U-75 and CR 150- MP 178 near Leavenworth, 2 p.m. on Sunday
(AP)— Blowing snow and dropping temperatures are creating travel and hypothermia concerns across a large swath of Kansas.
The National Weather Service says snowfall ended Sunday morning, with the heaviest accumulations of 3 to 4 inches recorded in an area that included Manhattan, Topeka and the Kansas City area. Elsewhere accumulations ranged from 2 to 3 inches in southeastern Kansas to 1 to 3 inches in far northeast and south-central sections of the state.
Meteorologist Audra Hennecke says strong northerly winds are leading to widespread areas of blowing and drifting snow.
Wind chill advisories and warnings will be in effect from Sunday night through noon Monday for all but extreme southwest Kansas. Hennecke says northeast sections of the state are expected to see wind chills of minus 25 to 30 degrees.
High winds and blowing snow across much of the state means motorists are advised to stay home and avoid travel until this storm ends.
The Missouri Department of Transportation has issued a “no travel advisory” for the duration of this storm, which is expected to continue through the day on Sunday, Jan. 5 and through the night.
“For your safety and the safety of our crews, we ask everyone to avoid travel unless it is an emergency,” said Ed Hassinger, MoDOT Chief Engineer. “Strong winds are blowing the snow around, and it’s creating a whiteout effect that makes it very difficult to see and makes travel extremely hazardous.”
The snowfall, coupled with 35-40 mph wind gusts, can create drifts that will seriously challenge even four-wheel drive vehicles.
“With the snow, high winds, and extreme cold, it’s going to be a challenge for MoDOT to clear our state routes,” said Hassinger. “If there are no other vehicles on the roadways, we have a much better chance of making progress so traffic can get moving again.”
When temperatures dip this low, getting stranded on the side of the road can be very dangerous. Before you head out, equip your vehicle with an emergency kit and let a friend or family member know when and where you’re traveling. If you do become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call 911. Be aware that emergency responders may have difficulty reaching you.
(AP) — Celebrities, businesses and even the State Department have bought bogus Facebook likes, Twitter followers or YouTube viewers from techies who run offshore “click farms,” where they tap, tap, tap the thumbs up button, view videos or retweet comments to artificially inflate social media numbers.
An Associated Press examination has found a growing global marketplace for fake clicks, by the billions, which tech companies struggle to police. Online records, industry studies and interviews show companies around the world are capitalizing on the opportunity to make millions of dollars by gaming the whole concept behind social media.
In cities including Jakarta, Indonesia, and Dhaka, Bangladesh, the AP found workers who click for cash. Hundreds of websites now market the clicks, which sell for as little as half a cent each.
Five things to know about “click farms”:
1.A click farm is a business that sells clicks for fans, likes, followers, views and more.
2.People buy clicks to boost their social media numbers, which can lead to profits and popularity.
3.Buying and selling clicks violates social media user rules but is not regulated by state or federal agencies.
4.Click farm revenues are estimated to be worth hundreds of millions.
5.Sellers offer clicks for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, SoundCloud, YouTube, Vimeo and more.
(AP) – Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has made Medicaid expansion a priority for the legislative session that starts this week. But the prospects of that occurring appear slim.
The Republican-led Legislature repeatedly rejected a Medicaid expansion proposed by Democrats last year. And House Speaker Tim Jones remains opposed to it this year.
A Medicaid expansion under the terms of the federal health care law would bring billions of federal dollars to Missouri.
Some lawmakers want to couple a Medicaid expansion with “reform” measures for the health-care program for the poor. But there are divisions about what that “reform” should entail.
A Senate committee has recommended Missouri adopt a statewide managed-care format for parents and children in Medicaid. But Sen. Rob Schaaf, a Republican physician, said he opposes such managed care programs.
(AP) – A museum featuring more than a century’s worth of military artifacts is moving to a new location in Jefferson City.
The Museum of Missouri Military History opened in 1999 and sees about 3,000 visitors annually. But officials hope that number will grow this summer when the revamped attraction is tentatively scheduled to reopen in converted mechanical school maintenance bays at the entrance of the Missouri National Guard’s Ike Skelton Training Site.
It will include 25 new display boxes. Items such as a World War I German mortar will be out for public viewing, packaged with uniforms, manuals and other antiques from the era.
The attraction currently is housed in the oldest remaining building from the site’s days as the Algoa prison.
Law enforcement authorities in the region are looking for 2 vehicles. A Silver 2001 Ford Explorer was reportedly stolen from a residence in Rantoul, Kansas on Thursday. According to the Franklin County Kansas Sheriff’s office, the truck has Texas license NKZ509
A blue 2002 Nissan Murano is also missing. The vehicle with Kansas license 754FUB was last seen in the 1900 Block of Victory Lane in Junction City on Tuesday.
If you see these missing vehicles or have information to help locate them, please contact police.
The 139th Airlift Wing hosted a change of command ceremony on Sunday in the fuel cell hanger.
Col. Ralph Schwader, the Wing’s vice commander and a St. Joseph native, is taking command of the 139th Airlift Wing during the ceremony.
Outgoing commander, Col. Michael Pankau, retired after more than 29 years of military service.
“I’m very pleased to have an officer with Col. Schwader’s proven track record of character and experience at the helm of the 139th,” said Maj. Gen. Steve Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. “He will build on the great work done by his predecessor and fellow veteran, Col. Michael Pankau.”
Schwader, an experienced C-130 pilot who has flown 6,277 flight hours, said he is ready to take command.
“I am very honored to be selected by Maj. Gen. Danner as the next wing commander of the 139th Airlift Wing,” Schwader said. “Col. Mike Pankau has done an outstanding job leading this organization over the past three years during some significant challenges that included numerous combat deployments of 139th personnel. He leaves the wing secure on a great path for the future. I am very proud to be part of the 139th Airlift Wing and look forward to leading this team of combat-tested men and women veterans into the future.”
Schwader graduated from Central High School in 1981 and Missouri Western State University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. The Colonel also earned a Master of Science degree in Aviation Safety from University of Central Missouri.
Colonel Schwader received his commission through the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science, Knoxville, Tennessee in 1987, followed by attendance at USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training, Williams Air Force Base, Phoenix, AZ., C-130 Pilot training, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. He returned to the 180th Airlift Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard where he performed co-pilot duties aboard the Lockheed C-130.
In 1994, Col Schwader became a full-time technician supporting the 139th Operations Group as a Standardization and Evaluation officer. Over the years he served in positions in Training, Current Ops, Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, Director of Operations, 180th Airlift Squadron Commander and 139th Operations Group Commander before assuming the 139th Airlift Wing Vice Commander position.
Colonel Schwader deployed for DESERT SHIELD and was mobilized for DESERT STORM. He has also served on numerous military tours, operations and deployments, supporting airlift commitments around the world including VOLANT OAK, CORONET OAK, SOUTHERN WATCH, PROVIDE HOPE, PROVIDE COMFORT, JOINT FORGE, UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, and OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE.
The Colonel was activated and deployed numerous times in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. He served as Commander for the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, Kharshi-Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan, where he integrated numerous C-130 Air National Guard units and an Active Duty squadron into one cohesive war-fighting component. He also served as the Deputy Operations Group Commander, 445th Expeditionary Operations Group, Bagram AB Afghanistan overseeing 8 Squadrons and 1 Flight to include fighters, airlifters, PJs, Marines and ISR assets. Colonel Schwader is a USAF Command Pilot Evaluator with more than 6,000 flight hours in the C130.
EDUCATION
1986 – Bachelor of Science, Agriculture Economics with minors in Agronomy and Animal Science, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MO.
1997 – Squadron Officers School, by correspondence
1999 – Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence
1998 – Masters of Science, Aviation Safety, Central Missouri State University
2004 – Air War College, by correspondence
2009 – Advance Joint Professional Military Education, Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk VA
ASSIGNMENTS
1. February 1990 – October 1993, C-130 co-pilot, 180th Tactical Airlift Squadron, St. Joseph, Mo.
2. October 1993 – November 1994, Aircraft Commander, 180th Tactical Airlift Squadron, St. Joseph, Mo.
3. November 1994 – December 2001, Stan/Eval officer, 139th Operations Group, St. Joseph, Mo.
4. January 2002 – June 2004, Chief of Stan/Eval, 139th Airlift Group, St. Joseph, Mo.
5. June 2004 – December 2005 Director of Operations, 180th Airlift Squadron, St. Joseph, Mo.
6. December 2005 – May 2006, Commander, 180th Airlift Squadron, St. Joseph, Mo.
7. May 2006 – Aug 2011, Operations Group Commander, 139th Operations Group, St. Joseph, Mo.
8. Aug 2011- Present, Vice Commander, 139th Airlift Wing, St. Joseph, MO
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command Pilot
Flight Hours: More than 6000, Combat Hours: 324.3, Combat Support Hours: 175.6
Aircraft Flown: C-130H, C-130E, T-38, T-37
MAJOR AWARDS AND DERCORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with two devices
Air Medal with four devices
Aerial Achievement Medal with two devices
Air Force Commendation Medal with one device
Air Force Achievement Medal
Air Force Combat Action Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device and three devices
Combat Readiness Medal with nine devices
National Defense Service Medal with one device
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one device
Southwest Asia Service Medal with three oak devices
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one device
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal with one device
Humanitarian Service Medal with one device
Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short with one device
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border and one device
Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four devices
Armed Forces Reserve Service Medal with M device and silver hour glass (ten years of service)
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (pistol)
Air Force Training Ribbon
NATO Medal
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
Louisiana Emergency Service Medal
Missouri Commendation Ribbon with one device
Missouri NG Desert Shield/Storm Service Ribbon
Missouri NG Expeditionary Ribbon with one device
Missouri State Emergency Duty Ribbon
Missouri NG Long Service 20 Year Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant May 19, 1988
First Lieutenant November 3, 1990
Captain April 16, 1993
Major July 3, 1997
Lieutenant Colonel September 2, 2002
Colonel May 6, 2006
When our family gathers, it is for three reasons: 1) a birthday, 2) a holiday or 3) a meal. It can be any combination of 1 or 2, but always 3.
And when we gather, we pray. Often my husband Blake’s dad says the grace. He is a man rock-solid in conviction and integrity, a man who eased into flexibility late in life, coincident with the birth of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. But when he closes his eyes to say a blessing, his voice is husky with emotion; when Charlie thanks his Creator for this family, this land, this work, this season of harvest, his gratitude wells up from deep within. The amens around the table, in a cornfield, around the Christmas tree or before fireworks are serious, heartfelt and unanimous.
This is ground zero for our family farm. Blake is a scion of a scion of a man and woman who survived the dirty ’30s without knowing they were survivors. Starting from nothing … again … was not unusual for that generation. Sturdy, stubborn, hard-working but also frugal, clever and forward-thinking, Blake’s grandfather and mother and then father and mother grew their farms and their families with one eye on the future and another on their bank accounts. Experience can be a brutal teacher. Exuberance is not to be trusted. Optimism should be relegated to baseball. Blake and his brothers lived and breathed the family ties: the hierarchy, the expectations, the responsibilities, the fables and stories and oral history of the community, as well as the wet spots, rocky slopes, sandy points and gumbo of the land.
This sort of narrative, as wide as it is deep, is the real reason our country needs small places. I am reminded of this with every turn of the calendar to a new year, every Memorial Day that my neighbors show up for planter boxes of flowers to set out at the county cemeteries. I began my apprenticeship 37 years ago in a bitter cold Christmas season in the dining room of my future in-laws. The conversation was peppered with names resurrected from bygone farms and homesteads, with interjections and clarifications about who married whom, what year they graduated or where they were buried. I learned a mighty lesson that day: Time is a perennial in farm country, dormant perhaps, but long-lived.
This is the truth about small towns, the blasts from a past when what you didn’t raise yourself could be had at the intersection of two lettered roads. The rooted ones, the hangers-on, the folks with mailboxes that match their headstones — these are remnants of our national nature, the institutional repository of knowledge so arcane, it may as well be the Biblical “begats.” We need to know this part of our historical culture still exists, to realize that satellite news, social media, technology micro- and mega- have not completely erased nor replaced the “deep geography” of our rural past.
Julie Hurst, of Westboro, Mo., is a grower at Hurst Greenery and a member of Missouri Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization. Julie’s husband, Blake, is president of Missouri Farm Bureau Federation.
– See more at: http://www.mofb.org/NewsMedia/CuttotheChase.aspx#sthash.Cn4e5ySR.dpuf
Two people were injured in a Saturday night rollover crash in Andrew County.
According to the Missouri Highway Patrol twenty-five year old Summer D. Furgeson of Atchison was driving a 2000 Ford Explorer south on US 169, five miles north of St. Joseph on Saturday night when she lost control while negotiating a left curve. The Explorer went off the north side of the road and overturned, coming to rest on the driver’s side. Furgeson and a passenger, Clifford M. Parnham age 56 of Atchison, were transported to Heartland Regional Medical Center. Furgeson was not wearing a seat belt.
