The St. Joseph Police Department has shifted its communications to encrypted radio traffic signals.  

Police Chief Paul Luster says this move is something that has been done at other precincts across the country, a move designed to protect officers 

"It protects sensitive information," Luster says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "So, that keeps tactical details, officer locations, investigative and confidential information." 

But also, and maybe more importantly Luster says, it protects privacy of residents 

"That encryption ensures that sensitive details don't leak to the public prematurely; it protects victim's privacy," Luster says. 

Luster says one factor that played into the decision was scanners becoming more widely available through cell phone apps 

"So, we had examples of officers running into criminals, whether it be on a car stop or something, that were actively listening to them, so suspects monitoring the police radio chatter so they can anticipate movements and no what's going on," Luster explains. 

Luster says that information being so widely available can be dangerous to both officers and residents, using an active shooter investigation as an example 

"You have an active shooter in a school and then I approach and say hey I'm making entry through the north door, now he knows police are coming through the north door, and so there's just a lot of safety and privacy issues I think connected with that," Luster says. 

Luster says reception to the move has been 50-50, with many in support of the move, but also many against.  

Luster says his department is still working on a way to make sure people are informed about where the police are for its website 

"Anybody can get on and look at what's called our live calls, so anybody can just say here's where we're at, but it's scrubbed of all that PII, that personal identifying information, all that's scrubbed of that," Luster says.  "Or any of maybe the tactical data, it's scrubbed of that, but it still allows any citizen to see what we're doing." 

Luster says police had hoped to have the service available when shifting over to these encrypted calls but ran into some issues and are continuing to work on rolling it out. 

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

St. Joseph Police scanner talk now encrypted

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

Commodity markets daily recap

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.

Hundreds of veterinary professionals will meet with senators, representatives, and their staffs on Thursday, July 17, to advocate for legislation that will help address the emerging threat of illicit xylazine (ZY-lah-zeen) while preserving access to the animal sedative. They’ll also be discussing ways to boost the retention of veterinarians in rural and underserved communities. As part of the legislative fly-in, more than 340 advocates representing 50 states and 37 veterinary schools will urge congressional support for the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act and the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act. 

The AVMA-backed Combating Illicit Xylazine Act can help to preserve the availability of this prescription animal drug for its critical uses in veterinary medicine as a controlled drug and allow the DEA transparency into the legitimate drug marketplace. The AVMA also endorses the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act, which would eliminate federal taxes on awards from the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, making it easier to participate.

Veterinarians Head to Capitol Hill

More U.S. farms filed for bankruptcy in the first three months of 2025 than during the entire 2024 calendar year. That’s according to new research from University of Arkansas Extension Economist Ryan Loy. The information shows that the 259 filings in the first three months of 2025 are the most in any year since 2021. 

“We’ve already beaten last year in terms of national filings just in the first three months of this year,” Loy said. “Once you see this on a national level, it’s a clear sign that financial pressures that we saw before in 2018 and 2019 are reemerging.” 

A large part of the pressure comes from the fact that commodity prices are back where they were in the 2018-2019 era. Adding to that pressure are high input costs for seed, fertilizer, pest management tools, and diesel that never seem to decline much or for a long period.&nbsp;

Farm Bankruptcies Already Exceed Last Year

Agricultural producers and private landowners can now enroll in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program. The signup runs from now until August 8, 2025. Grassland CRP, offered by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, is a voluntary working lands conservation program that enables participants to conserve grasslands while also continuing most grazing and haying practices. Grassland CRP emphasizes support for grazing operations, plant and animal biodiversity, and grasslands and land with shrubs and forbs under the greatest threat of conversion. 

“Through the conservation of America’s essential grasslands, Grassland CRP supports continued agricultural productivity while, at the same time, prioritizing private lands stewardship,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “By offering landowners the best of both worlds – economic viability and working lands preservation – Grassland CRP provisions support USDA’s commitment to Farmers First. Farmers and landowners should contact their local USDA Service Center to sign up. CRP, USDA’s flagship conservation program, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

USDA’s Grassland Conservation Reserve Program Signup Now Open

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

An author of the
latest biography of Amelia Earhart says there is so much more to Earhart than
her unexplained disappearance in 1937 while trying to circumvent the globe.

In fact, Laurie
Gwen Shapiro says that disappearance and the subsequent hunts to find Earhart
overshadow an incredible life.

Laurie Gwen Shapiro
has written The Aviator and the Showman:&nbsp;
Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon.

Shapiro says
Earhart became famous, in large part, because of her marriage to publisher
George Putnam.

“She was a rock star,”
Shapiro tells KFEQmmunity. “He promoted her as the queen of aviation and at the
end of the 20s people were sick of the flapper sensibility and the aviators
were gods. So, the big names were Lindbergh, Earhart, and Byrd.”

Shapiro will be in
Atchison, Kansas this weekend as part of the 28th Amelia Earhart Festival, a
return to the birthplace of Earhart which Shapiro visited twice during her
research for the book. Shapiro took five years to research and write the book,
which was released earlier this week. Shapiro will headline a special author
event at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum Friday morning at 10 o’clock.

Shapiro says she
portrays the real Amelia Earhart, not the one of legend. She says her extensive
research unearthed a real woman; a woman of great accomplishment.

“She’s not a bad
person, I will say that, if anyone’s worried that I uncovered this terrible
ghost,” Shapiro says. “But she’s flawed and I think that’s fine. She’s brave.
She’s flawed. She could be lazy. She did not learn Morse Code, even though she
had crashed on a trip going the other way around the world before the one that we
lost her on.”

Shapiro says the
mystery surrounding Earhart isn’t about how she died, but how she lived.
Earhart advocated for aviation at its outset. She achieved fame when, in 1932,
she became the first woman to fly nonstop, alone across the Atlantic.

Shapiro says she attempts
in her book to present a woman in full.

“It’s deeply
reported; you have the receipts for your reporting, but it’s also storytelling,”
Shapiro says. “And that’s what I hope people get from my book is on top of the
history, they’re also getting a great story. And this is a story of ambition
and this is a story of marriage.”

Shapiro says Putnam took the raw material of Earhart’s
accomplishments and built the enduring image of Earhart that continues to this
day.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Author of latest Earhart bio to attend Amelia Earhart Festival

The 28th annual Amelia Earhart Festival is happening this weekend across the river in Atchison, Kansas, home of the famous pilot.  

While there are some activities happening today surrounding the festival, the big festivities begin tomorrow with a concert on the riverfront 

Festival Coordinator Jacque Pregont says tickets are still available for headliner Neal McCoy as he takes the stage tomorrow night. 

"You can get tickets right there at Q Country, you can also get tickets in Atchison at our banks and at our Chamber of Commerce, and you can still get tickets online for $25 until Friday," Pregont tells Q Country 92.7's Travis Dodge.  "Friday they will not be available online and they will be $30 at the gate." 

Tickets will only be available at the Eagle Radio studios until 5 p.m. today.   

Pregont says the fun continues on through the night and into Saturday as well 

"Everything down on Commerical street, what used to be our mall is now Commerical street. It's all opened up, but those streets are all closed off and it will be full of craft vendors, food vendors, and musical stage," Pregont explains.  "And then the 400 block, which has kind of maintained its mall look, is all children's things, so everything there for kids, there's rides, there's games to play, there's another stage of entertainment." 

All of that fun on the riverfront leads to the big event that wraps up the weekend, the world-renowned Concert in the Sky fireworks show Saturday night.   

The Amelia Earhart Festival was voted number three by USA Today readers as the best place to see fireworks last year.

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

Atchison celebrates Amelia Earhart this weekend with annual festival

The Soles for Christ shoe program is back for another year, held by AFL CIO Community Services in St. Joseph.  

The shoe distribution program provides brand new shoes to students in need ahead of the new school year.   

Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says right now, the agency is in desperate need of shoes for the distribution, however… 

"We have several churches that will do collections, and so we have a bunch that come in at once, but we usually get a trickle of them through most of July and August before the program starts, and it's been really slow so far," Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And we're halfway through the month of July, so we are starting to get a little nervous about whether we're going to get the number of shoes we need, so any shoes we can get we would really appreciate." 

Seckinger says the types of shoes that go the fastest changes every year, so there's really a need for nearly every size of shoe 

"Men's sizes seven, eight, and nine tend to be pretty commonly chosen, women's zizes anywhere between seven and 10 are pretty regular for our high school kids, and then grade school it's just all over the board, we have 10 year olds that wear size 10 men's shoes, so we never know what it's going to be as far as our grade school kids and what size they're going to be needing," Seckinger explains. 

On top of shoes, the agency is also calling for volunteers to help with the shoe distribution event next month. 

  Seckinger says this event would not be possible without all the people who volunteer to help 

"We have four stations, but we run two groups off of each station, so at any one time eight families could be getting shoes, and so we have eight different teams processing those families," Seckinger says.  "So, it's people who do the intake, people who try on the shoes with them, people who run and go get the shoes, and then of course we have almost like our little shoe store is what we call it but it's almost like the storage area." 

Seckinger says volunteers are asked to donate at least two hours. Those interested can sign up on AFL-CIO Community Services website.  

The shoe distribution will be held August 11th and 12th at the Scottish Rites Temple.  Shoes are provided to students from Buchanan, Dekalb, Andrew, Clinton, and Doniphan counties.

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

AFL-CIO Community Services gearing up for Soles for Christ shoe distribution

Missouri Adjutant
General, Charles Hausman, says he enjoyed returning home to honor those who
served in the Vietnam War.

Hausman, a Major
General, gave the keynote address at the Vietnam War Commemoration pinning
ceremony in St. Joseph, his hometown.

“Anytime we can
have a homecoming that’s nice, but then to come home and to recognize these
people, that’s extra special, because this again is the generation that were
our teachers, that really raised us as we were growing up in St. Joseph,”
Hausman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview following the ceremony.&nbsp; “So, yes, it’s extra special to be able to
come here.”

Hausman initially
got into the military to pay for school. He says he never thought he would
become the leader of the Missouri National Guard, but opportunities kept coming
his way.

Hausman enlisted
in the Army Reserve in 1988, joined the Missouri National Guard in 1989,
transferred to Aviation in 1993. Hausman deployed three times, including during
Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Hausman leads the
Missouri Guard since being promoted as Adjutant General earlier this year.
Hausman says recruiting has gone well, but the Guard is always in need of
people.

“But we are always
out there looking for talent. We have a lot of great opportunities. And so, for
the future of the Missouri National Guard, really focusing on people has been
our biggest priority when I started,” Hausman says. “And making sure that we’re
keeping the organization very healthy and that we are continually looking for
growth opportunities.”

Hausman says the
National Guard must convince young people they have an opportunity in the Guard
for education and training they simply can’t get anywhere else.

“And then, as we
call it, career broadening, getting the right people into the right positions
so that they will then be better prepared for additional responsibilities in
the future if that’s what they choose to do.”

Hausman says the
Guard has a duty to make sure members get all the retirement benefits for which
they qualify.

Gov. Mike Kehoe
promoted Hausman to National Guard Adjutant General, giving him the rank of Major
General January 8th. He took command on February 1st.

Adjutant General Hausman says recruitment remains Guard's #1 priority

The St. Joseph Mustangs cut the lead to one run in the top of the seventh inning, but a five run bottom half would be their downfall, unable to recover and falling to the Clarinda A's 9-2 on the road in Clarinda, Iowa in their penultimate road game of the regular season.&nbsp;

Clarinda took the early 2-0 lead through the first three innings.&nbsp; In the first, the A's scored the opening run,&nbsp;Kane Wilson grounding out to second baseman Jack Mosh, but still driving in&nbsp;Layth Holliday for the first run of the game.&nbsp; In the third inning, it was Holliday scoring again as he stole home base.

Clarinda held that lead until the seventh inning when the Mustangs scored their first run as Justin George singled home Dom Felix, cutting the lead to one run, but in the bottom half of the inning the A's pulled away with that five run frame.&nbsp; The lead extended when&nbsp;Jake Espeland singled, and a series of errors allowed&nbsp;Colin Linteo to come around and score after his leadoff single.&nbsp; Another single by Holliday drove in Esepeland, while Holliday advanced to second, and then Holliday scored on a fourth consecutive single by&nbsp;Micah Nicholson.

Wilson continued the scoring rally in the seventh with another RBI single, driving in Nicholson and advancing Drake Cobb to second base.&nbsp; Cobb scored the final run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Joey Caruso putting the A's up on the Mustangs 7-1.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the eighth, Tyler Gundelfinger grounded out, scoring Lafayette alum Jayden Little for the final run by the Mustangs, but in the bottom half of the inning Clarinda added two more runs with Espeland singling home Linteo, and then scoring an unearned run as Cobb reached first on an error by Gundelfinger.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ian Dittmer took the loss for the Mustangs, despite an effecient start, pitching five innings and giving up two runs on two hits while striking out and walking three batters each.&nbsp; At the plate, Mosh was 3-for-4, while George was 2-for-4 with an RBI.&nbsp;

With three games left in the regular season, the Mustangs have clinched home field advantage in the playoffs and are now 32-8 on the season and 26-7 in the MINK league.&nbsp; They return to Phil Welch Stadium on Friday to host Clarinda with first pitch at 7pm.&nbsp;

Mustangs unable to recover after tough seventh, falling 9-2 to Clarinda

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years probation for his role in a multi car crash during the 2024 offseason.

According to a release from the Dallas County District Attorney's office, Rice pleaded guilty in district court to two third-degree felony charges,&nbsp; collision involving serious bodily injury, and racing on a highway causing bodily injury.&nbsp;&nbsp;A Dallas district court judge ruled that Rice can serve the jail time at any point during the five-year probationary period. Rice received deferred adjudication, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, so the case will be dismissed if he completes the probation.

The NFL now can expedite its disciplinary process of Rice, who is likely to receive a multigame suspension at some point during the upcoming 2025 season.&nbsp; Chiefs Insider Matt Derrick reports that the Chiefs are bracing for a suspension of two to four games, but also say that could be optimistic.

"We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review," NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy told Schefter.

Rice, in a statement released Thursday by his attorney, said he is "profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property."

"Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas," Rice said in his statement. "There have been a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages that my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole. I urge everyone to mind the speed limit, drive safe and drive smart.

"Last and certainly not least, I am profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property. I fully apologize for the harm I caused to innocent drivers and their families."

Rice and the Chiefs report to St. Joseph for Training Camp on Sunday, ahead of the first practice on Tuesday at the Mosaic Practice Fields on the Campus of Missouri Western State University.

Chiefs WR Rice sentenced to jail time, awaits league's punishment

The St. Joseph Mustangs split a doubleheader in Nevada against the Griffons, winning game one in comeback fashion behind four unanswered runs in the final two innings, winning 5-3, and falling in game two 8-6, after a big second inning by Nevada.&nbsp;

The Mustangs took the lead in the first inning as Darius Freeman hit a solo home run.&nbsp; Northwest Missouri State's Jaren Guck held that lead through his three innings on the mound before being replaced by East Buchanan alum Bronco Whitt in the fourth inning, where Nevada would tie up the game.&nbsp;

In the fourth, the Griffons scored on an RBI double by&nbsp;Bryce Humphrey, driving in&nbsp;Cole Collins.&nbsp; Trouble continued for Whitt in the fifth as Nevada took the lead, a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;Griffin DuVall scoring&nbsp;Nick Kaelin, and then extended the lead as&nbsp;Xander Miller came home on an RBI single by&nbsp;Trae Burton that put the Griffons up 3-1.&nbsp;

In the sixth inning, the Mustangs backed Whitt up to at least secure him a no decision, first tying the game with one swing of the bat as Dom Felix doubled driving in Freeman and Trevor McCollum, but then Whitt was set up for the win as St. Joseph took the lead on a ground out by Lafayette alum Jayden Little, scoring Felix.&nbsp; In the final frame, Freeman extended the lead with his second home run of the game.&nbsp;

Whitt earned the win, pitching three innings and giving up three runs on five hits while striking out three.&nbsp; East Buchanan alum Gage Busby earned the save pitching the seventh, giving up two hits.&nbsp; At the plate, Freeman was 4-for-4 in the opener with two home runs, a stolen base, and two RBIs.&nbsp; Felix was 1-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.

In game two, The Mustangs again took the lead in the first inning, this time scoring four runs right away.&nbsp; Freeman was responsible for getting the scoring started once again, this time with an RBI double, driving in Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall, before Freeman scored on a two run home run by Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart.&nbsp; On a wild pitch, Justin George scored the final run of the frame.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Griffons scored one run in the bottom of the first thanks to a wild pitch from Northwest Missouri State's Andrew Clark, Collins moving to third on the wild pitch, but then scoring on an error by Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith.&nbsp; Nevada blew the doors open in the second inning with a six run frame to take the lead.&nbsp; A bases loaded walk from Clark to&nbsp;Jordan Rowe scored&nbsp;Rhett Hays, and an RBI single from&nbsp;Sam Schmidt drove in&nbsp;Cal Cosens to cut the lead to one.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Griffons took the lead with a two RBI single by&nbsp;Hunter Doyle, bringing home Duvall and Rowe, another run scoring as Schmidt came in from third on an error by Freeman.&nbsp; Doyle scored the final run of the inning on a wild pitch from Clark, putting Nevada up on the Mustangs going into the third inning 7-4.

St. Joseph would cut the lead to one run in the fifth inning on RBI singles from Freeman and George, Freeman driving in Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen with Gall being thrown out at home, and George driving in Freeman.&nbsp; In the sixth, Nevada scored their final run as Doyle singled home Humphrey.&nbsp;

Clark took the loss in game two, pitching 1 2/3 innings and giving up seven runs, five earned, on three hits while striking out three and walking six. At the plate, Freeman again led the way going 2-for-4 with a double, a stolen base, and two RBIs.&nbsp; Luikart was 1-for-3 with the home run, a stolen base, and two RBIs.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 32-7 on the season and 26-6 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They wrap up the road trip on Thursday in Clarinda against the Clarinda A's with first pitch at 7pm.&nbsp; St. Joseph will play their final two games of the regular season at home on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;

Mustangs take game one, fall in game two splitting doubleheader with Nevada

Trying to add some veteran presence to their bench, the Kansas City Royals traded for a player who did just that for them last season, acquiring Adam Frazier from the Pittsburg Pirates for Cam Devanney ahead of the second half of the season.&nbsp;

While Frazier is certainly not the impactful offense upgrade the Royals will seek as the July 31 Trade Deadline nears, the club has long thought its bench needed a veteran presence to give what the industry likes to call a “professional at-bat”, working the pitch count, working a walk, poking a single the other way, moving runners over or getting them in from third, etc., coming in late in games when needed.

Also notable is that the Royals loved Frazier last year, when he logged just 294 plate appearances and hit .202 for the postseason team but provided invaluable leadership with the hitting group. Several people in and around the organization, including players, had mentioned earlier this year that the clubhouse was missing personalities like Frazier as the team endures its ups and downs during a 162-game season.

Frazier has declined quite a bit from his peak years with the Pirates, but this year he is slashing&nbsp; .255/.318/.336 this year in 262 plate appearances.&nbsp;Plus, he’s hitting .310 with runners on base this season, including batting .289 with runners in scoring position, an area that the Royals have struggled in this year with a .229 team average and a .627 OPS in scoring situations. &nbsp;He can play multiple positions in the infield and outfield.&nbsp;

The Royals had added Devanney to the 40-man roster last week when Mark Canha hit the injured list with a left elbow injury. Devanney hit 18 home runs with a .931 OPS with Triple-A Omaha this year, but he had yet to get in a Major League game. With his primary position being shortstop, he was blocked on the depth chart by Bobby Witt Jr., but Devanney has started to get reps around the field to increase his versatility.

-MLB.com's Anne Rogers contributed to this story

Royals bring back familiar face trading for Adam Frazier 

After an off day on Monday, the St. Joseph Mustangs were back in action Tuesday on the road in Sedalia in the final week of the MINK league regular season, beating the Bombers 5-1 on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

The Mustangs gave starting pitcher Cade Perkins the lead in the second inning of the game as Easton Phillipe scored an unearned run as Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen reached first on an error by second baseman Ryan Retone.&nbsp; Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall extended the lead with an RBI single, driving in Lafayette alum Jayden Little to give St. Joseph a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

Sedalia cut the lead to one run in the third inning,&nbsp;Will Muench scoring after&nbsp;Caden Paxton reached on an error by Benton alum Chris Coy.&nbsp; In the fourth inning though, the Mustangs scored two more runs as Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Bodenhausen, before Gall also scored on a sacrifice fly by Dom Felix to put St. Joseph up 4-1 at the end of four innings.&nbsp;

The Mustangs held that 4-1 lead until the sixth inning when they scored their final run of the game on a wild pitch, Bodenhausen scoring the run on the pitch from Dante Johnson.

Perkins earned the win throwing six innings and giving up one run on four hits while striking out five and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Gall was 2-for-5 with a stolen base and an RBI.&nbsp; Luikart was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and an RBI, while Bodenhausen was 0-for-2 with two walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored.&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 31-6 on the season and 25-5 in the MINK league.&nbsp; They travel to Nevada on Wednesday for a doubleheader, one game being a makeup game that was originally scheduled for June 29th.&nbsp; First pitch from Nevada is at 5pm, with game two at 7pm.&nbsp;

Mustangs roll through Sedalia with 5-1 win in final week of regular season

With a deadline of 3pm today so he would not have to play on the franchise tag, the Kansas City Chiefs and guard Trey Smith came to terms on a contract extension that will keep the offensive lineman in Kansas City well into the future.&nbsp;

The Chiefs and&nbsp;Smith reached agreement on a four-year, $94 million contract extension, a record-setting deal that makes him the highest-paid interior lineman in league history, sources told ESPN today.&nbsp;&nbsp;Smith's deal includes $70 million guaranteed, the most guaranteed money ever awarded to an NFL guard.

The Chiefs announced their contract agreement with Smith but did not disclose terms.

Smith entered Tuesday as the lone NFL player who was still on the franchise tag, a move the Chiefs made on February 28th to prevent him from reaching free agency. General manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid made the decision, which restricted Smith to a one-year deal worth $23.4 million, so the team could continue to negotiate with him in hopes of signing him to a new contract before the deadline for franchised players to agree to long-term contracts.

Retaining Smith completed the Chiefs' latest revamp of their offensive line, the team's biggest mission this offseason to better support quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Within minutes of the deal's agreement, Mahomes used his X account to post a beaming face with smiling eyes emoji in reaction to Smith's extension.

Smith entered the league in 2021 to help the Chiefs overhaul their offensive line for the first time in the Mahomes era. Although Smith was a second-team All-American in his final season at Tennessee, he was selected in the sixth round because teams were concerned about his medical history. He was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs in February 2018. The issue reappeared eight months later, too. But since joining the Chiefs, Smith has been one of their most dependable players.

Smith, who is known for his athleticism and tenacity, has started 80 of 81 games, including the Chiefs' past four postseason runs.

Chiefs extend G Trey Smith ahead of Training Camp in St. Joseph

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating two homicides that occurred on Tuesday in Kansas City have identified the victims.

Just before noon, patrol officers responded to the 8700 block of Countryshire Lane on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived at an apartment building they were directed inside to an apartment. They located a woman, later identified as 24-year-old Jaida Perdue suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics responded and declared her deceased on scene

This is being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary investigation revealed there was an argument between two individuals that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck. On scene, a subject of interest was taken into custody pending further investigation.

About the same time, police were called to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the 5200 block of Oak Leaf Drive, according to DiMartino.&nbsp;

Officers were directed to an apartment building within the complex. Inside of an apartment officers located a victim later identified as 36-year-Nicholas J. Carter&nbsp; suffering from gunshot wounds. KCFD medics responded to the scene and pronounced Carter deceased.

Police ID 2 homicide victims in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY —Two Kansas City men are facing charges for allegedly shooting guns into a downtown Kansas City apartment building last weekend.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2670/Miller-REDACT-COMP">Sincere D. Miller</a>, 24,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2672/Williams-REDACT-COMP">Kimoni Williams</a>, 23,&nbsp;each face one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and one count of Armed Criminal Action, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2671/millersincere---pc-statementredacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to the sound of shots on 13th and Grand Boulevard on July 11 and located Miller and Williams holding firearms. Multiple witnesses heard sounds of shots and observed the defendants shooting their firearms toward a nearby apartment building while standing outside a vehicle.&nbsp;

City camera footage showed the defendants entering their vehicle and a green laser beam pointed at them prior to the shooting.&nbsp;

Both defendants told police they heard gunshots from nearby blocks and observed the green laser beam on themselves and on one defendant’s daughter, who was in the backseat. Feeling threatened, they began firing into the building, striking multiple occupied apartments.&nbsp;

No one was injured during this shooting.&nbsp;

KC suspects told police they were shooting at green laser beam

Washington –&nbsp;On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall hosted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, alongside farmers from across the country and agriculture experts, for the inaugural Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) roundtable on Capitol Hill.

The conversation centered on how agriculture aligns with the MAHA movement, emphasizing the critical role of soil health in producing nutrient-dense food.

“As a fifth-generation Kansas farm kid and a physician, I recognize that producing nutrient-dense foods for a healthier America starts with healthy soil,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“Today, I was privileged to welcome Secretary Kennedy, Secretary Rollins, farmers, and agriculture experts from across the country to Capitol Hill for the first MAHA roundtable. Focused on soil health, I believe healthy soil leads to healthy food and healthy people, fostering a healthier America. MAHA will thrive due to the dedication, collaboration, and partnership of those who joined us today.”

“America’s farmers and ranchers are not just stakeholders in this fight—they are the foundation of it,”&nbsp;Secretary Kennedy said.&nbsp;“I was proud to join Senator Marshall and Secretary Rollins today to meet directly with ranchers, farmers, and agricultural experts who are driving our shared mission to Make America Healthy Again.”

“Farmers are at the heart of the Trump Administration’s mission to Make America Healthy Again. Thank you to Senator Marshall for gathering our great farmers and ranchers to discuss the role soil health plays in growing healthy foods. I look forward to continuing to support American agriculture as producers work towards healthier, more fertile soil,”&nbsp;said Secretary Rollins.

Kan. U.S. Senator hosts inaugural MAHA roundtable on Capitol Hill

RUSSELL COUNTY —The death of a Kansas felon who was in custody in Russell County is under investigation.

Just after 9a.m. July 12, 43-year-old James T. Barrows was found unresponsive in his cell at the Russell County Jail, according to a media release.

&nbsp;Russell County EMS was immediately called and life saving measures were attempted. Barrows was transported to Russell Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Barrows had been in custody of the Russell County Jail since July 11,&nbsp; for a Central Kansas Community Corrections Probation Violation Warrant. He was also being held on a care and treatment evaluation and was awaiting bed space at Larned State Hospital.

&nbsp;By statute, the KBI investigates all in-custody deaths which occur in Kansas jails and prisons unless the inmate who dies is being regularly attended by a physician, or the death is ruled natural by autopsy.

An autopsy for the Barrows is scheduled for this week, according to the KBI.

Death of Kansas felon in county jail under investigation

Governor Mike Kehoe shared on social media his return to Anheuser Bush Thursday with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to show off the iconic St. Louis brewery and Budweiser Clydesdales.

"Proud to be joined by Missouri farmers and agriculture industry leaders from across the state to discuss our shared support of putting American farmers first. 

Thanks for visiting the Show Me State"

Mo. Governor, USDA Secretary tour Anheuser Bush brewery

CRAWFORD COUNTY —A Kansas teen avoided injury in an accident that occurred just after 6p.m. Tuesday in Crawford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Escape driven by 17-year-old Onna&nbsp;Jorge-Thelisma of Pittsburg, Kansas was westbound on E 515th Avenue just east of S 240th Street. The driver attempted to drive through an activated railroad crossing arm.&nbsp; A southbound train struck the SUV.&nbsp;

 &nbsp;Jorge-Thelisma, who was properly restrained, was not injured, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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