A 27-year-old St. Joseph man checked himself into the
emergency room after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg.

St. Joseph police report the wound appears to be non-life-threatening.

Police say the man came to the Mosaic Life Care ER around 11:30
last night. He has not cooperated with investigators, refusing to tell
officers where the shooting occurred or why.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 27-year-old St. Joseph man checked himself into the
emergency room after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg.St. Joseph police report the wound appears to be non-life-threatening.Police say the man came to the Mosaic Life Care ER around 11:30
last night. He has not cooperated with investigators, refusing to tell
officers where the shooting occurred or why.No suspect is in custody.The investigation continues.

Man suffering gunshot wound not cooperating with St. Joseph police

St. Joseph city officials will be weighing the best options
for spending tens of millions of dollars coming to the city from Washington.

St. Joseph will receive more than $39 million from the
American Rescue Plan passed by Congress, the coronavirus relief bill pushed by
President Joe Biden.

City Manager Bryan Carter says it is important to spend the
money wisely.

“We are in the process of establishing a committee that will
hear the requests for funding and then they will make recommendations for the
city council and the city council will ultimately issue final determinations on
who receives what amount of funding,” Carter says.

The federal money will come in two installments. The first
installment could arrive soon, with the second next year.

Carter says his office has been poring over the 150 pages of
guidelines on how the money can be spent.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph city officials will be weighing the best options
for spending tens of millions of dollars coming to the city from Washington.St. Joseph will receive more than $39 million from the
American Rescue Plan passed by Congress, the coronavirus relief bill pushed by
President Joe Biden.City Manager Bryan Carter says it is important to spend the
money wisely.“We are in the process of establishing a committee that will
hear the requests for funding and then they will make recommendations for the
city council and the city council will ultimately issue final determinations on
who receives what amount of funding,” Carter says.The federal money will come in two installments. The first
installment could arrive soon, with the second next year.Carter says his office has been poring over the 150 pages of
guidelines on how the money can be spent.

St. Joseph considering how to spend $39M+ in federal relief money

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Thursday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Impala driven by Kathi S. Tolly, 58, Linneus, was eastbound on Route K four miles west of Chula.

The car struck a deer, traveled off the road and struck an embankment.

Livingston County Ambulance transported Tolly to Hedrick Medical Center. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Thursday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Impala driven by Kathi S. Tolly, 58, Linneus, was eastbound on Route K four miles west of Chula.The car struck a deer, traveled off the road and struck an embankment.Livingston County Ambulance transported Tolly to Hedrick Medical Center. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after car strikes deer, embankment

2022 will be a year of new for the St. Joseph school system.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Central Missouri College will soon be the primary community college for Buchanan County&nbsp;students, school districts, businesses, and industries.&nbsp;

A memorandum of understanding was agreed upon this week&nbsp;between North Central Missouri College&nbsp;(NCMC) of Trenton and Metropolitan Community College&nbsp;(MCC) of Kansas City. This understanding will change the service region for Buchanan County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Central President Lenny Klaver&nbsp;says&nbsp;NCMC will begin service in Buchanan County after the spring 2022 semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We’re going to do our best to research this over the next year and take the input of business and industry to determine what are the best programs to offer&nbsp;here and how we can market that to not just the high school age population, but the adult learners in the community as well” Klaver tells&nbsp;St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Klaver says classes through MCC at Hillyard Technical Center will continue for the time being.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Hillyard is part of the St. Joseph school district so we will be in conversation with them about transitioning&nbsp;some of our programs and classes there, but there’s a lot unknown,” says Klaver. “This memorandum of understanding was just the start&nbsp;to a change of service region.”&nbsp;

Klaver says they are going to do their best to research what the school should offer for the county.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have a long way to go in what we are going to plan and there’s nothing definite right now about what we’re going to do but&nbsp;by the time we offer programs here and probably before that we’ll make it well known.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;2022 will be a year of new for the St. Joseph school system.&nbsp;&nbsp;North Central Missouri College will soon be the primary community college for Buchanan County&nbsp;students, school districts, businesses, and industries.&nbsp;A memorandum of understanding was agreed upon this week&nbsp;between North Central Missouri College&nbsp;(NCMC) of Trenton and Metropolitan Community College&nbsp;(MCC) of Kansas City. This understanding will change the service region for Buchanan County.&nbsp;&nbsp;North Central President Lenny Klaver&nbsp;says&nbsp;NCMC will begin service in Buchanan County after the spring 2022 semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’re going to do our best to research this over the next year and take the input of business and industry to determine what are the best programs to offer&nbsp;here and how we can market that to not just the high school age population, but the adult learners in the community as well” Klaver tells&nbsp;St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;Klaver says classes through MCC at Hillyard Technical Center will continue for the time being.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Hillyard is part of the St. Joseph school district so we will be in conversation with them about transitioning&nbsp;some of our programs and classes there, but there’s a lot unknown,” says Klaver. “This memorandum of understanding was just the start&nbsp;to a change of service region.”&nbsp;Klaver says they are going to do their best to research what the school should offer for the county.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have a long way to go in what we are going to plan and there’s nothing definite right now about what we’re going to do but&nbsp;by the time we offer programs here and probably before that we’ll make it well known.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Central Missouri College takes on Buchanan County's service region

NODAWAY COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Ralph L. Tackett, 31, Skidmore, was westbound on Route V one mile east of Skidmore.

The driver swerved to avoid a deer. The car traveled off the road, struck an embankment, overturned and came to rest on its top.

Nodaway County Ambulance transported Tackett to Mosaic in Maryville. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Ralph L. Tackett, 31, Skidmore, was westbound on Route V one mile east of Skidmore.The driver swerved to avoid a deer. The car traveled off the road, struck an embankment, overturned and came to rest on its top.Nodaway County Ambulance transported Tackett to Mosaic in Maryville. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri driver injured after he swerves to avoid a deer

HARRISON COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 16-year-old boy from Eagleville was driving a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer southbound on U.S. 69 eight miles north of Eagleville.

The vehicle traveled off the road, struck a ditch and overturned.

North Harrison Ambulance transported the teen to Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 16-year-old boy from Eagleville was driving a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer southbound on U.S. 69 eight miles north of Eagleville.The vehicle traveled off the road, struck a ditch and overturned.North Harrison Ambulance transported the teen to Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen hospitalized after SUV overturns

ANDREW COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported&nbsp;a Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Benjamin M. Riley, 21, Napa, CA., was northbound on Route D at County Line Road four miles north of Avenue City.

The pickup crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2008 Toyota Corolla driven by Juanita R. Branaman, 77, Savannah. After the crash, the Toyota slid counterclockwise off the west side of the road.

Andrew County EMS transported Branaman to Mosaic Life Care. Riley was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—A Missouri woman was injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported&nbsp;a Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Benjamin M. Riley, 21, Napa, CA., was northbound on Route D at County Line Road four miles north of Avenue City.The pickup crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2008 Toyota Corolla driven by Juanita R. Branaman, 77, Savannah. After the crash, the Toyota slid counterclockwise off the west side of the road.Andrew County EMS transported Branaman to Mosaic Life Care. Riley was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Savannah woman hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

While most counties in northwest Missouri are seeing their COVID-19 case rates drop, a couple of them are seeing their highest surges since the pandemic started.

Livingston County reported 103 new cases last week and 36 more since Monday. Livingston County's rate of 381 new cases per 100,000 people in the last week is the highest of any county in the state.

Linn County, Livingston's neighbor to the east, has seen 96 new cases in the last seven days. Linn County's rate of 218 new cases per 100,000 people in the last week is the second highest statewide.

"We had 133 active cases here in Livingston as of Tuesday," said Ann Burchett, the public information supervisor for the Livingston County Health Center. "Our high was previously 94 back in January."

Livingston County saw only 12 new cases of COVID-19 in April, and only&nbsp;10 new cases in the first 11 days of May.

They've now seen 157 new cases between May 12-May 25 -&nbsp;an increase of 986 percent.

Burchett says the overall positive tone of COVID coverage from a statewide and national level is not reflective of what's happening in her county.

"Everything looks better, things are great, Missouri's rates are some of the lowest in the country," Burchett said. "But, that just doesn't ring true for north central Missouri right now."

Livingston County's positivity rate ranks No. 1 in the state at 21.35 percent. Linn County is right behind them at 20.93 percent.

Burchett says the cause of this recent outbreak is unclear. The Health Center has sent some testing samples to labs to see if a variant is circulating through the area.

The U.K. variant, sometimes referred to as B.1.1.7., has been confirmed in Missouri, and studies show it to be far more contagious and more likely to impact younger people than the original virus.

About 33.3 percent of the Livingston County population has initiated vaccination, and 29 percent have completed it.

While these rates are about middle-of-the-pack compared to the other counties in the state, Burchett says many of the new cases have been detected in younger groups - a population that hasn't been vaccinated as much.

"When you couple a lower vaccination rate, not wearing masks and getting back to normal, it's a perfect storm for things like this to happen," Burchett said. "Once you have a few cases, which is what we saw, they just compound themselves."

Burchett says immunity against any disease can only work if enough of the population gets vaccinated. When there's an outbreak amongst people who are not immunized, cases can pile up quickly and can even impact those who are vaccinated.

As of May 24, Livingston County identified 12 breakthrough COVID cases in fully vaccinated people.

"And pretty soon, if you get enough cases going, then you have breakthrough infections in vaccinated people," Burchett said. "Because, you don't have your herd immunity protection anymore and those people even who are vaccinated can get sick."

The recent surge in Livingston County caused the Chillicothe School District to move to virtual learning for summer school classes through June 4.

Livingston's neighbor to the north, Grundy County, is watching the situation closely. While its rate isn't as high as Livingston's, Grundy County has reported 16 new cases since May 18.

At 11.88 percent, Grundy County's positivity rate is the fifth highest in the state. Its rate of 122 new cases per 100,000 people over the last seven days is the third highest.

Grundy County has seen 25.6 percent of its population initiate vaccination - well behind the statewide rate of 43.3 percent.

Grundy County Health Administrator Elizabeth Gibson is hopeful that the easy access to the vaccine will encourage those who haven't yet to roll up their sleeves.

"We'd like to see our vaccination rates improve in Grundy County," Gibson said. "We hope now that it's readily available. And it's pretty easy to get. We have a weekly vaccination clinic at our health department (in Trenton). It's also available at local pharmacies. We also have all three types of the vaccine available in the county."

Life has returned to normal for many. Nationwide cases and deaths are down. In Missouri alone, there's been an 8.1 percent drop in new cases and a 33 percent drop in deaths in the last week, while the state's positivity rate hovers just under four percent.

While there's reason for optimism, Burchett says the situation in Livingston County is a shining example of what could happen if not enough people get vaccinated and don't take proper precautions.

"It's too early to celebrate the end of the pandemic," Burchett said. "You can look at our county and see the danger is all too real and it's really not that far away from anyone in the state."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612987994248.png" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostWhile most counties in northwest Missouri are seeing their COVID-19 case rates drop, a couple of them are seeing their highest surges since the pandemic started.Livingston County reported 103 new cases last week and 36 more since Monday. Livingston County's rate of 381 new cases per 100,000 people in the last week is the highest of any county in the state.Linn County, Livingston's neighbor to the east, has seen 96 new cases in the last seven days. Linn County's rate of 218 new cases per 100,000 people in the last week is the second highest statewide."We had 133 active cases here in Livingston as of Tuesday," said Ann Burchett, the public information supervisor for the Livingston County Health Center. "Our high was previously 94 back in January."Livingston County saw only 12 new cases of COVID-19 in April, and only&nbsp;10 new cases in the first 11 days of May.They've now seen 157 new cases between May 12-May 25 -&nbsp;an increase of 986 percent.Burchett says the overall positive tone of COVID coverage from a statewide and national level is not reflective of what's happening in her county."Everything looks better, things are great, Missouri's rates are some of the lowest in the country," Burchett said. "But, that just doesn't ring true for north central Missouri right now."Livingston County's positivity rate ranks No. 1 in the state at 21.35 percent. Linn County is right behind them at 20.93 percent.Burchett says the cause of this recent outbreak is unclear. The Health Center has sent some testing samples to labs to see if a variant is circulating through the area.The U.K. variant, sometimes referred to as B.1.1.7., has been confirmed in Missouri, and studies show it to be far more contagious and more likely to impact younger people than the original virus.About 33.3 percent of the Livingston County population has initiated vaccination, and 29 percent have completed it.While these rates are about middle-of-the-pack compared to the other counties in the state, Burchett says many of the new cases have been detected in younger groups - a population that hasn't been vaccinated as much."When you couple a lower vaccination rate, not wearing masks and getting back to normal, it's a perfect storm for things like this to happen," Burchett said. "Once you have a few cases, which is what we saw, they just compound themselves."Burchett says immunity against any disease can only work if enough of the population gets vaccinated. When there's an outbreak amongst people who are not immunized, cases can pile up quickly and can even impact those who are vaccinated.As of May 24, Livingston County identified 12 breakthrough COVID cases in fully vaccinated people."And pretty soon, if you get enough cases going, then you have breakthrough infections in vaccinated people," Burchett said. "Because, you don't have your herd immunity protection anymore and those people even who are vaccinated can get sick."The recent surge in Livingston County caused the Chillicothe School District to move to virtual learning for summer school classes through June 4.Livingston's neighbor to the north, Grundy County, is watching the situation closely. While its rate isn't as high as Livingston's, Grundy County has reported 16 new cases since May 18.At 11.88 percent, Grundy County's positivity rate is the fifth highest in the state. Its rate of 122 new cases per 100,000 people over the last seven days is the third highest.Grundy County has seen 25.6 percent of its population initiate vaccination - well behind the statewide rate of 43.3 percent.Grundy County Health Administrator Elizabeth Gibson is hopeful that the easy access to the vaccine will encourage those who haven't yet to roll up their sleeves."We'd like to see our vaccination rates improve in Grundy County," Gibson said. "We hope now that it's readily available. And it's pretty easy to get. We have a weekly vaccination clinic at our health department (in Trenton). It's also available at local pharmacies. We also have all three types of the vaccine available in the county."Life has returned to normal for many. Nationwide cases and deaths are down. In Missouri alone, there's been an 8.1 percent drop in new cases and a 33 percent drop in deaths in the last week, while the state's positivity rate hovers just under four percent.While there's reason for optimism, Burchett says the situation in Livingston County is a shining example of what could happen if not enough people get vaccinated and don't take proper precautions."It's too early to celebrate the end of the pandemic," Burchett said. "You can look at our county and see the danger is all too real and it's really not that far away from anyone in the state."<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLivCoHealthCtr%2Fposts%2F1732476700271800&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="510" 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.

Livingston County seeing highest COVID surge since the pandemic began

Catholic parishioners are welcome to return to Sunday masses in person, beginning June first.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Catholic Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph is encouraging the full participation in parish life once&nbsp;Bishop James Johnston lifts the general dispensation, put in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

Diocese spokeswoman Ashlie Hand says&nbsp;it’s safe to come back and participate in person.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s time to come home,” Hand tells St. Joseph Post. “It’s time to&nbsp;the full participation in the mass as well as in parish life.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hand says it was incredibly difficult for parishioners to not attend mass during the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The ability to receive the body and blood of Jesus every Sunday, you know that is the summit&nbsp;of the practice of our faith,” says Hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hand says she wants the public to know the doors are open.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We welcome anyone who would like to experience the&nbsp;Catholic mass to come check us out and find a church that is&nbsp;near you,” says Hand.&nbsp;“We have 98 perishes&nbsp;and missions across 27 counties so there’s probably a Catholic church somewhere near you.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some parishioners are excused from in-person participation&nbsp;during Sunday&nbsp;mass and holy days of obligation including those who are vulnerable or are feeling ill.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621978234221.png" alt="Photo provided by&nbsp;Catholic Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph " />
 <figcaption>Photo provided by&nbsp;Catholic Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph </figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Catholic parishioners are welcome to return to Sunday masses in person, beginning June first.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Catholic Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph is encouraging the full participation in parish life once&nbsp;Bishop James Johnston lifts the general dispensation, put in place during the coronavirus pandemic.Diocese spokeswoman Ashlie Hand says&nbsp;it’s safe to come back and participate in person.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s time to come home,” Hand tells St. Joseph Post. “It’s time to&nbsp;the full participation in the mass as well as in parish life.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Hand says it was incredibly difficult for parishioners to not attend mass during the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The ability to receive the body and blood of Jesus every Sunday, you know that is the summit&nbsp;of the practice of our faith,” says Hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hand says she wants the public to know the doors are open.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We welcome anyone who would like to experience the&nbsp;Catholic mass to come check us out and find a church that is&nbsp;near you,” says Hand.&nbsp;“We have 98 perishes&nbsp;and missions across 27 counties so there’s probably a Catholic church somewhere near you.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Some parishioners are excused from in-person participation&nbsp;during Sunday&nbsp;mass and holy days of obligation including those who are vulnerable or are feeling ill.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Catholic parishioners being welcomed back to in-person mass

NODAWAY COUNTY—A St. Joseph woman was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford F150 driven by Jericho D. Garcia, 29, St. Joseph, was northbound on Pebble Road two miles north of Parnell.

The pickup traveled off the east side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.&nbsp;

Sheridan Ambulance transported Garcia to Mosaic in Maryville. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—A St. Joseph woman was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford F150 driven by Jericho D. Garcia, 29, St. Joseph, was northbound on Pebble Road two miles north of Parnell.The pickup traveled off the east side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.&nbsp;Sheridan Ambulance transported Garcia to Mosaic in Maryville. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Woman from St. Joe hospitalized after pickup overturns

High school athletes in the St. Joseph School District who change high schools within the district will now be immediately eligible to participate in sports at the varsity level.

The St. Joseph School Board voted 6-1 Monday to change their policy, which previously stated that student-athletes who transferred from one high school to the other within the district had to sit out of varsity competition for one year.

St. Joseph Schools superintendent Doug Van Zyl says this policy change aligns the district with MSHSAA’s transfer rules.

"This just lines up with what the state does," Van Zyl said. "People need to be aware that there are some expectations from the state in regards to athletics and participation and where you live and how you can participate. That's up to us to make sure we explain that. We just wanted to be in line with what the state does."

Van Zyl says this change will make things more fair for the student-athletes who switch school districts due to a family decision.

"The policy that we had was actually more stringent," he said. "It contributed some issues for some of our students and their families. If a family chooses to move during the year, that's not really in the student's power to control. That's the mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, whoever is in charge of the student."

The change will go into effect this upcoming school year.

The MSHSAA rules state that high school athletes who move to a new school district with their whole family are immediately eligible, as are those who are transferring and moving up from 8th grade to 9th grade. 

Athletes are encouraged to check with their principal or athletic director before transferring to determine whether it’ll affect eligibility.

Students who transfer to another school solely for athletic reasons will still be ineligible for one year.

Assistant superintendent Gabe Edgar, along with director of student services Robert Sigrist, met with Van Zyl and the district’s athletic directors over the last couple of months, and were all in agreement of the policy change.

"We just had some situations that had arisen and some conversations and some questions that were asked," Van Zyl said. "So, we double-checked again with the state, and we felt like it was in the best interest of our students and our district to just be in line with what the state does."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616212364354.jpeg" alt="Benton's Kelsey Johnson. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Benton's Kelsey Johnson. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostHigh school athletes in the St. Joseph School District who change high schools within the district will now be immediately eligible to participate in sports at the varsity level.The St. Joseph School Board voted 6-1 Monday to change their policy, which previously stated that student-athletes who transferred from one high school to the other within the district had to sit out of varsity competition for one year.St. Joseph Schools superintendent Doug Van Zyl says this policy change aligns the district with MSHSAA’s transfer rules."This just lines up with what the state does," Van Zyl said. "People need to be aware that there are some expectations from the state in regards to athletics and participation and where you live and how you can participate. That's up to us to make sure we explain that. We just wanted to be in line with what the state does."Van Zyl says this change will make things more fair for the student-athletes who switch school districts due to a family decision."The policy that we had was actually more stringent," he said. "It contributed some issues for some of our students and their families. If a family chooses to move during the year, that's not really in the student's power to control. That's the mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, whoever is in charge of the student."The change will go into effect this upcoming school year.The MSHSAA rules state that high school athletes who move to a new school district with their whole family are immediately eligible, as are those who are transferring and moving up from 8th grade to 9th grade. Athletes are encouraged to check with their principal or athletic director before transferring to determine whether it’ll affect eligibility.Students who transfer to another school solely for athletic reasons will still be ineligible for one year.Assistant superintendent Gabe Edgar, along with director of student services Robert Sigrist, met with Van Zyl and the district’s athletic directors over the last couple of months, and were all in agreement of the policy change."We just had some situations that had arisen and some conversations and some questions that were asked," Van Zyl said. "So, we double-checked again with the state, and we felt like it was in the best interest of our students and our district to just be in line with what the state does."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

SJSD athletes who transfer within district will be immediately eligible after policy change

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly plans to
retire at the end of the year.

Lilly served as Chamber president and CEO from 1996 to 2006
before leaving to become Chief Administrative Officer for Triumph Foods from
2006 to 2013. Lilly returned to lead the Chamber in 2013.

“For me, I’d gotten to a point in my life where I began to ask
the question a couple of years ago when do I retire, how long do I work?” Lilly
tells St. Joseph Post. “I’m fortunate that I have a job that I enjoy and have
people that I work with that I enjoy, but there are other things that I would
like to do.”

Lilly says he considered retiring last year, then reconsidered
when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

“Frankly, everything, not only my retirement, but many other
things in life kind of got put on the shelf while we tried to deal and work
though that,” Lilly says. “I understood pretty early on in the pandemic that I
wasn’t ready to retire at that point and I don’t know that I think the Chamber
was prepared to change CEOs in the middle of the pandemic.”

Lilly is a native of Texas, but says he has no plans to return
to his home state and will remain in St. Joseph.

Lilly served as St. Joseph City Manager from 1990 to 1996.

Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors chair, NPG Executive
Vice President Bill Severn, says the Chamber will conduct a comprehensive
executive search to fill the President/CEO position.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621971833040.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Patt Lilly/Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Patt Lilly/Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly plans to
retire at the end of the year.Lilly served as Chamber president and CEO from 1996 to 2006
before leaving to become Chief Administrative Officer for Triumph Foods from
2006 to 2013. Lilly returned to lead the Chamber in 2013.Lilly says the timing just felt right.“For me, I’d gotten to a point in my life where I began to ask
the question a couple of years ago when do I retire, how long do I work?” Lilly
tells St. Joseph Post. “I’m fortunate that I have a job that I enjoy and have
people that I work with that I enjoy, but there are other things that I would
like to do.”Lilly says he considered retiring last year, then reconsidered
when the coronavirus pandemic hit.“Frankly, everything, not only my retirement, but many other
things in life kind of got put on the shelf while we tried to deal and work
though that,” Lilly says. “I understood pretty early on in the pandemic that I
wasn’t ready to retire at that point and I don’t know that I think the Chamber
was prepared to change CEOs in the middle of the pandemic.”Lilly is a native of Texas, but says he has no plans to return
to his home state and will remain in St. Joseph.Lilly served as St. Joseph City Manager from 1990 to 1996.Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors chair, NPG Executive
Vice President Bill Severn, says the Chamber will conduct a comprehensive
executive search to fill the President/CEO position.

St. Joseph Chamber President Patt Lilly announces retirement

ANDREW COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Impala driven by Wesley G. Parker, 37, St. Joseph, was northbound on Route CC at County Road 518 five miles west of Savannah.

The car crossed the center line and struck a 2017 Ford Edge driven by&nbsp; Jennifer L. Eiman, 38, Savannah head-on. After the crash, the Ford traveled off the west side of the road and struck a bench on private property.

Andrew County EMS transported Parker to Mosaic Life Care and later to KU Medical Center.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported Eiman to Mosaic Life Care. Parker was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Impala driven by Wesley G. Parker, 37, St. Joseph, was northbound on Route CC at County Road 518 five miles west of Savannah.The car crossed the center line and struck a 2017 Ford Edge driven by&nbsp; Jennifer L. Eiman, 38, Savannah head-on. After the crash, the Ford traveled off the west side of the road and struck a bench on private property.Andrew County EMS transported Parker to Mosaic Life Care and later to KU Medical Center.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported Eiman to Mosaic Life Care. Parker was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after Andrew County head-on crash

Running a small business can be difficult at any time.

But the coronavirus pandemic raised unique difficulties for business
owners.

<a href="https://csb-cfe.missouriwestern.edu/">Missouri Western State University Center for Entrepreneurship</a> Director
Annette Weeks says some business owners, worn down by the pandemic, want out.

“It was very challenging for all entrepreneurs, let alone those that have
been in it for quite a while and to have that extra energy to think about, how do
I get my clients back? How do I be proactive in all of this? They survived and
congratulations for them doing that, but now we want to make sure they have an
exit strategy. What’s the plan?”

Weeks, on the KFEQ Hotline, outlines a series of webinars the Center for
Entrepreneurship is hosting next month in partnership with the St. Joseph Chamber
of Commerce. Those considering selling their business and those hoping to start
a business could both benefit from the webinars she says.

In fact, Weeks says the webinars are likely needed now more than ever.

“Coming out of the pandemic now even, more so than other times, people
are kind of exhausted sometimes from their business and they’re ready to
transfer it on,” Weeks tells Hotline host Barry Birr. “As a community, as a
region, we want to help these businesses transfer to new ownership, because
they’re so important for our economy.”

The first webinar will be offered June 1st on business
succession planning. Financial and legal advice will be offered during other
seminars in June.

Weeks says the coronavirus pandemic has not dampened enthusiasm for many
to begin their own business.

“I’ve had people approach me and say, I wouldn’t think anybody would want
to start a business after having gone through the pandemic,” Weeks says. “And I
say actually we’ve had many people coming in right now, because through this
COVID-19 happening, they’ve decided if they’ve had a dream, now’s the time to
do it.”

The series of webinars is entitled, “Business SUCCESSion” by the Center. Each
webinar runs from 11:30am to 1pm.

Weeks will conduct the first webinar on June 1st, “Business
Succession Planning.”

“Business Valuation, Tax Consequences, Preparing Your Financial Documents,”
will be taught by Matt Robertson on June 8th.

On the 15th, Ken Siemens teaches “Ways to Legally Structure a
Transition.”

A workshop on buying a business will be held on June 22nd.

Click <a href="https://csb-cfe.missouriwestern.edu/business-succession-webinar-series/">here</a> for more information on the webinars.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621960038535.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRunning a small business can be difficult at any time.But the coronavirus pandemic raised unique difficulties for business
owners.<a href="https://csb-cfe.missouriwestern.edu/">Missouri Western State University Center for Entrepreneurship</a> Director
Annette Weeks says some business owners, worn down by the pandemic, want out.“It was very challenging for all entrepreneurs, let alone those that have
been in it for quite a while and to have that extra energy to think about, how do
I get my clients back? How do I be proactive in all of this? They survived and
congratulations for them doing that, but now we want to make sure they have an
exit strategy. What’s the plan?”Weeks, on the KFEQ Hotline, outlines a series of webinars the Center for
Entrepreneurship is hosting next month in partnership with the St. Joseph Chamber
of Commerce. Those considering selling their business and those hoping to start
a business could both benefit from the webinars she says.In fact, Weeks says the webinars are likely needed now more than ever.“Coming out of the pandemic now even, more so than other times, people
are kind of exhausted sometimes from their business and they’re ready to
transfer it on,” Weeks tells Hotline host Barry Birr. “As a community, as a
region, we want to help these businesses transfer to new ownership, because
they’re so important for our economy.”The first webinar will be offered June 1st on business
succession planning. Financial and legal advice will be offered during other
seminars in June.Weeks says the coronavirus pandemic has not dampened enthusiasm for many
to begin their own business.“I’ve had people approach me and say, I wouldn’t think anybody would want
to start a business after having gone through the pandemic,” Weeks says. “And I
say actually we’ve had many people coming in right now, because through this
COVID-19 happening, they’ve decided if they’ve had a dream, now’s the time to
do it.”The series of webinars is entitled, “Business SUCCESSion” by the Center. Each
webinar runs from 11:30am to 1pm.Weeks will conduct the first webinar on June 1st, “Business
Succession Planning.”“Business Valuation, Tax Consequences, Preparing Your Financial Documents,”
will be taught by Matt Robertson on June 8th.On the 15th, Ken Siemens teaches “Ways to Legally Structure a
Transition.”A workshop on buying a business will be held on June 22nd.Click <a href="https://csb-cfe.missouriwestern.edu/business-succession-webinar-series/">here</a> for more information on the webinars.

Buying and selling small businesses the focus of upcoming webinars

Eagle Communication’s very own station,&nbsp;JoeTown 107.5 and The Gregg Lynn Radio Show are&nbsp;holding their 17th&nbsp;annual Radio-A-Thon May 27th&nbsp;to benefit Camp Quality&nbsp;of Northwest Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;

JoeTown 107.5 Program Director and Radio Personality Gregg Lynn says&nbsp;Camp Quality relies entirely on private donations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This is the only money they get. They don’t get government money, the government funding, anything like that.&nbsp;This is how they raise their money to hold camp,” Lynn tells St. Joseph Post. “When they have an&nbsp;in-person&nbsp;camp it costs about&nbsp;$1,500 per camper and they have over 100 campers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lynn says&nbsp;the Radio-A-Thon all started because of a visit to the camp.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It was really an amazing experience because you think, you go out to a summer camp with kids who have cancer and it’s all just sad and horrible and oh my gosh&nbsp;they’re all sick and it’s actually the exact opposite about that. It is&nbsp;probably the most fun place you would ever visit in your life,” says Lynn. “These kids are just having a blast.”&nbsp;

Lynn says&nbsp;anyone can donate to the Radio-A-Thon but he really encourages offices to make group donations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Take up a collection with everybody, all the&nbsp;cubicles&nbsp;around you&nbsp;and then bring it out and I’ll talk to you on the air or I’ll give you a big shout out and say ‘Hey thanks a lot&nbsp;for helping,’ and so really anybody&nbsp;who's&nbsp;got a couple bucks and wants to&nbsp;help out some kids with cancer and help them have a great summer, just stop by and see us,” says Lynn.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lynn says he will be hosting the&nbsp;broadcast live&nbsp;at 107.5 FM&nbsp;on Thursday from Sav-On Furniture Mart starting at 6am and going&nbsp;until 6pm. Everyone&nbsp;is invited to visit Sav-On and make a donation to Camp Quality or call in a pledge to 816-232-CAMP. You can also donate online at the <a href="https://www.joetown1075.com/">JoeTown</a> website.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621956419795.jpeg" alt="Photo provided by Gregg Lynn" />
 <figcaption>Photo provided by Gregg Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;&nbsp;Eagle Communication’s very own station,&nbsp;JoeTown 107.5 and The Gregg Lynn Radio Show are&nbsp;holding their 17th&nbsp;annual Radio-A-Thon May 27th&nbsp;to benefit Camp Quality&nbsp;of Northwest Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;JoeTown 107.5 Program Director and Radio Personality Gregg Lynn says&nbsp;Camp Quality relies entirely on private donations.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is the only money they get. They don’t get government money, the government funding, anything like that.&nbsp;This is how they raise their money to hold camp,” Lynn tells St. Joseph Post. “When they have an&nbsp;in-person&nbsp;camp it costs about&nbsp;$1,500 per camper and they have over 100 campers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Lynn says&nbsp;the Radio-A-Thon all started because of a visit to the camp.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It was really an amazing experience because you think, you go out to a summer camp with kids who have cancer and it’s all just sad and horrible and oh my gosh&nbsp;they’re all sick and it’s actually the exact opposite about that. It is&nbsp;probably the most fun place you would ever visit in your life,” says Lynn. “These kids are just having a blast.”&nbsp;Lynn says&nbsp;anyone can donate to the Radio-A-Thon but he really encourages offices to make group donations.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Take up a collection with everybody, all the&nbsp;cubicles&nbsp;around you&nbsp;and then bring it out and I’ll talk to you on the air or I’ll give you a big shout out and say ‘Hey thanks a lot&nbsp;for helping,’ and so really anybody&nbsp;who's&nbsp;got a couple bucks and wants to&nbsp;help out some kids with cancer and help them have a great summer, just stop by and see us,” says Lynn.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lynn says he will be hosting the&nbsp;broadcast live&nbsp;at 107.5 FM&nbsp;on Thursday from Sav-On Furniture Mart starting at 6am and going&nbsp;until 6pm. Everyone&nbsp;is invited to visit Sav-On and make a donation to Camp Quality or call in a pledge to 816-232-CAMP. You can also donate online at the <a href="https://www.joetown1075.com/">JoeTown</a> website.&nbsp;

JoeTown supports Camp Quality through local Radio-A-Thon

Riverside police say they have identified a body found in the
Missouri River this weekend as that of a St. Joseph man.

Police identify the man as Zachary Schwartz of St. Joseph.

KMBC-TV reports Riverside police officers recovered the body
from the Missouri River near the Fairfax Bridge Saturday. The investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call
Riverside police at 816-741-1191 or the TIPS Hotline 816-474-8477.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PoliceRiverside police say they have identified a body found in the
Missouri River this weekend as that of a St. Joseph man.Police identify the man as Zachary Schwartz of St. Joseph.KMBC-TV reports Riverside police officers recovered the body
from the Missouri River near the Fairfax Bridge Saturday. The investigation continues.Anyone with information is asked to call
Riverside police at 816-741-1191 or the TIPS Hotline 816-474-8477.

Body found in Missouri River identified as St. Joseph man

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—A Missouri man died from injuries in an accident that occurred late Sunday night in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford pickup driven by Steven L. Wilson, 33, Chillicothe, was northbound on&nbsp; Route JJ one and one half miles north of Avalon.

The pickup rear-ended a 2017 John Deere Gator driven by Charles L. Plummer, 75, Hale. The impact pushed the Gator into a pedestrian identified as Susan M. Bachman, 63, Chillicothe, who was in front of the Gator blowing leaves from the highway with leaf blower.

Chillicothe EMS transported both Plummer and Bachman to Hedrick Medical Center.&nbsp; Bachman was later airlifted to St. Lukes on the Plaza. Plummer was airlifted Liberty Hospital. On Monday afternoon, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported his death.&nbsp; Wilson was not injured.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident Sunday night in Livingston County.

Chillicothe EMS transported both Plummer and Bachman to Hedrick Medical Center.&nbsp; Bachman was later airlifted to St. Lukes on the Plaza. Plummer was airlifted Liberty Hospital. Wilson was not injured.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—A Missouri man died from injuries in an accident that occurred late Sunday night in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford pickup driven by Steven L. Wilson, 33, Chillicothe, was northbound on&nbsp; Route JJ one and one half miles north of Avalon.The pickup rear-ended a 2017 John Deere Gator driven by Charles L. Plummer, 75, Hale. The impact pushed the Gator into a pedestrian identified as Susan M. Bachman, 63, Chillicothe, who was in front of the Gator blowing leaves from the highway with leaf blower.Chillicothe EMS transported both Plummer and Bachman to Hedrick Medical Center.&nbsp; Bachman was later airlifted to St. Lukes on the Plaza. Plummer was airlifted Liberty Hospital. On Monday afternoon, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported his death.&nbsp; Wilson was not injured.--------LIVINGSTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident Sunday night in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford pickup driven by Steven L. Wilson, 33, Chillicothe, was northbound on&nbsp; Route JJ one and one half miles north of Avalon.The pickup rear-ended a 2017 John Deere Gator driven by Charles L. Plummer, 75, Hale. The impact pushed the Gator into a pedestrian identified as Susan M. Bachman, 63, Chillicothe, who was in front of the Gator blowing leaves from the highway with leaf blower.Chillicothe EMS transported both Plummer and Bachman to Hedrick Medical Center.&nbsp; Bachman was later airlifted to St. Lukes on the Plaza. Plummer was airlifted Liberty Hospital. Wilson was not injured.

Update: Mo. man has died after pickup rear-ends John Deere Gator

Missouri health
care workers, first responders, businesses, even churches would be shielded
from civil liability lawsuits under a bill passing the last day of the
legislative session.

State Sen. Tony
Luetkemeyer of Parkville sponsored the measure and had to wait out House action
on the bill as the legislation stalled before ultimately passing with no time
to spare.

“The fact is in
Jefferson City things get leveraged, they get used and traded away,”
Luetkemeyer tells St. Joseph Post. “The Speaker of the House obviously knew that
the COVID liability bill was a big priority for the governor and for the
Senate. And so, I think one of the reasons the House sat on it for so long is
they were attempting to use it for leverage to get other things that were priorities
for them to move.”

Under the
legislation, manufacturers, small businesses, health care workers, and others
that act in good faith would not be subject to lawsuits resulting from COVID-19
exposure.

Luetkemeyer calls
it a comprehensive bill that will shield those who acted in good faith to
prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“It is going to
protect small business owners. It protects frontline health care workers. It protects
school districts. It protects churches,” according to Luetkemeyer. “When they
are in the process of reopening, they’re not going to have liability, absent
recklessness, for someone contracting COVID-19 whenever they’re on the premises
of that business or that school.”

Luetkemeyer says
the exposure to such lawsuits is a very real threat, claiming some law firms
are already soliciting such complaints.

“Certainly, there
are cases pending in Missouri,” Luetkemeyer says. “There are certainly cases that
are being threatened in Missouri that have not yet been filed and so I think
the risk is very real that these lawsuits are coming. But also, just the threat
of that type of litigation out there and the chilling effect that that has on
businesses and their willingness to fully reopen; that can’t be discounted,
either.”

Luetkemeyer says it’s
important to shield businesses as they re-open and the economy begins to emerge
from coronavirus-inspired restrictions. He says his bill is modeled after
proposed federal legislation that stalled in Washington.

The bill, Senate
Bill 51, now awaits the governor’s signature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621626001519.jpeg" alt="Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer speaks on the Senate floor/Photo courtesy of Sen. Luetkemeyer's office" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer speaks on the Senate floor/Photo courtesy of Sen. Luetkemeyer's office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri health
care workers, first responders, businesses, even churches would be shielded
from civil liability lawsuits under a bill passing the last day of the
legislative session.State Sen. Tony
Luetkemeyer of Parkville sponsored the measure and had to wait out House action
on the bill as the legislation stalled before ultimately passing with no time
to spare.“The fact is in
Jefferson City things get leveraged, they get used and traded away,”
Luetkemeyer tells St. Joseph Post. “The Speaker of the House obviously knew that
the COVID liability bill was a big priority for the governor and for the
Senate. And so, I think one of the reasons the House sat on it for so long is
they were attempting to use it for leverage to get other things that were priorities
for them to move.”Under the
legislation, manufacturers, small businesses, health care workers, and others
that act in good faith would not be subject to lawsuits resulting from COVID-19
exposure.Luetkemeyer calls
it a comprehensive bill that will shield those who acted in good faith to
prevent the spread of the coronavirus.“It is going to
protect small business owners. It protects frontline health care workers. It protects
school districts. It protects churches,” according to Luetkemeyer. “When they
are in the process of reopening, they’re not going to have liability, absent
recklessness, for someone contracting COVID-19 whenever they’re on the premises
of that business or that school.”Luetkemeyer says
the exposure to such lawsuits is a very real threat, claiming some law firms
are already soliciting such complaints.“Certainly, there
are cases pending in Missouri,” Luetkemeyer says. “There are certainly cases that
are being threatened in Missouri that have not yet been filed and so I think
the risk is very real that these lawsuits are coming. But also, just the threat
of that type of litigation out there and the chilling effect that that has on
businesses and their willingness to fully reopen; that can’t be discounted,
either.”Luetkemeyer says it’s
important to shield businesses as they re-open and the economy begins to emerge
from coronavirus-inspired restrictions. He says his bill is modeled after
proposed federal legislation that stalled in Washington.The bill, Senate
Bill 51, now awaits the governor’s signature.

COVID lawsuits would be limited under bill now on Missouri governor's desk

Evergy is warning customers about phone scammers who are trying to trick people into paying bogus bills.

The company has received “many customer reports" in the last couple of days. In most cases, the caller claims to be an Evergy customer service rep. They try to get customers to provide credit card information or other personal information.

Sometimes, they ask people to use a pre-paid card. They even say that a check has bounced or a past bill is due.

"Scammers have increased calls, texts, emails and even in-person tactics," Evergy spokesperson Andrew Baker said. "Contacting customers asking for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. So, we've seen it increase during the pandemic and again in the last couple of days."

Evergy says representatives will never request payment the same day disconnections are made. They also never ask customers to use a pre-paid debit card, a gift card, any form of cryptocurrency or a third-party payment app for bills.

Customers are encouraged to use Evergy's Customer Contact&nbsp;service on <a href="https://www.evergy.com/contact-us">the Evergy website</a> to confirm they are working with a real company representative.

"Always be sure," Baker said. "If someone comes to your door, they should be driving an Evergy vehicle. They'll have Evergy clothing. An Evergy badge. Always be on the safe side and reach out to our customer contact center and check your bill status to always verify before you do anything over the phone."

Baker says phone scams targeting Evergy customers have been on the rise since the pandemic began. He's not sure why there's been such an uptick in the last couple of days.

"But I know it's an opportunity for people to try and take advantage of another person and try to scam them out of some money."

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEvergyPower%2Fvideos%2F921491935422657%2F&show_text=false&width=476" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostEvergy is warning customers about phone scammers who are trying to trick people into paying bogus bills.The company has received “many customer reports" in the last couple of days. In most cases, the caller claims to be an Evergy customer service rep. They try to get customers to provide credit card information or other personal information.Sometimes, they ask people to use a pre-paid card. They even say that a check has bounced or a past bill is due."Scammers have increased calls, texts, emails and even in-person tactics," Evergy spokesperson Andrew Baker said. "Contacting customers asking for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. So, we've seen it increase during the pandemic and again in the last couple of days."Evergy says representatives will never request payment the same day disconnections are made. They also never ask customers to use a pre-paid debit card, a gift card, any form of cryptocurrency or a third-party payment app for bills.Customers are encouraged to use Evergy's Customer Contact&nbsp;service on <a href="https://www.evergy.com/contact-us">the Evergy website</a> to confirm they are working with a real company representative."Always be sure," Baker said. "If someone comes to your door, they should be driving an Evergy vehicle. They'll have Evergy clothing. An Evergy badge. Always be on the safe side and reach out to our customer contact center and check your bill status to always verify before you do anything over the phone."Baker says phone scams targeting Evergy customers have been on the rise since the pandemic began. He's not sure why there's been such an uptick in the last couple of days."But I know it's an opportunity for people to try and take advantage of another person and try to scam them out of some money."

Evergy seeing increase of phone scammers threatening disconnection

A St. Joseph police officer accused of slapping a handcuffed suspect has pleaded
guilty to misdemeanor assault and resigned from the force.

Buchanan County Prosecutor Ron Holliday reports former St. Joseph Police
Sergeant James Langston entered his guilty plea before Buchanan County Circuit
Judge Rebecca Spencer.

Langston pleaded guilty to assaulting Navada McEvoy while McEvoy was in
his custody. The probable cause statement filed in the case alleges Langston
struck McEvoy with an open hand multiple times while McEvoy was in handcuffs
and not resisting officers. McEvoy was not injured in the assault.

Under a plea agreement reached with the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s
Office, Langston agreed to resign from the St. Joseph Police Department and surrender
his peace officer license to the state of Missouri.

In a news release, Buchanan County Prosecutor Ron Holliday pointed out he
began his career as an Overland Park, Kansas police officer before entering law
school.

“Therefore, I know firsthand that police officers face a difficult job
every single day and must make instantaneous decisions while in high stress
situations,” Holliday says in a written statement. “The power police officers
hold means we must hold them to a high standard. The position of police officer
gives them greater power, which in turn means they also must be subject to
greater scrutiny than other professions. We expect all officers to uphold the
law in a fair and impartial manner, and to not abuse the power we give them.

The right of a law enforcement officer to exert any amount of force
against a suspect ends when that person is in custody, restrained by handcuffs,
and not in any way further resisting.”

Holliday says officers must protect any person under arrest. Holliday
says he agreed to recommend probation if Langston resigned and surrendered his
peace officer license. Holliday also commends how the St. Joseph Police
Department handled the investigation, saying the Chief of Police notified him
of the investigation within hours of the incident.

“It is often said that the police must ‘police’ their own,” Holliday
says. “This is exactly what the St. Joseph Police Department did in this case.”


By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph police officer accused of slapping a handcuffed suspect has pleaded
guilty to misdemeanor assault and resigned from the force.Buchanan County Prosecutor Ron Holliday reports former St. Joseph Police
Sergeant James Langston entered his guilty plea before Buchanan County Circuit
Judge Rebecca Spencer.Langston pleaded guilty to assaulting Navada McEvoy while McEvoy was in
his custody. The probable cause statement filed in the case alleges Langston
struck McEvoy with an open hand multiple times while McEvoy was in handcuffs
and not resisting officers. McEvoy was not injured in the assault.Under a plea agreement reached with the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s
Office, Langston agreed to resign from the St. Joseph Police Department and surrender
his peace officer license to the state of Missouri.In a news release, Buchanan County Prosecutor Ron Holliday pointed out he
began his career as an Overland Park, Kansas police officer before entering law
school.“Therefore, I know firsthand that police officers face a difficult job
every single day and must make instantaneous decisions while in high stress
situations,” Holliday says in a written statement. “The power police officers
hold means we must hold them to a high standard. The position of police officer
gives them greater power, which in turn means they also must be subject to
greater scrutiny than other professions. We expect all officers to uphold the
law in a fair and impartial manner, and to not abuse the power we give them.The right of a law enforcement officer to exert any amount of force
against a suspect ends when that person is in custody, restrained by handcuffs,
and not in any way further resisting.”Holliday says officers must protect any person under arrest. Holliday
says he agreed to recommend probation if Langston resigned and surrendered his
peace officer license. Holliday also commends how the St. Joseph Police
Department handled the investigation, saying the Chief of Police notified him
of the investigation within hours of the incident.“It is often said that the police must ‘police’ their own,” Holliday
says. “This is exactly what the St. Joseph Police Department did in this case.”

St. Joseph police officer accused of slapping suspect pleads guilty, resigns

The&nbsp;Metropolitan Community College is stepping away and letting North Central Missouri College have the option to take the reins for the&nbsp;Hillyard Technical Center&nbsp;in St. Joseph.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The&nbsp;Metropolitan Community College is stepping away and letting North Central Missouri College have the option to take the reins for the&nbsp;Hillyard Technical Center&nbsp;in St. Joseph.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Metropolitan Community College Board of Trustees voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with North Central Missouri College, altering the service areas of both colleges.&nbsp;&nbsp;President of&nbsp;St. Joseph’s Metropolitan Community College Larry Rideaux says&nbsp;a memorandum of understanding is an agreement between the two schools.&nbsp;“We will step out of serving the residents in Buchanan County in lieu of NCMC serving or being the&nbsp;primary educational provider when it comes to a community college education in that particular area,”&nbsp;Rideaux tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rideaux&nbsp;says the two schools will continue to work together in hopes of a smooth transition.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We want to make sure there’s no gaps when it comes to what we provide as colleges and community colleges&nbsp;because&nbsp;what’s most important&nbsp;is just&nbsp;educating&nbsp;the populace there in St. Joseph,” says Rideaux.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rideaux says&nbsp;students are welcome to drive to Kansas City to attend Metropolitan Community College after the school leaves St. Joseph.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have a pretty good operation over there currently and we’ll continue to move forward with that operation through&nbsp;spring 2022,” says Rideaux.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rideaux says he is unsure of North Central's plans&nbsp;are for St. Joseph.&nbsp;&nbsp;“They are committed to serving the St. Joseph area and I do know that for sure.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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