A man has been arrested and charged with drunk driving after
crashing into a power pole and turning off the lights to north St. Joseph for
hours overnight.

St. Joseph police say the driver hit a utility pole near Green
Street and St. Joseph Avenue around 10:30 Sunday night, knocking out an entire power grid, shutting off
power to nearly all of north St. Joseph.

A man has been arrested and charged with drunk driving after
crashing into a power pole and turning off the lights to north St. Joseph for
hours overnight.St. Joseph police say the driver hit a utility pole near Green
Street and St. Joseph Avenue around 10:30 Sunday night, knocking out an entire power grid, shutting off
power to nearly all of north St. Joseph.

Drunk driver hits utility pole, turns out the lights in north St. Joseph

An 8-year-old St. Joseph girl was shot and seriously wounded this
weekend.

St. Joseph police responded to a shooting at the Oak Ridge
Apartments in the 1200 block of Angelique Street Sunday morning and found the girl
suffering from a gunshot wound.

Police report the girl suffered critical injuries and was taken
to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

No information on a suspect has been released by police.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn 8-year-old St. Joseph girl was shot and seriously wounded this
weekend.St. Joseph police responded to a shooting at the Oak Ridge
Apartments in the 1200 block of Angelique Street Sunday morning and found the girl
suffering from a gunshot wound.Police report the girl suffered critical injuries and was taken
to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.No information on a suspect has been released by police.

8-year-old girl shot and seriously wounded at St. Joseph apartment complex

Northwest Missouri health officials have scheduled a mass vaccination event in Mercer County. 

The two-day event is set for Wednesday and Thursday in Princeton. 

Administrator Andrew Hoffman with the Andrew County Health Department says it will be held at the Smithfield facility in Princeton. 

"It's February 24th and 25th and there should be around a thousand doses per day," Hoffman tells St. Joseph Post. 

Hoffman recommends signing up for Vaccine Navigator to stay up to date with information about mass vaccination clinics. 

"They'll be signed up for our region and anytime one of these mass vaccination events happen in this region they'll receive notification, say for instance there's a mass vaccination event up in Mercer County in Princeton, so they'll get that notification and then and then that will let them know that they can either call that number again or get on that website and actually register and pick out an appointment time for that event," says Hoffman.  

Hoffman says the site might be slow for updates, but he still encourages residents to use it for the best information.

"There's fifteen counties in our region and everybody within the region are eligible to go ahead and sign up for that event as long as they meet the tiers," says Hoffman. "The current tiers are 65 and older or anybody with underlying conditions."

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostNorthwest Missouri health officials have scheduled a mass vaccination event in Mercer County. The two-day event is set for Wednesday and Thursday in Princeton. Administrator Andrew Hoffman with the Andrew County Health Department says it will be held at the Smithfield facility in Princeton. "It's February 24th and 25th and there should be around a thousand doses per day," Hoffman tells St. Joseph Post. Hoffman recommends signing up for Vaccine Navigator to stay up to date with information about mass vaccination clinics. "They'll be signed up for our region and anytime one of these mass vaccination events happen in this region they'll receive notification, say for instance there's a mass vaccination event up in Mercer County in Princeton, so they'll get that notification and then and then that will let them know that they can either call that number again or get on that website and actually register and pick out an appointment time for that event," says Hoffman. Hoffman says the site might be slow for updates, but he still encourages residents to use it for the best information."There's fifteen counties in our region and everybody within the region are eligible to go ahead and sign up for that event as long as they meet the tiers," says Hoffman. "The current tiers are 65 and older or anybody with underlying conditions."

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in Mercer County

Two people have now been arrested in connection with the
murder of Ariel Starcher, whose body was found in a bag alongside Vincent Road
in southern Buchanan County about one year ago.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett reports in a news release
that 22-year-old Taylor Stoughton of Willard was arrested in Independence Saturday. The Buchanan County
Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department,
the Lee’s Summit Police Department, and the Independence Police Department.

Puett says citizen tips led to the arrest of 29-year-old Marcus Brooks on
Sunday afternoon by the Independence Police Department. Puett had requested the
public’s help in locating Brooks, known to have lived and frequented the Platte
City area, after the arrest of Stoughton.

The body of Ariel Anne-Rae Starcher of Independence was
discovered when a road crew with the Missouri Department of Transportation
spotted a bag in the ditch of Vincent Road south of Faucett on February 18th
of last year. The road crew became suspicious and called in Buchanan County
Sheriff’s Deputies to investigate. The deputies discovered Starcher’s body in
the bag. Starcher was 21.

Identifications in this article have been updated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613958601519.jpeg" alt="Taylor&nbsp; Stoughton/Photo courtesy of Buchanan County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Taylor&nbsp; Stoughton/Photo courtesy of Buchanan County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTwo people have now been arrested in connection with the
murder of Ariel Starcher, whose body was found in a bag alongside Vincent Road
in southern Buchanan County about one year ago.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett reports in a news release
that 22-year-old Taylor Stoughton of Willard was arrested in Independence Saturday. The Buchanan County
Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department,
the Lee’s Summit Police Department, and the Independence Police Department.Puett says citizen tips led to the arrest of 29-year-old Marcus Brooks on
Sunday afternoon by the Independence Police Department. Puett had requested the
public’s help in locating Brooks, known to have lived and frequented the Platte
City area, after the arrest of Stoughton.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613958668136.jpeg" alt="Marcus Brooks/Photo courtesy of the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Marcus Brooks/Photo courtesy of the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The body of Ariel Anne-Rae Starcher of Independence was
discovered when a road crew with the Missouri Department of Transportation
spotted a bag in the ditch of Vincent Road south of Faucett on February 18th
of last year. The road crew became suspicious and called in Buchanan County
Sheriff’s Deputies to investigate. The deputies discovered Starcher’s body in
the bag. Starcher was 21.Identifications in this article have been updated.

2nd arrest made in year-old murder case in Buchanan County

Evergy has fielded a number of questions from customers across the region who are wondering how their electric bills will be affected by the extreme cold last week.

Evergy's communications manager Kaley Bohlen confirms that the Kansas City-based power company will not be raising electric rates in the wake of record-cold temperatures.

"But, bills may be higher based on the amount of electricity used during the extremely cold weather," Bohlen said. "So, the cost you see on your bill varies on how much electricity you use."

Evergy conducted controlled blackouts across their service area last week to conserve energy on the strained power grid. Over 60,000 customers experienced these outages last week, as lows plunged into the 20s below zero.

Bohlen says Evergy has several resources and programs available for people who might have difficulty paying a higher-than-usual electric bill.

Evergy has their online <a href="https://www.evergy.com/manage-account/billing/payment-options/average-payment-plan">Average Payment Plan</a>&nbsp;available.

There's also LIHEAP in Missouri and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) in Kansas to help those struggling to pay utility bills.

The application period for those programs closes March 4.

"We also work with hundreds of social service agencies across our communities to provide budget and bill assistance. So, if you need assistance, you can call 211 to identify local agencies that may be able to help you."

Bohlen says Evergy thanks customers for their patience and for conserving electricity during a difficult stretch of weather.

"That really helped prevent larger, longer outages that we could have faced," she said.

You can follow St. Joseph Post on Twitter @StJosephPost.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostEvergy has fielded a number of questions from customers across the region who are wondering how their electric bills will be affected by the extreme cold last week.Evergy's communications manager Kaley Bohlen confirms that the Kansas City-based power company will not be raising electric rates in the wake of record-cold temperatures."But, bills may be higher based on the amount of electricity used during the extremely cold weather," Bohlen said. "So, the cost you see on your bill varies on how much electricity you use."Evergy conducted controlled blackouts across their service area last week to conserve energy on the strained power grid. Over 60,000 customers experienced these outages last week, as lows plunged into the 20s below zero.Bohlen says Evergy has several resources and programs available for people who might have difficulty paying a higher-than-usual electric bill.Evergy has their online <a href="https://www.evergy.com/manage-account/billing/payment-options/average-payment-plan">Average Payment Plan</a>&nbsp;available.There's also LIHEAP in Missouri and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) in Kansas to help those struggling to pay utility bills.The application period for those programs closes March 4."We also work with hundreds of social service agencies across our communities to provide budget and bill assistance. So, if you need assistance, you can call 211 to identify local agencies that may be able to help you."Bohlen says Evergy thanks customers for their patience and for conserving electricity during a difficult stretch of weather."That really helped prevent larger, longer outages that we could have faced," she said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">💡THREAD: Many of you all are asking us about electricity rates increasing next month. There’s a lot of confusion in our comments on social accounts about this, so let us dispel the myths and give you the facts. 1/ <a href="https://t.co/KDlnOw344u">pic.twitter.com/KDlnOw344u</a>&mdash; Evergy (@evergypower) <a href="https://twitter.com/evergypower/status/1362797394115448834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>You can follow St. Joseph Post on Twitter @StJosephPost.

Evergy says bills 'could be higher' after extreme cold, rates not increasing

An arrest has been made in connection with the murder of Ariel
Starcher, whose body was found in a bag alongside Vincent Road in southern Buchanan
County about one year ago.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett reports in a news release
that Taylor Stoughton was arrested in Independence. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s
Office was assisted by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, the Lee’s
Summit Police Department, and the Independence Police Department.

Puett says his office is also seeking Marcus Brooks in
connection with the case. Brooks is said to live and frequent the Platte City
area.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Marcus Brooks should
contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 816-236-8845 or the TIPS
Hotline at 816-238- 8477. 

Puett says the case will be submitted to the Buchanan County
Prosecuting Attorney for review of charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613866981621.jpeg" alt="Marcus Brooks/Photo courtesy of Buchanan CO Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Marcus Brooks/Photo courtesy of Buchanan CO Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn arrest has been made in connection with the murder of Ariel
Starcher, whose body was found in a bag alongside Vincent Road in southern Buchanan
County about one year ago.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett reports in a news release
that Taylor Stoughton was arrested in Independence. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s
Office was assisted by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, the Lee’s
Summit Police Department, and the Independence Police Department.Puett says his office is also seeking Marcus Brooks in
connection with the case. Brooks is said to live and frequent the Platte City
area.The body of Ariel Anne-Rae Starcher of Independence was
discovered when a road crew with the Missouri Department of Transportation
spotted a bag in the ditch of Vincent Road south of Faucett on February 18th
of last year. The road crew became suspicious and called in Buchanan County
Sheriff’s Deputies to investigate. The deputies discovered Starcher’s body in
the bag. Starcher was 21.Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Marcus Brooks should
contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 816-236-8845 or the TIPS
Hotline at 816-238- 8477. Puett says the case will be submitted to the Buchanan County
Prosecuting Attorney for review of charges.

Arrest made in year-old case of body found in bag along Buchanan County road

HARRISON COUNTY—Three teens were injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Friday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Cobalt driven by a 16-year-old boy from Eagleville, was northbound on Route W ten miles north of Bethany.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle traveled off the road, rolled and came to rest on its top.

Eagle 1 transported a passenger Sadie L. Summa, 18, Bethany, to Truman Medical Center. A private vehicle transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. NTA ambulance transported a 17-year-old girl to Harrison County Community Hospital. The 17-year-old was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—Three teens were injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Friday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Cobalt driven by a 16-year-old boy from Eagleville, was northbound on Route W ten miles north of Bethany.The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle traveled off the road, rolled and came to rest on its top.Eagle 1 transported a passenger Sadie L. Summa, 18, Bethany, to Truman Medical Center. A private vehicle transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. NTA ambulance transported a 17-year-old girl to Harrison County Community Hospital. The 17-year-old was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Three Missouri teens hospitalized after rollover crash

Mosaic Life Care reports just six total COVID-19 patients in their system Friday - a slight increase from the three inpatients on Wednesday.

St. Joseph health officials reported two additional virus-related deaths Thursday. The deaths were in a man in his 70s and a woman in her 90s. The Buchanan County death toll is now 162.

The county saw only 14 new COVID cases Friday, bringing the case total to 9,976. On the flipside, 9,569 Buchanan County residents have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Statewide, Missouri reports 474,021 total COVID-19 cases (562 new) and 7,709 total fatalities.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 929 total cases - that’s up three since Wednesday. Brown County is now over 1,200 cases with 1,201 total.

Kansas reports 290,832 total cases (2,115 new) and 4,614 fatalities - 93 of those coming since Wednesday.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMosaic Life Care reports just six total COVID-19 patients in their system Friday - a slight increase from the three inpatients on Wednesday.St. Joseph health officials reported two additional virus-related deaths Thursday. The deaths were in a man in his 70s and a woman in her 90s. The Buchanan County death toll is now 162.The county saw only 14 new COVID cases Friday, bringing the case total to 9,976. On the flipside, 9,569 Buchanan County residents have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.Statewide, Missouri reports 474,021 total COVID-19 cases (562 new) and 7,709 total fatalities.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 929 total cases - that’s up three since Wednesday. Brown County is now over 1,200 cases with 1,201 total.Kansas reports 290,832 total cases (2,115 new) and 4,614 fatalities - 93 of those coming since Wednesday.

Fourteen new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County Friday, hospitalizations up a little

St. Joseph fire crews responded to a house fire near S 19th and Seneca Streets around 8:30 Thursday night.

The owner was home when he heard a crackling sound, looked into the kitchen and saw flames. The owner was able to grab his dog and get out safely.

Smoke and flames were visible once crews arrived. The home was a one-story, wood-framed, single family residence and has been deemed a total loss.

Due to low water pressure at a nearby hydrant, the St. Joseph Fire Department received assistance from the National Guard to get the fire out.

No one was injured. The American Red Cross responded to assist the home owner with essentials and housing.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph fire crews responded to a house fire near S 19th and Seneca Streets around 8:30 Thursday night.The owner was home when he heard a crackling sound, looked into the kitchen and saw flames. The owner was able to grab his dog and get out safely.Smoke and flames were visible once crews arrived. The home was a one-story, wood-framed, single family residence and has been deemed a total loss.Due to low water pressure at a nearby hydrant, the St. Joseph Fire Department received assistance from the National Guard to get the fire out.No one was injured. The American Red Cross responded to assist the home owner with essentials and housing.The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

House fire in midtown St. Joseph Thursday night displaces one, nobody injured

A mass vaccination clinic schedule in Savannah today for those who already have received their first COVID-19 vaccine shot has been rescheduled for Monday.

Health Administrator Andrew Hoffman with the Andrew County Health Department says this clinic is only for those who have already received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

"It's only the people that came to our mass vaccination event on the 29th of January  and then we had some doses we needed to finish up and we finished them up on Sunday the 31st, so those two groups of people are the ones the second doses are for," Hoffman tells St. Joseph Post.

Hoffman says it has been very difficult getting ahold of people the last few days to schedule their appointments. 

"There's 2,400 plus people that we needed to contact and of course not everybody's standing by their phone so we've had to make a lot of recalls and return calls," says Hoffman. 

Hoffman says the department hopes to schedule everyone for the same time next week as their vaccination was scheduled for this week.

"We're trying to be very clear that it's important that they show up at their appointment not prior to because if people show up to soon it causes traffic problems and it and it causes issues for the entire day so if they show up at their appointment time it's a smoother operation and we can get people through faster and have less waiting." 

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostA mass vaccination clinic schedule in Savannah today for those who already have received their first COVID-19 vaccine shot has been rescheduled for Monday.Health Administrator Andrew Hoffman with the Andrew County Health Department says this clinic is only for those who have already received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine."It's only the people that came to our mass vaccination event on the 29th of January and then we had some doses we needed to finish up and we finished them up on Sunday the 31st, so those two groups of people are the ones the second doses are for," Hoffman tells St. Joseph Post.Hoffman says it has been very difficult getting ahold of people the last few days to schedule their appointments. "There's 2,400 plus people that we needed to contact and of course not everybody's standing by their phone so we've had to make a lot of recalls and return calls," says Hoffman. Hoffman says the department hopes to schedule everyone for the same time next week as their vaccination was scheduled for this week."We're trying to be very clear that it's important that they show up at their appointment not prior to because if people show up to soon it causes traffic problems and it and it causes issues for the entire day so if they show up at their appointment time it's a smoother operation and we can get people through faster and have less waiting."

Savannah COVID vaccine clinic rescheduled for Monday

State Sen. Dan Hegeman of Cosby is asking the state
legislature to back a major water project in north-central Missouri.

Hegeman asks a Senate committee to support his proposal
seeking state cooperation in the construction of the 54,000-acre foot East
Locust Creek Reservoir near Milan.

“This project began more than 10 years ago when local
residents passed a half-a-cent sales tax to generate revenue to build a
sustainable water supply,” Hegeman tells a Senate committee in Jefferson City. “The
water in northwest Missouri is brackish and only the viable way to have a large
viable water supply is to impound water by building a lake.”

Hegeman’s SCR 7 would commit the state to no more than $1.5 million
annually and a total not to exceed $24 million. Federal grants and loans total $48
million. Hegeman explains to committee members the federal government requires
a secure relationship with the state to continue with the project.

Once completed, the reservoir would supply 7 million gallons
of water a day to a 10-county region of northwest Missouri.

Hegeman says a packing plant in Milan might expand if the
project is completed and the plant is assured of sustainable additional water.

“This project is vital to the development of northwest
Missouri and provides numerous economic benefits to the state once, during, and
after construction,” Hegeman says.

The reservoir also will be used for recreation and, since the
project is being funded by USDA Rural Development rather than the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, property owners will be able to build all the way to the
shoreline.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostState Sen. Dan Hegeman of Cosby is asking the state
legislature to back a major water project in north-central Missouri.Hegeman asks a Senate committee to support his proposal
seeking state cooperation in the construction of the 54,000-acre foot East
Locust Creek Reservoir near Milan.“This project began more than 10 years ago when local
residents passed a half-a-cent sales tax to generate revenue to build a
sustainable water supply,” Hegeman tells a Senate committee in Jefferson City. “The
water in northwest Missouri is brackish and only the viable way to have a large
viable water supply is to impound water by building a lake.”Hegeman’s SCR 7 would commit the state to no more than $1.5 million
annually and a total not to exceed $24 million. Federal grants and loans total $48
million. Hegeman explains to committee members the federal government requires
a secure relationship with the state to continue with the project.Once completed, the reservoir would supply 7 million gallons
of water a day to a 10-county region of northwest Missouri.Hegeman says a packing plant in Milan might expand if the
project is completed and the plant is assured of sustainable additional water.“This project is vital to the development of northwest
Missouri and provides numerous economic benefits to the state once, during, and
after construction,” Hegeman says.The reservoir also will be used for recreation and, since the
project is being funded by USDA Rural Development rather than the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, property owners will be able to build all the way to the
shoreline.

Sen. Hegeman asks state to back north-central lake project

PLATTE CITY, Mo. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City mayor has pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated last year.

Parkville Mayor Nan Johnston, 60, entered the plea in a Platte County court on Wednesday and received a suspended sentence. She was also ordered to serve two years' probation.

A Platte County sheriff’s deputy reported stopping Johnston in the early morning hours of Sept. 26 along Missouri 9 Highway after seeing her vehicle weaving on the road. Authorities said a breath test administered to Johnston gauged her blood alcohol content at 0.098, just over the .08 legal limit to drive.

Johnston has been mayor of Parkville since 2014.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613744344535.png" alt="Johnston-Platte County booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Johnston-Platte County booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE CITY, Mo. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City mayor has pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated last year.Parkville Mayor Nan Johnston, 60, entered the plea in a Platte County court on Wednesday and received a suspended sentence. She was also ordered to serve two years' probation.A Platte County sheriff’s deputy reported stopping Johnston in the early morning hours of Sept. 26 along Missouri 9 Highway after seeing her vehicle weaving on the road. Authorities said a breath test administered to Johnston gauged her blood alcohol content at 0.098, just over the .08 legal limit to drive.Johnston has been mayor of Parkville since 2014.

Parkville mayor pleads guilty to driving drunk

Even during a coronavirus pandemic that greatly reduced the number of vehicles on the roads, the state of Missouri saw a significant increase in traffic fatalities during the year 2020. 

Missouri traffic fatalities increased by 12 percent compared to last year.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 989 lives were lost on Missouri roads in 2020, up from 881 in 2019.

Jake Angle, Public Information Officer for Troop H, says Northwest Missouri specifically saw a significant increase in traffic fatalities. 

"During 2020 Troop H recorded 38 fatalities for the year and that was in comparison to 2019 which recorded 31 fatalities so that showed a 22% increase," Angle tells St. Joseph Post. 

Angle says close to 70% of those who died last year were not buckled-up. 

"Imagine if we could get everybody to buckle up," says Angle. "How many lives could have been saved and what those numbers might have looked like, so seatbelt use is just critically important. We can definitely correlate it back to the number of fatalities that occurred, so I just encourage people please, please wear your seatbelt."

Angle says it is critically important for you to put your seatbelt on. 

"We want to see those numbers going down so we're tackling it head on for 2021," says Angle. "Try to make some changes, increase enforcement and as usual, we're going to be out there every day like we are every day and have been for every day enforcing the traffic laws, high visibility, strict enforcement and try to get people traveling safely on the roadways."

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostEven during a coronavirus pandemic that greatly reduced the number of vehicles on the roads, the state of Missouri saw a significant increase in traffic fatalities during the year 2020. Missouri traffic fatalities increased by 12 percent compared to last year.According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 989 lives were lost on Missouri roads in 2020, up from 881 in 2019.Jake Angle, Public Information Officer for Troop H, says Northwest Missouri specifically saw a significant increase in traffic fatalities. "During 2020 Troop H recorded 38 fatalities for the year and that was in comparison to 2019 which recorded 31 fatalities so that showed a 22% increase," Angle tells St. Joseph Post. Angle says close to 70% of those who died last year were not buckled-up. "Imagine if we could get everybody to buckle up," says Angle. "How many lives could have been saved and what those numbers might have looked like, so seatbelt use is just critically important. We can definitely correlate it back to the number of fatalities that occurred, so I just encourage people please, please wear your seatbelt."Angle says it is critically important for you to put your seatbelt on. "We want to see those numbers going down so we're tackling it head on for 2021," says Angle. "Try to make some changes, increase enforcement and as usual, we're going to be out there every day like we are every day and have been for every day enforcing the traffic laws, high visibility, strict enforcement and try to get people traveling safely on the roadways."

Missouri traffic fatalities increased in 2020

After a record-setting cold snap across the region, forecasters are predicting temperatures closer to and above normal.

Just how cold has it been these last couple of weeks? The National Weather Service office in Pleasant Hill/Kansas City hasn't recorded an above freezing temperature since February 6.

That should change soon, with forecasted highs on Saturday and Sunday in the mid-to-upper 30s, and 40s and 50s expected next week.

"The good news is, we'll start to see a west-southwesterly flow develop this weekend,"&nbsp;National Weather Service meteorologist Brad Temeyer said. "That's going to draw warmer air into the region. That should allow that snow to start melting and conditions continue to warm."

Even so, that'll be a 14-day stretch of sub-freezing temperatures - the 15th longest below freezing duration in 133 years of NWS Kansas City records.

"It's not completely unheard of here," Temeyer says, "but, it's very unusual."

The unusualness was most apparent Monday night and Tuesday morning, when the Southwest Power Pool conducted controlled power outages as a way to lighten the load on the strained power grid.&nbsp;

More than 170,000 Evergy customers lost power during the temporary power outages, which lasted between half an hour to an hour, according to Evergy spokesperson Andrew Baker.

"(Tuesday) was the coldest day that our service area has experienced to date," Baker said. "We saw temperatures as low as -22. It's the cumulative effect of long-term cold we've been in. Everything requires more energy to stay warm. Every day that goes by, it requires more energy."

Evergy has since resumed "normal operations," and no longer requires power conservation from customers. But, he was right about Tuesday morning being one of the coldest ever.

St. Joseph's low&nbsp; Tuesday was -22. That shattered the previous record of -13 set in 1979 and was a whopping 44 degrees below normal.

Lincoln, Nebraska hit 31-below Tuesday morning - the coldest temperature recorded in the city since 1887. Omaha and Lawrence, KS also set records Tuesday with a -22 reading.

Topeka hit -21 Tuesday, which was the seventh coldest temperature ever recorded there. And how about a -34 reading in York, NE?

Monday night and Tuesday was the worst of it, but for two weeks, temperatures across the region struggled to make it out of the teens and consecutive nights of below-zero lows became commonplace.

Temeyer says this pattern was the result of a Polar vortex - an air mass that brings in frigid north winds from the north pole.

"Usually, we'll see a flow out of the north that will draw down some colder temperatures," he said. "But, it won't be as prolonged as what it's been, and that's what made this one so unique. It's allowed that colder air to settle as far south as Texas, where they've seen some all-time record lows."

"It's just been a prolonged, light north-northeast wind originating at the poles, and that's allowed that colder air to filter in."

As of Thursday morning, more than 485,000 Texas homes and businesses were still without power due to the extreme cold.

It's been a long, cold spell, but Midwesterners have already noticed improvement. Highs on Thursday reached the mid 20s, and the mercury will continue to rise in the coming 7-10 days.

"We're looking at this cold streak starting to come to an end," Temeyer said. "By the end of the weekend, we could be looking at temperatures return to above freezing, which is about two weeks of below freezing temperatures.

"We're changing the trajectory of where our air is coming from. So, instead of coming from the north and polar region, it's coming more from the four-corners region, which is a much warmer region obviously, and that's going to lead to a warm-up across the Central U.S."

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

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">It&#39;s the 3rd Thursday of the month and you know what that means!?! The Spring 2021 (March-May) Outlook is here. Above normal temperatures are favored with a equal chance of above, below, or near normal precipitation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThinkSpring?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThinkSpring</a> <a href="https://t.co/suOafAZ8wx">pic.twitter.com/suOafAZ8wx</a>&mdash; NWS Kansas City (@NWSKansasCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSKansasCity/status/1362471457251500034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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</div>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAfter a record-setting cold snap across the region, forecasters are predicting temperatures closer to and above normal.Just how cold has it been these last couple of weeks? The National Weather Service office in Pleasant Hill/Kansas City hasn't recorded an above freezing temperature since February 6.That should change soon, with forecasted highs on Saturday and Sunday in the mid-to-upper 30s, and 40s and 50s expected next week."The good news is, we'll start to see a west-southwesterly flow develop this weekend,"&nbsp;National Weather Service meteorologist Brad Temeyer said. "That's going to draw warmer air into the region. That should allow that snow to start melting and conditions continue to warm."Even so, that'll be a 14-day stretch of sub-freezing temperatures - the 15th longest below freezing duration in 133 years of NWS Kansas City records."It's not completely unheard of here," Temeyer says, "but, it's very unusual."The unusualness was most apparent Monday night and Tuesday morning, when the Southwest Power Pool conducted controlled power outages as a way to lighten the load on the strained power grid.&nbsp;More than 170,000 Evergy customers lost power during the temporary power outages, which lasted between half an hour to an hour, according to Evergy spokesperson Andrew Baker."(Tuesday) was the coldest day that our service area has experienced to date," Baker said. "We saw temperatures as low as -22. It's the cumulative effect of long-term cold we've been in. Everything requires more energy to stay warm. Every day that goes by, it requires more energy."Evergy has since resumed "normal operations," and no longer requires power conservation from customers. But, he was right about Tuesday morning being one of the coldest ever.St. Joseph's low&nbsp; Tuesday was -22. That shattered the previous record of -13 set in 1979 and was a whopping 44 degrees below normal.St. Joe certainly was not alone.Lincoln, Nebraska hit 31-below Tuesday morning - the coldest temperature recorded in the city since 1887. Omaha and Lawrence, KS also set records Tuesday with a -22 reading.Topeka hit -21 Tuesday, which was the seventh coldest temperature ever recorded there. And how about a -34 reading in York, NE?Monday night and Tuesday was the worst of it, but for two weeks, temperatures across the region struggled to make it out of the teens and consecutive nights of below-zero lows became commonplace.Temeyer says this pattern was the result of a Polar vortex - an air mass that brings in frigid north winds from the north pole."Usually, we'll see a flow out of the north that will draw down some colder temperatures," he said. "But, it won't be as prolonged as what it's been, and that's what made this one so unique. It's allowed that colder air to settle as far south as Texas, where they've seen some all-time record lows.""It's just been a prolonged, light north-northeast wind originating at the poles, and that's allowed that colder air to filter in."As of Thursday morning, more than 485,000 Texas homes and businesses were still without power due to the extreme cold.It's been a long, cold spell, but Midwesterners have already noticed improvement. Highs on Thursday reached the mid 20s, and the mercury will continue to rise in the coming 7-10 days."We're looking at this cold streak starting to come to an end," Temeyer said. "By the end of the weekend, we could be looking at temperatures return to above freezing, which is about two weeks of below freezing temperatures."We're changing the trajectory of where our air is coming from. So, instead of coming from the north and polar region, it's coming more from the four-corners region, which is a much warmer region obviously, and that's going to lead to a warm-up across the Central U.S."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

After historic cold snap, NWS Kansas City forecasts weekend warm-up

The number of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain very low in Buchanan County, however St. Joseph health officials two additional virus-related deaths Thursday.

The deaths were in a man in his 70s and a woman in her 90s. The Buchanan County death toll is now 162.

The county saw only seven new COVID cases Thursday, bringing the case total to 9,962.

Mosaic Life Care reports just five total COVID-19 patients as of Thursday afternoon - all of whom are being treated in the St. Joseph hospital.

Statewide, Missouri reports 718 new cases (473,459 total) Thursday and 7,695 total fatalities.

Kansas has reports 288,717 total cases and 4,521 total deaths.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 926 total cases.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe number of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain very low in Buchanan County, however St. Joseph health officials two additional virus-related deaths Thursday.The deaths were in a man in his 70s and a woman in her 90s. The Buchanan County death toll is now 162.The county saw only seven new COVID cases Thursday, bringing the case total to 9,962.Mosaic Life Care reports just five total COVID-19 patients as of Thursday afternoon - all of whom are being treated in the St. Joseph hospital.Statewide, Missouri reports 718 new cases (473,459 total) Thursday and 7,695 total fatalities.Kansas has reports 288,717 total cases and 4,521 total deaths.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 926 total cases.

Two new COVID-19 related deaths in Buchanan County, new cases and hospitalizations low

BROWN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Thursday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford F150 driven by Roland Keller, 59, Hiawatha, was&nbsp; northbound on U.S. 73 Highway five miles south of Hiawatha.

The pickup rear-ended a 1999 Peterbilt semi driven by Dale G.&nbsp;Stirton, 74, Horton, that was slowing to turn westbound onto 170th Street.

EMS transported Keller to the hospital in Hiawatha. Stirton was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Thursday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford F150 driven by Roland Keller, 59, Hiawatha, was&nbsp; northbound on U.S. 73 Highway five miles south of Hiawatha.The pickup rear-ended a 1999 Peterbilt semi driven by Dale G.&nbsp;Stirton, 74, Horton, that was slowing to turn westbound onto 170th Street.EMS transported Keller to the hospital in Hiawatha. Stirton was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after pickup rear-ends semi

Nebraska ranks in the middle of the pack in the rate of
administering coronavirus vaccines.

Still, Gov. Pete Ricketts says vaccine distribution is going
smoothly in Nebraska with nearly all of the first dose of the vaccine given the
state distributed and 62% of the second dose.

“If there’s a frustration I have it’s with the federal
pharmacy program,” Ricketts tells St. Joseph Post. “The companies like CVS and
Walgreens are being slower than say, Community Pharmacy, which is a Nebraska-based
company, in getting those vaccines distributed.”

Ricketts says the federal pharmacies have only distributed 65%
of the first dose and 35% of the 2nd dose.

Ricketts also hopes to persuade the federal government to drop
its plans to conduct its own mass vaccination clinic.

“I think the better solution is for the federal government
just to give the vaccines to the states and let us manage it, because we will
do it better than the federal government is going to do it,” according to
Ricketts.

Nebraska ranked 33rd among
states and the District of Columbia by administering 14,770 shots per 100,000
people as of Sunday, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Overall, Nebraska has administered 285,708 of the
407,500 doses it has received — or roughly 70% of the doses.

Ricketts says he’s satisfied with the supply of vaccine the
state has gotten.

“The supply that we have received has been very consistent and
we’re getting a look into three weeks down the road that will allow us to plan
to be able to continue to deliver the vaccine and make sure we’re getting it
out as quickly as possible,” Ricketts says.

Nebraska expects more than 60,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines
to be available in the state this week. The Nebraska Department of Health and
Human Services says it expects to receive 59,450 doses of the vaccines this
week as officials continue to focus on vaccinating everyone 65 and older across
Nebraska. 

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNebraska ranks in the middle of the pack in the rate of
administering coronavirus vaccines.Still, Gov. Pete Ricketts says vaccine distribution is going
smoothly in Nebraska with nearly all of the first dose of the vaccine given the
state distributed and 62% of the second dose.“If there’s a frustration I have it’s with the federal
pharmacy program,” Ricketts tells St. Joseph Post. “The companies like CVS and
Walgreens are being slower than say, Community Pharmacy, which is a Nebraska-based
company, in getting those vaccines distributed.”Ricketts says the federal pharmacies have only distributed 65%
of the first dose and 35% of the 2nd dose.Ricketts also hopes to persuade the federal government to drop
its plans to conduct its own mass vaccination clinic.“I think the better solution is for the federal government
just to give the vaccines to the states and let us manage it, because we will
do it better than the federal government is going to do it,” according to
Ricketts.Nebraska ranked 33rd among
states and the District of Columbia by administering 14,770 shots per 100,000
people as of Sunday, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Overall, Nebraska has administered 285,708 of the
407,500 doses it has received — or roughly 70% of the doses.Ricketts says he’s satisfied with the supply of vaccine the
state has gotten.“The supply that we have received has been very consistent and
we’re getting a look into three weeks down the road that will allow us to plan
to be able to continue to deliver the vaccine and make sure we’re getting it
out as quickly as possible,” Ricketts says.Nebraska expects more than 60,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines
to be available in the state this week. The Nebraska Department of Health and
Human Services says it expects to receive 59,450 doses of the vaccines this
week as officials continue to focus on vaccinating everyone 65 and older across
Nebraska.

Nebraska about in the middle in COVID-19 vaccine distribution

St. Joseph public libraries have reopened with the exception of the downtown
branch, which closed due to an employee coming in contact with some testing positive
for the coronavirus.

The East Hills Library will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m. It will be open Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Carnegie Library will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to
6 p.m.

The Washington Park Library will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 8 p.m.

Patrons will be limited to half an hour each day. The number of patrons
at a library will also be limited. If you need an extended computer session,
schedule to arrange a longer period to use a computer at the Downtown Library,
once it reopens by calling 232-8151.

Contactless
library service continues to be offered. You can call each branch or email <a href="mailto:notices@sjpl.lib.mo.us">notices@sjpl.lib.mo.us</a>.&nbsp; East Hills: 236-2136, Downtown: 232-7729,
Carnegie: 238-0526, Washington Park: 232-2052.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph public libraries have reopened with the exception of the downtown
branch, which closed due to an employee coming in contact with some testing positive
for the coronavirus.The East Hills Library will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m. It will be open Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.The Carnegie Library will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to
6 p.m.The Washington Park Library will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 8 p.m.Patrons will be limited to half an hour each day. The number of patrons
at a library will also be limited. If you need an extended computer session,
schedule to arrange a longer period to use a computer at the Downtown Library,
once it reopens by calling 232-8151.Contactless
library service continues to be offered. You can call each branch or email <a href="mailto:notices@sjpl.lib.mo.us">notices@sjpl.lib.mo.us</a>.&nbsp; East Hills: 236-2136, Downtown: 232-7729,
Carnegie: 238-0526, Washington Park: 232-2052.

St. Joseph public libraries reopen

A COVID-19 vaccine clinic
scheduled for today in Troy, Kansas has been rescheduled.

The Doniphan County Health
Department reports vaccine doses did not arrive due to harsh winter weather.

Those with appointments for the
clinic today will be rescheduled for next Thursday, February 25th,
at the same time. Coronavirus vaccinations will be given at the Troy Community
Building.

Health officials say if you are
unable to come to this appointment, you are required to call the Health Dept.
785-985-3591 immediately to avoid wasting vaccine. 

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA COVID-19 vaccine clinic
scheduled for today in Troy, Kansas has been rescheduled.The Doniphan County Health
Department reports vaccine doses did not arrive due to harsh winter weather.Those with appointments for the
clinic today will be rescheduled for next Thursday, February 25th,
at the same time. Coronavirus vaccinations will be given at the Troy Community
Building.Health officials say if you are
unable to come to this appointment, you are required to call the Health Dept.
785-985-3591 immediately to avoid wasting vaccine.

Vaccination clinic set for Troy today has been rescheduled

A new early childhood program is coming to the Savannah R3 School District this fall. 

Curriculum Director Ashley Anderson says the program Kindergarten Jumpstart is a transitional Kindergarten program. 

"Maybe age ready for kindergarten but not intellectually or socially or maybe even physically ready for a traditional kindergarten classroom setting," Anderson tells St. Joseph Post. 

Anderson says Kindergarten-aged students are screened in the community before being place in the program. 

"You can't call and say, 'We want our kid in this.' It's all based off of screening and the specifics that our admins are looking for," says Anderson. 

Anderson says there are students each year that are not ready to start Kindergarten quite yet and need a program like Kindergarten Jumpstart. 

"Age ready for Kindergarten but they're not ready and just knowing that we can better serve those students I think is just a really great thing."

By WHITNEE ICESt. Joseph PostA new early childhood program is coming to the Savannah R3 School District this fall. Curriculum Director Ashley Anderson says the program Kindergarten Jumpstart is a transitional Kindergarten program. "Maybe age ready for kindergarten but not intellectually or socially or maybe even physically ready for a traditional kindergarten classroom setting," Anderson tells St. Joseph Post. Anderson says Kindergarten-aged students are screened in the community before being place in the program. "You can't call and say, 'We want our kid in this.' It's all based off of screening and the specifics that our admins are looking for," says Anderson. Anderson says there are students each year that are not ready to start Kindergarten quite yet and need a program like Kindergarten Jumpstart. "Age ready for Kindergarten but they're not ready and just knowing that we can better serve those students I think is just a really great thing."

New early childhood program coming to Savannah this fall

A St. Joseph man has been charged with murder by Andrew County law enforcement in connection with the death of a child.

38-year-old Donald Tipton faces 13 charges, including first and second-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, domestic assault and abuse, and neglect of a child resulting in death.

A felony complaint accuses Tipton of causing the death of a child by striking and strangling the victim on Nov. 30, 2020.

The Andrew County Sheriff's Office requested the public's help in finding Tipton, reporting later that he had been taken into custody.

The name of the child has not been released.

This article has been updated since first published.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph man has been charged with murder by Andrew County law enforcement in connection with the death of a child.38-year-old Donald Tipton faces 13 charges, including first and second-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, domestic assault and abuse, and neglect of a child resulting in death.A felony complaint accuses Tipton of causing the death of a child by striking and strangling the victim on Nov. 30, 2020.The Andrew County Sheriff's Office requested the public's help in finding Tipton, reporting later that he had been taken into custody.The name of the child has not been released.This article has been updated since first published.<div><div id="fb-root"></div>
<script async defer crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v9.0" nonce="p0mbT5qS"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/andrewcountysheriff/posts/3531260093667380" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/andrewcountysheriff/posts/3531260093667380" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">*ANDREW COUNTY MOST WANTED*

Donald J. Tipton is wanted for Murder-1st Degree, Murder-2nd Degree, Child Abuse -----NO...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/andrewcountysheriff/">Andrew County Sheriff&#039;s Office</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/andrewcountysheriff/posts/3531260093667380">Wednesday, February 17, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>

St. Joseph man wanted for murder in death of a child is in custody

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Wednesday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol a 2020 Acura MDX driven by Tara D. Richardson, 32, Kidder, was northbound on Bob F. Griffin Road in Cameron.

The car traveled into the intersection at East Grand Avenue. A westbound 2010 Chevy Malibu driven by Johnny F. Templeton, 42, Cameron, struck the Acura.

Cameron EMS transported Templeton to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Richardson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Wednesday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol a 2020 Acura MDX driven by Tara D. Richardson, 32, Kidder, was northbound on Bob F. Griffin Road in Cameron.The car traveled into the intersection at East Grand Avenue. A westbound 2010 Chevy Malibu driven by Johnny F. Templeton, 42, Cameron, struck the Acura.Cameron EMS transported Templeton to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Richardson was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Man from Cameron hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

GENTRY COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Toyota Sequoia driven by John T. Laxson, 29, Moberly was northbound on Route A nine miles south of Albany.

The SUV traveled off the road and overturned. Grand River EMS transported Laxson and a passenger Monica R. Rainey, 28, Moberly, to Mosaic in Albany. Laxson was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Toyota Sequoia driven by John T. Laxson, 29, Moberly was northbound on Route A nine miles south of Albany.The SUV traveled off the road and overturned. Grand River EMS transported Laxson and a passenger Monica R. Rainey, 28, Moberly, to Mosaic in Albany. Laxson was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

2 from Moberly hospitalized after SUV overturns

St. Joseph health officials reported two additional COVID-19 related fatalities Wednesday that had gone unreported in December and January.

The two deaths were reported in men - one in his 70s and another in his 80s. Buchanan County's COVID-19 death toll now stands at 160.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials reported two additional COVID-19 related fatalities Wednesday that had gone unreported in December and January.The two deaths were reported in men - one in his 70s and another in his 80s. Buchanan County's COVID-19 death toll now stands at 160.Officials Wednesday report just nine new cases of coronavirus in Buchanan County, putting the county’s case total at 9,955.Mosaic Life Care reports it's treating only three COVID-19 patients in its system - all being treated in St. Joseph.The coronavirus positivity rate in Buchanan County has dropped from 7.4 percent two weeks ago to 4.1 percent this week.Statewide, Missouri reports 598 new cases (472,741 total) and 12 new deaths (7,470 total) Wednesday.Since Monday, Kansas has reported 1,267 new cases (288,717 total) and 115 new deaths (4,521 total). More than 9,000 Kansans have been hospitalized with virus complications since the pandemic began.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 926 total cases. Atchison County, Kansas reports 1,507 total cases, while Brown County reports 1,193.

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