TOPEKA —The Kansas Department of Agriculture has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two game bird operations — one in&nbsp; Doniphan County and one in Rooks County, according to a media release from the agency.

 These mark the first commercial operations with HPAI in Kansas since early spring of 2024, although the virus has been confirmed this fall in wild birds across the state and some backyard flocks.

KDA is working with the operations with assistance from local officials to respond at the affected premises. Those premises have been placed under quarantine and the birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner to prevent the spread of the disease.

In addition, KDA will be establishing a surveillance zone around the infected premises, and other farms or properties with poultry that fall within that zone will not be allowed to move birds or poultry products on or off their property without permission from KDA. The animal health team is working to locate all poultry owners in the area to ensure they know the symptoms of HPAI and are taking critical steps to protect their birds. If you own poultry and live in Doniphan or Rooks counties, please contact KDA at 833-765-2006 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDA.HPAI@ks.gov">KDA.HPAI@ks.gov</a>. You can also self-report your birds at&nbsp;<a href="https://fs22.formsite.com/KansasDeptAg/zlb9fcr9oc/index.html">https://fs22.formsite.com/KansasDeptAg/zlb9fcr9oc/index.html</a>.

KDA has been reminding poultry owners of the increased risk of HPAI as a result of the fall migration season. Testing continues to reinforce that migratory wild birds, particularly waterfowl, are the primary source of the spread of HPAI, so a critical part of protecting your flock is to establish separation between your domestic birds and wild birds as they migrate through your region. Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza">agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza</a>.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Poultry owners should attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.

If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.&nbsp;

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2f%3furl%3dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fflu%252Favianflu%252Fspotlights%252F2021-2022%252Fbird-flu-poses-low-risk-public.htm%26data%3d04%257C01%257CHeather.Lansdowne%2540ks.gov%257Cdcfca033eb9449ca399708da038ec6b5%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C637826209006215717%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C3000%26sdata%3dc7SUuX%252BX44iSBrUj1crcW5Ao0hsggmJrjVpe1bf1Lk0%253D%26reserved%3d0&amp;____isexternal=true">do not present an immediate public health concern</a>&nbsp;or a food safety concern.&nbsp; As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

For more information about HPAI, including more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza">agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza</a>&nbsp;or call KDA at 833-765-2006.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747978622.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The Kansas Department of Agriculture has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two game bird operations — one in&nbsp; Doniphan County and one in Rooks County, according to a media release from the agency. These mark the first commercial operations with HPAI in Kansas since early spring of 2024, although the virus has been confirmed this fall in wild birds across the state and some backyard flocks.KDA is working with the operations with assistance from local officials to respond at the affected premises. Those premises have been placed under quarantine and the birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner to prevent the spread of the disease.In addition, KDA will be establishing a surveillance zone around the infected premises, and other farms or properties with poultry that fall within that zone will not be allowed to move birds or poultry products on or off their property without permission from KDA. The animal health team is working to locate all poultry owners in the area to ensure they know the symptoms of HPAI and are taking critical steps to protect their birds. If you own poultry and live in Doniphan or Rooks counties, please contact KDA at 833-765-2006 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDA.HPAI@ks.gov">KDA.HPAI@ks.gov</a>. You can also self-report your birds at&nbsp;<a href="https://fs22.formsite.com/KansasDeptAg/zlb9fcr9oc/index.html">https://fs22.formsite.com/KansasDeptAg/zlb9fcr9oc/index.html</a>.KDA has been reminding poultry owners of the increased risk of HPAI as a result of the fall migration season. Testing continues to reinforce that migratory wild birds, particularly waterfowl, are the primary source of the spread of HPAI, so a critical part of protecting your flock is to establish separation between your domestic birds and wild birds as they migrate through your region. Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza">agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza</a>.Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Poultry owners should attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.&nbsp;According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2f%3furl%3dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fflu%252Favianflu%252Fspotlights%252F2021-2022%252Fbird-flu-poses-low-risk-public.htm%26data%3d04%257C01%257CHeather.Lansdowne%2540ks.gov%257Cdcfca033eb9449ca399708da038ec6b5%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C637826209006215717%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C3000%26sdata%3dc7SUuX%252BX44iSBrUj1crcW5Ao0hsggmJrjVpe1bf1Lk0%253D%26reserved%3d0&amp;____isexternal=true">do not present an immediate public health concern</a>&nbsp;or a food safety concern.&nbsp; As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.For more information about HPAI, including more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza">agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza</a>&nbsp;or call KDA at 833-765-2006.

Bird flu found in Doniphan county

Fresh off the heels of the Bill Snyder Women's basketball classic, Civic Arena will turn around and host high school basketball starting tomorrow. 

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says the third annual Holiday Hoops Classic begins tomorrow and runs through this weekend.  

"16 games over three days, it tips off Thursday, December 19th, so the thing that was really important us, was we wanted to make sure our county high schools, every single one of them, got to play and that's the case for seven of the eight this year," Esely tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "And you might say well what happened to the eighth, well didn't work out for East Buchanan this year, because of scheduling, and opponents, and trying to find dates." 

Esely says the action in the Holiday Hoops Classic begin tomorrow with the Lafayette girls taking on Columbia Battle 

"We're trying to bring teams in from outside the area that maybe our teams don't play that often or haven't been here, so Battle High School from Columbia will come up and play Lafayette to tip off the event at 6pm," Eseley says.  "And then the Lafayette boys will play Oak Park from Kansas City, that matchup is intriguing because the Lafayette boys, predominantly strong program, they were in the state final four in 2023, well the Oak Park boys were in the final four last year." 

Holiday Hoops will also see matchups featuring Bishop LeBlond, Savannah, Benton, St. Joseph Christian, North Platte, Mid-Buchanan, and Central. 

Esely says his team prides itself on providing an experience, saying it's a big deal for these high schools to come play at Civic Arena 

"We dress it up for them just how we would dress it up for a national championship or a division one game, or our college showcases, we treat all of these events the same, like an experience," Esely explains.  "I think our coaches and student athletes appreciate that, because what are we trying to prepare them to do? We're trying to prepare them postseason play and what they might see in March, and I think it's a big deal for them to come downtown and play in St. Joe." 

Tickets can be purchased online at the St. Joseph Sports Commission website, or on the day of at Civic Arena. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734540029337.jpeg" alt="The third annual Holiday Hoops classic, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission tips off tomorrow at Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission" />
 <figcaption>The third annual Holiday Hoops classic, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission tips off tomorrow at Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Fresh off the heels of the Bill Snyder Women's basketball classic, Civic Arena will turn around and host high school basketball starting tomorrow. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says the third annual Holiday Hoops Classic begins tomorrow and runs through this weekend. "16 games over three days, it tips off Thursday, December 19th, so the thing that was really important us, was we wanted to make sure our county high schools, every single one of them, got to play and that's the case for seven of the eight this year," Esely tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And you might say well what happened to the eighth, well didn't work out for East Buchanan this year, because of scheduling, and opponents, and trying to find dates." Esely says the action in the Holiday Hoops Classic begin tomorrow with the Lafayette girls taking on Columbia Battle "We're trying to bring teams in from outside the area that maybe our teams don't play that often or haven't been here, so Battle High School from Columbia will come up and play Lafayette to tip off the event at 6pm," Eseley says. "And then the Lafayette boys will play Oak Park from Kansas City, that matchup is intriguing because the Lafayette boys, predominantly strong program, they were in the state final four in 2023, well the Oak Park boys were in the final four last year." Holiday Hoops will also see matchups featuring Bishop LeBlond, Savannah, Benton, St. Joseph Christian, North Platte, Mid-Buchanan, and Central. Esely says his team prides itself on providing an experience, saying it's a big deal for these high schools to come play at Civic Arena "We dress it up for them just how we would dress it up for a national championship or a division one game, or our college showcases, we treat all of these events the same, like an experience," Esely explains. "I think our coaches and student athletes appreciate that, because what are we trying to prepare them to do? We're trying to prepare them postseason play and what they might see in March, and I think it's a big deal for them to come downtown and play in St. Joe." Tickets can be purchased online at the St. Joseph Sports Commission website, or on the day of at Civic Arena. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjomosportscommission%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0yiETXVEsjPPoGKAzFWUUhMwgq1ZgVs3g4GCBCsS7dUJPQTWyyM2dS5zUZ4HBXLS4l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="792" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Third annual Holiday Hoops tips off tomorrow at Civic Arena

Elizabeth Newell, East Buchanan High School

Zamuel Brushwood, East Buchanan High School

Jackson Cline, St. Joseph Christian School

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734538901924.jpeg" alt="Students pictured (from left):&nbsp; Seated: Sophia Jura, Emma Loehnig, Sophia Mattson, Raychel McCamy, Elizabeth Newell, Cathy Nguyen, Andrea Simmons, and Gracie Wimes. Standing: Zamuel Brushwood, Cy Carlson, Ivan Chatfield, Jackson Cline, Michael Higdon, DeMare' Howard, Gage Proper, and Dalton Suman. Photo courtesy of the&nbsp;Cotillion for Achievement" />
 <figcaption>Students pictured (from left):&nbsp; Seated: Sophia Jura, Emma Loehnig, Sophia Mattson, Raychel McCamy, Elizabeth Newell, Cathy Nguyen, Andrea Simmons, and Gracie Wimes. Standing: Zamuel Brushwood, Cy Carlson, Ivan Chatfield, Jackson Cline, Michael Higdon, DeMare' Howard, Gage Proper, and Dalton Suman. Photo courtesy of the&nbsp;Cotillion for Achievement</figcaption>
 </figure>Cotillion for Achievement Class of 2025:Sophia Jura, Central High SchoolEmma Loehnig, Benton High SchoolSophia Mattson, Lafayette High SchoolRaychel McCamy, Central High SchoolElizabeth Newell, East Buchanan High SchoolCathy Nguyen, Lafayette High SchoolAndrea Simmons, Benton High SchoolGracie Wilmes, North Andrew High SchoolZamuel Brushwood, East Buchanan High SchoolCy Carlson, St. Joseph Christian SchoolIvan Chatfield, Central High SchoolJackson Cline, St. Joseph Christian SchoolMichael Higdon, Central High SchoolDeMare' Howard, Lafayette High SchoolGage Phroper, Benton High SchoolDalton Suman, Lafayette High School

St. Joseph Cotillion for Achievement 2025 class released

St. Joseph’s Sound of Speed Airshow has won a prestigious
honor, being named the “Best Military Show Site” for 2024.

The recognition comes from the United States Air
Force Thunderbirds who performed at the air show held at Rosecrans Memorial
Airport in September that drew thousands to the airport. It is the second time
the airshow at Rosecrans has won the award. The Thunderbirds also honored the
St. Joseph airshow in 2021.

The award honors the contributions of the National
Air Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing, the City of St. Joseph, Rosecrans
Memorial Airport, and the Airshow’s Executive Committee.

St. Joseph was selected for the award from a field
of roughly 75 military airshow sites.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph’s Sound of Speed Airshow has won a prestigious
honor, being named the “Best Military Show Site” for 2024.The recognition comes from the United States Air
Force Thunderbirds who performed at the air show held at Rosecrans Memorial
Airport in September that drew thousands to the airport. It is the second time
the airshow at Rosecrans has won the award. The Thunderbirds also honored the
St. Joseph airshow in 2021.The award honors the contributions of the National
Air Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing, the City of St. Joseph, Rosecrans
Memorial Airport, and the Airshow’s Executive Committee.St. Joseph was selected for the award from a field
of roughly 75 military airshow sites.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Sound of Speed Airshow at Rosecrans wins national award

Four finalists to become the next superintendent of the St.
Joseph School District have gone before the Board of Education as well as the
news media.

Two of the finalists are officials in the St. Joseph School
District. Ashly McGinnis is Assistant Superintendent of Academic and Education
Services. Lara Gilpin is the Director of Secondary Education. The other two
finalists are Laura Nelson with the School of the Osage School District and
Jami Jo Thompson with Norfolk, Nebraska Public Schools.

McGinnis tells reporters she is well prepared to step in and
take over the role.

“I have a genuine care for the students, the staff. I’ve pretty
much been raised here my whole life; lived most of my life in St. Joseph. I
have a genuine care for our community,” McGinnis says. “I know that we have
made a lot of progress with Vision Forward, with our long-range plan and I want
to see those other action steps come to life.”

The only candidate from outside Missouri is Thompson, who has
been superintendent with the Norfolk district for 11 ½ years.

“And I think that experience is important to this role,
because I have led three strategic long-range planning initiatives which will
be very important to the district moving forward as they have a very ambitious
long-range plan that is going to be implemented soon,” Thompson says.

Gilpin says her 32 years with the district qualifies her for
the post, especially her work now as Director of Secondary Education.

“In that role, I’ve had a lot more opportunity to be in the
community and in partnership and really it lends itself to the bigger picture,”
Gilpin says. “Also, working with Dr. Edgar on the superintendent’s cabinet, I’ve
been able to work hand-in-hand with Dr. Edgar and the team on our long-range
plan, our CSIP (Continuous Strategic Improvement Plan), and all of those
components that make up the whole picture.”

An outsider of sorts is Nelson, who has served the past five
years as superintendent of the School of the Osage. But Nelson points out, she
has strong ties to St. Joseph.

“I bring in a wealth of experience and a love of St. Joseph,” Nelson
says. “I have grown up here, off-and-on, for many years. We still have a home
here and I’m just very excited about the opportunity to bring my dedication
back.”

The St. Joseph Board of Education interviewed each of the
finalists, who then took a tour of the district.

Superintendent Gabe Edgar informed the Board of Education he
would retire at the end of the school year to pursue opportunities in the
private sector. Edgar became superintendent in 2022.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFour finalists to become the next superintendent of the St.
Joseph School District have gone before the Board of Education as well as the
news media.Two of the finalists are officials in the St. Joseph School
District. Ashly McGinnis is Assistant Superintendent of Academic and Education
Services. Lara Gilpin is the Director of Secondary Education. The other two
finalists are Laura Nelson with the School of the Osage School District and
Jami Jo Thompson with Norfolk, Nebraska Public Schools.McGinnis tells reporters she is well prepared to step in and
take over the role.“I have a genuine care for the students, the staff. I’ve pretty
much been raised here my whole life; lived most of my life in St. Joseph. I
have a genuine care for our community,” McGinnis says. “I know that we have
made a lot of progress with Vision Forward, with our long-range plan and I want
to see those other action steps come to life.”The only candidate from outside Missouri is Thompson, who has
been superintendent with the Norfolk district for 11 ½ years.“And I think that experience is important to this role,
because I have led three strategic long-range planning initiatives which will
be very important to the district moving forward as they have a very ambitious
long-range plan that is going to be implemented soon,” Thompson says.Gilpin says her 32 years with the district qualifies her for
the post, especially her work now as Director of Secondary Education.“In that role, I’ve had a lot more opportunity to be in the
community and in partnership and really it lends itself to the bigger picture,”
Gilpin says. “Also, working with Dr. Edgar on the superintendent’s cabinet, I’ve
been able to work hand-in-hand with Dr. Edgar and the team on our long-range
plan, our CSIP (Continuous Strategic Improvement Plan), and all of those
components that make up the whole picture.”An outsider of sorts is Nelson, who has served the past five
years as superintendent of the School of the Osage. But Nelson points out, she
has strong ties to St. Joseph.“I bring in a wealth of experience and a love of St. Joseph,” Nelson
says. “I have grown up here, off-and-on, for many years. We still have a home
here and I’m just very excited about the opportunity to bring my dedication
back.”The St. Joseph Board of Education interviewed each of the
finalists, who then took a tour of the district.Superintendent Gabe Edgar informed the Board of Education he
would retire at the end of the school year to pursue opportunities in the
private sector. Edgar became superintendent in 2022.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Four finalists for St. Joseph school superintendent interview with school board

U.S. senator from Kansas calls Department of Energy transmission program ‘a dangerous overreach of federal authority’

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-kite/">ALLISON KITE</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Members of Kansas’ congressional delegation celebrated the federal government’s decision Monday to remove a proposed electric transmission line route from a program offering assistance for power infrastructure projects.

The U.S. Department of Energy earlier this year announced a list of preliminary “<a href="https://www.energy.gov/gdo/national-interest-electric-transmission-corridor-designation-process" target="_blank">National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors</a>” to offer financial assistance and permits to transmission line builders in areas with little infrastructure.

One of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/09/27/transmission-line-developer-asks-for-narrower-corridor-through-kansas-nearby-states/">corridors the agency initially proposed</a>&nbsp;was the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/grain-belt-express/" target="_blank">Grain Belt Express</a>, a 5,000-megawatt transmission line expected to run from Kansas to Indiana proposed by Chicago-based Invenergy. The Grain Belt route was dropped from the program when the Department of Energy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/gdo/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-three-high-priority-areas-advancing-national" target="_blank">narrowed the proposed corridors Monday</a>.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, said the program “represented a dangerous overreach of federal authority,” and on Monday took credit for the Department of Energy’s removal of the Grain Belt route.

“We are glad to report that we won this battle, and Kansans voices were heard at the highest levels,” he said.

But the Department of Energy’s decision Monday will not keep the Grain Belt Express transmission line from being built. While the agency’s program helps obtain permits for transmission projects that can’t get state approval, Invenergy has already obtained state approvals for Grain Belt.

“This designation was not required for the project to continue to advance toward construction,” said Patrick Whitty, senior vice president of public affairs for transmission at Invenergy.

Whitty said in a statement that Invenergy, too, asked that the Grain Belt route be removed from consideration for the Department of Energy program and was pleased the agency listened.

Grain Belt Express is expected to run from southwest Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/07/11/grain-belt-express-announces-expansion-that-means-more-clean-energy-for-missouri/" target="_blank">carrying renewable energy through Missouri</a>&nbsp;and Illinois before ending at the Indiana border. To do so, the line has to cross thousands of properties and needs easements on landowners’ properties across three states.

Invenergy says it has obtained the vast majority of those easements through voluntary negotiations with landowners. For the rest, the project was granted the right of eminent domain, a legal mechanism that allows utilities and governments to take land or easements from unwilling landowners and compensate them.

Grain Belt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/08/missouri-governor-to-sign-compromise-legislation-after-efforts-to-stymie-grain-belt-express/" target="_blank">ability to use eminent domain has drawn the ire</a>&nbsp;of Republican lawmakers and farm groups who&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/04/19/grain-belt-transmission-line-forges-ahead-amid-landowner-lawmaker-pushback/" target="_blank">fought to undermine the project at the Missouri General Assembly</a>&nbsp;for years.

Now federal lawmakers from Kansas, including Marshall, Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann are railing against the project.

Mann called Monday’s announcement a “huge win for Kansans.”

“Kansans made it clear from the very beginning that we were not interested in the federal government seizing our private land,” Mann said.

Moran said the decision to allow projects like Grain Belt Express “should be left up to Kansans, not Washington.”

In Missouri, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley has taken issue with a $4.9 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/lpo/articles/lpo-announces-conditional-commitment-grain-belt-express-construct-high-voltage-direct" target="_blank">loan the Department of Energy offered to the Grain Belt project</a>.

<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hawley-Letter-to-Biden-Energy-Department-re-Grain-Belt-Express.pdf" target="_blank">Hawley wrote a letter</a>&nbsp;to U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm saying the Grain Belt line will wreak havoc on landowners.

“Your decision to commit funding to the Grain Belt Express via conditional loan comes after repeated refusals to engage with my constituents,” Hawley said, “who live in constant fear of their land being confiscated.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734452717911.png" alt="&nbsp;The Grain Belt Express transmission line can still move forward despite removal from a Department of Energy program meant to help spur transmission development in areas with limited infrastructure. (Robert Zullo/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The Grain Belt Express transmission line can still move forward despite removal from a Department of Energy program meant to help spur transmission development in areas with limited infrastructure. (Robert Zullo/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>U.S. senator from Kansas calls Department of Energy transmission program ‘a dangerous overreach of federal authority’</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-kite/">ALLISON KITE</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>Members of Kansas’ congressional delegation celebrated the federal government’s decision Monday to remove a proposed electric transmission line route from a program offering assistance for power infrastructure projects.But the project will still move forward.The U.S. Department of Energy earlier this year announced a list of preliminary “<a href="https://www.energy.gov/gdo/national-interest-electric-transmission-corridor-designation-process" target="_blank">National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors</a>” to offer financial assistance and permits to transmission line builders in areas with little infrastructure.One of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/09/27/transmission-line-developer-asks-for-narrower-corridor-through-kansas-nearby-states/">corridors the agency initially proposed</a>&nbsp;was the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/grain-belt-express/" target="_blank">Grain Belt Express</a>, a 5,000-megawatt transmission line expected to run from Kansas to Indiana proposed by Chicago-based Invenergy. The Grain Belt route was dropped from the program when the Department of Energy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/gdo/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-three-high-priority-areas-advancing-national" target="_blank">narrowed the proposed corridors Monday</a>.U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, said the program “represented a dangerous overreach of federal authority,” and on Monday took credit for the Department of Energy’s removal of the Grain Belt route.“We are glad to report that we won this battle, and Kansans voices were heard at the highest levels,” he said.But the Department of Energy’s decision Monday will not keep the Grain Belt Express transmission line from being built. While the agency’s program helps obtain permits for transmission projects that can’t get state approval, Invenergy has already obtained state approvals for Grain Belt.“This designation was not required for the project to continue to advance toward construction,” said Patrick Whitty, senior vice president of public affairs for transmission at Invenergy.Whitty said in a statement that Invenergy, too, asked that the Grain Belt route be removed from consideration for the Department of Energy program and was pleased the agency listened.Grain Belt Express is expected to run from southwest Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/07/11/grain-belt-express-announces-expansion-that-means-more-clean-energy-for-missouri/" target="_blank">carrying renewable energy through Missouri</a>&nbsp;and Illinois before ending at the Indiana border. To do so, the line has to cross thousands of properties and needs easements on landowners’ properties across three states.Invenergy says it has obtained the vast majority of those easements through voluntary negotiations with landowners. For the rest, the project was granted the right of eminent domain, a legal mechanism that allows utilities and governments to take land or easements from unwilling landowners and compensate them.Grain Belt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/08/missouri-governor-to-sign-compromise-legislation-after-efforts-to-stymie-grain-belt-express/" target="_blank">ability to use eminent domain has drawn the ire</a>&nbsp;of Republican lawmakers and farm groups who&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/04/19/grain-belt-transmission-line-forges-ahead-amid-landowner-lawmaker-pushback/" target="_blank">fought to undermine the project at the Missouri General Assembly</a>&nbsp;for years.Now federal lawmakers from Kansas, including Marshall, Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann are railing against the project.Mann called Monday’s announcement a “huge win for Kansans.”“Kansans made it clear from the very beginning that we were not interested in the federal government seizing our private land,” Mann said.Moran said the decision to allow projects like Grain Belt Express “should be left up to Kansans, not Washington.”In Missouri, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley has taken issue with a $4.9 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/lpo/articles/lpo-announces-conditional-commitment-grain-belt-express-construct-high-voltage-direct" target="_blank">loan the Department of Energy offered to the Grain Belt project</a>.<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hawley-Letter-to-Biden-Energy-Department-re-Grain-Belt-Express.pdf" target="_blank">Hawley wrote a letter</a>&nbsp;to U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm saying the Grain Belt line will wreak havoc on landowners.“Your decision to commit funding to the Grain Belt Express via conditional loan comes after repeated refusals to engage with my constituents,” Hawley said, “who live in constant fear of their land being confiscated.”

Grain Belt route removed from federal transmission program — but project will go forward

Lebanon, Missouri City Administrator Mike Schumacher has been named the
new St. Joseph City Manager.

Schumacher has more than 34 years experience in local government,
including a stint as Kansas City, Missouri Assistant City Manager. 

St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale says Schumacher’s background
in public safety, labor relations, fiscal management, and housing makes him the
ideal person for the job.

“Mike exhibited all the qualifications City Council members
were looking for in a candidate.” Josendale said in a written statement released by the city.
“Council is looking forward to supporting his efforts in leading our organization,
and the difference he will make in the community. I am confident he will excel in
this role.”

The city hopes to have a contract confirmed by January 6th
with Schumacher’s beginning work at St. Joseph City Hall on January 21st. He
will be paid $190,000 annually.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734520648231.jpeg" alt="Mike Schumacher/Photo courtesy of St. Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Mike Schumacher/Photo courtesy of St. Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostLebanon, Missouri City Administrator Mike Schumacher has been named the
new St. Joseph City Manager.Schumacher has more than 34 years experience in local government,
including a stint as Kansas City, Missouri Assistant City Manager. St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale says Schumacher’s background
in public safety, labor relations, fiscal management, and housing makes him the
ideal person for the job.“Mike exhibited all the qualifications City Council members
were looking for in a candidate.” Josendale said in a written statement released by the city.
“Council is looking forward to supporting his efforts in leading our organization,
and the difference he will make in the community. I am confident he will excel in
this role.”The city hopes to have a contract confirmed by January 6th
with Schumacher’s beginning work at St. Joseph City Hall on January 21st. He
will be paid $190,000 annually.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Lebanon City Administrator chosen as next St. Joseph City Manager

Missouri Western State University is holding an inaugural "Education Day" basketball game tomorrow as the men's basketball team takes on Kansas Christian College 

Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says the idea for the event, coined "Field Trip with the Griffs", came after discussions of doing something with the St. Joseph School District.  

Menley says the University has done events like this in the past, but previously they had always been during night games, but this year Menley had a new idea. 

"Let's schedule a game for 11am, where it is a true field trip," Menley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And with the St. Joseph School District really focusing on their attendance incentives and everything else, it really was a natural fit with the school district, and then with the other surrounding schools in the area that we could pull from to really make this a special event." 

2,000 students from the St. Joseph School District and other area schools will take a field trip to campus for the Griffons men's basketball game. 

Menley says the field trip was a surprise for the top two attending grades at each school 

"You do the right things during the regular season, or during the school year, and you get rewarded with an experience that's something you hope to remember," Menley says. 

Menely says it also is twofold and helps benefit the University as it looks to interest students in to attending Missouri Western in the future 

"We want to get the next generation of Griffons out here, and I would question how many of these 2,000 have maybe ever been to a college basketball game," Menley explains.  "And so, I think it's a win-win situation." 

The top two attending grades from the 13 elementary schools in the district as well as St. Joseph Christian, Cathedral, Mid-Buchanan, and St. Francis – Xavier will be participating. 

Menley says this isn't the only effort the University has made to collaborate with the district, pointing out the men's basketball team has essentially adopted the third grade at Hyde Elementary 

"They go and visit the third graders and talk about the importance of attendance, and that's not just a one-time thing, that's a yearlong thing that our basketball team works with," Menley points out.  "And does that payoff? Yes, it does, because of course one of the grades that had the highest attendance that's attending the game, is the third graders at Hyde Elementary." 

Students and faculty will get free attendance into tomorrow's game against Kansas Christian.   

Students attending will also get a yellow Griffons t shirt that says "admit one" on it, which Menley says is their season ticket to any game in the future at Missouri Western. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734455414844.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western State University men's basketball will host the first ever Education Day game, welcoming several area students to take a "Field Trip with the Griffs"/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western State University men's basketball will host the first ever Education Day game, welcoming several area students to take a "Field Trip with the Griffs"/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University is holding an inaugural "Education Day" basketball game tomorrow as the men's basketball team takes on Kansas Christian College Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says the idea for the event, coined "Field Trip with the Griffs", came after discussions of doing something with the St. Joseph School District. Menley says the University has done events like this in the past, but previously they had always been during night games, but this year Menley had a new idea. "Let's schedule a game for 11am, where it is a true field trip," Menley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And with the St. Joseph School District really focusing on their attendance incentives and everything else, it really was a natural fit with the school district, and then with the other surrounding schools in the area that we could pull from to really make this a special event." 2,000 students from the St. Joseph School District and other area schools will take a field trip to campus for the Griffons men's basketball game. Menley says the field trip was a surprise for the top two attending grades at each school "You do the right things during the regular season, or during the school year, and you get rewarded with an experience that's something you hope to remember," Menley says. Menely says it also is twofold and helps benefit the University as it looks to interest students in to attending Missouri Western in the future "We want to get the next generation of Griffons out here, and I would question how many of these 2,000 have maybe ever been to a college basketball game," Menley explains. "And so, I think it's a win-win situation." The top two attending grades from the 13 elementary schools in the district as well as St. Joseph Christian, Cathedral, Mid-Buchanan, and St. Francis – Xavier will be participating. Menley says this isn't the only effort the University has made to collaborate with the district, pointing out the men's basketball team has essentially adopted the third grade at Hyde Elementary "They go and visit the third graders and talk about the importance of attendance, and that's not just a one-time thing, that's a yearlong thing that our basketball team works with," Menley points out. "And does that payoff? Yes, it does, because of course one of the grades that had the highest attendance that's attending the game, is the third graders at Hyde Elementary." Students and faculty will get free attendance into tomorrow's game against Kansas Christian. Students attending will also get a yellow Griffons t shirt that says "admit one" on it, which Menley says is their season ticket to any game in the future at Missouri Western. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Griffons host area students in first Education Day game

HARRISON COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Monday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford Fusion driven by a 58-year-old woman from Gillman City was southbound on MO 13 at Route MM four miles south of Bethany.

While attempting a turn onto Route MM, the car struck a northbound 2018 Ford F150 driven by a 44-year-old Bethany woman.

Lifeflight transported the Bethany woman to Research Medical Center. NTA ambulance transported the Gillman City woman to Harrison County Community Hospital. The driver of the pickup was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Monday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ford Fusion driven by a 58-year-old woman from Gillman City was southbound on MO 13 at Route MM four miles south of Bethany.While attempting a turn onto Route MM, the car struck a northbound 2018 Ford F150 driven by a 44-year-old Bethany woman.Lifeflight transported the Bethany woman to Research Medical Center. NTA ambulance transported the Gillman City woman to Harrison County Community Hospital. The driver of the pickup was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman air-lifted to hospital after car, pickup crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Monday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford F350 driven by a 26-year-old Jamesport man was westbound on MO 190 one mile west of Jamesport.

The pickup rear-ended a 2019 Freightliner driven by a 47-year-old Trenton man who had slowed to turn into a private drive.

Daviess County ambulance transported a 28-year-old passenger in the semi to Wright Memorial Hospital. The drivers were not injured. The pickup driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Monday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Ford F350 driven by a 26-year-old Jamesport man was westbound on MO 190 one mile west of Jamesport.The pickup rear-ended a 2019 Freightliner driven by a 47-year-old Trenton man who had slowed to turn into a private drive.Daviess County ambulance transported a 28-year-old passenger in the semi to Wright Memorial Hospital. The drivers were not injured. The pickup driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man injured after pickup rear-ends a semi

The Missouri Western Center for Service is helping get students out to volunteer within the community and helping them gain life experience along the way.  

Director Kim Sigrist says it was a successful fall semester with 174 serving dates since August 1st  

"So that's us going out as a group, that's also just our students going out individually, so we kind of track things by that," Sigrist tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "Our students have volunteered 1,072 hours since August 1st, we've had 257 volunteers." 

Sigrist says one thing done every week during the semester is a GIVE day, or Griffons in Volunteer Engagement. 

"We plan a volunteer opportunity in the community at a number of different places," Sigrist explains.  "And it's just a really safe way for our students to feel like they can go out and volunteer, it's already kind of set up, we're going along with them so it's not so intimidating that they're going by themselves." 

Sigrist says there were 13 GIVE events during the fall semester which helped organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank, the open-door food kitchen. 

Students also held a cleanup event at Mt. Mora cemetery to spread the service around the community, giving students the opportunity to make an impact.  

Sigrist says while there are several benefits for students, one of the biggest benefits is free general elective credits.  

"For 40 hours of volunteerism, that's verified, they do a survey at the end of their service, they write a reflection paper, and they debrief with me, and then they're awarded a free credit hour, free general elective credit hour," Sigrist says.  "So that's kind of the biggie that we talk about in terms of the benefit." 

Sigrist says the other big piece is within the community and the network it helps students build outside of the university.  

Sigrist adds the program used to track volunteerism shows economic impact as well and the program shows an economic impact of $33,500 during the fall semester. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734355389154.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western students pick up litter during the 2024 Griffs Give back Event/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western students pick up litter during the 2024 Griffs Give back Event/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Missouri Western Center for Service is helping get students out to volunteer within the community and helping them gain life experience along the way. Director Kim Sigrist says it was a successful fall semester with 174 serving dates since August 1st "So that's us going out as a group, that's also just our students going out individually, so we kind of track things by that," Sigrist tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "Our students have volunteered 1,072 hours since August 1st, we've had 257 volunteers." Sigrist says one thing done every week during the semester is a GIVE day, or Griffons in Volunteer Engagement. "We plan a volunteer opportunity in the community at a number of different places," Sigrist explains. "And it's just a really safe way for our students to feel like they can go out and volunteer, it's already kind of set up, we're going along with them so it's not so intimidating that they're going by themselves." Sigrist says there were 13 GIVE events during the fall semester which helped organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank, the open-door food kitchen. Students also held a cleanup event at Mt. Mora cemetery to spread the service around the community, giving students the opportunity to make an impact. Sigrist says while there are several benefits for students, one of the biggest benefits is free general elective credits. "For 40 hours of volunteerism, that's verified, they do a survey at the end of their service, they write a reflection paper, and they debrief with me, and then they're awarded a free credit hour, free general elective credit hour," Sigrist says. "So that's kind of the biggie that we talk about in terms of the benefit." Sigrist says the other big piece is within the community and the network it helps students build outside of the university. Sigrist adds the program used to track volunteerism shows economic impact as well and the program shows an economic impact of $33,500 during the fall semester. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734355464517.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western students cleaned up Mt Mora Cemetery as pat of a volunteer effort through the Center for Service/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western students cleaned up Mt Mora Cemetery as pat of a volunteer effort through the Center for Service/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Missouri Western students give back to community through Center for Service

Banning foreign ownership of farmland has been a hot button topic in Missouri, and is expected to be one again in the legislature’s upcoming session. 

Currently, no more than one-percent of Missouri’s agricultural land can be owned by a foreign entity. 

Chillicothe Senator Rusty Black’s legislation would ban foreign businesses and governments from acquiring ag land in the state.

&nbsp;“It goes back to the language that was in state statute before it was changed in 2013 that no foreign entity, person, or business can own farmland within our state to farm," Black tells Missourinet

The idea has been muddied up with different viewpoints of foreign ownership over the years, including attempts to prevent ANY ownership of land across Missouri rather than just agricultural land.

Black says that he understands this takes the right to sell to whomever they want away from farmers, BUT.

“If you’re a farmland owner then that does cut out somebody that you can sell to, right? So, I do understand that. And that causes, even I have neighbors around me that we discuss it. I’m thinking, their right of way from choosing who they can sell to, but I think, overall, for our state, that this is the direction we need to go," Black says

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719235999080.jpeg" alt="Senator Rusty Black speaks with KFEQ News Director Brent Martin/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Senator Rusty Black speaks with KFEQ News Director Brent Martin/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Banning foreign ownership of farmland has been a hot button topic in Missouri, and is expected to be one again in the legislature’s upcoming session. Currently, no more than one-percent of Missouri’s agricultural land can be owned by a foreign entity. Chillicothe Senator Rusty Black’s legislation would ban foreign businesses and governments from acquiring ag land in the state.&nbsp;“It goes back to the language that was in state statute before it was changed in 2013 that no foreign entity, person, or business can own farmland within our state to farm," Black tells MissourinetThe idea has been muddied up with different viewpoints of foreign ownership over the years, including attempts to prevent ANY ownership of land across Missouri rather than just agricultural land.Black says that he understands this takes the right to sell to whomever they want away from farmers, BUT.“If you’re a farmland owner then that does cut out somebody that you can sell to, right? So, I do understand that. And that causes, even I have neighbors around me that we discuss it. I’m thinking, their right of way from choosing who they can sell to, but I think, overall, for our state, that this is the direction we need to go," Black says-MissouriNet

Back by popular Republican demand next year: Bills to ban foreign ownership of Missouri farmland

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured just before 12:30a.m. Sunday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Kenworth semi driven by a 28-year-old Corning, Iowa, man was northbound on Interstate 29 one mile south of Rock Port.&nbsp; The vehicle was exceeding the speed limit and overtook a 2002 Freightliner semi driven by a 67-year-old Miami, Florida man.

The Kenworth struck the back end of the Freightliner. After impact the Kenworth traveled off the road and overturned. Atchison Holt ambulance transported the Iowa man to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. The driver of the Freightliner was not injured. Both driver were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY—One person was injured just before 12:30a.m. Sunday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Kenworth semi driven by a 28-year-old Corning, Iowa, man was northbound on Interstate 29 one mile south of Rock Port.&nbsp; The vehicle was exceeding the speed limit and overtook a 2002 Freightliner semi driven by a 67-year-old Miami, Florida man.The Kenworth struck the back end of the Freightliner. After impact the Kenworth traveled off the road and overturned. Atchison Holt ambulance transported the Iowa man to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. The driver of the Freightliner was not injured. Both driver were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Driver hospitalized in St. Joe after semi crash into semi

For the second year in a row, the Kansas State women's basketball team overcame a slow first half, to take a win back to Manhattan in the Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission, winning 74-48. 

After being outscored 26-25 in the first half, Kansas State ran away with the game in the second half, outscoring the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 49-22.  

Center Ayoka Lee says in the second half the team played better together 

"Like I think we got it inside a little earlier, so that helped, I think we had a little bit more movement so it was harder for them to get help inside, we were knocking it down so that also makes it hard, you kind of have to pick what you want to guard," Lee tells reporters during the postgame press conference. "So yeah, I thought we just played more cohesively and that helped a lot."

Lee led the Wildcats with 16 points in the win as Kansas State improved to 2-0 in the Bill Snyder Classic.  Forward Temira Poindexter and guard Jaelynn Glynn each scored 15 points.  

Maryville's Serena Sundell said after the game she wishes this event would have happened all four years she's been in Manhattan, but to come back the last two is special 

"I've played so much basketball here, so just to see so many familiar faces in the crowd and being swarmed after the game, you feel like a little celebrity, so it's really cool," Sundell says.  "This is a great event, hopefully next year I can come back and be in the stands cheering on my teammates, but yeah it's a really special moment for someone who's from around this area." 

Sundell scored just five points in the win but tallied 11 assists with no turnovers.

Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie, a former coach at Missouri Western, applauded St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely for his work putting on this event 

"Brett and his staff do a great job representing St. Joe," Mittie points out.  "And for me, went to school here, played here, started my coaching career here, Shannon and I started our family here, this is always going to be a special place, so we do like coming back, I don't get back enough, but this is a good event and we certainly like it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233150922.jpeg" alt="The Kansas State Wildcats and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders played in the second annual Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic at Civic Arena on Saturday/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas State Wildcats and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders played in the second annual Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic at Civic Arena on Saturday/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post For the second year in a row, the Kansas State women's basketball team overcame a slow first half, to take a win back to Manhattan in the Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic, hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission, winning 74-48. After being outscored 26-25 in the first half, Kansas State ran away with the game in the second half, outscoring the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 49-22. Center Ayoka Lee says in the second half the team played better together "Like I think we got it inside a little earlier, so that helped, I think we had a little bit more movement so it was harder for them to get help inside, we were knocking it down so that also makes it hard, you kind of have to pick what you want to guard," Lee tells reporters during the postgame press conference. "So yeah, I thought we just played more cohesively and that helped a lot."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233196974.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Ayoka Lee goes up for a shot that would be called off due to an offensive foul/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Ayoka Lee goes up for a shot that would be called off due to an offensive foul/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Lee led the Wildcats with 16 points in the win as Kansas State improved to 2-0 in the Bill Snyder Classic. Forward Temira Poindexter and guard Jaelynn Glynn each scored 15 points. Maryville's Serena Sundell said after the game she wishes this event would have happened all four years she's been in Manhattan, but to come back the last two is special "I've played so much basketball here, so just to see so many familiar faces in the crowd and being swarmed after the game, you feel like a little celebrity, so it's really cool," Sundell says. "This is a great event, hopefully next year I can come back and be in the stands cheering on my teammates, but yeah it's a really special moment for someone who's from around this area." Sundell scored just five points in the win but tallied 11 assists with no turnovers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233266080.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Serena Sundell, from Maryville, works around Middle Tennesee guard Jalynn Gregory/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Serena Sundell, from Maryville, works around Middle Tennesee guard Jalynn Gregory/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie, a former coach at Missouri Western, applauded St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely for his work putting on this event "Brett and his staff do a great job representing St. Joe," Mittie points out. "And for me, went to school here, played here, started my coaching career here, Shannon and I started our family here, this is always going to be a special place, so we do like coming back, I don't get back enough, but this is a good event and we certainly like it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734233302257.jpeg" alt="Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie, an alum and former coach of Missouri Western, coaches up his team during the Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie, an alum and former coach of Missouri Western, coaches up his team during the Bill Snyder Women's Basketball Classic/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State is now 11-1 on the season.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;More photos from the matchup<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02JbHDjTmZHyC2PyEJDSBBJgtR51ED8ViGobqPCqX8wqqFmxpiGQssNbhXdX8ETJdCl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="773" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Kansas State takes home win in second annual Bill Snyder Women's Classic

HARRISON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 6a.m. Saturday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Honda Pilot driven by a 56-year-old Grandview, Missouri, woman was northbound on Interstate 35 three miles north of Eagleville.

The driver stated he could not see out of his windshield after he was passed by a semi that kicked up rain and sleet.&nbsp; The Honda swerved to the east, began to skid, traveled off the road and struck an embankment.

EMS transported the driver and a 56-year-old male passenger to Harrison County Community Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 6a.m. Saturday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Honda Pilot driven by a 56-year-old Grandview, Missouri, woman was northbound on Interstate 35 three miles north of Eagleville.The driver stated he could not see out of his windshield after he was passed by a semi that kicked up rain and sleet.&nbsp; The Honda swerved to the east, began to skid, traveled off the road and struck an embankment.EMS transported the driver and a 56-year-old male passenger to Harrison County Community Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man, woman injured after SUV crash on wet road

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Friday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by a 19-year-old Trenton man was westbound on MO 6 one mile east of Jamesport. The Ford rear-ended a 2023 Chevy Traverse that was stopped in traffic waiting for another vehicle to turn.

Daviess County EMS transported the driver of the 42-year-old driver of the Chevy and her 19-year-old passenger, both of Mercer, to Wright Memorial Hospital. The Ford driver was not injured. He and the passenger in the Chevy were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Friday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by a 19-year-old Trenton man was westbound on MO 6 one mile east of Jamesport. The Ford rear-ended a 2023 Chevy Traverse that was stopped in traffic waiting for another vehicle to turn.Daviess County EMS transported the driver of the 42-year-old driver of the Chevy and her 19-year-old passenger, both of Mercer, to Wright Memorial Hospital. The Ford driver was not injured. He and the passenger in the Chevy were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after Daviess County rear-end crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by a 58-year-old Kansas City, Mo., woman was westbound on MO 6 one half mile east of Altamont.

The SUV crossed the center of the road and struck an eastbound 2017 Chevy Silverado driven by a 27-year-old man from Jamesport. After impact the pickup traveled off the road and overturned.&nbsp;

Community ambulance district transported the SUV driver to Liberty Hospital. There were no other injuries reported. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Thursday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by a 58-year-old Kansas City, Mo., woman was westbound on MO 6 one half mile east of Altamont.The SUV crossed the center of the road and struck an eastbound 2017 Chevy Silverado driven by a 27-year-old man from Jamesport. After impact the pickup traveled off the road and overturned.&nbsp;Community ambulance district transported the SUV driver to Liberty Hospital. There were no other injuries reported. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman hospitalized after SUV, pickup crash

That's a saying that rings true as former quarterback John McMenamin has officially been named the 21st head coach of the Northwest Missouri State University football program. 

Not many coaches get the chance to come back and coach at their alma mater, and McMenamin says the opportunity still hasn't fully sunk in. 

"I talk to Andy (Peterson) and I'm like can you believe this, or my buddies they'll text and say holy moly congrats, can't wait to get going, and can you believe this, and that's neat but then it's also what drives you," McMenamin tells reporters following his introductory press conference.  "You're never going to let someone down for taking a chance on you and jumping in, so I'm over the moon excited." 

McMenamin played quarterback in Maryville from 1998 to 2002, helping the Bearcats to two national championships and four MIAA championships.  

McMenamin also played under legendary Northwest coach Mel Tjeerdsma.  He says still to this day he looks to Tjeerdsma for advice 

"Called him every year and talked, if i needed a coaching question, because my father wasn't around, I would call him, and he would give you advice one way or another," McMenamin says.  "And so, when we got this job, he was the first person to call and he was over the moon excited for me, and that just means the world, and so I'll still be calling him." 

"He said he might have to start charging me for some of this advice, that's why I tried to get the budget increased, so they could pay Coach Tjeerdsma for his advice."

McMenamin has had several coaching stops along the way, including Nebraska-Omaha, Central Missouri, Wayne State College, and most notably division one Tulane.  

McMenamin says the kind of football team that Northwest fans will get to see from him is a team that's fast, physical, and relentless 

"We'll play fast, we will be very, very physical, and we won't quit, we might not be very good at some point, but we will not quit" McMenamin explains.  "And so that is the way that team will play from start to finish, that's the way we'll practice, that's the way we'll lift in the weight room, we've got to start practicing how we do it, but that's what they'll be and they'll have the biggest cheerleader behind them in me." 

McMenamin's last head coaching job was at Wayne State College in 2021, where he led the team to its first seven-win season in 11 years, going 7-4. 

During his time at Tulane as co-offensive coordinator, he helped orchestrate the biggest single season turnaround, the Green Wave going from 2-10 to 10-2 with a Cotton Bowl victory over USC. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734051594834.jpeg" alt="John McMenamin was introduced today during a press conference as the 21st head football coach in Northwest Missouri State history/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Athletics" />
 <figcaption>John McMenamin was introduced today during a press conference as the 21st head football coach in Northwest Missouri State history/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat. That's a saying that rings true as former quarterback John McMenamin has officially been named the 21st head coach of the Northwest Missouri State University football program. Not many coaches get the chance to come back and coach at their alma mater, and McMenamin says the opportunity still hasn't fully sunk in. "I talk to Andy (Peterson) and I'm like can you believe this, or my buddies they'll text and say holy moly congrats, can't wait to get going, and can you believe this, and that's neat but then it's also what drives you," McMenamin tells reporters following his introductory press conference. "You're never going to let someone down for taking a chance on you and jumping in, so I'm over the moon excited." McMenamin played quarterback in Maryville from 1998 to 2002, helping the Bearcats to two national championships and four MIAA championships. McMenamin also played under legendary Northwest coach Mel Tjeerdsma. He says still to this day he looks to Tjeerdsma for advice "Called him every year and talked, if i needed a coaching question, because my father wasn't around, I would call him, and he would give you advice one way or another," McMenamin says. "And so, when we got this job, he was the first person to call and he was over the moon excited for me, and that just means the world, and so I'll still be calling him." "He said he might have to start charging me for some of this advice, that's why I tried to get the budget increased, so they could pay Coach Tjeerdsma for his advice."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734051714275.jpeg" alt="John McMenamin/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>John McMenamin/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>McMenamin has had several coaching stops along the way, including Nebraska-Omaha, Central Missouri, Wayne State College, and most notably division one Tulane. McMenamin says the kind of football team that Northwest fans will get to see from him is a team that's fast, physical, and relentless "We'll play fast, we will be very, very physical, and we won't quit, we might not be very good at some point, but we will not quit" McMenamin explains. "And so that is the way that team will play from start to finish, that's the way we'll practice, that's the way we'll lift in the weight room, we've got to start practicing how we do it, but that's what they'll be and they'll have the biggest cheerleader behind them in me." McMenamin's last head coaching job was at Wayne State College in 2021, where he led the team to its first seven-win season in 11 years, going 7-4. During his time at Tulane as co-offensive coordinator, he helped orchestrate the biggest single season turnaround, the Green Wave going from 2-10 to 10-2 with a Cotton Bowl victory over USC. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734051771331.jpeg" alt="John McMenamin hugs Northwest athletic director Andy Peterson before taking the podium as Northwest President Lance Tatum looks on/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>John McMenamin hugs Northwest athletic director Andy Peterson before taking the podium as Northwest President Lance Tatum looks on/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

New NWMSU football coach John McMenamin promises fast, physical playstyle

Tests show probable infections in birds recovered in Henry and Vernon counties, prompting advisory asking for reports of dead waterfowl and warning against contact

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Missouri Conservation Department received confirmation Wednesday morning of something it feared — three dead snow geese found by state wildlife refuge staff were likely infected with bird flu.

Samples from the birds — two recovered in Henry County and one in Vernon County — were reported as “non-negative” for&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.mo.gov/avian-influenza.php" target="_blank">avian influenza</a>&nbsp;after testing at the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, said Deb Hudman, supervisor of the department’s wildlife health program.

The samples will now be sent to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/labs/about-nvsl" target="_blank">National Veterinary Services Laboratory</a>&nbsp;to determine whether the virus is the highly pathogenic variant or one that is less likely to cause an outbreak that can spread through flocks of wild and domestic birds.

“It’s going to be a month or so before we know which version of avian influenza, but you know, we treat that basically as an avian influenza positive,” Hudman said in an interview with The Independent.

More birds have been found, some in southeast Missouri and some in the St. Louis area, she said. They are being tested but results are not available yet.

The discovery of the dead birds prompted the department to issue a warning Tuesday to the public to avoid touching waterfowl found dead&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc12.mdc.mo.gov/applications/WildlifeHealthReporting" target="_blank">and to report</a>&nbsp;any dead ducks or geese they see so samples can be collected for testing.

With the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/waterfowl" target="_blank">waterfowl hunting season</a>&nbsp;underway, the advisory also asked hunters to field dress any birds they kill and carry the offal out for disposal away from lakes and waterways.

“Bald eagles and other raptors are particularly susceptible to avian influenza,” the advisory stated. “This simple action could help prevent bald eagle and other raptor mortalities.”

Pets should be kept away from dead birds as well. Wash hands thoroughly after inadvertent contact.

Wild waterfowl can spread the infection to agricultural flocks that are less immune. Snow geese are common carriers of bird flu in the wild, Hudman said.

Snow geese gather in immense numbers in Missouri as they migrate from summer nesting sites along Hudson Bay and the Arctic Ocean to where they spend the winter along the Gulf Coast. At the Loess Bluff National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City,&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024-12/loess_bluffs_waterfowl_survey_20241203.pdf" target="_blank">survey conducted last week</a>&nbsp;showed more than 50,000 geese, 170,000 ducks and 373 bald eagles at the refuge.

The numbers can be far higher. A survey in February 2023 showed approximately 2 million snow geese, about four times the human population of Kansas City.&nbsp;

“They’re susceptible to avian influenza, but they’re also the natural reservoir,” Hudman said.

Many migrating waterfowl carry the low-pathogenic, or less disease-causing, variant.&nbsp;

“These birds, they can carry the virus without showing symptoms, but it allows it to spread easily,” Hudman said.

There is no reason to worry about bird flu infections from songbirds that visit winter feeders, she said.

“We’re specifically worried about waterfowl because of the environment, the wetlands that they’re in and the numbers that they’re in,” she said. “Songbirds are very, very resistant to this.”

In September, a Missouri resident was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-officials-say-no-sign-bird-flu-spreading-among-humans-despite-missouri-case" target="_blank">diagnosed with bird flu</a>&nbsp;without having any known contact with infected birds. An investigation by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/missouri-h5n1-serology-testing.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control</a>&nbsp;was unable to determine the source of the infection and found one other likely, but not confirmed, case associated with it.

The department will respond to reports of dead birds by removing them and taking samples for testing, Hudman said. Removal by professionals will help prevent spread of the disease, she said.

“The longer they’re on the landscape, then the higher the probability things that scavenge on them, like eagles, will feed on them,” Hudman said. “Raptors will feed on them, coyotes will feed on them, raccoons, you know, all the typical things that are happy to eat a goose are doing so. So the longer they’re on the landscape, then the more the outbreak can persist.”

There is no danger for hunters eating fully cooked waterfowl they bag or birdwatchers who visit wetlands to see the huge flocks migrating to winter nesting sites.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734020854095.jpeg" alt=" Snow geese gather in February 2023 at Loess Bluff National Wildlife Refuge on their way North to summer nesting sites. The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking the public to report any dead waterfowl they see this winter to be tested for avian influenza (Photo: Missouri Department of Conservation)." />
 <figcaption> Snow geese gather in February 2023 at Loess Bluff National Wildlife Refuge on their way North to summer nesting sites. The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking the public to report any dead waterfowl they see this winter to be tested for avian influenza (Photo: Missouri Department of Conservation).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Tests show probable infections in birds recovered in Henry and Vernon counties, prompting advisory asking for reports of dead waterfowl and warning against contact</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri Conservation Department received confirmation Wednesday morning of something it feared — three dead snow geese found by state wildlife refuge staff were likely infected with bird flu.Samples from the birds — two recovered in Henry County and one in Vernon County — were reported as “non-negative” for&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.mo.gov/avian-influenza.php" target="_blank">avian influenza</a>&nbsp;after testing at the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, said Deb Hudman, supervisor of the department’s wildlife health program.The samples will now be sent to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/labs/about-nvsl" target="_blank">National Veterinary Services Laboratory</a>&nbsp;to determine whether the virus is the highly pathogenic variant or one that is less likely to cause an outbreak that can spread through flocks of wild and domestic birds.“It’s going to be a month or so before we know which version of avian influenza, but you know, we treat that basically as an avian influenza positive,” Hudman said in an interview with The Independent.More birds have been found, some in southeast Missouri and some in the St. Louis area, she said. They are being tested but results are not available yet.The discovery of the dead birds prompted the department to issue a warning Tuesday to the public to avoid touching waterfowl found dead&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc12.mdc.mo.gov/applications/WildlifeHealthReporting" target="_blank">and to report</a>&nbsp;any dead ducks or geese they see so samples can be collected for testing.With the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/waterfowl" target="_blank">waterfowl hunting season</a>&nbsp;underway, the advisory also asked hunters to field dress any birds they kill and carry the offal out for disposal away from lakes and waterways.“Bald eagles and other raptors are particularly susceptible to avian influenza,” the advisory stated. “This simple action could help prevent bald eagle and other raptor mortalities.”Pets should be kept away from dead birds as well. Wash hands thoroughly after inadvertent contact.Wild waterfowl can spread the infection to agricultural flocks that are less immune. Snow geese are common carriers of bird flu in the wild, Hudman said.Snow geese gather in immense numbers in Missouri as they migrate from summer nesting sites along Hudson Bay and the Arctic Ocean to where they spend the winter along the Gulf Coast. At the Loess Bluff National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City,&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024-12/loess_bluffs_waterfowl_survey_20241203.pdf" target="_blank">survey conducted last week</a>&nbsp;showed more than 50,000 geese, 170,000 ducks and 373 bald eagles at the refuge.The numbers can be far higher. A survey in February 2023 showed approximately 2 million snow geese, about four times the human population of Kansas City.&nbsp;“They’re susceptible to avian influenza, but they’re also the natural reservoir,” Hudman said.Many migrating waterfowl carry the low-pathogenic, or less disease-causing, variant.&nbsp;“These birds, they can carry the virus without showing symptoms, but it allows it to spread easily,” Hudman said.There is no reason to worry about bird flu infections from songbirds that visit winter feeders, she said.“We’re specifically worried about waterfowl because of the environment, the wetlands that they’re in and the numbers that they’re in,” she said. “Songbirds are very, very resistant to this.”In September, a Missouri resident was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-officials-say-no-sign-bird-flu-spreading-among-humans-despite-missouri-case" target="_blank">diagnosed with bird flu</a>&nbsp;without having any known contact with infected birds. An investigation by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/missouri-h5n1-serology-testing.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control</a>&nbsp;was unable to determine the source of the infection and found one other likely, but not confirmed, case associated with it.The department will respond to reports of dead birds by removing them and taking samples for testing, Hudman said. Removal by professionals will help prevent spread of the disease, she said.“The longer they’re on the landscape, then the higher the probability things that scavenge on them, like eagles, will feed on them,” Hudman said. “Raptors will feed on them, coyotes will feed on them, raccoons, you know, all the typical things that are happy to eat a goose are doing so. So the longer they’re on the landscape, then the more the outbreak can persist.”There is no danger for hunters eating fully cooked waterfowl they bag or birdwatchers who visit wetlands to see the huge flocks migrating to winter nesting sites.“You should absolutely go out and enjoy them,” Hudman said. “We put out these things saying it’s just a matter of safe hygiene. We just say, ‘please don’t touch the birds’ because, and the reason I put that out is because I heard that some folks were picking them up.”

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