DEKALB COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Monday in DeKalb County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 International truck driven by Krista L. Smith, 52, Eaton Colorado, was southbound on MO 31 three miles west of Stewartsville.

The driver attempted to cross U.S. 36 and failed to yield to a westbound 2017 Ford Escape driven by Janet R. Drummond, 69, Hopkins. The Ford struck the International in the driver's side.

DeKalb-Clinton County ambulance transported Drummond to Mosaic Life Care. Smith was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

DEKALB COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Monday in DeKalb County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 International truck driven by Krista L. Smith, 52, Eaton Colorado, was southbound on MO 31 three miles west of Stewartsville.The driver attempted to cross U.S. 36 and failed to yield to a westbound 2017 Ford Escape driven by Janet R. Drummond, 69, Hopkins. The Ford struck the International in the driver's side.DeKalb-Clinton County ambulance transported Drummond to Mosaic Life Care. Smith was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after 2-vehicle DeKalb Co. crash

DAVIESS COUNTY—Two from St. Joseph were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Monday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Pontiac G6 driven by&nbsp; Tyler C. Barnes, 25, St. Joseph, was westbound on&nbsp; Route T three miles north of Pattonsburg.

The driver fell asleep. The car crossed the center line, traveled off the south side of the road and struck a ditch.

NTA ambulance transported Barnes and a 2-year-old boy from St. Joseph to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Barnes was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—Two from St. Joseph were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Monday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Pontiac G6 driven by&nbsp; Tyler C. Barnes, 25, St. Joseph, was westbound on&nbsp; Route T three miles north of Pattonsburg.The driver fell asleep. The car crossed the center line, traveled off the south side of the road and struck a ditch.NTA ambulance transported Barnes and a 2-year-old boy from St. Joseph to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Barnes was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph man, toddler hospitalized after driver falls asleep

A recent COVID-19 spike in Worth County has Tri-County Health officials trying to figure out the cause of this increase.

Worth County has reported 15 active cases from June 11-14 and currently ranks second in the state in cases per 100,000 people. Its 32 percent positivity rate also ranks second statewide.

Tri-County Health Emergency Planner Rachel Brown helps with contact tracing in Worth, Gentry and DeKalb counties. She says the Crossroads-First Assembly of God Church in Grant City has been identified as a place of likely COVID exposure.

"Late last week, we started to see a sharp increase of cases within Worth County, which is a pretty small county to begin with," Brown said. "It was a very sharp increase with a lot of testing happening. Once we started investigating each case and connecting the dots, that's when we realized that there may have been a larger exposure."

Those who attended service at the Crossroads-First Assembly Church in Grant City on June 6 and then a bible study there on June 9 are being asked to quarantine for 10 days.

In addition,&nbsp;Mercer, Grundy and Tri-County health officials have been notified of positive cases found in those who attended the Ashes to Beauty Conference in Roach, MO on June 4-6.

Officials are working to identify, isolate and quarantine those who might have been exposed.

With several variants confirmed in nearby Livingston County, Brown says they're awaiting their own test results to see if a variant is circulating in the Tri-County area as well.

"We're awaiting testing," she said. "So, we sent some samples off to the state lab to be tested and we're waiting for that to come back. There is no real way of telling until we get that confirmation to tell what we're dealing with."

Three different variants, including the U.K. and Indian variants, have been confirmed in Livingston County. While cases have started to slowly come down there, Livingston County has seen 65 new cases of COVID in the last week alone and 134 in the month of June.

There are currently 73 active cases in Livingston County. The Missouri Department of Health has confirmed that over 80 percent of new cases there are being driven by the highly contagious U.K. variant.

"We've been watching it very closely," Brown said. "We don't know if there's any correlation between (Worth and Livingston County's spikes). It's still too early to tell. Even though we're all few and far between since we're rural communities, there's still that possibility of spread across county lines."

This comes as vaccination rates remain low in parts of northwest Missouri. The daily average of doses administered in Missouri has dropped from about 60,000 or more in mid-April to just 10,000 or so doses per day through the first half of June.

Livingston County has seen nearly 30.9 percent of its population complete vaccination. Gentry County's rate stands at 30.3, Worth's is 28.5 and DeKalb's vaccination completion rate is especially low at 18.7 percent.

Buchanan County is in a similar spot. They have reported 96 new cases in the last seven days and only 18.5 percent of its population has completed vaccination. In addition, Mosaic Life Care reports 11 COVID patients in its St. Joseph hospital - its highest total in weeks.

Brown hopes that perhaps these local outbreaks and new surges might encourage more people in the Tri-County area and beyond to get the COVID vaccine.

"Do we hope that this kind of spurs some enthusiasm to get vaccinated? Yes," she said. "That's always our hope. Is it unfortunate? Yes, because we'd hope that people would go out and get vaccinated before this happens again, but we're not sure if we're going to see an increase in vaccination rates or not."

Fortunately, new deaths and hospitalizations in the Tri-County area have remained at or near zero for the last couple of months. However, Livingston County reported three new deaths last week and Hedrick Medical Center last reported four COVID patients.

Brown says the return to normalcy and relaxing of restrictions could be part of why the vaccination rates have slowed, and could be a cause for these recent upticks.

"But, I don't know if that's the only reason or if it goes back to just there are some people who just truly will not get it or who are just very, very resistant to getting the vaccine."

That said, Brown says the key to slowing these current spikes and preventing variants from spreading further is getting vaccinated.

Despite a handful of mild breakthrough cases in vaccinated patients, all three types of vaccine being used in the U.S. have proven effective against the variants by lessening symptoms and reducing hospitalization and death.

"Get vaccinated," Brown said. "If you can, if you're able. Get out there and get vaccinated and stay home if you're sick."

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

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA recent COVID-19 spike in Worth County has Tri-County Health officials trying to figure out the cause of this increase.Worth County has reported 15 active cases from June 11-14 and currently ranks second in the state in cases per 100,000 people. Its 32 percent positivity rate also ranks second statewide.Tri-County Health Emergency Planner Rachel Brown helps with contact tracing in Worth, Gentry and DeKalb counties. She says the Crossroads-First Assembly of God Church in Grant City has been identified as a place of likely COVID exposure."Late last week, we started to see a sharp increase of cases within Worth County, which is a pretty small county to begin with," Brown said. "It was a very sharp increase with a lot of testing happening. Once we started investigating each case and connecting the dots, that's when we realized that there may have been a larger exposure."Those who attended service at the Crossroads-First Assembly Church in Grant City on June 6 and then a bible study there on June 9 are being asked to quarantine for 10 days.In addition,&nbsp;Mercer, Grundy and Tri-County health officials have been notified of positive cases found in those who attended the Ashes to Beauty Conference in Roach, MO on June 4-6.Officials are working to identify, isolate and quarantine those who might have been exposed.With several variants confirmed in nearby Livingston County, Brown says they're awaiting their own test results to see if a variant is circulating in the Tri-County area as well."We're awaiting testing," she said. "So, we sent some samples off to the state lab to be tested and we're waiting for that to come back. There is no real way of telling until we get that confirmation to tell what we're dealing with."Three different variants, including the U.K. and Indian variants, have been confirmed in Livingston County. While cases have started to slowly come down there, Livingston County has seen 65 new cases of COVID in the last week alone and 134 in the month of June.There are currently 73 active cases in Livingston County. The Missouri Department of Health has confirmed that over 80 percent of new cases there are being driven by the highly contagious U.K. variant."We've been watching it very closely," Brown said. "We don't know if there's any correlation between (Worth and Livingston County's spikes). It's still too early to tell. Even though we're all few and far between since we're rural communities, there's still that possibility of spread across county lines."This comes as vaccination rates remain low in parts of northwest Missouri. The daily average of doses administered in Missouri has dropped from about 60,000 or more in mid-April to just 10,000 or so doses per day through the first half of June.Livingston County has seen nearly 30.9 percent of its population complete vaccination. Gentry County's rate stands at 30.3, Worth's is 28.5 and DeKalb's vaccination completion rate is especially low at 18.7 percent.Buchanan County is in a similar spot. They have reported 96 new cases in the last seven days and only 18.5 percent of its population has completed vaccination. In addition, Mosaic Life Care reports 11 COVID patients in its St. Joseph hospital - its highest total in weeks.Brown hopes that perhaps these local outbreaks and new surges might encourage more people in the Tri-County area and beyond to get the COVID vaccine."Do we hope that this kind of spurs some enthusiasm to get vaccinated? Yes," she said. "That's always our hope. Is it unfortunate? Yes, because we'd hope that people would go out and get vaccinated before this happens again, but we're not sure if we're going to see an increase in vaccination rates or not."Fortunately, new deaths and hospitalizations in the Tri-County area have remained at or near zero for the last couple of months. However, Livingston County reported three new deaths last week and Hedrick Medical Center last reported four COVID patients.Brown says the return to normalcy and relaxing of restrictions could be part of why the vaccination rates have slowed, and could be a cause for these recent upticks."But, I don't know if that's the only reason or if it goes back to just there are some people who just truly will not get it or who are just very, very resistant to getting the vaccine."That said, Brown says the key to slowing these current spikes and preventing variants from spreading further is getting vaccinated.Despite a handful of mild breakthrough cases in vaccinated patients, all three types of vaccine being used in the U.S. have proven effective against the variants by lessening symptoms and reducing hospitalization and death."Get vaccinated," Brown said. "If you can, if you're able. Get out there and get vaccinated and stay home if you're sick."<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftricountyhealthdept%2Fposts%2F4204390499617396&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="265" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Tri-County Health Department eyeing recent COVID spike in Worth County

Missouri Western State University will begin offering a
cybersecurity degree even as high-profile cyber-attacks have been in the news.

Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says she began
considering the new program after talking with an alum who turned a math and
computer science degree into a 20-year career in international computer
security.

“I spent some time talking with him and he graciously offered
to help us design a program that’s going to be unique,” Kennedy says. “It’s not
going to be just your generic, quote-unquote, cyber-security, but it’s going to
focus on threat penetration, detecting that in ways that will provide graduates
from our program a little bit of a cutting edge.”

Meat packer, JBS, paid an $11 million ransom after a cyber-attack
shut the company down. Colonial Pipeline paid $5 million to cyber pirates and
Solar Winds also suffered a cyber-attack that actually compromised a top
cybersecurity firm.

Kennedy says the university is currently hiring faculty and
creating labs. She says the program needs to incorporate IT professionals and
networks.

“A lot of what the students may be doing will be in a network
virtually,” according to Kennedy. “Looking at do we want to, for example, develop
a cyber range? A lot of people say, ‘What’s a cyber range?’ and I say, well it’s
kind of like a gun range, right? When you want to practice shooting your gun,
you go to a gun range. Well, a cyber range is where you practice your cyber
skills.”

Kennedy believes the program has great room for growth,
because of the threat posed by computer hackers.

“It’s not only getting hacked, but it’s the ransomware that
folks have been paying, whether it’s pipeline or a bank or another agency,”
says Kennedy. “Being able to protect your data and doing so is very important.
So, I think this is going to be very helpful for our region.”

The new program begins this fall on the St. Joseph campus with
basic computer programming classes. Kennedy says it will slowly build as the
university adds faculty and creates partnerships with IT firms.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University will begin offering a
cybersecurity degree even as high-profile cyber-attacks have been in the news.Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says she began
considering the new program after talking with an alum who turned a math and
computer science degree into a 20-year career in international computer
security.“I spent some time talking with him and he graciously offered
to help us design a program that’s going to be unique,” Kennedy says. “It’s not
going to be just your generic, quote-unquote, cyber-security, but it’s going to
focus on threat penetration, detecting that in ways that will provide graduates
from our program a little bit of a cutting edge.”Meat packer, JBS, paid an $11 million ransom after a cyber-attack
shut the company down. Colonial Pipeline paid $5 million to cyber pirates and
Solar Winds also suffered a cyber-attack that actually compromised a top
cybersecurity firm.Kennedy says the university is currently hiring faculty and
creating labs. She says the program needs to incorporate IT professionals and
networks.“A lot of what the students may be doing will be in a network
virtually,” according to Kennedy. “Looking at do we want to, for example, develop
a cyber range? A lot of people say, ‘What’s a cyber range?’ and I say, well it’s
kind of like a gun range, right? When you want to practice shooting your gun,
you go to a gun range. Well, a cyber range is where you practice your cyber
skills.”Kennedy believes the program has great room for growth,
because of the threat posed by computer hackers.“It’s not only getting hacked, but it’s the ransomware that
folks have been paying, whether it’s pipeline or a bank or another agency,”
says Kennedy. “Being able to protect your data and doing so is very important.
So, I think this is going to be very helpful for our region.”The new program begins this fall on the St. Joseph campus with
basic computer programming classes. Kennedy says it will slowly build as the
university adds faculty and creates partnerships with IT firms.

MWSU to offer cybersecurity degree, beginning this fall

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Monday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Hyundai passenger vehicle driven by Marina A. Munday, 28, Trenton, was westbound on Route B two miles west of Wheeling.

The driver failed to stop at a stop sign and pulled into the path of a northbound 2013 Ford F450 driven by Travis S. Summers, 51, Hale.&nbsp;

A private vehicle transported Munday to Hedrick Medical Center. Summers was going to seek own medical attention. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 9a.m. Monday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Hyundai passenger vehicle driven by Marina A. Munday, 28, Trenton, was westbound on Route B two miles west of Wheeling.The driver failed to stop at a stop sign and pulled into the path of a northbound 2013 Ford F450 driven by Travis S. Summers, 51, Hale.&nbsp;A private vehicle transported Munday to Hedrick Medical Center. Summers was going to seek own medical attention. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

MSHP: Driver injured after failure to stop at stop sign

St. Joseph police have
located the home of a three-year-old girl found, nonverbal and without clothing,
on Douglas Street earlier today.

St. Joseph police Captain
Jeff Wilson says officers found the child after an emergency call came in late
Monday morning.

“We were called to a
location on Douglas Street today in reference to a young, female child that was
found; we approximated her at three-years-old. The child was without clothing,
appeared to be healthy, but was not communicating, was nonverbal with us,”
Wilson tells St. Joseph Post.

St. Joseph police
requested the public’s help in locating the child through various social media.

Wilson says officers began
an investigation, which included canvassing the area before the child’s home
was located, along with her father and mother.

The investigation
continues into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Missouri
Division of Child Services is also investigating.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police have
located the home of a three-year-old girl found, nonverbal and without clothing,
on Douglas Street earlier today.St. Joseph police Captain
Jeff Wilson says officers found the child after an emergency call came in late
Monday morning.“We were called to a
location on Douglas Street today in reference to a young, female child that was
found; we approximated her at three-years-old. The child was without clothing,
appeared to be healthy, but was not communicating, was nonverbal with us,”
Wilson tells St. Joseph Post.St. Joseph police
requested the public’s help in locating the child through various social media.Wilson says officers began
an investigation, which included canvassing the area before the child’s home
was located, along with her father and mother.The investigation
continues into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Missouri
Division of Child Services is also investigating.

Home of nonverbal three-year-old found in St. Joseph has been located

Mosaic Life Care reports 11 coronavirus patients in its
system, all being treated at the St. Joseph hospital.

This is the first report on COVID-19 patient count from Mosaic
for a few weeks. Mosaic does not release numbers unless the patient count
reaches at least ten.

The St. Joseph Health Department last reported COVID-19
numbers on the 10th. At that time, the number of new cases totaled
32 over a three-day period.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care reports 11 coronavirus patients in its
system, all being treated at the St. Joseph hospital.This is the first report on COVID-19 patient count from Mosaic
for a few weeks. Mosaic does not release numbers unless the patient count
reaches at least ten.The St. Joseph Health Department last reported COVID-19
numbers on the 10th. At that time, the number of new cases totaled
32 over a three-day period.

Mosaic Life Care reports 11 COVID-19 patients being treated in its system

UPDATE:&nbsp; The child's home has been located.

A child has been found in the St. Joseph area and police are asking the public for help identifying her.

St. Joseph police say the girl is nonverbal, approximately 3 years old, white with brown hair and blue eyes.&nbsp;

Contact the Police Department at&nbsp;816-271-4777 if you recognize this child.&nbsp;

UPDATE: Parent of child has been found. More to come soon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623690648702.jpeg" alt="Photo: St. Joseph Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo: St. Joseph Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostUPDATE:&nbsp; The child's home has been located.A child has been found in the St. Joseph area and police are asking the public for help identifying her.St. Joseph police say the girl is nonverbal, approximately 3 years old, white with brown hair and blue eyes.&nbsp;Contact the Police Department at&nbsp;816-271-4777 if you recognize this child.&nbsp;UPDATE: Parent of child has been found. More to come soon.

UPDATE:  St. Joseph police say home of child has been located

St. Joseph voters will face not
one, but two sales tax increase proposals on the August ballot.

But a St. Joseph city councilmember
doesn’t believe that will hurt the chances of the city’s parks tax issue to
pass.

The St. Joseph City Council
has placed a half-cent sales tax on the August ballot to maintain and improve
the city parks system.

The Buchanan County
Commission has placed a quarter-cent sales tax on the August ballot as well,
aimed at raising the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department budget.

City councilmember Brian
Myers says having the law enforcement sales tax might actually give a boost to
the parks sales tax proposal.

"With the climate today
and the different cuts to different law enforcement agencies in this country I
think there might be a lot of people drawn out to support the Buchanan County
Sheriff's idea of having a tax,” Myers tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

That greater turnout could
benefit the city, according to Myers.

Myers says parks rarely
surface to the top of the priority list when the city discusses maintenance and
he says that is unfortunate, because he says a good parks system brings a good
quality of life to the community.

"We're asking the
taxpayers to approve a slight sales tax to provide, I believe it's between 40
and 50 million dollars, over a ten-year period,” Myers says. “There is a sunset
on this proposed tax. If it passes, it would fall off the ballot in ten
years."

The proposed parks sales tax
grew out of a discussion about possible upgrades to the Krug Park amphitheater.


Myers says that a big reason
the plan shifted from the amphitheater to the parks system as a whole was concern
over whether the amphitheater project would be feasible.

"Without income from
the amphitheater we have to find another funding mechanism,” according to
Myers.

Myers says discussion within
the council shifted to how the city could improve not only Krug, but the entire
parks system.

"The idea was proposed
by councilmember Davis and Mayor McMurray to just have a parks tax that would
benefit the entire park system.”

Myers says he is hopeful St.
Joseph voters will approve the tax hike.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623679681161.jpeg" alt="Krug Park lagoon/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Krug Park lagoon/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN and MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph voters will face not
one, but two sales tax increase proposals on the August ballot.But a St. Joseph city councilmember
doesn’t believe that will hurt the chances of the city’s parks tax issue to
pass.The St. Joseph City Council
has placed a half-cent sales tax on the August ballot to maintain and improve
the city parks system.The Buchanan County
Commission has placed a quarter-cent sales tax on the August ballot as well,
aimed at raising the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department budget.City councilmember Brian
Myers says having the law enforcement sales tax might actually give a boost to
the parks sales tax proposal."With the climate today
and the different cuts to different law enforcement agencies in this country I
think there might be a lot of people drawn out to support the Buchanan County
Sheriff's idea of having a tax,” Myers tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.That greater turnout could
benefit the city, according to Myers.Myers says parks rarely
surface to the top of the priority list when the city discusses maintenance and
he says that is unfortunate, because he says a good parks system brings a good
quality of life to the community."We're asking the
taxpayers to approve a slight sales tax to provide, I believe it's between 40
and 50 million dollars, over a ten-year period,” Myers says. “There is a sunset
on this proposed tax. If it passes, it would fall off the ballot in ten
years."The proposed parks sales tax
grew out of a discussion about possible upgrades to the Krug Park amphitheater.
Myers says that a big reason
the plan shifted from the amphitheater to the parks system as a whole was concern
over whether the amphitheater project would be feasible."Without income from
the amphitheater we have to find another funding mechanism,” according to
Myers.Myers says discussion within
the council shifted to how the city could improve not only Krug, but the entire
parks system."The idea was proposed
by councilmember Davis and Mayor McMurray to just have a parks tax that would
benefit the entire park system.”Myers says he is hopeful St.
Joseph voters will approve the tax hike.

Two local sales tax issues will be on the ballot this August

DAVIESS COUNTY—Two Missouri teen avoided serious injury after an accident just before 10:30p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by Ryan P. Arnold, 38, was northbound on Route J two miles north of Kidder.

The pickup struck the drivers side of a horse-drawn vehicle driven by Namoi Herschberger, 19, Kidder, that was attempting to turn southbound on Route J from a private drive.

EMS treated Herschberger and a 16-year-old female passenger from Kidder in the horse-drawn vehicle at the scene. Arnold was wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—Two Missouri teen avoided serious injury after an accident just before 10:30p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by Ryan P. Arnold, 38, was northbound on Route J two miles north of Kidder.The pickup struck the drivers side of a horse-drawn vehicle driven by Namoi Herschberger, 19, Kidder, that was attempting to turn southbound on Route J from a private drive.EMS treated Herschberger and a 16-year-old female passenger from Kidder in the horse-drawn vehicle at the scene. Arnold was wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP.

2 Mo. teens avoid injury after crash in horse-drawn vehicle

DEKALB COUNTY—A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident during a police pursuit just before 9p.m. Sunday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Cruze driven by Matthew L. Pfleiderer, 30, St. Joseph, was fleeing from officers southbound on MO 33 at U.S. 36 one mile north of Osborn.

The driver failed to negotiate the turn in an attempt to turn northbound on MO 33. The car traveled off the west side of the road and struck an embankment.

Officers arrested Pfleiderer on requested charges of carless and imprudent driving, no seat belt and interference with arrest, according to online jail records. DeKalb County Ambulance then transported him to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593190532467.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DEKALB COUNTY—A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident during a police pursuit just before 9p.m. Sunday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Cruze driven by Matthew L. Pfleiderer, 30, St. Joseph, was fleeing from officers southbound on MO 33 at U.S. 36 one mile north of Osborn.The driver failed to negotiate the turn in an attempt to turn northbound on MO 33. The car traveled off the west side of the road and struck an embankment.Officers arrested Pfleiderer on requested charges of carless and imprudent driving, no seat belt and interference with arrest, according to online jail records. DeKalb County Ambulance then transported him to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp;

St. Joseph man injured in crash during police chase

Summer road construction season has begun for Missouri.&nbsp;

MoDOT district construction and material engineer Austin Hibler says the COVID did not impact summer construction season last year like some might have expected.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Well, surprisingly enough we actually had a really busy summer last year, so this year is going to be&nbsp;busy again and pretty much typical from what we would normally expect,” Hibler tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hibler&nbsp;says MoDOT had a big push to get projects started early on coming out of winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Probably our&nbsp;busiest&nbsp;time is now and leading into the early summer,” says Hibler.&nbsp;“We might slow down a little bit here&nbsp;district wide but we will have work going on.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hibler&nbsp;encourages everyone to be safe while out on the road this summer.

“It’s always important to buckle up, phone down,” says Hibler. “That’s the two most important things you can do to protect yourself, and our folks out there.”&nbsp;

MoDOT encourages motorists to plan for trips and traveling beforehand by checking MoDOT’s online <a href="https://traveler.modot.org/map/index.html">Traveler Information Map</a>. This map provides the latest information on road conditions such as closures, work zones, and incidents.&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Summer road construction season has begun for Missouri.&nbsp;MoDOT district construction and material engineer Austin Hibler says the COVID did not impact summer construction season last year like some might have expected.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Well, surprisingly enough we actually had a really busy summer last year, so this year is going to be&nbsp;busy again and pretty much typical from what we would normally expect,” Hibler tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hibler&nbsp;says MoDOT had a big push to get projects started early on coming out of winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Probably our&nbsp;busiest&nbsp;time is now and leading into the early summer,” says Hibler.&nbsp;“We might slow down a little bit here&nbsp;district wide but we will have work going on.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Hibler&nbsp;encourages everyone to be safe while out on the road this summer.“It’s always important to buckle up, phone down,” says Hibler. “That’s the two most important things you can do to protect yourself, and our folks out there.”&nbsp;MoDOT encourages motorists to plan for trips and traveling beforehand by checking MoDOT’s online <a href="https://traveler.modot.org/map/index.html">Traveler Information Map</a>. This map provides the latest information on road conditions such as closures, work zones, and incidents.&nbsp;

MoDOT's summer construction season is in full swing

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Sunday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Escape driven by Dustin U. Holdzclaw, 37, Chillicothe, was southbound on U.S. 65 three miles south of Chillicothe.

The vehicle crossed the center line and struck the towed unit of a 2008 Ford F450 driven by Jared L. Higley, 39, Gransville, Utah and overturned.

Chillicothe EMS transported Holdzclaw to Life Flight Eagle headquarters and he was flown to Truman Medical Center. Higley was not injured. The MSHP had incomplete seat belt information.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Sunday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Escape driven by Dustin U. Holdzclaw, 37, Chillicothe, was southbound on U.S. 65 three miles south of Chillicothe.The vehicle crossed the center line and struck the towed unit of a 2008 Ford F450 driven by Jared L. Higley, 39, Gransville, Utah and overturned.Chillicothe EMS transported Holdzclaw to Life Flight Eagle headquarters and he was flown to Truman Medical Center. Higley was not injured. The MSHP had incomplete seat belt information.

Missouri man airlifted to hospital after SUV crash

HOLT COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Sunday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Robert L. Peter, 56, Graham, was southbound on MO 113 two miles south of Skidmore.&nbsp; The motorcycle struck a deer and the driver was ejected.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Peter to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp;

HOLT COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Sunday in Holt County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Robert L. Peter, 56, Graham, was southbound on MO 113 two miles south of Skidmore.&nbsp; The motorcycle struck a deer and the driver was ejected.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Peter to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp;

Missouri man injured after motorcycle strikes deer

St. Joseph’s landfill will soon be open to the public for only
one Saturday a month.

The City of St. Joseph announced today that a lack of
employees and an increase in trash will limit the time the landfill is open to
the public.

At present, the St. Joseph landfill is open every Saturday.
Beginning next Saturday, the landfill will limit business hours on the weekends
and will be open to the public only one Saturday a month. Hours Monday through
Friday will remain the same. The landfill will be open only on the first
Saturday of the month with operating hours of 7am to 2pm.

In July, the landfill will be open July 10th.

This temporary change of hours will end once the city hires
sufficient staff.

For more information, visit the city’s website at <a href="https://stjoemo.org/">stjoemo.org</a>
or call 816-253-1120.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph’s landfill will soon be open to the public for only
one Saturday a month.The City of St. Joseph announced today that a lack of
employees and an increase in trash will limit the time the landfill is open to
the public.At present, the St. Joseph landfill is open every Saturday.
Beginning next Saturday, the landfill will limit business hours on the weekends
and will be open to the public only one Saturday a month. Hours Monday through
Friday will remain the same. The landfill will be open only on the first
Saturday of the month with operating hours of 7am to 2pm.In July, the landfill will be open July 10th.This temporary change of hours will end once the city hires
sufficient staff.For more information, visit the city’s website at <a href="https://stjoemo.org/">stjoemo.org</a>
or call 816-253-1120.

St. Joseph landfill to be open only one Saturday a month

Sisters of Solace, a St. Joseph local home for healing women had a ribbon cutting event today in recognition&nbsp;of their new candle making business.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Sisters&nbsp;of Solace shop makes candles, body butter, and body soaks, although they are best&nbsp;known for their candles.&nbsp;The shop is located at the&nbsp;Christopher S. Kit Bond Science and Technology Incubator.&nbsp;

Sisters&nbsp;of Solace&nbsp;is a ministry that&nbsp;provides a safe home&nbsp;for a year to&nbsp;six women healing from trauma and addiction. The organization provides not only a home but guidance to a better life.&nbsp;The women have the opportunity to find work through the program as well, including at the&nbsp;Sisters&nbsp;of Solace shop.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sisters&nbsp;of Solace’s slogan&nbsp;is, "A&nbsp;mission with a business.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623435108320.jpeg" alt="Sisters of Solace ribbon cutting / Photo: Whitnee Ice" />
 <figcaption>Sisters of Solace ribbon cutting / Photo: Whitnee Ice</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostSisters of Solace, a St. Joseph local home for healing women had a ribbon cutting event today in recognition&nbsp;of their new candle making business.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Sisters&nbsp;of Solace shop makes candles, body butter, and body soaks, although they are best&nbsp;known for their candles.&nbsp;The shop is located at the&nbsp;Christopher S. Kit Bond Science and Technology Incubator.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623435150191.jpeg" alt="Sisters of Solace ribbon cutting / Photo: Whitnee Ice" />
 <figcaption>Sisters of Solace ribbon cutting / Photo: Whitnee Ice</figcaption>
 </figure>Sisters&nbsp;of Solace&nbsp;is a ministry that&nbsp;provides a safe home&nbsp;for a year to&nbsp;six women healing from trauma and addiction. The organization provides not only a home but guidance to a better life.&nbsp;The women have the opportunity to find work through the program as well, including at the&nbsp;Sisters&nbsp;of Solace shop.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sisters&nbsp;of Solace’s slogan&nbsp;is, "A&nbsp;mission with a business.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623435178655.jpeg" alt="Sisters of Solace ribbon cutting / Photo: Whitnee Ice" />
 <figcaption>Sisters of Solace ribbon cutting / Photo: Whitnee Ice</figcaption>
 </figure>

Business supporting mission to women suffering trauma moves to new home

St. Joseph health officials report 32 new coronavirus cases
since last reporting on Monday; four on Tuesday, 11 on Wednesday, and 17 on
Thursday.

Buchanan County has recorded a total of 10,646
cases, resulting in 183 deaths.

Mosaic Life Care is not reporting its COVID-19 patient count,
saying it won’t issue a count unless 10 or more patients are being treated in
its system.

Nearly 18-Thousand Buchanan County residents have initiated
the COVID-19 vaccination for a vaccination rate of slightly more than 20-percent.

Andrew County has recorded a total of 2,083 cases
since the pandemic began with 21 deaths.

Doniphan County, Kansas has recorded a total of 1,017
cases.

Missouri health officials report a total of 515,156
cases with 9,195 deaths.

Kansas health officials report a total of 315,500
cases, resulting in 5,103 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 32 new coronavirus cases
since last reporting on Monday; four on Tuesday, 11 on Wednesday, and 17 on
Thursday.Buchanan County has recorded a total of 10,646
cases, resulting in 183 deaths.Mosaic Life Care is not reporting its COVID-19 patient count,
saying it won’t issue a count unless 10 or more patients are being treated in
its system.Nearly 18-Thousand Buchanan County residents have initiated
the COVID-19 vaccination for a vaccination rate of slightly more than 20-percent.Andrew County has recorded a total of 2,083 cases
since the pandemic began with 21 deaths.Doniphan County, Kansas has recorded a total of 1,017
cases.Missouri health officials report a total of 515,156
cases with 9,195 deaths.Kansas health officials report a total of 315,500
cases, resulting in 5,103 deaths.

St. Joseph reports 32 new COVID-19 cases since Monday

Missouri prisoners would not receive coronavirus stimulus
checks until they paid victim restitution under a bill awaiting the signature
of Gov. Mike Parson.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville sponsored the measure
that would withhold the checks authorized by Congress until the claims of
victims are satisfied.

“The way that the last round of stimulus was drafted is those
stimulus checks went to individuals who are incarcerated, including dangerous
felons who are in Missouri’s prison system,” Luetkemeyer tells St. Joseph Post.

Luetkemeyer’s measure would authorize the Department of
Corrections to seize the checks before they reach the inmates.

“And if the prisoner owes restitution to their victim, which
is oftentimes the case, then those checks must be used to pay that restitution
before any of that money goes to the prisoner,” Luetkemeyer says.

Luetkemeyer says Congress should never have authorized the
relief checks for prison inmates.

“Those dollars were intended to help struggling families who
were maybe reeling from job loss during the pandemic,” according to
Luetkemeyer. “It was never meant to go to incarcerated individuals who were in
prison for murder or rape or some other heinous crime. And so, I think this is
a common-sense measure to make sure that money actually gets into the hands of
victims.”

The measure is part of a larger crime bill Luetkemeyer
sponsored this session which also makes it a felony to expose private
information about police officers or their families, loosens residency
requirements for Kansas City police officers, among other provisions.

Missouri law requires legislation to stick to one subject, but
Luetkemeyer dismisses concerns that additions to his bill might raise
constitutional questions.

“Every year the legislature will pass an omnibus public safety
bill. (Senate Bill) 53 happened to be the vehicle that resulted in that omnibus
bill this year, but all the provisions that are in there, whether they were put
in in the Senate or they were added on the House side, all those provisions do
relate to public safety,” Luetkemeyer says. “So, I think the bill is narrowly
tailored enough where it should withstand constitutional scrutiny if it were challenged
ever in court.”

Click <a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/21info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=54105455">here</a> to read more about SB 53.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri prisoners would not receive coronavirus stimulus
checks until they paid victim restitution under a bill awaiting the signature
of Gov. Mike Parson.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville sponsored the measure
that would withhold the checks authorized by Congress until the claims of
victims are satisfied.“The way that the last round of stimulus was drafted is those
stimulus checks went to individuals who are incarcerated, including dangerous
felons who are in Missouri’s prison system,” Luetkemeyer tells St. Joseph Post.Luetkemeyer’s measure would authorize the Department of
Corrections to seize the checks before they reach the inmates.“And if the prisoner owes restitution to their victim, which
is oftentimes the case, then those checks must be used to pay that restitution
before any of that money goes to the prisoner,” Luetkemeyer says.Luetkemeyer says Congress should never have authorized the
relief checks for prison inmates.“Those dollars were intended to help struggling families who
were maybe reeling from job loss during the pandemic,” according to
Luetkemeyer. “It was never meant to go to incarcerated individuals who were in
prison for murder or rape or some other heinous crime. And so, I think this is
a common-sense measure to make sure that money actually gets into the hands of
victims.”The measure is part of a larger crime bill Luetkemeyer
sponsored this session which also makes it a felony to expose private
information about police officers or their families, loosens residency
requirements for Kansas City police officers, among other provisions.Missouri law requires legislation to stick to one subject, but
Luetkemeyer dismisses concerns that additions to his bill might raise
constitutional questions.“Every year the legislature will pass an omnibus public safety
bill. (Senate Bill) 53 happened to be the vehicle that resulted in that omnibus
bill this year, but all the provisions that are in there, whether they were put
in in the Senate or they were added on the House side, all those provisions do
relate to public safety,” Luetkemeyer says. “So, I think the bill is narrowly
tailored enough where it should withstand constitutional scrutiny if it were challenged
ever in court.”Click <a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/21info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=54105455">here</a> to read more about SB 53.

No stimulus checks to prisoners until victims get paid

DAVIESS COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 2a.m. Friday in Daviess County.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Dodge pickup driven by Daniel E. Butts, 23, Gallatin, was northbound on MO 190 one mile south of Jamesport.

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

Officers arrested Butts on a requested charge of DWI and for leaving the scene of an accident, according to online arrest records. Butts drove himself to Cameron Regional Medical Center.

He was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 2a.m. Friday in Daviess County.The Missouri Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Dodge pickup driven by Daniel E. Butts, 23, Gallatin, was northbound on MO 190 one mile south of Jamesport.The driver lost control of the pickup. It traveled off the road and overturned.Officers arrested Butts on a requested charge of DWI and for leaving the scene of an accident, according to online arrest records. Butts drove himself to Cameron Regional Medical Center.He was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Man from Gallatin accused of DWI after pickup crash

A quarter-cent sales tax increase is coming to the ballot this August for Buchanan County residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The sales tax is expected to bring in an additional 3.6 million dollars to the sheriff’s department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff Bill Puett&nbsp;says&nbsp;after some time and hard work, they have come decided to add a tax increase to the ballot.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The Commission has graciously put a quarter-cent sales tax increase to the&nbsp;existing&nbsp;quarter-cent on the ballot,” Puett&nbsp;tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.&nbsp;

Sheriff Bill Puett&nbsp;says&nbsp;he recognizes no one wants to pay more taxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’m sorry that we have to ask for it, but we are asking for it humbly and trying to explain why we need it because we are trying to address&nbsp;what the community wants, increased safety dealing with the increase in problems that are coming into this community,” says Puett.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff Bill Puett&nbsp;says&nbsp;this increase is needed as&nbsp;it’s a difficult time to be in law-enforcement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are asking people to go in harm's way every day with some of these evil people that are out hear doing bad things&nbsp;and so they stand in the gap and keep our community safe,” says Puett.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Puett says this will be the first sales tax increase for Buchanan County since 1990 when the current quarter-cent&nbsp;sales tax was first implemented.&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A quarter-cent sales tax increase is coming to the ballot this August for Buchanan County residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sales tax is expected to bring in an additional 3.6 million dollars to the sheriff’s department.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sheriff Bill Puett&nbsp;says&nbsp;after some time and hard work, they have come decided to add a tax increase to the ballot.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Commission has graciously put a quarter-cent sales tax increase to the&nbsp;existing&nbsp;quarter-cent on the ballot,” Puett&nbsp;tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.&nbsp;Sheriff Bill Puett&nbsp;says&nbsp;he recognizes no one wants to pay more taxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I’m sorry that we have to ask for it, but we are asking for it humbly and trying to explain why we need it because we are trying to address&nbsp;what the community wants, increased safety dealing with the increase in problems that are coming into this community,” says Puett.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sheriff Bill Puett&nbsp;says&nbsp;this increase is needed as&nbsp;it’s a difficult time to be in law-enforcement.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We are asking people to go in harm's way every day with some of these evil people that are out hear doing bad things&nbsp;and so they stand in the gap and keep our community safe,” says Puett.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Puett says this will be the first sales tax increase for Buchanan County since 1990 when the current quarter-cent&nbsp;sales tax was first implemented.&nbsp;

A sales tax increase for the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department is added to the ballot

The city of St. Joseph and Missouri Western State University will soon know for sure what the Kansas City Chiefs’ plan is for training camp.

The NFL has given the green light for all 32 teams to travel to their training camp sites this summer. Fans will also be allowed to watch as long as state and local protocols are followed.

Training camp has been at Missouri Western’s campus since 2010. It was held in Kansas City's practice facility last summer due to COVID-19. 

Missouri Western athletic director Josh Looney says the school's relationship with the Chiefs has always been positive, and he looks forward to hearing their plans about training camp soon.

"Obviously at Missouri Western, we feel very confident in our ability to host a camp this year and meet protocol," Looney told the Post in an interview. "We continue to work with the Chiefs and we're not in a position to share any dates or confirm things, and so it's still a bit of a waiting game."

The Chiefs are contracted to hold training camp in St. Joseph through 2024. A full training camp schedule is expected to be announced in the next week or two.

"We'll follow the NFL's lead and adapt and we feel like we're in a good position to follow whatever protocols are necessary regarding training camp in 2021," Looney said.

Training camp has always brought hundreds of fans from Kansas City and beyond to St. Joseph, giving local restaurants, hotels and businesses a nice boost.

Looney says Kansas City's recent run of five straight division titles, back-to-back conference titles and a 2020 Super Bowl win has fueled the excitement, especially during the 2019 camp.

"We had a record camp and it was an unbelievable atmosphere," Looney recalled. "A sea of red throughout the community. We had a rally downtown to welcome the team to camp. Then, they go and win the Super Bowl. Then, in 2020 it was canceled and we were expecting another record camp, so I think there's pent up demand."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623426148613.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe city of St. Joseph and Missouri Western State University will soon know for sure what the Kansas City Chiefs’ plan is for training camp.The NFL has given the green light for all 32 teams to travel to their training camp sites this summer. Fans will also be allowed to watch as long as state and local protocols are followed.Training camp has been at Missouri Western’s campus since 2010. It was held in Kansas City's practice facility last summer due to COVID-19. Missouri Western athletic director Josh Looney says the school's relationship with the Chiefs has always been positive, and he looks forward to hearing their plans about training camp soon."Obviously at Missouri Western, we feel very confident in our ability to host a camp this year and meet protocol," Looney told the Post in an interview. "We continue to work with the Chiefs and we're not in a position to share any dates or confirm things, and so it's still a bit of a waiting game."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623426185634.jpeg" alt="The last time the Kansas City Chiefs held their training camp in St. Joseph was in 2019/Stock photo" />
 <figcaption>The last time the Kansas City Chiefs held their training camp in St. Joseph was in 2019/Stock photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Chiefs are contracted to hold training camp in St. Joseph through 2024. A full training camp schedule is expected to be announced in the next week or two."We'll follow the NFL's lead and adapt and we feel like we're in a good position to follow whatever protocols are necessary regarding training camp in 2021," Looney said.Training camp has always brought hundreds of fans from Kansas City and beyond to St. Joseph, giving local restaurants, hotels and businesses a nice boost.Looney says Kansas City's recent run of five straight division titles, back-to-back conference titles and a 2020 Super Bowl win has fueled the excitement, especially during the 2019 camp."We had a record camp and it was an unbelievable atmosphere," Looney recalled. "A sea of red throughout the community. We had a rally downtown to welcome the team to camp. Then, they go and win the Super Bowl. Then, in 2020 it was canceled and we were expecting another record camp, so I think there's pent up demand."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western officials optimistic about return of Chiefs' training camp

ANDREW COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Thursday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Colorado driven by Linda J. Whittington, 69, Savannah, was northbound on County Road 423 one mile north of Savannah.

The driver failed to yield at the T intersection with County Road 426. The pickup continued through the intersection and off the road, struck an embankment and overturned.

Andrew County EMS transported Whittington to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Thursday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Colorado driven by Linda J. Whittington, 69, Savannah, was northbound on County Road 423 one mile north of Savannah.The driver failed to yield at the T intersection with County Road 426. The pickup continued through the intersection and off the road, struck an embankment and overturned.Andrew County EMS transported Whittington to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Savannah woman hospitalized after pickup overturns

A state representative from St. Joseph says the legislature
moved to improve how the state responds to the needs of children, one of
several successes during the legislative session this year.

Rep. Brenda Shields says creation of the Office of Childhood
was the accomplishment of the session she’s most proud of.

“We will move all our learning services under one umbrella,
under the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education,” Shields tells St.
Joseph Post. “With this, we’re going to be able to streamline our services and
create efficiencies for our early learning care of our children and I’m really
excited about that.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA state representative from St. Joseph says the legislature
moved to improve how the state responds to the needs of children, one of
several successes during the legislative session this year.Rep. Brenda Shields says creation of the Office of Childhood
was the accomplishment of the session she’s most proud of.“We will move all our learning services under one umbrella,
under the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education,” Shields tells St.
Joseph Post. “With this, we’re going to be able to streamline our services and
create efficiencies for our early learning care of our children and I’m really
excited about that.”Shields says the legislative session in Jefferson City began
slowly in January, but picked up. The session succeeded her expectations when
it came to a close in mid-May. State legislators met for a full session, after
struggling through the chaos created by the coronavirus pandemic last year.Shields, who serves on the House Budget Committee, says she’s
pleased the state was able to use federal coronavirus relief money to address
capital needs which have been pending for years. Shields says the state budget
didn’t suffer from the pandemic as much as many feared, allowing lawmakers to
use federal money to fund long-delayed capital improvement projects.“There are several technical schools across the state that
we’re able to fund and we know that that is important that we help people get
employed in good quality paying jobs and not only are we funding our
institutions of higher education and our community colleges, but we’re really
driving a lot of dollars into our technical schools so we can make sure that
everyone has the type of education that best fits them,” Shields says.Shields points out area lawmakers were able to secure $1.1 million
for the Hillyard Technical School in St. Joseph.One piece of legislation meant more to her than others.Shields sponsored the occupational therapy compact that won
approval in the General Assembly. The compact allows occupational therapist to
practice in any state that joins the compact.“That was kind of personal for me, being able to help the
occupational therapists after my stroke that I had five years ago that I was
able to give back to them, because they were able to give back to me so I could
have my life back,” Shields says. “So, that was kind of a personal win for me.”The bill awaits the governor’s signature.

Local