St. Joseph Archives - Missourinet

National Weather Service warns Friday’s commute will be hazardous across much of Missouri (AUDIO)

January 16, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory for northern, west-central, western and southwest Missouri.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill has updated their forecast for January 17, 2020 (map courtesy of NWS Pleasant Hill Twitter)

NWS Pleasant Hill meteorologist Scott Blair says Kansas City, St. Joseph, Sedalia, Columbia and Jefferson City will see snow and ice on Friday.

“What we’re looking at is a wintry mess out there and really it’s going to be a transition of precipitation types throughout this whole event,” Blair says.

He says the storm system will be moving from southwest to northeast Missouri.

The storm is expected to begin Friday morning in the 3-8 a.m. time frame. Blair tells Missourinet that Friday’s morning and evening commutes will be hazardous for Kansas City, Warrensburg, Columbia and Osage Beach.

“What we’re going to be seeing is snowfall starting out in these places Friday morning,” says Blair. “And as a little bit warmer weather moves into the area we’ll see that precipitation type change to a little bit of sleet and then eventually some freezing rain,” says Blair.

Springfield, Lebanon, Rolla and West Plains are also expected to see ice on Friday.

The Highway 63 corridor will see the heaviest amounts of ice, with up to a quarter-of-an-inch expected in Jefferson City, Columbia and Kirksville. Far western Missouri’s Butler and Nevada could also see up to a quarter-of-an-inch of ice.

The NWS says northwest Missouri will see the heaviest snowfall on Friday, with more than three inches expected in Maryville and Bethany.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Scott Blair, which was recorded on January 16, 2020:

Major winter storm to bring ice, sleet, snow and freezing rain to Missouri (AUDIO)

January 10, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

At least 30 school districts across northern Missouri dismissed classes early Friday afternoon, to get students home before roads deteriorate during a major winter storm.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill has updated the timing of the winter storm that will impact much of Missouri (January 10, 2020 map courtesy of NWS Twitter)

The National Weather Service (NWS) says freezing rain has started in northwest Missouri, part of a winter storm system that will impact much of the state this weekend. State transportation officials say roads in northwest Missouri are already covered or partially covered in snow or ice.

NWS Pleasant Hill meteorologist Scott Blair says the complicated system is bringing a combination of sleet and snow to far northwest Missouri.

“What we have ongoing right now is some freezing rain and that is going to cause quite a lot of problems as we continue on in the afternoon hours through those evening hour time frames,” Blair says.

Maryville and Bethany are expected to see five to eight inches of snow.

Mr. Blair says a line stretching from Kansas City to Chillicothe to Kirksville should see rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow.

“And as that colder air arrives after sunset we will start seeing that potential for both freezing rain and then eventually sleet to move into the area,” says Blair.

Four to six inches of snow are expected in Chillicothe and St. Joseph. Cities like Columbia and Moberly could see up to a quarter-of-an-inch of ice. Jefferson City could see some ice as well.

The NWS and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) are also warning you to be on the alert for refreezing of roads Saturday night into Sunday morning, across central, northern and western Missouri. Blair urges you to be cautious.

“The key point takeaway is don’t worry so much about the exact amount of snow forecast,” Blair says. “Just remember that this is going to be a combination of both a glaze of ice, followed by snow on top of that.”

Missourinet Cameron affiliate KMRN (AM 1360) reports more than 25 schools in northwest and north-central Missouri are dismissing early today. They include the St. Joseph, Gallatin and Princeton School Districts. Our Moberly affiliate KWIX (AM 1230) reports four districts have dismissed early in their listening area, including the Green City and Milan School Districts.

The NWS says a flash flood watch is in effect for southern and central Missouri, including Columbia and Springfield.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Scott Blair, which was recorded on January 10, 2020:

Winter weather advisories and watches issued for Missouri; Chiefs fans urged to be cautious

December 14, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill has issued a winter weather advisory and a winter storm watch for much of Missouri, with a winter storm on the way.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill has issued winter weather advisories and watches for much of Missouri (December 14, 2019 map courtesy of NWS Pleasant Hill Twitter page)

The NWS’ winter weather advisory takes effect Sunday morning and goes through Monday night for a large portion of western and southwest Missouri. The advisory includes Kansas City, St. Joseph, Sedalia, Clinton and Waynesville.

A winter storm watch will go into effect Sunday at noon through Monday night. The watch area includes Columbia, Jefferson City, Fulton, Mexico, Kirksville and Macon.

The newest forecast from NWS in Pleasant Hill indicates the Columbia and Jefferson City areas could see higher snow totals than originally thought, with three to five inches now possible. Moberly, which is about 35 miles north of Columbia, could see almost six inches of snow.

The Kansas City metro area and I-70 communities like Concordia and Odessa should see about five inches of snow, by Monday.

National Weather Service Pleasant Hill meteorologist Spencer Mell has been urging you to get a full tank of gasoline for your vehicle, before the storm hits. He’s also urging you to pack a winter weather kit in your car and to charge your cell phone.

Meantime, the state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has been treating roads and bridges in advance of the storm. MoDOT is urging motorists heading to Sunday’s Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City to use extreme caution. Kickoff for Sunday’s Chiefs-Denver game at Arrowhead will begin at noon, and MoDOT says travel after the game will be more challenging that travel to the game.

MoDOT is also recommending that people delay their Monday morning commute, as the complex weather system has the potential to produce ice accumulations in some areas. MoDOT notes freezing rain and ice is expected to move into northwest Missouri early Monday morning.

You can check road conditions anytime at MoDOT’s traveler information map. Those without internet access or who want additional information can call the MoDOT customer service center anytime. That number is 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636). You can call it 24-7, 365 days a year.

NWS says winter storm heading for Missouri on Sunday (AUDIO)

December 13, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill is urging you to get a full tank of gas and to charge your cell phones, before a winter storm impacts much of Missouri on Sunday afternoon into Monday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill expects northern Missouri to see the heaviest snowfall amounts on Sunday, into Monday (December 13, 2019 map courtesy of NWS Pleasant Hill Twitter page)

NWS Pleasant Hill meteorologist Spencer Mell says northern Missouri will see the highest snowfall totals, about three to five inches.

“St. Joseph over to Chillicothe and up to Kirksville right now looks to be that area where we could see the most, right along that Highway 36 corridor,” Mell says.

Towns like Hamilton, Brookfield and Macon can also expect three to five inches of snow.

Mell tells Missourinet the I-44 corridor between Springfield and Rolla will likely see some ice.

“Down near I-44, I think is probably going to be that best area where we receive that (ice). Could be looking as far north as Columbia and Jefferson City,” says Mell.

While they could see some ice, Mell says the Columbia, Boonville and Jefferson City areas will likely receive snow, about two to four inches.

The NWS advises you to keep a winter weather kit in your vehicle, and to pay close attention to the weather forecast throughout the weekend. Mell notes specifics could change by Sunday, as the system moves closer to Missouri.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and National Weather Service (NWS) Pleasant Hill meteorologist Spencer Mell, which was recorded on December 13, 2019:

Corps of engineers pledges to work with states on flooding factors

October 9, 2019 By Ashley Byrd

An officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the corps is receptive to input from the states in assessing what went wrong this year to spawn the widespread flooding in the lower Missouri River basin.

Officials from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa are demanding more input into the management of the Missouri River and protection from future flooding.

Governor Mike Parson and some key members of Congress from Missouri have been critical of the corp’s priorities in managing the watersheds that affect their state.

Planning Section Chief John Grothaus in the Corps’ Kansas City office says there are lessons to be learned from this year’s floods.

Flash flood watch in effect for parts of northern Missouri; severe storms also possible (AUDIO)

October 1, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill has issued a flash flood watch for parts of north-central and northwest Missouri, through Wednesday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill says isolated tornadoes and 60-mile per hour winds are possible today across far northwest Missouri (October 1, 2019 map courtesy of NWS Twitter page)

NWS meteorologist Chris Bowman says communities in the watch area have already been inundated with rainfall.

“Some of the cities would be St. Joseph, Maryville, Bethany and up to Atchison County, Missouri,” Bowman says.

The NWS says towns like Tarkio and Fairfax could receive three to four inches of additional rainfall, by Thursday. Northern Missouri communities like Bethany, Princeton and Unionville received four to six inches of rain this weekend.

The state Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) traveler map shows 58 roads are currently closed due to flooding, primarily in northwest Missouri.

Mr. Bowman tells Missourinet this weather pattern is not typical for October.

“We’ve got a lot of moisture streaming northward. You can just walk outside and right away feel that it’s humid,” says Bowman.

The NWS in Pleasant Hill also says severe storms are possible Tuesday afternoon and evening in far northwest Missouri, with 60 mile per-hour wind gusts possible and an isolated tornado risk. Hail up to one inch is also possible.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with National Weather Service (NWS) Pleasant Hill meteorologist Chris Bowman, which was recorded on October 1, 2019:

Thunderstorms, hail and flash flooding possible Tuesday evening in parts of Missouri (AUDIO)

June 4, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across much of Missouri late Tuesday afternoon and evening.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill says 65 mph wind gusts, hail and an isolated tornado or two are possible across parts of Missouri on June 4, 2019 (map courtesy of NWS Pleasant Hill Twitter page)

National Weather Service (NWS) Pleasant Hill meteorologist Hal Pietrycha says the storms should start near Kansas City.

“Right now we’re watching just on the state line with Kansas and Missouri that general quadrant basically right now, south of the Missouri River, or put another way, south of I-70 at the state line,” Pietrycha says.

He says damaging winds and large hail will be the main threat. He says wind gusts up to 65 miles per hour are possible.

“Biggest threats today right now appear to be large hail, by that golf ball-sized perhaps,” says Pietrycha.

He says flash flooding is also possible.

The NWS says impacted towns could include St. Joseph, Chillicothe, Columbia, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Hannibal and Rolla.

Mr. Pietrycha also tells Missourinet an isolated tornado or two are possible today.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with NWS Pleasant Hill meteorologist Hal Pietrycha, which was recorded on June 4, 2019:

Severe storms possible this evening in Kansas City and northwest Missouri (AUDIO)

May 24, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill says severe storms are possible again Friday afternoon into tonight across parts of western and northern Missouri.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis says severe thunderstorms are possible in parts of Missouri this afternoon and tonight (May 24, 2019 map courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter page)

NWS meteorologist Jimmy Barham says the storm will be coming in from Wichita and is expected to impact the Kansas City metro at around 5 p.m.

“The main threat is going to be over western Missouri, basically I-35 and west. A little bit to the east late at night,” Barham says.

The NWS says impacted towns are expected to include Kansas City, St. Joseph, Cameron, and Bethany.

Barham says residents in the Kansas City metro and near the I-35 corridor could see wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour and one inch hail. He tells Missourinet flash flooding is also a concern, noting Kansas City has already received 8.9 inches of rain for the month.

“The average to this day in May is 3.89 (inches), so we’re already well above where we should be this time of the month,” says Barham.

He also says western and west-central Missouri could see severe thunderstorms.

“If you’re Butler to (west central Missouri’s) Sedalia, you still have a chance of isolated severe storms as well,” Barham says.

The National Weather Service is also urging anyone camping this weekend to avoid doing so near creeks and streams, and to head to higher ground when warnings are issued. The NWS also urges you to have multiple ways to receive warnings.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with National Weather Service Pleasant Hill meteorologist Jimmy Barham, which was recorded on May 24, 2019:

Interstate 29 open again in Northwest Missouri

May 8, 2019 By Ashley Byrd

Compiled with information from Missouri Department of Transportation

Interstate 29 reopened today to all traffic between Exit 56 and the Iowa state line. The roadway has been closed since late March for massive flooding.

According to MoDot, the closure on the Missouri side was extended, with the exception of local traffic accessing their homes and businesses, until the Iowa Department of Transportation was able to reopen its section of I-29 Wednesday morning.

There are possible delays approximately eight miles north of the Missouri border, where traffic moves head-to-head with a 12-foot width restriction in place. Loads larger than those dimensions must use an alternate route.

Many other routes throughout the region remain flooded, both in Missouri and Iowa. Travelers do not have access to several roads west of I-29 in Atchison and Holt counties due to flooding and damage. These include U.S. Routes 159 and 136, commonly referred to as the Rulo and Brownville Missouri River Crossings, which remain closed.

For updated information regarding route restoration and flooding, visit the Northwest Missouri Flooding webpage and interactive map.

House privacy protection committees’ report released

October 25, 2013 By Mike Lear

The report of two House Committees formed in May to investigate the handling of Missouri license applicants’ information includes accusations that the Department of Revenue violated state law by implementing practices that comply with parts of the federal Real ID Act of 2005.

Representative Stanley Cox (R-Sedalia) chaired the Bipartisan Investigative Committee on Privacy Protection and the Special Interim Committee on Privacy Protection. (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)

The Committees were formed in response to the dissemination to federal agencies of more than 163,000 concealed carry permit records.

The Department began scanning and retaining copies of personal documents from license applicants in December. The Chairman of the two committees, Representative Stanley Cox (R-Sedalia) says that process, the purchase of equipment related to it and the Department’s creation of a “central issuance” method of licensing all violated state law.

The findings follow those of the State Auditor’s office, that last month said the Department violated state law by not going through proper procedures in creating its scanning policy.

The Department has since stopped scanning documents and Governor Jay Nixon has signed legislation barring the scanning of personal documents from license applicants.

View the Committees’ joint report online

Cox says the Committee ran into road blocks when trying to determine who was responsible for the violations he says it found.

He says there was, “A lot of evasive testimony. Not only do the employees (of the Department of Revenue and the Governor’s Office) have no recollection of talking about these changes … the suggestion is that somehow these things occurred without the involvement of the Governor’s Office and they’ve never even ever discussed it, and of course I don’t consider those particularly credible claims.”

The report also contains criticism of the Department for adopting its new licensing procedures as internal policies, thereby not bringing them before the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Cox thinks those new procedures have a direct impact on Missourians, and so they should have been reviewed by that joint committee.

“The sole purpose of that … the only thing I can figure out is … was so that there would be no review through JCAR of their actions in that regard, so that no one would be really aware of what they were doing and how they were doing it.”

The Committees’ recommendations include that the executive branch implement rules to ensure agencies implementing policies or procedures to implement a state law bring those before JCAR or file them with the legislature before they are enacted.

Representative Gina Mitten (D-Richmond Heights) served on both privacy protection committees and sits on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. She says following that recommendation would be redundant with the legislature’s existing power over agencies’ budgets.

“As a legislative body, if there is a concern about rules being promulgated or going through JCAR, I think that (the budgetary process) is an existing remedy that the General Assembly always has the opportunity to avail itself of. Trying to change an existing statutory framework that has been vetted by the courts always causes me concern.”

As to the Department violating state law by implementing components of Real ID, Mitten says that is an example of the state legislature not paying close enough attention to the actual wording of statutes it writes.

“The Department was faced with a paradox of complying with existing law that says we have to have a safe and secure process for creating photo identification and complying with a law that says you can not do anything in order to comply with Real ID. I would challenge anyone to tell me how any department could simultaneously comply with both of those items.”

The Committee also took testimony on the issuance of more than 3,500 fraudulent identification cards out of the St. Joseph License Office, the likely harm of which Cox says “cannot be overemphasized.”

The report says many of those IDs were issued after an investigation was underway and said the law enforcement that testified about the case could not explain why fraudulent issuances were allowed to continue. The report also says the same person that operated the fee office while the fraudulent issuances were occurring is operating it now.

It concludes the Department must establish policies preventing an operator from retaining a contract “after such a massive criminal enterprise has taken place under the operating authority of that individual,” and says the Governor’s office must undertake careful review of its process for choosing operators.