Missouri Western State University’s nursing program is expanding its capacity in an effort to meet workforce needs in the area.

Nursing Department Chair Dr. Jacklyn Gentry says Missouri is included in the national statistics which show a nursing shortage that could continue until 2030.

“One of the big drivers behind that is that 50% of the nursing workforce is over the age of 50 and quickly nearing retirement,” Gentry says. “So we have to bring younger, newer nurses into the field to continue to care for everyone.”

Dr. Crystal Harris is the Interim Dean of Missouri Western’s College of Science and Health. Harris says Missouri Western communicates with area healthcare employers to determine what future workforce needs are.

“Nursing was number one on the top 25 needs for workers in northwest Missouri and so we wanted to help meet that need.”

Harris says they wanted to expand their nursing program to help meet that need, so they applied for and <a href="https://archive.stjosephpost.com/2019/06/25/missouri-western-receives-grant-to-benefit-nursing-program-and-area-healthcare-workforce/">received an over $500,000 MoExcels grant</a>.

“What we did with that was, we wanted to increase the access, not just for nursing, but for many other programs and we wanted to develop a pipeline for local talent into health careers. Since our mission is applied learning at Missouri Western, we wanted to incorporate applied learning opportunities, and so that’s why our simulation lab was so important,” Harris says. “So we developed capacity through the MoExcels grant, being able to increase classroom sizes, increase our simulation lab spaces, increase access to specific training equipment that would really help us prepare our graduates for the future of nursing and other fields.”

The nursing program will expand from 50 to 60 students per cohort.&nbsp;

The application deadline is August 15th for nursing students to join the spring cohort. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.missouriwestern.edu/nursing/">missouriwestern.edu/nursing</a>.

by SARAH THOMACKSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University’s nursing program is expanding its capacity in an effort to meet workforce needs in the area.Nursing Department Chair Dr. Jacklyn Gentry says Missouri is included in the national statistics which show a nursing shortage that could continue until 2030.“One of the big drivers behind that is that 50% of the nursing workforce is over the age of 50 and quickly nearing retirement,” Gentry says. “So we have to bring younger, newer nurses into the field to continue to care for everyone.”Dr. Crystal Harris is the Interim Dean of Missouri Western’s College of Science and Health. Harris says Missouri Western communicates with area healthcare employers to determine what future workforce needs are.“Nursing was number one on the top 25 needs for workers in northwest Missouri and so we wanted to help meet that need.”Harris says they wanted to expand their nursing program to help meet that need, so they applied for and <a href="https://archive.stjosephpost.com/2019/06/25/missouri-western-receives-grant-to-benefit-nursing-program-and-area-healthcare-workforce/">received an over $500,000 MoExcels grant</a>.“What we did with that was, we wanted to increase the access, not just for nursing, but for many other programs and we wanted to develop a pipeline for local talent into health careers. Since our mission is applied learning at Missouri Western, we wanted to incorporate applied learning opportunities, and so that’s why our simulation lab was so important,” Harris says. “So we developed capacity through the MoExcels grant, being able to increase classroom sizes, increase our simulation lab spaces, increase access to specific training equipment that would really help us prepare our graduates for the future of nursing and other fields.”The nursing program will expand from 50 to 60 students per cohort.&nbsp;The application deadline is August 15th for nursing students to join the spring cohort. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.missouriwestern.edu/nursing/">missouriwestern.edu/nursing</a>.

Missouri Western's nursing program expands capacity

Buchanan County is allocating $250,000 in federal funds to
conduct a massive anti-body testing of county residents to aid in the fight
against COVID-19.

The county is partnering with Mosaic Life Care in the hopes of
testing as many as 2,500 residents.

Mosaic CEO Dr. Mark Laney says the St. Joseph hospital has
been able to handle the number of coronavirus cases coming its way.

“On any given day, right now, there’s probably 200 to 225
patients in the hospital that don’t have COVID,” Laney tells reporters in a
Monday news conference. “Recently, we’ve had 10 patients, but it’s actually
dwindled down, I think we had six this morning and none in the ICU.”

Mosaic and county officials hope the testing gives health
officials a better understanding of the spread of COVID-19 in the area, which
could lead to better strategies to combat the virus.

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the
county will allocate funds forwarded to the county from state officials. The
money comes from the CARES Act approved by Congress to respond to the economic
damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic as well as fund various local responses
to COVID-19.

“Buchanan County is very excited to help to fund this process
as part of this CARES Act funding which came through the state actually from
the federal government, through the state, and we have been working very closely
with the state on just how we can spend this money to best impact, to keep our
county healthy and safe,” Sawyer says.

Laney says anti-body testing isn’t done to determine
treatment.

“It’s more of an answer relative to the public health,” Laney
says. “What degree of herd immunity do we as a county have, if any?”

Testing through the drawing of blood will begin next week on
the Mosaic St. Joseph campus. Those interested can sign up through the Mosaic
web site. Registration is set to begin on Tuesday, July 28th, at <a href="http://www.MyMLC.com/testing">www.MyMLC.com/testing</a>.

“This testing is only going to be available to individuals 12
years of age and above and we will not be doing testing on individuals that
have previously tested positive on the nasal swab, PCR test,” Laney says.

As of Monday, Mosaic had tested 17,324 area
residents with 803 testing positive for COVID-19. Mosaic says six patients are
currently being treated at the St. Joseph hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595875731135.jpeg" alt="Mosaic Life Care CEO Dr. Mark Laney addresses a news conference as Buchanan County Presiding Commission Lee Sawyer looks on/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Mosaic Life Care CEO Dr. Mark Laney addresses a news conference as Buchanan County Presiding Commission Lee Sawyer looks on/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County is allocating $250,000 in federal funds to
conduct a massive anti-body testing of county residents to aid in the fight
against COVID-19.The county is partnering with Mosaic Life Care in the hopes of
testing as many as 2,500 residents.Mosaic CEO Dr. Mark Laney says the St. Joseph hospital has
been able to handle the number of coronavirus cases coming its way.“On any given day, right now, there’s probably 200 to 225
patients in the hospital that don’t have COVID,” Laney tells reporters in a
Monday news conference. “Recently, we’ve had 10 patients, but it’s actually
dwindled down, I think we had six this morning and none in the ICU.”Mosaic and county officials hope the testing gives health
officials a better understanding of the spread of COVID-19 in the area, which
could lead to better strategies to combat the virus.Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the
county will allocate funds forwarded to the county from state officials. The
money comes from the CARES Act approved by Congress to respond to the economic
damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic as well as fund various local responses
to COVID-19.“Buchanan County is very excited to help to fund this process
as part of this CARES Act funding which came through the state actually from
the federal government, through the state, and we have been working very closely
with the state on just how we can spend this money to best impact, to keep our
county healthy and safe,” Sawyer says.Laney says anti-body testing isn’t done to determine
treatment.“It’s more of an answer relative to the public health,” Laney
says. “What degree of herd immunity do we as a county have, if any?”Testing through the drawing of blood will begin next week on
the Mosaic St. Joseph campus. Those interested can sign up through the Mosaic
web site. Registration is set to begin on Tuesday, July 28th, at <a href="http://www.MyMLC.com/testing">www.MyMLC.com/testing</a>.“This testing is only going to be available to individuals 12
years of age and above and we will not be doing testing on individuals that
have previously tested positive on the nasal swab, PCR test,” Laney says.As of Monday, Mosaic had tested 17,324 area
residents with 803 testing positive for COVID-19. Mosaic says six patients are
currently being treated at the St. Joseph hospital.

Massive anti-body COVID-19 testing to be conducted in Buchanan County

Missouri lawmakers regather in Jefferson City today to pick up
legislation which became a priority of the coronavirus-shortened regular
session.

Gov. Mike Parson called the General Assembly into special
session to work further on anti-crime measures.

State Senator Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville says the governor
has been meeting with local government leaders on the increase in violent crime
in Missouri.

“And one of the things that they talked about is that in many
of their violent cases, particularly homicides, law enforcement is unable to
bring these criminals to justice, because witnesses are intimated from coming
forward to testify out of fear of retribution,” Luetkemeyer tells St. Joseph
Post. “In other words, they’re going to get targeted by the defendant or gang
members, who might harass or try to harm them if they were to come forward and testify.”

Luetkemeyer succeeded in passing his anti-crime bill in the
regular session.

Luetkemeyer says Parson wants more, including a measure to
protect witnesses.

“And, so, much like the federal government has a federal witness
protection program where they can get people out of harm’s way, make them feel comfortable
with testifying, Missouri just doesn’t have those tools right now,” according
to Luetkemeyer. “And, so, whenever the police come forward and talk to somebody
who may have witnesses a violent crime, the first thought in their head is
well, I’m going to get hurt or injured if I try to help the police on this.”

Luetkemeyer says this special session will pick up where that
left off. Luetkemeyer says though several legislators asked the governor to
expand his call, the governor told lawmakers during a conference call he wants them
to concentrate on one issue.

“And he specifically said during that call he’s not interested
in broadening the call of the special session,” according to Luetkemeyer. “He
wants to be narrowly focused on violent crime and making sure that we’re giving
tools to prosecutors and law enforcement to be able to solve some of the
violent crime spikes that we’re seeing in our metro areas.”

Luetkemeyer says lawmakers seem poised to adopt provisions to
protect the witnesses of violent crime and the adjust juvenile criminal
statutes. He says more contentious is the governor’s proposal to lift
restrictions which require St. Louis police officers to live within the city
limits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595858780718.jpeg" alt="Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City/Photo courtesy of Missouri House" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City/Photo courtesy of Missouri House</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri lawmakers regather in Jefferson City today to pick up
legislation which became a priority of the coronavirus-shortened regular
session.Gov. Mike Parson called the General Assembly into special
session to work further on anti-crime measures.State Senator Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville says the governor
has been meeting with local government leaders on the increase in violent crime
in Missouri.“And one of the things that they talked about is that in many
of their violent cases, particularly homicides, law enforcement is unable to
bring these criminals to justice, because witnesses are intimated from coming
forward to testify out of fear of retribution,” Luetkemeyer tells St. Joseph
Post. “In other words, they’re going to get targeted by the defendant or gang
members, who might harass or try to harm them if they were to come forward and testify.”Luetkemeyer succeeded in passing his anti-crime bill in the
regular session.Luetkemeyer says Parson wants more, including a measure to
protect witnesses.“And, so, much like the federal government has a federal witness
protection program where they can get people out of harm’s way, make them feel comfortable
with testifying, Missouri just doesn’t have those tools right now,” according
to Luetkemeyer. “And, so, whenever the police come forward and talk to somebody
who may have witnesses a violent crime, the first thought in their head is
well, I’m going to get hurt or injured if I try to help the police on this.”Luetkemeyer says this special session will pick up where that
left off. Luetkemeyer says though several legislators asked the governor to
expand his call, the governor told lawmakers during a conference call he wants them
to concentrate on one issue.“And he specifically said during that call he’s not interested
in broadening the call of the special session,” according to Luetkemeyer. “He
wants to be narrowly focused on violent crime and making sure that we’re giving
tools to prosecutors and law enforcement to be able to solve some of the
violent crime spikes that we’re seeing in our metro areas.”Luetkemeyer says lawmakers seem poised to adopt provisions to
protect the witnesses of violent crime and the adjust juvenile criminal
statutes. He says more contentious is the governor’s proposal to lift
restrictions which require St. Louis police officers to live within the city
limits.

Missouri special session set to begin this morning at state Capitol

DAVIESS COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford 500 driven by Melissa A. Huffman, 53, Des Moines, was northbound on Interstate 35&nbsp; four miles north of Altamont.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It crossed the median, entered the southbound lanes and struck a 2017 Buick Enclave driven by Bobbi K. Byers, 63, Princeton, head-on.

Cameron EMS transported a 10-year-old girl from Des Moines in the Ford to Children's Mercy. They transported Huffman to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Daviess County EMS transported Byers to Cameron Regional Medical Center. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford 500 driven by Melissa A. Huffman, 53, Des Moines, was northbound on Interstate 35&nbsp; four miles north of Altamont.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It crossed the median, entered the southbound lanes and struck a 2017 Buick Enclave driven by Bobbi K. Byers, 63, Princeton, head-on.Cameron EMS transported a 10-year-old girl from Des Moines in the Ford to Children's Mercy. They transported Huffman to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Daviess County EMS transported Byers to Cameron Regional Medical Center. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

2 adults, 10-year-old hospitalized after Daviess Co. head-on crash

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of July 27 – Aug. 2.

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

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

Route 48 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over Agee Creek through early August. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/andrew-county-route-48-bridge-replacement-over-agee-creek" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/andrew-county-route-48-bridge-replacement-over-agee-creek</a>

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

Route Y –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from County Road 4 to County Road 7, July 27, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

U.S. Business Route 71 – Drainage work 0.5 miles south of Savannah, July 28

U.S. Route 59 – Culvert replacement at County Road 62, July 29, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The entrance to County Road 62 will be closed while work is ongoing. Flaggers will be in place on U.S. Route 59 to guide motorists through the work zone.

Route T – Pavement repair from 11th Street to 12th Terrace in Savannah, July 30

I-29 – Pothole patching from Route 111 (Exit 107) to Route W (Exit 99), July 27 – 31

Route B – Pothole patching, July 27 – 31

Routes AA and Y – Shoulder work, July 27 – 31

I-29 – Concrete patching in preparation for a resurfacing project from south of Route O to the Platte County line through early August. I-29 will be narrowed to one lane from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. nightly and some lane closures could remain up around-the-clock. The full resurfacing project is expected to begin Aug. 10 and be completed in mid-October.

Cook Road –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for concrete replacement over I-29, July 27 at 7 a.m. through July 28 at 7 a.m.

Gene Field Road –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for concrete replacement over I-29, July 28 at 7 a.m. through July 29 at 7 a.m.

Route AC –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for concrete replacement over U.S. Route 36, July 29 at 7 a.m. through July 30 at 7 a.m.

Route 116 – Pothole patching 0.5 miles west of Route E, July 27

I-229 – Bridge flushing, July 27 – 30

I-229 and U.S. Route 36 – Pothole patching, July 27 – 30

Route Y – Pothole patching 0.5 miles north of Route 116, July 28

Route 13 – Scrub seal project from the Ray County line to Route 6 (Daviess County) through July

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

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

Route 129 – Drainage work from Route HH to U.S. Route 24, July 27 – 30. Flaggers will be in place to guide motorists through the work zone.

I-35 – Resurfacing project from the DeKalb County line to Shoal Creek through early September

Route 13 – Scrub seal project from Route 6 to the Caldwell/Ray County line through July

Route 6 – Resurfacing project from I-35 to the Muddy Creek Bridge east of Trenton (Grundy County) through late August

Route 190 – Pothole patching from Route 6 to the Grundy County line, July 27 – 28

Route B – Drainage work 1.5 miles east of Route 13, July 28 – 29

Route V – Pothole patching, July 29 – 31

Route A –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a scrub seal project from King Road to NW Berlin Road (Gentry County), July 28, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Route H –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from King Road to Route Z (Gentry County), July 30, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route A –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a scrub seal project from NW Berlin Road to King Road (DeKalb County), July 28, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Route M –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 425th Road to Route UU, July 28, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route Z –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 570th Road to Route A north, July 29, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route H –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route Z to King Road (DeKalb County), July 30, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route H –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Isaac Miller Trail to 540th Road, July 31, 7:30 a.m.

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

Route 6 – Resurfacing project from the Muddy Creek Bridge east of Trenton to I-35 (Daviess County) through late August

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

U.S. Route 159 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Penny Slu Bridge through mid-August.&nbsp;More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/penny-slu-bridge-replacement-and-i-29-overpass-redeck-project" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/penny-slu-bridge-replacement-and-i-29-overpass-redeck-project</a>

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over Easter Creek near Oregon through late August. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.

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

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

Route 190 –&nbsp;CLOSED to non-emergency traffic&nbsp;for a bridge rehabilitation project over the Thompson River from 8 p.m. on July 29 through 3 p.m. on Aug. 1.&nbsp;This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. A 10-foot width restriction is in place. The bridge rehabilitation project is expected to continue through late November. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a>

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

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

Route Y – Pothole patching south of Route A, July 27 – 28

Routes E and T – Pothole patching, July 27 – 30

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

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

Routes N and T – Pothole patching, July 27 – 29

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592590683992.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of July 27 – Aug. 2.All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at&nbsp;<a href="http://traveler.modot.org/map/" target="_blank">http://traveler.modot.org/map/</a>.Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region such as pothole patching, mowing, striping, signal work, etc., in addition to the work mentioned below.Andrew CountyRoute 48 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over Agee Creek through early August. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/andrew-county-route-48-bridge-replacement-over-agee-creek" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/andrew-county-route-48-bridge-replacement-over-agee-creek</a>Interstate 29 – Bridge replacement project over Hopkins Creek and Route T (mile marker 58-60) through January 2021. A 14-foot width restriction is in place. These bridges are included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.Route Y –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from County Road 4 to County Road 7, July 27, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.U.S. Business Route 71 – Drainage work 0.5 miles south of Savannah, July 28U.S. Route 59 – Culvert replacement at County Road 62, July 29, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The entrance to County Road 62 will be closed while work is ongoing. Flaggers will be in place on U.S. Route 59 to guide motorists through the work zone.Route T – Pavement repair from 11th Street to 12th Terrace in Savannah, July 30Atchison CountyI-29 – Pothole patching from Route 111 (Exit 107) to Route W (Exit 99), July 27 – 31Route B – Pothole patching, July 27 – 31Routes AA and Y – Shoulder work, July 27 – 31Buchanan CountyI-29 – Concrete patching in preparation for a resurfacing project from south of Route O to the Platte County line through early August. I-29 will be narrowed to one lane from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. nightly and some lane closures could remain up around-the-clock. The full resurfacing project is expected to begin Aug. 10 and be completed in mid-October.Cook Road –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for concrete replacement over I-29, July 27 at 7 a.m. through July 28 at 7 a.m.Gene Field Road –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for concrete replacement over I-29, July 28 at 7 a.m. through July 29 at 7 a.m.Route AC –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for concrete replacement over U.S. Route 36, July 29 at 7 a.m. through July 30 at 7 a.m.Route 116 – Pothole patching 0.5 miles west of Route E, July 27I-229 – Bridge flushing, July 27 – 30I-229 and U.S. Route 36 – Pothole patching, July 27 – 30Route Y – Pothole patching 0.5 miles north of Route 116, July 28Caldwell CountyRoute 13 – Scrub seal project from the Ray County line to Route 6 (Daviess County) through JulyCarroll CountyRoute Z –&nbsp;CLOSED until further notice&nbsp;from Route C to County Road 217 due to damage caused by a roadway slideRoute C –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement project at the Branch of Turkey Creek Bridge through early NovemberChariton CountyRoute 129 – Drainage work from Route HH to U.S. Route 24, July 27 – 30. Flaggers will be in place to guide motorists through the work zone.Clinton CountyI-35 – Resurfacing project from the DeKalb County line to Shoal Creek through early SeptemberDaviess CountyRoute 13 – Scrub seal project from Route 6 to the Caldwell/Ray County line through JulyRoute 6 – Resurfacing project from I-35 to the Muddy Creek Bridge east of Trenton (Grundy County) through late AugustRoute 190 – Pothole patching from Route 6 to the Grundy County line, July 27 – 28Route B – Drainage work 1.5 miles east of Route 13, July 28 – 29Route V – Pothole patching, July 29 – 31DeKalb CountyRoute A –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a scrub seal project from King Road to NW Berlin Road (Gentry County), July 28, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.Route H –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from King Road to Route Z (Gentry County), July 30, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Gentry CountyRoute A –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a scrub seal project from NW Berlin Road to King Road (DeKalb County), July 28, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.Route M –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 425th Road to Route UU, July 28, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route Z –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 570th Road to Route A north, July 29, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route H –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route Z to King Road (DeKalb County), July 30, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route H –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Isaac Miller Trail to 540th Road, July 31, 7:30 a.m.Grundy CountyRoute 6 – Sidewalk and utility work from 4th Street to the Muddy Creek Bridge in Trenton through July. This includes Saturday work.Route 6 – Resurfacing project from the Muddy Creek Bridge east of Trenton to I-35 (Daviess County) through late AugustHarrison CountyRoute A –&nbsp;CLOSED until further notice&nbsp;from Route T to Route B due to a culvert washoutHolt CountyU.S. Route 159 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Penny Slu Bridge through mid-August.&nbsp;More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/penny-slu-bridge-replacement-and-i-29-overpass-redeck-project" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/penny-slu-bridge-replacement-and-i-29-overpass-redeck-project</a>Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over Easter Creek near Oregon through late August. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a slide repair project near Mill Bluff Road, south of Forest City, through mid-August. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job</a>I-29 – Bridge deck replacement project over Route E and Kimsey Creek through mid-September. These bridges are included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. A 16-foot width restriction is in place.Livingston CountyRoute 190 –&nbsp;CLOSED to non-emergency traffic&nbsp;for a bridge rehabilitation project over the Thompson River from 8 p.m. on July 29 through 3 p.m. on Aug. 1.&nbsp;This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. A 10-foot width restriction is in place. The bridge rehabilitation project is expected to continue through late November. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a>U.S. Route 65 – Bridge rehabilitation project over the Grand River through mid-December.&nbsp;This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. An 11.5-foot width restriction is in place. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a>Nodaway CountyRoute 46 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the White Cloud Creek Bridge, east of Route AB and Stream Bridge, west of Route AB. The project to replace all four bridges is expected to continue through early December.&nbsp;This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/route-46-bridge-projects-west-maryville" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/route-46-bridge-projects-west-maryville</a>Route Y – Pothole patching south of Route A, July 27 – 28Route H – Pothole patching, July 29Putnam CountyRoutes E and T – Pothole patching, July 27 – 30Sullivan CountyRoute N –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement project 0.2 miles west of Route B near Green City through SeptemberRoute PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over East Medicine Creek through the end of the year. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge</a>Routes N and T – Pothole patching, July 27 – 29

Planned road work for northwest Missouri, July 27 - Aug. 2

HOLT COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 11:30p.m. Saturday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford F350 driven by Matthew Z. Rounds, 42, Darlington, was northbound on MO 113 three miles south of Maitland.&nbsp;

The vehicle began to slide and traveled off the east side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the pickup returned to the road. The truck traveled off the west side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Rounds and a passenger Melissa R. Lehmer, 50, Darlington, to Mosaic in Maryville. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 11:30p.m. Saturday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford F350 driven by Matthew Z. Rounds, 42, Darlington, was northbound on MO 113 three miles south of Maitland.&nbsp;The vehicle began to slide and traveled off the east side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the pickup returned to the road. The truck traveled off the west side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Rounds and a passenger Melissa R. Lehmer, 50, Darlington, to Mosaic in Maryville. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after  truck overturns in Holt County

The United Way's COVID-19 Relief Fund is being utilized more in recent weeks.

United Way of Greater St. Joseph President Kylee Strough says there have been more needs arising as people see federal unemployment benefits stop, utility companies begin to make notification of disconnections and landlords make evictions.

“There are a lot of COVID-related resources available because the federal government and the state have done so much to put resources out there for people who’ve been impacted," Strough says. "Our fund is really serving as kind of a gap-filler for those who might not qualify - maybe they’re over income because when they are working they do make more - things like that, so we’re starting to see a little bit of an uptick in activity and we really expect it to grow over the next several weeks.”

The COVID-19 Relief Fund was set up <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5e83c92bafae0f4d5f5eb03c">in March</a> by the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. For more information, contact the United Way at (816) 364-2381 or go to <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/sites/stjosephunitedway.org/files/COVID-19%20Relief.pdf">stjosephunitedway.org</a>.

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostThe United Way's COVID-19 Relief Fund is being utilized more in recent weeks.United Way of Greater St. Joseph President Kylee Strough says there have been more needs arising as people see federal unemployment benefits stop, utility companies begin to make notification of disconnections and landlords make evictions.“There are a lot of COVID-related resources available because the federal government and the state have done so much to put resources out there for people who’ve been impacted," Strough says. "Our fund is really serving as kind of a gap-filler for those who might not qualify - maybe they’re over income because when they are working they do make more - things like that, so we’re starting to see a little bit of an uptick in activity and we really expect it to grow over the next several weeks.”The COVID-19 Relief Fund was set up <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5e83c92bafae0f4d5f5eb03c">in March</a> by the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. For more information, contact the United Way at (816) 364-2381 or go to <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/sites/stjosephunitedway.org/files/COVID-19%20Relief.pdf">stjosephunitedway.org</a>.

United Way helping meet needs with COVID-19 Relief Fund

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Friday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Buick LaCrosse driven by Willa B. Gibson, 66, Gallatin, was westbound on MO 6 four miles south of Lake Viking.

The vehicle rear-ended a 2008 Dodge Caliber driven by Fern M. Craven, 62, Polo, who had slowed and signaled to make a left turn.

Daviess County Ambulance transported Gibson to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Craven was treated at the scene. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Friday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Buick LaCrosse driven by Willa B. Gibson, 66, Gallatin, was westbound on MO 6 four miles south of Lake Viking.The vehicle rear-ended a 2008 Dodge Caliber driven by Fern M. Craven, 62, Polo, who had slowed and signaled to make a left turn.Daviess County Ambulance transported Gibson to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Craven was treated at the scene. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Woman from Gallatin hospitalized after rear-end crash

A young Michigan man has been arrested in Kansas, accused of
trying to steal $100,000 from the Prairie Band Casino and Resort in Mayetta.

Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police arrested 35-year-old John
Christopher Colletti of Harper Woods, MI in March.

The Detroit News reports a 17-page criminal complaint against
Colletti was unsealed Thursday in federal court in Detroit.

FBI agents claim Colletti used a prosthetic face mask to pose
as an elderly gambler wearing a straw hat and glasses while using a walker at
the northeast Kansas casino. Colletti, according to federal prosecutors,
withdrew $20,000 at a time from casino kiosks.

Federal authorities suspected Colletti of stealing up to ten identities
in April and May of last year by buying personal data online to make fake
driver’s licenses. Colletti had more than 50 fake ID’s, according to
prosecutors.

Federal prosecutors claim Colletti has hit gambling houses
before.

Colletti also faces accusations he used a VIP program offering
gamblers cash advances at the MGM Grand Detroit where he allegedly defrauded
several victims of nearly $100,000. Prosecutors claim he used elaborate
disguises to avoid detection by casino security cameras.

Security at Prairie Band Casino became suspicious when
Colletti withdrew so much cash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595858047034.png" alt="Colletti photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Colletti photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA young Michigan man has been arrested in Kansas, accused of
trying to steal $100,000 from the Prairie Band Casino and Resort in Mayetta.Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police arrested 35-year-old John
Christopher Colletti of Harper Woods, MI in March.The Detroit News reports a 17-page criminal complaint against
Colletti was unsealed Thursday in federal court in Detroit.FBI agents claim Colletti used a prosthetic face mask to pose
as an elderly gambler wearing a straw hat and glasses while using a walker at
the northeast Kansas casino. Colletti, according to federal prosecutors,
withdrew $20,000 at a time from casino kiosks.Federal authorities suspected Colletti of stealing up to ten identities
in April and May of last year by buying personal data online to make fake
driver’s licenses. Colletti had more than 50 fake ID’s, according to
prosecutors.Federal prosecutors claim Colletti has hit gambling houses
before.Colletti also faces accusations he used a VIP program offering
gamblers cash advances at the MGM Grand Detroit where he allegedly defrauded
several victims of nearly $100,000. Prosecutors claim he used elaborate
disguises to avoid detection by casino security cameras.Security at Prairie Band Casino became suspicious when
Colletti withdrew so much cash.

Michigan man accused of trying to steal $100K from Prairie Band Casino

The Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter hopes to find homes for a lot of cats this weekend.

"There are many, many cats overrunning the animal shelter, currently,” says Kappy Hodges with Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter. “Because of that, the manager of the animal shelter asked for help from Friends of the Animal Shelter to run a special to try to get a bunch of these cats adopted out.”

Hodges says all cats and kittens will only be $10 at a two-day adoption event this weekend. That price covers spay/neuter, vaccinations, fecal test, microchip, and city license. 

The adoption events will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday at PetSmart on the North Belt Highway and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at the St. Joseph Animal Shelter. For more information, visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheAnimalShelterStJoe/">Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter Facebook page</a>.

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostThe Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter hopes to find homes for a lot of cats this weekend."There are many, many cats overrunning the animal shelter, currently,” says Kappy Hodges with Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter. “Because of that, the manager of the animal shelter asked for help from Friends of the Animal Shelter to run a special to try to get a bunch of these cats adopted out.”Hodges says all cats and kittens will only be $10 at a two-day adoption event this weekend. That price covers spay/neuter, vaccinations, fecal test, microchip, and city license. The adoption events will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday at PetSmart on the North Belt Highway and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at the St. Joseph Animal Shelter. For more information, visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheAnimalShelterStJoe/">Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter Facebook page</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595611564930.jpeg" alt="Cat adoption special July 24th and 25th. Image courtesy of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter." />
 <figcaption>Cat adoption special July 24th and 25th. Image courtesy of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter.</figcaption>
 </figure>

St. Joseph Animal Shelter at "cat-pacity"

Buchanan County has recorded
its 10th COVID-19 related death as the county updates its
coronavirus count to 1,033 cases since counting began.

St. Joseph health officials
reported on Thursday 900 have been confirmed through tests with 133 listed as
probable.

The 10th
coronavirus-related death was a man in his 80s who had underlying health
issues.

Mosaic Health Care has now
tested 16,874 area residents with 762 testing positives as of Friday. Mosaic
reports six COVID-19 patients are hospitalized in St. Joseph as for Friday
morning.

Andrew County health
officials report 82 total cases since counting began; 69 confirmed and 13
probable.

Doniphan County, Kansas
reports 34 cases.

Missouri health officials report
37,700 cases with 1,179 deaths.

Kansas reports 24,104 cases with 308 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County has recorded
its 10th COVID-19 related death as the county updates its
coronavirus count to 1,033 cases since counting began.St. Joseph health officials
reported on Thursday 900 have been confirmed through tests with 133 listed as
probable.The 10th
coronavirus-related death was a man in his 80s who had underlying health
issues.Mosaic Health Care has now
tested 16,874 area residents with 762 testing positives as of Friday. Mosaic
reports six COVID-19 patients are hospitalized in St. Joseph as for Friday
morning.Mosaic is awaiting results
on 398 tests.Andrew County health
officials report 82 total cases since counting began; 69 confirmed and 13
probable.Doniphan County, Kansas
reports 34 cases.Missouri health officials report
37,700 cases with 1,179 deaths.Kansas reports 24,104 cases with 308 deaths.

Buchanan County now reports 1,000 COVID-19 cases, 10 deaths

Reports of domestic assaults have risen in St. Joseph, but it
is unlikely domestic abuse has been reported as much during coronavirus
stay-at-home orders as before.

St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally says police are
fielding more domestic disturbance calls of late.

“Since coming out of the lockdown the last month we’ve seen an
increase in reports of domestic assaults, close to a 10% increase,” Connally tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

But, Connally suspects a lot of domestic abuse went unreported
during shelter-in-place orders and even now. That could result in long-term problems.

“A lot of people that have had major issues with child abuse
and child neglect have ended up involved in the criminal justice system in
other ways,” Connally says.

Connally says during stay-at-home orders, children who might
be vulnerable to abuse could not get out of the house and see others, some of
whom are mandated to report suspected child abuse.

Connally says the government-imposed isolation could have
long-range effects.

“We’re generally social beings and so that has a big effect on
the human condition,” Connally says. “I’m not a mental health expert, certainly
not, but based on observations there’s longer-term impacts.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostReports of domestic assaults have risen in St. Joseph, but it
is unlikely domestic abuse has been reported as much during coronavirus
stay-at-home orders as before.St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally says police are
fielding more domestic disturbance calls of late.“Since coming out of the lockdown the last month we’ve seen an
increase in reports of domestic assaults, close to a 10% increase,” Connally tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.But, Connally suspects a lot of domestic abuse went unreported
during shelter-in-place orders and even now. That could result in long-term problems.“A lot of people that have had major issues with child abuse
and child neglect have ended up involved in the criminal justice system in
other ways,” Connally says.Connally says during stay-at-home orders, children who might
be vulnerable to abuse could not get out of the house and see others, some of
whom are mandated to report suspected child abuse.Connally says the government-imposed isolation could have
long-range effects.“We’re generally social beings and so that has a big effect on
the human condition,” Connally says. “I’m not a mental health expert, certainly
not, but based on observations there’s longer-term impacts.”

St. Joseph police seeing uptick in domestic abuse calls

A Trenton facility
has received a medical marijuana license from the state.

Kings Garden Midwest
of Trenton was one of five new licensees announced by the Missouri Department
of Health and Senior Services today.

DHHS says that
during its compliance review process, it was discovered a few new medical marijuana
facilities had submitted duplicative applications for licenses. DHHS merged the
redundant licenses, allowing the state to license five new facilities.

“Our
team is working hard to verify that each licensee is in compliance with the
constitutional standards for licensure and that each facility implements what
they proposed in their application,” DHSS Medical Marijuana Regulation Director
Lyndall Fraker. “Our thorough verification process is in place so that we can
maintain the kind of medical program that Missourians voted for—one that is
safe and well-regulated.”&nbsp;

To monitor the continued progress of minimum standards reviews and
commencement inspections, visit the <a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/medical-marijuana/patient-stats.php">Facility
Licensing and Compliance data and reports webpage</a>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Trenton facility
has received a medical marijuana license from the state.Kings Garden Midwest
of Trenton was one of five new licensees announced by the Missouri Department
of Health and Senior Services today.DHHS says that
during its compliance review process, it was discovered a few new medical marijuana
facilities had submitted duplicative applications for licenses. DHHS merged the
redundant licenses, allowing the state to license five new facilities.“Our
team is working hard to verify that each licensee is in compliance with the
constitutional standards for licensure and that each facility implements what
they proposed in their application,” DHSS Medical Marijuana Regulation Director
Lyndall Fraker. “Our thorough verification process is in place so that we can
maintain the kind of medical program that Missourians voted for—one that is
safe and well-regulated.”&nbsp;The
five new licensees are:<ul>
 <li>MidAmeriCanna, LLC, 2849 Union Blvd, St. Louis, MO</li><li>Nature’s Med MO, LLC, 3615 Tree Court Industrial Blvd, St. Louis,
 MO</li><li>ROI Labs of Atherton, LLC, 4610 N Main St, Independence, MO</li><li>Missouri Made Marijuana, LLC, 301 S. Outer Belt Road E., Grain
 Valley, MO</li><li>Kings Garden Midwest, LLC, 3300 Pleasant Pl, Trenton, MO</li>
 </ul>To monitor the continued progress of minimum standards reviews and
commencement inspections, visit the <a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/medical-marijuana/patient-stats.php">Facility
Licensing and Compliance data and reports webpage</a>

Trenton facility gets medical marijuana license

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Thursday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Toyota Tacoma driven by Seth E. Johnson, 30, Kansas City, Mo., was northbound on Interstate 35 seven miles north of Eagleville.

The pickup traveled off the left side of the road, struck the crossover, became airborne and overturned.

North Harrison EMS transported Johnson to Decatur County Hospital in Leon, Iowa. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Thursday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Toyota Tacoma driven by Seth E. Johnson, 30, Kansas City, Mo., was northbound on Interstate 35 seven miles north of Eagleville.The pickup traveled off the left side of the road, struck the crossover, became airborne and overturned.North Harrison EMS transported Johnson to Decatur County Hospital in Leon, Iowa. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after violent pickup crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ Republican attorney general said Thursday that he believes both counties and local school districts can exempt themselves from the Democratic governor’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d03755cc88648b0c2c2a275f1e9b1747">coronavirus-inspired order</a>&nbsp;requiring schools to have staff and students wear masks.

Gov. Laura Kelly replied in a scathing statement that Attorney General Derek Schmidt is wrong and that he and fellow Republicans have “only created more hurdles and uncertainty” during the pandemic. Schmidt’s comments in an Associated Press interview represented the latest instance in which a Republican has undercut an action by Kelly aimed at curbing the spread of the new coronavirus.

Republican officials and conservatives outside government have argued that it’s inappropriate for Kelly to impose “one-size fits all” measures— and hurt the economy— while the rate of reported new coronavirus cases varies widely across the state. Kelly has pointed to a coronavirus resurgence in recent weeks that has pushed the total confirmed cases past 24,000 and COVID-19-related deaths past 300.

The Republican-controlled Legislature successfully pressured Kelly to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">lift statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings on May 26, and the GOP-dominated State Board of Education on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6a64799654f6a9ccb944299898f8d367">blocked Kelly’s plan</a>&nbsp;to delay the reopening of K-12 schools for three weeks, from mid-August until after Labor Day. Decisions on business restrictions are left to counties while local boards of education are to determine school reopenings.

Kelly issued her&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-59-PDF.pdf" target="_blank">masks-in-schools order</a>&nbsp;Monday, imposing rules for public and private schools that are stricter than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/Teaching-Learning/Resources/Navigating-Change-Kansas-Guide-to-Learning-and-School-Safety-Operations" target="_blank">guidelines</a>&nbsp;set by the State Board of Education. It also would require schools to do daily checks for fever on all staff and students.

“It’s odd position that the administration has taken that their order is somehow is not subject to county opt-out the way all their other orders are,” Schmidt said. “Local school districts have the constitutional authority to opt out.”

The attorney general added that he’s had conversations with local officials who have raised the issue of whether they can opt out of Kelly’s order. Schmidt said he told the governor’s office of his legal opinion before Kelly issued the order.

“His comments further demonstrate that he and Republican leadership have abdicated their duty to serve the people of Kansas during the worst public health crisis in a century — and instead, put the burden back on local communities,” Kelly told AP in response to Schmidt’s stance.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/summary_hb_2016_2020special" target="_blank">A law&nbsp;</a>enacted last month as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/56291b90279c36bafb21087cdc845c8a">a compromise</a>&nbsp;between the Democratic governor and GOP lawmakers allows the state’s 105 counties to opt out of Kelly’s health orders, such as one she issued July 2 to require people to wear masks in public and at their workplaces. Schmidt said that law applies to the masks-in-schools order.

Kelly said Monday that it doesn’t because it involves the state’s 286 local school districts, which operate independently of counties under local elected school boards.

The same law required the State Board of Education’s approval of Kelly’s plan to delay the start of fall K-12 classes or to close school buildings. Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8e5672095558ab92d7505f2a06f9a9b9">ordered K-12 school buildings closed</a>&nbsp;in mid-March for the rest of the previous school year, drawing criticism from conservative GOP lawmakers.

The law doesn’t give the state board any authority to reject other Kelly orders, but Schmidt said Kansas law gives local districts “home rule” powers to manage their own affairs. And&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/832/Article-6-Education" target="_blank">the state constitution&nbsp;</a>says local public schools “shall be maintained, developed and operated by locally elected boards.”

“I worry this is going needlessly become another flare-up,” Schmidt said.

Senate President Susan Wagle, a conservative Wichita Republican frequently critical of Kelly’s handling of the pandemic, said legislators wrote last month’s law “to ensure local control over these decisions.”

“The law is what the law is, and it has to be followed or it has to be changed,” Schmidt said. “It can’t simply be ignored.”

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Thursday that he believes both counties and local school districts can exempt themselves from Gov. Laura Kelly’s coronavirus-inspired order requiring schools to have staff and students wear masks.

The Republican attorney general said during an Associated Press interview that he told the Democratic governor’s office his opinion before Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d03755cc88648b0c2c2a275f1e9b1747">issued the order&nbsp;</a>Monday. The order also requires daily temperature checks for staff and students.

Kelly has said neither counties nor local school districts can opt out, unlike an order she issued July 2 to require people to wear masks in public places.

Schmidt’s comments came a day after a plan from Kelly to delay the reopening of public and private K-12 schools from mid-August until after Labor Day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6a64799654f6a9ccb944299898f8d367">was rejected&nbsp;</a>by the GOP-controlled State Board of Education on a 5-5 vote.

A law enacted in June required the state board’s approval of an order keeping school buildings closed and allowed counties to opt out of other Kelly health orders. Schmidt said that law allows counties to opt out of Kelly’s order on masks in schools.

Schmidt said the state constitution grants school districts the power to opt out as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595279892769.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly arrived wearing a mask at her Monday news conference" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly arrived wearing a mask at her Monday news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ Republican attorney general said Thursday that he believes both counties and local school districts can exempt themselves from the Democratic governor’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d03755cc88648b0c2c2a275f1e9b1747">coronavirus-inspired order</a>&nbsp;requiring schools to have staff and students wear masks.Gov. Laura Kelly replied in a scathing statement that Attorney General Derek Schmidt is wrong and that he and fellow Republicans have “only created more hurdles and uncertainty” during the pandemic. Schmidt’s comments in an Associated Press interview represented the latest instance in which a Republican has undercut an action by Kelly aimed at curbing the spread of the new coronavirus.Republican officials and conservatives outside government have argued that it’s inappropriate for Kelly to impose “one-size fits all” measures— and hurt the economy— while the rate of reported new coronavirus cases varies widely across the state. Kelly has pointed to a coronavirus resurgence in recent weeks that has pushed the total confirmed cases past 24,000 and COVID-19-related deaths past 300.The Republican-controlled Legislature successfully pressured Kelly to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">lift statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings on May 26, and the GOP-dominated State Board of Education on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6a64799654f6a9ccb944299898f8d367">blocked Kelly’s plan</a>&nbsp;to delay the reopening of K-12 schools for three weeks, from mid-August until after Labor Day. Decisions on business restrictions are left to counties while local boards of education are to determine school reopenings.Kelly issued her&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-59-PDF.pdf" target="_blank">masks-in-schools order</a>&nbsp;Monday, imposing rules for public and private schools that are stricter than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/Teaching-Learning/Resources/Navigating-Change-Kansas-Guide-to-Learning-and-School-Safety-Operations" target="_blank">guidelines</a>&nbsp;set by the State Board of Education. It also would require schools to do daily checks for fever on all staff and students.“It’s odd position that the administration has taken that their order is somehow is not subject to county opt-out the way all their other orders are,” Schmidt said. “Local school districts have the constitutional authority to opt out.”The attorney general added that he’s had conversations with local officials who have raised the issue of whether they can opt out of Kelly’s order. Schmidt said he told the governor’s office of his legal opinion before Kelly issued the order.“His comments further demonstrate that he and Republican leadership have abdicated their duty to serve the people of Kansas during the worst public health crisis in a century — and instead, put the burden back on local communities,” Kelly told AP in response to Schmidt’s stance.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/summary_hb_2016_2020special" target="_blank">A law&nbsp;</a>enacted last month as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/56291b90279c36bafb21087cdc845c8a">a compromise</a>&nbsp;between the Democratic governor and GOP lawmakers allows the state’s 105 counties to opt out of Kelly’s health orders, such as one she issued July 2 to require people to wear masks in public and at their workplaces. Schmidt said that law applies to the masks-in-schools order.Kelly said Monday that it doesn’t because it involves the state’s 286 local school districts, which operate independently of counties under local elected school boards.The same law required the State Board of Education’s approval of Kelly’s plan to delay the start of fall K-12 classes or to close school buildings. Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8e5672095558ab92d7505f2a06f9a9b9">ordered K-12 school buildings closed</a>&nbsp;in mid-March for the rest of the previous school year, drawing criticism from conservative GOP lawmakers.The law doesn’t give the state board any authority to reject other Kelly orders, but Schmidt said Kansas law gives local districts “home rule” powers to manage their own affairs. And&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/832/Article-6-Education" target="_blank">the state constitution&nbsp;</a>says local public schools “shall be maintained, developed and operated by locally elected boards.”“I worry this is going needlessly become another flare-up,” Schmidt said.Senate President Susan Wagle, a conservative Wichita Republican frequently critical of Kelly’s handling of the pandemic, said legislators wrote last month’s law “to ensure local control over these decisions.”“The law is what the law is, and it has to be followed or it has to be changed,” Schmidt said. “It can’t simply be ignored.”-------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Thursday that he believes both counties and local school districts can exempt themselves from Gov. Laura Kelly’s coronavirus-inspired order requiring schools to have staff and students wear masks.The Republican attorney general said during an Associated Press interview that he told the Democratic governor’s office his opinion before Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d03755cc88648b0c2c2a275f1e9b1747">issued the order&nbsp;</a>Monday. The order also requires daily temperature checks for staff and students.Kelly has said neither counties nor local school districts can opt out, unlike an order she issued July 2 to require people to wear masks in public places.Schmidt’s comments came a day after a plan from Kelly to delay the reopening of public and private K-12 schools from mid-August until after Labor Day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6a64799654f6a9ccb944299898f8d367">was rejected&nbsp;</a>by the GOP-controlled State Board of Education on a 5-5 vote.A law enacted in June required the state board’s approval of an order keeping school buildings closed and allowed counties to opt out of other Kelly health orders. Schmidt said that law allows counties to opt out of Kelly’s order on masks in schools.Schmidt said the state constitution grants school districts the power to opt out as well.___

Update: Kan. AG: Local officials can opt out of school mask order

The St. Joseph Health Department on Thursday reported a 10th COVID-19 death.

According to the health department, the individual was a&nbsp;man in his 80s who had underlying health issues.

As of July 23rd,&nbsp;the Health Department is reporting a total of&nbsp;1033&nbsp;cases in Buchanan County since counting began.&nbsp;That includes&nbsp;900&nbsp;confirmed cases and&nbsp;133&nbsp;probable cases.

The St. Joseph Health Department on Thursday reported a 10th COVID-19 death.According to the health department, the individual was a&nbsp;man in his 80s who had underlying health issues.As of July 23rd,&nbsp;the Health Department is reporting a total of&nbsp;1033&nbsp;cases in Buchanan County since counting began.&nbsp;That includes&nbsp;900&nbsp;confirmed cases and&nbsp;133&nbsp;probable cases.

Buchanan County reports 10th COVID-19 death

There may not be a bus to stuff this year, but the United Way is still collecting donations for students in need.

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph holds a yearly "Stuff the Bus" event the first weekend in August at local Walmart locations to collect school supplies, which are then distributed through the Salvation Army to students in need.

“This year we’re going to do it a little bit differently because of COVID,” says Kylee Strough, United Way of Greater St. Joseph President. “We won’t actually be stuffing a school bus with supplies, but we will still be collecting supplies, just (with) a little bit different method.”

Strough says distributing supplies will also be a different process this year.

“In the past, there’s been a scheduled day at the Salvation Army where all the supplies through Stuff the Bus are distributed and it means that hundreds of families, adults and children, line up at the Salvation Army and get their supplies," Strough says. "Distribution is going to happen in a more direct way with actual school districts in our area this year.”&nbsp;

An in-person collection event will take place July 31st and August 1st at the <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/9443f2fd-92c2-4549-ac5b-d9025af4cb16">drive-in movie nights</a> in the East Hills Shopping Center east side parking lot.

“The movie that night will be ‘Field of Dreams,’ so you build a baseball field and you hope they will come, we partner with the drive-in movie and hope people will bring supplies.”

Strough says they also hope that by collecting and distributing school supplies, they can help provide some normalcy as the upcoming school year may look different due to the pandemic.

“We also know that there are a lot of families that are still impacted, they’ve had their job hours changed, their income cut, they might have lost a job completely due to a layoff because of COVID and the economic downturn,” Strough says. “So anything we can do to help provide a little less stress for families is a place we as United Way and as a community should want to be.”

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostThere may not be a bus to stuff this year, but the United Way is still collecting donations for students in need.The United Way of Greater St. Joseph holds a yearly "Stuff the Bus" event the first weekend in August at local Walmart locations to collect school supplies, which are then distributed through the Salvation Army to students in need.“This year we’re going to do it a little bit differently because of COVID,” says Kylee Strough, United Way of Greater St. Joseph President. “We won’t actually be stuffing a school bus with supplies, but we will still be collecting supplies, just (with) a little bit different method.”Strough says distributing supplies will also be a different process this year.“In the past, there’s been a scheduled day at the Salvation Army where all the supplies through Stuff the Bus are distributed and it means that hundreds of families, adults and children, line up at the Salvation Army and get their supplies," Strough says. "Distribution is going to happen in a more direct way with actual school districts in our area this year.”&nbsp;An in-person collection event will take place July 31st and August 1st at the <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/9443f2fd-92c2-4549-ac5b-d9025af4cb16">drive-in movie nights</a> in the East Hills Shopping Center east side parking lot.“The movie that night will be ‘Field of Dreams,’ so you build a baseball field and you hope they will come, we partner with the drive-in movie and hope people will bring supplies.”Strough says they also hope that by collecting and distributing school supplies, they can help provide some normalcy as the upcoming school year may look different due to the pandemic.“We also know that there are a lot of families that are still impacted, they’ve had their job hours changed, their income cut, they might have lost a job completely due to a layoff because of COVID and the economic downturn,” Strough says. “So anything we can do to help provide a little less stress for families is a place we as United Way and as a community should want to be.”The United Way is collecting donations of school supplies now until August 14th.Drop off locations for school supplies include United Way of Greater St. Joseph at 118 S. 5th Street, The Salvation Army at 602 Messanie Street and AFL-CIO Community Services at 1203 N. 6th Street. Supplies can also be purchased at either St. Joseph Walmart and dropped in bins labeled STUFF THE BUS! located near customer service. United Way can also schedule a porch pick-up of supplies. For more information contact the United Way of Greater St. Joseph at (816) 364-2381 or visit <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/stb">stjosephunitedway.org</a>.