It's been here longer than they may have ever imagined, but the Kansas City Chiefs have again made St. Joseph the home of Chiefs Training Camp.  

Chiefs President Mark Donovan says 15 of the last 16 years training camp has taken over the Missouri Western State University campus, and it's been a great run of success 

"It doesn't happen without a lot of hard work and a lot of commitment from everyone involved so we truly appreciate that," Donovan tells reporters.  "You know, championship seasons start in St. Joe, and it's been something that we've been able to take advantage of for quite a long time now." 

Fans poured onto campus as training camp kicked off yesterday for season ticket holders, with some lining up as early as 2 am  

Donovan says it's always special to come to St. Joseph for camp. 

"When you get in your car after a long meeting and you go down to Mcdonalds and you grab a coffee, the people working see your logo and they say thank you for being here," Donovan says.  "I just want to say it the other way around, thank you guys for welcoming us and treating us the way that you do." 

Donovan reports many tickets for days of training camp are sold out, but to keep on eye on the Chiefs website the morning of camp for more to come available.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs President applauds St. Joseph, MWSU as Training Camp kicks off

Data from USDA shows inspections of wheat and beans for offshore delivery rose week to week while corn assessments declined. Wheat inspections totaled 732,000 metric tons in the seven days ending on July 17. The agency report says that’s up from 446,000 tons a week earlier. Examinations of soybeans for offshore delivery increased to 365,000 metric tons from just over 151,000 tons during the previous week. Corn saw the only decline on the week, falling to 983,000 metric tons, which the USDA said was down from 1.3 million a week prior. 

Since the start of the marketing year on September 1, corn inspections total nearly 59 million tons versus 45.6 million last year. Soybean inspections now total 46.8 million tons, up from 42.4 million at the same point last year, and wheat examinations since the marketing year began June 1 are at three million metric tons, up from 2.6 million a year ago. 

Weekly wheat, bean inspections increase

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are in merger talks to create the largest railroad in North America that would connect the East and West Coasts. The merger discussions began during the first quarter of 2025. It would combine the largest and smallest of the country’s six major freight railroads. Both railroads declined to comment. 

Within the industry, reports say there is a lot of debate over the merger and whether it would be approved by the Surface Transportation Board. The questions come despite regulators approving the deal that created CPKC railroad two years ago with the Canadian Pacific’s $31 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern Railroad. That merger combined the two smallest major railroads in North America and left only six major freight railroads. But at the time, it was the first approved merger in 20 years.

Grain carriers discuss potential merger

September corn closed down 4 1/2 cents per bushel at $3.99 1/4 and December corn was down 4 1/4 cents at $4.18. November soybeans closed down 1/2 cent at $10.25 1/2 and September soybeans were down 2 1/2 cents at $10.08. September KC wheat closed up 7 1/2 cents at $5.33 1/4, September Chicago wheat was up 7 1/4 cents at $5.49 1/2 and September Minneapolis wheat was up 0.05 cents at $5.91.

Following the third consecutive week that corn good-to-excellent ratings stayed at an impressive 74%, corn futures leaked lower for a second straight day. Favorable weather in the extended forecast also added to the bearish tone. Soybeans were mixed to lower, with November falling slightly after a two-point decline in ratings. All three wheat markets were very firm on falling spring wheat conditions.

As time waged on, the live cattle complex turned a little more bullish throughout the day. Initially at the day's start, most of the nearby contracts traded lower, but as the morning progressed, the bullish nature of the market's deferred contracts slowly helped the nearby contracts grow more friendly to the idea of trading higher as well. Some of traders' skepticism comes from the sheer fact that the market is already trading at an all-time high. Also, not to mention the fact that later this week the monthly Cattle on Feed report will be unveiled and it's yet to be seen what this week's fed cash cattle market is going to do. So, all that being said, deep down it seems as though traders want to continue to support the complex, but there are plenty of variables up in the air right now and they don't want to overextend the market. The nearby contracts did finish the day only slightly lower, with the deferreds into the green. No bids or asking prices have surfaced in the cash cattle market.

The live cattle complex took a little bit, getting its bearings straight for the day, but the feeder cattle complex had its mission set in stone before the day even started -- continue to push the market higher. And from the day's initial opening bell, the market did indeed trade higher. Helping spur on traders' ambitious attitude has been the continued demand in the countryside, which continues to be a string of higher prices, nearly each and every week.

Although mid-morning pork cutout values were lower, the lean hog complex continued to trade mostly higher through Tuesday's trade. If it weren't for the butt's $4.12 decline and the rib's $3.01, the carcass price may have been able to hold at least steady.

Commodity markets daily recap

The National FFA Organization recently announced a partnership with Vivayic, the nation’s largest learning solution provider for agriculture, to create virtual leadership labs. This unprecedented collection of modules will use a challenge-based learning approach to help prepare FFA members for success. Development of these online programs will start this Fall, with plans to make the leadership labs available to FFA members by the summer of 2026. 

Christine White, the chief program officer at the National FFA Organization, says “We believe partnering with Vivayic on this project is an exciting step forward in making leadership education more accessible, engaging, and impactful for our members,” and “As we expand to reach more than one million members, this collaboration ensures we’re combining innovation with real-world insight to equip every young leader, no matter where they are, with the tools they need to grow and succeed.” Once complete, the labs will be free and available online. 

National FFA working on new leadership labs

Ground beef prices continue hitting record-high levels. Reports say that’s despite still shrinking cattle herds and import restrictions set to push costs even higher. Government data shows the average price of a pound of 100 percent ground beef rose to $6.12 in June, 12 percent higher than last year. That’s also up from $5.98 in May and $5.47 in June. 

Industry experts say this trend shows no signs of slowing down, which means that there may be upward pressure on prices through 2026 and beyond. The average price of all uncooked beef steaks rose eight percent to $11.49 per pound. It is no secret, that the U.S. is dealing with significantly lower beef supplies, and that’s what is driving up the price of beef right now. The number of U.S. farms, including ranches, dropped by seven percent between 2017 and 2022, and it’s taking a long time to rebuild U.S. herds. 

Beef prices hit record highs in June

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/21141537/30001-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

September corn closed down 4 3/4 cents per bushel at $4.03 3/4 and December corn was down 5 1/2 cents at $4.22 1/4. November soybeans closed down 9 3/4 cents at $10.26 0/1 and September soybeans were down 10 1/2 cents at $10.10 1/2. September KC wheat closed down 3 1/4 cents at $5.25 3/4, September Chicago wheat was down 4 cents at $5.42 1/4 and September Minneapolis wheat was down 9 cents at $5.86 1/2.

The September U.S. Dollar Index is trading down 0.633 at 97.565. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 214.75 points at 44,556.94. August gold is up $49.70 at $3,408.00, September silver is up $0.88 at $39.34 and September copper is up $0.0380 at $5.6425. September crude oil is down $0.16 at $65.89, September heating oil is up $0.0457, September RBOB is down $0.0220 and August natural gas is down $0.254.

Corn futures slid lower Monday after weekend rains hit some key growing areas in the western and central Corn Belt. Good rain fell in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and even into dry northern Indiana. The forecast ahead keeps the active weather pattern in place for the next 10 days. Yes, there is a warm-up coming with some hot temperatures, especially in the western belt and into the southern corn areas. However, on Monday's crop progress report, traders are expecting another bump in condition ratings, with corn good to excellent ratings already at a stellar 74% last week. There appear to be few areas that are facing soil moisture issues, with corn areas impacted by some form of drought falling to just 7% now. Corn inspections were again decent and remain 29% above a year ago, with the USDA calling for just a 22% rise. In Brazil, major producing state, Mato Grosso, is now 77% harvested. Also adding to pressure is a beneficial forecast for Mexico's corn area for August, and even though they are the number one customer for U.S. corn, it appears that the Mexican corn crop is headed higher. Even with that in mind, Mexico is slated to import close to 24 mmt of corn in 2025-26. Managed money funds last week covered 20,000 contracts of their short, but as of last Tuesday, they were still net short close to 160,000 contracts. DTN's National Corn Index is $3.96 and 13 cents under the September futures.

November soybean futures fell hard Monday, pressured by good weekend weather, the prospect of more rain and early weakness in soy product markets. Also pressuring beans is concern over the impending August 1 deadline for tariffs. Soybean oil, after reaching a new high on Friday, reversed to trade lower early before recovering to finish higher. Palm oil fell 2% on Monday, pressuring bean oil early. Spot August soybean meal, after touching the 20-day moving average Friday for the first time since mid-June, quickly sold off from that level Monday. Good weekend rain in Nebraska and the "I" states, along with storms in the northern Plains, pressured markets, as did the 10-day forecast. Despite a warm-up in temperatures to 3 to 5 degrees above average in late July, early August, soy conditions are expected to get a bit better in Monday's crop progress report. Meanwhile, China continues to load up on Brazilian beans with June soy imports from Brazil rising to 10.6 mmt, 87% higher than a year ago. China imported just 1.6 mmt in June from the U.S. Soybean traders will keep an eye on the forecast, which has some extremely hot temperatures in the southern areas, but right now, it appears that soybeans are still on pace for record or near-record yields. August weather will likely have something to say about that. Managed funds added to a small net short last week, while increasing their bean oil long and remaining net short 125,000 contracts of meal. DTN's National Soybean Index is $9.85 and 50 under the November futures.

According to the latest Crop Protection Network map, positive cases of tar spot have been reported in 26 Iowa counties so far this growing season. First reported in the Corn Belt in 2015, the disease has been confirmed in Iowa since 2016. Now all 99 Iowa counties have a history with the disease. This season, tar spot has also been confirmed in neighboring Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Nebraska. Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York have reported positive cases as well. 

Gentry Sorenson covers a number of northwest Iowa counties as an extension agronomist. He says the crop is late stage vegetative to R2 in his area. That’s about the right time to consider applying fungicide to target tar spot. Multi-state fungicide research results show that applications made for tar spot management are most effective and economical when made between R2-R3, even when disease developed during early vegetative stages.

Tar spot confirmed in 10 states, 26 Iowa counties

National Farm Safety and Health Week 2025 is quickly approaching. This year's theme is "Safety First, Avoid the Worst." Since 1944, one week each year has been designated as a time to focus on some of the unique challenges faced by agricultural communities. NFSHW is organized by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety , an agricultural partner of the National Safety Council. 

This year, NFSHW will be observed from Sept. 21 to 27, with activities taking place across the U.S. The program will spotlight critical safety topics through educational workshops and daily webinars, offering valuable information and resources for farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers and rural communities. In addition to educational webinars, many community outreach events will take place nationwide, featuring interactive exhibits, safety demonstrations and local vendors.

National Farm Safety and Health Week 2025 coming in September

September corn closed up 6 1/2 cents and December corn was up 6 3/4 cents. August soybeans closed up 6 1/4 cents and November soybeans were up 9 1/4 cents. September KC wheat closed up 11 1/2 cents, September Chicago wheat was up 12 3/4 cents, September Minneapolis wheat was up 1/2 cents.

September corn closed up 12 1/2 cents and December corn was up 15 1/2 cents. August soybeans closed up 23 1/2 cents and November soybeans were up 28 1/2 cents. September KC wheat closed up 4 3/4 cents, September Chicago wheat was up 1 1/4 cents and September Minneapolis wheat was down 1/5 cents.

Grain futures rebounded from a shaky Thursday session to roll into the weekend with strong gains, led by wheat finally catching a bid amid contract lows to trade double-digits higher for winter varieties. Meanwhile, soybeans strung together three solid days to close the week, adding over 30 cents of value to the new-crop November contract from Tuesday's close. Commodity markets did fade off daily highs as the session wore on Friday, with profit-taking beginning in energy markets before seeping into agriculture markets by late morning. After Friday's close, traders will want to tune in for the CFTC's latest Commitments of Traders Report which will shed light on trader positions as of Tuesday's close.

The live cattle complex traded lower as the market is no longer seeming confident in the levels reached earlier this week. It's slightly frustrating to see the futures complex trading lower while feedlot managers were able to keep the cash cattle market steady to $1.00 higher in both regions, but the fact remains that traders simply seem uncomfortable and because of that, the contracts traded lower.

The feeder cattle complex continued to follow in the live cattle complex's wake, so it comes as little to no surprise that the contracts traded fully lower into Friday's closing bell. And at this point, it's unlikely that the market will change its direction for the short term.

The lean hog complex traded mostly mixed into Friday's close, as the market continues to build off the positive technical footing in which the market has established in the contracts, and upon the higher uptick in pork demand. It's rather impressive to note this morning that there isn't one single major cut that was lower on today's midday report.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/18153010/web-ag-news.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

The Trump administration says there won’t be a crackdown on pesticide use in the U.S. Reports say that’s despite a report from the Make America Healthy Again Committee that called crop protection products dangerous to people’s health. During a recent policy roundtable in Washington, D.C., seven out of the ten speakers mentioned how important pesticides and fertilizers are in modern agricultural production systems. 

Agriculture industry lobbyists have been pushing back against the Make America Healthy Again Committee report, which linked pesticides to cancer and other diseases. A White House official, speaking anonymously, says a plan for acting on that report is due in August and won’t include new policies on pesticide use. The promise may signal the White House is eager to smooth out trouble spots with farmers and farm groups. 

No crackdown on pesticide use

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Cities and counties are not allowed to stack sales taxes on marijuana products, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday.&nbsp;

In a 6-1 decision, the state’s highest court concluded the 2022 constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana limits the definition of “local government” to allow only one municipality to impose a 3% sales tax — a village, town or city in an incorporated area and a county in an unincorporated area.

The drafters of the constitutional amendment “specified a ‘local government’ is based on&nbsp;the area in which the dispensary is located,” the court ruled.&nbsp;

The case focused on Florissant-based dispensary Robust Missouri 3 LLC, where customers have been paying a total sales tax of almost 21% , which includes a 3% sales tax from both the city of Florissant and St. Louis County.

The court’s decision means only the Florissant sales tax can remain in place and will impact more than 70 areas across the state where both city and county governments have been imposing a 3% tax at dispensaries, according to Missouri Department of Revenue&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/pdf/rates/2024/oct2024.pdf" target="_blank">data</a>.

Judge Zel M. Fischer was the lone dissent, arguing that the constitutional amendment’s definition of local government clearly includes both incorporated and unincorporated areas. It would, Fischer wrote, therefore allow counties to impose the sales tax and collect it in incorporated areas.

“The patently absurd results of holding that ‘and’ means ‘or’ and that St. Louis County is not a ‘local government’ within its own territorial jurisdiction confirms, once again, that simply applying the constitution’s plain language meaning is the surest way for this court to implement the law as it was intended,” Fischer argued.&nbsp;

A panel of Missouri appellate judges agreed with Robust in November, ruling that the constitution’s “plain, unambiguous” language means&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/12/appeals-court-rules-counties-cannot-stack-missouri-marijuana-taxes/">cities and counties cannot stack marijuana sales taxes</a>.

That decision reversed a lower court’s ruling last year that allowed both Florissant and St. Louis County to both impose a 3% sales tax on marijuana products.&nbsp;

The ruling also determined the outcome of a second case, currently before the Western District Court of Appeals. In that case, a Buchanan County judge also ruled that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/30/2nd-missouri-judge-rules-counties-can-stack-taxes-at-marijuana-dispensaries/">taxes could be stacked</a>. The Western District court stopped action in the case while awaiting the Supreme Court decision.

Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, said his organization and other industry partners went to court days after the double taxation began in 2023 “to protect the very customers that make Missouri’s marijuana program the envy of other states.”

Tuesday’s ruling, Mullins said, will save Missouri cannabis customers an estimated $3 million every month.&nbsp;

“Missouri customers already pay their fair share, with sales tax revenue from cannabis in Missouri now tripling original state estimates,” Mullins said. “The ruling’s clarity preserves Missouri’s standing as one of the nation’s most impactful and accessible cannabis programs, ensuring patients and adult-use consumers continue to benefit from fair pricing, great service and robust product choice.”

Missouri Supreme Court rules local governments can’t stack marijuana sales taxes

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News 

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; KTM SX65 motocross bike driven by a 13-year-old Dearborn boy was southbound on SE 32nd Road north of Seymour SE,&nbsp; two and one half miles south of St. Joseph.

A 2021 Toyota Rav4 driven by an 18-year-old St. Joseph man was eastbound on County Road Seymour. The Toyota made a left turn and began to slide on County Road SE 32nd Road.&nbsp; The motocross bike struck the front of the Toyota. After impact the motocross driver was ejected.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported the boy to Mosaic. He was later transported to Children's Mercy for treatment of serious injuries.

13-year-old injured after motocross bike, SUV crash

ANDREW COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chrysler 200 driven by a 73-year-old Savannah woman was southbound on Business 71 and slowed to make a left turn onto southbound Interstate 29. The driver failed to notice a northbound 2025 Ford Bronco driven by a 15-year-old Country Club girl.&nbsp; The Ford struck the side of the Chrysler. After impact the Chrysler traveled off the road and struck a guardrail. The Ford rolled onto its passenger side.

Andrew County EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic Life Care. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman, teen hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating vehicle burglaries in Atchison and have made an arrest.

Shortly after midnight on Monday night, police responded to the area of the 400 block Mound in Atchison to investigate a report of several subjects getting into parked vehicles, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Officers located two 15 year old juveniles in the 600 block Mound who were subsequently connected to several vehicles which had been entered. One vehicle had several miscellaneous items taken from it which were recovered. The two juveniles were booked on requested chrges of vehicle burglary and theft and released to parents, according to Wilson.

Kansas teens accused of vehicle burglaries 

With a sour taste in their mouth after losing the Super Bowl last year, the Kansas City Chiefs started their journey to get back today at Training Camp in St. Joseph.  

It's the 15th training camp at Missouri Western State University, and head coach Andy Reid's message to the team was to attack it with urgency.  

Patrick Mahomes says the way he interprets that message is just that everyone needs to keep getting better 

"I think that's something that people lose track of when you have success," Mahomes tells reporters following practice.  "Obviously we didn't win that last game, but we had a lot of success last year, and I think sometimes people want to be stagnant and they want to go out there and do it over again, but you see with the rest of the AFC West, the rest of the AFC, and the rest of the NFL is everybody's getting better, so we have to get better, and so that's about keeping urgency in practice and competing." 

The Chiefs kicked off training camp with two big pieces of their young core locked up for the foreseeable future.  

Prior to camp, the Chiefs locked up a key piece to their offensive line in guard Trey Smith. 

For Smith, a former sixth round pick who fell in the draft due to medical issues, it was an emotional moment 

"I lost my mom when I was 15 and I made two promises to her, that I would get my degree and I would play in the NFL, I didn't promise her I would be the highest paid, but I made a promise," Smith tearfully says.  "And my parents sacrificed so much for me to be here, so much, and to have that moment with them it's special bro, it's special, and it's something I won't take for granted man." 

Smith signed a four-year $94 million contract, making him the highest paid guard in the league.

Less than one week later, the Chiefs extended the contract of defensive end George Karlaftis.  

Karlaftis says he's been very vocal about there being nowhere he would want to be other than Kansas City, and says the reason starts with the team 

"The team, Coach Reid, the guys on the team, the locker room, everything about this organization from the top down really, just amazing, no place I'd rather be really," Karlaftis says.  "And then the city, you know my fiancée and I have grown to love this place, calling it home now, and yeah it's awesome." 

Karlaftis and the Chiefs agreed to a four-year contract extension that will keep the 24-year-old in Kansas City through 2030.  

The Chiefs practiced today for just over an hour.  They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15. 

New contracts, new beginnings as Chiefs open Training Camp in St. Joseph

Another round of new cargo planes has
been awarded to an Air National Guard base, but not the 139th
Airlift Wing in St. Joseph.

The 139th continues to fly the
aging cargo planes while the 153rd Airlift Wing in Cheyenne, Wyoming
gets the new, C130J model.

The latest move by the Air National Guard
leaves the Missouri Congressional delegation frustrated.

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves
says he continues to push for the cargo plane upgrade for the St. Joseph base,
especially since it is home of the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center.

“It’s literally the top gun for the
Advanced Airlift Command,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s imperative
that we continue that, but they need the best equipment that they can possibly
get.”

The Advanced Airlift Tactics Center
trains pilots from throughout the United States and around the world on the
latest maneuvers that might be needed in time to conflict. The center will
train with the C-130J even as the 139th flies the C-130H.

Rosecrans held the 139th back.
Its aging infrastructure, which included a long-outdated air traffic control
tower, made the Air Guard hesitant to upgrade the 139th’s fleet. Its
deficiencies were exposed during an Air National Guard inspection. That has
changed, drastically. Money has poured into the base. It now has a new air
traffic control tower, a new main runway, and even a new terminal, among other
improvements.

Graves says he had thought the 139th
was next in line for the new planes, since Rosecrans Memorial Airport has
undergone significant upgrades to address flaws found in the report.

Sam Graves says the Trump Administration
emphasis on military readiness should bolster the 139th’s case.

“We think that that actually takes St.
Joe and Rosecrans to the top of the list and we’re going to continue to push
it,” Graves says. “And I’m going to continue to be working with Guard to make
sure that that happens and that our senators are doing the same things. It’s
important that we modernize the fleet there at the 139th.”

During a Senate hearing in Washington,
D.C., Sen. Eric Schmitt, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee,
expressed frustration to Air Force brass that the 139th had not
received the modernized version of the C-130.

Though admitted to the same frustration,
Graves remains optimistic the 139th will receive the new model.

“I’ve led a dozen efforts now to get
C-130Js at St. Joe. And I thought we were going to pull it off last time, but
it’s been very frustrating, but I think things looks really, really good for
the next round.”

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Frustration expressed as 139th bypassed again for new C-130 planes

Fillmore city
officials have issued a boil order until further notice.

Fillmore officials
say the boil order has been issued while repairs are being made to a fire hydrant. Residents are advised to boil water from the tap until the boil order is lifted.

Fillmore under a boil order

A St. Joseph
native has been named St. Joseph Artist of the Year.

Mayor John
Josendale has named Christopher Alexander as Artist of Year, headlining the
2025 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts.

Alexander has
spent years playing the piano, teaching music, and creating his own
orchestrations. This upcoming September, he will collaborate with the Saint
Joseph Symphony to provide an “Animated Adventures and Family Favorites”
concert.

Arts Educator of
the Year was awarded to Beth McLenaghan, a vocal coach.

Martial Thevenot
was named Outstanding Volunteer. Youth Artist of the Year went to Gage Phroper.
Christy George has been honored as the Individual Leadership Award. 

The Organizational
Achievement in the Arts award was given to St. Joseph Youth Chorale. 

This was the 34th
year of the Mayor’s Awards for the Arts.

Alexander named St. Joseph Artist of Year

The second half of the MLB season didn't fare much better for Cardinals starter Erick Fedde, as the right hander was unable to turn his luck around against the Colorado Rockies as the Redbirds fell 8-4 on Tuesday night at Coors Field.&nbsp;

Mickey Moniak led off the scoring for the Rockies with a solo home run in the first inning.&nbsp; In the second inning, Colorado added two more runs on&nbsp;Adael Amador's two RBI double, driving in Ryan McMahon and Brenton Doyle.&nbsp; And the Rockies continued their scoring frenzy into the third inning, with three more runs off Fedde, McMahon hitting a three run home run, scoring Moniak and Jordan Beck, to put Colorado up 6-0 after three innings.&nbsp;

The Cardinals did score two runs in the fourth inning as Alec Burleson scored on a groundout by Nolan Arenado and Masyn Winn singled to drive in Willson Contreras, all with two outs, but that was all they could do in the inning, and heading into the bottom of the fourth, Fedde was replaced by reliever Kyle Leahy.&nbsp;

Leahy gave up no runs in the fourth, but in the fifth inning the Rockies added one more run off the reliver, Doyle driving in&nbsp;Ezequiel Tovar with an RBI single, following Tovar's two out double.&nbsp; Not another run scored until the seventh inning when the Cardinals cut back into the lead, Brendan Donovan doubling to bring home Victor Scott II after his one out walk, putting the Redbirds down 7-3.&nbsp;

In the eighth inning, Jordan Walker scored as Walker and Yohel Pozo hit back to back doubles for the Cardinals, but in the bottom half of the inning, the Rockies got the run back scoring their final run of the game with a bases loaded walk to Moniak, bringing home Michael Toglia.&nbsp;

Fedde took the loss, falling to 3-10 on the season, pitching three innings and giving up six runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and one walk.&nbsp; At the plate, Burleson was 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.&nbsp; Donovan was 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis and Colorado will now look for a series win in the rubber match tomorrow.&nbsp; Andre Pallante (5-6, 4.71 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals while the Rockies starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 2:10pm, coverage will be joined around 2 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Fedde's season long struggles continue as Cardinals fall 8-4 to Rockies

The playoffs are a different beast, no matter the sport, no matter the league, and it proved no different at Phil Welch Stadium on Tuesday night as it took extra innings for the top seeded St. Joseph Mustangs to beat the bottom seeded Nevada Griffons 2-1 for a trip to the MINK League Championship series.&nbsp;

It was a pitchers duel on the hot summer evening between Mustangs starter Ashton Nance and Griffons starter&nbsp;David "Kenny" Jennings, both putting up zeroes in the run column through the first six innings.&nbsp; Nance gave up no runs in the seventh as well, but it was in the bottom half of the seventh that one team was finally able to break into the scoring as the Mustangs got onto the board.&nbsp;

With one out in the inning, Justin George singled to left, and moved to second as Easton Phillipe walked in the next at bat.&nbsp; With two runners on, Trevor McCollum grounded into a fielders choice, the Griffons going to third base to get George for the second out, leaving runners at first and second.&nbsp; Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall continued his hot run though, singling to drive in Phillipe to put the Mustangs up 1-0.&nbsp;

The Mustangs brought on Lawson alum Lane Chapman in the eighth, who needed just 13 pitches to get through the inning holding the lead.&nbsp; In the bottom half, the Mustangs got some runners on looking to add some insurance after Dom Felix walked and Jack Mosh singled, but Nevada reliever&nbsp;Gaige Carson kept them from scoring, keeping the Griffons within striking distance as surefire closer Jase Johnson came to the mound for St. Joseph.

Johnson hit Jordan Rowe to start the inning, but then got a groundout and a strikeout looking to close the door for the Mustangs.&nbsp; With Rowe at second base following the groundout, a single by&nbsp;Shadrach Salazar fell perfectly into the gap between center and right field, driving in Rowe to tie up the game.&nbsp; Johnson forced a fly out to end the inning, sending the playoff game to extra innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the 10th, after Nevada got no runners on, the Mustangs again had a chance to put the game away, Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart walking and then moving to second on a single by Felix.&nbsp; Runners ended up on the corners after Mosh reached on a fielders choice, with Felix being thrown out at second, but with Benton alum Chris Coy at the plate, Coy grounded out, Mosh stealing second in the at bat.&nbsp; George flied out to end the inning stranding the winning run at third.&nbsp;

Moving to the 11th, again Johnson still on the mound put no runners on and in the bottom of the inning with two outs, Gall was hit by a pitch and Darius Freeman singled, again putting the winning run at second base, but once again the runner would be stranded as Luikart grounded out to second base to keep the game moving.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After neither team put a runner on in the 12th inning, the game moved to the 13th, where East Buchanan alum Gage Busby held the Griffons hitless again in the top half.&nbsp; In the bottom half, George led off the inning with a walk, and was pinch ran for by Central alum Logan Miller who stole second base, and then moved to third on a groundout by Easton Phillipe.&nbsp; Trevor McCollum was intentionally walked, and then stole second base with one out.&nbsp; After Gall struck out, Freeman was the hero hitting a chopper back to the pitcher and racing down the line, beating the throw to first base as Miller came across to score the winning run.&nbsp;

Busby earned the win, striking out all three batters in his one inning of relief.&nbsp; Nance in a no decision pitched seven shutout innings giving up two hits and striking out five while walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Freeman was 2-for-7 with an RBI.&nbsp; Gall was 1-for-6 with an RBI, while Felix was 2-for-5 with a walk and Mosh was 2-for-6.&nbsp;

The Mustangs now advance to the MINK League Championship Series, seeking their 10th MINK League Championship.&nbsp; The Mustangs will play either the second seeded Clarinda A's or the fourth seeded Jefferson City Renegades, traveling to either Clarinda or Jefferson City for Game One of the best of three series on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jefferson City run ruled the Carroll Merchants 10-0 and will take on Clarinda in their MINK League Divisional Game tomorrow in Clarinda to determine where the Mustangs will travel.&nbsp;

Mustangs survive tough battle to advance to MINK League Championship Series

It was 20 years ago that Rich Hill made his debut at Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs.&nbsp; And on Tuesday night, he made history, tying Edwin Jackson pitching for his 14th Major League club, as the Kansas City Royals fell to the Cubs 6-0 at Wrigley Field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a scoreless first, defensive miscues put the Royals behind in the second inning.&nbsp; Dansby Swanson led the inning off with a single, and then reached second on a fielding error by Nick Loftin as Ian Happ reached first on a fielders choice.&nbsp; Happ would end up out at second as Justin Turner reached first on a force out, with Swanson moving to third, and with one out Matt Shaw drove in Swanson with a single.&nbsp; After a double steal, Nico Hoerner drove in Turner, reaching on a fielders choice as the Royals took the out at third, putting the Cubs up 2-0.&nbsp;

Chicago extended the lead in the fifth with two outs, Carson Kelly singling and then scoring on a double by Pete Crow-Armstrong.&nbsp; In the seventh, the Cubs scored the final three runs, with the bases loaded Seiya Suzuki singling to drive in Shaw.&nbsp; Another run was added on a sacrifice fly by Kelly, scoring Hoerner, and the final run came across home on a double steal with Suzuki stealing second, and Kyle Tucker stealing home.&nbsp;

Hill took the loss, moving to 0-1, pitching five innings and giving up three runs, one earned, on six hits while striking out one and walking two.&nbsp; At the plate, the Royals had six total hits, with six batters getting one hit each in the loss.&nbsp;

With the series split, Kansas City and Chicago wrap it up tomorrow in the rubber match.&nbsp; Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.94 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals while the Cubs pitcher is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:20, pregame coverage begins at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

Hill makes history as Royals are shutout by Cubs 6-0

The St. Louis Cardinals saw better luck to start their series against the Colorado Rockies, after getting swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks to start the second half, winning 6-2 on Monday afternoon at Coors Field.&nbsp;

The Cardinals though did have to play from behind after falling behind the Rockies in the third inning, due to some misplays in the field.&nbsp;&nbsp;Adael Amador singled to lead off the inning and advanced on a single by Mickey Moniak, but then raced all the way home after a fielding error by Victor Scott II, which also advanced Moniak to second base.&nbsp; Hunter Goodman's one out single drove in Moniak to put the Rockies up 2-0 after three innings.&nbsp;

St. Louis tied things up the very next inning, starting with a solo home run leading off the inning by Willson Contreras, his 13th of the season.&nbsp; With one out Nolan Arenado doubled, and scored as Masyn Winn followed that with a double of his own to tie up the game at two a piece

The Cardinals took the lead in the fifth inning Contreras driving in Brendan Donovan after his one out double with an RBI single.&nbsp; In the sixth inning the Redbirds continued extending the lead, with Arenado at third and one out&nbsp;Pedro Pagés singling to drive the third baseman in, moving Jordan Walker to third, Walker later scoring on a sacrifice fly by Donovan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Walker singled home Contreras in the seventh inning for the final Cardinals run after Contreras led of the inning with a double.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recently recalled Michael McGreevy earned the win, improving to 2-1 on the season, pitching seven innings and giving up seven hits and two runs while striking out one.&nbsp; At the plate, Winn was 3-for-5 with an RBI.&nbsp; Contreras was also 3-for-5 with a double, a home run, and two RBIs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis and Colorado continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Erick Fedde (3-9, 4.83 ERA) starts for the Cardinals against Bradley Blalock (0-2, 9.97 ERA) for the Rockies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:40pm, coverage will be joined around 7:30 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

Cards snap losing streak to start second half with 6-2 win over Rockies

The Kansas City Royals offense exploded to back another strong start by Noah Cameron, beating the Chicago Cubs 12-4 to open their series at historic Wrigley Field on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The Royals opened the scoring in the second inning behind Jac Caglianone's fifth home run of the season.&nbsp; But in the bottom half of the inning fell behind as Cameron gave up four runs, the first being a tying solo home run to Carson Kelly leading off the inning.&nbsp; After Dansby Swanson singled, and Justin Turner doubled, the Cubs went deep again off Cameron to take the lead as Matt Shaw hit a three run home run, what would end up being the final Cubs runs of the game.&nbsp;

In the fourth inning, the Royals cut the lead to one, thanks to the long ball again.&nbsp; With two outs, Maikel Garcia singled, before Salvador Perez sent the ball flying to left center field for his 16th home run of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the fifth Kansas City continued the scoring rally to back Cameron, tying up the game with Jonathan India's RBI double driving in John Rave after he reached first on a forceout.&nbsp; With Kyle Isbel on third, the Royals took the lead in the very next at bat as Bobby Witt Jr singled, then extending the lead as Witt Jr stole second, and on a throwing error India came home to score, with Witt Jr moving to third and then scoring himself on a wild pitch.&nbsp;

In the seventh inning, Rave led the inning off hitting a home run in the ballpark that he grew up going to games in, his third home run of the season, to extend the lead.&nbsp; Then, in the eighth inning, after Garcia led the inning off with a double, Perez went deep for the second time in the game to push the lead even more.&nbsp; Following a walk by Caglianone, and a single by Nick Loftin, it was Rave driving in another run with an RBI single, scoring Caglianone, Rave eventually scoring the final run himself on a forceout by Witt Jr.&nbsp;

Cameron earned the win, moving to .500 on the season at 4-4, pitching six innings and giving up four runs on seven hits while striking out seven.&nbsp; At the plate, Perez was 2-for-5 with two home runs and four RBIs.&nbsp; Rave was 2-for-4 with the home run and two RBIs, while Isbel was 3-for-4 with a run.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Chicago continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Rich Hill will make his season debut for the Royals against Matthew Boyd (10-3, 2.34 ERA) for the Cubs.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:05pm, pregame coverage will begin at 6:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

Hill is currently on Kansas City’s taxi squad.&nbsp; Hill signed a Minor League deal with the Royals back in May and has been building up over the last few months. The southpaw has a 5.22 ERA and 61 strikeouts across his 11 starts, nine of which have come with Triple-A Omaha.

Despite the lopsided ERA, the Royals have been impressed with Hill’s command in the Minors this season. He has allowed two runs or fewer in six of 11 outings and recently became the first 45-year-old to record double-digit K's in a professional contest since Nolan Ryan did so in 1992. Hill did it in a start with Triple-A Omaha on July 13.

Royals offense comes up big for Noah Cameron in 12-4 win over Chicago

In conjunction with the 2025 class of the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame being enshrined, the St. Joseph Sports Commission is also honoring the Coach Bill Snyder Woman of Impact.&nbsp;

The Woman of Impact Award recognizes a female athlete, coach, administrator or a contributor that achieved an outstanding season or accomplishment over the past year.&nbsp; The award is named in honor of St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2021 inductee Bill Snyder who spoke of the strong impact his mother Marionetta made on his life during his induction speech at the inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony.&nbsp;

The fourth recipient of the award will be Ali Perry, a graduate of Central who most recently completed her freshman season on the women's golf team at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.&nbsp; After winning the MSHSAA Class 5 Individual State Championship in her senior year, Perry carried that success into college, leading the Lions&nbsp;&nbsp;with a 73.31 scoring average this past season and was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year. 

 Perry also won the NCAA Division II Central Regional Individual Championship at Kickingbird Golf Club in Edmond, Oklahoma.  Perry shot rounds of 72-66-71 good for one under par for the championship which qualified her and her teammates to compete at the NCAA National Championship in Boulder City, Nevada for the first time in program history.  Perry also had an excellent freshman year in the classroom as she was named  a WGCA All-America Scholar.

Perry, along with the 2025 Hall of Fame class consisting of nine individual inductees, one team, and the Special Olympics Athlete of the Year, will be recognized on Sunday, August 24 during the enshrinement ceremony at Stoney Creek Hotel &amp; Conference Center.

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

Women's golf standout, Central alum honored as Bill Snyder Woman of Impact winner

The second half of the Major League baseball season didn't quite open how the St. Louis Cardinals hoped it would, as the Redbirds were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks after falling 5-3 on Sunday afternoon at Chase Field in their series finale.&nbsp;

Miles Mikolas again struggled on the mound as the Cardinals quickly fell behind 4-0 in the first inning, Corbin Carroll again leading off the inning with a triple before scoring as Geraldo Perdomo reached on a fielders choice, Brendan Donovan attempting to throw Carroll out at home but catcher Yohel Pozo missing the tag.&nbsp; After Josh Naylor walked, a hot target as the trade deadline approaches,&nbsp;Eugenio Suárez, hit his 34th home run of the season, a three run blast to left field.&nbsp;

The Cardinals scored a run in the top of the third inning, Victor Scott II leading off the inning with a double and coming home on a single by&nbsp;Iván Herrera, but in the bottom half of the inning the Diamondbacks got the run back for their final score of the game as&nbsp;Suárez hit his second home run of the game, and his 35th of the season, putting him behind only Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge for the most in major league baseball.&nbsp;

St. Louis added one more run in the fifth inning, Brendan Donovan grounding out with the bases loaded after three straight walks, scoring Pozo, to cut the lead to three.&nbsp; The Cardinals though managed just one more run, scoring again in the ninth inning on an RBI double by Jordan Walker, driving in Masyn Winn.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mikolas took the loss, falling to 5-7 on the season, pitching four innings and giving up all five runs on four hits while striking out three and walking two.&nbsp; At the plate, Walker was 2-for-3 with the double, a walk, and an RBI.&nbsp; 

St. Louis will now travel to Colorado.&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael McGreevy (1-1, 4.22 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against former Cardinal Austin Gomber (0-3, 5.65 ERA) for the Rockies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:40pm with coverage being joined around 7:30 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Cardinals swept by D-Backs to start second half falling 5-3 in finale

CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating a Missouri State Park Ranger for alleged sexual assault.

On Monday, Camden County Sheriff&nbsp;Chris Edgar confirmed the arrest of 34-year-old Billy G Stephens III, a suspect in a sexual assault investigation. 

Stephens, a Missouri State Park Ranger, was taken into custody late Saturday night while on duty.

On July 19th, Camden County Sheriff’s Detectives conducted an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving an active-duty Missouri State Park Ranger. After attending a forensic interview of an alleged child victim, detectives contacted command staff at the Missouri State Park Rangers and advised them of the situation.

 Rangers command staff cooperated fully with the investigation and assisted in devising a plan to take Stephens into custody. Stephens was arrested at the Camden County Adult Detention Facility. He is charged with the Class B Felony of 2nd Degree Child Molestation, two counts of the Class D Felony of Statutory Rape, the Class D Felony of Tampering with a Witness, and the Class E Felony of Tampering with Physical Evidence.  He is being held without bond 

A statement from the sheriff's office said, "The allegations against Stephens are disturbing and, frankly, a betrayal of the trust our community puts in its law enforcement officers. This office is committed to the equal administration of justice regardless of a suspect’s status as a law enforcement officer."

"While this office does not regularly put out press release information on sex crimes cases, I felt in this case the public needed to know about the alleged misconduct of one of their law enforcement officers."&nbsp;

"We are extremely grateful to the Missouri State Park Rangers for their assistance in this investigation and their commitment to helping us fight crime in our communities.  We will not waiver when it comes to our pursuit of justice. No one gets a pass from us.  A personal message to all law enforcement officers in Camden County and the surrounding communities This is the second local law enforcement officer this month my staff has arrested for felony crimes. Let this be a warning to you. If you are a law enforcement officer and you are involved in criminal activity; we will find you. We will not harbor you. We will hold you accountable."

Sheriff: Park ranger accused of child sex crimes

RILEY COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a burglary in Manhattan and asking the public for help with information.

Just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 1800 block of Priboth Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Jeffery Jones reported an unknown suspect took 80 pheasants and three firearms. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $3,000. 

Anyone with information, contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.

Police: Kan. burglary suspect took 80 pheasants, 3 firearms

COLES COUNTY, Illinois –A Kansas Amber Alert suspect is in custody and police in Illinois released new details on the capture of 32-year-old&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Christopher K. Barnshaw.

Just after noon Tuesday, police in Mattoon, Illinois, were notified that a suspect in a kidnapping incident in Topeka was possibly in their city, according to a media release from police.

Police in Topeka reported that Barshaw was believed to be a suspect in the death of a man and woman the 500 Block of NE Wabash in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Daniel Garrett. Barnshaw was also believed to have taken a child of one of the victims and fled the area. He was reported to be driving a Lexus passenger vehicle bearing Kansas License 4003AHF.

At 12:16p.m. a police officer in Mattoon, who was actively on a traffic stop on Route 16 observed the suspect vehicle pass him.&nbsp; The officer cleared from the traffic stop and began following the suspect in the Lexus eastboun toward Charleston, Illinois. After several other officers arrived in the area, they conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle at the intersection of Route 16 and Beechtree Road.&nbsp; Barnshaw was take into custody without incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the arrest, officers found a firearm concealed on Barnshaw.&nbsp; The 2-year-old boy who the subject of the Amber Alert was in the back seat unharmed.

Barnshaw is being held in the Coles County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Mattoon Police are working with Topeka Police.&nbsp; Barshaw could face additional charges.&nbsp; Arrangements are being made to reunite the&nbsp; child with a family member.

Police: Kan. Amber Alert suspect took child after double-murder

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

WASHINGTON — House Republicans are headed home early for their August break after an uproar over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files all but halted any possibility of floor action.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday he’s sending his members back to their districts until September to avoid “political games” relating to a bipartisan effort pressuring the release of government investigative documents on Epstein. The financier was a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/01/us/jeffrey-epstein-grand-jury" target="_blank">Florida sex offender</a>&nbsp;who died by suicide in 2019 in his New York City jail cell, according to authorities, where he was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

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