all the excitement of the
first day.

Superintendent Doug Van Zyl says the hope is to start classes
today and continue through a regular school year.

“We want to avoid a shutdown,” Van Zyl tells St. Joseph Post. “We
want to avoid anybody getting sick or ill. But, when that happens and if that
happens, we’ll just have to deal with that and continue to move forward.”

St. Joseph school officials extended the spring break during
the last academic year to April 6th &nbsp;due to concerns about COVID-19, but the
state intervened and Gov. Mike Parson in early April ordered all Missouri
public schools to close for the rest of the year. That ended the year for the
approximately 10,800 St. Joseph public school students.

School reopens today in St. Joseph for the first time since
the state ordered that shutdown.

First day excitement this year is mixed with lingering anxiety
as the coronavirus pandemic remains active and cases in Buchanan County have
actually been trending up.

Worries about the coronavirus have led many parents to take
the district up on the opportunity to have their children learn remotely, via online
over the computer at home. More children have enrolled in the Virtual Academy
than anticipated with around 2,800 children set to take instruction online from
home this year.

Van Zyl has high hopes for this new school year, but says
contingencies are in place should a building suffer a COVID-19 outbreak.

“Well, the contingencies are, if we needed to, we could go to
remote learning,” Van Zyl says. “If we needed to close down a classroom,
because of cases involving that environment, we could take that whole class and
make it into a remote learning opportunity. We could make the whole building
remote learning if we needed to. We could make multiple buildings remote
learning if we needed to, which just depends on how long that facility would
need to be closed down, disinfected; how long people had to quarantine.”

Though opening day has that mix of excitement and anxiety, the
district’s teachers are up to the challenge, according to Van Zyl.

“This is what their desire is. Their desire is to help kids
and to help them not only socially, emotionally, but academically, and they
haven’t really been able to do that over these last five months. So, I think
there’s an excitement for them to be able to bring kids back into our buildings,”
Van Zyl says, pointing out that for some, the first day of school will be at
home. Van Zyl says that’s a challenge for student and teacher.&nbsp; “For some of our staff this is kind of a
career-changing opportunity for some of those that are going virtual; an opportunity
to do something they’ve never done before.”

Enrollment in the Virtual Academy grew so much, the district
reopened the old Noyes Elementary School building and remade it into the
virtual learning hub, housing about 95 staff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598829153897.jpeg" alt="There is a bit more space than usual between elementary school desks in the St. Joseph School District./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>There is a bit more space than usual between elementary school desks in the St. Joseph School District./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph schools open today in the face of an uncertain
school year as the coronavirus pandemic looms over all the excitement of the
first day.Superintendent Doug Van Zyl says the hope is to start classes
today and continue through a regular school year.“We want to avoid a shutdown,” Van Zyl tells St. Joseph Post. “We
want to avoid anybody getting sick or ill. But, when that happens and if that
happens, we’ll just have to deal with that and continue to move forward.”St. Joseph school officials extended the spring break during
the last academic year to April 6th &nbsp;due to concerns about COVID-19, but the
state intervened and Gov. Mike Parson in early April ordered all Missouri
public schools to close for the rest of the year. That ended the year for the
approximately 10,800 St. Joseph public school students.School reopens today in St. Joseph for the first time since
the state ordered that shutdown.First day excitement this year is mixed with lingering anxiety
as the coronavirus pandemic remains active and cases in Buchanan County have
actually been trending up.Worries about the coronavirus have led many parents to take
the district up on the opportunity to have their children learn remotely, via online
over the computer at home. More children have enrolled in the Virtual Academy
than anticipated with around 2,800 children set to take instruction online from
home this year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598829240641.jpeg" alt="The old Noyes Elementary School has been converted into the Virtual Academy./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>The old Noyes Elementary School has been converted into the Virtual Academy./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Van Zyl has high hopes for this new school year, but says
contingencies are in place should a building suffer a COVID-19 outbreak.“Well, the contingencies are, if we needed to, we could go to
remote learning,” Van Zyl says. “If we needed to close down a classroom,
because of cases involving that environment, we could take that whole class and
make it into a remote learning opportunity. We could make the whole building
remote learning if we needed to. We could make multiple buildings remote
learning if we needed to, which just depends on how long that facility would
need to be closed down, disinfected; how long people had to quarantine.”Though opening day has that mix of excitement and anxiety, the
district’s teachers are up to the challenge, according to Van Zyl.“This is what their desire is. Their desire is to help kids
and to help them not only socially, emotionally, but academically, and they
haven’t really been able to do that over these last five months. So, I think
there’s an excitement for them to be able to bring kids back into our buildings,”
Van Zyl says, pointing out that for some, the first day of school will be at
home. Van Zyl says that’s a challenge for student and teacher.&nbsp; “For some of our staff this is kind of a
career-changing opportunity for some of those that are going virtual; an opportunity
to do something they’ve never done before.”Enrollment in the Virtual Academy grew so much, the district
reopened the old Noyes Elementary School building and remade it into the
virtual learning hub, housing about 95 staff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598829297869.jpeg" alt="School children are urged to take precautionary measures throughout St. Joseph elementary schools./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>School children are urged to take precautionary measures throughout St. Joseph elementary schools./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>

1st day excitement mixes with anxiety as St. Joseph schools open

ATCHISON COUNTY—Five people were injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Sunday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Hyundai Elantra driven by Vanessa N. Fierras, Lincoln, NE., was northbound&nbsp; on Interstate 29 two miles north of Rockport.

The vehicle rear-ended the towed unit of a 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Ricky L. Haney, 54, Melbourne, Arkansas, and overturned in the median.

Hamburg Rescue transported Fierras to Grape Community Hospital and then Lifeflight transferred her to Mosaic in St. Joseph.

Atchison-Hold ambulance transported passengers in the Hyundia Madisen B. Hansen, 18, and Amhad Gregory, 19, both of Lincoln to Gape Community Hospital and then an ambulance transferred to a hospital in Lincoln.

Atchison-Holt Ambulance transported a third passenger in the Hyundai Traishon J. Schmieding, 19,&nbsp; Lincoln, to Grape Community Hospital. A private vehicle transported Haney to Fairfax Community Hospital. The occupants of the Hyundai were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Five people were injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Sunday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Hyundai Elantra driven by Vanessa N. Fierras, Lincoln, NE., was northbound&nbsp; on Interstate 29 two miles north of Rockport.The vehicle rear-ended the towed unit of a 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Ricky L. Haney, 54, Melbourne, Arkansas, and overturned in the median.Hamburg Rescue transported Fierras to Grape Community Hospital and then Lifeflight transferred her to Mosaic in St. Joseph.Atchison-Hold ambulance transported passengers in the Hyundia Madisen B. Hansen, 18, and Amhad Gregory, 19, both of Lincoln to Gape Community Hospital and then an ambulance transferred to a hospital in Lincoln.Atchison-Holt Ambulance transported a third passenger in the Hyundai Traishon J. Schmieding, 19,&nbsp; Lincoln, to Grape Community Hospital. A private vehicle transported Haney to Fairfax Community Hospital. The occupants of the Hyundai were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

5 hospitalized after car rear-ends semi's trailer

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Aug. 31 – Sept. 6.

MoDOT will halt temporary lanes closures throughout the state to accommodate an increase in traffic due to the Labor Day holiday. Most temporary lane closures will stop at noon on Friday, Sept. 4 and resume Tuesday morning, Sept. 8. Some long-term closures, ramp closures and head-to-head traffic may remain in place.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at&nbsp;<a href="http://traveler.modot.org/map/" target="_blank">http://traveler.modot.org/map/</a>.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region such as pothole patching, mowing, striping, signal work, etc., in addition to the work mentioned below.

Interstate 29 – Bridge replacement project over Hopkins Creek and bridge rehabilitation project over Route T (mile marker 58-60) through January 2021. A 14-foot width restriction is in place. These bridges are included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.

Route U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for further evaluation of a previous bridge rehabilitation project south of Phelps City. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.

U.S. Route 136 – Pothole patching from Route M to the Brownville Bridge, Aug. 31 – Sept. 4

Route 46 – Pothole patching from U.S. Route 59 to Route EE, Aug. 31 – Sept. 4

Route F – Drainage work at 120th Street, Aug. 31 – Sept. 4

I-29 – Concrete patching in preparation for a resurfacing project from south of Route O to the Platte County line through early September. I-29 will be narrowed to one lane from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. nightly and some lane closures could remain up around-the-clock. The full resurfacing project is expected to begin Sept. 8 and be completed in mid-October.

Routes E – Striping from U.S. Route 169 to Route 116 through early September.

Route H – Resurfacing project from Route 371 to U.S. Route 169 through early September. A pilot car and flaggers will guide motorists through the work zone.

I-229 – Bridge flushing, Aug. 31 – Sept. 3

I-229 and U.S. Route 36 – Pothole patching, Aug. 31 – Sept. 3

Route V – Drainage work, Aug. 31 – Sept. 4

Route Z –&nbsp;CLOSED until further notice&nbsp;from Route C to County Road 217 due to damage caused by a roadway slide

Route C –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement project at the Branch of Turkey Creek Bridge through early November

I-35 – Striping as part of a resurfacing project from the DeKalb County line to Shoal Creek through early September

I-35 – Guardrail work as part of a resurfacing project from the Clay County line to just north of Route 116 through mid-September

Route VV –&nbsp;CLOSED to non-emergency traffic&nbsp;for drainage work from Buehler Road to U.S. Route 169, Aug. 31 – Sept. 2, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Route 11 – Scrub seal project from U.S. Route 24 to U.S. Route 36 (Linn County), Aug. 31 – Sept. 8. Traffic will be reduced to one lane and flaggers and a pilot car will guide motorists around the work zone.

Route DD – Pothole patching from Route 129 to Route D, Aug. 31 – Sept. 3

Route 6 – Guardrail work for a resurfacing project from I-35 to the Muddy Creek Bridge east of Trenton (Grundy County) through September

I-35 – Resurfacing project from Route C (Exit 78) to U.S. Route 136 (Exit 92, Harrison County) through September

Route P – Pothole patching, Aug. 31 – Sept. 2

Route K – Pothole patching, Sept. 3 – 4

Route 6 – Sidewalk and utility work in Trenton from 4th Street to the Muddy Creek Bridge through early September. This includes Saturday work.

Route 6 – Guardrail work for a resurfacing project from the Muddy Creek Bridge east of Trenton to I-35 (Daviess County) through September

Route A –&nbsp;CLOSED until further notice&nbsp;from Route T to Route B due to a culvert washout

I-35 – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 136 (Exit 92) to Route C (Exit 78, Daviess County) through September.

Route F – Pothole patching from Route W to Route D, Aug. 31 – Sept. 1

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a slide repair project near Mill Bluff Road, south of Forest City, through September. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job</a>

I-29 – Bridge deck replacement project over Route E and Kimsey Creek through mid-September. These bridges are included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. A 16-foot width restriction is in place.

Route 11 – Scrub seal project from U.S. Route 36 to U.S. Route 24 (Chariton County), Aug. 31 – Sept. 8.&nbsp;Traffic will be reduced to one lane and flaggers and a pilot car will guide motorists around the work zone.

Route 190 – Bridge rehabilitation project over the Thompson River. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. A 10-foot width restriction is in place. The bridge rehabilitation project is expected to continue through late November. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a>

U.S. Route 65 – Bridge rehabilitation project over the Grand River through mid-December. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. An 11.5-foot width restriction is in place. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a>

Route 46 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the White Cloud Creek Bridge, east of Route AB, and Stream and Florida Creek bridges, west of Route AB. The project to replace all four bridges is expected to continue through early December. These bridges are included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/route-46-bridge-projects-west-maryville" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/route-46-bridge-projects-west-maryville</a>

Route UU – Pothole patching, Aug. 31 – Sept. 1

U.S. Route 71 – Culvert repair northbound 1.5 miles south of Maryville in the driving lane (right lane), Aug. 31 – Sept. 2. The passing lane (left lane) will be open to traffic with a 14-foot width restriction.

Routes AF and NN – Pothole patching, Aug. 31 – Sept. 4

Route JJ – Shoulder work from Hawk Road to Route FF, Sept. 2

Route B – Shoulder work from Route FF to Hawk Road, Sept. 3

Route AA –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 390th Road to Oak Trail, Sept. 1, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Route N –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement project 0.2 miles west of Route B near Green City through mid-September

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over East Medicine Creek through the end of the year. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge</a>

Route YY – Pothole patching, Aug. 31 – Sept. 2

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route K to Route KK, Sept. 2, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592590683992.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Aug. 31 – Sept. 6.MoDOT will halt temporary lanes closures throughout the state to accommodate an increase in traffic due to the Labor Day holiday. Most temporary lane closures will stop at noon on Friday, Sept. 4 and resume Tuesday morning, Sept. 8. Some long-term closures, ramp closures and head-to-head traffic may remain in place.All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at&nbsp;<a href="http://traveler.modot.org/map/" target="_blank">http://traveler.modot.org/map/</a>.Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region such as pothole patching, mowing, striping, signal work, etc., in addition to the work mentioned below.<div>&nbsp;</div>Andrew CountyInterstate 29 – Bridge replacement project over Hopkins Creek and bridge rehabilitation project over Route T (mile marker 58-60) through January 2021. A 14-foot width restriction is in place. These bridges are included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.<div>&nbsp;</div>Atchison CountyRoute U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for further evaluation of a previous bridge rehabilitation project south of Phelps City. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.U.S. Route 136 – Pothole patching from Route M to the Brownville Bridge, Aug. 31 – Sept. 4Route 46 – Pothole patching from U.S. Route 59 to Route EE, Aug. 31 – Sept. 4Route F – Drainage work at 120th Street, Aug. 31 – Sept. 4<div>&nbsp;</div>Buchanan CountyI-29 – Concrete patching in preparation for a resurfacing project from south of Route O to the Platte County line through early September. I-29 will be narrowed to one lane from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. nightly and some lane closures could remain up around-the-clock. The full resurfacing project is expected to begin Sept. 8 and be completed in mid-October.Routes E – Striping from U.S. Route 169 to Route 116 through early September.Route H – Resurfacing project from Route 371 to U.S. Route 169 through early September. A pilot car and flaggers will guide motorists through the work zone.I-229 – Bridge flushing, Aug. 31 – Sept. 3I-229 and U.S. Route 36 – Pothole patching, Aug. 31 – Sept. 3Route V – Drainage work, Aug. 31 – Sept. 4<div>&nbsp;</div>Carroll CountyRoute Z –&nbsp;CLOSED until further notice&nbsp;from Route C to County Road 217 due to damage caused by a roadway slideRoute C –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement project at the Branch of Turkey Creek Bridge through early November<div>&nbsp;</div>Clinton CountyI-35 – Striping as part of a resurfacing project from the DeKalb County line to Shoal Creek through early SeptemberI-35 – Guardrail work as part of a resurfacing project from the Clay County line to just north of Route 116 through mid-SeptemberRoute VV –&nbsp;CLOSED to non-emergency traffic&nbsp;for drainage work from Buehler Road to U.S. Route 169, Aug. 31 – Sept. 2, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily<div>&nbsp;</div>Chariton CountyRoute 11 – Scrub seal project from U.S. Route 24 to U.S. Route 36 (Linn County), Aug. 31 – Sept. 8. Traffic will be reduced to one lane and flaggers and a pilot car will guide motorists around the work zone.Route DD – Pothole patching from Route 129 to Route D, Aug. 31 – Sept. 3<div>&nbsp;</div>Daviess CountyRoute 6 – Guardrail work for a resurfacing project from I-35 to the Muddy Creek Bridge east of Trenton (Grundy County) through SeptemberI-35 – Resurfacing project from Route C (Exit 78) to U.S. Route 136 (Exit 92, Harrison County) through SeptemberRoute P – Pothole patching, Aug. 31 – Sept. 2Route K – Pothole patching, Sept. 3 – 4<div>&nbsp;</div>Grundy CountyRoute 6 – Sidewalk and utility work in Trenton from 4th Street to the Muddy Creek Bridge through early September. This includes Saturday work.Route 6 – Guardrail work for a resurfacing project from the Muddy Creek Bridge east of Trenton to I-35 (Daviess County) through September<div>&nbsp;</div>Harrison CountyRoute A –&nbsp;CLOSED until further notice&nbsp;from Route T to Route B due to a culvert washoutI-35 – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 136 (Exit 92) to Route C (Exit 78, Daviess County) through September.Route F – Pothole patching from Route W to Route D, Aug. 31 – Sept. 1<div>&nbsp;</div>Holt CountyRoute T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a slide repair project near Mill Bluff Road, south of Forest City, through September. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job</a>I-29 – Bridge deck replacement project over Route E and Kimsey Creek through mid-September. These bridges are included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. A 16-foot width restriction is in place.<div>&nbsp;</div>Linn CountyRoute 11 – Scrub seal project from U.S. Route 36 to U.S. Route 24 (Chariton County), Aug. 31 – Sept. 8.&nbsp;Traffic will be reduced to one lane and flaggers and a pilot car will guide motorists around the work zone.<div>&nbsp;</div>Livingston CountyRoute 190 – Bridge rehabilitation project over the Thompson River. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. A 10-foot width restriction is in place. The bridge rehabilitation project is expected to continue through late November. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a>U.S. Route 65 – Bridge rehabilitation project over the Grand River through mid-December. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. An 11.5-foot width restriction is in place. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a><div>&nbsp;</div>Nodaway CountyRoute 46 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the White Cloud Creek Bridge, east of Route AB, and Stream and Florida Creek bridges, west of Route AB. The project to replace all four bridges is expected to continue through early December. These bridges are included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/route-46-bridge-projects-west-maryville" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/route-46-bridge-projects-west-maryville</a>Route UU – Pothole patching, Aug. 31 – Sept. 1U.S. Route 71 – Culvert repair northbound 1.5 miles south of Maryville in the driving lane (right lane), Aug. 31 – Sept. 2. The passing lane (left lane) will be open to traffic with a 14-foot width restriction.Routes AF and NN – Pothole patching, Aug. 31 – Sept. 4Route JJ – Shoulder work from Hawk Road to Route FF, Sept. 2Route B – Shoulder work from Route FF to Hawk Road, Sept. 3<div>&nbsp;</div>Putnam CountyRoute AA –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 390th Road to Oak Trail, Sept. 1, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.<div>&nbsp;</div>Sullivan CountyRoute N –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement project 0.2 miles west of Route B near Green City through mid-SeptemberRoute PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over East Medicine Creek through the end of the year. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge</a>Route YY – Pothole patching, Aug. 31 – Sept. 2Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route K to Route KK, Sept. 2, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Planned road work for northwest Missouri, Aug. 31 - Sept. 6

BROWN COUNTY —One person died in a head-on crash just before 11p.m. Saturday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford F150 driven by Lana M. Bachman, 46, Centralia, was southbound on U.S. 75 just south of 190th Road.

The pickup crossed the center line and struck&nbsp; a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Glenn D. Aston, 66, Humbolt, Nebraska, head-on.

Aston was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. EMS transported Bachman to Stormont Vail in Topeka. Aston was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY —One person died in a head-on crash just before 11p.m. Saturday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford F150 driven by Lana M. Bachman, 46, Centralia, was southbound on U.S. 75 just south of 190th Road.The pickup crossed the center line and struck&nbsp; a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Glenn D. Aston, 66, Humbolt, Nebraska, head-on.Aston was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. EMS transported Bachman to Stormont Vail in Topeka. Aston was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

One dead, one hospitalized after Brown Co. head-on crash

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — A second man has been arrested for allegedly shooting into a car and killing a toddler in a St. Joseph neighborhood.

Buchanan County Jail records show 21-year-old Caimon Ramone Stillman, of St. Joseph, was booked early Saturday. He is being held without bond on a charge of second-degree murder in the Aug. 9 shooting that left 2-year-old Raelynn Craig dead and two others wounded.

Prosecutors allege Stillman and another man, 20-year-old Marcain Rashaud Kimbrough-Ballard, fired from a Hyundai Elantra into the Dodge Caliber in which the victims were riding.

Kimbrough-Ballard also is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting.

No attorney is listed for either suspect in online court records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598730435442.png" alt="Stillman-photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>Stillman-photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — A second man has been arrested for allegedly shooting into a car and killing a toddler in a St. Joseph neighborhood.Buchanan County Jail records show 21-year-old Caimon Ramone Stillman, of St. Joseph, was booked early Saturday. He is being held without bond on a charge of second-degree murder in the Aug. 9 shooting that left 2-year-old Raelynn Craig dead and two others wounded.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598614570249.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kimbrough-Ballard -photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kimbrough-Ballard -photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Prosecutors allege Stillman and another man, 20-year-old Marcain Rashaud Kimbrough-Ballard, fired from a Hyundai Elantra into the Dodge Caliber in which the victims were riding.Kimbrough-Ballard also is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting.No attorney is listed for either suspect in online court records.

2nd suspect jailed in shooting that killed toddler in St. Joseph

While school may look different this fall, drivers are reminded to look out for buses and students out on the road as usual.

Officer John Foster with the St. Joseph Police Department Traffic Unit reminds drivers to be aware of surroundings, especially in school zones.

“Pay attention to which blocks are in school zones and the speed,” Foster says. “Always watch for foot traffic, pretty much anywhere in the city, but more particularly around schools and buses because people crossing the street don’t always look both ways as they should.”

Foster reminds drivers that all traffic must stop in both directions when a bus comes to a stop, its hazard lights are red and the stop sign pops out.

“Wait for the bus driver to receive the passengers, close their doors, the stop sign will then deactivate, the lights go off and normal traffic can resume,” Foster says. “I would still be wary of foot traffic, in case somebody was a little late to get on the bus, until the bus is well down the road.”

Foster says buses do have cameras and bus drivers can record vehicles that do not stop during pick up and drop off.

“We get that information and then we follow up with the driver and vehicle owners and there are many times that citations are issued and people are surprised that they’ve been caught running the stop sign violation,” Foster says. “An extra 30 seconds or whatever is well worth the tickets and court costs and most definitely well worth somebody’s safety.”

In-person and online classes for St. Joseph School District students begin Monday.

by SARAH THOMACKSt. Joseph PostWhile school may look different this fall, drivers are reminded to look out for buses and students out on the road as usual.Officer John Foster with the St. Joseph Police Department Traffic Unit reminds drivers to be aware of surroundings, especially in school zones.“Pay attention to which blocks are in school zones and the speed,” Foster says. “Always watch for foot traffic, pretty much anywhere in the city, but more particularly around schools and buses because people crossing the street don’t always look both ways as they should.”Foster reminds drivers that all traffic must stop in both directions when a bus comes to a stop, its hazard lights are red and the stop sign pops out.“Wait for the bus driver to receive the passengers, close their doors, the stop sign will then deactivate, the lights go off and normal traffic can resume,” Foster says. “I would still be wary of foot traffic, in case somebody was a little late to get on the bus, until the bus is well down the road.”Foster says buses do have cameras and bus drivers can record vehicles that do not stop during pick up and drop off.“We get that information and then we follow up with the driver and vehicle owners and there are many times that citations are issued and people are surprised that they’ve been caught running the stop sign violation,” Foster says. “An extra 30 seconds or whatever is well worth the tickets and court costs and most definitely well worth somebody’s safety.”In-person and online classes for St. Joseph School District students begin Monday.

Drivers urged to look out for buses, students as classes get underway

The Missouri Department of Transportation has seen a 100% increase in TMA crashes this year.

MoDOT's Northwest District Engineer Chris Redline says TMAs are Truck-Mounted Attenuators, also known as crash cushions - the first thing you see driving up on a work zone.

“Essentially has big old shock absorbers on the back so if somebody isn’t paying attention, and crashes in the back of us, the injuries are much less severe or may even have no injuries,” Redline says. “They have arrows on them… and they’re lit up really bright so it’s really impossible to miss, but unfortunately we’ve had 39 hit already this year and some of those crashes have been pretty bad.”

Redline says last year at this time, 19 TMAs were hit by drivers. Redline adds that one of the keys to driver safety, whether in a work zone or not, is to put the phone down while driving.

“If you take your eyes away from the road for just a couple seconds, you’ve traveled an incredible distance already at 60 or 70 miles an hour,” Redline says. “Just pay attention, look out for what’s going on because those people that are driving those TMA trucks, they have families and friends just like everybody else in Missouri and they want to go home in one piece.”

According to MoDOT, since 2014, cell phone related crashes in Missouri have increased by 35-percent.

For information about the MoDOT Buckle Up Phone Down Challenge and area road information, visit <a href="https://www.modot.org/northwest">modot.org/northwest</a>.

by SARAH THOMACKSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Department of Transportation has seen a 100% increase in TMA crashes this year.MoDOT's Northwest District Engineer Chris Redline says TMAs are Truck-Mounted Attenuators, also known as crash cushions - the first thing you see driving up on a work zone.“Essentially has big old shock absorbers on the back so if somebody isn’t paying attention, and crashes in the back of us, the injuries are much less severe or may even have no injuries,” Redline says. “They have arrows on them… and they’re lit up really bright so it’s really impossible to miss, but unfortunately we’ve had 39 hit already this year and some of those crashes have been pretty bad.”Redline says last year at this time, 19 TMAs were hit by drivers. Redline adds that one of the keys to driver safety, whether in a work zone or not, is to put the phone down while driving.“If you take your eyes away from the road for just a couple seconds, you’ve traveled an incredible distance already at 60 or 70 miles an hour,” Redline says. “Just pay attention, look out for what’s going on because those people that are driving those TMA trucks, they have families and friends just like everybody else in Missouri and they want to go home in one piece.”According to MoDOT, since 2014, cell phone related crashes in Missouri have increased by 35-percent.For information about the MoDOT Buckle Up Phone Down Challenge and area road information, visit <a href="https://www.modot.org/northwest">modot.org/northwest</a>.

State Transportation Dept. sees increase in work zone crashes

There was a lengthy discussion during the St. Joseph City Council work session Thursday, with residents weighing in over a possible citywide mask mandate.

The current mask mandate is set to expire on September 11th.

Councilmember Marty Novak, during the Zoom meeting, said if people choose to wear masks and if businesses want to require masks, they can.

“I think that if somebody wants to step forward and take those precautions, they certainly can, and a lot of people are,” Novak says. “I feel we’ve got an existing order which runs through September 11th and conventionally, I’m for keeping the order that we have and seeing how to move forward at that time.”

Five councilmembers wanted to continue with the current mask mandate and four wanted to make a change. Due to there not being a consensus, Mayor Bill McMurray said they'll pick up the discussion again closer to the date of the mandate expiring.

The current ordinance requires masks in retail stores of 10,000 square feet or more.

Missouri Western State University Interim President Elizabeth Kennedy joined the Zoom call work session.

Kennedy says since they've been monitoring data, there are currently 22 positive COVID-19 cases related to students, one is isolating on campus and the rest are isolating off campus. There are reportedly 53 individuals quarantining because they may have had contact with a positive case.

“What we’re doing as a university is we’re working to establish a dashboard that we will have on our public website so that folks can go in and see how many cases we’ve had, who’s in quarantine, who’s in isolation and what are numbers are looking (like),” Kennedy says. “Right now, when we talk about positive cases and all of students and all of our employees, we are just a little over a half of a percent positivity rate.”

Classes at Missouri Western started on Monday, August 17th, two weeks earlier than the originally scheduled date of August 31st.

by SARAH THOMACKSt. Joseph PostThere was a lengthy discussion during the St. Joseph City Council work session Thursday, with residents weighing in over a possible citywide mask mandate.The current mask mandate is set to expire on September 11th.Councilmember Marty Novak, during the Zoom meeting, said if people choose to wear masks and if businesses want to require masks, they can.“I think that if somebody wants to step forward and take those precautions, they certainly can, and a lot of people are,” Novak says. “I feel we’ve got an existing order which runs through September 11th and conventionally, I’m for keeping the order that we have and seeing how to move forward at that time.”Five councilmembers wanted to continue with the current mask mandate and four wanted to make a change. Due to there not being a consensus, Mayor Bill McMurray said they'll pick up the discussion again closer to the date of the mandate expiring.The current ordinance requires masks in retail stores of 10,000 square feet or more.Missouri Western State University Interim President Elizabeth Kennedy joined the Zoom call work session.Kennedy says since they've been monitoring data, there are currently 22 positive COVID-19 cases related to students, one is isolating on campus and the rest are isolating off campus. There are reportedly 53 individuals quarantining because they may have had contact with a positive case.“What we’re doing as a university is we’re working to establish a dashboard that we will have on our public website so that folks can go in and see how many cases we’ve had, who’s in quarantine, who’s in isolation and what are numbers are looking (like),” Kennedy says. “Right now, when we talk about positive cases and all of students and all of our employees, we are just a little over a half of a percent positivity rate.”Classes at Missouri Western started on Monday, August 17th, two weeks earlier than the originally scheduled date of August 31st.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoemo%2Fvideos%2F2270385276441109%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

City Council discusses mask mandate as current ordinance is set to expire soon

A troubling trend continues in Buchanan County with the report
of 25 new cases of COVID-19 driving the county total since counting began to
1,334.

The St. Joseph health officials report of 25 new cases on
Thursday comes on the heels of 20 new cases reported Wednesday, 24 on Tuesday,
and 19 on Monday.

One thousand, 123 of the total cases counted since the
coronavirus pandemic began have been confirmed through testing, 211 are considered
probable cases.

Mosaic Life Care reports a slight uptick in hospitalizations
this week. Nineteen COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized in St. Joseph.

Mosaic has now tested 23,695 area residents with 1,318 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting the results from 210 tests.

Andrew County health officials report 144 total cases; 120
confirmed and 24 probable.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports a total of 59 cases.

In Missouri, the total cases have now reached 79,574,
resulting in 1,450 deaths.

Kansas reports a total of 39,937 cases with 437 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA troubling trend continues in Buchanan County with the report
of 25 new cases of COVID-19 driving the county total since counting began to
1,334.The St. Joseph health officials report of 25 new cases on
Thursday comes on the heels of 20 new cases reported Wednesday, 24 on Tuesday,
and 19 on Monday.One thousand, 123 of the total cases counted since the
coronavirus pandemic began have been confirmed through testing, 211 are considered
probable cases.Mosaic Life Care reports a slight uptick in hospitalizations
this week. Nineteen COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized in St. Joseph.Mosaic has now tested 23,695 area residents with 1,318 testing
positive. Mosaic is awaiting the results from 210 tests.Andrew County health officials report 144 total cases; 120
confirmed and 24 probable.Doniphan County, Kansas reports a total of 59 cases.In Missouri, the total cases have now reached 79,574,
resulting in 1,450 deaths.Kansas reports a total of 39,937 cases with 437 deaths.

COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Buchanan County

St. Joseph YMCA officials have decided to close the downtown
YMCA and consolidate programs at the Campus Family Y on North Village Drive.

St. Joseph YMCA CEO Sue Wright says the Y began reviewing
strategic directions in 2017 to determine what services to offer. Wright says
the aging downtown Y has become increasingly expensive to maintain.

“The building is over 40 years old and with that comes the
need for repairs on some items and we have some mechanical issues that had been
deferred over the years and they were expensive repairs,” Wright tells St.
Joseph Post.

Wright says many patrons of the Y, both downtown and the campus
facility, have been reluctant to return, fearing close contact during a time of
pandemic and she doesn’t expect that problem to go away any time soon.

“The thing that is of concern is we don’t know what the future
looks like in terms of people coming back and being engaged and new people coming
in to join our facility as well.”

Wright says it was a hard decision to make.

“This has been painful and probably the most challenging I
know for volunteers who are working with a nonprofit and, like I said, I feel
like countless hours have gone into that,” Wright says.

The biggest impact of the decision is the loss of the pool,
racquetball courts, and gym.

The YMCA is a nonprofit, charitable organization that has been
in St. Joseph for 138 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598555324542.jpeg" alt="Downtown YMCA/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Downtown YMCA/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph YMCA officials have decided to close the downtown
YMCA and consolidate programs at the Campus Family Y on North Village Drive.St. Joseph YMCA CEO Sue Wright says the Y began reviewing
strategic directions in 2017 to determine what services to offer. Wright says
the aging downtown Y has become increasingly expensive to maintain.“The building is over 40 years old and with that comes the
need for repairs on some items and we have some mechanical issues that had been
deferred over the years and they were expensive repairs,” Wright tells St.
Joseph Post.COVID-19 hasn’t helped.Wright says many patrons of the Y, both downtown and the campus
facility, have been reluctant to return, fearing close contact during a time of
pandemic and she doesn’t expect that problem to go away any time soon.“The thing that is of concern is we don’t know what the future
looks like in terms of people coming back and being engaged and new people coming
in to join our facility as well.”Wright says it was a hard decision to make.“This has been painful and probably the most challenging I
know for volunteers who are working with a nonprofit and, like I said, I feel
like countless hours have gone into that,” Wright says.The biggest impact of the decision is the loss of the pool,
racquetball courts, and gym.The YMCA is a nonprofit, charitable organization that has been
in St. Joseph for 138 years.

Downtown YMCA set to close its doors October 1st

An arrest has been made in the shooting death of a two-year-old
St. Joseph girl.

A second-degree murder charge has been filed against
20-year-old Macain Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph in the death of Raelynn
Craig, who suffered a fatal gunshot wound during a drive-by shooting outside
the Frog Hop earlier this month.

Kimbrough-Ballard is being held without bond in the Buchanan
County jail.

Witnesses reported a car with Texas license plates shot at
another car with three inside at 20th and Messanie Streets on the afternoon of August 9th. Raelynn
was struck by gunfire and died later at the hospital. Two others were wounded
in the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598614570249.jpeg" alt="Macain Kimbrough-Ballard/Buchanan County Jail photo" />
 <figcaption>Macain Kimbrough-Ballard/Buchanan County Jail photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn arrest has been made in the shooting death of a two-year-old
St. Joseph girl.A second-degree murder charge has been filed against
20-year-old Macain Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph in the death of Raelynn
Craig, who suffered a fatal gunshot wound during a drive-by shooting outside
the Frog Hop earlier this month.Kimbrough-Ballard is being held without bond in the Buchanan
County jail.Witnesses reported a car with Texas license plates shot at
another car with three inside at 20th and Messanie Streets on the afternoon of August 9th. Raelynn
was struck by gunfire and died later at the hospital. Two others were wounded
in the shooting.Others could be charged in the shooting.

Man charged in drive-by shooting of 2-year-old St. Joseph girl

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598558485015.png" alt="Frakes of Hiawatha has 2 previous drug convictions in Atchison County, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Frakes of Hiawatha has 2 previous drug convictions in Atchison County, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp;a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Pontiac Grand Prix in the 2700 block of SW Topeka Boulevard in Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, a K9 unit was deployed and narcotics were located inside the vehicle. Deputies arrested Derek S. Frakes, 34,&nbsp; and Drew M. Reeves, 31, both of Hiawatha and booked them into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598558522155.png" alt="Reeves" />
 <figcaption>Reeves</figcaption>
 </figure>Frakes is being held on requested charged of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, no vehicle liability insurance, operating a vehicle without registration and failure to wear a seat belt. Reeves is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Christian.

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