ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Monday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Freightliner driven by Pat E. Akridge, 61, Utica, IN., was southbound on Interstate 29 seven miles north of Watson.

The vehicle traveled the west side off the road, struck a guardrail, returned to the road, traveled off the east side of the road and the drivers side of the vehicle struck a bridge.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Akridge to Grape Community Hospital. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Monday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Freightliner driven by Pat E. Akridge, 61, Utica, IN., was southbound on Interstate 29 seven miles north of Watson.The vehicle traveled the west side off the road, struck a guardrail, returned to the road, traveled off the east side of the road and the drivers side of the vehicle struck a bridge.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Akridge to Grape Community Hospital. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi strikes bridge in NW Missouri

St. Joseph's mask mandate will be lifted, effective Tuesday at 11:59 p.m.

The City Council met Monday night to vote on whether or not to lift the mask mandate, which has been in place since September.

After some discussion and debate, the council voted 5-4 to end the mandate. This comes after the council <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/2066e917-7dc5-4fb4-84c3-933389cf2749">voted 5-4 on Feb. 8</a> to extend the mandate by 60 days.

Councilmember Marty Novak brought this resolution to the council, saying he believes it's time to let people wear masks voluntarily.

"The whole purpose of the masking mandate was to prevent our health care institutions from being overwhelmed," Novak tells St. Joseph Post. "As of this weekend there was four COVID patients at Mosaic, zero in the ICU, and the positivity rate for the city was at 3.38%, for the Mosaic Health Care System it was in the twos."

Novak noted that businesses in town will still have the ability to enforce mask wearing in accordance with their policies.

Mayor Bill McMurray opposed the resolution to lift the mandate, saying the timing might be a little premature.

"If the numbers spike again, we're going to be in a really tough position here, what we're going to have to do so, I hope people will voluntarily continue to observe these risk management protocols and keep this thing down," the mayor said.

Novak says lifting the mandate is going to be a good for the community. 

"It's kind of a light at the end of the tunnel," says Novak.&nbsp;

Those who voted in favor of lifting the mandate were council members Novak, Kent O'Dell, Gary Roach, Madison Davis and PJ Kovac.

Those who voted to keep the mandate in place were Mayor McMurray, and council members Brian Myers, Brenda Blessings and Russell Moore.

Elsewhere, Maryville City Council voted 4-1 Monday to end their mask mandate, effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616460785738.jpeg" alt="Marty Novak at Monday's City Council meeting. / Photo: Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Marty Novak at Monday's City Council meeting. / Photo: Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph's mask mandate will be lifted, effective Tuesday at 11:59 p.m.The City Council met Monday night to vote on whether or not to lift the mask mandate, which has been in place since September.After some discussion and debate, the council voted 5-4 to end the mandate. This comes after the council <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/2066e917-7dc5-4fb4-84c3-933389cf2749">voted 5-4 on Feb. 8</a> to extend the mandate by 60 days.Councilmember Marty Novak brought this resolution to the council, saying he believes it's time to let people wear masks voluntarily."The whole purpose of the masking mandate was to prevent our health care institutions from being overwhelmed," Novak tells St. Joseph Post. "As of this weekend there was four COVID patients at Mosaic, zero in the ICU, and the positivity rate for the city was at 3.38%, for the Mosaic Health Care System it was in the twos."Novak noted that businesses in town will still have the ability to enforce mask wearing in accordance with their policies.Mayor Bill McMurray opposed the resolution to lift the mandate, saying the timing might be a little premature."If the numbers spike again, we're going to be in a really tough position here, what we're going to have to do so, I hope people will voluntarily continue to observe these risk management protocols and keep this thing down," the mayor said.Novak says lifting the mandate is going to be a good for the community. "It's kind of a light at the end of the tunnel," says Novak.&nbsp;Those who voted in favor of lifting the mandate were council members Novak, Kent O'Dell, Gary Roach, Madison Davis and PJ Kovac.Those who voted to keep the mandate in place were Mayor McMurray, and council members Brian Myers, Brenda Blessings and Russell Moore.Elsewhere, Maryville City Council voted 4-1 Monday to end their mask mandate, effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.

St. Joseph City Council votes to end mask mandate

Since its last report on Thursday, St. Joseph health officials report 18 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County and one new virus-related fatality.

The victim was a woman in her 70s, putting Buchanan County's virus death toll at 173. The county's case total is now 10,197.

Nearly 18,000 doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered in Buchanan County, with 13.1 percent of the county's population getting vaccinated so far.

Mosaic Life Care reports five COVID patients in its system Monday. All five of those patients are being treated in St. Joseph.

Over 5,000 doses of vaccine have been administered in Andrew County for a vaccination rate of 17.4 percent.

Over two million doses of vaccine have been administered across Missouri for a vaccination rate off 22.1 percent.

In Kansas, over 676,000 doses have been administered for a vaccination rate of 23.2 percent. Over the weekend, Kansas surpassed 300,000 total COVID-19 cases with 4,850 fatalities.

Doniphan County has reported 959 total cases.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSince its last report on Thursday, St. Joseph health officials report 18 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County and one new virus-related fatality.The victim was a woman in her 70s, putting Buchanan County's virus death toll at 173. The county's case total is now 10,197.Nearly 18,000 doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered in Buchanan County, with 13.1 percent of the county's population getting vaccinated so far.Mosaic Life Care reports five COVID patients in its system Monday. All five of those patients are being treated in St. Joseph.Over 5,000 doses of vaccine have been administered in Andrew County for a vaccination rate of 17.4 percent.Over two million doses of vaccine have been administered across Missouri for a vaccination rate off 22.1 percent.In Kansas, over 676,000 doses have been administered for a vaccination rate of 23.2 percent. Over the weekend, Kansas surpassed 300,000 total COVID-19 cases with 4,850 fatalities.Doniphan County has reported 959 total cases.

St. Joseph health officials report 18 new COVID cases, one new death since Thursday

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating alleged counterfeiting in northeast Kansas have a suspect in custody.

On March 20,&nbsp; police arrested 28-year-old Robert B. Lynch of Atchison, on a District Court warrant for counterfeiting currency and theft, according to police chief Mike Wilson.

The arrest is in connection to a $100 counterfeit bill used in a transaction at a business in Atchison December 17.

Lynch remains jailed on requested charges of counterfeiting; retail value $25,000 or more; 1,000 or more items bearing marks; or 3rd or sub.violation, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616419148843.png" alt="Lynch photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Lynch photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating alleged counterfeiting in northeast Kansas have a suspect in custody.On March 20,&nbsp; police arrested 28-year-old Robert B. Lynch of Atchison, on a District Court warrant for counterfeiting currency and theft, according to police chief Mike Wilson.The arrest is in connection to a $100 counterfeit bill used in a transaction at a business in Atchison December 17.Lynch remains jailed on requested charges of counterfeiting; retail value $25,000 or more; 1,000 or more items bearing marks; or 3rd or sub.violation, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of using fake $100 bill

Repairs to Missouri River levees damaged by the 2019 flood
have been nearly completed, though some stubborn problems will not be fixed
until after summer.

Colonel Bill Hannan, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers’ Kansas City office, says the 2019 flood did such extensive damage to
Missouri River levees, some significant levees have yet to be repaired.

“We should have the Corning levee repaired by April, the Holt (County)
10 by May, but the Holt 9 is the one that just due to circumstances,
assessments, the non-federal sponsor requirements that go into repairing these
levees; that one has been awarded,” Hannan tells St. Joseph Post. “The
contractor should start work here soon, but we expect, just because the amount
of damage to this levee system is extensive, repairs will be complete on Holt 9
probably in September.”

That levee has drawn attention from both federal, state, and
local officials. Atchison County authorities have called for a change when the
levee is rebuilt. But, Hannan points out federal law limits the Corps in its
response, authorizing only that the Corps rebuild levees to their pre-flood
condition. Efforts are underway to change the law and allow the Corps more
flexibility to deal with structures which could cause recurring flooding.

Much work has gone into repairing the levee which protects
Rushville and Sugar Lake. The Corps has had to work with the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service to acquire needed easements to repair the levee which
broke in 2019, flooding the area and cutting off the route between St. Joseph
and Atchison, Kansas when it overflowed U.S. 59. Hannan says work to restore
that levee should begin this month or early next month.

Approximately 70% of the repairs to the levees damaged in 2019
has been completed, restoring protection to slightly more than 90% of the
residents and property along the Missouri River in northwest Missouri.

Hannan says the Corps also discovered extensive damage to the
navigation channel when Missouri River levels fell enough this winter to fully
inspect the channel.

“The good news for repairs on navigation is going into this
season we have $74 million total that was allocated to us in this last budget
to work on all 734 miles,” Hannan says. “It’s not everything we need, but it’s
going to be a really good start to get all those priority areas fixed.”

Hannan says the Corps is working with members of Congress and
others in Washington to secure the rest of the money needed to fully restore
the nine-foot navigation channel of the Missouri River.

Hannan says the 2019 flood did more damage to the channel than
the Corps anticipated.

“It turned out to be worse than we thought,” Hannan says. “We
had done some survey and some assessments based on the ’93 and 2011 floods and
how our structures came up to, but once we actually inspected them this winter
during our low-water inspection, it did turn out worse than we expected.”

Hannan says the Corps expects a normal barge season on the
Missouri this year.

“We know for sure right now we think we’ll have no issues with
the first half of the season, at least for flows, and then second half of the
season, they’ll make that call here in July,” Hannan says. “We will still, I
think, based on the damage to structures that we saw last season and through our
assessments over the winter, there’s a high risk we will have some areas that
we’re going to have to immediately get after and start repairs on that won’t be
meeting that nine-foot depth requirement.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616424825944.jpeg" alt="Sandbagging on the Elwood, Kansas side of the Missouri River saved Elwood and Rosecrans Memorial Airport./Photo courtesy of the Air National Guard" />
 <figcaption>Sandbagging on the Elwood, Kansas side of the Missouri River saved Elwood and Rosecrans Memorial Airport./Photo courtesy of the Air National Guard</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRepairs to Missouri River levees damaged by the 2019 flood
have been nearly completed, though some stubborn problems will not be fixed
until after summer.Colonel Bill Hannan, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers’ Kansas City office, says the 2019 flood did such extensive damage to
Missouri River levees, some significant levees have yet to be repaired.“We should have the Corning levee repaired by April, the Holt (County)
10 by May, but the Holt 9 is the one that just due to circumstances,
assessments, the non-federal sponsor requirements that go into repairing these
levees; that one has been awarded,” Hannan tells St. Joseph Post. “The
contractor should start work here soon, but we expect, just because the amount
of damage to this levee system is extensive, repairs will be complete on Holt 9
probably in September.”That levee has drawn attention from both federal, state, and
local officials. Atchison County authorities have called for a change when the
levee is rebuilt. But, Hannan points out federal law limits the Corps in its
response, authorizing only that the Corps rebuild levees to their pre-flood
condition. Efforts are underway to change the law and allow the Corps more
flexibility to deal with structures which could cause recurring flooding.Much work has gone into repairing the levee which protects
Rushville and Sugar Lake. The Corps has had to work with the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service to acquire needed easements to repair the levee which
broke in 2019, flooding the area and cutting off the route between St. Joseph
and Atchison, Kansas when it overflowed U.S. 59. Hannan says work to restore
that levee should begin this month or early next month.Approximately 70% of the repairs to the levees damaged in 2019
has been completed, restoring protection to slightly more than 90% of the
residents and property along the Missouri River in northwest Missouri.Hannan says the Corps also discovered extensive damage to the
navigation channel when Missouri River levels fell enough this winter to fully
inspect the channel.“The good news for repairs on navigation is going into this
season we have $74 million total that was allocated to us in this last budget
to work on all 734 miles,” Hannan says. “It’s not everything we need, but it’s
going to be a really good start to get all those priority areas fixed.”Hannan says the Corps is working with members of Congress and
others in Washington to secure the rest of the money needed to fully restore
the nine-foot navigation channel of the Missouri River.Hannan says the 2019 flood did more damage to the channel than
the Corps anticipated.“It turned out to be worse than we thought,” Hannan says. “We
had done some survey and some assessments based on the ’93 and 2011 floods and
how our structures came up to, but once we actually inspected them this winter
during our low-water inspection, it did turn out worse than we expected.”Hannan says the Corps expects a normal barge season on the
Missouri this year.“We know for sure right now we think we’ll have no issues with
the first half of the season, at least for flows, and then second half of the
season, they’ll make that call here in July,” Hannan says. “We will still, I
think, based on the damage to structures that we saw last season and through our
assessments over the winter, there’s a high risk we will have some areas that
we’re going to have to immediately get after and start repairs on that won’t be
meeting that nine-foot depth requirement.”

Repairs to Missouri River levees damaged in 2019 flood nearly complete

St. Joseph's mask mandate could be lifted at tonight's city council meeting. 

Chief Medical Officer for Mosaic Life Care of St. Joseph Dr. Davin Turner says the council should not change the plans for the mask mandate. 

"My recommendation is that the council stick with the plan that they have in place," Turner tells St. Joseph Post. 

Chief Medical Officer for Mosaic Life Care of St. Joseph Dr. Davin Turner says we know COVID-19 has been taxing on people's mental health. 

"Folks need interaction, they need to be with people so if you've been vaccinated, I believe that you can be out," says Turner. 

Chief Medical Officer for Mosaic Life Care of St. Joseph Dr. Davin Turner says he feels you should still wear a mask. 

"If you're going to be inside, if you're going to businesses put a mask on," says Turner. "It's simple. It's inexpensive. I don't find it that obtrusive, now that's opinion of me."

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph's mask mandate could be lifted at tonight's city council meeting. Chief Medical Officer for Mosaic Life Care of St. Joseph Dr. Davin Turner says the council should not change the plans for the mask mandate. "My recommendation is that the council stick with the plan that they have in place," Turner tells St. Joseph Post. Chief Medical Officer for Mosaic Life Care of St. Joseph Dr. Davin Turner says we know COVID-19 has been taxing on people's mental health. "Folks need interaction, they need to be with people so if you've been vaccinated, I believe that you can be out," says Turner. Chief Medical Officer for Mosaic Life Care of St. Joseph Dr. Davin Turner says he feels you should still wear a mask. "If you're going to be inside, if you're going to businesses put a mask on," says Turner. "It's simple. It's inexpensive. I don't find it that obtrusive, now that's opinion of me."

St. Joseph's city council meets tonight about the mask mandate

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Truck driven by Dustyn F. Wilmes, 23, Maryville, was northbound on Highway C one half mile south of Elmo.

The truck traveled off the west side of the road, struck the base of a bridge, went airborne, struck an embankment and came to rest on its wheels.

Nodaway County Ambulance transported Wilmes to Mosaic in Maryville. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Truck driven by Dustyn F. Wilmes, 23, Maryville, was northbound on Highway C one half mile south of Elmo.The truck traveled off the west side of the road, struck the base of a bridge, went airborne, struck an embankment and came to rest on its wheels.Nodaway County Ambulance transported Wilmes to Mosaic in Maryville. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Maryville man hospitalized after pickup crash 

NODAWAY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30a.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Jeep Wrangler was eastbound on U.S. 136 four miles of Stanberry.

The Jeep traveled off the road, struck the embankment of a field entrance and overturned.&nbsp; LifeNet transported a passenger Brayden P. Martinez, 20, Mt. Ayr, IA., to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident.&nbsp; The MSHP did not report information on the driver.

NODAWAY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30a.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Jeep Wrangler was eastbound on U.S. 136 four miles of Stanberry.The Jeep traveled off the road, struck the embankment of a field entrance and overturned.&nbsp; LifeNet transported a passenger Brayden P. Martinez, 20, Mt. Ayr, IA., to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident.&nbsp; The MSHP did not report information on the driver.

Man airlifted to hospital after Jeep overturns in Nodaway Co.

St. Joseph starts phase four of downtown signal removal Monday

St. Joseph City Council will meet Monday to discuss lifting the mask mandate before the current end date of April 15th. 

Mayor Bill McMurray says Councilmember Marty Novak wants to resend the mask mandate sooner than later.

"We have seen some good numbers, that's true," McMurray tells St. Joseph Post. "Based on those, Marty would like to do away with the mandate and just ask people to voluntarily wear the mask." 

McMurray wants the city council to seriously consider the full ramifications of lifting the mandate.

"The last thing we want to do is do away with this and then have the numbers spike back up and we have to reinstitute it," says McMurray. 

McMurray says the city still recommends you wear a mask and be safe even if the mandate is lifted on Monday. 

"We can end the mandate but that doesn't mean ending our recommendation that everyone wear a mask, socially distance, wash your hands, and so forth."

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph City Council will meet Monday to discuss lifting the mask mandate before the current end date of April 15th. Mayor Bill McMurray says Councilmember Marty Novak wants to resend the mask mandate sooner than later."We have seen some good numbers, that's true," McMurray tells St. Joseph Post. "Based on those, Marty would like to do away with the mandate and just ask people to voluntarily wear the mask." McMurray wants the city council to seriously consider the full ramifications of lifting the mandate."The last thing we want to do is do away with this and then have the numbers spike back up and we have to reinstitute it," says McMurray. McMurray says the city still recommends you wear a mask and be safe even if the mandate is lifted on Monday. "We can end the mandate but that doesn't mean ending our recommendation that everyone wear a mask, socially distance, wash your hands, and so forth."

Mask mandate on St. Joseph City Council agenda Monday

St. Joseph's health department is administering a Pfizer mass vaccination event today from noon to 4 p.m. at the East Hills Shopping Center in the old Gordman's. 

Regional Implementation Team Lead Jayne White says all vaccine slots are filled for this event. 

"It's a smaller scale mass vaccination event," White tells St. Joseph Post. "It is one tray of Pfizer so about 1,1oo doses."

White encourages residents to show up on time for their appointment. 

"If everybody can show up at their scheduled time that really helps with the flow and it keeps everybody moving."

By WHITNEE ICE St. Joseph PostSt. Joseph's health department is administering a Pfizer mass vaccination event today from noon to 4 p.m. at the East Hills Shopping Center in the old Gordman's. Regional Implementation Team Lead Jayne White says all vaccine slots are filled for this event. "It's a smaller scale mass vaccination event," White tells St. Joseph Post. "It is one tray of Pfizer so about 1,1oo doses."White encourages residents to show up on time for their appointment. "If everybody can show up at their scheduled time that really helps with the flow and it keeps everybody moving."

Pfizer mass vaccination event in St. Joseph today

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an arrest.

Just before 1a.m. Tuesday, police officers conducted an investigation that began in the downtown Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The investigation led officers to the area of 6th and Park&nbsp; in Atchison where they recovered evidence that included controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. They also arrested 35-year-old Jerami Schmelzle on charges of possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held on a $10,000 bond, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616085383131.png" alt=" SCHMELZLE photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption> SCHMELZLE photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an arrest.Just before 1a.m. Tuesday, police officers conducted an investigation that began in the downtown Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The investigation led officers to the area of 6th and Park&nbsp; in Atchison where they recovered evidence that included controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. They also arrested 35-year-old Jerami Schmelzle on charges of possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held on a $10,000 bond, according to Wilson.

Police arrest Kansas man for alleged heroin possession

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce announced today that a food manufacturer will invest $24 million in building a manufacturing facility in St. Joseph. 

Cereal Ingredients, Inc. has chosen St. Joseph as its new location for its next 80,000 square foot facility after looking at potential locations in Missouri and Kansas. 

"We are excited to welcome Cereal Ingredients, Inc., to the state of Missouri," said Governor Mike Parson in a written statement released by the Chamber of Commerce. "The company's decision to invest and create new jobs in Missouri is a testament to the hard-working men and women who call out state home. We look forward to working together as Cereal Ingredients Inc., grows and succeeds." 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616087574006.png" alt="Image - Cereal Ingredients, Inc." />
 <figcaption>Image - Cereal Ingredients, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce announced today that a food manufacturer will invest $24 million in building a manufacturing facility in St. Joseph. Cereal Ingredients, Inc. has chosen St. Joseph as its new location for its next 80,000 square foot facility after looking at potential locations in Missouri and Kansas. "We are excited to welcome Cereal Ingredients, Inc., to the state of Missouri," said Governor Mike Parson in a written statement released by the Chamber of Commerce. "The company's decision to invest and create new jobs in Missouri is a testament to the hard-working men and women who call out state home. We look forward to working together as Cereal Ingredients Inc., grows and succeeds."

Food manufacturer comes to St. Joseph and invests $24 million

DeKalb County Water District's boil advisory has now been lifted. The advisory was due to an 8 inches main getting hit by construction crew. The advisory effected Stewartsville and everyone north of 36 highway.&nbsp;

If you have any questions please contact 816-393-5311.&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostDeKalb County Water District's boil advisory has now been lifted. The advisory was due to an 8 inches main getting hit by construction crew. The advisory effected Stewartsville and everyone north of 36 highway.&nbsp;If you have any questions please contact 816-393-5311.&nbsp;

Boil Advisory for DeKalb County has been lifted

One person has been sentenced; two others await court dates as
the investigation into the shooting death of two-year-old Raelynn Craig in St.
Joseph last year nears its close.

Twenty-one-year-old Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph
has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for his part in the drive-by shooting
last August that killed Raelynn.

St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally acknowledges it makes a
difference when the death involves a child.

“These cases are always very difficult,” Connally says on the
KFEQ Hotline. “These days almost all of our shootings we know, fairly quickly,
we get information on who the suspect is, but getting enough information and
people that will come forward to put the case together, to corroborate evidence
sometimes can be a challenge.”

Twenty-one-year-old Caimon Ramone Stillman of St. Joseph has pleaded
guilty for his role in the shooting death. Twenty-year-old Te’Avion Hawkins of
Platte City is scheduled to appear in court next month as well.

St. Joseph has experienced a couple of rolling shootings as
shots fired from a moving vehicle struck and wounded a woman while another left
a bullet hole in a vehicle.

Connally says those types of shootings do concern him.

“Unfortunately, we have ‘shots fired’ calls almost every day,”
Connally says. “We’re always concerned at the risk that that creates, the
recklessness involved. That’s one of the extreme challenges is you’ve got a lot
of people with firearms out there that are not responsible firearms owners.”

Last week, shots fired from a moving vehicle wounded a
34-year-old St. Joseph woman. Police reported nine shots were fired with one
hitting the woman in the hand. Early Wednesday morning, one of two shots fired
from a moving car hit another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was not hit.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostOne person has been sentenced; two others await court dates as
the investigation into the shooting death of two-year-old Raelynn Craig in St.
Joseph last year nears its close.Twenty-one-year-old Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph
has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for his part in the drive-by shooting
last August that killed Raelynn.St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally acknowledges it makes a
difference when the death involves a child.“These cases are always very difficult,” Connally says on the
KFEQ Hotline. “These days almost all of our shootings we know, fairly quickly,
we get information on who the suspect is, but getting enough information and
people that will come forward to put the case together, to corroborate evidence
sometimes can be a challenge.”Two others have court dates next month.Twenty-one-year-old Caimon Ramone Stillman of St. Joseph has pleaded
guilty for his role in the shooting death. Twenty-year-old Te’Avion Hawkins of
Platte City is scheduled to appear in court next month as well.St. Joseph has experienced a couple of rolling shootings as
shots fired from a moving vehicle struck and wounded a woman while another left
a bullet hole in a vehicle.Connally says those types of shootings do concern him.“Unfortunately, we have ‘shots fired’ calls almost every day,”
Connally says. “We’re always concerned at the risk that that creates, the
recklessness involved. That’s one of the extreme challenges is you’ve got a lot
of people with firearms out there that are not responsible firearms owners.”Last week, shots fired from a moving vehicle wounded a
34-year-old St. Joseph woman. Police reported nine shots were fired with one
hitting the woman in the hand. Early Wednesday morning, one of two shots fired
from a moving car hit another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was not hit.

Recent shootings present problems for St. Joseph police

DAVIESS COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford F350 pulling a trailer and driven by Gail L. Siemer, 77, Jamesport, was westbound on MO 6 five miles east of Gallatin.

The pickup struck a 1994 Ford F350 driven by Robert J. Reed, 25, Trenton, who was using a private drive to make a u-turn and was stopped in the road waiting for traffic to pass.

Grundy County EMS transported a passenger in the 1994 Ford Mary Mendenhall, 30, Trenton, to Wright Memorial Hospital and a passenger in the 2013 Ford identified as Enoth Schrock, 18, Jamesport, to Cameron Regional Medical Center. 

Daviess County EMS transported a 17-year-old Trenton boy in the 2013 Ford to Liberty Hospital. The drivers were not injured. Schrock was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford F350 pulling a trailer and driven by Gail L. Siemer, 77, Jamesport, was westbound on MO 6 five miles east of Gallatin.The pickup struck a 1994 Ford F350 driven by Robert J. Reed, 25, Trenton, who was using a private drive to make a u-turn and was stopped in the road waiting for traffic to pass.Grundy County EMS transported a passenger in the 1994 Ford Mary Mendenhall, 30, Trenton, to Wright Memorial Hospital and a passenger in the 2013 Ford identified as Enoth Schrock, 18, Jamesport, to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Daviess County EMS transported a 17-year-old Trenton boy in the 2013 Ford to Liberty Hospital. The drivers were not injured. Schrock was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

3 hospitalized after pickups collide in Daviess County 

The St. Joseph School District has never had a sanctioned middle school or junior high football program.

Bantam football, a volunteer-based youth program, filled that need in the community for years - until it fell off 5-6 years ago.

"It's a lot of work to maintain," said Robert Sigrist, the SJSD director of student services. "Equipment, and being able to organize that every year and everything."

Since Bantam football's decline in St. Joseph, Sigrist says there's been a missing opportunity for young players across the district.

"It's a gap we have in our community," he said. "It's an opportunity that we are missing to engage a pretty significant number of kids annually. It's an opportunity also to give our kids a better opportunity to be more competitive once they get to the high school level."

That might explain why St. Joseph high school football hasn't had as much success as nearby programs like Savannah or Mid-Buchanan or Stanberry.

Benton, Lafayette and St. Joseph Central all had losing records in football in 2020. The Cardinals haven't had a winning season since 2010. For Central, it's been since 2013.

The Irish have had the most success with eight winning seasons since 2010, including four playoff wins within the last five years. But even so, Sigrist feels like consistent success in football is lacking at the high school level within the city.

"Consistent success and extended success deep into the postseason has been pretty few and far between in the St. Joseph community for quite some time."

Middle school football, Sigrist believes, could teach the city's players more fundamentals and techniques at an earlier age. It also gives St. Joseph student-athletes the same opportunities for competition as some of its rural neighbors.

"If you live in Savannah, Cameron or across the river in Troy or in the Riverside school district or Mid-Buchanan, all of those kids have that (middle school football) opportunity."

Middle school football has been a discussion within the St. Joseph District for years. The problem is - the idea never really got out of the discussion phase. That is, until the last year or so.

Sigrist believes the district is in a solid enough financial state to support the program. He also believes the interest from the school board and area families is at an all-time high.

"When we're talking about over 70 percent of (SJSD) families in 4th-8th grade saying that they probably would or definitely would participate, that's a pretty strong indicator that not only is there a need, but from our families, there's a want."

The cost of starting a middle-school football program would be about $100,000. The four middle schools (Truman, Bode, Robidoux, Spring Garden) would create two co-ops. Therefore, there would be two middle school football teams in St. Joseph to start.

Sigrist says the plan is to bring a formal proposal to the district board sometime next year, with the goal of starting middle school football in the 2022-23 academic year.

"We want to take our time," Sigrist said. "We want to make sure the planning goes into place. We don't want to go in halfway. We want to be committed and we want to do it the right way."

Making St. Joseph high school teams more competitive is a key, long-term potential benefit of adding middle school football.

The more important benefit though, Sigrist says, is giving the city's youth an extra opportunity to compete, develop and succeed overall.

"If we can have 120 kids involved in an activity that would not have been involved otherwise," Sigrist noted, "that's 120 kids in our middle schools that are going to be more engaged with school. They're more likely to be present at school and more likely to have better grades and better behaviors."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616010729699.jpeg" alt="The Lafayette football team has had the most success of any St. Joseph high school team in the last decade, but school officials believe the addition of a middle school football program would benefit all of the district's high school teams. Photo via Theresa Paolillo on Pinterest." />
 <figcaption>The Lafayette football team has had the most success of any St. Joseph high school team in the last decade, but school officials believe the addition of a middle school football program would benefit all of the district's high school teams. Photo via Theresa Paolillo on Pinterest.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School District has never had a sanctioned middle school or junior high football program.Bantam football, a volunteer-based youth program, filled that need in the community for years - until it fell off 5-6 years ago."It's a lot of work to maintain," said Robert Sigrist, the SJSD director of student services. "Equipment, and being able to organize that every year and everything."Since Bantam football's decline in St. Joseph, Sigrist says there's been a missing opportunity for young players across the district."It's a gap we have in our community," he said. "It's an opportunity that we are missing to engage a pretty significant number of kids annually. It's an opportunity also to give our kids a better opportunity to be more competitive once they get to the high school level."That might explain why St. Joseph high school football hasn't had as much success as nearby programs like Savannah or Mid-Buchanan or Stanberry.Benton, Lafayette and St. Joseph Central all had losing records in football in 2020. The Cardinals haven't had a winning season since 2010. For Central, it's been since 2013.The Irish have had the most success with eight winning seasons since 2010, including four playoff wins within the last five years. But even so, Sigrist feels like consistent success in football is lacking at the high school level within the city."Consistent success and extended success deep into the postseason has been pretty few and far between in the St. Joseph community for quite some time."Middle school football, Sigrist believes, could teach the city's players more fundamentals and techniques at an earlier age. It also gives St. Joseph student-athletes the same opportunities for competition as some of its rural neighbors."If you live in Savannah, Cameron or across the river in Troy or in the Riverside school district or Mid-Buchanan, all of those kids have that (middle school football) opportunity."Middle school football has been a discussion within the St. Joseph District for years. The problem is - the idea never really got out of the discussion phase. That is, until the last year or so.Sigrist believes the district is in a solid enough financial state to support the program. He also believes the interest from the school board and area families is at an all-time high."When we're talking about over 70 percent of (SJSD) families in 4th-8th grade saying that they probably would or definitely would participate, that's a pretty strong indicator that not only is there a need, but from our families, there's a want."The cost of starting a middle-school football program would be about $100,000. The four middle schools (Truman, Bode, Robidoux, Spring Garden) would create two co-ops. Therefore, there would be two middle school football teams in St. Joseph to start.Sigrist says the plan is to bring a formal proposal to the district board sometime next year, with the goal of starting middle school football in the 2022-23 academic year."We want to take our time," Sigrist said. "We want to make sure the planning goes into place. We don't want to go in halfway. We want to be committed and we want to do it the right way."Making St. Joseph high school teams more competitive is a key, long-term potential benefit of adding middle school football.The more important benefit though, Sigrist says, is giving the city's youth an extra opportunity to compete, develop and succeed overall."If we can have 120 kids involved in an activity that would not have been involved otherwise," Sigrist noted, "that's 120 kids in our middle schools that are going to be more engaged with school. They're more likely to be present at school and more likely to have better grades and better behaviors."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Discussions on SJSD middle school football program gaining traction

Doniphan County, Kansas is opening vaccine clinics to phases 3 and 4.

The county has its first Johnson and Johnson clinic Thursday.

Doniphan County Health Department Administrator Sheryl Pierce says there are no more openings for the vaccine at this clinic.

"At this time, we don't know when we'll get more of the one dose, Johnson and Johnson," says Pierce. "The state says maybe around April 1st."

Pierce says they will be administering 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine to all eligible phases on March 23rd.

"We still have probably 70 open slots for that. For anybody that's in phase 1,2,3 or 4 that lives or works in Doniphan County," Pierce tells St. Joseph Post. 

Pierce says 20 percent of the eligible population has received the vaccine. 

"We've administered 1,160 doses, first doses of the Moderna, and 560 boosters of that, of the Moderna."

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostDoniphan County, Kansas is opening vaccine clinics to phases 3 and 4.The county has its first Johnson and Johnson clinic Thursday.Doniphan County Health Department Administrator Sheryl Pierce says there are no more openings for the vaccine at this clinic."At this time, we don't know when we'll get more of the one dose, Johnson and Johnson," says Pierce. "The state says maybe around April 1st."Pierce says they will be administering 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine to all eligible phases on March 23rd."We still have probably 70 open slots for that. For anybody that's in phase 1,2,3 or 4 that lives or works in Doniphan County," Pierce tells St. Joseph Post. Pierce says 20 percent of the eligible population has received the vaccine. "We've administered 1,160 doses, first doses of the Moderna, and 560 boosters of that, of the Moderna."

Doniphan County, Kansas opens COVID vaccine clinics for phases 3 and 4

More money is coming Buchanan County’s way in wake of Congress
passing the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief and economic stimulus package
pushed by President Joe Biden.

“I think it’s kind of interesting that it’s called the
American Rescue Plan and I think one of the really good things that I can say
about Buchanan County is we don’t really need to be rescued,” Buchanan County
Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says. “And, I’m proud about that fact.”

Sawyer expects the commission to follow the guidelines it used
the last time it received federal funds.

“What we did with the CARES Act money, which was a little
different, we had a good program. We put a lot of thought into it, a lot of
time and energy,” Sawyer tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “We met
with a lot of people and I think we were good stewards of that money and that’s
exactly what we need to do with this next round.”

Buchanan County is likely to receive two installments of
federal funds this time around. The county received $10.2 million dollars in
CARES Act funding. It could receive up to $17 million from the latest package
approved by Congress.

Sawyer expects the commission to approach the latest
appropriation that same way it approached the last.

“We’ll be looking at kind of a similar approach when it comes
to that whole thought of how can we affect the most people within Buchanan
County.”

Buchanan County distributed federal coronavirus money last
year in a variety of ways, helping small businesses with loans, offsetting
COVID-19 expenses at area agencies, helping Mosaic Life Care test area
residents.

Sawyer says commissioners are reviewing everything they can to
determine how much the county will receive and how best it should be spent.

“We need to get the biggest return that we can with different
types of programs and we will certainly set that up once we know what we can and
can’t do,” according to Sawyer. “I guess in the end, the way it should be
looked at from a Buchanan County standpoint is that we should be thankful that
we are in a good position, that we can use this to maybe really make a difference
and not just like pay down debt or something like that,” Sawyer says with a
chuckle.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMore money is coming Buchanan County’s way in wake of Congress
passing the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief and economic stimulus package
pushed by President Joe Biden.“I think it’s kind of interesting that it’s called the
American Rescue Plan and I think one of the really good things that I can say
about Buchanan County is we don’t really need to be rescued,” Buchanan County
Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says. “And, I’m proud about that fact.”Sawyer expects the commission to follow the guidelines it used
the last time it received federal funds.“What we did with the CARES Act money, which was a little
different, we had a good program. We put a lot of thought into it, a lot of
time and energy,” Sawyer tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “We met
with a lot of people and I think we were good stewards of that money and that’s
exactly what we need to do with this next round.”Buchanan County is likely to receive two installments of
federal funds this time around. The county received $10.2 million dollars in
CARES Act funding. It could receive up to $17 million from the latest package
approved by Congress.Sawyer expects the commission to approach the latest
appropriation that same way it approached the last.“We’ll be looking at kind of a similar approach when it comes
to that whole thought of how can we affect the most people within Buchanan
County.”Buchanan County distributed federal coronavirus money last
year in a variety of ways, helping small businesses with loans, offsetting
COVID-19 expenses at area agencies, helping Mosaic Life Care test area
residents.Sawyer says commissioners are reviewing everything they can to
determine how much the county will receive and how best it should be spent.“We need to get the biggest return that we can with different
types of programs and we will certainly set that up once we know what we can and
can’t do,” according to Sawyer. “I guess in the end, the way it should be
looked at from a Buchanan County standpoint is that we should be thankful that
we are in a good position, that we can use this to maybe really make a difference
and not just like pay down debt or something like that,” Sawyer says with a
chuckle.

Buchanan County might get even more COVID relief money this year

A single gun shot hit a moving vehicle in St. Joseph, but no
one was hurt in the shooting.

St. Joseph police report the driver of the vehicle stated
another car chasing him fired two shots at his car. One hit the vehicle.

The shooting occurred just after midnight on 22nd
Street near Garfield.

No one has been arrested. The investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA single gun shot hit a moving vehicle in St. Joseph, but no
one was hurt in the shooting.St. Joseph police report the driver of the vehicle stated
another car chasing him fired two shots at his car. One hit the vehicle.The shooting occurred just after midnight on 22nd
Street near Garfield.No one has been arrested. The investigation continues.

Gun shot hits car during chase in St. Joseph

With the St. Joseph school district bond issue just around the corner, St. Jospeh school officials say there are a few things you should know before voting. 

Project Executive with McCrownGordon Construction Chris Hess then says renovating an existing building is a faster option. 

"If you look at building a new high school on a new sight, you're looking at about three years from the time the bond would pass its about one year of design and then two years of construction," Hess tells St. Joseph Post. 

Hess says the American Family building is ready for renovations. 

"Verses American Family is, in essence, the structure's there the infrastructure's there so you pretty much get to start renovating the building right off," says Hess. 

Hess says a new high school would take a year longer to build than renovating the American Family Headquarters. 

"High school number two would be operational by summer of 2023 as opposed to new construction would be the following summer," says Hess.

Hess says there will be space left unused at the American Family Headquarters that can be used in the future. 

"In the future, once the district has a need, there might be an opportunity just to continue to expand programs there," says Hess. 

The 107-Million Dollar bond issue is on this coming April 6th ballot. 

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostWith the St. Joseph school district bond issue just around the corner, St. Jospeh school officials say there are a few things you should know before voting. Project Executive with McCrownGordon Construction Chris Hess then says renovating an existing building is a faster option. "If you look at building a new high school on a new sight, you're looking at about three years from the time the bond would pass its about one year of design and then two years of construction," Hess tells St. Joseph Post. Hess says the American Family building is ready for renovations. "Verses American Family is, in essence, the structure's there the infrastructure's there so you pretty much get to start renovating the building right off," says Hess. Hess says a new high school would take a year longer to build than renovating the American Family Headquarters. "High school number two would be operational by summer of 2023 as opposed to new construction would be the following summer," says Hess.Hess says there will be space left unused at the American Family Headquarters that can be used in the future. "In the future, once the district has a need, there might be an opportunity just to continue to expand programs there," says Hess. The 107-Million Dollar bond issue is on this coming April 6th ballot.

St. Joseph's school bond issue is around the corner

The hospitalization of COVID-19 patients continues to moderate
in the area.

Mosaic Life Care has seen a steady decline of coronavirus
patients in its system.

“The numbers had been running pretty much around 10 or less now
for the last several weeks,” Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner
tells reporters. “Our positivity rate for the last three weeks is around 5% roughly.”

Turner notes the numbers had dropped to the low single-digits
before rising to 11 on Monday, with two patients in the St. Joseph ICU on ventilators.

This morning, Mosaic reports 10 COVID-19 patients in its system;
nine in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

Mosaic has vaccinated more than 25,000 area residents at its
operation in the old Gordman’s store at East Hills Mall in St. Joseph.

Missouri has based eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine on<a href="https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/">
occupation and need</a>.

It began with Phase 1A, which included health care workers as
well as nursing home patients. That expanded to Phase 1B, which is broken down
into three tiers. Phase 1B, Tier 1 includes First Responders, those in
emergency services and public health. Phase 1B, Tier 2 includes high-risk
individuals, such as cancer patients who are more vulnerable. Phase 1B, Tier 3
includes workers in critical infrastructure, such as teachers, day care
workers, workers in the agricultural and food sector, transportation, and water
and wastewater sector among others.

Turner welcomes the expansion of those eligible for the
vaccine.

“This expands now to your K through 12 teachers, ag, other certain
businesses, to include information technology, energy, transportation.”

Turner says Mosaic is receiving enough vaccine to keep up with
demand. He adds Mosaic could vaccinate many more residents if more would sign
up. He encourages residents to go to the Mosaic website:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.mymlc.com/">mymlc.com</a> or the <a href="https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/navigator/">Missouri COVID-19 navigator
site</a> to sign up.

“The numbers that we’re seeing sign up are about lining up
with the number of vaccine that we are receiving,” Turner says.

Turner says Mosaic encourages those eligible to register.

“We would just like to see more folks sign up,” Turner says. “If
you’re eligible, you meet criteria, please sign up, because if our sign-up list
is longer that gives us the ability to go to the state and say we need more vaccine.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615918503008.jpeg" alt="Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner speaks with reporters./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner speaks with reporters./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe hospitalization of COVID-19 patients continues to moderate
in the area.Mosaic Life Care has seen a steady decline of coronavirus
patients in its system.“The numbers had been running pretty much around 10 or less now
for the last several weeks,” Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner
tells reporters. “Our positivity rate for the last three weeks is around 5% roughly.”Turner notes the numbers had dropped to the low single-digits
before rising to 11 on Monday, with two patients in the St. Joseph ICU on ventilators.This morning, Mosaic reports 10 COVID-19 patients in its system;
nine in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.Mosaic has vaccinated more than 25,000 area residents at its
operation in the old Gordman’s store at East Hills Mall in St. Joseph.Missouri has based eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine on<a href="https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/">
occupation and need</a>.It began with Phase 1A, which included health care workers as
well as nursing home patients. That expanded to Phase 1B, which is broken down
into three tiers. Phase 1B, Tier 1 includes First Responders, those in
emergency services and public health. Phase 1B, Tier 2 includes high-risk
individuals, such as cancer patients who are more vulnerable. Phase 1B, Tier 3
includes workers in critical infrastructure, such as teachers, day care
workers, workers in the agricultural and food sector, transportation, and water
and wastewater sector among others.Turner welcomes the expansion of those eligible for the
vaccine.“This expands now to your K through 12 teachers, ag, other certain
businesses, to include information technology, energy, transportation.”Turner says Mosaic is receiving enough vaccine to keep up with
demand. He adds Mosaic could vaccinate many more residents if more would sign
up. He encourages residents to go to the Mosaic website:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.mymlc.com/">mymlc.com</a> or the <a href="https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/navigator/">Missouri COVID-19 navigator
site</a> to sign up.“The numbers that we’re seeing sign up are about lining up
with the number of vaccine that we are receiving,” Turner says.Turner says Mosaic encourages those eligible to register.“We would just like to see more folks sign up,” Turner says. “If
you’re eligible, you meet criteria, please sign up, because if our sign-up list
is longer that gives us the ability to go to the state and say we need more vaccine.”

Mosaic encourages area residents to register for COVID-19 vaccine

Repairs of Missouri River levees damaged by the 2019 flood
continue, though floating ice on the Missouri in February halted work for a
while.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRepairs of Missouri River levees damaged by the 2019 flood
continue, though floating ice on the Missouri in February halted work for a
while.Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says the Army Corps
of Engineers has moved faster than he thought it could.“I think they did a phenomenal job of getting many of the
repairs done,” Graves tells St. Joseph Post.Still, Graves remains critical of how the Corps plans to
manage the Missouri River.“They’re talking about restoration of the southern part of the
Missouri River by December of 2022, but they’re not going to get the northern portion
back to full capacity until 2025,” Graves says. “We have to do better.”Graves says navigation on the Missouri depends on the weather,
but also on the priorities the Corps has for the Missouri. Graves says the
Corps needs to return to considering flood control and navigation the top
priorities guiding how it manages the Missouri River.Graves says the extent of the damage done by the 2019 flood
will force changes to the levee system along the Missouri.“In some cases, we had holes that we just simply can’t fill,”
according to Graves. “They are scour holes and many of them 70 to 100 feet deep
and you just can’t fill holes like that. So, we’re looking to realign the river
and that’s in process and moving forward.”The Army Corps of Engineers adds that the deep freeze in
February created ice on the river, forcing workers to quit until the recent
thaw.Graves says the Corps could ease the risk of flooding through
its control of the six Missouri River upstream reservoirs. Releases from those reservoirs
at the Gavins Point Dam along the Nebraska-South Dakota border determine the
level of the Missouri River downstream. Graves has been pushing the Corps to
make flood control and navigation the top priorities guiding management of the
Missouri.

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