A heat advisory is in effect through 7 p.m. Sunday for the area.
According to the National Weather Service, afternoon temperatures are expected to reach the mid 90s with heat index values around 105.
The advisory includes:
Leavenworth-Wyandotte-Johnson KS-Buchanan-Platte-Clay-Jackson- Including the cities of Fort Leavenworth, Leavenworth, Lansing, Kansas City Kansas, Overland Park, Stanley, Olathe, Shawnee, Lenexa, St. Joseph Airport, St. Joseph, Parkville, Platte City, Riverside, Weatherby Lake, Weston, Gladstone, Liberty, Excelsior Springs, Kansas City, and Independence.
A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions, if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 9 1 1.
LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Friday in Leavenworth County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Tonganoxie Police Sergeant Nicholas Ontiveros, 33, Lansing, and a 2018 Harley Davidson Motorcycle driven by Tommie Roe, 62, Anchorage, Alaska, were westbound on U.S 24 just west of North Village Terrace.
The police vehicle activated emergency lights in an attempt to stop an eastbound vehicle and made a U-turn. The motorcycle struck the Explorer and the driver was ejected
Roe was transported to Providence Medical Center where he died.
Ontiveros was not injured. Roe was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.
Just since last Monday, the Congressional Leadership Fund has spent $902,448 on the Yoder race, according to the Federal Election Commission. That money has been spent on media production and TV ad buys. That PAC is tied to Republican House leaders.
Outside Democratic groups are also investing heavily in the race. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has spent $154,595 on the Davids’ campaign in the same time period. That money was spent on TV and mailings.
The House Majority PAC, tied to Democratic House leaders, has spent $23,730 buy online ads.
“We are right in the center of agriculture country, and we are within 300 miles of six land-grant universities, which produce the students that could fill these jobs. They are graduate-level jobs and many of them are PhDs dealing with agriculture, economics and research,” Hartzler said. “And that is what our land-grant universities specialize in, and they often administer the grants from these agencies that deal with research in various areas.”
Recent events regarding fraternities and sororities across the nation have caused many to wonder about the future of KU’s Greek Life.https://t.co/fawG6aU6yT
The University is not currently considering banning Greek life, according to director of news and media relations Erinn Barcomb-Peterson. However, the environment that incited a temporary freeze on social activities in March for all fraternities affiliated with the Inter-Fraternity Council remains “an area of significant concern to the health and safety of our students,” Chancellor Douglas Girod said.
While most controversies revolve around fraternities, sororities have suffered too. Increased anxiety about social stereotypes have left some women skeptical about the process.
Want to celebrate National Waffle Day, but don’t want the calories? KDOT has your solution.
CHICAGO (AP) — Federal health officials say they’ve confirmed more than 500 cases of people who became sick with an intestinal illness after eating McDonald’s salads.
The illnesses reported earlier this year are linked to the cyclospora parasite, which can cause diarrhea, intestinal pain, nausea or fatigue. The Food and Drug Administration said Friday that 507 cases have been confirmed in 15 states including Missouri.
McDonald’s stopped the sale of salads at 3,000 restaurants last month until it could find a different supplier. The FDA says it’s still investigating the supplier of romaine lettuce and carrots.
Additional states with cases include: Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Officials also said people sickened in Connecticut, Florida, New York City, Tennessee, and Virginia had traveled in Illinois and Kentucky.
President of Missouri Western State University Dr. Robert A. Vartabedian. Photo courtesy Missouri Western.
Dr. Robert A. Vartabedian, president of Missouri Western State University, has announced his plans to retire effective July 1, 2019.
In a press release from the university, David Liechti, chairman of Missouri Western’s Board of Governors, said that Dr. Vartabedian informed the Board of his plans during a closed session Thursday, and he announced his intentions to campus in an email this morning.
“I have been truly honored to serve as Missouri Western’s president for over a decade,” Dr. Vartabedian said. “These have been by far the most gratifying years of my long career in higher education. For a first-generation college student like myself to have this kind of capstone career opportunity was a dream come true for me.”
Dr. Vartabedian and his wife, Dr. Laurel Vartabedian, plan to spend more time with family, including their children and grandchildren in Texas. He announced his retirement nearly a year early to give the University time to find a successor.
“Bob and Laurel’s contributions to Missouri Western and the St. Joseph area will be felt for many years to come,” Liechti said. “Bob is a great leader and tireless worker with a vision and commitment to advance the University. Both he and Laurel have immersed themselves in the community and been great ambassadors for Missouri Western. The bar is set very high for whoever follows.”
According to Liechti, the Board of Governors immediately began discussions about the search process.
“Hiring a president is the Board’s most important job, and we want to move quickly and effectively to find the right person,” Liechti said.
Dr. Vartabedian became Missouri Western’s fourth president on July 1, 2008, and he is the longest-tenured current president among public universities in Missouri. The campus has grown in a number of ways under his leadership, but he is quick to credit others.
“Missouri Western accomplished many great things during my time here, but the University also accomplished many great things before my time here, and will accomplish many more after I leave,” Dr. Vartabedian said. “The real work has been done by the dedicated people of this University: the faculty, staff, students and alumni who take such great pride in being Griffons, and our many community partners who have made our work possible.”
Among the highlights of Dr. Vartabedian’s more than 10 years as president so far:
All academic accreditation outcomes have been successful.
The endowment of the Missouri Western State University Foundation has nearly tripled since 2009, from approximately $12.5 million to more than $34 million.
Missouri Western became the summer training camp home of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010, attracting nearly 350,000 visitors to the campus and community.
Griffon athletic programs have won numerous conference championships and competed in national tournaments while remaining free of any major infractions and recently establishing the highest overall GPA in the athletic department’s history.
The creation of the Walter Cronkite Memorial in 2013, including three live multi-media shows.
Other new or substantially renovated facilities include:
o Agenstein-Remington Hall
o Kit Bond Science and Technology Incubator
o Spring Sports Complex
o Griffon Indoor Sports Complex
o Spratt Stadium, including a massive video board and most recently the Bill Snyder Pavilion
o Griffon Hall
o Kelley Commons
o Thomas Eagleton Indoor Pool
o Looney Complex Arena
The establishment of an innovative entrepreneurship partnership with benefactor Steve Craig to provide business opportunities across the country to approximately 30 alumni so far.
A tenfold increase in the number of international students.
A tenfold increase in the number of online courses.
Donations of three significant collections:
o Hundreds of one-of-a-kind artifacts from the life and career of Walter Cronkite
o Approximately 100 sculptures from renowned artist Brent Collins
o Approximately 1,200 limited edition prints from a retired art faculty member
Prior to joining Missouri Western, Dr. Vartabedian served as vice president for academic affairs at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico. Previously, Dr. Vartabedian was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina from 1999 to 2005, serving eight months as interim vice chancellor for academic affairs in 2004. Previous administrative experience for Dr. Vartabedian includes time as a department head and director of graduate studies in communication at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas and as a division head, coordinator of graduate studies in communication and assistant dean of graduate studies at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. He received numerous teaching awards throughout his career.
Dr. Vartabedian graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from California State University, Fresno, in 1974. He received a Master of Arts in Speech Communication from Wichita State University and a doctorate in communication from the University of Oklahoma.
– Missouri Western State University Press Release –
Governor Mike Parson on Friday announced more than $77,000 in state funding will be awarded to assist the drought-stricken City of Cameron and Caldwell County Public Water Supply Number 2.
According to a news release from the governor’s office, as of August 20, the City of Cameron reservoirs were 38.4 percent full and only 167 days of water supply remained. The city serves a population of 9,933 and also sells water to Clinton County Public Water Supply District No. 3, which serves a population of 3,410.
“Any shortage of drinking water is a serious issue. In response, these grants will be a step in the right direction as we work to develop short and long term solutions for clean and dependable water sources,” said Governor Parson. “We are committed to ensuring all state, local, and federal agencies work together to ease the drought’s burden. We will continue to be proactive in addressing local infrastructure needs to deliver much needed water to communities in need.”
The Department of Natural Resources will be awarding emergency drought assistance grants for $50,000 to the City of Cameron and $27,380 to Caldwell County Public Water Supply District Number 2. The emergency funding will assist the community and the water district in their efforts to maintain adequate drinking water for local citizens.
The funding will assist in allowing the City of Cameron in constructing approximately three miles of temporary, above-ground emergency piping to pump water from Pony Express Lake with special permission from the Missouri Department of Conservation. This temporary connection is anticipated to provide more than 1 million gallons of water per day, which will be pumped to Grindstone Reservoir, the city’s largest drinking water source.
The City of Cameron’s total project cost is $484,526. The city, located in Clinton, DeKalb and Caldwell counties, will finance the remainder of the project with available city funds. The project, currently under construction, is expected to be complete and operational by Sept. 1.
Caldwell County Public Water Supply District Number 2 is located in Caldwell County, currently designated as a county experiencing exceptional drought conditions. The water district serves a population of 875.
The Caldwell County project will construct a temporary emergency connection with Daviess Public Water Supply District Number 2. This temporary connnection is anticipated to provide more than 30,000 gallons per day until a permanent connection can be constructed. This temporary connection will ease the demand experienced by the City of Hamilton city reservoir, which is currently the only water provider to Caldwell Public Water Supply District Number 2. The City of Hamilton’s reservoir level is down six feet, and city officials are concerned about maintaining water services.
In response to Governor Parson’s Executive Order No 18-05, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources made this emergency funding available to assist in construction projects intended to ensure that drought-impacted small communities are able to maintain an adequate supply of drinking water for their citizens.
“I applaud the Governor for his leadership on this issue,” said Senator Dan Hegeman, R-Cosby. “The drought has been severe in northwest Missouri and our community is hurting right now. These water infrastructure grants will have a positive and lasting impact on these communities.”
After early morning storms, another round of thunderstorms are possible this evening, especially across northeast Missouri. A couple storms may become strong to severe, with large hail and damaging winds the primary risks. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 101. South southwest wind 9 to 11 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. South southwest wind 3 to 8 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 104. South southwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind around 9 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 85.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Hawley said on Thursday that while prosecuting and subpoena authority rested with local law enforcement, his office would still investigate alleged crimes, publish a public report and refer credible cases to local prosecutors.
A special task force created by Gov. Jeff Colyer voted Thursday to recommend the 2019 Legislature fully expand eligibility for Medicaid to provide health care to an estimated 150,000 uninsured Kansans. #ksleghttps://t.co/8I3wnDj2zH via @TimVCarpenterpic.twitter.com/wYvX1DN3oh
“This is huge,” she said. “This is the governor’s task force.”
The Legislature voted in 2017 to broaden eligibility for Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act, but that measure was vetoed by then-Gov. Sam Brownback. His replacement, Colyer, has maintained opposition to adding thousands of Kansans to Medicaid despite an obligation of the federal government to pay at least 90 percent of the cost of expansion.
“Nine long-range messages of mass death and destruction, pre-addressed to enemies of the United States, Monday were pronounced ready for use almost instantaneously if needed,” said the article by reporter Saralena Sherman. “They are the nine Atlas missiles poised on launching pads in the Topeka Forbes Air Force Base area prepared to carry their nuclear warheads to pre-determined targets on a ‘one-shot basis.’ “
Weather stuff:
As of August 21, 88.32% of Missouri is experiencing #drought conditions.
As these conditions continue, we strongly encourage producers to report livestock stress, crop damage, and low water in streams and ponds to https://t.co/qm5tuFjhHw. @MoDNRpic.twitter.com/5pMsxeYxPo
The Blue Angels perform at the Sound of Speed Air Show, hosted at the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph, MO., May 2nd, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Shannon Bond/Released)
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will be in the sky this weekend at the Sound of Speed Airshow in St. Joseph.
According to Master Sgt. Mike Dudzinski with the 139th Airlift Wing, anyone attending the air show will get to see things not usually seen at an airport.
“It gives people the opportunity to come out and see aircraft operated at the threshold of their abilities. These are aircraft, cargo aircraft, fighter aircraft, bomber aircraft… You’re going to get to see some great demonstration teams to include the U.S. Air Force F-16 Demo Team,” Dudzinski said. “The Navy Leap Frogs are going to kick off the Air Show at noon both days and you will, of course, see the headlining act, the prestigious, Navy Blue Angels demonstration teams as they just tear up the skies.”
The Blue Angels have performed in Missouri the past few years with an air show in St. Louis in 2016 and Kansas City in 2015. Their most recent appearance in St. Joseph was 2010.
Admission to the air show is free, but United Way of Greater St. Joseph President Kylee Strough said any free will donations will benefit the 2018-19 United Way campaign.
“(There was) a little over $10,000 at the 2016 Airshow and those dollars go straight to the United Way campaign which benefits 17 agencies and seven initiatives right here in our community that impact local lives every single day,” Strough said.
Gates open for the Sound of Speed Airshow at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and flights start at noon at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph.
(Missourinet) – Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway says taxpayers are on the hook for billions of dollars in city project costs they didn’t approve.
A report from Galloway’s office Wednesday claims a lack of oversight for community improvement districts, or CIDs, has allowed for spending decisions to be made without much taxpayer input.
CIDs are special taxing districts designed to fund development projects.
Galloway says Missouri needs to reform state law because local governments can form districts with vague purposes and time frames and can change their purpose after being established. She says that in the vast majority of CIDs, voters do not approve the additional taxes.
Galloway cited an example in Springfield where the public paid more than $225,000 in taxes after a project was completed. In another example, taxpayers paid over $75,000 for lawn and landscaping services to a company owned by a board chairman in Lee’s Summit near Kansas City.
Listed in the report, the 15 CIDs across the state that were reviewed in detail included 2317 Belt CID and East Hills CID in St. Joseph. The report stated that the districts were not selected due to any known issues or concerns, but are considered representative of the entire population of CIDs throughout the state. The report stated, in looking at the petition documents for the 15 CIDs reviewed, it was determined 10 of them (67 percent) did not have a well-defined purpose. Those 10 included 12th & Wyandotte CID, 2317 Belt CID, Black Mountain CID, Capital Mall CID, East Hills CID, Hope Valley CID, Miner Gateway CID, North Oaks Plaza Shopping Center CID, Park Ridge CID, and Ward Parkway Shopping Center CID.
The auditor’s report outlined recommendations to improve transparencies of CIDs.
A heat advisory is in effect through 7 p.m. Sunday for the area.
Governor Mike Parson on Friday announced more than $77,000 in state funding will be awarded to assist the drought-stricken City of Cameron and Caldwell County Public Water Supply Number 2.
After early morning storms, another round of thunderstorms are possible this evening, especially across northeast Missouri. A couple storms may become strong to severe, with large hail and damaging winds the primary risks. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:
