Prolonged Heat Warning in Effect

A prolonged period of excessive heat is expected to begin today with heat index values ranging between 100 to 110 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Saturday, August 19, through 10 pm Thursday, August 24.

Portions of east central and northeast Kansas and north central, northwest and west central Missouri will experience dangerously hot conditions this week with heat index values up to 113 degrees. Actual day time air temperatures will hover around 100 degrees.

Overnight lows around 75 degrees each night will minimize recovery, which could compound into heat related illnesses.

Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

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 lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.

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.

New Healthcare Providers Join Liberty Hospital

Four new healthcare providers are joining Liberty Hospital Primary Care clinics in the Northland.

John Burroughs, MD, joins the Kearney Clinic, 305 S. Platte Clay Way, Kearney. Board certified in family medicine, Dr. Burroughs previously practiced at Cobblestone Family Health in Liberty. He received his medical degree from Bowen Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest, N.C., and completed his residency at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics.

Amanda Thomas, DO, will join Liberty Hospital Primary Care Shoal Creek, 8380 N. Tullis Ave., Kansas City, on Sept. 11. Dr. Thomas received her degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University New York Institute of Technology, Jonesboro, Ark., and completed her family medicine residency at Unity Health, Searcy, Ark.

Ashley Wilson, APRN, is a board-certified nurse practitioner joining the Liberty Clinic, 2609 Glenn Hendren Drive, Liberty, this month. She is a graduate of the William Jewell College School of Nursing, Liberty; and Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa.

Nathaniel Nielsen, DO, also is joining the Liberty Clinic later this fall, bringing family medicine experience from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He received his degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa, and completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minn.

Liberty Hospital Primary Care includes five clinics located in Liberty, Kearney, Kansas City (Shoal Creek), Excelsior Springs and Plattsburg. For more information, go to www.libertyhospital.org/primarycare.

MoDOT Announces Fall 92 Highway Work Schedule

The Missouri Department of Transportation will continue pavement resurfacing and shoulder work that will require the following traffic adjustments:

This project is focused on safety improvements in the eastbound and westbound lanes on Route 92 from Liberty Road to Nation Road. Crews have completed four sections of this six-section project.

Thurs., August 17- Thurs., Sept. 7

-         Missouri Route 92 Eastbound and Westbound between Mt. Olivet Road and Long Road will be open with a flagging operation

The closure will begin between Aug. 17- Aug. 24 through Oct. 19

-         Route 92 east of WHB road and west of Route C will be closed. (This is the final section scheduled for construction on Route 92.)

-         Crews will close Route E at the north side of Route 92

-         Crews will close North Stark Ave at Route 92

-         Crews will close Francis Road at the north and south side of Route 92

This work is a part of the Route 92 Roadway Safety Improvement Project and is a continuation of the work that began on April 3. 

Motorists are advised to follow the signed detour route or seek alternate routes if necessary. All work is weather permitting.

This project is focused on safety improvements in the eastbound and westbound lanes on Route 92 from Liberty Road to Nation Road. Crews have completed four sections of this six-section project. Safety improvements vary depending on the section, but improvements include widened lanes, lengthened culverts, additional turn lanes, intersection site distance improvements, and resurfacing.

Missouri Unemployment Up Slightly

Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point in July 2023, increasing to 2.7 percent from the revised June 2023 rate of 2.6 percent. The July 2023 rate was five-tenths of a percentage point higher than the July 2022 rate of 2.2 percent. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 84,204 in July 2023, up by 2,662 from June's 81,542.

Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point in July 2023

The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.3 percent in June 2023 to 3.4 percent in July 2023. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 2.7 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for July 2023 was 3.8 percent.

Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.6 percent in July 2023, one percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.6 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61.9 percent in July 2023, 1.5 percentage points higher than the national rate of 60.4 percent.

Goods-producing industries decreased by 300 jobs over the month. Mining, logging, and construction declined by 600 jobs, and manufacturing gained 300 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 7,200 jobs between June 2023 and July 2023. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in private education and health services (3,900 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (1,800 jobs); financial activities (1,700 jobs); and leisure and hospitality (700 jobs).

Texting and Driving Takes Effect August 28

The Clay County Sheriff's Office reminds area drivers that a new texting and driving law will be taking effect this month.

The Siddens Bening Hands Free Law was named for two people who were killed by drivers who were distracted by their phones

The Siddens Bening Hands Free Law was named for two people who were killed by drivers who were distracted by their phones. It was passed by the Missouri Legislature and will take effect on August 28.

Here are some highlights of the new law:

-Drivers may not hold any electronic devices to send or receive calls, texts, watch videos, record videos, broadcast, chat, or make or receive other electronic communications while driving.

-Using GPS units, hands-free functions or two-way radios is allowed.

-A person is allowed to use an electronic device if legally stopped or parked.

-Law enforcement officers and other emergency vehicle operators are permitted to use electronic devices while driving in an emergency vehicle when it is job-related.

- The law takes effect in less than two weeks, but law enforcement cannot issue citations for it until Jan. 1, 2025. Officers can give warnings until then.

- This is not a primary violation, meaning it can't be the only reason law enforcement pulls you over.

- The fine for violating the law will be $150.

Missouri is the 49th state to enact such a law.