St. Joseph health officials report just seven new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County since Friday and no new fatalities.

The county's case total stands at 10,158 with 172 virus-related fatalities since the pandemic began.

Over 16,000 doses of the COVID cases have been administered in Buchanan County.

Andrew County has eclipsed over 2,000 total COVID cases with 20 fatalities.&nbsp; Over 4,500 doses of vaccine have been administered in Andrew County.

Mosaic Life Care reports 11 COVID-19 patients in its system - 10 of those patients are being treated in St. Joseph with one in Maryville.

On Monday, Mosaic announced changes to their patient visitor policy, with two visitors-per-patient now being allowed. The age restrictions on Mosaic hospital visitors have also been lifted.

Statewide, over 1.1 million Missourians have been vaccinated while over 550,000 Kansans have received their first dose of the COVID vaccine.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report just seven new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County since Friday and no new fatalities.The county's case total stands at 10,158 with 172 virus-related fatalities since the pandemic began.Over 16,000 doses of the COVID cases have been administered in Buchanan County.Andrew County has eclipsed over 2,000 total COVID cases with 20 fatalities.&nbsp; Over 4,500 doses of vaccine have been administered in Andrew County.Mosaic Life Care reports 11 COVID-19 patients in its system - 10 of those patients are being treated in St. Joseph with one in Maryville.On Monday, Mosaic announced changes to their patient visitor policy, with two visitors-per-patient now being allowed. The age restrictions on Mosaic hospital visitors have also been lifted.Statewide, over 1.1 million Missourians have been vaccinated while over 550,000 Kansans have received their first dose of the COVID vaccine.

St. Joseph health officials report seven new COVID cases, hospitalizations up slightly

The Amber Alert issued Monday afternoon regarding a St. Joseph man and a two-year-old child has been called off, and the child has been recovered safely.

Authorities say 29-year-old Jeremiah LaTour forced entry into the home of two-year-old Miah LaTour with two other unknown males and took the child by force just after 3:30 p.m. Monday afternoon in St. Joseph. 

LaTour is said to have responded to St. Joseph Police and the child was recovered safely.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued he Amber Alert just after 4:30 Monday afternoon with a white GMC Acadia being the vehicle of interest.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AMBER ALERT 2021-3 CANCELLED: THE SUSPECT RESPONDED TO SAINT JOSEPH POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE CHILD WAS RECOVERED SAFE. <a href="https://t.co/LHna6U2udy">pic.twitter.com/LHna6U2udy</a>&mdash; Missouri State Highway Patrol Alerts (@MSHPAlerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPAlerts/status/1371588142516465666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Amber Alert issued Monday afternoon regarding a St. Joseph man and a two-year-old child has been called off, and the child has been recovered safely.Authorities say 29-year-old Jeremiah LaTour forced entry into the home of two-year-old Miah LaTour with two other unknown males and took the child by force just after 3:30 p.m. Monday afternoon in St. Joseph. LaTour is said to have responded to St. Joseph Police and the child was recovered safely.The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued he Amber Alert just after 4:30 Monday afternoon with a white GMC Acadia being the vehicle of interest.

Amber Alert for two-year-old St. Joseph child called off, child recovered safely

This Year's Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison, KS scheduled for July 16th and 17th has been canceled. 

Due to the continuing threat of COVID-19, and for the safety of volunteer and those who would attend the event, the festival has been canceled for this year. Even with vaccines, it's not enough to ensure the safety of the large community event. 

The committee will begin planning to return in July 2022 with a celebrations of Atchison's famous aviatrix. 

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostThis Year's Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison, KS scheduled for July 16th and 17th has been canceled. Due to the continuing threat of COVID-19, and for the safety of volunteer and those who would attend the event, the festival has been canceled for this year. Even with vaccines, it's not enough to ensure the safety of the large community event. The committee will begin planning to return in July 2022 with a celebrations of Atchison's famous aviatrix.

Atchison's Amelia Earhart Festival has been Canceled

Steady rainfall over the last few days has swelled rivers and streams in northwest Missouri, including the 102 River.

A Flood Warning remains in effect for the 102 River at Rosendale, affecting Andrew and Buchanan counties until Tuesday evening.

The river will crest just above the flood stage of 18 feet Monday before going back down Monday night into Tuesday.

National Weather Service meteorologist Chris Bowman from the Pleasant Hill office says the recent rains from over the weekend and any more rain that falls this week will largely impact the smaller streams and tributaries.

"It's more like multiple rounds of moderate rain," Bowman said. "The flood threat will be more into the area creeks and streams and rivers."

Monday also brings the first chance of severe weather to the area. There is a marginal risk for severe storms along and south of Interstate 70 in the Kansas City area.

Bowman says the best time frame for severe storms Monday would be between 3-9 p.m.

"The most likely hazard will be hail up to the size of quarters," he said. "Although, with the setup that we have, we can't rule out a brief tornado. We're moving into the beginning of severe weather season. As we move deeper into March, April and May, the weather can evolve pretty quickly. So, just keep an eye on the sky and be weather aware."

Damaging winds are also possible Monday evening.

As of Monday, St. Joseph reported an 1.55" of rain over the last 24 hours, with Savannah reporting an 1.46" and Doniphan, KS getting 1.39."

While Kansas and Missouri have gotten rain, far western Nebraska, Colorado and portions of Iowa saw extremely high snowfall totals over the weekend.

Denver reported two feet of snow, while Cheyenne, WY reported three feet. Portions of the Nebraska panhandle saw about 1.5 feet.

Bowman says it was all part of the same storm system.

"Out in western Nebraska, some crazy snow amounts if you think about it," Bowman said. "Not usually something we see around here."

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSteady rainfall over the last few days has swelled rivers and streams in northwest Missouri, including the 102 River.A Flood Warning remains in effect for the 102 River at Rosendale, affecting Andrew and Buchanan counties until Tuesday evening.The river will crest just above the flood stage of 18 feet Monday before going back down Monday night into Tuesday.National Weather Service meteorologist Chris Bowman from the Pleasant Hill office says the recent rains from over the weekend and any more rain that falls this week will largely impact the smaller streams and tributaries."It's more like multiple rounds of moderate rain," Bowman said. "The flood threat will be more into the area creeks and streams and rivers."Monday also brings the first chance of severe weather to the area. There is a marginal risk for severe storms along and south of Interstate 70 in the Kansas City area.Bowman says the best time frame for severe storms Monday would be between 3-9 p.m."The most likely hazard will be hail up to the size of quarters," he said. "Although, with the setup that we have, we can't rule out a brief tornado. We're moving into the beginning of severe weather season. As we move deeper into March, April and May, the weather can evolve pretty quickly. So, just keep an eye on the sky and be weather aware."Damaging winds are also possible Monday evening.As of Monday, St. Joseph reported an 1.55" of rain over the last 24 hours, with Savannah reporting an 1.46" and Doniphan, KS getting 1.39."While Kansas and Missouri have gotten rain, far western Nebraska, Colorado and portions of Iowa saw extremely high snowfall totals over the weekend.Denver reported two feet of snow, while Cheyenne, WY reported three feet. Portions of the Nebraska panhandle saw about 1.5 feet.Bowman says it was all part of the same storm system."Out in western Nebraska, some crazy snow amounts if you think about it," Bowman said. "Not usually something we see around here."

Flood warning continues for 102 River in Andrew, Buchanan counties

Mosaic Life Care has changed its visitation policy, now allowing
two visitors per patient as COVID-19 hospitalization continues at low levels.

Mosaic has reported single-digit hospitalizations in its
system the past few weeks until this morning, when Mosaic reported 11 COVID-19
patients overall; 10 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner says the drop in hospitalizations
prompted a change in visitor policy.

“For the overall system, we will start allowing two visitors
for every patient or person here receiving care and as for restrictions of 18
and below, that will be eliminated,” Turner tells reporters during a news
conference. “So, we will not have an age limit.”

Mosaic will continue to prohibit visits to COVID-19 patients
in isolation.

Turner says Mosaic understands the importance of visitors.

“We know that when folks are ill that having the support of
their loved one causes different chemical reactions in their body that improves
their overall body’s ability to fight off disease,” Turner says.

Mosaic had been limiting patients to one visitor and had not
been allowing children to visit.

Everyone at Mosaic is required to wear a mask. All visitors will be screened before being allowed to enter.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care has changed its visitation policy, now allowing
two visitors per patient as COVID-19 hospitalization continues at low levels.Mosaic has reported single-digit hospitalizations in its
system the past few weeks until this morning, when Mosaic reported 11 COVID-19
patients overall; 10 in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner says the drop in hospitalizations
prompted a change in visitor policy.“For the overall system, we will start allowing two visitors
for every patient or person here receiving care and as for restrictions of 18
and below, that will be eliminated,” Turner tells reporters during a news
conference. “So, we will not have an age limit.”Mosaic will continue to prohibit visits to COVID-19 patients
in isolation.Turner says Mosaic understands the importance of visitors.“We know that when folks are ill that having the support of
their loved one causes different chemical reactions in their body that improves
their overall body’s ability to fight off disease,” Turner says.Mosaic had been limiting patients to one visitor and had not
been allowing children to visit.Everyone at Mosaic is required to wear a mask. All visitors will be screened before being allowed to enter.

Mosaic Life Care changes visitor policy with drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations

A Platte County man has died after the car he was driving was struck by another vehicle and overturned.

It happened just after 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;

The Platte County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash at the intersection of 92 Highway and Interurban Road.

Initial investigations show that a Lincoln sedan was struck by a Chevrolet pickup when the Lincoln entered 92 Highway from Interurban.

The Lincoln rolled over and came to rest on the north side of 92 Highway. The driver of the Lincoln, a 52-year-old man from Platte County died at the scene. The passenger of the Lincoln was transported to an area hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the pickup received minor injuries.

The driver of the Lincoln has not yet been identified. The crash remains under investigation.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA Platte County man has died after the car he was driving was struck by another vehicle and overturned.It happened just after 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;The Platte County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash at the intersection of 92 Highway and Interurban Road.Initial investigations show that a Lincoln sedan was struck by a Chevrolet pickup when the Lincoln entered 92 Highway from Interurban.The Lincoln rolled over and came to rest on the north side of 92 Highway. The driver of the Lincoln, a 52-year-old man from Platte County died at the scene. The passenger of the Lincoln was transported to an area hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.The driver of the pickup received minor injuries.The driver of the Lincoln has not yet been identified. The crash remains under investigation.

Platte County man dead after two-car accident on Sunday afternoon

A 21-year-old who pleaded guilty in the shooting death of a
two-year-old St. Joseph girl has been sentenced to 26 years in prison.

Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg sentenced 21-year-old Marcain
Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph after an emotional hearing in a Buchanan County
courtroom in which tears were shed by family members of both the victim and the
defendant. The prosecutor's office requested life in prison.

Kimbrough-Ballard, in an earlier court hearing, admitted to
firing shots into another car in August of last year. He stated he didn’t know
Raelynn Craig was a passenger in the back seat.

Kellogg pronounced the sentenced after hearing emotional testimony
from Raelynn’s family and pleas for mercy from the family of Kimbrough-Ballard.

Two others are accused in the shooting at the Frog Hop at 20th
and Messanie August 9th. Fourteen shots were fired into the car,
wounding two adults in the car, plus the fatal shot to the head of Raelynn.

Twenty-one-year-old Caimon Ramone Stillman of St. Joseph
pleaded guilty for his role in the deadly shooting. His sentencing is set for
later in April.

A third man involved in the shooting, 20-year-old Te’Avion
Hawkins of Platte City, is scheduled to appear in court in late April.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615830048625.jpeg" alt="Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard goes over paperwork with his attorney prior to the sentencing hearing in Buchanan County./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard goes over paperwork with his attorney prior to the sentencing hearing in Buchanan County./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp; BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 21-year-old who pleaded guilty in the shooting death of a
two-year-old St. Joseph girl has been sentenced to 26 years in prison.Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg sentenced 21-year-old Marcain
Kimbrough-Ballard of St. Joseph after an emotional hearing in a Buchanan County
courtroom in which tears were shed by family members of both the victim and the
defendant. The prosecutor's office requested life in prison.Kimbrough-Ballard, in an earlier court hearing, admitted to
firing shots into another car in August of last year. He stated he didn’t know
Raelynn Craig was a passenger in the back seat.Kellogg pronounced the sentenced after hearing emotional testimony
from Raelynn’s family and pleas for mercy from the family of Kimbrough-Ballard.Two others are accused in the shooting at the Frog Hop at 20th
and Messanie August 9th. Fourteen shots were fired into the car,
wounding two adults in the car, plus the fatal shot to the head of Raelynn.Twenty-one-year-old Caimon Ramone Stillman of St. Joseph
pleaded guilty for his role in the deadly shooting. His sentencing is set for
later in April.A third man involved in the shooting, 20-year-old Te’Avion
Hawkins of Platte City, is scheduled to appear in court in late April.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615830265124.jpeg" alt="The family of Raelynn Craig displayed her photographs during the hearing./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>The family of Raelynn Craig displayed her photographs during the hearing./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>

Man who pleaded guilty in shooting death of 2-year-old St. Joseph girl gets 26 years in prison

St. Joseph health officials report eight new COVID-19 cases on
Friday, the last time they issued a report.

Buchanan County has now recorded 10,151 cases.

No new deaths have been reported. The Buchanan County death
toll remains at 172.

Andrew County reports 1,290 total cases of COVID-19.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 957 total cases.

The state of Missouri reports 483,748 total cases since the
pandemic began, resulting in 8,310 death.

Kansas reports its case total is closing in on 300,000 with 297,748
total cases reported with 4,824 deaths.

Mosaic Life Care reports eight COVID-19 patients in its system
on Sunday; seven in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report eight new COVID-19 cases on
Friday, the last time they issued a report.Buchanan County has now recorded 10,151 cases.No new deaths have been reported. The Buchanan County death
toll remains at 172.Andrew County reports 1,290 total cases of COVID-19.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 957 total cases.The state of Missouri reports 483,748 total cases since the
pandemic began, resulting in 8,310 death.Kansas reports its case total is closing in on 300,000 with 297,748
total cases reported with 4,824 deaths.Mosaic Life Care reports eight COVID-19 patients in its system
on Sunday; seven in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

Mosaic Life Care reports 8 COVID-19 patients in its system

Some
want the switch to Daylight Savings Time to serve as an important reminder.

Daylight
Savings Time begins overnight as we set our clocks up one hour and both the
American Red Cross and the State Fire Marshal use this time to remind residents
to change the batteries in their smoke alarms.

The
American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas reports it has helped nearly 2,500
families with urgent needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance, and
recovery after nearly 2,000 home fires.

“Home fires
remain the nation’s most frequent disaster during COVID-19,” Chris Harmon,
Regional Disaster Officer for the Missouri Arkansas Region, said in a written
statement.&nbsp; “This weekend, take a moment
to test your smoke alarms to help protect your family against home fires.”

The Red Cross
reports working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including
inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace
the batteries at least once a year if your model
requires it.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because
the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke
alarms and follow the instructions.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Practice your two-minute escape plan. Make sure
everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of
time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late. Include at
least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe
distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a
specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcross.org/fire" target="_blank">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more
information, including an escape plan to practice with your family.

The Red Cross
reports a family has just two minutes to escape a home fire to safety.

Missouri Fire
Marshal Tim Bean also recommends changing smoke alarm batteries when “springing”
clocks head. Bean also recommends
families practice their family escape plan regularly.

Bean says should get into the habit of
regularly planning how to evacuate their home in the event of a fire.

"Your risk of dying in a fire is
reduced by one-half if you have a working smoke alarm in your home,” Fire
Marshal Bean said in a written statement released by his office. “Having
working smoke alarms in your home is one of simplest and most important things
you can do to protect your family. Three of five home fire deaths occur in
homes without working smoke alarms.”

Bean says every family member, including
children, should know two escape routes from every room in their residence.
Parents should also go over fire evacuation plans with babysitters. Bean says about
half of home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when the family is
asleep.

· Explain the family escape plan, including
the location of the designated outside meeting place, to overnight guests.

· Show guests the two escape routes from the
room in which they will be staying.

· Make sure guests know the address of your
home so that they will be able to call 911 once safely out of the house.

· If you host a children’s “sleep over”
party, make sure to show them the two escape routes from the room in which they
will be staying.

Bean also reminds Missourians that they
should have carbon monoxide alarms for their homes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an
odorless, tasteless, invisible gas that results from the incomplete combustion
of fossil fuels, which can be deadly if undetected.

· Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
monthly by pushing the test button.

· Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
because they lose their effectiveness over time.

· Install additional smoke alarms if you
don’t have a minimum of one alarm on every level of the home, inside all
bedrooms, and outside bedrooms.

· Plan two different escape routes from your
home and practice the routes with the entire family.

Daylight Savings Time officially begins a 2
a.m. Sunday.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostWe
lose an hour of sleep tonight.Some
want the switch to Daylight Savings Time to serve as an important reminder.Daylight
Savings Time begins overnight as we set our clocks up one hour and both the
American Red Cross and the State Fire Marshal use this time to remind residents
to change the batteries in their smoke alarms.The
American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas reports it has helped nearly 2,500
families with urgent needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance, and
recovery after nearly 2,000 home fires.“Home fires
remain the nation’s most frequent disaster during COVID-19,” Chris Harmon,
Regional Disaster Officer for the Missouri Arkansas Region, said in a written
statement.&nbsp; “This weekend, take a moment
to test your smoke alarms to help protect your family against home fires.”The Red Cross
reports working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.The Red Cross
recommends:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including
inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace
the batteries at least once a year if your model
requires it.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because
the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke
alarms and follow the instructions.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Practice your two-minute escape plan. Make sure
everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of
time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late. Include at
least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe
distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a
specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcross.org/fire" target="_blank">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more
information, including an escape plan to practice with your family.The Red Cross
reports a family has just two minutes to escape a home fire to safety.Missouri Fire
Marshal Tim Bean also recommends changing smoke alarm batteries when “springing”
clocks head. Bean also recommends
families practice their family escape plan regularly.Bean says should get into the habit of
regularly planning how to evacuate their home in the event of a fire."Your risk of dying in a fire is
reduced by one-half if you have a working smoke alarm in your home,” Fire
Marshal Bean said in a written statement released by his office. “Having
working smoke alarms in your home is one of simplest and most important things
you can do to protect your family. Three of five home fire deaths occur in
homes without working smoke alarms.”Bean says every family member, including
children, should know two escape routes from every room in their residence.
Parents should also go over fire evacuation plans with babysitters. Bean says about
half of home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when the family is
asleep.The Fire Marshal recommends:· Explain the family escape plan, including
the location of the designated outside meeting place, to overnight guests.· Show guests the two escape routes from the
room in which they will be staying.· Make sure guests know the address of your
home so that they will be able to call 911 once safely out of the house.· If you host a children’s “sleep over”
party, make sure to show them the two escape routes from the room in which they
will be staying.Bean also reminds Missourians that they
should have carbon monoxide alarms for their homes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an
odorless, tasteless, invisible gas that results from the incomplete combustion
of fossil fuels, which can be deadly if undetected.The Fire Marshal also recommendations:· Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
monthly by pushing the test button.· Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
because they lose their effectiveness over time.· Install additional smoke alarms if you
don’t have a minimum of one alarm on every level of the home, inside all
bedrooms, and outside bedrooms.· Plan two different escape routes from your
home and practice the routes with the entire family.Daylight Savings Time officially begins a 2
a.m. Sunday.

Don't forget to spring forward and check your smoke alarm batteries

An executive with the Herzog Contracting Corporation of St.
Joseph has been appointed to the Northwester Missouri State Board of Regents.

Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Shanda Durbin of St. Joseph to the governing
body over the Maryville campus. 

Durbin has
served as the Director of Human Resources for the Herzog since 2010. She is
also a member of the Society of Human Resource Professionals, NWMSU Alumni
Association, and Human Resources of Northwest Missouri.

Durbin earned a Bachelor of Science in corporate
recreation and wellness from NMSU.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn executive with the Herzog Contracting Corporation of St.
Joseph has been appointed to the Northwester Missouri State Board of Regents.Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Shanda Durbin of St. Joseph to the governing
body over the Maryville campus. Durbin has
served as the Director of Human Resources for the Herzog since 2010. She is
also a member of the Society of Human Resource Professionals, NWMSU Alumni
Association, and Human Resources of Northwest Missouri.Durbin earned a Bachelor of Science in corporate
recreation and wellness from NMSU.

Durbin appointed to NWMSU Board of Regents

Missouri Western State University is working through a spring
semester dominated by coronavirus concerns and looking forward to a fall
semester largely back to normal.

Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says the St.
Joseph campus is again seeing the basketball hoops and volleyball nets go back
up, and students hitting the tennis courts.

“The campus is starting to come alive and to me that’s one of
the most exciting things,” Kennedy tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Spring
is my favorite season anyway, because you see the flowers coming up and you
hear the birds coming back. Well, on campus we’re seeing the life come back.”

Kennedy says current plans call for 85% of the classes offered
by Missouri Western this fall to have some in-class component to them with a
bit more than 70% entirely face-to-face.

Masks and social distancing will remain in force unless the
pandemic eases even more.

Kennedy says she’s excited about the possibility of a semester
on the St. Joseph campus beginning with COVID-19 mostly in the rear-view
mirror.

“I’m just so excited. It’s like we’re opening up again and
here comes life back to Missouri Western.”

Much has changed since this academic calendar year began.

Kennedy points out there was a lot at stake when Missouri
Western began the fall semester.

“When I look back at the fall, one of the big fears that we
had, and I think the community reasonably had, was that we were going to bring all
of these students in and be a super spreader for St. Joe. So, the burden was
really on us to do everything we could to mitigate and I would say almost that
the exact opposite (happened),” Kennedy says. “We were able to keep our numbers
down, deal with the cases that came up, mitigate those circumstances.”

Kennedy says the university has learned a lot about coping
with the pandemic and Missouri Western students have met a challenge they will
remember for the rest of their lives.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University is working through a spring
semester dominated by coronavirus concerns and looking forward to a fall
semester largely back to normal.Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says the St.
Joseph campus is again seeing the basketball hoops and volleyball nets go back
up, and students hitting the tennis courts.“The campus is starting to come alive and to me that’s one of
the most exciting things,” Kennedy tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “Spring
is my favorite season anyway, because you see the flowers coming up and you
hear the birds coming back. Well, on campus we’re seeing the life come back.”Kennedy says current plans call for 85% of the classes offered
by Missouri Western this fall to have some in-class component to them with a
bit more than 70% entirely face-to-face.Masks and social distancing will remain in force unless the
pandemic eases even more.Kennedy says she’s excited about the possibility of a semester
on the St. Joseph campus beginning with COVID-19 mostly in the rear-view
mirror.“I’m just so excited. It’s like we’re opening up again and
here comes life back to Missouri Western.”Much has changed since this academic calendar year began.Kennedy points out there was a lot at stake when Missouri
Western began the fall semester.“When I look back at the fall, one of the big fears that we
had, and I think the community reasonably had, was that we were going to bring all
of these students in and be a super spreader for St. Joe. So, the burden was
really on us to do everything we could to mitigate and I would say almost that
the exact opposite (happened),” Kennedy says. “We were able to keep our numbers
down, deal with the cases that came up, mitigate those circumstances.”Kennedy says the university has learned a lot about coping
with the pandemic and Missouri Western students have met a challenge they will
remember for the rest of their lives.

MWSU hopes for a near-normal fall semester

The Dance Arts Center brings stories to life this weekend with their performance of Turning the Page. 

Owner of the Dance Arts Center Marla Heeler says this is a great story based on a movie about perseverance. 

"There was a film in the early 90s called the Pagemaster," Heeler tells St. Joseph Post. "In the movie, it's about a little boy who's being bullied and he basically escapes into his books, and the Characters within the book help him to learn to become stronger and find his courage and stand up to the bullies." 

Heeler says characters from childhood favorites are present throughout the performance. 

"From Mr. Popper's Penguins, there's characters from the Lord of the Flies, there's Harry Potter of course," says Heeler. 

The show is on March 13th at the Missouri Theater at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. The performance is about an hour long and is family-friendly. 

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph Post The Dance Arts Center brings stories to life this weekend with their performance of Turning the Page. Owner of the Dance Arts Center Marla Heeler says this is a great story based on a movie about perseverance. "There was a film in the early 90s called the Pagemaster," Heeler tells St. Joseph Post. "In the movie, it's about a little boy who's being bullied and he basically escapes into his books, and the Characters within the book help him to learn to become stronger and find his courage and stand up to the bullies." Heeler says characters from childhood favorites are present throughout the performance. "From Mr. Popper's Penguins, there's characters from the Lord of the Flies, there's Harry Potter of course," says Heeler. The show is on March 13th at the Missouri Theater at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. The performance is about an hour long and is family-friendly.

The Dance Arts Center is turning pages

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Thursday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Pontiac G6 driven by Megan L. Mouzakis, 28, Cainsville, was eastbound on Route N one mile west of Route CC four miles east of Cainsville.

The driver attempted to avoid an animal in the road. The car did strike the animal. Mercer County EMS transported Mouzakis to Wright Memorial hospital for treatment of serious injuries. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The crash report did not give details on the animal involved in the accident.

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Thursday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Pontiac G6 driven by Megan L. Mouzakis, 28, Cainsville, was eastbound on Route N one mile west of Route CC four miles east of Cainsville.The driver attempted to avoid an animal in the road. The car did strike the animal. Mercer County EMS transported Mouzakis to Wright Memorial hospital for treatment of serious injuries. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The crash report did not give details on the animal involved in the accident.

Mo. woman hospitalized after car strikes animal in the road

CALDWELL COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Thursday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Lexus RX300 driven by Jared K. Shuman, 37, Hamilton, was northbound and attempted to cross U.S. 36 two miles Hamilton.

The Lexus traveled into the path of an eastbound 2013 Ford F150 driven by Gary W. Nease, 47, Brookfield, that did not have headlights on. The Ford struck the Lexus.

Caldwell County Ambulance transported Shuman to Liberty Hospital. Nease refused treatment of a minor injury at the scene. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Thursday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Lexus RX300 driven by Jared K. Shuman, 37, Hamilton, was northbound and attempted to cross U.S. 36 two miles Hamilton.The Lexus traveled into the path of an eastbound 2013 Ford F150 driven by Gary W. Nease, 47, Brookfield, that did not have headlights on. The Ford struck the Lexus.Caldwell County Ambulance transported Shuman to Liberty Hospital. Nease refused treatment of a minor injury at the scene. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man hospitalized after pickup, Lexus crash

A scarcity of ammunition and firearms came with the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Owner of Brothers Arms Clay Bricker says manufacturing companies have been hurt by the shutdown from the pandemic.

"I can contest to say that COVID has been the biggest contributor to the scarcity of ammunition," Bricker tells St. Joseph Post. 

Bricker says statistics have shown a significant increase in gun purchases. 

"There were 3.2 million new or beginner firearm purchases from people in 2020," says Bricker. 

Now that the circumstances of the pandemic have started to improve, St. Joseph Gun and Knife show organizers are excited to host the show this weekend at the Civic Arena. 

Bricker says this event is something everyone can apricate during the pandemic. 

"Vendors coming into this event to bring a good variety of ammunition, firearms, accessories, all sorts of different merchandise to this event that I think truly everyone can appreciate," says Bricker.

March 13th and 14th, 250 tables of guns and ammunition with dealers from six states will be at the Civic Arena ready to sell or trade. Guns won’t be the only show-stoppers this weekend, lipstick knives, personal alarms, and stun guns will be available as well. Tickets are 12 dollars for adults and 5 dollars for children six to twelve years old. 

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostA scarcity of ammunition and firearms came with the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic.Owner of Brothers Arms Clay Bricker says manufacturing companies have been hurt by the shutdown from the pandemic."I can contest to say that COVID has been the biggest contributor to the scarcity of ammunition," Bricker tells St. Joseph Post. Bricker says statistics have shown a significant increase in gun purchases. "There were 3.2 million new or beginner firearm purchases from people in 2020," says Bricker. Now that the circumstances of the pandemic have started to improve, St. Joseph Gun and Knife show organizers are excited to host the show this weekend at the Civic Arena. Bricker says this event is something everyone can apricate during the pandemic. "Vendors coming into this event to bring a good variety of ammunition, firearms, accessories, all sorts of different merchandise to this event that I think truly everyone can appreciate," says Bricker.March 13th and 14th, 250 tables of guns and ammunition with dealers from six states will be at the Civic Arena ready to sell or trade. Guns won’t be the only show-stoppers this weekend, lipstick knives, personal alarms, and stun guns will be available as well. Tickets are 12 dollars for adults and 5 dollars for children six to twelve years old.

A pandemic effect: gun sales up, ammunition scarce

Missourians should brace for what could be a nasty political
season now that veteran U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt has decided not to run for re-election.

Missouri Western State University political science professor
Edwin Taylor speculates the increasingly bitter tone of politics might have
been a big factor in Blunt’s decision.

“Politics in Washington is exhausting now and I think there
are lots of people who are finding that they get less and less joy out of
public service as elected officials, because of just how hostile things have
become,” Taylor tells St. Joseph Post. “Again, it pretty feels like the parties
are at war with one another.”

Several Republicans are likely to test the waters as a potential
successor to Blunt. And, the decision of the long-time Republican to vacate the
seat will give Democrats hope to pick up an open seat.

Taylor says he doesn’t know who in the party perceives
themselves as a viable candidate and what candidates might or might not seek
former President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

“I think you’re going to see a lot of money come into the
primaries, some that’s going to be dark money, some that is going to be coming from
super PACS, which will be undisclosed money,” according to Taylor. “That’s the
fight that we’re going to see in Missouri and I do think this is the bigger
fight internally that the Republican Party’s having about the direction of and
ownership of the party.”

Those internal Republican fights along with the escalated
attacks from various social media platforms and hardened stances in both
political parties make for a different political environment than when many
veteran lawmakers went into politics.

Taylor says Blunt might just have had enough of an
increasingly toxic political environment.

“Again, I think most of our senior politicians are at a point
where I think they’re going to find that their influence is waning anyway,
because we have so many younger politicians, especially in the Republican Party,
who are louder, more vocal, less behind the scenes and are pushing the party in
a very different direction.”

Taylor says Blunt, who is 71, will say all the right things
when explaining his decision.

“He may just want to be done and do something different, come
back and fish and hunt and do whatever he does with this life,” Taylor says. “I
think a lot of it though, it just gets to the point where the environment has
become just unsatisfying. There’s just no joy in it anymore.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615488560488.jpeg" alt="Sen. Roy Blunt/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Roy Blunt/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissourians should brace for what could be a nasty political
season now that veteran U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt has decided not to run for re-election.Missouri Western State University political science professor
Edwin Taylor speculates the increasingly bitter tone of politics might have
been a big factor in Blunt’s decision.“Politics in Washington is exhausting now and I think there
are lots of people who are finding that they get less and less joy out of
public service as elected officials, because of just how hostile things have
become,” Taylor tells St. Joseph Post. “Again, it pretty feels like the parties
are at war with one another.”Several Republicans are likely to test the waters as a potential
successor to Blunt. And, the decision of the long-time Republican to vacate the
seat will give Democrats hope to pick up an open seat.Republicans will get the focus, though.Taylor says he doesn’t know who in the party perceives
themselves as a viable candidate and what candidates might or might not seek
former President Donald Trump’s endorsement.“I think you’re going to see a lot of money come into the
primaries, some that’s going to be dark money, some that is going to be coming from
super PACS, which will be undisclosed money,” according to Taylor. “That’s the
fight that we’re going to see in Missouri and I do think this is the bigger
fight internally that the Republican Party’s having about the direction of and
ownership of the party.”Those internal Republican fights along with the escalated
attacks from various social media platforms and hardened stances in both
political parties make for a different political environment than when many
veteran lawmakers went into politics.Taylor says Blunt might just have had enough of an
increasingly toxic political environment.“Again, I think most of our senior politicians are at a point
where I think they’re going to find that their influence is waning anyway,
because we have so many younger politicians, especially in the Republican Party,
who are louder, more vocal, less behind the scenes and are pushing the party in
a very different direction.”Taylor says Blunt, who is 71, will say all the right things
when explaining his decision.“He may just want to be done and do something different, come
back and fish and hunt and do whatever he does with this life,” Taylor says. “I
think a lot of it though, it just gets to the point where the environment has
become just unsatisfying. There’s just no joy in it anymore.”

Brace for a brutal political fight for Sen. Blunt's seat

School districts across Missouri might be able to share superintendents when they can’t afford to have their own superintendent under a bill being considered by the legislature.

St. Joseph State Rep. Brenda Shields who sponsors the measure says school districts that are smaller than the recommended size would be able to avoid consolidation.  

"We know that school districts are optimally sized if they have about 1,250 students in them and out of our 514 school districts that we have in the state of Missouri, 400 of our school districts have less than 1,200 students. We certainly don't want to consolidate school districts," Shields tells St. Joseph Post. "We know that students cant ride on a bus any longer but maybe we can consolidate superintendents and they'd be able to manage two or three districts." 

Shields says under her bill school districts that share superintendents will receive a stipend.

"It's an opportunity for school districts to share a superintendent and receive a $30,000 stipend for each district that share," says Shields. 

Under current Missouri laws, school districts are unable to consolidate superintendents. 

Shields is also sponsoring a bill for child care funding. The bill would create County Early Childhood Boards.  

Shields says the county would choose how the money would be spent.  

"They can fund early childhood and a county could decide how they want to spend these dollars, whether it be for child care, it be for other items that they think is important for their community."

By WHITNEE ICE St. Joseph Post School districts across Missouri might be able to share superintendents when they can’t afford to have their own superintendent under a bill being considered by the legislature.St. Joseph State Rep. Brenda Shields who sponsors the measure says school districts that are smaller than the recommended size would be able to avoid consolidation. "We know that school districts are optimally sized if they have about 1,250 students in them and out of our 514 school districts that we have in the state of Missouri, 400 of our school districts have less than 1,200 students. We certainly don't want to consolidate school districts," Shields tells St. Joseph Post. "We know that students cant ride on a bus any longer but maybe we can consolidate superintendents and they'd be able to manage two or three districts." Shields says under her bill school districts that share superintendents will receive a stipend."It's an opportunity for school districts to share a superintendent and receive a $30,000 stipend for each district that share," says Shields. Under current Missouri laws, school districts are unable to consolidate superintendents. Shields is also sponsoring a bill for child care funding. The bill would create County Early Childhood Boards. Shields says the county would choose how the money would be spent. "They can fund early childhood and a county could decide how they want to spend these dollars, whether it be for child care, it be for other items that they think is important for their community."

Missouri Rep. Brenda Shields brings two new bills to the House

After a lost year, the Missouri General Assembly works through
its final week before taking its traditional one-week spring break.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville is working to get his
COVID-19 liability bill through this session after running out of time in the
coronavirus pandemic-shortened session last year.

The bill would shield Missouri businesses, churches, and
agencies from COVID-19 liability lawsuits as long as they followed coronavirus
precautions.

Luetkemeyer succeeded in guiding his bill through a filibuster
and onto passage in the Senate, but failed to get enough votes for an emergency
clause. Luetkemeyer says there is some sentiment in the House to take another
try for the clause, but he would rather the House pass it as is.

“Because the House does not have a filibuster, whenever you
have a bill that has been subjected to a filibuster like the COVID liability
bill was whenever it was in the Senate, it’s always a little bit of a risky
proposition for the House to send the bill back, because if they do there’s a
risk that the bill could get tied up again and you could lose the legislation,”
Luetkemeyer tells St. Joseph Post.

An emergency clause would make the bill effective upon the
signature of the governor rather than wait until late August.

Another big issue for Missourians affected economically during
the pandemic has arisen in Jefferson City. Some unemployed Missourians are
facing another financial difficulty:&nbsp; how
to repay unemployment compensation mistakenly given them.

Unemployment overpayments went to more than 46,000 Missourians
with about 80% of the $150 million in overpayments coming from federal
unemployment checks.

The Missouri House has approved a bill forgiving the federal
overpayments, but requiring repayment of state overpayments.

Luetkemeyer favors forgiving the entire amount.

“The vast majority of overpayments were due to errors that
were really beyond the control of the individual who submitted the unemployment
claim,” Luetkemeyer says. “I don’t believe that people should be put on repayment
plans due to no fault of their own, they got an overpayment from the
department. I think the state should hold them harmless.”

Luetkemeyer says he would vote for the bill as is, but would
prefer the Senate expand the forgiveness to include the state unemployment
compensation mistakenly given as long as it was not fraudulently obtained.

Another issue Luetkemeyer is sponsoring this session is one he
says is designed to cut state red tape.

“It would say that for every new state regulation that comes
into effect, the administrative agencies would need to remove an existing
regulation,” Luetkemeyer says about his bill. “And this is just part of the effort
to remove a lot of the bureaucratic red tape in state government to make the
environment in Missouri a more favorable environment for small businesses to
come here and to thrive.”

Luetkemeyer says the measure would force state agencies to
review their regulations, rather than simply allow them to continue
year-after-year.

The one-week legislative spring break begins Monday, March 15th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615400874016.jpeg" alt="Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer speaks on the Senate floor/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer speaks on the Senate floor/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAfter a lost year, the Missouri General Assembly works through
its final week before taking its traditional one-week spring break.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville is working to get his
COVID-19 liability bill through this session after running out of time in the
coronavirus pandemic-shortened session last year.The bill would shield Missouri businesses, churches, and
agencies from COVID-19 liability lawsuits as long as they followed coronavirus
precautions.Luetkemeyer succeeded in guiding his bill through a filibuster
and onto passage in the Senate, but failed to get enough votes for an emergency
clause. Luetkemeyer says there is some sentiment in the House to take another
try for the clause, but he would rather the House pass it as is.“Because the House does not have a filibuster, whenever you
have a bill that has been subjected to a filibuster like the COVID liability
bill was whenever it was in the Senate, it’s always a little bit of a risky
proposition for the House to send the bill back, because if they do there’s a
risk that the bill could get tied up again and you could lose the legislation,”
Luetkemeyer tells St. Joseph Post.An emergency clause would make the bill effective upon the
signature of the governor rather than wait until late August.Another big issue for Missourians affected economically during
the pandemic has arisen in Jefferson City. Some unemployed Missourians are
facing another financial difficulty:&nbsp; how
to repay unemployment compensation mistakenly given them.Unemployment overpayments went to more than 46,000 Missourians
with about 80% of the $150 million in overpayments coming from federal
unemployment checks.The Missouri House has approved a bill forgiving the federal
overpayments, but requiring repayment of state overpayments.Luetkemeyer favors forgiving the entire amount.“The vast majority of overpayments were due to errors that
were really beyond the control of the individual who submitted the unemployment
claim,” Luetkemeyer says. “I don’t believe that people should be put on repayment
plans due to no fault of their own, they got an overpayment from the
department. I think the state should hold them harmless.”Luetkemeyer says he would vote for the bill as is, but would
prefer the Senate expand the forgiveness to include the state unemployment
compensation mistakenly given as long as it was not fraudulently obtained.Another issue Luetkemeyer is sponsoring this session is one he
says is designed to cut state red tape.“It would say that for every new state regulation that comes
into effect, the administrative agencies would need to remove an existing
regulation,” Luetkemeyer says about his bill. “And this is just part of the effort
to remove a lot of the bureaucratic red tape in state government to make the
environment in Missouri a more favorable environment for small businesses to
come here and to thrive.”Luetkemeyer says the measure would force state agencies to
review their regulations, rather than simply allow them to continue
year-after-year.The one-week legislative spring break begins Monday, March 15th.

Missouri legislative session on track after lost year

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has released more than $280 million back to Missouri schools which he had withheld due to fears about what the coronavirus pandemic would do to state revenue. 

Parson originally withheld $438 million when the forecast predicted Missouri's unemployment rate would hit 16.3% but is currently at 5.8%. 

The governor’s action didn’t surprise state Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph.

"I wouldn't say surprised, I was really happy. I mean, we have a lot of dollars in the treasury right now and the state has really recovered well from COVID," Shields tells St. Joseph Post. "When I say recovered we never really had a truly bad experience in the state so I was happy, I was pleased that the Governor released those dollars."

Shields says this will be beneficial for public schools. 

"I think that this is much needed funds especially for our K-12 schools that have really been struggling with all the different things we've asked them to do and if they have figured out how to survive this year on the fewer funds that we've given them, this might give them a little something extra in the bank for them to be able to begin next year," says Shields. 

Shields says colleges have worked hard to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"They have really worked hard to make sure they can have some in-person classes and they have virtual classes and they have tried to be able to create as much as a normal environment for our college students as possible and I think that by releasing these dollars they'll be able to take a deep breath of awe and be able to know that they can start this fall strong," says Shields. 

Shields is a member of the House Budget Committee. 

By WHITNEE ICE St. Joseph PostMissouri Gov. Mike Parson has released more than $280 million back to Missouri schools which he had withheld due to fears about what the coronavirus pandemic would do to state revenue. Parson originally withheld $438 million when the forecast predicted Missouri's unemployment rate would hit 16.3% but is currently at 5.8%. The governor’s action didn’t surprise state Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph."I wouldn't say surprised, I was really happy. I mean, we have a lot of dollars in the treasury right now and the state has really recovered well from COVID," Shields tells St. Joseph Post. "When I say recovered we never really had a truly bad experience in the state so I was happy, I was pleased that the Governor released those dollars."Shields says this will be beneficial for public schools. "I think that this is much needed funds especially for our K-12 schools that have really been struggling with all the different things we've asked them to do and if they have figured out how to survive this year on the fewer funds that we've given them, this might give them a little something extra in the bank for them to be able to begin next year," says Shields. Shields says colleges have worked hard to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic. "They have really worked hard to make sure they can have some in-person classes and they have virtual classes and they have tried to be able to create as much as a normal environment for our college students as possible and I think that by releasing these dollars they'll be able to take a deep breath of awe and be able to know that they can start this fall strong," says Shields. Shields is a member of the House Budget Committee.

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