A
drought in the Upper Missouri River Basin has reduced flows into the Missouri
River downstream.

Missouri
River Basin Water Management Chief John Remus with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers cautions water users along the Missouri River to prepare for lower
river and reservoirs levels.

“The
Corps of Engineers understands the importance of the Missouri River in
providing water for irrigation, municipal, and industrial uses throughout the
basin,” Remus tells a conference call. “There will be adequate water in the
reservoirs and in the river reaches to serve all the water supply needs.”

Remus
says the Corps usually adds water to the storage in the upper Missouri River
reservoirs during March and April.

“We
haven’t added water since the 23rd of March,” Remus says. “What we’re
doing is we’re releasing water and it is not being refilled by the runoff.”

Kevin
Grode, an engineer with the Corps says soil conditions upstream along the
Missouri, such as in North Dakota and Montana, are extremely dry, with April
providing little to no relief.

“April’s
runoff was 1.3 million acre feet, which was less than 50% average,” Grode
reports. “It was the 8th lowest April in 123 years of record
keeping.”

Grode
estimates the runoff into the Missouri River upstream reservoirs will be below
average this summer.

“During
May, June, and July, the upper basin forecast, the upper basin runoff is forecast
to be below average due to the slightly below normal mountain snowpack, dry
soil moisture conditions, and extended warm and dry climate outlook,” according
to Grode.

The
Corps has been maintaining a release rate from Gavins Point Dam of 28,700 cubic
feet per second. It plans to increase that rate to 29,500 to maintain Missouri
River levels adequate for water supply and navigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620656072638.jpeg" alt="Gavins Point Dam/File photo" />
 <figcaption>Gavins Point Dam/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA
drought in the Upper Missouri River Basin has reduced flows into the Missouri
River downstream.Missouri
River Basin Water Management Chief John Remus with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers cautions water users along the Missouri River to prepare for lower
river and reservoirs levels.“The
Corps of Engineers understands the importance of the Missouri River in
providing water for irrigation, municipal, and industrial uses throughout the
basin,” Remus tells a conference call. “There will be adequate water in the
reservoirs and in the river reaches to serve all the water supply needs.”Remus
says the Corps usually adds water to the storage in the upper Missouri River
reservoirs during March and April.“We
haven’t added water since the 23rd of March,” Remus says. “What we’re
doing is we’re releasing water and it is not being refilled by the runoff.”Kevin
Grode, an engineer with the Corps says soil conditions upstream along the
Missouri, such as in North Dakota and Montana, are extremely dry, with April
providing little to no relief.“April’s
runoff was 1.3 million acre feet, which was less than 50% average,” Grode
reports. “It was the 8th lowest April in 123 years of record
keeping.”Grode
estimates the runoff into the Missouri River upstream reservoirs will be below
average this summer.“During
May, June, and July, the upper basin forecast, the upper basin runoff is forecast
to be below average due to the slightly below normal mountain snowpack, dry
soil moisture conditions, and extended warm and dry climate outlook,” according
to Grode.The
Corps has been maintaining a release rate from Gavins Point Dam of 28,700 cubic
feet per second. It plans to increase that rate to 29,500 to maintain Missouri
River levels adequate for water supply and navigation.

Little chance for flood this year; Corps worries about Upper Missouri River Basin drought

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have two in custody.

Just before 6:00AM on Sunday, officers responded to the area of 21st and Birch in Atchison after it was reported an injured man was outside a residence, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police located the 28-year-old injured man from Liberty, Missouri and EMS transported him to a local hospital by EMS with for treatment. 

After an investigation that continued throughout the day on Sunday, police learned the victim came to Atchison around 9p.m. on Saturday. The victim arrived to meet with a person who lived at a residence in the 2000 Block of Birch Street and had been communicating with them on-line, according to Wilson.

Five persons were gathered in the Birch Street residence when a disturbance occurred around 4:00a.m.

The suspects struck the man over the head with a ball bat and over the head and shoulder with a chair and liquor bottle, and threatened him with a knife, according to Wilson.

The suspects also took a credit card, an ID card, cash and a cellphone from him. 

The victim was later able to get out and away from the residence and went to a nearby neighbor’s residence for help and police were called.

Police took a 17-year-old boy into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery and aggravated robbery. He is being held in a juvenile detention facility.

Police also arrested Bailey R. Walker, 28, of Atchison, on requested charges of aggravated assault and aggravated robbery. She is being held in the Atchison County jail, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620611598398.png" alt="Walker photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Walker photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have two in custody.Just before 6:00AM on Sunday, officers responded to the area of 21st and Birch in Atchison after it was reported an injured man was outside a residence, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Police located the 28-year-old injured man from Liberty, Missouri and EMS transported him to a local hospital by EMS with for treatment. After an investigation that continued throughout the day on Sunday, police learned the victim came to Atchison around 9p.m. on Saturday. The victim arrived to meet with a person who lived at a residence in the 2000 Block of Birch Street and had been communicating with them on-line, according to Wilson.Five persons were gathered in the Birch Street residence when a disturbance occurred around 4:00a.m.The suspects struck the man over the head with a ball bat and over the head and shoulder with a chair and liquor bottle, and threatened him with a knife, according to Wilson.The suspects also took a credit card, an ID card, cash and a cellphone from him. The victim was later able to get out and away from the residence and went to a nearby neighbor’s residence for help and police were called.Police took a 17-year-old boy into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery and aggravated robbery. He is being held in a juvenile detention facility.Police also arrested Bailey R. Walker, 28, of Atchison, on requested charges of aggravated assault and aggravated robbery. She is being held in the Atchison County jail, according to Wilson.

Police: Missouri man struck with baseball bat, robbed

DEKALB COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford F350 driven by Lonnie D. Wales, 61, St. Joseph, was eastbound on U.S. 36 three miles west of Osborn.

The driver had an unknown medical condition. The pickup traveled off the road and struck an embankment.&nbsp; DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported Wales to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford F350 driven by Lonnie D. Wales, 61, St. Joseph, was eastbound on U.S. 36 three miles west of Osborn.The driver had an unknown medical condition. The pickup traveled off the road and struck an embankment.&nbsp; DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported Wales to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

MSHP: Medical issue leads to pickup crash 

CLINTON COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Saturday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1989 Ford Explorer driven by James L. Atkins, 20, Kearney, was westbound on Southeast 20th at Southeast Sunset Lane one mile west of Holt.

The driver intentionally failed to negotiate a curve, according to the MSHP. The SUV struck a pole.

Holt EMS transported Atkins to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Saturday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1989 Ford Explorer driven by James L. Atkins, 20, Kearney, was westbound on Southeast 20th at Southeast Sunset Lane one mile west of Holt.The driver intentionally failed to negotiate a curve, according to the MSHP. The SUV struck a pole.Holt EMS transported Atkins to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after SUV strikes pole

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A jury has convicted a Colorado Springs man in a 2018 double-slaying in which a woman and man were shot and left in a burning car in a scheme to steal marijuana. 

The panel on Friday found Nashid Rayon Rivers guilty of of first-degree murder in the killings of Serena Garcia of Parker and Marcus Denton of Atchison, Kansas. 

Rivers also was convicted of aggravated robbery, tampering with human bodies and other counts. Fourth Judicial District Judge Frances Johnson imposed an automatic penalty of life in prison without parole. Rivers told the judge he was innocent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620501970018.png" alt="Rivers is being held in El Paso County, according to online jail records" />
 <figcaption>Rivers is being held in El Paso County, according to online jail records</figcaption>
 </figure>COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A jury has convicted a Colorado Springs man in a 2018 double-slaying in which a woman and man were shot and left in a burning car in a scheme to steal marijuana. The panel on Friday found Nashid Rayon Rivers guilty of of first-degree murder in the killings of Serena Garcia of Parker and Marcus Denton of Atchison, Kansas. Rivers also was convicted of aggravated robbery, tampering with human bodies and other counts. Fourth Judicial District Judge Frances Johnson imposed an automatic penalty of life in prison without parole. Rivers told the judge he was innocent.

Man sentenced for deaths of Atchison man, Colo. woman 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including deputies from Atchison County are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an investigation.

On May 6, numerous police agencies conducted a search warrant in a home in the 900 block of NE Michigan Avenue in Topeka, according to Topeka Police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Investigators recovered dozens of stolen items, guns and drugs inside the home. The recovered items had previously been reported stolen from Atchison and Jackson counties.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested Lindsey L. Wabaunsee, 34 of Topeka, and booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Possession of stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Criminal use of weapons, Defacing identification marks on a firearm, Use/Possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and Theft.

In addition to the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation, according to Spiker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612473377346.png" alt="Wabaunsee-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Wabaunsee-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities including deputies from Atchison County are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an investigation.On May 6, numerous police agencies conducted a search warrant in a home in the 900 block of NE Michigan Avenue in Topeka, according to Topeka Police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Investigators recovered dozens of stolen items, guns and drugs inside the home. The recovered items had previously been reported stolen from Atchison and Jackson counties.As a result of the investigation, police arrested Lindsey L. Wabaunsee, 34 of Topeka, and booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Possession of stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Criminal use of weapons, Defacing identification marks on a firearm, Use/Possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and Theft.In addition to the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation, according to Spiker.

Police arrest Kansas woman, recover stolen guns

A man shot and wounded very early this morning in St. Joseph
has been pronounced dead and identified.

St. Joseph police report officers responded to a shooting in
the 2400 block of North 3rd Street at two o’clock this
morning. Officers found 60-year-old Mark Applegarth suffering from a single gunshot wound.

Emergency
crews rushed the victim to Mosaic Life Care where he was
pronounced dead. An arrest has been made.

The suspect is described as a 62-year-old female. She has not been identified.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA man shot and wounded very early this morning in St. Joseph
has been pronounced dead and identified.A suspect is in custody.St. Joseph police report officers responded to a shooting in
the 2400 block of North 3rd Street at two o’clock this
morning. Officers found 60-year-old Mark Applegarth suffering from a single gunshot wound.Emergency
crews rushed the victim to Mosaic Life Care where he was
pronounced dead. An arrest has been made.The suspect is described as a 62-year-old female. She has not been identified.

Man dies from wound in St. Joseph shooting; suspect in custody

A northwest Missouri man charged with killing an infant is jailed without bond this afternoon in Plattsburg.&nbsp; Missouri’s Casenet system says Dillon Ray Livingston of Gower was formally arraigned Wednesday and entered a plea of not guilty.

Bond has still been denied with a new bond hearing set for next week. 

Officers were dispatched to a home in Gower on February 12th in regards to an unresponsive infant. The 5-month old, Jaxon Ray Livingston, was transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital where he was diagnosed with abusive head trauma.

The child died of his injuries on February 16th.

KMRN and MissouriNet contributed to this report.

St. Joseph PostA northwest Missouri man charged with killing an infant is jailed without bond this afternoon in Plattsburg.&nbsp; Missouri’s Casenet system says Dillon Ray Livingston of Gower was formally arraigned Wednesday and entered a plea of not guilty.Bond has still been denied with a new bond hearing set for next week. Officers were dispatched to a home in Gower on February 12th in regards to an unresponsive infant. The 5-month old, Jaxon Ray Livingston, was transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital where he was diagnosed with abusive head trauma.The child died of his injuries on February 16th.KMRN and MissouriNet contributed to this report.

Gower man charged in infant's murder jailed in Plattsburg without bond

Platte County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Megan Benton has
been appointed Associate Circuit Judge for the 6th Judicial Circuit.

Gov. Mike Parson appointed Benton to fill the vacancy created by
the appointment of W. Ann Hansbrough to Circuit Judge.

Benton, who lives in Parkville, holds a bachelor’s and master’s
degree in political science from Emory University in Atlanta and a law degree
from Vanderbilt University of Nashville.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostPlatte County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Megan Benton has
been appointed Associate Circuit Judge for the 6th Judicial Circuit.Gov. Mike Parson appointed Benton to fill the vacancy created by
the appointment of W. Ann Hansbrough to Circuit Judge.Benton, who lives in Parkville, holds a bachelor’s and master’s
degree in political science from Emory University in Atlanta and a law degree
from Vanderbilt University of Nashville.

Platte CO assistant prosecutor Benton appointed Assoc. Circuit Judge

Missouri’s new Veterans Commission chair is touring facilities
across the state, including Cameron.

Kelly McClelland of Liberty says he has been meeting with
officials and workers at the various veterans’ homes, listening to their
concerns. He says the Cameron staff provided important input.

“I asked them, what’s the toughest thing going for you and
they indicated that recruiting nurses and CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) are
the crux, because we really can’t increase our patient level and patient load
at these facilities once we’re able to do that unless we have the care workers,”
McClelland tells the Missourinet in an interview.

McClelland acknowledges recruitment can be tough. He says
money is an issue, but the Veterans Commission is looking for workers who want
to serve the nation’s veterans.

McClelland understands salaries need to be higher, but insists
money isn’t the only factor.

“And so, we will try and help wherever we can to get those
factors that are the most influencing to our health care workers to want to come
to work with us and the fulfillment they get out of helping veterans I think is
a big issue and that has a lot of them want to stay for that reason alone,”
according to McClelland.

“We need to be the great employer that we can be so that they
feel that commitment to working and staying with us and helping those veterans.”

McClelland says he wants workers who have a passion for coming
to the need of those who served their country in the military.

The Missourinet contributed to this article.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri’s new Veterans Commission chair is touring facilities
across the state, including Cameron.Kelly McClelland of Liberty says he has been meeting with
officials and workers at the various veterans’ homes, listening to their
concerns. He says the Cameron staff provided important input.“I asked them, what’s the toughest thing going for you and
they indicated that recruiting nurses and CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) are
the crux, because we really can’t increase our patient level and patient load
at these facilities once we’re able to do that unless we have the care workers,”
McClelland tells the Missourinet in an interview.McClelland acknowledges recruitment can be tough. He says
money is an issue, but the Veterans Commission is looking for workers who want
to serve the nation’s veterans.McClelland understands salaries need to be higher, but insists
money isn’t the only factor.“And so, we will try and help wherever we can to get those
factors that are the most influencing to our health care workers to want to come
to work with us and the fulfillment they get out of helping veterans I think is
a big issue and that has a lot of them want to stay for that reason alone,”
according to McClelland.Retention is important to McClelland.“We need to be the great employer that we can be so that they
feel that commitment to working and staying with us and helping those veterans.”McClelland says he wants workers who have a passion for coming
to the need of those who served their country in the military.The Missourinet contributed to this article.

New MO Veterans Commission chair says health care workers needed

A standoff late last night in St. Joseph ended peacefully.

St. Joseph police kept traffic away from the 2-Thousand block
of 42nd Street for two hours as they negotiated with 19-year-old
Kirkendoll Kaliff, who refused to surrender.

The standoff began at around 9 o’clock Thursday evening and
ended at 11 last night when Kaliff gave up and came out of the house. Police
took him into custody.

Kaliff is wanted on a probation and parole warrant and several
Buchanan County warrants.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA standoff late last night in St. Joseph ended peacefully.St. Joseph police kept traffic away from the 2-Thousand block
of 42nd Street for two hours as they negotiated with 19-year-old
Kirkendoll Kaliff, who refused to surrender.The standoff began at around 9 o’clock Thursday evening and
ended at 11 last night when Kaliff gave up and came out of the house. Police
took him into custody.Kaliff is wanted on a probation and parole warrant and several
Buchanan County warrants.This article has been updated.

2-hour standoff ends peacefully in St. Joseph

After months of renovation and refurbishing, Cool Crest Garden Golf is ready to reopen this weekend.

The St. Joseph gem located along the Belt Highway had been unoccupied since October 2017, but Rick Gilmore and his wife Marcia purchased the property on January 6. They have since leased the course to Joe Town Mini Golf.

After months of hard work, Cool Crest will officially reopen Saturday.

"We're ecstatic," Rick said. "We're glad to finish this project. It's been one that's kept us quite busy the last two months. With the other (mini golf courses) opening along with it, it's been a bit overwhelming."

Joe Town Mini Golf has been back open since Easter weekend. Cool Crest was slated to open on May 1, but a few unexpected setbacks pushed opening day to May 8.

Cool Crest will be open from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to start off with, and closing time will be extended to 11 p.m. once school is out.

Admission will be $9 for adults. Kids ages 6 and up will be $8, and those ages 3-5 will be $6.

Gilmore says all of the original structures and water hazards are still there. But, nearly everything had to be refurbished and most of the greens had to be replaced. Quite a bit of work, especially with three, 18-hole courses.

"We had to paint the concession stand and paint the maintenance building," Gilmore said. "We redid the inside of the concession stand and modernized it. The electrician had to rewire the entire facility."

It's been modernized, but Gilmore says Cool Crest will look just as it did before it shut down.

"Everything is the way it was," he said. "We just replaced motors and painted and reset the equipment and replaced greens that were in bad shape."

The lawn was torn up a bit in order to make repairs underground, but thousand of flowers have been planted all around the holes and walkways.

"It'll look beautiful when it's all said and done," said Gilmore.

Cool Crest's reopening has been a highly anticipated event. The Joe Town Mini Golf and Cool Crest Garden Golf Facebook pages have been keeping patrons updated all winter and spring long on the renovation progress.

Each post and picture receiving hundreds of likes and shares. Needless to say, Gilmore expects a warm reception as people make their way back to Cool Crest.

"Of course we want it to be profitable and pay for itself, but to see people have fun with it is an important aspect of it as well."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620410789851.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAfter months of renovation and refurbishing, Cool Crest Garden Golf is ready to reopen this weekend.The St. Joseph gem located along the Belt Highway had been unoccupied since October 2017, but Rick Gilmore and his wife Marcia purchased the property on January 6. They have since leased the course to Joe Town Mini Golf.After months of hard work, Cool Crest will officially reopen Saturday."We're ecstatic," Rick said. "We're glad to finish this project. It's been one that's kept us quite busy the last two months. With the other (mini golf courses) opening along with it, it's been a bit overwhelming."Joe Town Mini Golf has been back open since Easter weekend. Cool Crest was slated to open on May 1, but a few unexpected setbacks pushed opening day to May 8.Cool Crest will be open from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to start off with, and closing time will be extended to 11 p.m. once school is out.Admission will be $9 for adults. Kids ages 6 and up will be $8, and those ages 3-5 will be $6.Gilmore says all of the original structures and water hazards are still there. But, nearly everything had to be refurbished and most of the greens had to be replaced. Quite a bit of work, especially with three, 18-hole courses."We had to paint the concession stand and paint the maintenance building," Gilmore said. "We redid the inside of the concession stand and modernized it. The electrician had to rewire the entire facility."It's been modernized, but Gilmore says Cool Crest will look just as it did before it shut down."Everything is the way it was," he said. "We just replaced motors and painted and reset the equipment and replaced greens that were in bad shape."The lawn was torn up a bit in order to make repairs underground, but thousand of flowers have been planted all around the holes and walkways."It'll look beautiful when it's all said and done," said Gilmore.Cool Crest's reopening has been a highly anticipated event. The Joe Town Mini Golf and Cool Crest Garden Golf Facebook pages have been keeping patrons updated all winter and spring long on the renovation progress.Each post and picture receiving hundreds of likes and shares. Needless to say, Gilmore expects a warm reception as people make their way back to Cool Crest."Of course we want it to be profitable and pay for itself, but to see people have fun with it is an important aspect of it as well."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620410820680.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620410861443.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620410908114.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Cool Crest Garden Golf officially reopening this weekend

There will be a detour&nbsp;by&nbsp;the Coleman Elementary School in St. Joseph due to a road closure for a water&nbsp;pipe replacement project starting next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missouri American Water Spokeswomen Christie Barnhart says&nbsp;they are replacing pipe that dates back to 1954.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are going to be working around the area of Coleman Elementary School, so there will be some traffic rerouted due to this project,” Barnhart tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barnhart says the project will start May 11th&nbsp;and will be finished in six weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Of course,&nbsp;that is weather permitting we’ve had quite a bit of rain lately,” says Barnhart.&nbsp;“Hopefully&nbsp;we'll&nbsp;get some sunshine throughout this one and we can meet that deadline with in the&nbsp;six-week&nbsp;time&nbsp;frame.”&nbsp;

Barnhart says making the public aware of the construction, helps keep everyone safe.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“When people know that there’s construction going on it alerts them to the present&nbsp;of&nbsp;people working&nbsp;and just kind of helps keeps everyone safe not only&nbsp;the people driving but also the workers actually doing the pipe replacement project.”&nbsp;

The construction for the water&nbsp;pipe replacement project will be on 33rd&nbsp;Street from Belt View&nbsp;Drive to Beck&nbsp;Road.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620401749465.png" alt="Map provided by Missouri American Water" />
 <figcaption>Map provided by Missouri American Water</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;There will be a detour&nbsp;by&nbsp;the Coleman Elementary School in St. Joseph due to a road closure for a water&nbsp;pipe replacement project starting next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Missouri American Water Spokeswomen Christie Barnhart says&nbsp;they are replacing pipe that dates back to 1954.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We are going to be working around the area of Coleman Elementary School, so there will be some traffic rerouted due to this project,” Barnhart tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;Barnhart says the project will start May 11th&nbsp;and will be finished in six weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Of course,&nbsp;that is weather permitting we’ve had quite a bit of rain lately,” says Barnhart.&nbsp;“Hopefully&nbsp;we'll&nbsp;get some sunshine throughout this one and we can meet that deadline with in the&nbsp;six-week&nbsp;time&nbsp;frame.”&nbsp;Barnhart says making the public aware of the construction, helps keep everyone safe.&nbsp;&nbsp;“When people know that there’s construction going on it alerts them to the present&nbsp;of&nbsp;people working&nbsp;and just kind of helps keeps everyone safe not only&nbsp;the people driving but also the workers actually doing the pipe replacement project.”&nbsp;The construction for the water&nbsp;pipe replacement project will be on 33rd&nbsp;Street from Belt View&nbsp;Drive to Beck&nbsp;Road.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Road closed by Coleman Elementary in St. Joseph starting May 11th

St. Joseph Police
say the young woman who suffered severe burns in that fiery car crash at 14th
and Mason Monday afternoon has died.

The victim,
28-year-old Jessica Asher, was flown from Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph to KU
Medical Center in Kansas City for treatment of her burns.

A semi tractor-trailer
rear-ended Asher’s car as she was stopped at the intersection. The impact
forced her car into oncoming traffic where it was hit nearly head-on. The car
burst into flames. Asher had to be extricated from the vehicle.

The investigation
is ongoing. The prosecutor's office is considering charges.

This article has been updated since first published.

St. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Police
say the young woman who suffered severe burns in that fiery car crash at 14th
and Mason Monday afternoon has died.The victim,
28-year-old Jessica Asher, was flown from Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph to KU
Medical Center in Kansas City for treatment of her burns.A semi tractor-trailer
rear-ended Asher’s car as she was stopped at the intersection. The impact
forced her car into oncoming traffic where it was hit nearly head-on. The car
burst into flames. Asher had to be extricated from the vehicle.The investigation
is ongoing. The prosecutor's office is considering charges.This article has been updated since first published.

Victim of fiery car crash in St. Joseph has died

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials may have to increase the amount of water released into the Missouri River over the next couple months to ensure there is enough water in the river for cities that rely on it for water and for barge traffic.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday that significantly less water is expected to flow into the river this year because conditions remain so dry and snowpack is below normal levels. April was an exceptionally dry month the region.

Because of that, officials said Thursday that only about 69% of the normal amount of water is expected to flow into the Missouri River this year.

The Corps now estimates that 17.8 million acre feet (21.96 cubic kilometers) of water will flow into the river this year. That is well below the average of 25.8 million acre feet.

Currently, the amount of water being released from Gavins Point Dam on the Nebraska-South Dakota border is expected to remain around 29,000 cubic feet per second, but it may be increased to roughly 32,000 cubic feet per second to make sure there is enough water in the lower Missouri River.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials may have to increase the amount of water released into the Missouri River over the next couple months to ensure there is enough water in the river for cities that rely on it for water and for barge traffic.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday that significantly less water is expected to flow into the river this year because conditions remain so dry and snowpack is below normal levels. April was an exceptionally dry month the region.Because of that, officials said Thursday that only about 69% of the normal amount of water is expected to flow into the Missouri River this year.The Corps now estimates that 17.8 million acre feet (21.96 cubic kilometers) of water will flow into the river this year. That is well below the average of 25.8 million acre feet.Currently, the amount of water being released from Gavins Point Dam on the Nebraska-South Dakota border is expected to remain around 29,000 cubic feet per second, but it may be increased to roughly 32,000 cubic feet per second to make sure there is enough water in the lower Missouri River.

Missouri river remains low headed into summer

Despite having to move indoors due to inclement weather, Missouri Western State University officials are excited to be holding in-person graduation ceremonies this year after having to go virtual last year.

About 550 graduates from the fall of 2020, along with the spring and summer 2021 semesters, are expected to participate in the two ceremonies at Civic Arena Saturday.

Doug Davenport, provost and vice president of student and academic affairs, says the graduates are being split into two ceremonies due to COVID-19 safety precautions. One ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. and another at 3 p.m.

"That is part of our safety protocols," Davenport said, "so we don't have as many people together at one time. That decision had been made early on. Moving indoors, splitting the ceremonies into two parts becomes even more important."

Face masks will be required by all who are attending the ceremonies. Attendance is limited to invited guests only. Each graduate can invite up to six guests each.

While it's not the outdoor ceremony at Spratt Stadium that University leadership had envisioned, Davenport is grateful that the graduates and their families get the chance to celebrate in person this year.

"Everyone really wants an in-person celebration," he said. "We've all had our experiences with virtual celebrations, and those are okay. But, there's no substitute for an in-person commencement ceremony."

Ceremonies will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person.

Zora Mulligan, Missouri’s commissioner of higher education, will speak at both of the ceremonies. The 11 .a.m. ceremony will be streamed <a href="http://griff.vn/SP21Grad11am">here</a>, and the 3 p.m. ceremony <a href="http://griff.vn/SP21Grad3pm">here</a>.

Graduating senior Briana Reed of Kansas City will also speak at commencement. A graduating convergent journalism major, Reed served in multiple leadership positions during her time at Missouri Western, including co-coach for the Missouri Western Dance Company, Secretary of Senate and Chief of Staff for the Student Government Association.&nbsp;

Missouri Western made the decision to move the ceremony indoors on Thursday. Davenport says the decision was a tough one, but they made it long enough in advance to give everyone the time needed to prepare.

"This gives us the ability to communicate with great clarity and certainty what's going on sooner rather than later," Davenport said. "This is of course not what we would have liked originally, but we are certainly excited that we're going to get to host an in-person ceremony."

Graduate students will also be honored during the Spring 2021 Master’s Hooding Ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday in the Fulkerson Center on Missouri Western's campus.

The guest speaker will be Aaron Dowis, who has earned three degrees from Missouri Western, including a Masters of Business Administration in 2020. The ceremony will be streamed live <a href="http://griff.vn/SP21Hood">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614629944321.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western's graduation commencement ceremonies will be held inside Civic Arena Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western's graduation commencement ceremonies will be held inside Civic Arena Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostDespite having to move indoors due to inclement weather, Missouri Western State University officials are excited to be holding in-person graduation ceremonies this year after having to go virtual last year.About 550 graduates from the fall of 2020, along with the spring and summer 2021 semesters, are expected to participate in the two ceremonies at Civic Arena Saturday.Doug Davenport, provost and vice president of student and academic affairs, says the graduates are being split into two ceremonies due to COVID-19 safety precautions. One ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. and another at 3 p.m."That is part of our safety protocols," Davenport said, "so we don't have as many people together at one time. That decision had been made early on. Moving indoors, splitting the ceremonies into two parts becomes even more important."Face masks will be required by all who are attending the ceremonies. Attendance is limited to invited guests only. Each graduate can invite up to six guests each.While it's not the outdoor ceremony at Spratt Stadium that University leadership had envisioned, Davenport is grateful that the graduates and their families get the chance to celebrate in person this year."Everyone really wants an in-person celebration," he said. "We've all had our experiences with virtual celebrations, and those are okay. But, there's no substitute for an in-person commencement ceremony."Ceremonies will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person.Zora Mulligan, Missouri’s commissioner of higher education, will speak at both of the ceremonies. The 11 .a.m. ceremony will be streamed <a href="http://griff.vn/SP21Grad11am">here</a>, and the 3 p.m. ceremony <a href="http://griff.vn/SP21Grad3pm">here</a>.Graduating senior Briana Reed of Kansas City will also speak at commencement. A graduating convergent journalism major, Reed served in multiple leadership positions during her time at Missouri Western, including co-coach for the Missouri Western Dance Company, Secretary of Senate and Chief of Staff for the Student Government Association.&nbsp;Missouri Western made the decision to move the ceremony indoors on Thursday. Davenport says the decision was a tough one, but they made it long enough in advance to give everyone the time needed to prepare."This gives us the ability to communicate with great clarity and certainty what's going on sooner rather than later," Davenport said. "This is of course not what we would have liked originally, but we are certainly excited that we're going to get to host an in-person ceremony."Graduate students will also be honored during the Spring 2021 Master’s Hooding Ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday in the Fulkerson Center on Missouri Western's campus.The guest speaker will be Aaron Dowis, who has earned three degrees from Missouri Western, including a Masters of Business Administration in 2020. The ceremony will be streamed live <a href="http://griff.vn/SP21Hood">here</a>.&nbsp;You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western officials look forward to in-person grad ceremonies Saturday

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 6a.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Acura MDX driven by Dana M. Holloday, 29, St. Joseph, was southbound on Interstate 29 five miles south of St. Joseph

The Acura rear-ended a 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by Sierra M. Maul, 27, St. Joseph, who had&nbsp; slowed to turn into the emergency crossover.

A southbound 2010 Chevy Impala driven by William C. Gillenwater, 33, Savannah, rear-ended the Malibu.

Buchanan County EMS transported Holladay, Gillenwater and a passenger in the Malibu Anthony A. Foster, 58, St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care. Maul was not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the&nbsp; MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 6a.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Acura MDX driven by Dana M. Holloday, 29, St. Joseph, was southbound on Interstate 29 five miles south of St. JosephThe Acura rear-ended a 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by Sierra M. Maul, 27, St. Joseph, who had&nbsp; slowed to turn into the emergency crossover.A southbound 2010 Chevy Impala driven by William C. Gillenwater, 33, Savannah, rear-ended the Malibu.Buchanan County EMS transported Holladay, Gillenwater and a passenger in the Malibu Anthony A. Foster, 58, St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care. Maul was not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the&nbsp; MSHP.

3 hospitalized after 3-vehicle rear-end crash

St. Joseph’s population has stagnated, even fallen a bit, even
though the city has gained jobs over the past few decades.

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly says a big
question faces city leaders as they observe that the city has gained an
estimated 40,000 to 65,000 jobs since 1990, but the city population has stayed
essentially flat.

“So, you’re saying to yourself, okay, we don’t have more
people in St. Joe, but for some reason we have more jobs. So, what is going on
with that?”

Lilly, during an appearance on the KFEQ Hotline, suspects the
key is location, specifically St. Joseph’s close proximity to Kansas City.
Lilly estimates a third of the St. Joseph workforce lives outside the
community, many choosing to live in Platte County and the northern part of
Kansas City.

“I’ve always observed and I don’t really have a good rationale
for this, because I’m not from Missouri and I’m not from St. Joe, but there’s
this odd relationship that we have with our friend to the south, Kansas City,”
Lilly says.

Lilly speculates that if St. Joseph were farther away from
Kansas City, its population would be larger, perhaps toward 100,000. St. Joseph
has around 75,000 residents.

Another interesting note about the relationship between job
growth in the city versus its stagnant population growth is that St. Joseph is
poised to add even more jobs.

Lilly says many St. Joseph businesses could expand.

“You know, honestly, the only thing holding us back now is
labor,” Lilly says. “Employers just simply cannot get enough labor to fill the
jobs. That’s kind of the issue. It’s not unique, per se, to St. Joe, but definitely
something that’s affecting us.”

Lilly says the city weathered the coronavirus pandemic,
because many of its businesses were considered essential. St. Joseph is the
third largest exporter in Missouri, behind only the metropolitan areas of
Kansas City and St. Louis.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph’s population has stagnated, even fallen a bit, even
though the city has gained jobs over the past few decades.St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly says a big
question faces city leaders as they observe that the city has gained an
estimated 40,000 to 65,000 jobs since 1990, but the city population has stayed
essentially flat.“So, you’re saying to yourself, okay, we don’t have more
people in St. Joe, but for some reason we have more jobs. So, what is going on
with that?”Lilly, during an appearance on the KFEQ Hotline, suspects the
key is location, specifically St. Joseph’s close proximity to Kansas City.
Lilly estimates a third of the St. Joseph workforce lives outside the
community, many choosing to live in Platte County and the northern part of
Kansas City.“I’ve always observed and I don’t really have a good rationale
for this, because I’m not from Missouri and I’m not from St. Joe, but there’s
this odd relationship that we have with our friend to the south, Kansas City,”
Lilly says.Lilly speculates that if St. Joseph were farther away from
Kansas City, its population would be larger, perhaps toward 100,000. St. Joseph
has around 75,000 residents.Another interesting note about the relationship between job
growth in the city versus its stagnant population growth is that St. Joseph is
poised to add even more jobs.Lilly says many St. Joseph businesses could expand.“You know, honestly, the only thing holding us back now is
labor,” Lilly says. “Employers just simply cannot get enough labor to fill the
jobs. That’s kind of the issue. It’s not unique, per se, to St. Joe, but definitely
something that’s affecting us.”Lilly says the city weathered the coronavirus pandemic,
because many of its businesses were considered essential. St. Joseph is the
third largest exporter in Missouri, behind only the metropolitan areas of
Kansas City and St. Louis.

St. Joseph sees job growth, but not population growth

BROWN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Buick Century driven by Martin Charles Richbourg, 22, Falls City, Nebraska, was&nbsp; northbound on Horned Owl Road six miles east of Morrill.

A 2007 Acura MDX driven by Tad Jeremy Alfrey, 40, Seneca was southbound and both vehicles approached a curve at the same time. 

Alfrey swerved to avoid the Buick traveling northbound in the southbound lane. Both vehicles swerved and collided in the northbound lanes.

A passenger in the Buick identified as Andrew S Vaughan, 36, Falls City, Nebraska, was pronounced dead at the scene.

EMS transported Richbourg to KU Medical Center. Alfrey was not injured.&nbsp;Vaughan was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9a.m. Wednesday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Buick Century driven by Martin Charles Richbourg, 22, Falls City, Nebraska, was&nbsp; northbound on Horned Owl Road six miles east of Morrill.A 2007 Acura MDX driven by Tad Jeremy Alfrey, 40, Seneca was southbound and both vehicles approached a curve at the same time. Alfrey swerved to avoid the Buick traveling northbound in the southbound lane. Both vehicles swerved and collided in the northbound lanes.A passenger in the Buick identified as Andrew S Vaughan, 36, Falls City, Nebraska, was pronounced dead at the scene.EMS transported Richbourg to KU Medical Center. Alfrey was not injured.&nbsp;Vaughan was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

1 dead, 1 hospitalized after wrong-way Kan. crash

The St. Joseph Mayor’s&nbsp;Prayer Breakfast is back in person this year after it was online the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mayor Bill McMurray says tomorrow morning the breakfast will be held at the Civic Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The doors open at&nbsp;6:00, breakfast for those who buy the ticket at 6:30 and the opening ceremony at 6:45 and we&nbsp;ought to be finished I imagine around 8 o'clock,” McMurray tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

The guest speaker for this year’s event is Bill Federer. Federer is a well-known speaker,&nbsp;best-selling author,&nbsp;and president of Amerisearch Inc.&nbsp;&nbsp;

McMurray says they were unable to book Federer for last year’s event.&nbsp;

“We&nbsp;booked him for this year and&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;sure glad we did. It sounds like a really inspirational program,” says McMurray.&nbsp;“I love history and tying together history and&nbsp;religion&nbsp;I&nbsp;think&nbsp;will be just really&nbsp;illuminating&nbsp;for all of&nbsp;us&nbsp;and&nbsp;inspiring.”&nbsp;

Tickets for the breakfast have sold out.&nbsp;Those&nbsp;who purchased a breakfast&nbsp;ticket will sit on the main floor of the Arena socially distanced from one another. This allows space for 300 people to participate in the breakfast. People who do not want breakfast can sit in the balcony of the Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The St. Joseph Mayor’s&nbsp;Prayer Breakfast is back in person this year after it was online the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mayor Bill McMurray says tomorrow morning the breakfast will be held at the Civic Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The doors open at&nbsp;6:00, breakfast for those who buy the ticket at 6:30 and the opening ceremony at 6:45 and we&nbsp;ought to be finished I imagine around 8 o'clock,” McMurray tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.The guest speaker for this year’s event is Bill Federer. Federer is a well-known speaker,&nbsp;best-selling author,&nbsp;and president of Amerisearch Inc.&nbsp;&nbsp;McMurray says they were unable to book Federer for last year’s event.&nbsp;“We&nbsp;booked him for this year and&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;sure glad we did. It sounds like a really inspirational program,” says McMurray.&nbsp;“I love history and tying together history and&nbsp;religion&nbsp;I&nbsp;think&nbsp;will be just really&nbsp;illuminating&nbsp;for all of&nbsp;us&nbsp;and&nbsp;inspiring.”&nbsp;Tickets for the breakfast have sold out.&nbsp;Those&nbsp;who purchased a breakfast&nbsp;ticket will sit on the main floor of the Arena socially distanced from one another. This allows space for 300 people to participate in the breakfast. People who do not want breakfast can sit in the balcony of the Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The St. Joseph Mayor's Prayer Breakfast is sold out for tomorrow

Midwest
members of Congress, both Republican and Democrat, are asking the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers to make flood control its priority in managing the Missouri
River.

Northern
Missouri Congressman Sam Graves is among those asking the Corps of follow the
priority set out in the Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress.

“The
fact that we actually have to push the Corps to implement the law that is in
place just gives you a little bit of an insight into to just how autonomous the
Corps of Engineers can be when it comes to management,” Graves tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Graves
says the Corps has failed to make flood control or navigation its top priority
in managing the Missouri.

Republican
and Democratic members of Congress from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa
have signed a letter formally requesting the Corps to make flood control its
top priority. The move comes as the Corps nears completion of repairs to levees
broken by the 2019 Missouri River flood.

Graves
says the Corps’ failure to make flood control its top priority in managing the
Missouri River is a real problem.

“Because
it’s affecting communities and power plants and businesses and farms and people’s
lives and everything that goes along with it,” according to Graves.

Graves
says the delegation has asked the Corps to simply follow federal law as
outlined in the Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress, which calls
for flood control to be the main priority in managing seven upstream reservoirs
which control the flow of the Missouri River.

Graves
says the Corps is pulled in too many directions when it comes to management of
the Missouri River with several federal agencies making demands on how the
Corps manages the Missouri.

“I
don’t think they can manage it based on so many priorities,” Graves says. “When
you’re looking at the tourism industry and the recreational industry up north
and then the habitat and a lot of that is dictated, too, by the Endangered
Species Act.”

Still,
Graves says the Corps must follow federal law.

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), along with U.S. Representatives Sam
Graves (Mo.) and Emanuel Cleaver II (Mo.), led a bipartisan, bicameral letter
urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to quickly and fully utilize
the tools and resources Congress provided in the Water Resources Development
Act (WRDA) of 2020 and the FY2020 Energy and Water appropriations bill to
reduce flood risk and improve flood protection along the Lower Missouri River.

In addition to Blunt, Graves, and
Cleaver, the letter is signed by congressional members from the Lower Missouri River
Basin states, including U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Deb Fischer
(Neb.), Roger Marshall (Kan.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), Josh Hawley (Mo.), and Jerry
Moran (Kan.) and U.S. Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer (Mo.), Adrian Smith
(Neb.), Vicky Hartzler (Mo.), Ann Wagner (Mo.), Jake LaTurner (Kan.), Billy
Long (Mo.), Jason Smith (Mo.), Sharice Davids (Kan.), and Cindy Axne (Iowa).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620232539253.jpeg" alt="Flooding in Craig in 2019/File photo" />
 <figcaption>Flooding in Craig in 2019/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMidwest
members of Congress, both Republican and Democrat, are asking the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers to make flood control its priority in managing the Missouri
River.Northern
Missouri Congressman Sam Graves is among those asking the Corps of follow the
priority set out in the Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress.“The
fact that we actually have to push the Corps to implement the law that is in
place just gives you a little bit of an insight into to just how autonomous the
Corps of Engineers can be when it comes to management,” Graves tells host Barry
Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Graves
says the Corps has failed to make flood control or navigation its top priority
in managing the Missouri.Republican
and Democratic members of Congress from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa
have signed a letter formally requesting the Corps to make flood control its
top priority. The move comes as the Corps nears completion of repairs to levees
broken by the 2019 Missouri River flood.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620232612692.jpeg" alt="Flood of 2019 hit the area hard/File photo" />
 <figcaption>Flood of 2019 hit the area hard/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Graves
says the Corps’ failure to make flood control its top priority in managing the
Missouri River is a real problem.“Because
it’s affecting communities and power plants and businesses and farms and people’s
lives and everything that goes along with it,” according to Graves.Graves
says the delegation has asked the Corps to simply follow federal law as
outlined in the Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress, which calls
for flood control to be the main priority in managing seven upstream reservoirs
which control the flow of the Missouri River.Graves
says the Corps is pulled in too many directions when it comes to management of
the Missouri River with several federal agencies making demands on how the
Corps manages the Missouri.“I
don’t think they can manage it based on so many priorities,” Graves says. “When
you’re looking at the tourism industry and the recreational industry up north
and then the habitat and a lot of that is dictated, too, by the Endangered
Species Act.”Still,
Graves says the Corps must follow federal law.U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), along with U.S. Representatives Sam
Graves (Mo.) and Emanuel Cleaver II (Mo.), led a bipartisan, bicameral letter
urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to quickly and fully utilize
the tools and resources Congress provided in the Water Resources Development
Act (WRDA) of 2020 and the FY2020 Energy and Water appropriations bill to
reduce flood risk and improve flood protection along the Lower Missouri River.In addition to Blunt, Graves, and
Cleaver, the letter is signed by congressional members from the Lower Missouri River
Basin states, including U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Deb Fischer
(Neb.), Roger Marshall (Kan.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), Josh Hawley (Mo.), and Jerry
Moran (Kan.) and U.S. Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer (Mo.), Adrian Smith
(Neb.), Vicky Hartzler (Mo.), Ann Wagner (Mo.), Jake LaTurner (Kan.), Billy
Long (Mo.), Jason Smith (Mo.), Sharice Davids (Kan.), and Cindy Axne (Iowa).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620232669557.jpeg" alt="Members of the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Group pile sandbags on the Missouri River levee protecting Elwood, Kansas and Rosecrans Memorial Airport/Photo courtesy of the 139th Airlift Group" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Group pile sandbags on the Missouri River levee protecting Elwood, Kansas and Rosecrans Memorial Airport/Photo courtesy of the 139th Airlift Group</figcaption>
 </figure>

Midwestern members of Congress urge Corps to put flood control first

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged altercation that sent a teen to the hospital with serious injuries and have made an arrest.

On Monday, police were notified of an incident that had occurred on Sunday evening in the 1100 block North 7th Street in Atchison,according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 A group of young men were playing basketball when two of the men playing had an argument and one struck the other twice in the face with his fists causing injuries including a fractured bone and a broken tooth. 

The 18 year old victim was treated and released from a Kansas City hospital on Sunday night. 

Later Monday, police arrested 18-year-old Elijah Z. Haley of Atchison, on a requested charge of aggravated battery. He remains in the county jail, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620136769994.png" alt="Haley-photo Atchison Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Haley-photo Atchison Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged altercation that sent a teen to the hospital with serious injuries and have made an arrest.On Monday, police were notified of an incident that had occurred on Sunday evening in the 1100 block North 7th Street in Atchison,according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A group of young men were playing basketball when two of the men playing had an argument and one struck the other twice in the face with his fists causing injuries including a fractured bone and a broken tooth. The 18 year old victim was treated and released from a Kansas City hospital on Sunday night. Later Monday, police arrested 18-year-old Elijah Z. Haley of Atchison, on a requested charge of aggravated battery. He remains in the county jail, according to online jail records.

Atchison teen arrested for alleged basketball court fight

After more than 41 years of service with the St. Joseph fire department, Chief Mike Dalsing will officially retire on June 10.

Dalsing started with the department on December 10, 1979 before taking over as chief in September 2008.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620157765642.jpeg" alt="Mike Dalsing. Courtesy City of St. Joseph." />
 <figcaption>Mike Dalsing. Courtesy City of St. Joseph.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAfter more than 41 years of service with the St. Joseph fire department, Chief Mike Dalsing will officially retire on June 10.Dalsing started with the department on December 10, 1979 before taking over as chief in September 2008.One thing has remained constant for Dalsing since the beginning - his job at the fire department never felt like work."I was excited to come to work when I was a young firefighter," Dalsing said. "Actually, it didn't change a lot as I got older. Now, there were a few more headaches as I got higher in rank, but I like coming to work every day. It's a great job and we got to help people."Dalsing was designated as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) by the Commission on Professional Credentialing in 2015 and was also an active member of International Association of Fire Chiefs, Missouri Fire Chiefs and the Kansas City area Heart of America Fire Chiefs.Dalsing also served on the boards of the Safety and Health Council, United Way and St. Joseph Youth Soccer Association.During his years of service, Dalsing was instrumental in pushing for first responders on the department and in teaching several of the classes. He was certified as a paramedic throughout most of his career.As fire chief, he pushed for enhanced medical response by requiring EMT licenses. He oversaw the completion of new fire stations 9, 11 and 12, as well as the groundbreaking for <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/ca5f4ddd-8720-40cc-8f7a-8b00904a3257">the new station 8</a>&nbsp;in mid-April.Revamping the fire stations and upgrading the department's equipment are the achievements Dalsing is most proud of as he looks back."We were riding the back of the trucks (when I first started)," he said. "Our equipment was pretty old, and we've been able to update stuff. We've actually had a lot of the Kanas City fire departments come up here and look at some of our stations and the ways we're doing stuff."It kind of makes you feel good that we're kind of on the cutting edge rather than the catching up edge."Dalsing served 23 years in the Missouri Air National Guard with the last eight years as chief of the deployable fire department.Kenny Cordonnier, a 39-year member of the fire department, will serve as the interim fire chief until a full-time replacement is found.Cordonnier has spent the last nine years as Chief of Fire Prevention and has served as backup to Chief Dalsing."Kenny is the kind of guy, if he walks into a room, he doesn't tell you 'this is wrong' and then walk out," Dalsing explained. "He says, 'This is what's wrong, this is why you need to fix it and here's some options.' When you work with people like that, it makes things so much smoother."He's actually been actively involved in the building of the last two fire stations. He'll keep the station 8 project on track and I think he'll do fine."A reception for Dalsing will be announced at a later date. While retirement is a relaxing change of pace for many, firefighting for people like Dalsing and Cordonnier is more than just a job."It was kind of a lifestyle for a lot of us," said Dalsing.<div><div id="fb-root"></div>
<script async defer crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v10.0" nonce="qkdVwAIK"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/SJFD1865/posts/783302052302075" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/SJFD1865/posts/783302052302075" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">The city of St. Joseph has announced the retirement of Fire Chief Mike Dalsing. After more than 41 years of service with...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SJFD1865/">Saint Joseph, Missouri Fire Department</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SJFD1865/posts/783302052302075">Monday, May 3, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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