An
investigation into the death of a 21-year-old Independence woman whose body was
stuffed in a bag and dumped on a Buchanan County road continues, though the
sheriff admits it has become a very difficult case to work.

Buchanan
County Sheriff Bill Puett says the circumstances present investigators many challenges.

“This
has been a very difficult investigation, because we don’t really have a crime
scene. We have a dump site where the body was dumped along the side of the
road,” Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

An
employee of the Missouri Department of Transportation found the body of Ariel
Starcher in mid-February off the side of Vincent Road. Puett says Buchanan
County has received help from Kansas City, Independence, and Kansas law
enforcement.

The
sheriff says the background of the victim hasn’t helped, either, though Puett says
he hesitates to discuss much about the lifestyle of the victim.

“Unfortunately,
our victim was in a very high-risk lifestyle and it’s proving to be very
difficult to get people to cooperate, provide information,” according to Puett.

Puett
says relatives have disclosed Starcher used drugs and had been sexually
assaulted. He says those who knew Starcher have not been cooperative. He says the
county is waiting on lab results, which could help.

Puett
says another case has proven difficult as well.

Buchanan
County deputies discovered the body of 59-year-old Timothy McDowell of Gower earlier
this month during a wellness check. Puett says the department is waiting on a
determination of the cause of death. For now, it is being termed “suspicious.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn
investigation into the death of a 21-year-old Independence woman whose body was
stuffed in a bag and dumped on a Buchanan County road continues, though the
sheriff admits it has become a very difficult case to work.Buchanan
County Sheriff Bill Puett says the circumstances present investigators many challenges.“This
has been a very difficult investigation, because we don’t really have a crime
scene. We have a dump site where the body was dumped along the side of the
road,” Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.An
employee of the Missouri Department of Transportation found the body of Ariel
Starcher in mid-February off the side of Vincent Road. Puett says Buchanan
County has received help from Kansas City, Independence, and Kansas law
enforcement.The
sheriff says the background of the victim hasn’t helped, either, though Puett says
he hesitates to discuss much about the lifestyle of the victim.“Unfortunately,
our victim was in a very high-risk lifestyle and it’s proving to be very
difficult to get people to cooperate, provide information,” according to Puett.Puett
says relatives have disclosed Starcher used drugs and had been sexually
assaulted. He says those who knew Starcher have not been cooperative. He says the
county is waiting on lab results, which could help.Puett
says another case has proven difficult as well.Buchanan
County deputies discovered the body of 59-year-old Timothy McDowell of Gower earlier
this month during a wellness check. Puett says the department is waiting on a
determination of the cause of death. For now, it is being termed “suspicious.”

Two Buchanan County death investigations proving to be difficult

Most area schools have wrapped up their virtual
classes and ended their remote lunch programs, so the Second Harvest Community
Food Bank has stepped in.

Second Harvest Development Specialist Christy
McGuire expects a lot of families to take advantage of the No Hunger Summer
program which offers a free meal for those younger than 18.

McGuire says the lunch is similar a school lunch.

“It is. It is. We pride ourselves, though, that
the food is very good,” McGuire says&nbsp;
with a chuckle.

The lunch normally consists of a sandwich, a
vegetable, a piece of fruit, and a drink, usually milk.

McGuire says the free lunch might be needed now
more than ever with the coronavirus pandemic leaving many without jobs.

“We’re hoping that people utilize the service,”
McGuire says. “We’re hoping that people know that it’s out there if they need
it and their utilizing it, because that is what it is there for.”

Lunch will be served at several locations in St.
Joseph and throughout the Second Harvest 19-county region in northwest Missouri
and northeast Kansas.

Click <a href="https://www.shcfb.org/what-we-do/nourishing-children/no-hunger-summer.html">here</a> for locations and times.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589464480561.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. JosephMost area schools have wrapped up their virtual
classes and ended their remote lunch programs, so the Second Harvest Community
Food Bank has stepped in.Second Harvest Development Specialist Christy
McGuire expects a lot of families to take advantage of the No Hunger Summer
program which offers a free meal for those younger than 18.McGuire says the lunch is similar a school lunch.“It is. It is. We pride ourselves, though, that
the food is very good,” McGuire says&nbsp;
with a chuckle.The lunch normally consists of a sandwich, a
vegetable, a piece of fruit, and a drink, usually milk.McGuire says the free lunch might be needed now
more than ever with the coronavirus pandemic leaving many without jobs.“We’re hoping that people utilize the service,”
McGuire says. “We’re hoping that people know that it’s out there if they need
it and their utilizing it, because that is what it is there for.”Lunch will be served at several locations in St.
Joseph and throughout the Second Harvest 19-county region in northwest Missouri
and northeast Kansas.Click <a href="https://www.shcfb.org/what-we-do/nourishing-children/no-hunger-summer.html">here</a> for locations and times.

No school lunch, no problem; 2nd Harvest offers No Hunger Summer

St. Joseph bars and taverns will be allowed to reopen, starting Thursday, with social distancing and safety regulations in place.

During a city council work session on Wednesday via Zoom, City Attorney Bryan Carter said the regulations are similar to those for restaurants but with a few requirements unique to bars.

“They do have to assign parties to tables or to marked standing areas, unlike a restaurant, a bar doesn’t always have tables for everyone to sit at but they will be able to create a - I’ll call it a virtual table - by marking off a standing room area and assigning parties to those areas,” Carter says. “They would also limit bar stool seating to one stool every six feet.”

Councilmember Kent O'Dell says St. Joseph could set standards for other cities.

“We’re having faith in all of our business owners and our own citizens to abide by the rules and let’s see if we can’t show the rest of everybody else what can be done with social distancing,” O’Dell says.

The council will meet again next week to get an update on how things are going and discuss potential test results from a <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5ebc2adaeb7f17053604dfb0">drive-thru testing event</a> to be held over the weekend.

The city council will meet again for a work session at 4 p.m. on May 21st.

To view the guidelines, <a href="https://www.stjoemo.info/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1012">click here</a>.

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph bars and taverns will be allowed to reopen, starting Thursday, with social distancing and safety regulations in place.During a city council work session on Wednesday via Zoom, City Attorney Bryan Carter said the regulations are similar to those for restaurants but with a few requirements unique to bars.“They do have to assign parties to tables or to marked standing areas, unlike a restaurant, a bar doesn’t always have tables for everyone to sit at but they will be able to create a - I’ll call it a virtual table - by marking off a standing room area and assigning parties to those areas,” Carter says. “They would also limit bar stool seating to one stool every six feet.”Councilmember Kent O'Dell says St. Joseph could set standards for other cities.“We’re having faith in all of our business owners and our own citizens to abide by the rules and let’s see if we can’t show the rest of everybody else what can be done with social distancing,” O’Dell says.The council will meet again next week to get an update on how things are going and discuss potential test results from a <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5ebc2adaeb7f17053604dfb0">drive-thru testing event</a> to be held over the weekend.The city council will meet again for a work session at 4 p.m. on May 21st.To view the guidelines, <a href="https://www.stjoemo.info/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1012">click here</a>.

St. Joseph bars and taverns allowed to reopen starting Thursday

A Mosaic Life Care Emergency Room physician says Mosaic has
learned a lot about the coronavirus in the last few months.

Dr. Jeremy Hunter adds what doctors in the ER are learning
about COVID-19 changes day-by-day, hour-by-hour.

“So, it’s a continual learning process. The symptomatic care
remains true,” Hunter tells reporters during a news conference at the St.
Joseph hospital, saying they have to approach treatment unlike what they
typically do with pneumonia or viral pneumonia. “So, we’re really learning
daily, almost hourly how medical management is different.”

Hunter says Mosaic’s St. Joseph Emergency Room has been able
to handle the workload. Mosaic has 18 ER rooms dedicated to potential COVID-19
cases, which are quickly separated from the rest of the patients coming to the
Emergency Room. He says no one who has an emergency not related to the
coronavirus should hesitate to come to the ER. Hunter says procedures make the
ER safe and needed treatment should not be delayed.

The St. Joseph hospital also is prepared to turn the 4th
and 5th floors into COVID-19 wards, with 48 units on each floor.

Hunter warns that no one should dismiss the coronavirus or act
as if it is nothing more than the flu. Hunter say COVID-19 is real and has not
been hyped.

“This is different than influenza. This is presenting
different,” Hunter says of COVID-19 patients. “They’re in ICU for much longer.
It’s not all hype and this is a different disease with higher virulence in a
certain subset of the population, it seems, and it’s worth being concerned
about.”

Hunter does say he wishes the city could test more people.

“When this started, we had very limited testing,” according to
Hunter. “But now it’s getting much better to where we can really test people.
It might not be a 15-minute answer. It might be a 24-hour answer, but in the
right patient population, that’s okay.”

As of Wednesday, Mosaic had tested 3,223 people with 157
testing positive for COVID-19. Ten of those patients have been hospitalized.
Mosaic is awaiting results from 125 tests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589400420097.jpeg" alt="Dr. Jeremy Hunter/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Jeremy Hunter/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Mosaic Life Care Emergency Room physician says Mosaic has
learned a lot about the coronavirus in the last few months.Dr. Jeremy Hunter adds what doctors in the ER are learning
about COVID-19 changes day-by-day, hour-by-hour.“So, it’s a continual learning process. The symptomatic care
remains true,” Hunter tells reporters during a news conference at the St.
Joseph hospital, saying they have to approach treatment unlike what they
typically do with pneumonia or viral pneumonia. “So, we’re really learning
daily, almost hourly how medical management is different.”Hunter says Mosaic’s St. Joseph Emergency Room has been able
to handle the workload. Mosaic has 18 ER rooms dedicated to potential COVID-19
cases, which are quickly separated from the rest of the patients coming to the
Emergency Room. He says no one who has an emergency not related to the
coronavirus should hesitate to come to the ER. Hunter says procedures make the
ER safe and needed treatment should not be delayed.The St. Joseph hospital also is prepared to turn the 4th
and 5th floors into COVID-19 wards, with 48 units on each floor.Hunter warns that no one should dismiss the coronavirus or act
as if it is nothing more than the flu. Hunter say COVID-19 is real and has not
been hyped.“This is different than influenza. This is presenting
different,” Hunter says of COVID-19 patients. “They’re in ICU for much longer.
It’s not all hype and this is a different disease with higher virulence in a
certain subset of the population, it seems, and it’s worth being concerned
about.”Hunter does say he wishes the city could test more people.“When this started, we had very limited testing,” according to
Hunter. “But now it’s getting much better to where we can really test people.
It might not be a 15-minute answer. It might be a 24-hour answer, but in the
right patient population, that’s okay.”As of Wednesday, Mosaic had tested 3,223 people with 157
testing positive for COVID-19. Ten of those patients have been hospitalized.
Mosaic is awaiting results from 125 tests.

Mosaic ER doctor says COVID-19 presents different challenges

Don’t worry about
having to pay Missouri state income taxes on those stimulus checks.

State lawmakers
have approved a bill that would exempt the $1,200 checks Congress doled out as
part of the COVID-19 relief package.

“This is a huge
win for Missouri taxpayers. Missouri is one of only six states that because of
a quirk in our tax code was going to tax the COVID-19 stimulus checks that many
people who make under $75,000 a year receive,” State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of
Parkville tells St. Joseph Post.

Luetkemeyer says
the state had no business taking a piece out of those checks.

“That money was
meant to go in the pockets of working Missouri families, particularly in this
time of great economic uncertainty.”

Luetkemeyer
attached an amendment to another tax bill he sponsored. That bill gives
property owners more time to appeal increases in their property assessments and
requires county assessors to do a physical inspection of any property subject
to more than a 15% increase in assessment.

The bill is now on
the governor’s desk.

Luetkemeyer wasn’t
all that surprised his legislation passed the Senate unanimously and received
only token opposition in the House.

“I think this was
one of those unifying things that in the midst of the pandemic with everybody
struggling the legislature, regardless of what party you were from, realized
that was something that we needed to do for hardworking Missourians and, again,
I’m very pleased that we were able to get it done,” according to Luetkemeyer.

Congress approved
an emergency legislative package which totaled more than $2.2 trillion to help
prop up an economy hit hard by restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the
coronavirus. In that package, Congress authorized individuals making $75,000 or
less annually to receive $1,200. Couples making $150,000 or less will receive
$2,400, plus $500 for each dependent child.

Luetkemeyer also is
working to get his anti-crime package through in the waning days of the
session, arguing Missouri needs to address its violent crime problem.

“Those are things
right now that are still very much alive, both in the House and the Senate. I’m
going to be very focused on trying to get those things across the finish line,
but, as you know, the last week of session is very unpredictable and there is a
very finite amount of time that we have to get some of those priorities across
the finish line and many ideas, including many good ideas, will not end up making
it to the governor’s desk,” Luetkemeyer says.

Luetkemeyer says
Senate and House negotiators have hung up on a provision which would require
DNA tests for those arrested on felony charges. The Senate wants it. The House
doesn’t. Luetkemeyer worries the dispute could sink the bill.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostDon’t worry about
having to pay Missouri state income taxes on those stimulus checks.State lawmakers
have approved a bill that would exempt the $1,200 checks Congress doled out as
part of the COVID-19 relief package.“This is a huge
win for Missouri taxpayers. Missouri is one of only six states that because of
a quirk in our tax code was going to tax the COVID-19 stimulus checks that many
people who make under $75,000 a year receive,” State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of
Parkville tells St. Joseph Post.Luetkemeyer says
the state had no business taking a piece out of those checks.“That money was
meant to go in the pockets of working Missouri families, particularly in this
time of great economic uncertainty.”Luetkemeyer
attached an amendment to another tax bill he sponsored. That bill gives
property owners more time to appeal increases in their property assessments and
requires county assessors to do a physical inspection of any property subject
to more than a 15% increase in assessment.The bill is now on
the governor’s desk.Luetkemeyer wasn’t
all that surprised his legislation passed the Senate unanimously and received
only token opposition in the House.“I think this was
one of those unifying things that in the midst of the pandemic with everybody
struggling the legislature, regardless of what party you were from, realized
that was something that we needed to do for hardworking Missourians and, again,
I’m very pleased that we were able to get it done,” according to Luetkemeyer.Congress approved
an emergency legislative package which totaled more than $2.2 trillion to help
prop up an economy hit hard by restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the
coronavirus. In that package, Congress authorized individuals making $75,000 or
less annually to receive $1,200. Couples making $150,000 or less will receive
$2,400, plus $500 for each dependent child.Luetkemeyer also is
working to get his anti-crime package through in the waning days of the
session, arguing Missouri needs to address its violent crime problem.“Those are things
right now that are still very much alive, both in the House and the Senate. I’m
going to be very focused on trying to get those things across the finish line,
but, as you know, the last week of session is very unpredictable and there is a
very finite amount of time that we have to get some of those priorities across
the finish line and many ideas, including many good ideas, will not end up making
it to the governor’s desk,” Luetkemeyer says.Luetkemeyer says
Senate and House negotiators have hung up on a provision which would require
DNA tests for those arrested on felony charges. The Senate wants it. The House
doesn’t. Luetkemeyer worries the dispute could sink the bill.

Looks like Missouri won't be taxing those stimulus checks

A drive-thru only COVID-19 testing site for Buchanan County residents will be&nbsp;open this weekend at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

According to a press release from Mosaic, the testing will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Testing will take place in the parking garage located on the northeast side of the hospital. Vehicles should enter off of Heartland Road by Plaza 2.

About 2,000 tests will be provided by the state of Missouri. Testing will be available at no cost for individuals over the age of 18 regardless of symptoms. Mosaic asks anyone wanting to be tested, to visit <a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/community-testing.php">health.mo.gov/communitytest</a> or call (877) 435-8411, option 3 to register.&nbsp;

Tests used will be a nasopharyngeal swab. Once samples are collected, they will be sent to Quest Diagnostics for testing.&nbsp;Results should be available within 72 hours after testing.

For detailed information, including a directional map, please visit <a href="https://www.mymlc.com/corona">myMLC.com/corona</a>.

A drive-thru only COVID-19 testing site for Buchanan County residents will be&nbsp;open this weekend at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.According to a press release from Mosaic, the testing will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Testing will take place in the parking garage located on the northeast side of the hospital. Vehicles should enter off of Heartland Road by Plaza 2.About 2,000 tests will be provided by the state of Missouri. Testing will be available at no cost for individuals over the age of 18 regardless of symptoms. Mosaic asks anyone wanting to be tested, to visit <a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/community-testing.php">health.mo.gov/communitytest</a> or call (877) 435-8411, option 3 to register.&nbsp;Tests used will be a nasopharyngeal swab. Once samples are collected, they will be sent to Quest Diagnostics for testing.&nbsp;Results should be available within 72 hours after testing.For detailed information, including a directional map, please visit <a href="https://www.mymlc.com/corona">myMLC.com/corona</a>.

Mosaic Life Care hosting drive-thru COVID-19 testing this weekend

A spike in COVID-19 cases, mostly from the mass testing of
Triumph Foods workers, apparently has Buchanan County and St. Joseph on the radar of the White
House.

NBC News reports documents it describes as originating from
the White House pandemic task force listing Buchanan County and the Kansas City
area as areas to watch. The documents also list Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska as
areas to watch due to a recent rise in coronavirus cases.

The documents indicate federal health officials are keeping a
close eye on St. Joseph, especially with the 412 cases arising from the mass
testing of Triumph Foods employees. The Kansas City Star reports 70 of those
workers testing positive live in the Kansas City area.

Leavenworth County, Kansas also has the attention of federal
officials, due to a spike in coronavirus cases, mainly at the Lansing State
Prison.

Buchanan County, St. Joseph health officials report 461 total
cases, 420 confirmed and 41 probable. There have been two deaths in Buchanan
County. Andrew County reports 12 cases; 11 confirmed and 1 probable.

Mosaic Life Care now has tested 3,082 people
with 152 testing positive for COVID-19. Ten of those have been hospitalized. Mosaic
is awaiting results from 116 tests.

Missouri now has slightly more than 10,006 cases with 524
deaths.

Kansas health officials report 7,116 cases with 158 deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA spike in COVID-19 cases, mostly from the mass testing of
Triumph Foods workers, apparently has Buchanan County and St. Joseph on the radar of the White
House.NBC News reports documents it describes as originating from
the White House pandemic task force listing Buchanan County and the Kansas City
area as areas to watch. The documents also list Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska as
areas to watch due to a recent rise in coronavirus cases.The documents indicate federal health officials are keeping a
close eye on St. Joseph, especially with the 412 cases arising from the mass
testing of Triumph Foods employees. The Kansas City Star reports 70 of those
workers testing positive live in the Kansas City area.Leavenworth County, Kansas also has the attention of federal
officials, due to a spike in coronavirus cases, mainly at the Lansing State
Prison.Buchanan County, St. Joseph health officials report 461 total
cases, 420 confirmed and 41 probable. There have been two deaths in Buchanan
County. Andrew County reports 12 cases; 11 confirmed and 1 probable.Mosaic Life Care now has tested 3,082 people
with 152 testing positive for COVID-19. Ten of those have been hospitalized. Mosaic
is awaiting results from 116 tests.Missouri now has slightly more than 10,006 cases with 524
deaths.Kansas health officials report 7,116 cases with 158 deaths.

White House apparently keeping eye on St. Joseph COVID-19 cases

BUCHANAN COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Marlon P. Brooks, 31, St. Louis, was eastbound on MO 6 two miles east of St. Joseph.

The vehicle rear-ended a 2003 Ford F150 driven by Gary D. Klein, 71, Rotunda, Florida.

Buchanan County EMS transported Books to Mosaic Life Care for treatment before he was arrested for alleged DUI.

BUCHANAN COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Marlon P. Brooks, 31, St. Louis, was eastbound on MO 6 two miles east of St. Joseph.The vehicle rear-ended a 2003 Ford F150 driven by Gary D. Klein, 71, Rotunda, Florida.Buchanan County EMS transported Books to Mosaic Life Care for treatment before he was arrested for alleged DUI.

Missouri man arrested for DUI after injured in Buchanan Co. crash

Most of the Missouri River system levees have been repaired
from last year’s floods, but complications have arisen to delay the repair of
some significant levees along the river.

Civil Engineer Geoffrey Henggeler with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Kansas City office says while finishing touches remain to be done,
many levees from Holt County south along the Missouri River provide the
protection they did before the 2019 floods heavily damaged them. 

“Level of protection is in place for 39 of the 61 levees that
have been approved for repairs,” Henggeler reports during a Corps conference
call.

That phrase – level of protection – simply means the levees
have been restored to the height prior to the damage left by last year’s
floods. Not everything has been completed, though. Erosion from the floods must
be repaired, side cover established, riprap replaced, and drainage structure
repaired.

Two significant levees in northwest Missouri remain vulnerable
to flooding. A major agricultural levee in Atchison County, suffering from five
big scour holes, has yet to be repaired. And, it might take all summer to
repair the Rushville levee, which protects Lewis and Clark Village as well as Highway
59 and access to the Missouri River bridge at Atchison, Kansas.

The Rushville levee cuts through wetlands, complicating
repairs

Henggeler says land must be purchased before repairs can
begin.

“There’s some coordination that they’re doing with the NRCS
(USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, which has an easement in an area
where the levee is being proposed to be set back and the sponsor is
coordinating that. The Corps of Engineers is participating in that as
appropriate to finalize what the alignment of the repair will be.”

“We hope that that would be under contract or at least
advertised sometime this summer,” Henggeler says.

Civil Engineer Matt Krajewski with the Corps Omaha office says
the Corps has made good progress on the levees damaged from Atchison County,
Missouri north to Omaha.

“Thanks to a mild winter, we’ve made incredible progress restoring
the levee systems along the Missouri River and its tributaries that were
damaged in the 2019 flood,” Krajewski tells the conference call.

The Omaha District has jurisdiction over the Atchison County
agricultural levee. Krajewski says the levee, which is on the mainstem of the
Missouri River, suffered significant damage from last year’s floods. Right of
way is being acquired.

Corps officials insist the Missouri River system is in better
shape now than last year to handle any potential flooding this summer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589298932070.jpeg" alt="Repair work on Levee 550 near Watson/Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers" />
 <figcaption>Repair work on Levee 550 near Watson/Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMost of the Missouri River system levees have been repaired
from last year’s floods, but complications have arisen to delay the repair of
some significant levees along the river.Civil Engineer Geoffrey Henggeler with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Kansas City office says while finishing touches remain to be done,
many levees from Holt County south along the Missouri River provide the
protection they did before the 2019 floods heavily damaged them. “Level of protection is in place for 39 of the 61 levees that
have been approved for repairs,” Henggeler reports during a Corps conference
call.That phrase – level of protection – simply means the levees
have been restored to the height prior to the damage left by last year’s
floods. Not everything has been completed, though. Erosion from the floods must
be repaired, side cover established, riprap replaced, and drainage structure
repaired.Two significant levees in northwest Missouri remain vulnerable
to flooding. A major agricultural levee in Atchison County, suffering from five
big scour holes, has yet to be repaired. And, it might take all summer to
repair the Rushville levee, which protects Lewis and Clark Village as well as Highway
59 and access to the Missouri River bridge at Atchison, Kansas.The Rushville levee cuts through wetlands, complicating
repairsHenggeler says land must be purchased before repairs can
begin.“There’s some coordination that they’re doing with the NRCS
(USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, which has an easement in an area
where the levee is being proposed to be set back and the sponsor is
coordinating that. The Corps of Engineers is participating in that as
appropriate to finalize what the alignment of the repair will be.”Repair of the levee will take a while.“We hope that that would be under contract or at least
advertised sometime this summer,” Henggeler says.Civil Engineer Matt Krajewski with the Corps Omaha office says
the Corps has made good progress on the levees damaged from Atchison County,
Missouri north to Omaha.“Thanks to a mild winter, we’ve made incredible progress restoring
the levee systems along the Missouri River and its tributaries that were
damaged in the 2019 flood,” Krajewski tells the conference call.The Omaha District has jurisdiction over the Atchison County
agricultural levee. Krajewski says the levee, which is on the mainstem of the
Missouri River, suffered significant damage from last year’s floods. Right of
way is being acquired.Corps officials insist the Missouri River system is in better
shape now than last year to handle any potential flooding this summer.

Levee repair plugging along; some major levees still broken

As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Buchanan County received $10 million from the state to help residents recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the way the $10 million figure was decided was when Missouri got a certain amount from the federal government, they looked at the population of each county to divide the money.

“I think it was done very fairly, in that it’s really to help people, so to use the census numbers, the population numbers to make that be the divisor for the money makes a lot of sense,” Sawyer says.

Sawyer says the county is still getting interpretation from the State Treasurer’s Office on guidelines for allocating the funds. He says it is not for things such as any foregone tax money for a county or municipality.

“(It) could be used for law enforcement, to help protect them in some way, above and beyond what we’re doing now or maybe the ambulance service or to help the city health department with some of their additional expenses as they work on the COVID-related challenges,” Sawyer says.&nbsp;

Sawyer says the county hopes to have a formal plan by the end of this week with more information on a timeline and an application process for different entities to be able to apply.

Under the CARES Act, Missouri received approximately $2.4 billion in federal funding, including nearly $173.5 million for St. Louis County and $122.7 million for Jackson County, according to Governor Mike Parson.

Twenty-five percent of the remaining state share was distributed to Missouri counties based on population. A breakdown of local government allocations can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://treasurer.mo.gov/pdfnew/CoronavirusReliefFundAllocation.pdf">here</a>.&nbsp;

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostAs part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Buchanan County received $10 million from the state to help residents recover from the COVID-19 crisis.Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the way the $10 million figure was decided was when Missouri got a certain amount from the federal government, they looked at the population of each county to divide the money.“I think it was done very fairly, in that it’s really to help people, so to use the census numbers, the population numbers to make that be the divisor for the money makes a lot of sense,” Sawyer says.Sawyer says the county is still getting interpretation from the State Treasurer’s Office on guidelines for allocating the funds. He says it is not for things such as any foregone tax money for a county or municipality.“(It) could be used for law enforcement, to help protect them in some way, above and beyond what we’re doing now or maybe the ambulance service or to help the city health department with some of their additional expenses as they work on the COVID-related challenges,” Sawyer says.&nbsp;Sawyer says the county hopes to have a formal plan by the end of this week with more information on a timeline and an application process for different entities to be able to apply.Under the CARES Act, Missouri received approximately $2.4 billion in federal funding, including nearly $173.5 million for St. Louis County and $122.7 million for Jackson County, according to Governor Mike Parson.Twenty-five percent of the remaining state share was distributed to Missouri counties based on population. A breakdown of local government allocations can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://treasurer.mo.gov/pdfnew/CoronavirusReliefFundAllocation.pdf">here</a>.&nbsp;

County considering how to allocate $10 million received through CARES Act

🎥 Tuesdays Around Town: St. Joseph YWCA

Missouri is moving toward 10,000 coronavirus cases with nearly
500 deaths.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports 121,296
Missourians have been tested for COVID-19 with 9,918 testing positive with 488
deaths.

State health officials report 447 cases in Buchanan County.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports 7,116
cases of COVID-19 with 158 deaths.

Mosaic Life Care reports testing 3,082 people with 152 testing
positive for COVID-19. Ten of those who tested positive have been hospitalized.
Mosaic is awaiting results of 116 tests.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri is moving toward 10,000 coronavirus cases with nearly
500 deaths.The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports 121,296
Missourians have been tested for COVID-19 with 9,918 testing positive with 488
deaths.State health officials report 447 cases in Buchanan County.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports 7,116
cases of COVID-19 with 158 deaths.Mosaic Life Care reports testing 3,082 people with 152 testing
positive for COVID-19. Ten of those who tested positive have been hospitalized.
Mosaic is awaiting results of 116 tests.

Missouri nears 10K COVID-19 cases; Buchanan CO at 447

St. Joseph police are investigating a stabbing in which a man
suffered a serious, yet non-life-threatening, wound to his chest.

Police say the victim arrived at the Mosaic Life Care
emergency room shortly before five o’clock this morning with a single stab
wound to his chest. The victim told police the stabbing occurred earlier in the
13-Hundred block of Highly Street.

There is no suspect at this time. The investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police are investigating a stabbing in which a man
suffered a serious, yet non-life-threatening, wound to his chest.Police say the victim arrived at the Mosaic Life Care
emergency room shortly before five o’clock this morning with a single stab
wound to his chest. The victim told police the stabbing occurred earlier in the
13-Hundred block of Highly Street.There is no suspect at this time. The investigation continues.

Stabbing investigation underway after man checks into ER

Missouri is approaching 10,000 COVID-19 cases as Buchanan
County tops 400.

The Missouri Department of Health says 9,844 Missourians have
contracted the coronavirus. Health officials have recorded 482 deaths in
Missouri. More than 115,000 Missourians have been tested.

Buchanan County reports 426 cases of COVID-19; 389 confirmed
with 37 probable. The county has recorded two deaths.

Mosaic Life Care has now tested 2,882 residents in its network
with 145 positive for COVID-19. Ten of those testing positive have been
hospitalized. Mosaic is awaiting results on 15 tests.

Kansas health officials report nearly 6,984 cases with 157
deaths.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri is approaching 10,000 COVID-19 cases as Buchanan
County tops 400.The Missouri Department of Health says 9,844 Missourians have
contracted the coronavirus. Health officials have recorded 482 deaths in
Missouri. More than 115,000 Missourians have been tested.Buchanan County reports 426 cases of COVID-19; 389 confirmed
with 37 probable. The county has recorded two deaths.Mosaic Life Care has now tested 2,882 residents in its network
with 145 positive for COVID-19. Ten of those testing positive have been
hospitalized. Mosaic is awaiting results on 15 tests.Kansas health officials report nearly 6,984 cases with 157
deaths.

Missouri approaches 10K COVID-19 cases, Buchanan CO tops 400

As summer approaches, several baseball teams are wondering about a start date.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PonyExpressBaseball/?__tn__=kC-R&amp;eid=ARAg1ylxXQljklHCJMaC-3vXE3hQd-JXAF5BHgMRukbPFo6yFgd1UILFB9ruopPUhrYroy293Q8a1SVO&amp;hc_ref=ARTKKiI0A7cO4WK3nx47OMAXJkcdiARijwXVJRd7fBcyVZ4lbP20XdYIQ4h6dCai0-w&amp;fref=nf&amp;__xts__[0]=68.ARDJB_G6AYj-NgppnY7j5cPaMoMNfq04EOqa1HawRa6QoeFByFISsxZGt_uOQ8B-5eh-s88ZLKRLb7cf_bU7ITsrQBrSN0xGMmGQ-yt7eGTngA8ibdlX-G8yjR_5whmRLZB2o8JoUcIW6fs0GhAeHnh7Zj2undUNt-_Vq9VHQ2ZL2xJgR2vW9_cET3m-L_gI99I_iWfBm_TmM-ifxlKEmjckXW2Fsg9Dh5-lTfMCk4bMqXOPQ88NUCmuHmCjInJjhqbnVxB4MPutGbFdDEA9llTq_GBc-0IE5pVTk_RLN7E90HBnm0A1ENhxeoKJUznz8FT4YVtfp8KiPjx_e44gsxKQ2Q">Pony Express Baseball</a> 14-and-under Coordinator Travis Dodge says they use St. Joseph city facilities and had a lot of questions as they looked into how to start their baseball season safely.

“When you catch the baseball, there’s hands touching it, does it have to be sanitized every time there’s a play? Players that are at first, a base runner at first base, do they have to stay six feet apart, no pickoff plays? There’s lots of questions that we just kind of need addressed," Dodge says. "We brought those up (to the city council) and they probably weren’t thinking that way so it was good that we did that so they can formulate what their answers want to be to us because we want to proceed with the baseball season, but we also want to be safe for the people in attendance and the players, the coaches.”

In a work session last week, St. Joseph Parks Director Chuck Kempf said under the order, they are anticipating a tentative start date for summer baseball on June 1st.

"Then revisit it again with the intent of trying to allow practices and games to begin in June and then at least we have an opportunity to see what’s going to happen with the public health emergency, see where our numbers are at, see if we’re comfortable by the end of this month in moving forward," Kempf says.

The St. Joseph City Council meets for another work session at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.&nbsp;

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostAs summer approaches, several baseball teams are wondering about a start date.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PonyExpressBaseball/?__tn__=kC-R&amp;eid=ARAg1ylxXQljklHCJMaC-3vXE3hQd-JXAF5BHgMRukbPFo6yFgd1UILFB9ruopPUhrYroy293Q8a1SVO&amp;hc_ref=ARTKKiI0A7cO4WK3nx47OMAXJkcdiARijwXVJRd7fBcyVZ4lbP20XdYIQ4h6dCai0-w&amp;fref=nf&amp;__xts__[0]=68.ARDJB_G6AYj-NgppnY7j5cPaMoMNfq04EOqa1HawRa6QoeFByFISsxZGt_uOQ8B-5eh-s88ZLKRLb7cf_bU7ITsrQBrSN0xGMmGQ-yt7eGTngA8ibdlX-G8yjR_5whmRLZB2o8JoUcIW6fs0GhAeHnh7Zj2undUNt-_Vq9VHQ2ZL2xJgR2vW9_cET3m-L_gI99I_iWfBm_TmM-ifxlKEmjckXW2Fsg9Dh5-lTfMCk4bMqXOPQ88NUCmuHmCjInJjhqbnVxB4MPutGbFdDEA9llTq_GBc-0IE5pVTk_RLN7E90HBnm0A1ENhxeoKJUznz8FT4YVtfp8KiPjx_e44gsxKQ2Q">Pony Express Baseball</a> 14-and-under Coordinator Travis Dodge says they use St. Joseph city facilities and had a lot of questions as they looked into how to start their baseball season safely.“When you catch the baseball, there’s hands touching it, does it have to be sanitized every time there’s a play? Players that are at first, a base runner at first base, do they have to stay six feet apart, no pickoff plays? There’s lots of questions that we just kind of need addressed," Dodge says. "We brought those up (to the city council) and they probably weren’t thinking that way so it was good that we did that so they can formulate what their answers want to be to us because we want to proceed with the baseball season, but we also want to be safe for the people in attendance and the players, the coaches.”In a work session last week, St. Joseph Parks Director Chuck Kempf said under the order, they are anticipating a tentative start date for summer baseball on June 1st."Then revisit it again with the intent of trying to allow practices and games to begin in June and then at least we have an opportunity to see what’s going to happen with the public health emergency, see where our numbers are at, see if we’re comfortable by the end of this month in moving forward," Kempf says.The St. Joseph City Council meets for another work session at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Youth baseball teams look for guidance on when, how to safely start season

One week is left in a legislative session in Jefferson City
which has been unlike any legislative session, ever.

COVID-19 precautions have kept legislators out of the Capitol
for much of the session. They have returned these past few weeks to work on the
state budget and other priority legislation.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville has attached his
anti-crime legislation to a House bill in an effort to get it through before
the session adjourns Friday evening.

“Right now, frankly, in the Senate and in the House, we’re
looking for bills that can get loaded up with other priorities, because we
realize that there is a limited amount of time that we’re going to have to pass
important legislation and passing individual bills with just one component on
it is not going to be something that’s going to be possible this session due to
the abbreviated nature that we find ourselves in right now,” Luetkemeyer tells
St. Joseph Post.

Luetkemeyer’s bill would crack down on gangs, make using a
firearm in a felony a more serious crime, limit which convicted felons can be
placed on probation, and protect witnesses in criminal trials, among other
provisions.

Luetkemeyer says lawmakers are scrambling during this final
week of the session to revive priority legislation set aside when coronavirus concerns
arose.

“We have a lot of priorities prior to COVID-19 here in the
legislature and I think none of those priorities are any less pressing today
than they were before,” according to Luetkemeyer.

Luetkemeyer guided Senate Bill 600 through the Senate prior to
the coronavirus disruption. He has attached the provisions of the bill onto
House Bill 1450 as an amendment in an effort to get it passed in these waning
days of the session. The bill now is in conference committee as Senate and
House negotiations attempt to work out differences.

“All the provisions that I crafted prior to COVID-19 are still
every bit as important now as they were then,” Luetkemeyer says. “And so, I’m
happy that we’re seeing those bills progress through the process, because we’re
going to need that type of relief whenever we finish this session.”

Luetkemeyer says he feels confident the legislation can pass
this last week of the session, primarily because legislators should be well
aware of its provisions.

“In fact, most of the provisions that were in the omnibus bill
that I created on (HB) 1450 had previously passed the entire chamber on a
27-to-2 vote before the COVID-19 pandemic. So, these are well-vetted ideas.”

The legislative session in Jefferson City ends at six o’clock
Friday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588963478818.jpeg" alt="Missouri Capitol/Photo courtesy of House Communications Office" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Capitol/Photo courtesy of House Communications Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostOne week is left in a legislative session in Jefferson City
which has been unlike any legislative session, ever.COVID-19 precautions have kept legislators out of the Capitol
for much of the session. They have returned these past few weeks to work on the
state budget and other priority legislation.State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville has attached his
anti-crime legislation to a House bill in an effort to get it through before
the session adjourns Friday evening.“Right now, frankly, in the Senate and in the House, we’re
looking for bills that can get loaded up with other priorities, because we
realize that there is a limited amount of time that we’re going to have to pass
important legislation and passing individual bills with just one component on
it is not going to be something that’s going to be possible this session due to
the abbreviated nature that we find ourselves in right now,” Luetkemeyer tells
St. Joseph Post.Luetkemeyer’s bill would crack down on gangs, make using a
firearm in a felony a more serious crime, limit which convicted felons can be
placed on probation, and protect witnesses in criminal trials, among other
provisions.Luetkemeyer says lawmakers are scrambling during this final
week of the session to revive priority legislation set aside when coronavirus concerns
arose.“We have a lot of priorities prior to COVID-19 here in the
legislature and I think none of those priorities are any less pressing today
than they were before,” according to Luetkemeyer.Luetkemeyer guided Senate Bill 600 through the Senate prior to
the coronavirus disruption. He has attached the provisions of the bill onto
House Bill 1450 as an amendment in an effort to get it passed in these waning
days of the session. The bill now is in conference committee as Senate and
House negotiations attempt to work out differences.“All the provisions that I crafted prior to COVID-19 are still
every bit as important now as they were then,” Luetkemeyer says. “And so, I’m
happy that we’re seeing those bills progress through the process, because we’re
going to need that type of relief whenever we finish this session.”Luetkemeyer says he feels confident the legislation can pass
this last week of the session, primarily because legislators should be well
aware of its provisions.“In fact, most of the provisions that were in the omnibus bill
that I created on (HB) 1450 had previously passed the entire chamber on a
27-to-2 vote before the COVID-19 pandemic. So, these are well-vetted ideas.”The legislative session in Jefferson City ends at six o’clock
Friday evening.

Few days left for anti-crime bill in COVID-19 disrupted session

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of May 11 – 17.

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

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

Interstate 29 – Bridge replacement project over Hopkins Creek and Route T (mile marker 58-60) through January 2021. Traffic will remain head-to-head in the northbound lanes through early August. A 14-foot width restriction is in place. These bridges are part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program.

Route DD – Resurfacing project from Route T to U.S. Route 59 through May. There will be single-lane closures around the work. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide motorists through the work zone. A 10-foot width restriction is in place.

Route T – Scrub seal project from Route DD to County Road 401 through late May

Route O – Chip seal from Route W to Route Z, May 11 – 15

Route U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge rehabilitation project south of Phelps City through late May. The bridge is a part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program.

U.S. Route 136 – Scrub seal project from east of Little Tarkio Creek Bridge to U.S. Route 71 (Nodaway County) through May

I-29 – Southbound Exit 107&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;(Route 111) for concrete replacement, May 14 at 7 a.m. through May 15 at 9 a.m. The ramp will remain closed overnight.

Route A – Chip seal from U.S. Route 71 to Route H, May 11 – 15

Route W – Chip seal from U.S. Route 169 to Route 6 (Buchanan County, May 11 – 15

Route Y/AA – Pothole patching from U.S. Route 136 to U.S. Route 59, May 11 – 15

Route 116 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over I-29 through May 2020. There may be periodic lane closures northbound and southbound on I-29. Motorists can expect delays. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/buchanan-route-116-bridge-over-i-29-bridge-now-closed" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/buchanan-route-116-bridge-over-i-29-bridge-now-closed</a>

Route 6 – Resurfacing project from just east of Route AC (Riverside Road) to Route 31 (DeKalb County) through June. Traffic will be narrowed to one lane and a pilot car will guide motorists through the work zone. A 10.5-foot width restriction is in place.

U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) – Resurfacing project from I-29 (Exit 50) to Route FF through August. Project will include single-lane closures on the Belt Highway and complete closures of some side streets.

Route W – Chip seal from Route 6 to U.S. Route 169 (Andrew County, May 11 – 14

I-229 and U.S. Route 36 – Pothole patching, May 11 – 14

Route W – Chip seal from Route 6 to Route O, May 11 – 14

U.S. Route 36 – Resurfacing project in the westbound lanes from the Livingston County line to Route 13 through June. This includes a 14-foot width restriction.

Route U – Pothole patching from Route 13 to Route K, May 14 – 15

Route C –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at the Branch of Turkey Creek Bridge due to damage from flooding. The project to replace the bridge was part of the March 2019 letting and was awarded to Gene Haile Excavating, Inc. The project schedule has not yet been determined.

U.S. Route 65 – Bridge rehabilitation project 2 miles north of the Missouri River through May. Traffic will be narrowed to one lane with a 17-foot width restriction. Temporary traffic signals are in place to guide motorists through the work zone.

U.S. Route 24 – Bridge replacement project at the Mussel Fork River and Overflow bridges west of Keytesville through May. Traffic will be periodically narrowed to one lane and temporary traffic signals are in place to guide motorists through the work zone.

U.S. Route 24 – Resurfacing and shoulder improvement project from approximately 2 miles west of DeWitt to Route 5 in Keytesville through June. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone. A 12-foot width restriction is in place.

Route W – Pavement repair from Route 129 to Route HH, May 11

Route 5 – Bridge maintenance from Route C to Route O, May 12

Route HH – Pavement repair from Route W to Route 129, May 12

Route 129 – Pavement repair from Route PP to Route T (Howard County, May 14

Route 5 – Pavement repair from Route T to Route KK, May 15

I-35 – Resurfacing project from the Clay County line to just north of Route 116 through mid-July. This could include periodic ramp closures.

I-35 – Pavement repair in preparation for a resurfacing project from the DeKalb County line to Shoal Creek near Exit 48 through early June. The resurfacing project is scheduled to begin in mid-August and run through the beginning of November.

Route D – Pothole patching from Route CC to Route J, May 11 – 13

Route T – Pothole patching, May 11 – 13

Route B – Pothole patching, May 11 – 15Route 13 – Pothole patching from Route 6 to Route H (Harrison County, May 14 – 15

Route A –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over the North Fork of Lost Creek through June. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/dekalb-county-route-north-fork-lost-creek-bridge" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/dekalb-county-route-north-fork-lost-creek-bridge</a>

Route 6 – Resurfacing project from Route 31 to just east of Route AC (Riverside Road, Buchanan County) through June. Traffic will be narrowed to one lane and a pilot car will guide motorists through the work zone. A 10.5-foot width restriction is in place.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 375th Street to 380th Street, May 13, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route 6 – Sidewalk and utility work from 4th Street to Muddy Creek Bridge in Trenton. This is part of a larger resurfacing project between I-35 and the Muddy Creek Bridge, May 11 – 16

I-35 – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 136 to Route C through mid-September

Route 13 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for bridge maintenance from U.S. Route 136 to I-35 at the Little Polecat Creek Bridge, May 11 – 15. This will be an around-the-clock closure.

Route 13 – Pothole patching from Route H to Route 6 (Daviess County, May 14 – 15

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at Mill Bluff Road due to roadway damage. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job</a>.&nbsp;The project to repair the road was part of the March 2019 letting and was awarded to Amino Bros. Co., Inc. The project could begin as early as May 19.

U.S. Route 159 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over I-29 (Exit 79) near Mound City through early June. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/penny-slu-bridge-replacement-and-i-29-overpass-redeck-project" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/penny-slu-bridge-replacement-and-i-29-overpass-redeck-project</a>

U.S. Route 159 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over the Little Tarkio Creek through the end of May. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/little-tarkio-creek-bridge-replacement-holt-county-us-route-159" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/little-tarkio-creek-bridge-replacement-holt-county-us-route-159</a>

I-29 – Bridge deck replacement project over Route E and Kimsey Creek through early September. The bridges are a part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. A 16-foot width restriction is in place.

U.S. Route 36 – Bridge maintenance from Route 139 to the Livingston County line, May 11 – 12

Route O – Pothole patching, May 11 – 15

Route MM – Pothole patching, May 11 – 15

U.S. Route 36 – Concrete replacement from Higgins Ditch to Route 139, May 12 – 14

U.S. Route 36 – Bridge maintenance from Route 130 to Higgins Ditch, May 13

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1561994575899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The following is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of May 11 – 17.All road closures for roadwork, incidents, and ongoing flooding can be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at&nbsp;<a href="http://traveler.modot.org/map/" target="_blank">http://traveler.modot.org/map/</a>.Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region such as pothole patching, mowing, striping, signal work, etc., in addition to the work mentioned below.Andrew CountyInterstate 29 – Bridge replacement project over Hopkins Creek and Route T (mile marker 58-60) through January 2021. Traffic will remain head-to-head in the northbound lanes through early August. A 14-foot width restriction is in place. These bridges are part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program.Route DD – Resurfacing project from Route T to U.S. Route 59 through May. There will be single-lane closures around the work. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide motorists through the work zone. A 10-foot width restriction is in place.Route T – Scrub seal project from Route DD to County Road 401 through late MayRoute O – Chip seal from Route W to Route Z, May 11 – 15Atchison CountyRoute U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge rehabilitation project south of Phelps City through late May. The bridge is a part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program.U.S. Route 136 – Scrub seal project from east of Little Tarkio Creek Bridge to U.S. Route 71 (Nodaway County) through MayI-29 – Southbound Exit 107&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;(Route 111) for concrete replacement, May 14 at 7 a.m. through May 15 at 9 a.m. The ramp will remain closed overnight.Route A – Chip seal from U.S. Route 71 to Route H, May 11 – 15Route W – Chip seal from U.S. Route 169 to Route 6 (Buchanan County, May 11 – 15Route Y/AA – Pothole patching from U.S. Route 136 to U.S. Route 59, May 11 – 15Buchanan CountyRoute 116 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over I-29 through May 2020. There may be periodic lane closures northbound and southbound on I-29. Motorists can expect delays. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/buchanan-route-116-bridge-over-i-29-bridge-now-closed" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/buchanan-route-116-bridge-over-i-29-bridge-now-closed</a>Route 6 – Resurfacing project from just east of Route AC (Riverside Road) to Route 31 (DeKalb County) through June. Traffic will be narrowed to one lane and a pilot car will guide motorists through the work zone. A 10.5-foot width restriction is in place.U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) – Resurfacing project from I-29 (Exit 50) to Route FF through August. Project will include single-lane closures on the Belt Highway and complete closures of some side streets.<ol>
 <li>South Belt Wal-Mart –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;one half at a time for a resurfacing project through May 13. This will be an around-the-clock closure.</li><li>Gene Field Road, east side of the Belt&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;through May 13Only the eastbound lanes, east of the Belt, and the westbound turn lane will be closedEastbound through traffic on Gene Field will not be permittedThe following turns will not be permitted:From westbound Gene Field to southbound Belt HighwayFrom both directions of the Belt Highway onto eastbound Gene Field</li><li>Only the eastbound lanes, east of the Belt, and the westbound turn lane will be closed</li><li>Eastbound through traffic on Gene Field will not be permitted</li><li>The following turns will not be permitted:From westbound Gene Field to southbound Belt HighwayFrom both directions of the Belt Highway onto eastbound Gene Field</li><li>From westbound Gene Field to southbound Belt Highway</li><li>From both directions of the Belt Highway onto eastbound Gene Field</li>
 </ol>Route W – Chip seal from Route 6 to U.S. Route 169 (Andrew County, May 11 – 14I-229 – Bridge flushing, May 11 – 14I-229 and U.S. Route 36 – Pothole patching, May 11 – 14Route W – Chip seal from Route 6 to Route O, May 11 – 14Caldwell CountyU.S. Route 36 – Resurfacing project in the westbound lanes from the Livingston County line to Route 13 through June. This includes a 14-foot width restriction.Route U – Pothole patching from Route 13 to Route K, May 14 – 15Carroll CountyRoute C –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at the Branch of Turkey Creek Bridge due to damage from flooding. The project to replace the bridge was part of the March 2019 letting and was awarded to Gene Haile Excavating, Inc. The project schedule has not yet been determined.U.S. Route 65 – Bridge rehabilitation project 2 miles north of the Missouri River through May. Traffic will be narrowed to one lane with a 17-foot width restriction. Temporary traffic signals are in place to guide motorists through the work zone.Chariton CountyU.S. Route 24 – Bridge replacement project at the Mussel Fork River and Overflow bridges west of Keytesville through May. Traffic will be periodically narrowed to one lane and temporary traffic signals are in place to guide motorists through the work zone.U.S. Route 24 – Resurfacing and shoulder improvement project from approximately 2 miles west of DeWitt to Route 5 in Keytesville through June. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone. A 12-foot width restriction is in place.Route W – Pavement repair from Route 129 to Route HH, May 11Route 5 – Bridge maintenance from Route C to Route O, May 12Route HH – Pavement repair from Route W to Route 129, May 12Route 129 – Pavement repair from Route PP to Route T (Howard County, May 14Route 5 – Pavement repair from Route T to Route KK, May 15Clinton CountyI-35 – Resurfacing project from the Clay County line to just north of Route 116 through mid-July. This could include periodic ramp closures.I-35 – Pavement repair in preparation for a resurfacing project from the DeKalb County line to Shoal Creek near Exit 48 through early June. The resurfacing project is scheduled to begin in mid-August and run through the beginning of November.Daviess CountyRoute D – Pothole patching from Route CC to Route J, May 11 – 13Route T – Pothole patching, May 11 – 13Route B – Pothole patching, May 11 – 15Route 13 – Pothole patching from Route 6 to Route H (Harrison County, May 14 – 15DeKalb CountyRoute A –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over the North Fork of Lost Creek through June. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/dekalb-county-route-north-fork-lost-creek-bridge" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/dekalb-county-route-north-fork-lost-creek-bridge</a>Route 6 – Resurfacing project from Route 31 to just east of Route AC (Riverside Road, Buchanan County) through June. Traffic will be narrowed to one lane and a pilot car will guide motorists through the work zone. A 10.5-foot width restriction is in place.Gentry CountyRoute EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 375th Street to 380th Street, May 13, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.Grundy CountyRoute 6 – Sidewalk and utility work from 4th Street to Muddy Creek Bridge in Trenton. This is part of a larger resurfacing project between I-35 and the Muddy Creek Bridge, May 11 – 16Harrison CountyI-35 – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 136 to Route C through mid-SeptemberRoute 13 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for bridge maintenance from U.S. Route 136 to I-35 at the Little Polecat Creek Bridge, May 11 – 15. This will be an around-the-clock closure.Route 13 – Pothole patching from Route H to Route 6 (Daviess County, May 14 – 15Holt CountyRoute T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;until further notice&nbsp;at Mill Bluff Road due to roadway damage. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/holt-county-route-t-slide-repair-job</a>.&nbsp;The project to repair the road was part of the March 2019 letting and was awarded to Amino Bros. Co., Inc. The project could begin as early as May 19.U.S. Route 159 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over I-29 (Exit 79) near Mound City through early June. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/penny-slu-bridge-replacement-and-i-29-overpass-redeck-project" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/penny-slu-bridge-replacement-and-i-29-overpass-redeck-project</a>U.S. Route 159 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project over the Little Tarkio Creek through the end of May. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/little-tarkio-creek-bridge-replacement-holt-county-us-route-159" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/little-tarkio-creek-bridge-replacement-holt-county-us-route-159</a>I-29 – Bridge deck replacement project over Route E and Kimsey Creek through early September. The bridges are a part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. A 16-foot width restriction is in place.Linn CountyU.S. Route 36 – Bridge maintenance from Route 139 to the Livingston County line, May 11 – 12Route O – Pothole patching, May 11 – 15Route MM – Pothole patching, May 11 – 15U.S. Route 36 – Concrete replacement from Higgins Ditch to Route 139, May 12 – 14U.S. Route 36 – Bridge maintenance from Route 130 to Higgins Ditch, May 13U.S. Route 36 – Concrete replacement from Route F to Route 11, May 14 – 15Livingston CountyU.S. Route 65 – Bridge rehabilitation project over the Grand River through late November. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. An 11.5-foot width restriction is in place. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a>Route 190 – Bridge rehabilitation project over the Thompson River through late November. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. A 10-foot width restriction is in place. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/livingston-us-route-65-and-route-190-bridge-deck-repairs</a>Nodaway CountyU.S. Route 136 – Scrub seal project from U.S. Route 71 to east of Little Tarkio Creek Bridge (Atchison County) through MayRoute 46 – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 136 to U.S. Route 169 (Worth County) through mid-July. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide motorists through the work zone. An 11-foot width restriction in place.Route V –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Fortune Road to Route ZZ, May 11, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.U.S. Route 71 – Drainage work from U.S. Route 136 to 192nd Street, May 12Route 46 – Culvert replacement west of Galaxy Road, May 12Route 148 – Drainage work south of Route B, May 13Route MM – Drainage work 0.5 miles south of U.S. Route 136, May 14Route H – Drainage work 0.25 miles north of Route A, May 15Putnam CountyRoute 129 – Resurfacing project from the Iowa State line to U.S. Route 136 through June. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone. A 10-foot width restriction in place.Sullivan CountyRoute PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the East Medicine Creek. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/sullivan-county-route-pp-east-medicine-creek-bridge</a>Route O – Pothole patching, May 11 – 15Route UU – Pothole patching, May 11 – 15Worth CountyRoute YY –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Middle Fork of the Grand River through late May. The bridge is part of Governor Parson’s “Focus on Bridges” program. More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/worth-county-route-yy-bridge-replacement-over-middle-fork-grand-river" target="_blank">https://www.modot.org/worth-county-route-yy-bridge-replacement-over-middle-fork-grand-river</a>Route 46 – Resurfacing project from U.S. Route 169 to U.S. Route 136 (Nodaway County) through mid-July. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide motorists through the work zone. An 11-foot width restriction in place.

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