MoWest offense struggles falling on Homecoming to Emporia State

The Missouri Western State University Griffons suffered a 50-14 loss to Emporia State in the annual Homecoming game at Spratt Stadium.

MoWest, who starts 0-3 in the MIAA for the first time since 2008, threw an interception on the fourth play from scrimmage, which Emporia turned into a touchdown just four plays later with a 13 yard touchdown pass from Ben Harris to&nbsp;Malik O'Atis.&nbsp; On the ensuing drive, pinned deep on their own end, MoWest's Spencer Sprenger's punt was blocked in his own end zone and recovered by Emporia State's Divante Herrig-Brittian, making it 14-0 at the 12:35 mark of the first quarter.

The Griffons punted on five consecutive drives in the first half, and the Hornets scored twice more in the first quarter, on touchdown passes from Harris to Kingsley Bennett of 18 yards and 24 yards to make it 28-0 heading into the second quarter.&nbsp; And early in the second Emporia State, who scored touchdowns on four of their first six drives, extended their lead after a one-yard touchdown run by Camden Crooks with 10:29 left before halftime.

MoWest at last responded, putting together a 19-play, 89-yard drive that lasted over eight minutes, capped off with a six-yard touchdown pass from Kane Donovan to Malik Moore, making it 35-7 at the halftime break.&nbsp; Emporia State was limited to just a field goal in the third quarter, but the Griffons had only a punt and a pair of turnovers-on-downs in the third, and got no closer.

The Hornets added to their total when Aiden Hicks picked off MoWest quarterback Kody Kirk and ran it back 40 yards for a pick-six with 12:09 to play in the game.&nbsp; Kirk recovered on the ensuing drive, finding Moore for a 24-yard touchdown pass , making it 44-14 with 9:11 to play.&nbsp; The Hornets scored a late touchdown with 56 seconds left, a 10 yard touchdown run from Max Middleton, but MoWest blocked each of the Hornets' last two point-after tries.

&nbsp;Donovan completed 24-of-50 passes for 183 yards with a touchdown and a pick.&nbsp;&nbsp; Kirk completed 8-of-11 passes for 78 yards and a score to go with the INT.&nbsp; Moore grabbed six passes for 62 yards and two scores while Gyasi Smith caught a team-best seven passes for 65 yards.

MoWest (1-4, 0-3 MIAA) is back on the road Saturday to face Nebraska-Kearney. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

#3 Ravens win streak moves to four with another dominant victory

Ahead of their bye week, the #3 Benedictine Ravens extended their win streak to four games with another dominant victory, beating Missouri Baptist on the road 52-21 on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Spartans struck first but were unable to slow the Ravens' balanced attack, as Benedictine rolled up 464 yards of total offense and converted all eight red-zone opportunities in the Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup.

Missouri Baptist scored with a nine yard touchdown run from quarterback Jacob Jones, capping an 11-play, 75-yard opening drive that consumed nearly six minutes. Benedictine answered late in the period when quarterback Jackson Dooley punched in a one yard score to even the game at 7–7.

The Ravens took control though in the second quarter, scoring on three straight possessions, a two yard run by Xavier Ugorji, a 21-yard touchdown pass from Dooley to Kameron Dover, and a 25-yard field goal from Christian Klobe giving Benedictine a 24-7 lead that they took into the halftime break.

Another Ugorji touchdown extended Benedictine's lead to 31–7 out of the break, but the Spartans responded quickly. Jones found Gavin Claud deep down the sideline for a 56-yard touchdown to trim the deficit to. The Ravens countered with a short touchdown pass from Dooley to Tyler Watson to make it 38–14 though entering the final quarter of action.

Benedictine opened the fourth with a 19-yard rushing touchdown from JJ Jackson, but Jones powered in from a yard out on Missouri Baptist's next possession to pull within 45–21. The Ravens added a final score with a three yard run by Derrick Overstreet to seal the final score.&nbsp;

Dooley was 12-for-29 through the air for 148 yards with two touchdowns. Ugorji rushed 24 times for 142 yards with two scores.&nbsp;&nbsp;Joseph Lagafuaina had two catches for 41 yards while Lebron Jackson had three catches for 37 yards as the leading receivers.&nbsp;

Benedictine (5-1, 1-0 Heart) is off next week.&nbsp; They are back in action on October 18th in Fayette, MO at Central Methodist.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 1pm

Jayhawks defense stymies UCF to escape Orlando with narrow win

&nbsp;Kansas’ defense came up with two decisive plays to help the Jayhawks beat UCF 27-20 on Saturday night.

The defense set up the Jayhawks’ go-ahead touchdown with a strip sack and a fumble recovery late in the third quarter. Kansas’ Trey Lathan recovered a fumble by Knights quarterback Tayven Jackson at the UCF two yard line after a strip sack by Jalen Dye, setting up a go-ahead, two yard touchdown run by Leshon Williams to make it 27-20.

Lathan then tackled UCF quarterback Cam Fancher on fourth and goal from the Kansas 1 with 1:47 to play to help the Jayhawks secure the victory.&nbsp; UCF drove to the Kansas 22 in the last minute, but four straight incompletions that included a pass breakup in the end zone by Austin Alexander ended the Knights’ final threat.

Kansas needed to erase a 14-0 lead built by UCF after running back Myles Montgomery and the Knights ran all over the Jayhawks in the first half.&nbsp; Montgomery ran for a 29 yard touchdown in the first quarter, and then in the second quarter added a three yard rushing score, as&nbsp;Montgomery rushed for 99 of his 110 yards in the first half.

The Jayhawks cut into the deficit with Williams first touchdown of the day, a one yard score.&nbsp; The Knights extended the lead on the ensuing drive with a 38 yard field goal from Noe Ruelas, but again Kansas struck to cut it to a one possession game as Williams scored again on a four yard dash.&nbsp; Ruelas hit another 38 yard field goal with four seconds left in the half, sending the game to the halftime break with the Knights leading 20-14.

Kansas held UCF to 122 yards in the second half, giving the Jayhawks the cushion to climb back into the game, first tying the game up on field goals by Laith Marjan of 33 and 41 yards, before the defensive play allowed Williams to score his third touchdown and Kansas to take the lead.

Jalon Daniels led the charge for Kansas, throwing for 235 yards on 18 for 26 passing. Williams rushed for 58 yards and three touchdowns.&nbsp; Cam Pickett was the leading receiver with five catches for 64 yards.&nbsp;

Kansas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12)&nbsp; stays on the road Saturday and travels to face #11 Texas Tech.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 6:30pm and the game will air on Fox.

Late turnover leads to another one possession loss for Kansas State

Connor Hawkins kicked a 53-yard field goal with 31 seconds left after Jacob Redding's go-ahead 66-yard interception return for a touchdown as Baylor rallied twice in the fourth quarter for a 35-34 victory over Kansas State on Saturday.

Hawkins matched the longest kick of his career after Luis Rodriguez had put the Wildcats in front with a 22-yard field goal with 1:48 remaining. Kansas State had to settle for the kick after having a first down at the Baylor two yard line.

Rodriguez had a chance for a game-winner from 56 yards, but 6-foot-4 defensive end Cooper Lanz blocked it with two seconds to go. The Bears&nbsp; held on two weeks after losing to Arizona State on a game-ending field goal in their previous home game.

Through the first half of the game, the Wildcats and the Bears traded blows.&nbsp; Kansas State took the first lead of the game in the opening quarter on a 31 yard touchdown run by Avery Johnson.&nbsp; Hawkins hit a 30 yard field goal late in the first to cut into the lead, before Baylor took the lead to open the second quarter on a touchdown pass from Sawyer Robertson to Kobe Prentice.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rodriguez tied the game with a 49 yard field goal, before the Bears answered to steal the lead back with a touchdown on the ensuing drive with a 17 yard touchdown run from Michael Turner.&nbsp; Near the end of the first half, the Wildcats managed to tie the game up as Johnson connected with Garrett Oakley for a nine yard touchdown pass which sent the game to the halftime break tied at 17-17.&nbsp;

A 12 yard pass from Johnson to Jayce Brown broke the halftime tie, following a punt from Baylor on their drive to open the second half.&nbsp; And after another punt by the Bears, the Wildcats went up two touchdowns on Dylan Edwards' five yard run late in the third quarter and took a 31-17 lead into the final quarter of action.

A turnover on downs from Baylor started the fourth quarter, but Kansas State would be forced to punt on their ensuing drive, and Robertson's 11-yard scoring pass to Bryson Washington came one play after a spectacular one handed catch from Michael Trigg, and then Robertson’s two point conversion run cut Baylor's deficit to 31-25.

Johnson had kept a potential clock-killing drive alive with two third-down conversions but he threw into traffic on first down in Baylor territory with the six-point lead.&nbsp; Redding picked off the pass, ran left up the sideline and cut back inside with the speedy Johnson pursuing to finish off the score untouched. Hawkins' point after kick put Baylor ahead 32-31 with less than five minutes to go.

Johnson was 29-for-45 through the air for 339 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, adding 72 yards rushing on 10 carries with a score.&nbsp; Edwards had 10 carries for 26 yards with a touchdown, while Joe Jackson had 13 carries for 61 yards.&nbsp; Brown had four catches for 106 yards and a score.

Kansas State (2-4, 1-2 Big 12) returns home to host TCU on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 2:30pm and the game will air on Fox.

Huskers explosive second half leads to win over Michigan State

 In a game of massive momentum swings, Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson rushed for three touchdowns and safety DeShon Singleton pulled down two interceptions to lead the Huskers to a 38-27 win over Michigan State.

After a quick defensive stop for the Huskers set up the offense on a short field on its first drive. Dylan Raiola orchestrated a sharp, nine-play drive that covered 48 yards in culminating with Johnson's two-yard touchdown run.&nbsp; Less than two minutes later, Nebraska forced a three-and-out to set up Spartan Ryan Eckley's second punt of the day. He didn't come close to getting it airborne, as Jamir Conn blocked his second punt of the season. Carter Nelson scooped the ball up at the three-yard line and rumbled into the end zone to give Nebraska a 14-0 lead less than eight minutes into the game.

After two quick stops on Michigan State's first two drives, the Huskers could not get the Spartans off the field the rest of the quarter. Michigan State's third drive was aided by both a defensive holding and a pass interference penalty in the end zone. In the end, Michigan State got on the scoreboard on a two-yard pass from backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic to Jack Velling just over two minutes into the second quarter.&nbsp; Neither team scored the remainder of the half, going to the halftime break with Nebraska leading 14-7.

Although the Huskers started the second half with the ball, Michigan State struck first on an Aidan Chiles 16-yard touchdown run to tie the score at 14 with 6:06 left. Less than four minutes later, the Spartans took all the momentum on a second touchdown run by Chiles, this time from two yards out, to give the Spartans the lead late in the the third period.&nbsp; Nebraska's ensuing drive started with back-to-back incompletions by Raiola. On 3rd-and-10 from the Husker 25, Raiola completely changed the game's trajectory with a 45-yard hookup to Jacory Barney Jr. Johnson took it from there scoring on a 23-yard touchdown burst to cap a five-play, 75-yard drive to tie the game at 21 with 1:11 left in the third quarter.

The touchdown started a 24-0 eruption that put the game in the hands of the Huskers.&nbsp; Following the game-tying touchdown, the Huskers got another huge special teams play by recovering a fumble by the Spartans on the ensuing kickoff, setting Raiola and the offense up at the Michigan State 28 yard line. Nebraska was able to move inside the Spartan 10, before the drive stalled, resulting in Kyle Cunanan's go-ahead 27-yard field goal made it 24-21 with 13:32 left in the game. 

The Spartans and Blackshirts then exchanged stops before Raiola and the offense eventually took over at the Husker 41 with 6:54 left. Nine seconds later, Nyziah Hunter turned a short Raiola pass into a 59-yard touchdown down the Husker sideline to put the Big Red up 31-21 with 6:45 remaining. Hunter's reception featured a broken tackle early that also caused his shoe to fly off, but he still sprinted down the sideline with one shoe on to the end zone.

The Huskers flexed their muscles on the ensuing drive, turning the Spartans over on the downs with the fifth sack of the day of Chiles at the Spartan 17. Two plays later, Johnson exploded into the end zone for his third touchdown run of the day, this time from 11 yards extending the Huskers lead.&nbsp; Michigan State finally found its footing in the fourth behind backup quarterback Milivojevic, who completed 4-of-5 passes before pounding the ball into the end zone from one yard out for the game's final points.

Raiola closed the day 16-of-24 passing for 194 yards and a touchdown while throwing one interception.&nbsp;&nbsp;Johnson finished the day with 83 yards on just 13 carries, scoring three touchdowns, while adding a team-leading six receptions for 37 yards.&nbsp; Hunter had four catches for 93 yards and a touchdown.

Nebraska (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) make their first Big Ten road trip next week when they travel to Maryland. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m on the Big Ten Network.

CFB: MoWest falls on Homecoming, Ravens dominate again, Jayhawks narrowly win

ANDREW COUNTY —A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Saturday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Lexus GX460 driven by a 48-year-old St. Joseph man was westbound on Route E three miles east of Savannah. The SUV struck a deer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Andrew County EMS transported a 47-year-old male passenger to Mosaic Life Care. Th edriver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

St. Joseph man injured after SUV strikes a deer

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement in northeast Kansas are investigating another scam.

In the midst of everything else, we now have a Border Patrol scam circulating our county, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

 Residents are receiving calls from men with heavy foreign accents&nbsp; claiming to be Border Patrol Agents.&nbsp; They inform the residents&nbsp; that there is an active warrant for their arrest and a $500 bond must be posted over the phone or they will come to their home and arrest the resident immediately.&nbsp; 

According to those reporting the alleged crime,&nbsp; the callers are very rude, pushy and insistent that they must be paid or else. Caller ID's showed a restricted number. One person stated that they had never been in trouble in their&nbsp; life, and it alarmed them that they were threatened to be arrested.

Sheriff Merchant explained that this was a scare tactic that scammers use in order to extort money from honest, hard working people.

Merchant assured everyone that Border Patrol does not work this way and you will not be arrested. He advised anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately.&nbsp; If you have any questions or concerns, notify your local law enforcement at once.

Sheriff reports alleged Border Patrol scam

KFEQ Week in Review

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Friday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;2025 Vitacci moped driven by a 45-year-old Plattsburg man was northbound on Town and Country Drive at Brandy Wine Court in Plattsburg. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.

Tri-County Ambulance transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured in moped accident

The Show Me St. Joe Experience has wrapped up its final tour of this year. 

St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson Christian Mengel says the experience gives residents a guided bus tour around their own city 

"You get driven around, the transportation is covered for you, we have a step on guide that points out all the architecture and the history when you’re going from point to point,” Mengel says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “Each place that we go into there’s a guided tour that tells you maybe some things that you didn’t necessarily know about it, because maybe you’ve been in a certain museum a few times, but maybe you’ve never had a tour from the director of that museum.” 

The bus tours are given three times throughout the year, giving residents the chance to become better advocates for the city by seeing it through a visitor’s eyes.  

Mengel says the tour is kind of like speed dating with the city’s attractions 

"Because you spend just enough time at each place to understand ok here’s what I need to go back for, or when somebody asks me what they need to do and see in town, here’s the suggestions I can make based on what I already know about that person, what their interests are,” Mengel explains.  “And so, you actually end up being a better advocate for the visitor industry.” 

Mengel says at the end of the tour you're much more informed than you probably were before, to be able to give people more advice of places to go when visiting St. Joseph.

Mengel says reviews of the tour are always positive, with the only negative being not having enough time, which he says really speaks to what we have here 

"That a full day is not enough to really experience everything, and I think that that’s the message that we get across to people that maybe don’t believe there’s a visitor industry when they say oh there’s nothing to do or see here, it’s wrong to think that way really,” Mengel says. 

The last tour of the year was held at the end of last month, but you can contact the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information on future events. 

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

Show Me St. Joseph helps residents become better advocates for tourism

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/SECOND%20REVISED%20SUMMARY%20STATEMENT%20FOR%20HJR%2073.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3687540" target="_blank">latest version</a>&nbsp;of ballot language for a proposed abortion ban states the amendment would repeal a 2024 amendment after a Cole County judge said he had to be more specific.

The portion revised under court order now reads:

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

The previous ballot language used the word “amend” rather than “repeal.”

On Tuesday, Circuit Judge Daniel Green said that Hoskins’ first attempt was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-judge-orders-revised-ballot-language-repeal-abortion-rights/">“insufficient and unfair”&nbsp;</a>because it didn’t make clear that a current constitutional amendment would be repealed. Hoskins was charged with rewriting the ballot language after Green ordered that the initial wording by lawmakers also did not alert voters that<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-orders-revisions-to-ballot-language-for-missouri-abortion-ban-proposal/">&nbsp;it would repeal the voter-approved amendment.</a>

Like the previous attempt, the language does not explicitly state what is in the section of the constitution to be repealed. That was a key point in the arguments filed over the first effort, with opponents of the amendment saying the ballot language should say it would reinstate a ban on most abortions and attorneys for Hoskins telling Green voters could easily look it up if they wanted to know more.

The<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">&nbsp;proposed amendment drafted by Republican lawmakers</a>&nbsp;will appear before voters in November 2026, two years after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">&nbsp;Missourians codified the right to reproductive health care&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;including abortions up until fetal viability —&nbsp;in the state constitution.

Green previously ruled that the remaining bullet points are now acceptable. Hoskins did not make any changes to the summaries, which read:&nbsp;

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

Under a new law enacted this year and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/24/judge-rules-unconstitutional-law-missouri-attorney-general-special-appeal-power/">upheld in a separate case by Green</a>, Hoskins has three attempts to submit ballot language that satisfies the court. If after that, Green still finds the language insufficient, the judge will rewrite it himself.

Hoskins was also responsible for writing the fair ballot statement that appears in polling places and on the office’s website that summarize what both a “yes” and “no” vote mean.

Green previously told Hoskins to rewrite the “fair ballot language” summary posted to the secretary of state’s website, calling the old language misleading for also failing to state abortion would be banned in most cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoskins’ latest ballot statement makes just one change by again swapping “amend” out for “repeal.”

This latest summary also states that a “yes” vote would guarantee women’s medical care under specific scenarios, including ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages, and allow abortions in the first 12 weeks festation in cases of rape or incest. It would also ban gender-affirming health care for minors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A “no” vote, Hoskins wrote, in part, would “limit abortion” to specific scenarios.

Prior to the passage of the 2024 abortion rights amendment, nearly all abortions were illegal in Missouri, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies. The new proposed ban would broader access slightly to also allow abortions for survivors or rape or incest up to 12 weeks gestation, though it’s not yet clear if or how a survivor would need to prove the assault in order to receive medical care.

Missouri secretary of state submits second attempt at abortion ban ballot language

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

Transport 360, LLC has issued an invitation for
bid for the purchase of a material handler for the St. Joseph, MO Port
Authority Terminal located at 1616 Stockyards Expy., St. Joseph, MO 64501. 

A pre-bid meeting with optional attendance is
scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2025, at 1:00 pm (CST),&nbsp;located at the
project site. Final bids will be due on October 24, 2025 at 2:00 pm (CST). For
complete project details,&nbsp;please contact Aaron Khouri at <a href="mailto:AaronKhouri@Transport360.org">AaronKhouri@Transport360.org</a>.

Transport 360, LLC will receive sealed bids for the procurement of
a material handler until 2:00 PM CST on 10/24/2025 at Transport 360, LLC, 1616
Stockyards&nbsp;Expy. – St. Joseph, MO 64501, or by electronic submission to <a href="mailto:AaronKhouri@Transport360.org">AaronKhouri@Transport360.org</a>, at
which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Bidders are invited to submit proposals for the supply of the
following equipment and services: Large dry bulk material handler as well as
transportation of the machine from origin to 1616 Stockyards Expy. – St.
Joseph, MO 64501.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting and site inspection will be held
on 10/9/2025,&nbsp;1:00 PM CST at 1616 Stockyards Expy. – St. Joseph, MO 64501.
&nbsp;

Electronic Contract Documents may be obtained by contacting Aaron
Khouri at (901) 409-3962 or <a href="mailto:AaronKhouri@Transport360.org">AaronKhouri@Transport360.org</a>.
No deposit is required. Documents will be provided via email.

Contractors must pay workers no less than the minimum wages set by
the Missouri Division of Labor Standards Annual Wage Order. Additionally, they
must ensure equal employment opportunity by prohibiting discrimination based on
race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, age, or ancestry.

Contractors must comply with Missouri’s E-Verify law and OSHA
10-hour construction safety training requirements for all on-site employees
within 60 days of beginning work.

Failure to substantially complete the project by November 21st,
2025 will result in liquidated damages of $750 per calendar day beyond the
deadline.

Transport 360 reserves the right to reject any or all Bids or to
waive any informality in the bidding. Bid awards will be made to the lowest
responsible bidder,&nbsp;considering conformity with specifications, delivery
terms, quality, serviceability, experience, and performance history.

Bids may be held by Transport 360 for a period not to exceed 45
days from the date of opening for the purpose of reviewing and investigating
qualifications prior to awarding the Contract

Transport 360 invitation for bid for material handler St. Joseph Port Authority

Clean Sweep began
Wednesday and runs through the 7th, allowing St. Joseph residents to
dump unwanted items at the landfill for free.

Fourth District Councilmember,
Michael Grimm, says Clean Sweep helps with the city council goal of beautifying
St. Joseph.

“From out
standpoint, it helps clean up the city,” Grimm tells KFEQmmunity. “This
council’s been big on trying to work on things to clean up the city and this
just helps us along if you get rid of all that old lumber that you’ve had
laying outside your house.”

Residents can dump
only six tires. Yard waste needs to be separate from trash. Toxic or hazardous
waste will not be accepted. Only automobiles, pickups, and two-wheel trailers
may be used. Just one vehicle per IC is allowed at a time. No company vehicles
are allowed.

Grimm says it is
no surprise that a recent survey of city residents ranked code enforcement and
cleaning up the city as their top priority.

“And it always is,
you know,” according to Grimm. “They do this survey maybe once every couple of
years and I’ve seen it for the last 15 years and it’s always been in the top
five; is cleaning up our city.”

Residents should
notify the gate attendant at the landfill they’re using the Clean Sweep program
and must present a St. Joseph personal property tax receipt and photo ID.

The city landfill,
located at 9431 South East 50th Road, is open Monday through Friday
7am to 4:30pm; 7am to 2pm on Saturday.

Click <a href="https://www.stjosephmo.gov/298/Clean-Sweep-Program">HERE</a> for more on Clean Sweep.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Time to clean up:  Clean Sweep underway in St. Joseph

December corn closed down 2 3/4 cents and March corn was down 2 1/4 cents. November soybeans closed down 5 3/4 cents and January soybeans were down 4 3/4 cents. December KC wheat closed down 2 cents, December Chicago wheat was up 1/2 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was down 3/4 cents.

December corn closed down 3 cents and March corn was down 3 cents. November soybeans closed up 4 1/4 cents and January soybeans were up 4 cents. December KC wheat closed down 8 1/2 cents, December Chicago wheat was down 4 1/2 cents and December Minneapolis wheat was down 8 cents.

It was a slow day to close the week for futures markets as the U.S. government shutdown is in its third day, resulting in a lack of government reports to influence traders. The late week rally across row crop futures gradually exhausted itself through the session Friday, led by soybean futures, which eventually settled over a dime lower than the daily high on the November contract. Outside markets leaned positive to close the week with the Dow Jones Industrial Average accelerating weekly gains to a fresh record on Friday. Investors are currently showing no major concerns regarding the government shutdown, focusing instead on an expected rate cut in the Fed's meeting late this month. Energy markets ended the week higher, with crude oil futures narrowly avoiding five straight lower sessions amid support in the low $60 per barrel range.

The live cattle complex battled through, as the market continues to feel stalemated, not seeing the support it needs to drive the contracts much higher. Between weaker cash cattle prices and lower waning boxed beef prices, the market is stuck trading steady/somewhat lower as there's not enough support to do anything different for the time being, but the market found enough for all contracts to finish in the green. Before the week ends, there should still be some more cash cattle trade to develop; however, there's only been a thin movement in the North so far, and virtually no movement yet at all in the South. Asking prices are noted at $235 to $237 in the South and $362 plus in the North.

The feeder cattle complex was back to trading moderately higher as traders are currently willing to mildly support the contracts. The live cattle complex ended giving enough support and the market was able to maintain the mild rally through the day's end.

The lean hog complex is finally seeing support work its way into the market as pork cutout values were higher, and trades allowed the contracts to trade mildly higher as well. The biggest factor helping drive the carcass price higher this morning is the belly's $6.82 jump, and the picnics $4.24 gain as well.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/10/03140156/30001-markets-230pm.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

The Renewable Fuels Association applauded California Governor Gavin Newsome for signing Assembly Bill 30 into law. AB30, which passed unanimously out of both the Assembly and the Senate, immediately legalizes lower-cost E15 fuel in the Golden State. Prior to the signing, California was the only remaining state in the nation where E15 sales weren’t allowed. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said, “California is on the road to lower gas prices and a cleaner future for families across the state,” and “Many other states have already seen the benefits of E15, including healthier air, better engine performance, and costs savings at the pump.”

 California drivers are about to experience those same benefits for themselves, and RFA thanked Governor Newsom for voicing his support for E15 through the legislative process. Recent studies have shown that E15 could save California drivers $2.7 billion annually, or about $200 per household, while significantly cutting tailpipe pollutants. 

California governor signs E15 bill

The U.S. federal government shutdown will stop some payments to farmers and also delay access to federal farm loans. Reuters said it’s one more blow for producers already struggling with low crop prices, record-high debts, and a trade war at the height of the fall harvest. Republican and Democratic lawmakers couldn’t agree on a plan to fund the federal government, and this will last until one party gets enough votes for its funding plan. 

“Even short interruptions in payments could deepen farmers’ economic turmoil,” said Chad Hart, an agricultural economist with Iowa State University. “After all, it costs money to run those combines at harvest.”  While administration of nutrition programs and food inspections will continue, much of USDA’s other work will cease. That includes processing farm loans and making payments to farmers, including billions in disaster aid. It will also not process annual commodity and land conservation payments typically issued by October. 

Shutdown halts some payments and loans to farmers

December corn closed up 5 1/4 cents and March corn was up 5 1/4 cents. November soybeans closed up 10 3/4 cents and January soybeans were up 10 3/4 cents. December KC wheat closed up 3 1/2 cents, December Chicago wheat was up 5 1/2 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was up 3 1/2 cents.

U.S. crop prices again shook off a shaky start to the session on Thursday, with the soybean market leading the way higher as traders continue to look ahead to the month-end summit between Presidents Trump and Xi as a reason for optimism and a reason to remove short-side risk out of portfolios amid shrinking soybean supply side ideas as well. Corn and wheat futures were mainly along for the ride on Thursday but also managed to put together modestly higher sessions. Outside markets were overall a negative weight on agricultural prices for Thursday, with mixed equities as the Dow Jones pushes back toward record highs while the S&amp;P reversed off record highs on Thursday as well. The U.S. Dollar Index was firmer on Thursday while energy markets fell again, breaking support near $62 per barrel to trade to the lowest level since late May.

Without any substantial fundamental support having developed in the complex this week, the live cattle contracts were yet again trading lower. And yes, the spot December live cattle contract was again trading below its 40-day moving average as traders continued to look around for immediate support -- but came up short handed from both a fundamental and technical sense. Asking prices are noted in the South at $237 to $240, and at $363 plus in the North. No new trade has developed following the light business that transpired on Wednesday where some dressed cattle in Nebraska sold at $360 -- $5.00 lower than last week's weighted average. Some bids are on the table at $230 to $233 live in Kansas, and $230 live in Nebraska and $357 to $360 dressed.

Following in the live cattle market's footsteps, the feeder cattle complex also traded lower as traders continue to struggle to find enough support to justify trading higher. Not to mention, adding only more kindling to the feeder cattle market's reasons to trade lower, the market did close lower Wednesday afternoon after traders decided they didn't possess enough support to be edging up against the market's resistance thresholds.

The lean hog complex continued to scale lower and lower as the market again left without enough support to help traders put a bottom in the downward spiral that the market's currently been on. Pork cutout values are again lower this morning with the picnic being the market begging hindrance as it alone is done $6.62.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/10/02135955/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The White House Office of Management and Budget requires the USDA to maintain a plan for agency operations in the absence of appropriations. The plan shows a total of 85,907 USDA employees on board before the government shutdown took place on Wednesday morning at 12 am. According to the plan, a total of 42,256 agency employees were placed on furlough. 

The plan shows that the work getting paused during a shutdown includes most of the Risk Management Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, Food and Nutrition Service, and other segments of the agency. The shutdown particularly affects employees who work face-to-face with farmers. More than 6,000 of the 9,000-plus Farm Service Agency employees are going on furlough. By comparison, just 533 of the 7,600-plus people working at the Food Safety and Inspection Service, which regulates meat and poultry processing, are to be furloughed. Pesticide registration work at the EPA will continue.

Over 40,000 USDA employees furloughed by shutdown

Tens of thousands of FFA members, advisors, alumni, and supporters from across the country will gather in Indianapolis for the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo. This celebration of agricultural education and leadership takes place from October 29-November 1. “This year’s convention is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our members’ dedication and a launchpad for the next generation of leaders,” said Christine White, chief program officer for the National FFA Organization. 

“It’s a time where we honor the hard work of today and ignite the spark of inspiration for tomorrow, empowering a community that will shape the future of agriculture and innovation for years to come.” Last year, over 71,000 people attended the event, which is the largest annual gathering of FFA members. Attendees will participate in award ceremonies, explore careers, do hands-on service projects, and more. FFA members will participate in a variety of competitions.

Celebrating leadership and agriculture at the National FFA Convention

December corn closed up 1 cent and March corn was up 3/4 cents. November soybeans closed up 11 1/4 cents and January soybeans were up 10 3/4 cents. December KC wheat closed down 2 1/4 cents, December Chicago wheat was up 1 1/4 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was down 5 3/4 cents.

U.S. crop markets were en route to another lower finish Wednesday, with corn and wheat futures in particular continuing to trade the fallout from bearish Sept. 1 stocks reported by USDA on Tuesday. However, the tide quickly turned shortly after noon when President Trump posted on Truth Social he will meet with Chinese President Xi in four weeks, and soybeans will be a "major topic of discussion." This ultimately sent soybean futures surging over a dime in the last hour plus of trade and ultimately 19 1/4 cents higher than the daily low, pulling corn futures higher as well. Outside markets Wednesday were mixed, as the featured macroeconomic news was the government shutdown which took effect late Tuesday/early Wednesday. Equity markets turned higher after ADP's September employment report indicated a slowing labor market and pointed toward another rate cut in the next Fed meeting. Energy markets were lower after Wednesday's Petroleum Status report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed a general building of crude and crude product inventories in the U.S. and ahead of this weekend's OPEC+ production meeting.

Despite the U.S. government shutdown, the live cattle complex trudged on with business as normal. The live cattle contracts traded fully higher into Wednesday's noon hour, with yet again the market's deferred contracts seeing the biggest day-over-day gains. But even so, the spot December contract was still trading slightly below the market's 40-day moving average, which continues to be a threshold the market is struggling to conquer and the contracts finished the day no better than mixed. Still no cash cattle trade has developed but asking prices are now noted in the South at $237 to $240 but are still elusive in the North. With no packer interest having developed yet, it's likely the week's trade will be delayed another day if not two.

The feeder cattle complex was also scaling higher into Wednesday's noon hour as the market points to the corn complex's continued decline as a slightly bullish factor. The market is growing closer to resistance levels which could cause traders some angst, but traders were content to scale the contracts higher until the reversal in the grain complexes, that triggered some late session selling and the feeder contracts finished in the red all but a few far deferred contracts.

The lean hog complex continued to struggle as the market is currently trading below support at $87.00 in the spot December contract -- which has been a threshold the market has respected since early September. And again, adding to the market's disappointment is the fact that pork cutout values were lower once again today.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/10/01144403/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The USDA’s Grain Stocks Report showed corn stocks down 13 percent from last year, soybean stocks are eight percent lower, and all wheat stocks are up six percent from 2024. Old crop corn stocks in all positions on September 1, 2025, totaled 1.53 billion bushels, down 13 percent from September 1, 2024. Both on-farm and off-farm stocks were down from last year. 

Old crop soybeans stored in all positions on September 1, 2025, totaled 316 million bushels, down eight percent from September 1, 2024. Both on-farm and off-farm stocks were lower. All wheat stored in all positions on September 1, 2025, totaled 2.12 billion bushels, up six percent from a year ago. Based on the 2024 end of the marketing year analysis, corn for grain production was revised up 25 million bushels from the prior estimate. 2024 soybean production was revised up 7.7 million bushels from the previous estimate. 

Corn and soybean stocks are lower

In the event of a government shutdown that has now come to fruition, the USDA says it’s taken steps to be ready. Back in the 2018 federal shutdown, Food Safety and Inspection Service meat inspection and laboratory testing personnel continued to work. USDA says it is prepared for all possible contingencies covering operations, including critical services and support programs. Two people with direct knowledge of the agency’s plans said that USDA employees may face more layoffs. 

The department submitted its tentative shutdown contingency plan to the Office of Management and Budget, and it does include a reduction-in-force provision. No further details were provided on which employees could be cut, but the two people said the rest of the proposal largely mirrors USDA’s typical shutdown contingency plan, last updated during the Biden administration.

USDA ready for government shutdown

December corn closed down 6 cents and March corn was down 6 1/2 cents. November soybeans closed down 8 3/4 cents and January soybeans were down 9 1/2 cents. December KC wheat closed down 10 1/2 cents, December Chicago wheat was down 11 1/2 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was down 6 1/2 cents.

Grain markets were under pressure through Tuesday's session with selling intensifying on the release of overall bearish quarterly Grain Stocks and Small Grains Summary reports from USDA. Outside markets also leaned negatively on ag futures on Tuesday, with crude oil futures retreating to start the week back toward 2-month support near $62 per barrel. Meanwhile, equities were lower on Tuesday as well as investors weigh what a potential government shutdown could mean for markets moving forward, with bearish concerns being the potential for interference with the Federal Reserve's path to rate cuts, as well as job market concerns amid the potential for layoffs at the federal level.

Although the market started the day off weaker, the live cattle complex collectively advanced its position and traded slightly higher into Tuesday's closing bell. Unfortunately, the market continues to stagger around its 40-day moving average in the spot December contract as traders don't know which way to truly push the market just yet. On one hand, they look at the market's immediate fundamentals and are disappointed to see fed cash cattle prices and boxed beef prices continuing to drift lower as they typically do seasonally. But on the other hand, traders have also recognized that from a 10,000-foot view perspective, the market is still incredibly bullish with herd supplies at a multi-decade low, and the fact remaining that supplies can't be rebuilt overnight. Still no cash cattle trade has developed and it's not likely that any trade develops until Wednesday at the earliest. Bids and asking prices remain elusive at this point too.

The feeder cattle complex was not being as cautious as the live cattle market, as its contracts were confidently trading $3.00 higher into Tuesday's noon hour. And with the feeder cattle complex not up against immediate resistance pressure, it's likely that even if the live cattle market does weaken, the feeder cattle contracts should be able to maintain their momentum for the short term.

It was a painful morning for the lean hog complex as the market continued to break lower. Seeming unable to maintain the gains made just last week, the lean hog complex is continuing to back away from the highs scored late last week as fundamental support isn't as strong as traders need it to be.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/09/30144122/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

KANSAS CITY —One person died and three others were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Saturday in Clay County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Subaru Forester driven by a 36-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man was southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 29 just south of U.S. 169. The Subaru struck a 2007 Honda Accord driven by a 22-year-old Kansas City, Kansas man head-on.&nbsp; After impact the Honda struck a 2021 Chevy Traverse driven by a 67-year-old Kansas City, Missouri woman and a 2024 Toyota Venza driven by a 27-year-old Smithville woman.

A 21-year-old Kansas City, Kansas woman in Honda was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. EMS transported the Honda driver and the Subaru driver to North Kansas City Hospital. The 67-year-old driver refused treatment at the scene. The Subaru driver was also not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

1 dead, 3 injured after wrong-way, head-on crash on Mo. highway

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">Maya Smith</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — Lawrence firefighters union president Seamus Albritton says the community might have to wait longer for emergency responses as a result of budget cuts.

The Lawrence City Commission recently cut the Lawrence Fire-Medical Department budget by $1.5 million. The department’s response times already exceed six minutes for arrival to structured fires, above the National Fire Protection Association standard of four minutes or less for career departments.

“We have the data that support that we’re already understaffed at the number of fire trucks that we have now,” Albritton said. “They’re choosing to cut the core services of the city. Your core services keep the citizens safe, and they choose to fund things beyond public safety.”

This cut will eliminate one truck from Lawrence Station No. 5, right next to the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

Lawrence is not alone in cutting fire-medical budgets. Amid budget shortfalls across the state, public safety departments are facing cuts. And service providers are sounding alarms about the impact those cuts could have, especially in rural communities.

“When people dial 911, they expect a response,” state fire management officer Bill Waln said. “The mission of any emergency response organization is to make sure that their response is timely, safe, and effective. Significant cuts can make that more challenging, not because the commitment of the emergency responder changes, but because resources are what allow us to meet the public’s expectations.”

Kansas communities rely on federal grants that provide funding for small fire departments’ training, maintaining equipment and funding jobs. For rural communities, Waln said, federal grants can be a lifeline.

“When those grants are cut, departments don’t lose their dedication, but they may lose the tools or people they need to meet the public’s expectation when they dial 911,” Waln said. “For emergency responders, that translates into longer hours, more stress, and in some cases greater risk on the job. They carry a tremendous weight, knowing the community depends on them no matter what.”

Beyond the cost of equipment and facilities, some small communities struggle to have enough manpower to cover their county’s emergencies.

Rural counties are heavily reliant on volunteer firefighters, with 78.6% of departments across the state being volunteer, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://klcjournal.com/the-volunteer-fire-departments-protecting-rural-kansas-face-an-emergency-finding-enough-joiners/#:~:text=But%20the%20state%20is%20disproportionately%20reliant%20on,another%2011.4%25%20rate%20as%20%E2%80%9Cmostly%20volunteer%E2%80%9D%20departments." target="_blank">the National Fire Department Registry.</a>

“We have 65- and 70-year-olds in the line of duty,” said Andover Fire Chief Chad Russell. “ This is an incredibly physically demanding job.  The fire doesn’t care what your paycheck is. Old men and women still serving simply because they want to serve their community — and there’s no one coming in to take over for them is really a travesty in my opinion.”

With fewer volunteers, rural counties rely on neighboring counties to take on emergency response — putting rural communities at risk of first responders arriving too late.&nbsp;

“Instead of seven minutes, they get there in 27 minutes,” Russell said. “They’re there to help clean up — to put out the ashes.”

Response times highlight the broader issues within fire-medical departments, from staffing shortages to the politics involved with the budget making process, ultimately leading to first responders being stretched too thin, Waln said.

“When reductions affect emergency response organizations, I hope leaders fully recognize the potential impact,” Waln said. “Citizens expect that when they call for help, the response is quick, safe, and effective. Any decision that changes that expectation carries very real consequences for safety, trust, and the wellbeing of those on the front lines.”

From budget cuts to lack of volunteers, Kansas counties face increased fire response times

KANSAS CITY. – A Kansas City man pleaded guilty in federal court to being in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to the United State's Attorney.

Donnique H. Kelley, 36, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to participating in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court documents, between the dates of Dec. 14, 2022 and March 23, 2023, Kelley and others sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to law enforcement officials on at least seven separate occasions.&nbsp;

On Sept. 12, 2023, following a car stop on East 63rd Street, Kansas City, Mo., a co-conspirator and source of supply of fentanyl and methamphetamine for the conspiracy was found in possession of 4.45 kilograms of methamphetamine, 2.02 kilograms of marijuana, and $14,382.

Under federal statutes, Kelley is subject to a sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Kansas City man sold fentanyl, meth to law enforcement officers

By:<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/author/ropshal/">Robin Opsahl</a> <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

The Des Moines School Board is suing JG Consulting, the firm contracted in the search that led to hiring former Superintendent Ian Roberts.

The board hired Roberts in 2023. He held the position until Sept. 30, when he resigned after being placed on&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/29/state-board-revokes-dmps-superintendent-ian-roberts-license-after-ice-arrest/">unpaid administrative leave</a>&nbsp;by the school board Monday and having his license revoked by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Sunday.

These actions came after Roberts was&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/26/des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-in-ice-custody-after-arrest/">detained by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement</a>. Roberts, who is a citizen of Guyana according to court documents, was arrested by ICE agents Sept. 26 during a “targeted enforcement operation,” a news release from the federal agency stated. A handgun, hunting knife and $3,000 in cash were found in his vehicle, and ICE stated he evaded arrest.

While there has been significant confusion and backlash surrounding Roberts’ detainment, in the days since his arrest, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/10/03/dhs-releases-new-information-extensive-criminal-history-illegal-alien-ian-roberts" target="_blank">has released documents</a>&nbsp;confirming Roberts was given an order of removal by an immigration judge in May 2024, and he has faced multiple criminal charges.

Some of the information that has come to light about Roberts’ background, such as a 2022 criminal charge for having a loaded weapon in his vehicle while hunting, and that he had not received the doctorate from Morgan State University claimed in his resume, were subjects flagged for Des Moines Public Schools and board members during the superintendent search process.

But DMPS officials said many of the issues brought up since his arrest — including his immigration status, previous criminal charges as well as the falsification of other parts of his resume — were subjects that should have been flagged during the search and background check process.

After two closed session meetings Friday, Board President Jackie Norris announced the board was filing a lawsuit against JG Consulting for breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation and negligence in the process of offering Roberts as a candidate.

The lawsuit states the $41,000 contract between the search firm and DMPS required candidates be referred to the district only if the business “reasonably believed the candidate could lawfully and satisfactorily perform the position and that the candidate’s application materials were true and complete.”

Norris said JG Consulting “failed its duty to properly vet candidates,” and that Roberts “should have never been presented as a finalist.” The contract required the firm to conduct “comprehensive reference calls” to verify employment experiences, in addition to criminal, credit and background checks conducted through a third party, Norris said, and the business was required to provide all known information, both positive and negative, to the board.

“That did not occur,” Norris said. “We are pursuing pursuing legal action, as allowed by law. This is about accountability. Taxpayer dollars were used, and we are seeking accountability.”

Local

Region

Sports

Agriculture