ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) — The Atchison school district will use the Phoenix as its new mascot. The Board of Education voted to select the new mascot on Monday night after months of discussion.

The vote came despite a petition with more than 700 signatures asking the board not to act until gathering more public input. 

The board voted in April to replace the former Native American-themed Redmen mascot for the high school and Braves for the middle school. Board members said the Phoenix is a neutral symbol, and they wanted to make the choice before the school year started.

ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) — The Atchison school district will use the Phoenix as its new mascot. The Board of Education voted to select the new mascot on Monday night after months of discussion.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1eXEvGNa34A?start=1902" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The vote came despite a petition with more than 700 signatures asking the board not to act until gathering more public input. The board voted in April to replace the former Native American-themed Redmen mascot for the high school and Braves for the middle school. Board members said the Phoenix is a neutral symbol, and they wanted to make the choice before the school year started.

🎥  Atchison schools replace Native American mascot

A local freshman state representative says he feels the
legislature got a lot done during his first session in Jefferson City.

Representative Dean Van Schoiack of Savannah represents Andrew
County and a portion of Buchanan County. He says he’s pleased how the session
went.

“It was an interesting session, a learning experience for me
as it would be for any freshman legislator,” Van Schoiack tells St. Joseph
Post.

Van Schoiack says the work is important, but he’s been more
impressed with his colleagues.

“I was very impressed by the quality of people who were there,”
Van Schoiack says. “There are a lot of really good people in the legislature,
there for the right reason to do the right things and to do the best they can
for their people at home and I was very impressed with that.”

Even with the legislation passed this session, more can be
done, according to Van Schoiack.

“I would like to see us go ahead and reform eminent domain. I
would like to see us reform the initiative petition process, especially as it
refers to constitutional amendments to the state of Missouri,” Van Schoiack
says. “I’d like to see us get the soy diesel bill passed.”

Eminent domain reform has become the catch phrase for
lawmakers opposed to the Grain Belt Express, a private electric transmission
line planned to run through northern Missouri to deliver energy to the East
Coast. Grain Belt proposes an 800-mile high-voltage electric transmission line
through northern Missouri to Illinois. It will go through Buchanan, Clinton,
Caldwell, and Carroll Counties in northwest Missouri.

Van Schoiack is no fan of the Grain Belt Express.

“It’s a private business, taking electricity across the state
of Missouri from Kansas to the East Coast,” Van Schoiack says. “Originally, it
was not selling any electricity at all in Missouri.”

The project has been given the green light by the Missouri Public
Service Commission, even though it has become controversial in the legislature.

Reform of the initiative petition process has become a
rallying cry for lawmakers opposed to expanding Medicaid under the Affordable
Care Act, even though approved by Missouri voters. Opponents in the legislature
charge the ballot language failed to include a funding mechanism, using that as
a basis for refusing to fund expansion.

Election reform is another issue Van Schoiack would like the
legislature to tackle. He was disappointed the Senate didn’t take up a House
bill that attempted to address problems the courts had with the state voter
photo ID law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626192772699.jpeg" alt="State Rep. Dean Van Schoiack speaks during a recent St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce legislative forum as Rep. Brenda Shields looks on/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Dean Van Schoiack speaks during a recent St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce legislative forum as Rep. Brenda Shields looks on/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA local freshman state representative says he feels the
legislature got a lot done during his first session in Jefferson City.Representative Dean Van Schoiack of Savannah represents Andrew
County and a portion of Buchanan County. He says he’s pleased how the session
went.“It was an interesting session, a learning experience for me
as it would be for any freshman legislator,” Van Schoiack tells St. Joseph
Post.Van Schoiack says the work is important, but he’s been more
impressed with his colleagues.“I was very impressed by the quality of people who were there,”
Van Schoiack says. “There are a lot of really good people in the legislature,
there for the right reason to do the right things and to do the best they can
for their people at home and I was very impressed with that.”Even with the legislation passed this session, more can be
done, according to Van Schoiack.“I would like to see us go ahead and reform eminent domain. I
would like to see us reform the initiative petition process, especially as it
refers to constitutional amendments to the state of Missouri,” Van Schoiack
says. “I’d like to see us get the soy diesel bill passed.”Eminent domain reform has become the catch phrase for
lawmakers opposed to the Grain Belt Express, a private electric transmission
line planned to run through northern Missouri to deliver energy to the East
Coast. Grain Belt proposes an 800-mile high-voltage electric transmission line
through northern Missouri to Illinois. It will go through Buchanan, Clinton,
Caldwell, and Carroll Counties in northwest Missouri.Van Schoiack is no fan of the Grain Belt Express.“It’s a private business, taking electricity across the state
of Missouri from Kansas to the East Coast,” Van Schoiack says. “Originally, it
was not selling any electricity at all in Missouri.”The project has been given the green light by the Missouri Public
Service Commission, even though it has become controversial in the legislature.Reform of the initiative petition process has become a
rallying cry for lawmakers opposed to expanding Medicaid under the Affordable
Care Act, even though approved by Missouri voters. Opponents in the legislature
charge the ballot language failed to include a funding mechanism, using that as
a basis for refusing to fund expansion.Election reform is another issue Van Schoiack would like the
legislature to tackle. He was disappointed the Senate didn’t take up a House
bill that attempted to address problems the courts had with the state voter
photo ID law.

Freshman lawmakers learns a lot during 1st term in Jefferson City

DONIPHAN COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Monday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Wathena Police were chasing a 2011 Nissan Altima driven by Justin L. Fountain Jr., 18, Olatha, westbound on U.S. 36 one mile east of Troy.&nbsp;

The driver lost control of the car on a curve and rolled. EMS transported&nbsp;Fountain to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment of serious injuries. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP. Police have not reported what prompted the chase.

DONIPHAN COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Monday in Doniphan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Wathena Police were chasing a 2011 Nissan Altima driven by Justin L. Fountain Jr., 18, Olatha, westbound on U.S. 36 one mile east of Troy.&nbsp;The driver lost control of the car on a curve and rolled. EMS transported&nbsp;Fountain to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment of serious injuries. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP. Police have not reported what prompted the chase.

Kansas teen injured in crash during police chase

The St. Joseph City Council voted 8-0 in opposition of a conditional use permit that would have allowed the construction of a 175-foot cell tower by AT&amp;T in an east St. Joseph neighborhood.

Earlier this year, AT&amp;T applied for a conditional use permit to build a new tower at 3802 Karnes Road - just behind a row of houses on Morton Lane.

Jayne Katakis, a resident of that neighborhood, was one of 14 people who spoke out against the tower at the last council meeting on June 28. For her and her neighbors, this vote was a victory.

"We all came together," Katakis said. "We got on a group, we signed a petition. We did everything we could possibly think of to stop this. It's not something we want in our backyards. We're a neighborhood, and not a commercial place where we want to see that building standing right there in our backyards daily."

At the previous council meeting, St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray motioned that the city's legal staff draft findings of fact which had to prove several things - that the tower would be concealed and minimally visible, that the tower is not visually compatible with the area and will negatively impact property value and that use of the tower would impact regular permitted uses of residential districts.

"They had to say whether or not in these four areas, if AT&amp;T met the burden," McMurray said. "And the legal department said no they didn't. That official legal document was attached to the ordinance tonight. The conditional use permit ordinance, which was then voted down."

The conditional use permit was originally requested by Glen Klocke on behalf of Network Real Estate, LLC. Klocke has since requested a preliminary plat for property located at 3802 Karnes Road - the same location that Klocke requested the conditional use permit for.

Some council members expressed concern that if Klocke's preliminary plat is approved, AT&amp;T may come back at some point in the future and try to build a tower in the exact same spot.

Councilmember Madison Davis motioned to postpone voting on this preliminary plat approval for two weeks, so council can go back and see if a conditional use permit application would go through the city's zoning board of adjustment at any time.

The motion to postpone voting on the preliminary plat approval passed 9-0.

Councilmember Kent O'Dell says Klocke has every right to apply for this plat and do whatever he wants with the land if his application is approved.

O'Dell says if Klocke applied for a conditional use permit for construction of a cell tower again in the future, he'd have to go through the same lengthy process again. And council would have to vote on the matter again.

"If they want to come back and apply for towers, they'll go through zoning and planning again," O'Dell says, "and we'll go through this whole song and dance again."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626142460112.jpeg" alt="Members of the St. Joseph City Council deliberate on Monday evening at City Hall. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Members of the St. Joseph City Council deliberate on Monday evening at City Hall. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph City Council voted 8-0 in opposition of a conditional use permit that would have allowed the construction of a 175-foot cell tower by AT&amp;T in an east St. Joseph neighborhood.Earlier this year, AT&amp;T applied for a conditional use permit to build a new tower at 3802 Karnes Road - just behind a row of houses on Morton Lane.Jayne Katakis, a resident of that neighborhood, was one of 14 people who spoke out against the tower at the last council meeting on June 28. For her and her neighbors, this vote was a victory."We all came together," Katakis said. "We got on a group, we signed a petition. We did everything we could possibly think of to stop this. It's not something we want in our backyards. We're a neighborhood, and not a commercial place where we want to see that building standing right there in our backyards daily."At the previous council meeting, St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray motioned that the city's legal staff draft findings of fact which had to prove several things - that the tower would be concealed and minimally visible, that the tower is not visually compatible with the area and will negatively impact property value and that use of the tower would impact regular permitted uses of residential districts."They had to say whether or not in these four areas, if AT&amp;T met the burden," McMurray said. "And the legal department said no they didn't. That official legal document was attached to the ordinance tonight. The conditional use permit ordinance, which was then voted down."The conditional use permit was originally requested by Glen Klocke on behalf of Network Real Estate, LLC. Klocke has since requested a preliminary plat for property located at 3802 Karnes Road - the same location that Klocke requested the conditional use permit for.Some council members expressed concern that if Klocke's preliminary plat is approved, AT&amp;T may come back at some point in the future and try to build a tower in the exact same spot.Councilmember Madison Davis motioned to postpone voting on this preliminary plat approval for two weeks, so council can go back and see if a conditional use permit application would go through the city's zoning board of adjustment at any time.The motion to postpone voting on the preliminary plat approval passed 9-0.Councilmember Kent O'Dell says Klocke has every right to apply for this plat and do whatever he wants with the land if his application is approved.O'Dell says if Klocke applied for a conditional use permit for construction of a cell tower again in the future, he'd have to go through the same lengthy process again. And council would have to vote on the matter again."If they want to come back and apply for towers, they'll go through zoning and planning again," O'Dell says, "and we'll go through this whole song and dance again."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph City Council votes against AT&T tower in residential neighborhood

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen in connection with a stolen car.

Just before 9:30 p.m. Sunday, a police officer spotted a reported stolen 2011 Chevy Malibu and attempted to stop it at 13th and Main in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 The vehicle fled from officers and a pursuit followed which ended in the 300 block Kearney when the driver later identified as 18-year-old Malakai M. Short of Kansas City, Missouri, and several passengers bailed out of the vehicle and ran.

Officers apprehended Short in the 600 block North 2nd and a passenger was apprehended in the 100 block Atchison Street. Police booked Short on a requested charge of possession of a stolen vehicle and fleeing and attempting to elude. He was taken to the County Jail. The 17-year-old passenger was arrested on a requested charge of interference with law enforcement and later released to a guardian, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626097248511.png" alt="Short-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Short-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen in connection with a stolen car.Just before 9:30 p.m. Sunday, a police officer spotted a reported stolen 2011 Chevy Malibu and attempted to stop it at 13th and Main in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The vehicle fled from officers and a pursuit followed which ended in the 300 block Kearney when the driver later identified as 18-year-old Malakai M. Short of Kansas City, Missouri, and several passengers bailed out of the vehicle and ran.Officers apprehended Short in the 600 block North 2nd and a passenger was apprehended in the 100 block Atchison Street. Police booked Short on a requested charge of possession of a stolen vehicle and fleeing and attempting to elude. He was taken to the County Jail. The 17-year-old passenger was arrested on a requested charge of interference with law enforcement and later released to a guardian, according to Wilson.

Police catch Missouri teen driving stolen car

VIDEO PROVIDED BY MOSAIC LIFE CARE ST. JOSEPH

With COVID-19 on the rise, Mosaic Life Care St. Joseph has had to occupy the entire 5th floor of the hospital as well as nine rooms in the ICU for COVID-19 patients, while placing seven patients on ventilators.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mosaic Life Care had 52 patients with COVID-19 in its system as of Monday, with 51 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner says the Delta variant of COVID-19 is the most common variant so far in this area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The Delta variant is more contagious, so&nbsp;it's&nbsp;more easily spread and when you have a population that has a low vaccination rate, it's going to spread more rapidly, especially because it just is more contagious,” Turner tells reporters during a news conference&nbsp;&nbsp;

Turner asks the community to protect themselves.&nbsp;

“We are seeing it in the younger adults, and again, some are becoming severely ill.&nbsp;Of&nbsp;those, those would be the ones that, either one, have underlying medical conditions, however not always, but one thing&nbsp;is common, they have not been vaccinated,” says Turner.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Turner encourages the community to get the vaccine, saying&nbsp;the vaccine is meant to protect&nbsp;you from dying from the virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“That really is the true measure of a vaccine. Do you survive the illness, if you still contract it?&nbsp;Because we give vaccines all the time and folks still may contract that illness, but normally it&nbsp;does not kill them so it gives you your best chance of survival,” says Turner.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A third of the patient in the hospital due to COVID-19 are under the age of 50, with less than five being under 30 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under 20% of Buchanan County residents have completed COVID-19 vaccinations.&nbsp;The county has recorded 11,440 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, resulting in a total of 186 deaths.&nbsp;

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMosaicLifeCare%2Fvideos%2F1002221337255185%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>VIDEO PROVIDED BY MOSAIC LIFE CARE ST. JOSEPHBy WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;With COVID-19 on the rise, Mosaic Life Care St. Joseph has had to occupy the entire 5th floor of the hospital as well as nine rooms in the ICU for COVID-19 patients, while placing seven patients on ventilators.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mosaic Life Care had 52 patients with COVID-19 in its system as of Monday, with 51 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner says the Delta variant of COVID-19 is the most common variant so far in this area.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Delta variant is more contagious, so&nbsp;it's&nbsp;more easily spread and when you have a population that has a low vaccination rate, it's going to spread more rapidly, especially because it just is more contagious,” Turner tells reporters during a news conference&nbsp;&nbsp;Turner asks the community to protect themselves.&nbsp;“We are seeing it in the younger adults, and again, some are becoming severely ill.&nbsp;Of&nbsp;those, those would be the ones that, either one, have underlying medical conditions, however not always, but one thing&nbsp;is common, they have not been vaccinated,” says Turner.&nbsp;&nbsp;Turner encourages the community to get the vaccine, saying&nbsp;the vaccine is meant to protect&nbsp;you from dying from the virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“That really is the true measure of a vaccine. Do you survive the illness, if you still contract it?&nbsp;Because we give vaccines all the time and folks still may contract that illness, but normally it&nbsp;does not kill them so it gives you your best chance of survival,” says Turner.&nbsp;&nbsp;A third of the patient in the hospital due to COVID-19 are under the age of 50, with less than five being under 30 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;Under 20% of Buchanan County residents have completed COVID-19 vaccinations.&nbsp;The county has recorded 11,440 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, resulting in a total of 186 deaths.&nbsp;

St. Joseph sees a rapid increase in COVID-19 numbers

A
38-year-old Andrew County man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the
death of a 10-year-old boy in November of last year.

The
Savannah Reporter reports Donald Tipton entered the guilty plea this morning in Andrew County. The newspaper says Andrew County Prosecutor Steve
Stevenson recommended a 25-year sentence, which Circuit Judge Dan Kellogg
accepted. Tipton must serve 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for
parole.

Prosecutors
dismissed all other charges and agreed to file no more charges connected with
the case.

Tipton
had been accused of killing the boy on November 30th of last year by
striking and strangling him. He also failed to seek medical treatment for the
boy. Tipton had been charged with 13 felonies, ranging from first and
second-degree murder to neglect of a child resulting in death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626106714243.jpeg" alt="Donald Tipton/Photo courtesy of The Savannah Reporter" />
 <figcaption>Donald Tipton/Photo courtesy of The Savannah Reporter</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA
38-year-old Andrew County man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the
death of a 10-year-old boy in November of last year.The
Savannah Reporter reports Donald Tipton entered the guilty plea this morning in Andrew County. The newspaper says Andrew County Prosecutor Steve
Stevenson recommended a 25-year sentence, which Circuit Judge Dan Kellogg
accepted. Tipton must serve 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for
parole.Prosecutors
dismissed all other charges and agreed to file no more charges connected with
the case.Tipton
had been accused of killing the boy on November 30th of last year by
striking and strangling him. He also failed to seek medical treatment for the
boy. Tipton had been charged with 13 felonies, ranging from first and
second-degree murder to neglect of a child resulting in death.

Man pleads guilty in death of 10-year-old Andrew County boy

St. Joseph Police have confirmed the identity of the 43-year-old man who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on the 7th of July.&nbsp;

St. Joseph Police have confirmed that Denny Ray Bonar, of St. Joseph died on the 7th from what appears to be an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police say Bonar fired into a crowd at America's Best Value Inn at the corner of I-29 and Fredrick, then crashed his vehicle into the Speedy’s Convenience Store at 4007 Frederick.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626101845912.jpeg" alt="Photo from Rupp Funeral Home" />
 <figcaption>Photo from Rupp Funeral Home</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Police have confirmed the identity of the 43-year-old man who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on the 7th of July.&nbsp;St. Joseph Police have confirmed that Denny Ray Bonar, of St. Joseph died on the 7th from what appears to be an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.Police say Bonar fired into a crowd at America's Best Value Inn at the corner of I-29 and Fredrick, then crashed his vehicle into the Speedy’s Convenience Store at 4007 Frederick.&nbsp;The investigation continues.

St. Joseph Police identify victim of accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound 

St. Joseph police worked a couple of serious accidents on
Sunday, including a fatal accident.

Police say a motorcyclist in his 30s attempted to avoid a vehicle
pulling out onto the Belt Highway Sunday afternoon. The cyclist lost control of
his bike. The motorcycle skidded, throwing him off. The rider died at the
scene. No identity has been released.

A rollover accident in the 1900 block of Pacific left two with
serious injuries, the extent of the injuries is not known at this time.

St. Joseph police report the accident occurred at about 11:20 last
night when the driver lost control of the vehicle. It ran off the highway and
rolled several times. The circumstances that led to the wreck remain under investigation.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police worked a couple of serious accidents on
Sunday, including a fatal accident.Police say a motorcyclist in his 30s attempted to avoid a vehicle
pulling out onto the Belt Highway Sunday afternoon. The cyclist lost control of
his bike. The motorcycle skidded, throwing him off. The rider died at the
scene. No identity has been released.A rollover accident in the 1900 block of Pacific left two with
serious injuries, the extent of the injuries is not known at this time.St. Joseph police report the accident occurred at about 11:20 last
night when the driver lost control of the vehicle. It ran off the highway and
rolled several times. The circumstances that led to the wreck remain under investigation.

Two serious accidents, one a fatal motorcycle accident, Sunday in St. Joseph

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have arrested a suspect wanted in connection with a police chase in June in Atchison County.&nbsp;

Just before 11:20p.m. on June, an officer attempted to stop a Chevrolet Malibu in the 1600 block Main in Atchison after the vehicle was observed driving recklessly out of a convenience store parking lot, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The vehicle fled from the officer east on Main to 14th, south on 14th to U.S.59, and east on U.S.59 into Missouri.

 The subsequent investigation identified 36-year-old Andrew Feek as the driver of that vehicle. 

On July 10, police located and took Feed into custody on Friday on a District Court warrant. He is being held on requested charges of fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, speeding, and failure to stop at stop lights, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626096785335.png" alt="Andrew Feek -photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Andrew Feek -photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have arrested a suspect wanted in connection with a police chase in June in Atchison County.&nbsp;Just before 11:20p.m. on June, an officer attempted to stop a Chevrolet Malibu in the 1600 block Main in Atchison after the vehicle was observed driving recklessly out of a convenience store parking lot, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The vehicle fled from the officer east on Main to 14th, south on 14th to U.S.59, and east on U.S.59 into Missouri. The subsequent investigation identified 36-year-old Andrew Feek as the driver of that vehicle. On July 10, police located and took Feed into custody on Friday on a District Court warrant. He is being held on requested charges of fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, speeding, and failure to stop at stop lights, according to Wilson.

Police arrest suspect wanted for fleeing June traffic stop 

A
digital presence, a business plan, increasing sales; all will be topics
discussed this week during Entrepreneurship Week on the Missouri Western State
University St. Joseph campus.

Director
of the Craig School of Business Center for Entrepreneurship, Annette Weeks,
says a digital presence is necessary, because consumers turn to the Internet to
learn more about businesses.

“A
lot of them are wanting to know more about the business owner now, because we
had strong promotion about shopping local and so they’re understanding the importance
of supporting local business owners, because we all rallied around them to
survive through the last year and a half,” Weeks tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “So, you have to make sure to have your digital presence
connecting with the consumer.”

This
is the sixth Entrepreneurship Week sponsored by the Craig Center. It had to
cancel the week last year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Weeks
leads the first session this morning on how to write a business plan. Other
sessions focus on sales, protecting a business, marketing plans, and the role
of social media for small businesses.

Weeks
says a business plan is more important than ever.

“So,
for those thinking about (starting) a business or if you already have an
existing business, this helps you re-look at your plan and how have you
adjusted post-pandemic?” says Weeks, adding. “I don’t if it’s really ‘post’
quite yet.”

Miu
Edlin with the Craig Center will hold a seminar on creating a marketing plan. 

“Cause
not all business understands that, hey, you need a target market and you need a
goal for your business and those will lead to, ‘How much time to I need to
spend on my digital presence or is my target market wanting a traditional
marketing?’” Edlin says.

Entrepreneurship
Week, this year entitled Road to Success, begins this morning at Spratt 214 and
runs through this week. The week wraps up on Friday with guest speaker, Joe
Gray of Gray Manufacturing, at the Capstone Business Luncheon at the Fulkerson
Center.

Walk-ins are welcome, registration is preferred.

Click
<a href="https://csb-cfe.missouriwestern.edu/entrepreneurship-week/">here</a> for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625856275606.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA
digital presence, a business plan, increasing sales; all will be topics
discussed this week during Entrepreneurship Week on the Missouri Western State
University St. Joseph campus.Director
of the Craig School of Business Center for Entrepreneurship, Annette Weeks,
says a digital presence is necessary, because consumers turn to the Internet to
learn more about businesses.“A
lot of them are wanting to know more about the business owner now, because we
had strong promotion about shopping local and so they’re understanding the importance
of supporting local business owners, because we all rallied around them to
survive through the last year and a half,” Weeks tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “So, you have to make sure to have your digital presence
connecting with the consumer.”This
is the sixth Entrepreneurship Week sponsored by the Craig Center. It had to
cancel the week last year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.Weeks
leads the first session this morning on how to write a business plan. Other
sessions focus on sales, protecting a business, marketing plans, and the role
of social media for small businesses.Weeks
says a business plan is more important than ever.“So,
for those thinking about (starting) a business or if you already have an
existing business, this helps you re-look at your plan and how have you
adjusted post-pandemic?” says Weeks, adding. “I don’t if it’s really ‘post’
quite yet.”Miu
Edlin with the Craig Center will hold a seminar on creating a marketing plan. “Cause
not all business understands that, hey, you need a target market and you need a
goal for your business and those will lead to, ‘How much time to I need to
spend on my digital presence or is my target market wanting a traditional
marketing?’” Edlin says.Entrepreneurship
Week, this year entitled Road to Success, begins this morning at Spratt 214 and
runs through this week. The week wraps up on Friday with guest speaker, Joe
Gray of Gray Manufacturing, at the Capstone Business Luncheon at the Fulkerson
Center.Walk-ins are welcome, registration is preferred.Click
<a href="https://csb-cfe.missouriwestern.edu/entrepreneurship-week/">here</a> for more information.

Navigating the "Road to Success" the theme of Entrepreneurship Week

The St. Joseph City Council will decide at their Monday meeting whether or not a proposed 175-foot AT&amp;T cell tower gets built in a residential neighborhood on the east side of town.

AT&amp;T currently has equipment on top of Missouri American Water’s tower just off Interstate 29 near Karnes Road. However, AT&amp;T can’t come to terms with Missouri American to stay at that location due to a clause in the agreement which would force AT&amp;T to remove its equipment following a 90-day notice.

Therefore, AT&amp;T has requested a conditional use permit&nbsp;for construction of a 175-foot tower at 3802 Karnes Road - behind Morton Lane.

Residents of that neighborhood spoke in strong opposition against the tower at the last council meeting on June 28, citing concerns about wildlife in the area, the negative aesthetic impacts of the tower and how the tower could negatively impact property value.

Longtime resident Everet Hoffman was one of them.

"I think what is clear, after looking at some of the reviews, is that in St. Joseph, if you have a house and it has a cell tower looming in the backyard and you want to sell it," he said, "and there's somebody who has an equivalent-type house, you're going to have to sell it for less than they are."

AT&amp;T regional director Mike Chambers says the proposed tower site would provide the best service for customers in the area.

"I know AT&amp;T has made every effort to do the best we can to find the best location for this tower," he said. "It does provide some very critical service."

To maintain service, AT&amp;T has to relocate the new tower within a quarter-mile radius of the existing one, which is why they want to build the tower directly across the highway - behind the residential neighborhood on Morton Lane.

Occupants of that neighborhood see it differently, including 13-year resident of the area Robert Brown.

"I have one question for all of you," Brown said. "I mean, would you want that (tower) in your backyard? It'd be right in my backyard."

Residents who live near the proposed site are concerned the tower would be unattractive and lower property value.&nbsp;AT&amp;T has studies from St. Louis and Kansas City that show property values don’t decrease due to a cell tower, but residents have referenced studies that say the opposite.

Others are concerned about negative impacts on the wildlife that lives in the heavily wooded area where the tower would go.

Chambers says tower construction would only last 6-8 weeks, and would have little to no impact on the animals that live there.

"When people have a concern about wildlife, honestly, I can't think of a better use for the property," Chambers said. "If the tower is there, nothing else can really be done with the property. Our tower would only have a small truck or SUV back there to do maintenance periodically."

Even so, residents firmly believe that the tower would not fit the aesthetic of a residential neighborhood.

"We don't want a cell tower in our neighborhood," said Linda Hundley, who lives across the street from the proposed site. "It doesn't fit. They're going to tear up what's back there, take the trees out and erect this giant eye sore."

The new tower would be equipped with Band-14 for FirstNet service - high-speed broadband communication for first responders. Residents understand that need and its importance. They just want AT&amp;T to consider other options.

"We are a residential neighborhood," said Jayne Katakis. "We enjoy our homes, and we spend our hard-earned money on that place. We just want you to take that into consideration please, because it will affect our property value."

Chambers argues that the proposed location is preferred, because AT&amp;T believes the trees in the area will do a good enough job of concealing the tower.

"Our desire and really what makes this location attractive for us is that it's very heavily wooded, and therefore our base equipment and hut will basically not be seen by anybody."

St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray motioned in the last meeting that city staff draft findings of fact, which must prove several things - that the tower would be concealed and minimally visible, that the tower is not visually compatible with the area and will negatively impact property value and that use of the tower would impact regular permitted uses of residential districts.

<a href="https://stjoseph.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&amp;event_id=875&amp;meta_id=85596">According to documents on the city website</a>, AT&amp;T "failed to meet the minimum requirements for issuance of a conditional use permit, and the permit request has been denied."

Council still needs to vote on the matter. A super majority, six out of nine members, would need to vote in favor of the permit in order for the tower to be built.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624937215723.jpeg" alt="Nathan Hunt, who lives near the site of a proposed cell tower in east St. Joseph, testifies before city council on June 28 and asked members to vote no on the conditional use permit which would put the proposed cell tower close to his home. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Nathan Hunt, who lives near the site of a proposed cell tower in east St. Joseph, testifies before city council on June 28 and asked members to vote no on the conditional use permit which would put the proposed cell tower close to his home. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph City Council will decide at their Monday meeting whether or not a proposed 175-foot AT&amp;T cell tower gets built in a residential neighborhood on the east side of town.AT&amp;T currently has equipment on top of Missouri American Water’s tower just off Interstate 29 near Karnes Road. However, AT&amp;T can’t come to terms with Missouri American to stay at that location due to a clause in the agreement which would force AT&amp;T to remove its equipment following a 90-day notice.Therefore, AT&amp;T has requested a conditional use permit&nbsp;for construction of a 175-foot tower at 3802 Karnes Road - behind Morton Lane.Residents of that neighborhood spoke in strong opposition against the tower at the last council meeting on June 28, citing concerns about wildlife in the area, the negative aesthetic impacts of the tower and how the tower could negatively impact property value.Longtime resident Everet Hoffman was one of them."I think what is clear, after looking at some of the reviews, is that in St. Joseph, if you have a house and it has a cell tower looming in the backyard and you want to sell it," he said, "and there's somebody who has an equivalent-type house, you're going to have to sell it for less than they are."AT&amp;T regional director Mike Chambers says the proposed tower site would provide the best service for customers in the area."I know AT&amp;T has made every effort to do the best we can to find the best location for this tower," he said. "It does provide some very critical service."To maintain service, AT&amp;T has to relocate the new tower within a quarter-mile radius of the existing one, which is why they want to build the tower directly across the highway - behind the residential neighborhood on Morton Lane.Occupants of that neighborhood see it differently, including 13-year resident of the area Robert Brown."I have one question for all of you," Brown said. "I mean, would you want that (tower) in your backyard? It'd be right in my backyard."Residents who live near the proposed site are concerned the tower would be unattractive and lower property value.&nbsp;AT&amp;T has studies from St. Louis and Kansas City that show property values don’t decrease due to a cell tower, but residents have referenced studies that say the opposite.Others are concerned about negative impacts on the wildlife that lives in the heavily wooded area where the tower would go.Chambers says tower construction would only last 6-8 weeks, and would have little to no impact on the animals that live there."When people have a concern about wildlife, honestly, I can't think of a better use for the property," Chambers said. "If the tower is there, nothing else can really be done with the property. Our tower would only have a small truck or SUV back there to do maintenance periodically."Even so, residents firmly believe that the tower would not fit the aesthetic of a residential neighborhood."We don't want a cell tower in our neighborhood," said Linda Hundley, who lives across the street from the proposed site. "It doesn't fit. They're going to tear up what's back there, take the trees out and erect this giant eye sore."The new tower would be equipped with Band-14 for FirstNet service - high-speed broadband communication for first responders. Residents understand that need and its importance. They just want AT&amp;T to consider other options."We are a residential neighborhood," said Jayne Katakis. "We enjoy our homes, and we spend our hard-earned money on that place. We just want you to take that into consideration please, because it will affect our property value."Chambers argues that the proposed location is preferred, because AT&amp;T believes the trees in the area will do a good enough job of concealing the tower."Our desire and really what makes this location attractive for us is that it's very heavily wooded, and therefore our base equipment and hut will basically not be seen by anybody."St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray motioned in the last meeting that city staff draft findings of fact, which must prove several things - that the tower would be concealed and minimally visible, that the tower is not visually compatible with the area and will negatively impact property value and that use of the tower would impact regular permitted uses of residential districts.<a href="https://stjoseph.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&amp;event_id=875&amp;meta_id=85596">According to documents on the city website</a>, AT&amp;T "failed to meet the minimum requirements for issuance of a conditional use permit, and the permit request has been denied."Council still needs to vote on the matter. A super majority, six out of nine members, would need to vote in favor of the permit in order for the tower to be built.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph City Council to decide Monday if cell tower goes up in residential neighborhood

NODAWAY COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Ford Ranger driven by Stephanie A. Obrien, 19, Barnard, was westbound on Route M one mile east of Guilford.

The pickup traveled off the north side of the road, returned to the road, crossed the center line and the driver overcorrected.

The pickup traveled off the north side of the road a second time, struck a fence and traveled down a ditch.

Nodaway County EMS transported Obrien to Mosaic in St. Joseph. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Ford Ranger driven by Stephanie A. Obrien, 19, Barnard, was westbound on Route M one mile east of Guilford.The pickup traveled off the north side of the road, returned to the road, crossed the center line and the driver overcorrected.The pickup traveled off the north side of the road a second time, struck a fence and traveled down a ditch.Nodaway County EMS transported Obrien to Mosaic in St. Joseph. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Barnard woman injured in pickup crash

ANDREW COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 7:30 p.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F150 driven by Ethan J. Hall., 30, Union Star, was northbound on&nbsp; Route W one mile east of Avenue City.&nbsp;

The pickup was traveling too fast for conditions. It traveled through the intersection at Route O, off the north side of the road and struck a fence and a ditch.

Andrew County ambulance transported Hall to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 7:30 p.m. Sunday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F150 driven by Ethan J. Hall., 30, Union Star, was northbound on&nbsp; Route W one mile east of Avenue City.&nbsp;The pickup was traveling too fast for conditions. It traveled through the intersection at Route O, off the north side of the road and struck a fence and a ditch.Andrew County ambulance transported Hall to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Union Star man hospitalized after pickup strikes fence

KANSAS CITY— A Mexican national who has been deported seven times after illegally entering the United States was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a Daviess County, Missouri, marijuana-growing operation where law enforcement officers seized nearly $10 million worth of plants, according to the United State's Attorney.

Sergio Medina-Perez, 47, of El Monte, California, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to six years in federal prison without parole. This federal sentence must be served consecutively to any sentence imposed as a result of his violation of probation in an unrelated California case. Medina-Perez pleaded guilty in California to being a felon in possession of a firearm, cultivating marijuana and resisting arrest for a marijuana grow operation in Shasta County, Calif. He received a suspended imposition of sentence and was placed on three years’ probation, but indicted eight months later in this federal case.

The court also ordered Medina-Perez to forfeit the Daviess County property to the government.

On Feb. 3, 2021, Medina-Perez pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to manufacture and to possess marijuana plants with the intent to distribute. Medina-Perez also pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after having been deported following a felony conviction.

Law enforcement officers, who had been keeping the marijuana grow site under surveillance, executed a search warrant at the property on Aug. 27, 2018. The plants were in a clearing inside a large area of timber. A distinct path led from a building in the wooded area to the area containing the marijuana plants.

Officers located approximately 2,464 cultivated marijuana plants. With an approximate street value of $1,800 per pound of marijuana, this results in approximately $9,757,440 in marijuana plants seized.

Two days later, on Aug. 29, 2018, Medina-Perez was arrested near the grow site. He told law enforcement that he came to Missouri from California to work as a trimmer at the marijuana grow operation and was paid $100 for every pound of marijuana that he trimmed.

Medina-Perez has been deported from the United States on seven previous occasions. He was convicted in Yakima County, Washington, of possessing cocaine on Sept. 22, 1993, and deported in 1995. He illegally reentered the United States and was deported again on April 3, 1998; Aug. 30, 2002; April 4, 2003; Dec. 17, 2005; July 6, 2006; and July 11, 2006.

Co-defendant Miguel Pulido-Maldonado, also known as “Mona,” 30, ran into the woods to escape custody but was arrested on Aug. 30, 2018; he was covered in mud, his arms had numerous bites from either mosquitos or other insects and it appeared he had been outside for several days. Pulido-Maldonado had previously illegally entered the United States and was removed on Jan. 30, 2017. Pulido-Maldonado was sentenced to three years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to illegally reentering the United States.

KANSAS CITY— A Mexican national who has been deported seven times after illegally entering the United States was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a Daviess County, Missouri, marijuana-growing operation where law enforcement officers seized nearly $10 million worth of plants, according to the United State's Attorney.Sergio Medina-Perez, 47, of El Monte, California, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to six years in federal prison without parole. This federal sentence must be served consecutively to any sentence imposed as a result of his violation of probation in an unrelated California case. Medina-Perez pleaded guilty in California to being a felon in possession of a firearm, cultivating marijuana and resisting arrest for a marijuana grow operation in Shasta County, Calif. He received a suspended imposition of sentence and was placed on three years’ probation, but indicted eight months later in this federal case.The court also ordered Medina-Perez to forfeit the Daviess County property to the government.On Feb. 3, 2021, Medina-Perez pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to manufacture and to possess marijuana plants with the intent to distribute. Medina-Perez also pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after having been deported following a felony conviction.Law enforcement officers, who had been keeping the marijuana grow site under surveillance, executed a search warrant at the property on Aug. 27, 2018. The plants were in a clearing inside a large area of timber. A distinct path led from a building in the wooded area to the area containing the marijuana plants.Officers located approximately 2,464 cultivated marijuana plants. With an approximate street value of $1,800 per pound of marijuana, this results in approximately $9,757,440 in marijuana plants seized.Two days later, on Aug. 29, 2018, Medina-Perez was arrested near the grow site. He told law enforcement that he came to Missouri from California to work as a trimmer at the marijuana grow operation and was paid $100 for every pound of marijuana that he trimmed.Medina-Perez has been deported from the United States on seven previous occasions. He was convicted in Yakima County, Washington, of possessing cocaine on Sept. 22, 1993, and deported in 1995. He illegally reentered the United States and was deported again on April 3, 1998; Aug. 30, 2002; April 4, 2003; Dec. 17, 2005; July 6, 2006; and July 11, 2006.Co-defendant Miguel Pulido-Maldonado, also known as “Mona,” 30, ran into the woods to escape custody but was arrested on Aug. 30, 2018; he was covered in mud, his arms had numerous bites from either mosquitos or other insects and it appeared he had been outside for several days. Pulido-Maldonado had previously illegally entered the United States and was removed on Jan. 30, 2017. Pulido-Maldonado was sentenced to three years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to illegally reentering the United States.

Plant trimmer on $10M Daviess Co. marijuana farm sentenced to prison

St. Joseph police are investigating a weekend shooting at the
Brittany Village apartment complex that left one young man with
non-life-threatening wounds.

St. Joseph police report officers responded to a report of shots
fired at the eastern St. Joseph apartments at around 6:30 Saturday evening. A
man in his mid-20s had suffered gunshot wounds to his forearm and abdomen. Neither appeared life-threatening.

No identity has been released. Police are releasing few
details as the investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police are investigating a weekend shooting at the
Brittany Village apartment complex that left one young man with
non-life-threatening wounds.St. Joseph police report officers responded to a report of shots
fired at the eastern St. Joseph apartments at around 6:30 Saturday evening. A
man in his mid-20s had suffered gunshot wounds to his forearm and abdomen. Neither appeared life-threatening.No identity has been released. Police are releasing few
details as the investigation continues.

One wounded in St. Joseph apartment complex shooting

DAVIESS COUNTY—Five people was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Saturday in Daviess County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Traverse driven by Terry L. Christiansen, 24, East Moline, IL., was northbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Winston.

The SUV traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, went airborne and landed in the median.

Cameron EMS transported three children ages 4,6 and 9 from East Moline, IL., to Mosaic Life Care. They also transported 19-year-old Erica Rudsel of Paint Rock, TX., to Cameron Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; Daviess County EMS transported Dakota P. Christiansen, 30, East Moline, IL., to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The driver was not injured. Dakota Christiansen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The agency did not have seat belt usage information for the juveniles.

DAVIESS COUNTY—Five people was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Saturday in Daviess County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Traverse driven by Terry L. Christiansen, 24, East Moline, IL., was northbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Winston.The SUV traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, went airborne and landed in the median.Cameron EMS transported three children ages 4,6 and 9 from East Moline, IL., to Mosaic Life Care. They also transported 19-year-old Erica Rudsel of Paint Rock, TX., to Cameron Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; Daviess County EMS transported Dakota P. Christiansen, 30, East Moline, IL., to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The driver was not injured. Dakota Christiansen was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The agency did not have seat belt usage information for the juveniles.

2 adults, 3 juveniles injured in Daviess Co. crash

GRUNDY COUNTY —A Missouri teen died in an accident just before 3p.mm. Friday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1993 Chevy Silverado driven by 15-year-old girl from Laredo was westbound on SE 60th Street six miles southeast of Laredo.

The driver lost control of the pickup on a gravel road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck several trees and then struck a large tree.

Grundy County EMS transported the girl to Wright Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY —A Missouri teen died in an accident just before 3p.mm. Friday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1993 Chevy Silverado driven by 15-year-old girl from Laredo was westbound on SE 60th Street six miles southeast of Laredo.The driver lost control of the pickup on a gravel road. The pickup traveled off the road, struck several trees and then struck a large tree.Grundy County EMS transported the girl to Wright Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Grundy County teen dies after pickup crash into trees

It was a somber and emotional scene at the Civic Center Park in downtown St. Joseph on Friday afternoon, as hundreds gathered to honor the life of St. Joseph Police K-9 Max, who was killed in the line of duty on June 30.

Dozens of officers from surrounding cities and counties attended the funeral in uniform, while hundreds of others stood near the War Memorial at Civic Center Park, where Max's farewell services were held.

Having first arrived in the U.S. in July 2018, Max joined the St. Joseph Police Department in February 2019, and served alongside his handler and trainer - officer Lucas Winder.

"Working with Max, it was like taking your best friend and kid to work every day," he said. "We would go out and have fun, but also go out and get business done. Every day was a blessing. I'm just grateful for the time we did have together."

Of Max's numerous skills and qualities, Winder will remember his partner's loyalty the most.

"He was my kid," Winder said fondly. "It's funny, because my wife or someone else would try and talk to him, he would just laser-beam focus on me. You could just tell our bond was just there. Unbreakable. It was beautiful. The kid was always there for me."

St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally says whether it be two legs or four, Max was one of their own, and losing him was a very painful experience.

"When we lost Max, we lost an officer," he said, "and it hurts...he was one of our own."

Max’s death occurred late on the night June 30 after St. Joseph Police responded to a call that an armed man had barricaded himself into a residence.

During negotiations, the armed suspect fled out of the back of the residence. He shot K-9 Max during the pursuit. Max was transported to Kansas City for emergency care, but died of his wounds.

Connally said Max lived out his sworn duty as a St. Joseph Police officer right until the very end.

"We as police officers are sworn to protect and serve and Max did exactly that," Connally said. "As trained and true to his mission, he did his job, and while doing it likely saved our officers and maybe even the perpetrator."

A charge of armed criminal action has been filed against 24-year-old Valdez McDonald in the death of Max. McDonald also faces a charge of domestic abuse charge for assault against his mother.

The time that has followed Max's death has been a 'day-by-day battle,' according to Winder, but he thanks the community for the outpouring of support he's received since that awful night.

"I couldn't even tell you the amount of calls and texts I've received," Winder said. "Not just from this jurisdiction, but nationwide. It's been beautiful to see everyone come together."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625870714413.jpeg" alt="A large procession of police vehicles makes its way down Francis Street at the start of the farewell service for K-9 Max. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>A large procession of police vehicles makes its way down Francis Street at the start of the farewell service for K-9 Max. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt was a somber and emotional scene at the Civic Center Park in downtown St. Joseph on Friday afternoon, as hundreds gathered to honor the life of St. Joseph Police K-9 Max, who was killed in the line of duty on June 30.Dozens of officers from surrounding cities and counties attended the funeral in uniform, while hundreds of others stood near the War Memorial at Civic Center Park, where Max's farewell services were held.Having first arrived in the U.S. in July 2018, Max joined the St. Joseph Police Department in February 2019, and served alongside his handler and trainer - officer Lucas Winder."Working with Max, it was like taking your best friend and kid to work every day," he said. "We would go out and have fun, but also go out and get business done. Every day was a blessing. I'm just grateful for the time we did have together."Of Max's numerous skills and qualities, Winder will remember his partner's loyalty the most."He was my kid," Winder said fondly. "It's funny, because my wife or someone else would try and talk to him, he would just laser-beam focus on me. You could just tell our bond was just there. Unbreakable. It was beautiful. The kid was always there for me."St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally says whether it be two legs or four, Max was one of their own, and losing him was a very painful experience."When we lost Max, we lost an officer," he said, "and it hurts...he was one of our own."Max’s death occurred late on the night June 30 after St. Joseph Police responded to a call that an armed man had barricaded himself into a residence.During negotiations, the armed suspect fled out of the back of the residence. He shot K-9 Max during the pursuit. Max was transported to Kansas City for emergency care, but died of his wounds.Connally said Max lived out his sworn duty as a St. Joseph Police officer right until the very end."We as police officers are sworn to protect and serve and Max did exactly that," Connally said. "As trained and true to his mission, he did his job, and while doing it likely saved our officers and maybe even the perpetrator."A charge of armed criminal action has been filed against 24-year-old Valdez McDonald in the death of Max. McDonald also faces a charge of domestic abuse charge for assault against his mother.The time that has followed Max's death has been a 'day-by-day battle,' according to Winder, but he thanks the community for the outpouring of support he's received since that awful night."I couldn't even tell you the amount of calls and texts I've received," Winder said. "Not just from this jurisdiction, but nationwide. It's been beautiful to see everyone come together."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625870790688.jpeg" alt="K-9 Max's handler, officer Lucas Winder (right), receives a folded American flag from St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally (right) during Friday's farewell service. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>K-9 Max's handler, officer Lucas Winder (right), receives a folded American flag from St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally (right) during Friday's farewell service. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625870946440.jpeg" alt="Numerous K-9s from various area law enforcement agencies were part of the funeral procession for St. Joseph K-9 Max, who was killed in the line of duty on June 30. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Numerous K-9s from various area law enforcement agencies were part of the funeral procession for St. Joseph K-9 Max, who was killed in the line of duty on June 30. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Video of the service can be seen here:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fvideos%2F1149324428897841%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Full photo gallery below:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fposts%2F4189360877811211&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="665" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Hundreds gather at Civic Center Park to honor K-9 Max Friday

A vehicle crashed into an apartment building very early this morning, running through the wall and injuring two residents.

St. Joseph police say the accident occurred shortly before
4:30 this morning at the Cottonwood Creek apartment complex at 3600 Gene Field
Road. Police say the vehicle crashed into the apartment. The two residents
refused medical treatment, but had slight head wounds.

The driver has been taken into custody, suspected of driving
while impaired.

Four people were injured in a crash about half an hour after
midnight at South Belt and Pear.

St. Joseph police say a minivan packed with seven people
attempted a left-hand turn off of the Belt Highway into a parking lot, turning
into the path of a southbound truck. The collision injured three in the van,
one of the three was hospitalized. The truck driver also suffered injuries in
the wreck.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA vehicle crashed into an apartment building very early this morning, running through the wall and injuring two residents.St. Joseph police say the accident occurred shortly before
4:30 this morning at the Cottonwood Creek apartment complex at 3600 Gene Field
Road. Police say the vehicle crashed into the apartment. The two residents
refused medical treatment, but had slight head wounds.The driver has been taken into custody, suspected of driving
while impaired.Four people were injured in a crash about half an hour after
midnight at South Belt and Pear.St. Joseph police say a minivan packed with seven people
attempted a left-hand turn off of the Belt Highway into a parking lot, turning
into the path of a southbound truck. The collision injured three in the van,
one of the three was hospitalized. The truck driver also suffered injuries in
the wreck.

Two injured when car crashes into St. Joseph apartment; 4 injured in earlier crash

St. Joseph health officials report 104 new coronavirus cases
since last issuing a report on Monday.

A big spike in COVID-19 cases came on Wednesday and Thursday.
The St. Joseph Health Department reports 52 cases both days, the highest number
of new cases since July 1st, when the department reported 55 new
cases.

Buchanan County has a 13.2% positivity rate.

Buchanan County has recorded 11,304 COVID-19 cases
since the pandemic began, resulting in a total of 186 deaths.

The county vaccination rate remains low with 16,923
residents completing their vaccinations, only 19.4% of the county
population.

Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 40 COVID-19 patients in its system, all at the St. Joseph hospital.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 104 new coronavirus cases
since last issuing a report on Monday.A big spike in COVID-19 cases came on Wednesday and Thursday.
The St. Joseph Health Department reports 52 cases both days, the highest number
of new cases since July 1st, when the department reported 55 new
cases.Buchanan County has a 13.2% positivity rate.Buchanan County has recorded 11,304 COVID-19 cases
since the pandemic began, resulting in a total of 186 deaths.The county vaccination rate remains low with 16,923
residents completing their vaccinations, only 19.4% of the county
population.Mosaic Life Care reports it is treating 40 COVID-19 patients in its system, all at the St. Joseph hospital.

St. Joseph health officials report spike in new COVID-19 cases

Despite lingering drought in the upper basin of the Missouri River, the United States Armey Corps of Engineers has no concerns with the river’s current water levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Corps Emergency Manager&nbsp;Mike&nbsp;Dulin&nbsp;says northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas shouldn't have any concerns about Missouri River water levels.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

“I think northwest Missouri, there may be a little teeny bit&nbsp;of dryness up there but for the most part it is sitting about as well as they can for this time of year,” Kluck reports during a conference call with stakeholders and the news media.&nbsp;

Corps of Engineers Power Production Team Lead&nbsp;Mike Swenson says the Corps cannot guarantee access to the water, due to some potential obstacles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Despite lingering drought in the upper basin of the Missouri River, the United States Armey Corps of Engineers has no concerns with the river’s current water levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;Corps Emergency Manager&nbsp;Mike&nbsp;Dulin&nbsp;says northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas shouldn't have any concerns about Missouri River water levels.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“I think northwest Missouri, there may be a little teeny bit&nbsp;of dryness up there but for the most part it is sitting about as well as they can for this time of year,” Kluck reports during a conference call with stakeholders and the news media.&nbsp;Corps of Engineers Power Production Team Lead&nbsp;Mike Swenson says the Corps cannot guarantee access to the water, due to some potential obstacles.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There’s always water in the river and there’s plenty there for all of the users, all the&nbsp;municipal, all the industrial, all the irrigators&nbsp;in whatever reach they’re in or if they’re growing the water from the reservoir,” says Swenson.&nbsp;&nbsp;National Weather Service Hydrologist&nbsp;Kevin Low says the heavy rain in June led to widespread flooding in some areas of eastern Kansas and northern Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Some locations received an excess of 15 inches of rain during that&nbsp;7-day&nbsp;period,” says Low. “The highest&nbsp;24-hour&nbsp;total&nbsp;that I remember seeing was 10.2 inches and that occurred at a couple locations in northern Missouri.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Even with the recent downpour, the&nbsp;upper basin runoff for June was 52% of its average due to the low precipitation in the&nbsp;Sioux City, Iowa area as the upper basin experiences lingering drought.&nbsp;

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