In response to a city-wide survey, leaders around St. Joseph's different departments have developed a business plan for how to improve in those areas.  

City Manager Mike Schumacher says each department director along with their teams helped put together a business plan that went before the city council to help improve resident satisfaction, along with play into the council's strategic plan.  

Schumacher says there will be one other key to this that will play a big role. . . 

"The directors will go in front of council at every meeting, a different team at every council meeting with work sessions to update council on their progress on these items," Schumacher tells KFEQmunnity host Brent Martin.  "That gives us all a chance to talk through any barriers or problems, and successes, where we're going with improving our services." 

Schumacher says that accountability and transparency to the public is key in showing a focus towards improving those areas the survey showed needed improvement.  

Recent results showed city officials residents were concerned with three key areas, code enforcement, law enforcement and crime, and communication. 

Schumacher says those three areas are the key focus of a business plan developed by department leaders that has been put before the city council  

"Communications was kind of identified as an opportunity very early on, so that was already in motion," Schumacher explains.  "The Police Chief, I feel, is doing an outstanding job, but like many police departments, could do a better job talking about it." 

Schumacher says that while he knows most things the Chief is working on, and the mayor and council know many things, residents don't, and they need to ensure the department is telling their story and what they are working on to residents 

Schumacher says have come up with 24-page plan put before the city council with their ideas to help improve residence perception  

But also, Schumacher adds, this business plan will tie well into the city council’s strategic plan 

"We don't have the resources to do everything all at once and impact change across the entire organization in every area that's in a strategic plan, so you have to sort out what you're going to address first, and what's important," Schumacher says.  "And that's what our customers gave us, and then you break that down even further, into the trenches if you will or into the weeds, and that's that business plan that staff comes up with." 

Schumacher says the business plan going before the council makes it public to show residents they've been heard, and their concerns are being addressed. 

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

St. Joseph works to implement survey results

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.

Commodity markets daily recap

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

Farmers Union member John Wicks testified before the House Ag Committee’s Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit. His testimony detailed the importance of credit and risk management for family farmers. “While access to affordable and reliable credit and well-functioning risk management tools are important for family farmers, we must have fair and competitive markets and a robust farm safety net,” Wicks said during his testimony. 

“Recent changes to improve the farm safety net may help alleviate some challenges with persistently high input costs and low commodity prices, but farmers still face major economic stress as long as corporate monopolies in agriculture remain unchecked, as they are today.” Wicks made recommendations to improve the Farm Service Agency’s loan program, including increasing loan limits to reflect the current economic environment, making it more feasible to restructure debt and meet the unique needs of all producers. 

Farmers Union testifies on credit and risk management

September corn closed down 3 1/4 cents and December corn was down 3 cents. August soybeans closed up 8 cents and November soybeans were up 6 cents. September KC wheat closed down 5 1/4 cents, September Chicago wheat was down 7 3/4 cents, September Minneapolis wheat was down 4 1/2 cents.

It was a mixed session overall for row-crop prices as oilseeds across the board were firm, deriving strength from a break above resistance by soybean oil futures to new 2025 highs. Meanwhile, corn futures failed to hold at the first significant technical test of their bounce, struggling as well to shake the negative influence of wheat markets which broke support and appear primed to test contract lows. Outside markets were mostly a positive influence on ag Thursday, with equities back on track following early Wednesday Fed-related turbulence and energy markets were firmer as well.

Following Wednesday's higher close in the live cattle complex, traders are now waving their white flag, seeming to scream, "we need more fundamental reassurance before we can advance the market any higher," from the rooftops around the world. It comes as no surprise that boxed beef prices traded lower as the seasonal regression is well underway for the third quarter. However, traders are sitting on pins and needles awaiting to see what develops in this week's fed cash cattle market. Bids were offered throughout the day on Wednesday, but no cattle traded, only a small handful of sales have been noted today. Some light business has been noted in the North from a Nebraska Regional packer at $380, but those cattle are set for delivery for the week of Aug. 4. A few deals have also been reported in Kansas for $231, but the week's volume is still too thin to say that any sort of a trend has been established.

Seeming to follow suit once again, the feeder cattle complex followed in the live cattle market's wake, unwilling to move opposite of the live cattle complex right now. What is interesting to note is that even while the nearby contracts traded lower, the deferred feeder cattle contracts continued to inch higher as traders are acknowledging the fact that there isn't going to be an overabundance of supply anytime in the near future.

The lean hog complex continued to trade higher as the market is pleased to see pork cutout values stronger and has established somewhat of a bottom in the futures complex for this move. It is surprising to note that while compared to a week ago pork exports were down 30%, the market isn't seeming unscathed by that announcement. However, last week, the lower note of exports gravely impacted the market.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/17145354/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Farmers National Company says that despite ongoing challenges in commodity markets and uncertain farm profitability, agricultural land values remained surprisingly stable through mid-2025. While producers remain the main buyers of ag land, interest from individual and institutional investors can’t be ignored. As land values stabilize after reaching peaks during the past five years, investors are increasingly attracted by both annual returns and long-term appreciation. 

Inventory remains limited, with listings down 20-25 percent from the peak in 2020-2021. “The USDA forecasts 2025 net farm income to be the lowest since 2020,” says Paul Shadegg, senior vice president of real estate. “This will influence producer purchasing power and investor returns, especially as input costs, commodity prices, and interest rates fluctuate.” He also says any negative movement in the ag economy could quickly impact the land market. Geopolitical developments like trade policies, tariffs, and global unrest can also create uncertainty in domestic and international markets.

Farmland prices holding steady

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a new comprehensive plan to boost USDA’s efforts to combat foodborne illness. She spoke during the opening of USDA’s new, modernized Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory. The Plan will better position USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, which is responsible for ensuring meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled, to protect the nation’s food supply. 

The Plan includes steps like enhancing microbiological testing and inspection oversight. USDA will also equip FSIS Inspectors with updated training and tools, empower those inspectors to take action to drive compliance, strengthen state partnerships, and find a more effective and achievable approach to address salmonella in poultry products. “We’re charting a new course in giving consumers confidence that their meat, poultry, and egg products meet the best-in-class food safety standards,” Rollins said. “I look forward to continued collaboration with states and food producers to protect public health.” 

New USDA plan will boost food supply safety

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/06/11201542/30001.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

September corn closed up 4 cents and December corn was up 4 1/4 cents. August soybeans closed up 18 1/2 cents and November soybeans were up 18 3/4 cents. September KC wheat closed down 1 cent, September Chicago wheat was up 3 1/4 cents, September MIAX Minneapolis wheat was down 1 3/4 cents.

The U.S. Dollar Index is down 0.31 at 98.31. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 124.0 points at 44,371.0. August gold is up $24.60 at $3,361.30, September silver is up $0.03 at $38.14 and September copper is down $0.0635. August crude oil is down $0.19 at $66.33, August ultra-low sulfur diesel is down $0.0133, August RBOB gasoline is down $0.0279 and August natural gas is up $0.016.

September corn futures closed up 4 cents Wednesday at $4.05 1/4. December futures were up 4 1/4 cents at $4.24. Corn futures were able to add another positive session to remain perfect for the week thus far. Pollination window speculation is at full swing this week with murmurings of issues in areas in the Eastern Corn Belt likely playing a role in motivating short-covering among traders. Otherwise, heading into this crucial period there are some areas that will be needing the forecasted rainfall through the balance of July very badly and it will be important to monitor potential hits and misses through the month. Weather updates are due on Thursday both from the National Drought Monitor as well as NOAA's seasonal outlook which will shed more light on the situation heading into the latter half of the summer.

Wednesday's Petroleum Status report from the Energy Information Administration showed weekly ethanol production averaged 1.087 million barrels per day (bpd) last week, just above the prior week's 1.085 million bpd average, and within trade expectations. This total was below the same period last year by less than 2% but 3% higher than the previous 4-year average for the second week of July. Total ethanol production for the corn marketing year thus far slipped just slightly to 3.5% ahead of the 2023-24 season.

In corn technicals, December futures were able to reclaim former support above $4.20 at least for Wednesday but ran into resistance at the 20-day moving average near $4.25 3/4, the daily high for December corn. This is the immediate bullish target for a continuation of the rally. Support to watch will first be at $4.20 and then at $4.15.

The DTN National Corn Index finished Tuesday at $3.89. Wednesday's futures close and implied corn basis of 13 cents under the September board would indicate the index on Wednesday afternoon to be near $3.93.

August soybeans were up 18 1/2 cents at $10.13 1/2, while November soybeans closed up 18 3/4 cents at $10.20 1/2 on Wednesday. The soybean market jolted awake at midweek following a series of holds above the $10.00 mark for the November contract. USDA also announced a 4.4 million bushel (mb) new-crop soybean flash sale to unknown destinations which has led to speculation that the sale may in fact be to China. Time will tell on that; but either way the soybean export program is entering an important stretch of weeks for building the book of sales for the 2025-26 season.

In other bullish news for soybeans, NOPA crush for June set a record for that month at 185.7 mb, despite being just under 4% lower than May's volume due to an expected seasonal dip. The average NOPA member share of total U.S. crush of 94% would imply total June crush of near 197 mb. Overall, the 2024-25 crush program is well on pace to hit the USDA goal of 2.420 bb for the soybean marketing year. Meanwhile, NOPA also reported soybean oil stocks at 1.366 billion pounds, the lowest for June since 2024 as reported by Reuters on Tuesday. Soybean oil futures are up against resistance near 55 cents per pound, a close above which would put the 2025 high of 55.98 as the bullish goal.

In soybean technicals, November futures were able to reclaim a close above former support near $10.15, which will be important to monitor for support on a potential retest through the balance of the trading week. A successful footing here sets up the major moving averages in the $10.27-$10.34 range as a bullish target. It is also worth noting the chart gap which remains unfilled from $10.39 1/2 to $10.44 1/4.

The DTN National Soybean Index finished Tuesday at $9.51. Tuesday's futures close and implied soybean basis of 44 cents under the August board would indicate the index on Tuesday afternoon to be near $9.70.

September Kansas City futures fell 1 cent Wednesday to $4.22 3/4. September Chicago futures were up 3 1/4 cents, while MIAX Minneapolis spring wheat futures also struggled to gain momentum, falling 1 3/4 cents. Overall, it was a frustrating session for the wheat market as prices were ultimately unable to really ever get going in the face of harvest pressure as well as decent rainfall chances for needy spring wheat areas in the northern reaches of the U.S. Plains.

In world wheat news, Paris milling futures are also struggling to find momentum, translated to roughly $6.30 per bushel currently and stuck in a 2-month range between $6.20 and $6.50, as well as lower in three out of the past four sessions. The French Ministry of Agriculture estimated 2025 soft wheat production at 32.6 million metric tons (mmt), up considerably from a generally poor 2024 crop. In their weekly update, the International Grains Council (IGC) reported generally weaker world FOB export values, with Russian offers remaining near the lowest offer but IGC noting the slow pace to harvest has kept trading activity at a minimum.

In wheat technicals, September Kansas City futures have settled into a very narrow trading range this week, with closes of down 1 1/4 cents, up 1 3/4 cents, and down 1 cent through Wednesday, with intraday moves in either direction lacking conviction. Support near $5.20 is likely the last level above the September contract low at $5.15 1/2. Resistance is currently near $5.27 or so for the immediate outlook.

The DTN National HRW Index finished Tuesday at $4.71. Wednesday's futures close and implied basis of 53 cents under the September board for HRW would indicate the index for Wednesday afternoon to be near $4.70.

The Asian needle ant, an invasive, venomous species, is making its way toward Missouri.

The University of Missouri Extension is urging residents to keep an eye out for the insect as it continues to spread throughout the Midwestern U.S. The population typically peaks during July and August.

These ants prefer moist, shaded environments, including areas with leaf litter, dead logs, and firewood. Unlike many other ant species, Asian needle ants don’t create visible mounds or foraging trails, allowing them to often go unnoticed.

Already detected in 18 states in the Northeast and South, the ant is now closing in on the Midwest.

Their spread poses environmental risks. Entomologist Emily Althoff warns that the ants threaten native ant populations and can also be harmful to humans. Their sting delivers venom similar in effect to that of a bee or wasp.

It’s also important to note that Asian needle ants typically don’t enter homes unless accidentally brought in, which would most likely happen via firewood.

According to data from the USDA, the ant, which is natively from regions of China, Japan, and Korea, has been in the Southeastern U.S. since at least 1932.

Asian Needle Ants on the rise in NW Missouri

St. Joseph police,
acting on a tip, made 53 vehicle stops, issuing 19 citations and 25 warnings, interrupting
a purported “side show” event on Saturday.

The St. Joseph
Police Department reports it received information about a planned “side show” and the Traffic Unit conducted a targeted enforcement operation. “Side
show” events usually feature street racing and vehicle stunts. The department
considers them hazardous to public safety, including participants.

According to the
department, officers issued eight tickets for improper or expired license
plates, three tickets for driving while suspended or revoked, and two tickets
for driving without insurance.

“We take illegal
street activity seriously,” St. Joseph Police Chief, Paul Luster, said in a
written statement issued by the department. “Our priority is to ensure that all
drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are safe on our roadways. Reckless driving
and unlicensed operation of vehicles will not be tolerated in our community.
We’re committed to proactive enforcement to prevent tragedy before it strikes.”

The St. Joseph
Police Department encourages residents to report suspicious or dangerous
driving behavior.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph police issue tickets during "side show"

St. Joseph
prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the construction of
two of his best known, most historic buildings.

City Hall and the
Missouri Theatre celebrate their centennials in 2027.

Two talks this
week will discuss how those buildings came about.

Lori McAlister,
chair of the Centennial Celebration Series, says local architect, Max Guenther,
will place the buildings in the context of St. Joseph history during separate
talks on each structure.

“Nineteen 27 is an
interesting year and I’m eager to hear what he has to say about it,” McAlister
tells KFEQmmunity.&nbsp; “After we started
this project with Missouri Theater and City Hall one of our committee members
said, ‘Well, do you realize that our parkway opened in 1927 also?’ And the
parkway, I think, certainly is part of that city beautiful movement.”

The city beautiful
movement began in Chicago in the 20s and carried throughout the country as
cities attempted to display the promise of a bright future.

The first
presentation by Guenther will be held at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art
Tuesday evening. It concentrates on the Missouri Theater. A talk Saturday
afternoon at the Downtown Library will discuss City Hall.

McAlister says
Guenther will concentrate heavily on the work of 22-year-old Waylande Gregory
who was in charge of the ornate art that graces the walls of the Missouri
Theater.

“What you can
think about, too, when you walk in any of these buildings, the Missouri
Theater, everything you see he carved in wood first,” McAlister says. “And then
he made a mold and then the molds were filled with plaster. And it’s the
plaster that is up on the walls and the ceiling, but it’s painted in such a way
that it looks like stone.”

Or, in the case of
the ceiling, it looks like canvas.

McAlister says it
is amazing the work Gregory did inside the Missouri Theater when he was just 22
years old.

“And of course,
I’m biased, but in my opinion, we have the absolute best, extant example of his
work in the building of the Missouri Theater,” McAlister says. “It’s just
transporting when you walk in there, still, even if you’ve spent a lot of time
in the building. You walk in and you know that you’re in a very special, unique
place.”

Guenther will
speak on the Missouri Theater at Albrecht Kemper, beginning at five o’clock Tuesday
evening. He will give a talk on City Hall at the Downtown Library Saturday
afternoon, beginning at one o’clock.

Talks will put Missouri Theater, St. Joseph City Hall in historical perspective

It was Christmas
in July at the St. Joseph Mustangs game as fans made early donations to the
Gregg Lynn Toy Drive for Kids.

Eagle St. Joseph
reports donation bins overflowed and fans were generous with cash donations as
the Mustangs hosted the Jefferson City Renegades at Phil Welch Stadium Saturday night.

“Saturday was
amazing,” Gregg Lynn of JoeTown 107.5 said in a written statement. “We saw
record turnout, collected hundreds of toys and dollars in donations—and we're
not done. This is just the warm-up for what’s to come this holiday season.”

This is only the
beginning, according to Eagle. The giving continues at JoeTown 107.5 studios,
located at 4104 Country Lane in St. Joseph. Those who give at least $5 or a
new, unwrapped toy will receive a limited-edition Christmas T-shirt while
supplies last.

Gregg Lynn Toy Drive for Kids gets good start at Mustangs game

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

A back and forth in Missouri’s cannabis laws meant some marijuana workers didn’t go through the state highway patrol’s criminal screening for two years.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri cannabis regulators say they’re halfway through getting fingerprint background checks for about 16,000 marijuana workers and volunteers who didn’t get them between 2022 and 2024.

Anyone who wants to work in the cannabis industry must get an “agent ID badge” through the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation, which is when the background check normally occurs.

Since the division began doing the retroactive fingerprint checks in February, the number of agent IDs has declined by 2,400 — going from 21,132 in February to 18,737 in June, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/stats.php" target="_blank">division’s</a>&nbsp;data and reports webpage.&nbsp;

Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said only 17 people have had their agent IDs revoked because the fingerprinting process showed a disqualifying felony offense on their criminal record, as of July 15.&nbsp;

The vast majority, or 2,032 active agent IDs, have been “revoked due to non-submission of fingerprints,” Cox said. “Those who have been revoked for non-submission of fingerprints may reapply and should contact DCR directly for assistance with this request.”

When the state legalized medical marijuana in 2018, fingerprint background checks had been a requirement to apply for an agent ID card to work in the cannabis industry.&nbsp;

That mandate lasted until December 2022, when the recreational marijuana constitutional amendment went into effect and only&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV++++2&amp;bid=51541&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">required</a>&nbsp;owners of cannabis companies to get fingerprinted. Other employees had to attest to not committing disqualifying offenses.

In 2023, Missouri lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/11/missouri-legislators-vote-to-require-fingerprint-background-checks-for-cannabis-employees/">passed a bill</a>&nbsp;to once again require all employees, contractors, owners and volunteers to submit their fingerprints to the Missouri Highway Patrol for a criminal background check.

However, it took until October 2024 for the FBI to approve the division’s statutory authority to review state and federal criminal background records,&nbsp; Cox said.

Since February, the division has been sending emails to individuals with agent ID cards approved between December 8, 2022 and December 1, 2024.

“Our request process is based on the date that the ID card was approved,” said Shayna Arndt, the division’s section director of patient and application services, during the July&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/OmpDGII9VkI?si=tnSYEyqm43t8BVWU" target="_blank">DCR Out Loud</a>&nbsp;podcast. “We have sent out a message to the impacted agents and designated contacts for all facilities for the summer.”&nbsp;

The constitution states that people with a “disqualifying felony” can’t work in the industry, and that’s broadly defined as any violation of a state or federal law designated a felony under Missouri law.&nbsp;

According to the division, a lot of their review is subjective.

“What is written into law is then applied to each individual record, so it is a case-by-case analysis and can’t simply be determined by a checklist of potential offenses,” Cox told The Independent previously.

In the constitution, there is an exception for marijuana offenses eligible for expungement, and a time limit for other offenses.

An applicant can obtain an agent ID if they committed a non-violent offense more than five years ago and served no prison time. For other felonies, “more than five years have passed since the person was released from parole or probation, and he or she has not been convicted of any subsequent felony criminal offenses,” it states.

Every state handles background checks differently because the federal government doesn’t regulate the marijuana industry in any way, as it’s federally illegal.

Before the fingerprinting requirement went back into effect in December 2024, people could have their agent IDs approved and get to work within a 48-hour time period, said Christy Essex, who runs the largest Missouri-based cannabis staffing company, Se7en Staffing &amp; Employment Solutions.

Now, it takes about 7-10 days. Essex believes that turnaround time could be faster if there were more state-approved facilities offered.

Despite the longer wait time, Essex said, “it’s definitely for the greater good to keep employees safe, the facilities safe, and the industry safe.”

Missouri works to retroactively complete 16,000 cannabis employee fingerprint background checks

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge Magnum driven by a 45-year-old Kincaid, Kansas man was westbound on U.S. 136 one mile east of Maryville. The driver was attempting to turn south on Killdeer Road. The driver turned into the path of an eastbound 2006 Ford Explorer driven by a 56-year-old Maryville woman.&nbsp; The SUV struck the car.

EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic of Maryville. The Kansas driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 hospitalized after SUV, car crash

The Kansas City Chiefs have rolled into St. Joseph and are ready for Training Camp. 

Chiefs coaches and players reported to St. Joseph throughout the evening today some arriving early tomorrow morning ahead of the 15th Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western State University 

Chiefs Head coach Andy Reid is happy to be back in St. Joseph

"Missouri Western State University man, we love this place, great place to have Training Camp and we appreciate all the people and the jobs that they do for us here, they roll out the red carpet and take care of us like no other," Reid tells reporters.  "So we appreciate all of that and we look forward to getting this camp going."

Reid says going into this camp, the mindset of the players and coaches doesn't change despite losing the Super Bowl last year

"It stays tough, I mean it's never an easy camp, and it builds you a foundation you can bank on," Reid explains.  "So it's important that the guys come in in the right frame of mind, they know that, and they pass the word down to the young guys that they better be ready to go, so that helps us in the long haul."

The first practice of training camp is on Tuesday for season ticket holders beginning at 9:15.  The first open to the general public will be on Wednesday. 

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

Chiefs players, coaches arrive in St. Joseph ahead of Training Camp

KFEQ Week in Review

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.

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

The Kansas City Royals lost their shutout late, giving up four runs in the ninth inning, but still avoided being swept by the Miami Marlins and backing a strong start from Kris Bubic, winning 7-4 on Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;

Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly in the fourth inning got the scoring started, driving in Bobby Witt Jr after he doubled earlier in the inning with one out.&nbsp; With Vinnie Pasquantino at first base, his single having moved Witt Jr to third, Salvador Perez moved him to third with a ground rule double, before both scored as Jac Caglianone doubled right behind the vetereran catcher to put the Royals up 3-0.&nbsp;

Kansas City added onto their lead with three more runs in the fifth.&nbsp; After Freddy Fermin reached on a fielding error and Kyle Isbel singled, Jonathan India doubling to drive both in.&nbsp; India moved to third on a wild pitch and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Pasquantino putting the Royals up 6-0 at the end of five.&nbsp;

The final run of insurance was put on the board in the eighth inning, courtesy of the captain, as Perez hit his 15th home run of the season to left field to put the Royals up 7-0 going into the final inning.&nbsp;

Andrew Hoffman came onto pitch in the ninth inning with the big lead, but ran into trouble, despite getting two outs.&nbsp; Hoffman walked&nbsp;Heriberto Hernandez with one out, and then with two outs walked&nbsp;Jesús Sánchez, before&nbsp;Javier Sanoja reached on an error by India to load the bases.&nbsp; With the bases loaded Xavier Edwards singled to drive in Hernandez and&nbsp;Sánchez, and then gave up a double to&nbsp;Agustín Ramírez scoring Sanoja and Edwards, prompting the Royals to call on&nbsp;Carlos Estévez for the save.&nbsp;

Estévez did give up a single to Otto Lopez but then got LIam Hicks to flyout to earn his 26th save of the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bubic earned the win, improving to 8-6 on the season, pitching five shutout innings and giving up just three hits while walking one and striking out two.&nbsp; At the plate, Perez was 2-for-4 with a double, the home run, and one RBI.&nbsp; Isbel was 2-for-3 with a walk.&nbsp;

Kansas City will now travel to Chicago to face the Cubs.&nbsp; Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.31 ERA) will open the series for the Royals against Ryan Brasier (0-0, 1.04 ERA) for the Cubs.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 7:05pm, pregame coverage will start at 6:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

Royals give up runs late, but back strong start from Bubic in 7-4 win over Marlins

The Kansas City Chiefs are keeping one of their young stars on the defensive line for the foreseeable future.&nbsp;

On the day Chiefs players are reporting to St. Joseph for Training Camp, which begins on Tuesday, the Chiefs and defensive end George Karlaftis agreed to a four year contract extension worth $93 million according to multiple reports.&nbsp;

The Chiefs are making sure their top players stay put.&nbsp; The deal comes less than a week after they signed guard Trey Smith to a historic four-year, $94 million deal with $70 million guaranteed, making him the highest paid guard in the NFL.

Karlaftis has recorded 115 tackles, 56 QB hits, 24.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in 49 games. He's also won two Super Bowls during his tenure in Kansas City.

Chiefs, Karlaftis agree to four year contract extension

The St. Joseph Mustangs wrapped up their slate of home regular season games by celebrating Christmas in July, beating the Jefferson City Renegades 14-7 on Saturday night at Phil Welch Stadium.&nbsp;

The Mustangs started out the scoring fast and furious, putting up three runs in the first inning.&nbsp; Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart doubled to left driving in Darius Freeman and Jack Mosh for the first two runs of the game, before Luikart scored himself later in the inning on a wild pitch. Behind a strong pitching effort by Benton alum Chris Coy, St. Joseph held that lead, before extending the lead in the third inning.&nbsp;

Four more came across home plate in the third, pinch hitting for Freeman Carter Belton tripled driving in Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall.&nbsp; Continuing his standout day in front of the home crowd, Luikart drove in two more runs, scoring Belton with a two run home run to extend the lead.&nbsp; Later in the inning, after singling and stealing second base, Easton Phillipe scored the final run of the inning on an RBI single by Central alum Logan Miller putting the Mustangs up 7-0.

The Mustangs continued pouring things on in the fourth, five more runs coming in, starting with a solo home run by Gall.&nbsp; With the bases loaded, Phillipe singled to right field driving in two more runs, scoring Mosh and Belton.&nbsp; Miller drove in the final two runs of the inning with a single, bringing home Luikart and Phillipe to put the Mustangs up 12-0 at the end of four innings.&nbsp;

The Renegades put together a rally in the sixth inning, scoring all seven of their runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Karson Durnin singled to center driving in the first two runs, scoring&nbsp;Tyler Towe and Drew Vonder Harr.&nbsp; Durnin later scored with an RBI single by&nbsp;Nolan Laughlin.&nbsp; Reaching on an error,&nbsp;Conner Flieg drove in&nbsp;Brayden Groseclose and advance Laughlin to second, before both Flieg and Laughlin scored on a three run home run for the final score, a shot by&nbsp;Jack Dunn.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Mustangs added the final two runs of insurance in the seventh inning on a two RBI single by Lafayette alum Jayden Little, bringing home Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith and Belton for the final runs of the game.&nbsp;

Lane Chapman earned the win for the Musangs pitching two innings and striking out three while walking two.&nbsp; Coy pitched three innings and gave up one hit while striking out two and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Luikart was 2-for-2 with a double, a home run, a stolen base, and four RBIs.&nbsp; Gall was 3-for-6 with a home run and an RBI.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 34-8 on the season and 28-7 in the MINK league.&nbsp; They have one game remaining in the regular season, traveling to Carroll, Iowa to face the Carroll Merchants on Sunday.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 4pm.&nbsp; The Mustangs will be back in St. Joseph on Tuesday for their first playoff game, their opponent is TBD.&nbsp;

Merry Christmas in July: Mustangs win home finale 14-7

The Arizona Diamondbacks offense exploded for nine unanswered runs and was to much to solve for St. Louis Cardinals starter Sonny Gray as the Redbirds fell to the Diamondbacks 10-1 on Saturday afternoon at Chase Field.&nbsp;

Arizona started the scoring right away in the first inning with three runs as Geraldo Perdomo drove in Corbin Carroll with a single, after Carroll led off the inning with a triple.&nbsp; Perdomo would be out in the next at bat when Lourdes Gurriel Jr grounded into a double play, but after Josh Naylor reached first thanks to catchers interference,&nbsp;Eugenio Suárez hit his 32nd home run of the season to drive in Naylor and himself.&nbsp;

The lead extended in the second as Alek Thomas scored on an RBI single by Blaze Alexander, after Thomas's lead off double.&nbsp; Perdomo drove in another run with a single as he brough Alexander home for the second run of the inning.&nbsp; &nbsp;Suárez's second home run of the game added to the lead in the third inning, putting the Diamondbacks up 6-0 after three innings.&nbsp;

Another three runs scored in the fourth inning, the first of the runs coming on Carroll's second triple of the game, driving in Alexander who led off the inning with a single.&nbsp; Carroll came home to score in the very next at bat as Perdomo drove in his third run of the game with another RBI single, and Perdomo later scored on a double by Adrian Del Castillo, pushing the Arizona lead to 9-0.&nbsp;

Alec Burleson's 12th home run of the season broke up the shutout in the sixth inning for the lone run by the Cardinals.&nbsp; Arizona added their final run in the bottom of the eighth, again courtesy of Perdomo, this time though on a groundout as Alexander scored.&nbsp;

Gray fell to 9-4 on the season taking the loss pitching 3 1/3 innings and giving up nine runs, eight earned, on 11 hits while striking out five.&nbsp; At the plate, Masyn Winn was 3-for-4 on the day.&nbsp; Burleson was 1-for-4 with the home run and an RBI.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Arizona wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas (5-6, 4.94 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Merrill Kelly (8-5, 3.34 ERA) for the Diamondbacks.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:10pm, coverage will be joined around 3 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

D-Backs offense too much for Gray as Cardinals fall 10-1

The Kansas City Royals struggled against Miami Marlins starter Cal Quantrill before Salvador Perez tied the game in the eighth inning with a solo home run, but the Royals bullpen again blew the tie in the bottom half of the inning and Kansas City fell to the Marlins 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;

The Marlins took the lead in the bottom of the first after Xavier Edwards tripled into right field and then scored as Otto Lopez grounded out for the second out of the inning against Royals starter Michael Wacha.&nbsp; After the opening run, both Wacha and Quantrill settled in as they allowed just five hits combined before both left the game after the sixth inning.&nbsp;

After a scoreless seventh, the Royals tied up the game in the eighth inning as Perez led off the inning blasting his 14th home run of the season to centerfield.&nbsp; Kansas City had a chance to take the lead with two outs, after walks to John Rave and Adam Frazier, but Jonathan India flew out to left to end the inning.&nbsp;

Lucas Erceg came on in the bottom half of the inning attempting to hold the tie, but immediately ran into trouble, loading the bases after walking Graham Pauley, giving up a double to Edwards, and intentionally walking&nbsp;Jesús Sánchez.&nbsp; A double from Lopez gave the Marlins the lead, driving in both Pauley and Edwards for the final runs of the game.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, the Royals went 1-2-3 as Anthony Bender earned his third save for the Marlins.&nbsp;

Erceg fell to 4-3 on the season taking the loss, pitching one inning and giving up two runs on two hits while striking out one and walking three.&nbsp; At the plate, Perez was 1-for-3 with the home run and an RBI.&nbsp; The Royals had just three hits in the game.

Kansas City and Miami wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.48 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Janson Junk (4-1, 2.68 ERA) for the Marlins. First pitch is at 12:40 with pregame coverage beginning at noon on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Bullpen lets game slip away again as Royals fall 3-1 to Marlins

On Friday, top five recruit Jason Crowe Jr. announced his commitment to come to Columbia and play basketball at Missouri, giving the Tigers and head coach Dennis Gates their highest rated recruit in almost a decade.&nbsp;

Crowe never released list, but Kentucky, USC, Texas, and others were in pursuit of one of the top guards in the 2026 class.&nbsp; In fact, for the past few months per reports, Kentucky and USC were believed to be the favorites for Crowe.&nbsp;&nbsp;Crowe's father played with Kentucky assistant Jason Hart and the two remain friends, and USC made him a priority early in the cycle.

Gates and the Tigers though made a push, a strong push, over the last six weeks, after offering a scholarship to Crowe in June.&nbsp;

"Coach Gates is a phenomenal coach and person, and his staff are great people," Crowe said to ESPN. "Our first conversation happened during the USA tryouts. He was really genuine. We talked about family and connected on a meaningful level. Coach Gates is a family-first person. On the court, he's high-energy and competitive."

A 6'3" prospect out of Inglewood High School in California, Crowe is considered the number one point guard in the 2026 class and is ranked number four overall in the ESPN Top 100, ranked number five nationally by 247Sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;He becomes Missouri's highest-ranked commitment since Michael Porter Jr. picked the Tigers in the class of 2017 and just the second since Linas Kleiza in the class of 2003.

Crowe leads the Nike EYBL in scoring, averaging 23.6 points in regular-season play, scoring more than 30 points on four separate occasions, making him perhaps the best scorer in the class. A left-handed scoring point guard, he thrives in transition. He has a balanced and controlled jumper, whether he's shooting off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations. 

Crowe possesses an uncanny ability to blow past defenders and complements it with a quality midrange game and capable shooting from deep. He also converts well from the free throw line and gets there frequently.&nbsp; His passing vision is noticeable off his penetration and his ball-screen reads are strong, even though he can get loose and casual with the ball at times.

Crowe is the first commitment in Missouri's 2026 class, although the Tigers are also in pursuit of fellow five-star prospect Toni Bryant.

-ESPN's&nbsp;Jeff Borzello and Paul Biancardi contributed to this report

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