The Missouri case&nbsp;is the only bird flu diagnosis in the United States this year where the person hadn’t had direct contact with infected poultry or dairy cattle

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should have results later this month that provide more insight into how a Missouri resident, who hadn’t had any contact with infected animals or food, contracted a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said on a call with reporters Friday the agency is working through its investigation of that bird flu case, while providing several more details.

“As we previously reported, CDC would be able to perform partial sequencing of the avian influenza H5 virus from the case in Missouri, despite a nearly undetectable level of viral RNA in the patient sample,” Daskalakis said.

That process is complex and time-consuming, in part because the patient had rather small amounts of the virus in their system when the test was taken.

Another contributing factor, he said, is “that the virus has two potentially important mutations, meaning two amino acid differences, in comparison with the viruses previously characterized during this event that could affect antigenicity.”

Daskalakis explained that antigenicity is when someone is able to produce “a specific immune response, such as creation of specific antibodies.”

Both the mutations and small sample size have presented challenges for the CDC, but the agency expects to announce results of the test later this month after completing the complicated lab process, he said.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-officials-say-no-sign-bird-flu-spreading-among-humans-despite-missouri-case" target="_blank">The Missouri case</a>&nbsp;is the only bird flu diagnosis in the United States this year where the person hadn’t had direct contact with infected poultry or dairy cattle.

The remainder of the 16 people diagnosed with H5N1 during this calendar year had direct contact with farm animals, with nine of those cases linked to poultry and six related to dairy cows.

One of those cases was diagnosed in Texas, two in Michigan, two in California just this week and 10 in Colorado.

Public health officials on the call emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low and that several studies undertaken by the Food and Drug Administration show pasteurized dairy products as well as other foods remain safe to eat.

Since February, the CDC has tested more than 50,000 samples that would have “detected Influenza A, H5 or other novel influenza viruses,” Daskalakis said.

The Missouri case was the first case of bird flu detected through that influenza surveillance system, he said.

Public health officials at the state and federal level have been trying to determine how the Missouri patient, who officials are not identifying for their privacy, contracted the virus through a series of “intense interviews,” Daskalakis said.

That is how they learned someone living in the same house had been symptomatic with various gastrointestinal issues at the same time the patient had been ill.

That simultaneous onset of symptoms implied “a common exposure, rather than human-to-human transmission,” Daskalakis said, before reinforcing that the second person never tested positive for the virus and isn’t considered a case of bird flu.

“At the time of the interview, the household contact had also completely recovered and had not been tested for influenza while they were sick,” he said. “To be clear, there is only one case of H5N1 influenza detected in Missouri.”

Because the person living in the same house as the Missouri patient had been symptom-free for more than 10 days when they were interviewed by public health officials, Daskalakis said there was “no utility in testing the contact for acute influenza.”

Instead, officials in Missouri took blood samples from the two people so the CDC could test for “antibodies against H5 to assess for possible infection with this virus,” he said.

A separate investigation was taken at the hospital where the Missouri patient had been diagnosed to see if any health care workers had contracted H5N1.

Out of 118 health care workers who interacted with the patient in some way, 18 had higher-risk interactions before the patient was diagnosed and began using what Daskalakis referred to as “droplet precautions.”

Six of those health care workers later developed respiratory symptoms, though only one of them had symptoms by the time the public health investigation had begun retroactively, he said.

That one person’s PCR test for acute influenza came back negative and the other five health care workers, who had recovered, did not require a PCR test, he said.

“Since exposures could only be assessed retrospectively, Missouri has also obtained blood specimens from these individuals for antibody or serology testing at CDC to search for any evidence to support the unlikely possibility that their symptoms were related to H5 infection resulting from their interaction with the patient,” Daskalakis said. “Despite the low risk, this testing is important to complete the public health investigation of this case.”

The CDC began working on that serology testing in mid-September when it received the samples from Missouri, though the complicated process likely won’t conclude until later in October.

“For serology testing to be conclusive, it needs to be done using a virus that is genetically identical to the one obtained from the human case from Missouri or there is a risk of a false negative test,” Daskalakis said. “Since this H5 virus was not recoverable, we could not grow it because there was not enough for the Missouri specimen.”

The CDC, he explained, has to “create the right virus for the test using reverse genetics to match the one from Missouri, so that we can use it in these serology tests.”

“We realize people, including all of us at CDC, are anxious to see results from this testing,” he said. “CDC is moving at a very accelerated pace while conducting rigorous science to assure the validity of these results.”

In addition to human cases, bird flu continues to infect poultry flocks and dairy herds within the United States.

While the poultry industry has had years of experience supplying its workers with personal protective equipment and culling affected farms, the dairy industry has had to figure out how to address the virus this year.

Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said on the call Friday that Colorado’s mandatory testing program of bulk milk tanks, which began in July, offered a hopeful case study for ridding farms throughout the country of H5N1.

“Initially, this revealed a significant local prevalence, about 72% of dairies, centered in Weld County,” Deeble said.

But following months of hard work by farmers and public health officials, Colorado has just one dairy herd that’s currently affected by H5N1 out of 86 dairy herds within the state, he said.

“Mandatory surveillance in the state allows for continuous monitoring of herds and helps detect any instances of non-negative results early on, ensuring timely intervention,” Deeble said. “This decrease in Colorado cases, even in the absence of a vaccine, gives us further confidence that H5N1 can be eliminated in the national herd, even in places where we have seen an initial rapid increase in cases.”

Data from the USDA show that during the past month, three dairy herds in Idaho and 53 in California have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">tested positive</a>&nbsp;for H5N1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728251990163.png" alt="A case of bird flu in a Missouri resident is the only diagnosis in the United States this year where the person did not have contact with infected dairy cattle or poultry (Stephen Ausmus/Animal Research Services, USDA)." />
 <figcaption>A case of bird flu in a Missouri resident is the only diagnosis in the United States this year where the person did not have contact with infected dairy cattle or poultry (Stephen Ausmus/Animal Research Services, USDA).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Missouri case&nbsp;is the only bird flu diagnosis in the United States this year where the person hadn’t had direct contact with infected poultry or dairy cattle</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should have results later this month that provide more insight into how a Missouri resident, who hadn’t had any contact with infected animals or food, contracted a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza.Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said on a call with reporters Friday the agency is working through its investigation of that bird flu case, while providing several more details.“As we previously reported, CDC would be able to perform partial sequencing of the avian influenza H5 virus from the case in Missouri, despite a nearly undetectable level of viral RNA in the patient sample,” Daskalakis said.That process is complex and time-consuming, in part because the patient had rather small amounts of the virus in their system when the test was taken.Another contributing factor, he said, is “that the virus has two potentially important mutations, meaning two amino acid differences, in comparison with the viruses previously characterized during this event that could affect antigenicity.”Daskalakis explained that antigenicity is when someone is able to produce “a specific immune response, such as creation of specific antibodies.”Both the mutations and small sample size have presented challenges for the CDC, but the agency expects to announce results of the test later this month after completing the complicated lab process, he said.<h2>Two cases in California</h2><a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-officials-say-no-sign-bird-flu-spreading-among-humans-despite-missouri-case" target="_blank">The Missouri case</a>&nbsp;is the only bird flu diagnosis in the United States this year where the person hadn’t had direct contact with infected poultry or dairy cattle.The remainder of the 16 people diagnosed with H5N1 during this calendar year had direct contact with farm animals, with nine of those cases linked to poultry and six related to dairy cows.One of those cases was diagnosed in Texas, two in Michigan, two in California just this week and 10 in Colorado.Public health officials on the call emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low and that several studies undertaken by the Food and Drug Administration show pasteurized dairy products as well as other foods remain safe to eat.Since February, the CDC has tested more than 50,000 samples that would have “detected Influenza A, H5 or other novel influenza viruses,” Daskalakis said.The Missouri case was the first case of bird flu detected through that influenza surveillance system, he said.Public health officials at the state and federal level have been trying to determine how the Missouri patient, who officials are not identifying for their privacy, contracted the virus through a series of “intense interviews,” Daskalakis said.That is how they learned someone living in the same house had been symptomatic with various gastrointestinal issues at the same time the patient had been ill.That simultaneous onset of symptoms implied “a common exposure, rather than human-to-human transmission,” Daskalakis said, before reinforcing that the second person never tested positive for the virus and isn’t considered a case of bird flu.“At the time of the interview, the household contact had also completely recovered and had not been tested for influenza while they were sick,” he said. “To be clear, there is only one case of H5N1 influenza detected in Missouri.”Because the person living in the same house as the Missouri patient had been symptom-free for more than 10 days when they were interviewed by public health officials, Daskalakis said there was “no utility in testing the contact for acute influenza.”Instead, officials in Missouri took blood samples from the two people so the CDC could test for “antibodies against H5 to assess for possible infection with this virus,” he said.A separate investigation was taken at the hospital where the Missouri patient had been diagnosed to see if any health care workers had contracted H5N1.Out of 118 health care workers who interacted with the patient in some way, 18 had higher-risk interactions before the patient was diagnosed and began using what Daskalakis referred to as “droplet precautions.”Six of those health care workers later developed respiratory symptoms, though only one of them had symptoms by the time the public health investigation had begun retroactively, he said.That one person’s PCR test for acute influenza came back negative and the other five health care workers, who had recovered, did not require a PCR test, he said.“Since exposures could only be assessed retrospectively, Missouri has also obtained blood specimens from these individuals for antibody or serology testing at CDC to search for any evidence to support the unlikely possibility that their symptoms were related to H5 infection resulting from their interaction with the patient,” Daskalakis said. “Despite the low risk, this testing is important to complete the public health investigation of this case.”The CDC began working on that serology testing in mid-September when it received the samples from Missouri, though the complicated process likely won’t conclude until later in October.“For serology testing to be conclusive, it needs to be done using a virus that is genetically identical to the one obtained from the human case from Missouri or there is a risk of a false negative test,” Daskalakis said. “Since this H5 virus was not recoverable, we could not grow it because there was not enough for the Missouri specimen.”The CDC, he explained, has to “create the right virus for the test using reverse genetics to match the one from Missouri, so that we can use it in these serology tests.”“We realize people, including all of us at CDC, are anxious to see results from this testing,” he said. “CDC is moving at a very accelerated pace while conducting rigorous science to assure the validity of these results.”<h2>Poultry, dairy cases</h2>In addition to human cases, bird flu continues to infect poultry flocks and dairy herds within the United States.While the poultry industry has had years of experience supplying its workers with personal protective equipment and culling affected farms, the dairy industry has had to figure out how to address the virus this year.Eric Deeble, deputy under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA, said on the call Friday that Colorado’s mandatory testing program of bulk milk tanks, which began in July, offered a hopeful case study for ridding farms throughout the country of H5N1.“Initially, this revealed a significant local prevalence, about 72% of dairies, centered in Weld County,” Deeble said.But following months of hard work by farmers and public health officials, Colorado has just one dairy herd that’s currently affected by H5N1 out of 86 dairy herds within the state, he said.“Mandatory surveillance in the state allows for continuous monitoring of herds and helps detect any instances of non-negative results early on, ensuring timely intervention,” Deeble said. “This decrease in Colorado cases, even in the absence of a vaccine, gives us further confidence that H5N1 can be eliminated in the national herd, even in places where we have seen an initial rapid increase in cases.”Data from the USDA show that during the past month, three dairy herds in Idaho and 53 in California have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock" target="_blank">tested positive</a>&nbsp;for H5N1.

CDC conducting extensive probe into bird flu contracted by Missouri resident

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest

On October 3, the Brown County Sheriffs Office arrested 30-year-old&nbsp; River Keo of Horton on a Douglas County $150,000 Felony Criminal Threat Warrant, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

He has previous convictions for driving under influence of alcohol or drugs - 3rd or subsequent conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728160722551.png" alt="Keo photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Keo photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrestOn October 3, the Brown County Sheriffs Office arrested 30-year-old&nbsp; River Keo of Horton on a Douglas County $150,000 Felony Criminal Threat Warrant, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.He has previous convictions for driving under influence of alcohol or drugs - 3rd or subsequent conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kansas felon jailed for alleged criminal threat

We're halfway through the season as Week 6 of high school football in Missouri and Week 5 in Kansas is now in the books! Below is a list of all of the games being played in the KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area!

Tune into KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com) for Friday Night Lights with Matt Pike every Friday night of the regular season from 10- midnight. for scores and interviews with area coaches!

Savannah 62 (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Cameron 7 (0-6)&nbsp;

Maryville 49 (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Benton 7 (1-5)

-Week 7: Maryville vs Lutheran North- Sat @1pm

Chillicothe 20 (3-3)&nbsp; &nbsp; Lafayette 14 (2-4)

-Week 7: Chillicothe vs Savannah- Fri @7pm

St. Pius X 27 (5-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; St. James Academy (Kan.) 20 (1-4)

Bishop Leblond 64 (5-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; Kansas City East Christian (Kan.) 24 (1-5)

-Week 7: Bishop Leblond- BYE WEEK (play week 8 @ Greenfield)

Oak Park 52 (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Central 13 (3-3)

East Buchanan 10 (5-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; Hamilton 7 (3-3)

-Week 7: East Buchanan vs West Platte- Fri @7pm

Mid-Buchanan 19 (6-0)&nbsp; &nbsp; Lathrop 6 (1-5)

-Week 7: Mid-Buchanan @ North Platte- Fri @7pm

 South Shelby 38 (6-0)&nbsp; &nbsp; North Platte 0 (1-5)

Lawson 34 (1-5)&nbsp; &nbsp; West Platte 15 (2-4)

New Heights Christian Academy 60 (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Plattsburg 34 (3-2)

-Week 7: Plattsburg @ Northland Christian- Fri @6pm

Milan 28&nbsp; (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Trenton 27 (1-5)&nbsp;

South Harrison 46 (6-0)&nbsp; &nbsp; Maysville 7 (0-6)

-Week 7: South Harrison vs Brookfield- Fri @7pm

Brookfield 52 (6-0)&nbsp; &nbsp; Gallatin 0 (2-4)&nbsp;

Putnam County 22 (3-3)&nbsp; &nbsp; Polo 20 (2-4)

-Week 7: Putnam County @ Scotland County- Fri @7pm

King City 36 (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; North Andrew 30 (2-4)

St. Joseph Christian 70 (3-3)&nbsp; &nbsp; Pattonsburg 38 (1-5)&nbsp;

-Week 7: St. Joseph Christian vs King City- Fri @7pm

-Week 7: Pattonsburg @ Worth County- Fri @7pm

Albany 96 (6-0)&nbsp; &nbsp; Princeton 46 (2-4)

-Week 7: Princeton @ North Andrew- Fri @7pm

Worth County 58 (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Stanberry 0 (1-5)&nbsp;

-Week 7: Worth County vs Pattonsburg- Fri @7pm

Platte Valley 60 (5-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; South Holt 12 (4-2)

Week 7: Platte Valley vs Stewartsville- Fri @7pm

-Week 7: South Holt @ Nodaway Valley Fri @7pm

Mound City 50 (2-4)&nbsp; &nbsp; Dekalb 28 (1-5)

-Week 7: Mound City vs Rock Port- Fri @7pm

-Week 7: Dekalb @ East Atchison- Fri @7pm

East Atchison 48 (2-4)&nbsp; &nbsp;Stewartsville- Osborn 0 (0-6)&nbsp;

 Rock Port 66 (6- 0)&nbsp; &nbsp; Nodaway Valley 42 (5-1)

-Week 7: Rock Port @ Mound City- Fri @7pm

-Week 7: Nodaway Valley vs South Holt- Fri @7pm

Atchison 55 (4-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; Washington 6 (4-1)

Hayden 49 (4-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; Hiawatha 0 (1-4)&nbsp;

-Week 6: Hiawatha vs&nbsp;Oskaloosa&nbsp;

Troy 54 (4-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; Doniphan West 13 (1-4)

Riverside 27 (4-1)&nbsp; &nbsp;Horton 0 (1-4)

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostWe're halfway through the season as Week 6 of high school football in Missouri and Week 5 in Kansas is now in the books! Below is a list of all of the games being played in the KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area!Tune into KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com) for Friday Night Lights with Matt Pike every Friday night of the regular season from 10- midnight. for scores and interviews with area coaches!MECSavannah 62 (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Cameron 7 (0-6)&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Savannah-Head-Coach-Anthony-Hays-e2p8m78/a-abii4cr" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Maryville 49 (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Benton 7 (1-5)-Week 7: Benton @ St. Pius X- Fri @7pm-Week 7: Maryville vs Lutheran North- Sat @1pmChillicothe 20 (3-3)&nbsp; &nbsp; Lafayette 14 (2-4)-Week 7: Chillicothe vs Savannah- Fri @7pm-Week 7: Lafayette @ Cameron- Fri @7pmSt. Pius X 27 (5-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; St. James Academy (Kan.) 20 (1-4)-Week 7: St. Piux X vs Benton- Fri @7pmBishop Leblond 64 (5-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; Kansas City East Christian (Kan.) 24 (1-5)-Week 7: Bishop Leblond- BYE WEEK (play week 8 @ Greenfield)<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Bishop-LeBlond-Head-Coach-Chuck-Davis-e2p8m9m/a-abii4fm" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Greater KC SuburbanOak Park 52 (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Central 13 (3-3)-Week 7: Central @ Park Hill- Fri @7pmKCIEast Buchanan 10 (5-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; Hamilton 7 (3-3)-Week 7: East Buchanan vs West Platte- Fri @7pm-Week 7: Hamilton vs Lathrop - Fri @7pm<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/East-Buchanan-Head-Coach-Dan-Ritter-e2p8m5e/a-abii4aj" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Mid-Buchanan 19 (6-0)&nbsp; &nbsp; Lathrop 6 (1-5)-Week 7: Mid-Buchanan @ North Platte- Fri @7pm South Shelby 38 (6-0)&nbsp; &nbsp; North Platte 0 (1-5)Lawson 34 (1-5)&nbsp; &nbsp; West Platte 15 (2-4)-Week 7: Lawson vs Monroe City- Fri @7pmNew Heights Christian Academy 60 (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Plattsburg 34 (3-2)-Week 7: Plattsburg @ Northland Christian- Fri @6pmGRC 11-man (East Division)Milan 28&nbsp; (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Trenton 27 (1-5)&nbsp;-Week 7: Milan @ Gallatin- Fri @7pm-Week 7: Trenton vs Maysville- Fri @7pmSouth Harrison 46 (6-0)&nbsp; &nbsp; Maysville 7 (0-6)-Week 7: South Harrison vs Brookfield- Fri @7pmBrookfield 52 (6-0)&nbsp; &nbsp; Gallatin 0 (2-4)&nbsp;Putnam County 22 (3-3)&nbsp; &nbsp; Polo 20 (2-4)-Week 7: Putnam County @ Scotland County- Fri @7pm-Week 7: Polo vs Marceline- Fri @7pmGRC 8-man (West Division)King City 36 (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; North Andrew 30 (2-4)<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/King-City-Head-Coach-Micah-Breckenridge-e2p8mc9/a-abii4ip" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>St. Joseph Christian 70 (3-3)&nbsp; &nbsp; Pattonsburg 38 (1-5)&nbsp;-Week 7: St. Joseph Christian vs King City- Fri @7pm-Week 7: Pattonsburg @ Worth County- Fri @7pm<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/St--Joseph-Christian-Head-Coach-James-Schoonover-e2p8md1/a-abii4k2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Albany 96 (6-0)&nbsp; &nbsp; Princeton 46 (2-4)-Week 7: Albany vs Stanberry- Fri @7pm-Week 7: Princeton @ North Andrew- Fri @7pmWorth County 58 (4-2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Stanberry 0 (1-5)&nbsp;-Week 7: Worth County vs Pattonsburg- Fri @7pmPlatte Valley 60 (5-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; South Holt 12 (4-2)Week 7: Platte Valley vs Stewartsville- Fri @7pm-Week 7: South Holt @ Nodaway Valley Fri @7pm<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Platte-Valley-Head-Coach-Johnnie-Silkett-e2p8m3u/a-abii49b" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Mound City 50 (2-4)&nbsp; &nbsp; Dekalb 28 (1-5)-Week 7: Mound City vs Rock Port- Fri @7pm-Week 7: Dekalb @ East Atchison- Fri @7pm<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Mound-City-Head-Coach-Taylor-Standerford-e2p8mdv" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>275 ConferenceEast Atchison 48 (2-4)&nbsp; &nbsp;Stewartsville- Osborn 0 (0-6)&nbsp; Rock Port 66 (6- 0)&nbsp; &nbsp; Nodaway Valley 42 (5-1)-Week 7: Rock Port @ Mound City- Fri @7pm-Week 7: Nodaway Valley vs South Holt- Fri @7pmNortheast KansasAtchison 55 (4-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; Washington 6 (4-1)-Week 6: Atchison vs&nbsp;Highland ParkHayden 49 (4-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; Hiawatha 0 (1-4)&nbsp;-Week 6: Hiawatha vs&nbsp;Oskaloosa&nbsp;Troy 54 (4-1)&nbsp; &nbsp; Doniphan West 13 (1-4)-Week 6 Troy vs Riverside<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Troy-Head-Coach-Derek-Jasper-e2p8m4o/a-abii49t" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Riverside 27 (4-1)&nbsp; &nbsp;Horton 0 (1-4)<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Riverside-Head-Coach-Bryce-Paden-e2p8mdf/a-abii4ki" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post Area High School Football scoreboard for Oct. 4th

GENTRY COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Friday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2003 GMC truck driven by David Horsman, 74, Clarksdale, was attempting to turn east onto MO 48 at Route CC one mile west of King City. 

The driver failed to yield to a westbound 2001 Chevy half-ton truck driven by Tiffany R. Cruz, 43, Rea.&nbsp;

The Chevy struck the front driver's side of the GMC truck. Both vehicles came to rest in the road and blocked MO 48.

Grand River Ambulance transported Horsman to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Life Flight Eagle transported a passenger in the Chevy identified as Linda S. Applegarth, 71, Rea, to Truman Medical Center.&nbsp; EMS examined Cruz at the scene and she refused treatment for minor injuries. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Friday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2003 GMC truck driven by David Horsman, 74, Clarksdale, was attempting to turn east onto MO 48 at Route CC one mile west of King City. The driver failed to yield to a westbound 2001 Chevy half-ton truck driven by Tiffany R. Cruz, 43, Rea.&nbsp;The Chevy struck the front driver's side of the GMC truck. Both vehicles came to rest in the road and blocked MO 48.Grand River Ambulance transported Horsman to Mosaic in St. Joseph. Life Flight Eagle transported a passenger in the Chevy identified as Linda S. Applegarth, 71, Rea, to Truman Medical Center.&nbsp; EMS examined Cruz at the scene and she refused treatment for minor injuries. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman air-lifted to hospital after trucks collide

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for setting a fire to a building with a man asleep inside.

Just after 6a.m. Friday, police and fire crews responded to a fire in a commercial build at 1621 South Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The cause of the fire was determined to be the result of an arson. Just before 12:30p.m. Friday, police arrested 50-year-old Angela J. Dugger Atchison, on requested charges of aggravated arson.

The requested charge is aggravated arson because a sixty year old man was asleep inside the build when the fire was set. He was not injured.&nbsp; Dugger and the victim had previously dated, according to Wilson.&nbsp; &nbsp; The victim had a living space in the building and often stated there.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728065795516.png" alt="Dugger photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Dugger photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for setting a fire to a building with a man asleep inside.Just after 6a.m. Friday, police and fire crews responded to a fire in a commercial build at 1621 South Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The cause of the fire was determined to be the result of an arson. Just before 12:30p.m. Friday, police arrested 50-year-old Angela J. Dugger Atchison, on requested charges of aggravated arson.The requested charge is aggravated arson because a sixty year old man was asleep inside the build when the fire was set. He was not injured.&nbsp; Dugger and the victim had previously dated, according to Wilson.&nbsp; &nbsp; The victim had a living space in the building and often stated there.

Police: Kan. woman set fire to building with boyfriend inside

For the second year in a row Northwest Missouri State University has been ranked as one of the top colleges in the Midwest.   

Northwest has been ranked on US News and World Reports list of 2025 Best Colleges, ranked for a second year in a row inside the Top 25.  

The university in Maryville actually even jumped a couple spots, going from #22 last year, to #20 this year in the Midwest, trailing only Truman State for a public university from Missouri.  

University President Lance Tatum says it's exciting to make the list again, especially with the hard work put into what's being done at Northwest to serve students.  

"It's always very gratifying to know from an outside perspective that people are recognizing the quality that we provide here in terms of our collegiate experience and our education," Tatum tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, I was thrilled to see that we had actually improved our ranking from last year to this year." 

Tatum says a big philosophy at Northwest is being presented as a forward-facing brand, which only reaches so far.  Tatum says a national publication like this helps broaden that branding 

"It's part of a national announcement that goes out, and so students who are within 150 to 200 miles of Maryville actually might be able to see this type of information as it scrolls across social media or as it is presented on a web search environment," Tatum explains. "And so, it just helps to increase our brand notoriety, and it also helps to just communicate the quality that exists in the experience here at Northwest." 

Tatum says everyone in higher education that's not considered a research institute, or part of the land grant group, are fighting in a crowded field for recognition and attention 

"So, when you look at the rankings and you see that a Northwest Missouri State University who is located in a very rural part of the state, a very rural part of the country, you're able to showcase what you do on campus," Tatum says. "And so, we're very excited to be included among the top schools in the state." 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728061197888.jpeg" alt="Northwest.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Northwest.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post For the second year in a row Northwest Missouri State University has been ranked as one of the top colleges in the Midwest. Northwest has been ranked on US News and World Reports list of 2025 Best Colleges, ranked for a second year in a row inside the Top 25. The university in Maryville actually even jumped a couple spots, going from #22 last year, to #20 this year in the Midwest, trailing only Truman State for a public university from Missouri. University President Lance Tatum says it's exciting to make the list again, especially with the hard work put into what's being done at Northwest to serve students. "It's always very gratifying to know from an outside perspective that people are recognizing the quality that we provide here in terms of our collegiate experience and our education," Tatum tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, I was thrilled to see that we had actually improved our ranking from last year to this year." Tatum says a big philosophy at Northwest is being presented as a forward-facing brand, which only reaches so far. Tatum says a national publication like this helps broaden that branding "It's part of a national announcement that goes out, and so students who are within 150 to 200 miles of Maryville actually might be able to see this type of information as it scrolls across social media or as it is presented on a web search environment," Tatum explains. "And so, it just helps to increase our brand notoriety, and it also helps to just communicate the quality that exists in the experience here at Northwest." Tatum says everyone in higher education that's not considered a research institute, or part of the land grant group, are fighting in a crowded field for recognition and attention "So, when you look at the rankings and you see that a Northwest Missouri State University who is located in a very rural part of the state, a very rural part of the country, you're able to showcase what you do on campus," Tatum says. "And so, we're very excited to be included among the top schools in the state." You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Northwest Missouri State again ranked as top college

Two St. Joseph women have been chosen to serve as
fellows advocating for an increase in quality childcare in Missouri.

Megan Murray with Kids Win Missouri says Kristin
White brings experience as a parent of six, ages 2 to 17, as well as an infant
and toddler specialist with Youth Alliance. Dlo DuVall is a grandparent and
Coordinator of Early Childhood Education for the St. Joseph School District.

“So, both of them just brought unique
perspectives and a work ethic and a passion that we just couldn’t pass up,”
Murray tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview.

Both know the needs of parents and children.

Also, they understand the lack of quality child
care in St. Joseph, which DuVall calls a child care desert.

“If you need child care and you do not have a
family member or a friend that can help, there are very limited spots and there
are big wait lists,” DuVall tells KFEQ/St. Joseph in a joint phone interview with
White.

Both DuVall and White have earned Early Care and
Education Fellowships from Kids Win Missouri, learning more about the
challenges facing the state as well as learning how to effectively advocate
before legislators for policy changes.

The two joined fellows from other parts of the
state in Jefferson City during the annual Veto Session of the Missouri General
Assembly; 28 fellows from seven regions total. Kids Win Missouri launched the
fellowship in 2022 to give a voice to parents and child care providers in the
legislative process. The new fellows began their advocacy during the Veto
Session.

White says the training sessions turn those with
experience into advocates.

“We’ve seen early childhood (care) as a parent,
as a provider and to just be able to talk to them in an effective way that they’re
able to put a face to the issues that are happening, they’re able to put a face
to the stories that are happening,” White says.

DuVall says the child care crisis in Missouri
won’t be an easy issue to solve.

“It’s multi-faceted, because the spots that are
available they may not be able to afford, but then, even if they could afford
it, there may not be a spot open,” DuVall says. “And then the ones that were
getting the child care subsidies, the actual child care centers, the payments
have been very delayed to them. So, a lot of our places in the state have had
to close because of funding.”

Kids Win Missouri also encourages fellows to
engage other parents and providers throughout their region to bring awareness
to issues impacting children and families.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728059174984.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTwo St. Joseph women have been chosen to serve as
fellows advocating for an increase in quality childcare in Missouri.Megan Murray with Kids Win Missouri says Kristin
White brings experience as a parent of six, ages 2 to 17, as well as an infant
and toddler specialist with Youth Alliance. Dlo DuVall is a grandparent and
Coordinator of Early Childhood Education for the St. Joseph School District.“So, both of them just brought unique
perspectives and a work ethic and a passion that we just couldn’t pass up,”
Murray tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview.Both know the needs of parents and children.Also, they understand the lack of quality child
care in St. Joseph, which DuVall calls a child care desert.“If you need child care and you do not have a
family member or a friend that can help, there are very limited spots and there
are big wait lists,” DuVall tells KFEQ/St. Joseph in a joint phone interview with
White.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728059814393.png" alt="Dlo DuVaul/Photo courtesy of Kids Win Missouri" />
 <figcaption>Dlo DuVaul/Photo courtesy of Kids Win Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>Both DuVall and White have earned Early Care and
Education Fellowships from Kids Win Missouri, learning more about the
challenges facing the state as well as learning how to effectively advocate
before legislators for policy changes.The two joined fellows from other parts of the
state in Jefferson City during the annual Veto Session of the Missouri General
Assembly; 28 fellows from seven regions total. Kids Win Missouri launched the
fellowship in 2022 to give a voice to parents and child care providers in the
legislative process. The new fellows began their advocacy during the Veto
Session.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728059882204.png" alt="Kristin White/Photo courtesy of Kids Win Missouri" />
 <figcaption>Kristin White/Photo courtesy of Kids Win Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>White says the training sessions turn those with
experience into advocates.“We’ve seen early childhood (care) as a parent,
as a provider and to just be able to talk to them in an effective way that they’re
able to put a face to the issues that are happening, they’re able to put a face
to the stories that are happening,” White says.Advocates seeking solutions.DuVall says the child care crisis in Missouri
won’t be an easy issue to solve.“It’s multi-faceted, because the spots that are
available they may not be able to afford, but then, even if they could afford
it, there may not be a spot open,” DuVall says. “And then the ones that were
getting the child care subsidies, the actual child care centers, the payments
have been very delayed to them. So, a lot of our places in the state have had
to close because of funding.”Kids Win Missouri also encourages fellows to
engage other parents and providers throughout their region to bring awareness
to issues impacting children and families.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Kids-Win-Missouri-e2p820f" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph women win fellowships to advocate for better child care

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated a search warrant at 111 Flora St. #9 in Fairview, Kansas, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; 

Deputies arrested 45-year-old&nbsp; James Parr of Fairview on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for burglary, theft and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727988855703.png" alt="Parr photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Parr photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.On Tuesday,&nbsp;the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated a search warrant at 111 Flora St. #9 in Fairview, Kansas, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; Deputies arrested 45-year-old&nbsp; James Parr of Fairview on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for burglary, theft and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon jailed after drug task force investigation

We're halfway through the season as Week 6 of high school football in Missouri and Week 5 in Kansas is here! Below is a list of all of the games being played in the KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area!

Maryville (3-2) vs Benton (1-4)- Fri @7pm

Chillicothe (2-3) @ Lafayette (2-3)- Fri @7pm

St. Pius X (4-1) @ St. James Academy (Kan.) (1-3)- Fri @7pm

Bishop Leblond (4-1) @ Kansas City East Christian (Kan.) (1-4)-Fri @7pm

East Buchanan (4-1) vs Hamilton (3-2)- Fri @7pm

Lathrop (1-4) vs Mid-Buchanan (5-0)- Fri @7pm

North Platte (1-4) @ South Shelby (5-0)- Fri @7pm

Lawson (0-5) @ West Platte (2-3)- Fri @7pm

Plattsburg (3-1) @ New Heights Christian Academy (3-2)- Fri @7pm

South Harrison (5-0 vs Maysville (0-5)- Fri @7pm

Gallatin (2-3) vs Brookfield (5-0)- Fri @7pm

Putnam County (2-3) vs Polo (2-3)- Fri @7pm

King City (3-2) vs North Andrew (2-3)- Fri @7pm

Pattonsburg (1-3) vs St. Joseph Christian (2-3)- Fri @7pm

Princeton (2-3) vs Albany (5-0)- Fri @7pm

Stanberry (1-4) vs Worth County (3-2)- Fri @7pm

Platte Valley (4-1) @ South Holt (4-1)- Fri @7pm

Mound City (1-4) @ Dekalb (1-4)- Fri @7pm

East Atchison (1-4) @ Stewartsville- Osborn- Fri @7pm

Nodaway Valley (5-0) @ Rock Port (5-0)- Fri @7pm

We're halfway through the season as Week 6 of high school football in Missouri and Week 5 in Kansas is here! Below is a list of all of the games being played in the KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area!Tune into KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com) for Friday Night Lights with Matt Pike every Friday night of the regular season from 10- midnight. for scores and interviews with area coaches!MECCameron (0-5) @ Savannah (3-2)- Fri @7pmMaryville (3-2) vs Benton (1-4)- Fri @7pmChillicothe (2-3) @ Lafayette (2-3)- Fri @7pmSt. Pius X (4-1) @ St. James Academy (Kan.) (1-3)- Fri @7pmBishop Leblond (4-1) @ Kansas City East Christian (Kan.) (1-4)-Fri @7pmGreater KC SuburbanCentral (3-2) @ Oak Park (3-2)- Fri @7pmKCIEast Buchanan (4-1) vs Hamilton (3-2)- Fri @7pmLathrop (1-4) vs Mid-Buchanan (5-0)- Fri @7pmNorth Platte (1-4) @ South Shelby (5-0)- Fri @7pmLawson (0-5) @ West Platte (2-3)- Fri @7pmPlattsburg (3-1) @ New Heights Christian Academy (3-2)- Fri @7pmGRC 11-man (East Division)Trenton (1-4) @ Milan (3-2)- Fri @7pmSouth Harrison (5-0 vs Maysville (0-5)- Fri @7pmGallatin (2-3) vs Brookfield (5-0)- Fri @7pmPutnam County (2-3) vs Polo (2-3)- Fri @7pmGRC 8-man (West Division)King City (3-2) vs North Andrew (2-3)- Fri @7pmPattonsburg (1-3) vs St. Joseph Christian (2-3)- Fri @7pmPrinceton (2-3) vs Albany (5-0)- Fri @7pmStanberry (1-4) vs Worth County (3-2)- Fri @7pmPlatte Valley (4-1) @ South Holt (4-1)- Fri @7pmMound City (1-4) @ Dekalb (1-4)- Fri @7pm275 ConferenceEast Atchison (1-4) @ Stewartsville- Osborn- Fri @7pmNodaway Valley (5-0) @ Rock Port (5-0)- Fri @7pmNortheast KansasAtchison (3-1) @ Washington (4-0)Hiawatha (1-3) @ Hayden (3-1)Troy (3-1) @ Doniphan West (1-3)Riverside (3-1) vs Horton (1-3)

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area High School Football schedule Oct. 4th

The St. Joseph Public Library will host a program on the basics of voting for teenagers Monday evening at the Downtown Library.

Evelyn Holtzclaw, Senior Library Assistant of Teen Services, says one goal of the program is to teach how important voting is. "We'll have a presentation to start out, where we break down the voting process. We go over a fake, local election."

Holtzclaw adds that she will also discuss some close presidential elections throughout history, including the 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore.

The presentation will be followed by a simulation of an election. Holtzclaw emphasizes the candidates in the simulation will be imaginary, so as to not influence participants on the upcoming election. 

After hearing information about the imaginary candidates, participants will then visit a mock polling station and cast their votes. The votes will be tallied and the winners announced.

To attend, students must be at least 14-years old. According to Holtzclaw, participants who are 17 ½ years of age or older will have the opportunity to register to vote at the end of the program. "We will have voting applications on hand."

The program will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 Monday evening, October 7, at the Downtown St. Joseph Public Library.

For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sjpl.lib.mo.us/">sjpl.lib.mo.us</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720729481189.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Public Library" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Public Library will host a program on the basics of voting for teenagers Monday evening at the Downtown Library.Evelyn Holtzclaw, Senior Library Assistant of Teen Services, says one goal of the program is to teach how important voting is. "We'll have a presentation to start out, where we break down the voting process. We go over a fake, local election."Holtzclaw adds that she will also discuss some close presidential elections throughout history, including the 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore.The presentation will be followed by a simulation of an election. Holtzclaw emphasizes the candidates in the simulation will be imaginary, so as to not influence participants on the upcoming election. After hearing information about the imaginary candidates, participants will then visit a mock polling station and cast their votes. The votes will be tallied and the winners announced.To attend, students must be at least 14-years old. According to Holtzclaw, participants who are 17 ½ years of age or older will have the opportunity to register to vote at the end of the program. "We will have voting applications on hand."The program will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 Monday evening, October 7, at the Downtown St. Joseph Public Library.For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sjpl.lib.mo.us/">sjpl.lib.mo.us</a>.

St. Joseph Public Library to offer program for teens about voting

MERCER COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Harley Davidson Electric Glide driven by Wayne S. LaRue, 48, Clarinda, Iowa, was eastbound on U.S. 136 six miles east of Princeton.&nbsp;The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The motorcycle traveled off the north side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.

EMS transported LaRue Harrison County Community Hospital. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

MERCER COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Harley Davidson Electric Glide driven by Wayne S. LaRue, 48, Clarinda, Iowa, was eastbound on U.S. 136 six miles east of Princeton.&nbsp;The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The motorcycle traveled off the north side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.EMS transported LaRue Harrison County Community Hospital. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Motorcyclist injured in NW Missouri accident

Area residents will have a chance to sample several varieties of coffee and tea this Saturday in Downtown St. Joseph during the sixth annual Coffee Crawl to benefit The Dance Arts Performing Company's holiday production of The Nutcracker.

Marla Heeler, with The Dance Arts Performing Company, says the Coffee Crawl features eighteen local businesses. "The businesses provide the coffee so everyone can have a little taste of different fancy coffees from everywhere. We are so excited to have that many businesses involved."

Participants will get to meet their favorite characters from The Nutcracker, including Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen,&nbsp; Nutcracker Princess, Fritz and Drosselmeyer, along with numerous other cast members in the dance production.

Heeler says there is still time to purchase wristbands for the Coffee Crawl. "Our kickoff spot is Art Attack Studio so if they don't have their wristbands already, they can stop by that morning and get one."

Wristbands are $15 and can also be purchased in advance from any cast member, at The Dance Arts Center, and online at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/">Eventbrite.com</a>.

Heeler adds that the first 200 participants will receive a free Nutcracker coffee mug to commemorate the Coffee Crawl.

Local businesses serving coffee or tea samples this year include, Alchemy Tea Company, Art Attack Studio, Creative Arts Production [CAP], Downtown Frames, Felix Street Gourmet, Garden Gate Flowers, Hazel’s Coffee Bar, Juniper Lane Home Decor, Manic Snail, Mod Podge Boutique, Nesting Goods, Polished &amp; Pampered Salon, Schweetz Candy Company, The Den, The Frog Prince, The Story Collective, Toe Beans Coffee House, and Unique Unicorn.

The Coffee Crawl begins at 10:00 Saturday morning, October 5.

The Nutcracker will be performed at the Historic Missouri Theater with two shows on Saturday, December 7.

Heeler notes the proceeds from the Coffee Crawl will be used to offset theater rental, choreography, and other production costs. 

By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph PostArea residents will have a chance to sample several varieties of coffee and tea this Saturday in Downtown St. Joseph during the sixth annual Coffee Crawl to benefit The Dance Arts Performing Company's holiday production of The Nutcracker.Marla Heeler, with The Dance Arts Performing Company, says the Coffee Crawl features eighteen local businesses. "The businesses provide the coffee so everyone can have a little taste of different fancy coffees from everywhere. We are so excited to have that many businesses involved."Participants will get to meet their favorite characters from The Nutcracker, including Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen,&nbsp; Nutcracker Princess, Fritz and Drosselmeyer, along with numerous other cast members in the dance production.Heeler says there is still time to purchase wristbands for the Coffee Crawl. "Our kickoff spot is Art Attack Studio so if they don't have their wristbands already, they can stop by that morning and get one."Wristbands are $15 and can also be purchased in advance from any cast member, at The Dance Arts Center, and online at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/">Eventbrite.com</a>.Heeler adds that the first 200 participants will receive a free Nutcracker coffee mug to commemorate the Coffee Crawl.Local businesses serving coffee or tea samples this year include, Alchemy Tea Company, Art Attack Studio, Creative Arts Production [CAP], Downtown Frames, Felix Street Gourmet, Garden Gate Flowers, Hazel’s Coffee Bar, Juniper Lane Home Decor, Manic Snail, Mod Podge Boutique, Nesting Goods, Polished &amp; Pampered Salon, Schweetz Candy Company, The Den, The Frog Prince, The Story Collective, Toe Beans Coffee House, and Unique Unicorn.The Coffee Crawl begins at 10:00 Saturday morning, October 5.The Nutcracker will be performed at the Historic Missouri Theater with two shows on Saturday, December 7.Heeler notes the proceeds from the Coffee Crawl will be used to offset theater rental, choreography, and other production costs.

Coffee Crawl to benefit The Dance Arts Performing Company’s holiday production of 'The Nutcracker'

High school students interested in joining the manufacturing workforce in St. Joseph will have an opportunity to meet with some potential employers during an event today.  

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Director of Communications Kristi Bailey says manufacturing day is open to students interested in manufacturing 

"They go in and visit some of our local employers, so that's always an interesting day, because they're learning things in school but then they get to go out and see hands on what working in the field is like and get to ask questions, that's always an interesting day," Bailey tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  

The Chamber hopes that the tours will show students the opportunities for high paying jobs in manufacturing.  

One of the top workforce initiatives in the area will once again welcome area high school seniors to come explore careers around St. Joseph and the surrounding area.  

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce My Success event will be October 15th and 16th at Civic Arena.  

Bailey says students who attend My Success will meet with all kinds of potential employers 

"It might be in accounting, it might be in healthcare, so it's really geared to just let students know that no matter what you want to do, you can find a job, a career, in St. Joseph," Bailey explains.  

Bailey says from working the event herself, she's seen students have some eye-opening experiences as they ask questions of employers 

"A lot of kids they don't know what they want to do, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, so to be able to talk to real professionals in so many fields I think is an eye-opening experience," Bailey says.  

Bailey says many employers that attend the event will bring hands on experiences for high school seniors to learn about the job. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post High school students interested in joining the manufacturing workforce in St. Joseph will have an opportunity to meet with some potential employers during an event today. St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Director of Communications Kristi Bailey says manufacturing day is open to students interested in manufacturing "They go in and visit some of our local employers, so that's always an interesting day, because they're learning things in school but then they get to go out and see hands on what working in the field is like and get to ask questions, that's always an interesting day," Bailey tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. The Chamber hopes that the tours will show students the opportunities for high paying jobs in manufacturing. One of the top workforce initiatives in the area will once again welcome area high school seniors to come explore careers around St. Joseph and the surrounding area. The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce My Success event will be October 15th and 16th at Civic Arena. Bailey says students who attend My Success will meet with all kinds of potential employers "It might be in accounting, it might be in healthcare, so it's really geared to just let students know that no matter what you want to do, you can find a job, a career, in St. Joseph," Bailey explains. Bailey says from working the event herself, she's seen students have some eye-opening experiences as they ask questions of employers "A lot of kids they don't know what they want to do, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, so to be able to talk to real professionals in so many fields I think is an eye-opening experience," Bailey says. Bailey says many employers that attend the event will bring hands on experiences for high school seniors to learn about the job. "Mosaic they bring out different things, like surgical tech things, so the students are able to see oh I move this with my hand, and I can see it on the screen what it would do inside a body," Bailey points out. "And there's just so many hands-on tools that happen at the My Success event." My Success is expected to welcome in more than 2.000 students from 50 area schools. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.