Welcome to the college football roundup, where we take a look at all of the colleges from around our area, and what they did in their week of college football action.&nbsp; We cover Missouri, Northwest Missouri State, Missouri Western, Benedictine, Kansas, Kansas State, and Nebraska.&nbsp;

For a look at our roundup of Thursday's action in week one with Missouri, Northwest, and Nebraska you can click <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/2f06cf4b-7053-435b-ad8e-17e7a9ee82d1">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last second Augustana touchdown downs MoWest in season opener

The Missouri Western State University Griffons lost a back-and-forth, non-conference battle at No. 23 Augustana, as the Vikings threw the game-winning touchdown with 10 seconds left for a&nbsp;30-26 victory.

MoWest struck first in the opening quarter when quarterback Kane Donovan connected with Bryce Marcus III on a 44-yard pass, however the extra point attempt hit the right goalpost.&nbsp; Augustana quickly responded with a seven-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-6 lead.

The Vikings forced a safety on the following Griffons drive, as Donovan was sacked in the endzone, extending the Vikings' advantage.&nbsp; The second quarter, however, belonged to the Griffons. Early in the period, kicker Mason Grove drilled a 47-yard field goal to tie the game at 9-9 with 10:15 left in the half.

The Vikings put together an eight-play, 77-yard drive that reached the MoWest one-yard line,  but the Griffon defense came up big with a stop, forcing a turnover-on-downs.&nbsp; Later, Donovan struck again leading a 99-yard drive, this time hitting Michael Haggerty for a 19-yard touchdown to swing momentum back to the Griffons. Spencer Sprenger's extra-point capped off a 10-point quarter for the Griffons, giving them a 16-9 lead at halftime.

MoWest's opening drive to start the second half extended the lead to double digits, as Sprenger hit a 23-yard field goal.&nbsp;The Vikings responded with a run of 14 unanswered points, taking a 23-19 lead over MoWest early in the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Augustana lined up for a field goal attempt with 6:32 left in the fourth, but senior Grant Finley came up with a block, and Logan Clark returned it 54 yards to set up the drive.&nbsp; In quick work, running back Rickie Dunn carried the ball three straight times, punching it in for the score from five yards out to put the Griffons ahead 26-23 with 5:01 left in the fourth.

The Griffons were later forced into a three-and-out and had to punt, leaving 1:44 on the clock for the Vikings, giving Augustana a chance for a game-winning drive, which they seized with a 10-yard touchdown pass to take a 30-26 lead with 10 seconds left.

Donovan completed 15-of-27 for 226 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Marcus III was the top target, collecting two passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. Haggerty finished with 27 yards on two receptions and a touchdown.

MoWest (0-1) will have an early bye week on September 6 before returning for its home opener at Spratt Stadium against Missouri S&amp;T on September 13.

#4 Ravens top #3 Morningside in Top 25 clash in Atchison to open season

It what could easily be considered and championship-level game in a season opener, No. 4 Benedictine Football took the series lead over No. 3 Morningside University with a 38-34 win.

Benedictine opened the scoring on their first possession. Xavier Ugorji scored on a 24-yard rush, followed by a Christian Klobe point after to stake the Ravens to an early lead. Morningside followed with a pair of touchdowns, a 35-yard pass from Zack Chevalier to Drew Sellon and a 20-yard rush by Jaylen Burch, to take a 14-7 lead.

It took Benedictine just nine seconds in the second quarter to tie the game. Kameron Dover caught a 59-yard pass from Jackson Dooley to pull the Ravens even early in the quarter.&nbsp;Klobe capped off the scoring in the first half with a 43-yard field goal as the Ravens shutout the Mustangs to take a 17-14 lead into halftime.

The third quarter started with the two teams trading long touchdown plays. Morningside regained the lead with a 49-yard screen pass inside the first two minutes. On the Ravens first play from scrimmage, Dooley connected with Titan Osburn who took off down the Morningside sideline for a 70-yard touchdown reception 21 seconds after Morningside scored.

The Mustangs did regain the lead, a 17 yd pass from Chevalier to Sellon, but the point after failed to pull back ahead by three points, 27-24. They held the Ravens in check to keep the lead until Benedictine picked off Chevalier for the second time with just under three minutes left in the third quarter. Isaiah Hasten returned his interception for 34 yards to set the Ravens offense up for their next touchdown. Dooley hit Joseph Lagafuaina for an eight yard touchdown to put Benedictine back in front 31-27 with just over one minute left in the third.

Morningside took back the lead on a six yard rushing touchdown by&nbsp;Chevalier with 6:39 left in the game and forced Benedictine to punt on their next possession. The Ravens defense held the Mustang to a three and out, getting the ball back at their own 22 with 3:30 left in the game, setting up their final drive eventually capping off a 13-play, 79-yard drive with a Dooley keeper to take a 38-34 lead that proved to be the game-winning touchdown.

Dooley finished with 280 yards on 20 of 37 passing with 3 touchdowns. Ugorji led the Ravens rushing with 91 yards on 14 carries while Dalton Witherspoon added 58 yards on 10 carries. Osburn led the Raven receivers with 93 yards and a touchdown on three catches.

The Ravens (1-0) will hit the road for Week 1 of the regular season, taking on defending NAIA Champs, and No. 1-ranked Grand View University, in Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday at 12.&nbsp;

Jalon Daniels airs it out as Kansas dominates Wagner in Friday clash

 Jalon Daniels threw for 280 yards and four touchdowns despite playing just one drive in the second half and Kansas defeated Wagner 46-7 as the Jayhawks opened their season with a second straight win.

The Kansas defense held Wagner to 18 yards of offense in the first quarter and built a 14-0 lead on the strength of two Daniels touchdown passes. Daniels found DeShawn Hanika uncovered for a four-yard scoring strike to cap off KU's first drive, which covered 50 yards in six plays. Two drives later, Daniels hit Emmanuel Henderson on a nine-yard slant route to put the Jayhawks up 14-0 with 3:12 to play in the first quarter. 

Daniels threw his third touchdown pass of the contest on the Jayhawks next drive, finding Cam Pickett wide open across the middle for a 20-yard score to go up 22-0 early in the second quarter after Carson Bruhn ran in the two-point conversion.&nbsp; Daniel Hishaw scored his first touchdown of the season with a 20-yard run that put the Jayhawks up 29-0 with 5:19 to play in the half.

Wagner got on the board with a 45-yard touchdown pass on the next drive, cutting KU's lead to 29-7 at halftime. 

The Jayhawks struck again early in the third quarter, needing just two plays to cover 75 yards as Daniels connected on a deep ball to Henderson for a 62-yard score to go up 36-7 less than a minute into the half. Laith Marjan added a 27-yard field goal later in the third to give Kansas a 39-7 advantage at the end of three.

Kansas added their final score in the fourth quarter as Harry Stewart III scored his first career touchdown from one yard out.

Henderson hauled in six of Daniels' passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas (2-0). Daniel Hishaw rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half.

Kansas outgained Wagner 623-143, including 285-53 on the ground and 346-90 through the air. The Jayhawks had 32 first downs, compared to just six for Wagner.

Kansas (2-0) returns to action on Saturday as the Jayhawks travel to Columbia to take on Missouri (1-0) at 2:30.&nbsp; Pregame will air at 1:30pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

The game reignites one of the oldest rivalries in college football, dating back to 1891, and was last played in 2011.

Late score helps lift Kansas State past North Dakota

Avery Johnson engineered an 81-yard drive and threw a six yard touchdown pass to running back Joe Jackson with 42 seconds remaining, and the Kansas State Wildcats held off first-time starting quarterback Jerry Kaminski and North Dakota for a 38-35 nail-biting victory at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

After both teams went three and out on their opening possessions, Kansas State had to convert twice on 4th-and-1 to get into the red zone on their second. Both of those conversions went for big gains, the second being a 38-yard completion from Johnson to Will Swanson. Stuck on 4th down again, K-State had to settle for a 30-yard field goal from Luis Rodriguez.

The Wildcat defense promptly gave up plays of 12, 27, and 35 yards, setting up 1st-and-goal at the one yard line. North Dakota's Grant Tylutki fumbled into the end zone, but Kaminski recovered in the end zone to take the lead.&nbsp; Johnson responded with a 44-yard touchdown to Jayce Brown on the next drive to give Kansas State the lead back.

Later in the game, the Hawks exploded for 82 yards, getting to the Wildcat one yard line.&nbsp; On the next two plays Kaminski completed passes at the line of scrimmage which resulted in no yardage, setting up 3rd-and-goal. Kaminski eventually kept the ball himself from the pistol to retake the lead.

The Wildcats took the lead back thanks to a very smart decision on Johnson’s part to throw on a scramble for a first down instead of running with it himself.&nbsp; Johnson fired a 30-yard pass to Jaron Tibbs that was tipped and almost intercepted, but Tibbs kept his eye on the ball and snagged it for the go-ahead score.

Near the end of the first half, a 16 yard touchdown rush by Sawyer Seidl, gave North Dakota a 21-17 lead that they carried into the halftime break, and would also come out receiving the second half kickoff.&nbsp; However, the Wildcats forced a&nbsp; three and out to open the third quarter, and then methodically marched downfield. ending with DeVon Rice running in on the outside for a nine yard score to get Kansas State back on top.&nbsp;

After the Wildcats defense forced another three and out, eight plays later, Rice plunged up the middle for 13 yards and another touchdown, giving Kansas State a 31-21 lead.&nbsp;

A punt opened the fourth quarter, and North Dakota put together some second-half offense. After converting on 4th-and-8, Kaminski hit Korey Tai for a 22-yard score to make it 31-28, and after the Cats went three and out, a pass interference call on Zashon Rich on a deep ball gave North Dakota the ball at the 30, and three plays later Seidl ran it in from 20 yards out, giving the Hawks a 35-31 lead with 4:19 to go in the game.

Late in the game, Johnson rambled free for a 25-yard gain, and then tossed to Jackson who scored from six yards out on the following play. With 42 seconds left, K-State had the lead again scoring the final points they would need.&nbsp; Rich atoned for his earlier pass interference with a brilliant breakup over the middle as the Wildcat defense forced 4th-and-10 from the Hawks 47 with 11 seconds to go. Kaminski’s last-gasp pass to Dennis was long, and Kansas State survived, somehow.

Johnson went 28-43 for 318 with three touchdowns and no interceptions, plus 43 yards on the ground. Jackson ran 11 times for 55 yards, while Rice added 40 yards on seven carries. Brown had 109 yards on 12 catches and a touchdown.

Next up,&nbsp;Kansas State (1-1) hosts Army (0-1) on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 6pm and the game will air on ESPN.

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

CFB Roundup: MWSU falls on late TD, Ravens win top 25 clash, Kansas wins big 

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

At 5:20PM on Friday an officer on patrol observed Jeremiah Mullins on foot in the area of 9th and Unity Street in the city. of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. The officer took him into custody on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court. Mullins was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Taken to County Jail.

Police: Kan. man who skipped court caught with meth

‘Imagine the need for sanitary products being called a luxury,’ state Rep. Raychel Proudie said while advocating for the new tax law

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>

Diapers and menstrual hygiene products such as tampons and pads will now be taxed at a lower rate in Missouri stores.&nbsp;

The new law, which went into effect last week, eliminates what’s commonly known as the “luxury” state sales tax rate of 4.225% on these products and reduces it to 1.225%, the same rate at which necessities such as groceries are taxed.&nbsp;

After&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/05/missouri-abortion-legislative-session/">years of bipartisan support for eliminating this luxury tax&nbsp;</a>in Missouri, the new law finally got across the finish line in May as part of a larger bill that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-becomes-first-state-to-repeal-capital-gains-tax-at-an-estimated-625m-cost/">repealed the state’s capital gains tax.&nbsp;</a>

Incontinence products for babies, children and adults are included in the exemption, as are products used during menstruation, including period “cups” and period underwear.

Heading into the 2025 legislative session,&nbsp;<a href="https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/diaper-tax/" target="_blank">Missouri was one of about two dozen states with the inflated tax on diapers still in place</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/tampon-tax/" target="_blank">one of 19 states with a luxury tax on period products.</a>&nbsp;This year it joined Alabama in eliminating both.

“Imagine the need for sanitary products being called a luxury,” state Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, said during a House committee hearing this spring. “Any of us who has experienced such a luxury once a month would argue strongly against that being the case.”&nbsp;

Advocates for the elimination of this tax on diapers and period products often cite the exclusion of products such as Viagra, which treats erectile dysfunction, from the luxury tax.

<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/835b25b8-02f4-4f63-87b9-fb20c6ecc08b" target="_blank">Trish Vincent,</a>&nbsp;director of the Missouri Department of Revenue, said in a statement that the change “provides meaningful relief for Missouri families.”

This year, Missouri had the greatest number of state legislators working to eliminate the diaper tax, with 17 pieces of legislation proposed, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/legislation-tracker/" target="_blank">National Diaper Bank Network’s legislation tracker.&nbsp;</a>

In 2024, nearly half of U.S. families with children younger than 4 who were wearing diapers reported experiencing diaper insecurity, according to a study published in May&nbsp;<a href="https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/the-ndbn-diaper-check-2024/" target="_blank">by the&nbsp;National Diaper Bank Network and the marketing research group YouGov.&nbsp;</a>

Of those experiencing diaper insecurity, 79% of mothers surveyed said they felt stressed or anxious about potentially being unable to afford diapers, which also contributed to feelings of loneliness and fears about the future.

The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank called the new law a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19xonuHejm/?mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank">“monumental win for families across Missouri.”</a>

An estimated one in four parents experiencing diaper insecurity reported missing an average of five days of school or work a month because they didn’t have enough diapers and therefore couldn’t drop their child off at day care, where parents are typically required to provide their own diapers,&nbsp;<a href="https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/Missouri.pdf" target="_blank">according to the network.</a>

Lack of access to period products also contributes to missed school and work for countless American girls and women every year.&nbsp;<a href="https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/period-poverty/" target="_blank">The Alliance for Period Supplies&nbsp;</a>estimates two in five people struggle to afford period supplies.&nbsp;

State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat and a proponent of eliminating the diaper and period product taxes, also filed legislation aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://govwatch.net/bill/2025-sb342" target="_blank">requiring public schools to provide free period products</a>&nbsp;to students beginning in fourth grade. The bill never got a hearing.

Missouri joins dozens of states in eliminating ‘luxury’ tax on diapers, period products

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30a.m. Sunday in Harrison County.

&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Peterbilt semi driven by a 55-year-old Lafayette, Louisiana, man was southbound on Interstate 35 six miles north of Bethany. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, struck a concrete culvert, crossed over the northbound lane of the Interstate and traveled off the east side of the road.

EMS transported the driver to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized after semi accident

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

Two initiative petition campaigns seeking constitutional protections for public education are suing Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins alleging he crafted “deceptive and prejudicial” summaries that will appear on the ballot.

One campaign, called “the Missouri Right to Education Initiative,” hopes to amend the state constitution to declare education a “fundamental right.”

The other, filed by an attorney with the public education law firm EdCounsel, would amend the constitution to prohibit public funding of nonpublic schools except for when it benefits disabled students. It also would label new charter schools as nonpublic.

Both believe Hoskins’ summaries were written to deceive voters and sink their chances on the ballot next year.

“It is so far away from what we proposed that it really seems like they went to great lengths to try to bring something into the conversation that is not part of this amendment,” Spencer Toder, treasurer of the&nbsp;<a href="https://moeducation.org/" target="_blank">Missouri Right to Education Initiative</a>, told The Independent.

Hoskins’ office did not respond to a request for comment.

In addition to declaring education a “fundamental right,” Toder’s&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Exhibit%20A.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3646146" target="_blank">proposed amendment</a>&nbsp;would require state lawmakers to maintain “adequate, thorough and uniform high quality free public schools.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Exhibit%20B.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3646147" target="_blank">summary from the Secretary of State’s Office</a>&nbsp;describes the initiative as an attempt to dismantle the state’s private-school voucher program. It specifically says the initiative petition would “eliminate existing state scholarship programs that provide direct aid to students with disabilities and low-income families” and “prevent the State from supporting educational choices other than free public schools.”

Toder says the petition doesn’t touch the state’s private school scholarship program, MOScholars.

“Our intent is not to get involved in the voucher dialog. It is to ensure that no matter if vouchers exist, it doesn’t come at the expense of public school students’ quality of education,” he said. “All (the amendment) says is that the students have a guaranteed right to a quality public education.”

The second&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Ex.%20A%20-%202026-071%201.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3650864" target="_blank">initiative petition</a>&nbsp;does train its sights on MOScholars.

“We’re watching the statewide elected officials from Missouri slowly dismantle public schools, this public school system that Missourians have built,” Duane Martin, a public education attorney who filed the initiative petition, told The Independent.

<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Ex.%20B%20-%202026-071%20Cert%20Packet.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3650865" target="_blank">Hoskins’ summary</a>&nbsp;describes the proposed amendment as “eliminating existing programs that provide direct aid to students with special education needs.”&nbsp;

“It did not look to me like they had carefully read the initiative petition because some of what they summarized is the exact opposite of the language of the initiative petition itself,” Martin said.

Both campaigns are hoping to get on the ballot in 2026 and are in the early stages of organizing.

“I’m optimistic that a judge will look at this and see that some of the false statements that are made by the Secretary of State’s office can be corrected pretty readily,” Martin said.

Both Martin and Toder said they have not had contact with the Secretary of State’s Office other than receiving their petitions’ certification letters and serving the office with the lawsuit.

Lawsuits challenge ‘deceptive’ summaries for Missouri public education ballot measures

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KFEQ Week in Review

BUCHANAN COUNTY, Mo. — Nine people on a church bus were injured in an accident just 3:30p.m. Friday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford F550 owned by&nbsp;Olivet Baptist Church of Westwood and driven by a 61-year-old Merriam, Kansas, man was northbound on Interstate 29 one half mile south of Faucett.&nbsp; The front passenger side tire blew out.&nbsp; The vehicle began to skid and then the back passenger side tire blew out. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned.

EMS transported 9 passengers including two 14-year-old girls, a 14-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl all from Kansas City, Kansas and a 16-year-old Lee's Summit boy to North Kansas City Hospital; a 15-year-old Merriam, Kansas girl, a 16-year-old Shawnee, Kansas boy; a 14-year-old&nbsp; Kansas City, Kansas girl and a 44-year-old Shawnee, Kansas, woman to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.&nbsp; The driver was not injured, according to the patrol.&nbsp;

There were 30 people on the bus at the time of the accident.&nbsp;Interstate 29 was closed for several hours but reopened while first responders worked the scene. The highway was&nbsp; open again just after 7 p.m. Friday.&nbsp; &nbsp;The MSHP no longer releases the names of accident victims.

8 students injured in church bus crash on Interstate 29 

ATCHISON —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.

At 8:30p.m. on Thursday, police responded to an apartment complex in the 300 block Santa Fe Street in Atchison to investigate a possible burglary, according to Police Chief Mike Wilsonm.

It was determined that no burglary had occurred but during the investigation the resident and reporting party, 61-year-old Gary Odum, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

&nbsp;Odum was arrested on a requested charge for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He has a previous conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Call about burglary led to Kansas felon's drug arrest

It's another long holiday weekend as the Missouri Highway Patrol expects travelers to hit the road today.  

Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says Labor Day marks the third of the four major travel holidays. Hux encourages everyone to plan for save travel during the weekend 

"This is one of the holiday's it seems like where alcohol is involved because a lot of people take to the water because the weather is still nice this time of year," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "So, we just encourage you to be responsible, if you consume anything that causes impairment, plan ahead, have a plan in place, and use a designated driver."  

MoDOT reports roadway fatalities are trending downward for a third year in a row, down two percent so far, with 344 deaths this year compared to 364 in 2023. 

Hux says during last year's Labor Day holiday period, 110 arrests were made for driving while intoxicated, because drivers are not being responsible after drinking 

"They're not making plans to get home with a sober driver, and that's what we're trying to stress here, because last year on Missouri roadways 17 people died in traffic crashes during the three-day Labor Day weekend, two people were killed in boating fatalities," Hux explains. 

Hux says if you have any trouble, remember to contact the patrols star 55 emergency hotline for help 

"Now we also encourage them to contact us if they're behind a vehicle careless and imprudent operation, traveling at high speeds, or if they believe the driver is impaired or even on their phone," Hux says.  "Or if they see a small child inside a vehicle that's unsecured." 

The Highway Patrol will be out in force starting this evening at 6pm until Monday at midnight. 

MSHP encourages safe travel this long Labor Day holiday weekend

It was a longer than desired delay, but the Noyes Field at Central High School in St. Joseph is finally getting new turf. 

St. Joseph School District Director of Operations, Casey Housman, says rainy summer weather forced delays, with upwards of three inches falling at times.

Housman says after the rain fell, they would have to let everything dry out.

"What that did over time is we had so much rain the subgrade underneath is a lot of expansive clay, that expansive clay would absorb that wall and really just cause a lot of soft spots on the fields," Housman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "So once we'd get things ready they would go in for their third part inspections and make sure everything is stable for the turf, and then they would find a spot that would be to soft, and then they would have to excavate that out and start over."

Housman says this happened two or three times and by that point scheduling became an issue.  

Turf is being laid now at Central. Housman, says with workers have been working overtime to complete the project at Central. . .

"It's laid from about the endzone line to about approximately I'd say the 40 yard line on the other side," Hausman explains.  "That process there is probably the quickest process out of the whole thing that goes down, the longest process that we have is when you start and you have to sew in all the letters, some are sewn, some are glued in, and then you have to do the numbers, every hash mark."

Housman says everything has to be laid by hand, which is time-consuming. It could 14 to 17 days to complete.

The project is part of improvements being made to all the St. Joseph schools after voters approved a bond issue. Benton, Lafayette, and Central will all transition from natural grass fields to turf.

Housman, says once Noyes is complete, each school will have a new modern looking field

"So we're excited about that, and that was one of the things that we wanted to be different," Hausman says.  "We wanted a site that you show up to and then five years from now they're going to be like, man you remember playing at that St. Joe site? Those fields were amazing.  That's the effect that we want, we want people to be happy to go to the fields and be proud of what they have now because they are very nice."

Housman says just one other school in Missouri has the gray turf on it like the ones at the three schools. 

Central will play its first home game against Benton next week at Missouri Western.  Housman, though, expects the field to be completed before the September 19th home game against North Kansas City.

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

After rain delay, turf finally going down at Noyes Field

December corn closed up 10 1/4 cents and March corn was up 10 1/4 cents. November soybeans closed up 6 1/2 cents and January soybeans were up 5 3/4 cents. December KC wheat closed up 4 cents, December Chicago wheat was up 5 1/4 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was up 2 3/4 cents.

December corn closed up 8 3/4 cents and March corn was up 9 cents. November soybeans closed down 4 cents and January soybeans were down 4 1/2 cents. December KC wheat closed down 5 1/4 cents, December Chicago wheat was up 13 1/4 cents and December Minneapolis wheat was down 7 3/4 cents.

Friday's trade featured month-end position-squaring as short-side traders raced to book profits while also avoiding the beginning of the delivery period for September futures contracts next week. The firm corn market offered support to soybean and wheat futures, both recovering from a sluggish start Friday to finish higher heading into the long weekend. In outside markets, equity markets relaxed into month end following three straight sessions higher. Energy markets were lower in a continuation of mixed trade overall through this week. Treasury yields were mostly lower as well as Personal Consumption Expenditure data on Friday morning showed that consumers in July remained avid spenders despite generally higher prices. The key inflation metric fell within expectations and the Federal Reserve is likely to have all the supporting features in place to cut its target rate by a quarter point in next month's meeting.

The live cattle complex got back to trading higher as traders are again finding support in the market's slightly higher cash cattle trade. It's unlikely that traders will challenge the market's resistance at $240 unless something wild and dramatic develops in the fed cash cattle market. But at this point, it's looking like some more trade could develop, but prices may hold steady with the week's trend. So far this week Southern live cattle have traded at mostly $242, which is $2.00 higher than last week's weighted average and Northern dressed cattle have traded at mostly $385, which is $1.00 lower than last week's weighted average.

Following Thursday's lower close, the feeder cattle complex also got back to trading higher as traders are no longer up against immediate resistance levels. Demand in the countryside remains incredibly strong, so today's recovery in the futures sector is a move based upon continued support of the market's fundamentals and because the contracts are no longer teetering at resistance levels.

If the lean hog complex rounded out the day higher, and an incredible week for the market, as the contracts closed higher every day this week. And although pork cutout values were higher this morning, demand has been softer than usual, so this week's momentum in the marketplace has largely been driven by traders. The big change in the carcass price came because of the $14.23 jump in the belly and because of the $11.60 jump in the picnic.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/08/29151210/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Cases of New World screwworm infections in Mexico have climbed by more than 50 percent since July. As of August 17, reports show, Mexico has documented 5,086 cases of the flesh-eating screwworm in animals, a 53 percent rise from July, according to numbers released by the Mexican government. The updated numbers previously unavailable to the public show 649 currently active cases of screwworm infections. 

“That’s incredibly concerning,” said Neal Wilkins. He told reporters that a fifty percent increase in the number of cases from July to August, particularly in extreme heat, means that Mexico hasn’t gotten the parasite under control. An NCBA spokesman said the increase in the number of NWS cases shows that the New World screwworm is a very present and real threat. Reports say the increase in the number of reported cases likely comes from Mexican cattle producers more closely inspecting their cattle and reporting any suspicious wounds or pests.

Over 50 percent rise in NWS cases in Mexico

For the sixth time this year, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral. That’s according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a ten-state region dependent on agriculture or energy. The overall reading for August dropped to 48.1 after rising above growth-neutral to 50.6 in July and 51.9 in June. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing neutral growth. 

Dr. Ernie Goss of Creighton University says “Weak agriculture commodity prices for grain producers continue to dampen economic activity in the ten-state region,” and “Bank CEOs and chief loan officers expect almost one-fifth, or 20 percent, of grain farmers to experience negative cash flow for 2025.” As current prices for corn and soybeans are still below break-even, the majority of the state’s producers will struggle to show operational profitability.

Rural Mainstreet Index falls below growth neutral

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

Ag markets appeared to be on their way to a continuation of Wednesday's lower drift before buying interest picked up late in the session. Traders are displaying a bit of uncertainty on where to send prices next given on one hand the large supplies that appear to be coming this fall, but on the other hand a dry August which may very well have trimmed the top end off yield potential for the southern and eastern Grain Belt. Outside markets for Thursday were very quiet with equities moving cautiously higher, with the S&amp;P500 extending Wednesday's record move. Energy markets also reversed higher off a softer tone early Thursday in what has been an overall sideways week in that sector.

Following Wednesday's higher close, the live cattle complex traded lower at the closing bell as traders seem to be keeping the market on hold, waiting to see what else surfaces from a fundamental sense before they push the contracts any higher. Packer interest could improve at any moment, but for the time being, not a single bid is on the table. Asking prices are noted in the South at $245, but are still not established in the North. It's assumed that prices will trade steady if not a bit higher again this week as feedlot managers sit with enough leverage to simply roll their showlists over into next week if prices aren't what they want.

The live cattle contracts trading lower, had the feeder cattle complex change its direction as the market watched support erode and send the contracts tumbling. Feeder cattle demand remains utterly incredible, and with buyers showing no clear signs of slowing down, traders feel comfortable allowing the contracts to continue to trade as they will and follow the live cattle market into the red.

The lean hog complex is keeping with its upward trek and not seeming too phased by the market's resistance at $94.00. What's pretty incredible about traders' recent move is that they're doing it with little to no fundamental support. Although pork cutout values were a tick higher this morning, demand has been weaker this week, and it's looking like packers are mostly done buying the cash market, as prices couldn't be posted this morning because of confidentiality.

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The National Corn Growers Association issued a report saying corn prices have dropped about 50 percent since hitting a peak in 2022. However, the cost of production has declined only modestly, making the production of corn unprofitable. The group said despite the plunging prices, the cost of growing an acre of corn this year is down only 3.3 percent from when prices topped out in 2022. 

“This is particularly problematic for farmers trying to cash flow high production costs while the corn price has tanked,” NCGA said in the report. Production of the grain is set to reach 16.742 billion bushels on a yield of 188.8 bushels per acre in the 2025-2026 marketing year. The average cost to grow a bushel of corn this year is projected at approximately $4.75 a bushel, and USDA expects farmers to receive about $3.90 per bushel, resulting in an 85-cent per bushel loss. 

NCGA: Corn is unprofitable at current price levels

The Maryland Department of Health said the patient with the first human infection of a travel-associated New World screwworm in the U.S. has recovered from the flesh-eating parasite. There was also no sign of transmission to other people or animals. The Health and Human Services Department said the disease was confirmed on August 4 in a person who traveled to El Salvador. The CDC then reported it on August 24 after a three-week delay.

R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard indicated that neither the CDC nor the USDA had disclosed the NWS detection to the public. Instead, one or both agencies had selectively notified only certain industry participants of the detection, thereby giving them insider information regarding an issue with potentially severe ramifications. Bullard says, “Independent U.S. livestock producers rely exclusively on the USDA to protect the health and safety of their livestock herds against the introduction of foreign pests.”

Why the delay in reporting the screwworm?

December corn closed down 3 1/2 cents, March corn was down 3 1/4 cents. November soybeans closed down 2 cents and January soybeans were down 2 1/2 cents. December KC wheat closed down 4 3/4 cents, December Chicago wheat was down 7 1/2 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was down 13 cents.

Corn and wheat markets slipped lower again Wednesday, with wheat breaking back toward calendar year lows for most active futures after a disappointing technical close Tuesday, adding pressure to the corn market as well. Soybeans in the meanwhile were cautiously higher for most of the morning after a dry August for the southern and eastern reaches of the Belt seemingly supported attempted selloffs. But eventually general weakness across ag markets, specifically in soybean oil and soybean meal, was ultimately too much for soybeans to trade counter to. Meanwhile, energy markets got a boost Wednesday as a result of the 50% U.S. tariff on India going into effect in response to India's purchasing of Russian oil. Wednesday morning's EIA Petroleum Status Report also showed a weekly drawdown in U.S. crude, gasoline, and diesel stocks. U.S. equity markets have climbed at midweek ahead of key earnings results.

Almost seeming to double down and show all its power and might, the live cattle complex jolted higher through Wednesday's early trade. The market sold off and came right back in a matter of minutes to finish higher on the session. Wednesday's move comes somewhat as a surprise because midday boxed beef prices were lower, and the fed cash cattle market hasn't seen any cattle trade just yet. So, while I'd typically point to the market fundamentals for reason, today's powerful move is seeming to be a decision made solely based upon the market's technical position as traders continue to respect the long-term bullishness of the cattle complex. A single bid is currently on the table in Nebraska at $245, but still no cattle have traded. Southern asking prices are firm at $243 but are still not established in the North. Trade will likely be delayed until Thursday or Friday.

The feeder cattle complex took on the same rallying mannerisms of the live cattle market as traders continue to show respect and give credence to the market's unwavering, long-term fundamental position. I do think it's worth noting that again today the contracts that are seeing the biggest gains are the deferred months as traders are realizing that supplies aren't going to become greater any time soon.

Keeping with the same gusto it possessed Tuesday, the lean hog complex was thriving as the market neared Wednesday's closing bell. And again today, the market can't point to its fundamentals as support as both cash prices and pork cutout values were lower; so instead, today's energy is solely being driven by eager traders who see an opportunity.

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When retail prices for any product reach record-high levels, the demand usually plummets quickly. U.S. beef appears to be the exception to the basic rule of economics. Retail grocery store prices for beef skyrocketed and show no signs of descending. But demand hasn’t softened. A new report from CoBank says the allure of beef, even at high prices, is likely the result of several factors currently shaping consumer buying behaviors. 

The all-fresh retail beef prices surged by nine percent, hitting $8.90 per pound. CoBank says improvements in beef quality and the increased availability of premium-grade cuts at retail have played a big role in driving demand. The U.S. beef industry is producing a much higher quality of product today than it did 30 years ago. Brian Earnst, lead animal protein analyst, says access to high-quality beef has never been better, and American consumers have developed a taste for it. 

Consumers shrug off high beef prices

The Federal Reserve’s Ninth District in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has enjoyed good weather for crop production, but crop prices haven’t been friendly to farmers’ pocketbooks. A North Dakota farm lender told the Federal Reserve that, “High operating costs and lower grain prices are the biggest concerns.” Lenders responding to the second quarter Ag Credit Survey said farm incomes decreased across the Ninth District.

Lenders also reported that spending on capital equipment fell, and farm household purchases edged lower on balance. Around the district, 91 percent of the agricultural lenders said incomes decreased from April through June compared to the same period a year ago. With the weaker cash position, demand for loans rose sharply. Loan repayments also dropped, and loan renewal and extension activity increased. Interest rates for agricultural loans decreased slightly but remained high. Cropland values in the Ninth District were mixed, while cash rents dropped compared to last year. 

Farm incomes dropping in Fed’s ninth district

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

Grains were mixed Tuesday as the brief price boost from Friday's supportive Pro Farmer yield estimates have seemingly grown stale as traders at this rate are chomping at the bit for field data to base their next price bets on. Outside markets were mixed on the news that President Trump plans to move ahead with firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Equities treaded near even, while Treasury yields were a touch higher. Meanwhile, energy markets are correcting lower Tuesday, snapping a streak of positive sessions built primarily around Black Sea concerns.

The worry and concern that plagued Monday's live cattle market regarding the case where a traveler who was traveling abroad tested positive for New World screwworm in Maryland no longer seems to be at the forefront of the market's mind anymore. Currently, the October contract is trading at a new contract high as traders seem to be pressing onward aggressively and are encouraged to see boxed beef prices up as much as they are. Still no cash cattle trade has developed, but asking prices are noted in the South at $243, and remain unestablished in the North.

The feeder cattle complex was trading throughout the day with vengeance as the market gapped higher this morning and hasn't looked back since. And with the notable gain seen yesterday in feeder cattle sales across the country, the fundamental support is there for traders to make this kind of move.

Although morning pork cutout values were a tick lower, the lean hog complex challenged the market's resistance in the spot October contract, as currently, trader support is more than ample. There's a chance that with morning pork cutout values lower than traders could become weary at any point in time, but at this moment, support and stronger trends seem to be the market's trajectory.

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State attorney general says departure of running mate requires removal of Billings

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</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>

TOPEKA — The Kansas secretary of state relied Friday on a legal opinion issued by the attorney general to remove Republican Doug Billings from the roster of candidates running for governor.

Attorney General Kris Kobach’s nonbinding opinion pointed to state law requiring governor and lieutenant governor candidates to run as a team. Kobach said the statute meant the decision by Billings’ running mate, April McCoy, to be removed from the ticket and have her name scrubbed from the August 2026 primary ballot meant Secretary of State Scott Schwab was obligated to terminate Billings’ candidacy.

Kobach said the key point was that when one member of this type of electoral alliance withdrew or died, after officially submitting candidate filing documents but prior to the state’s filing deadline, the candidacy had to be concluded because there was no mechanism in state law to replace one of the running mates.

“The Legislature knows how to prescribe a procedure for allowing a candidacy to continue, and it did not include one for this scenario,” Kobach’s opinion said. “While the remaining member is free to find another running mate and pursue ballot access, he must do so as part of a new candidacy.”

Kobach said Billings would be able to relaunch a campaign for governor, but would have to complete all requirements of a candidate to include payment of filing fees.

Billings couldn’t be immediately reached for comment on the decision.

Schwab, who serves as the state’s top elections official and is a candidate for the GOP nomination for governor, requested the attorney general’s opinion. Schwab’s office said the decision to remove Billings as a candidate for governor was based on the legal advice from the attorney general.

Billings, an Olathe podcaster and supporter of President Donald Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/05/kansas-podcaster-seeks-gop-gubernatorial-nomination-to-copy-trump-crusade-at-state-level/">launched a long-shot campaign</a>&nbsp;for governor. The GOP field includes Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Senate President Ty Masterson, former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Schwab and several others.

Billings, who began hosting “The Right Side” podcast after a career in human resources, said Kansas needed a governor who would mirror the budget mindset offered by Trump and former DOGE adviser Elon Musk. He said reducing state spending and lowering income and businesses taxes would lead to a flourishing state economy.

In terms of election security, Billings promised to direct the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to investigate voting “irregularities” in Kansas.

“We need a strong conservative governor in that office,” Billings said during an interview in May. “We need a politician who’s going to tell the truth.”

In mid-August,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/running-mate-kansas-governor-candidate-103000106.html?guccounter=1" target="_blank">the Kansas City Star published an article</a>&nbsp;highlighting concerns raised by McCoy and others that Billings pocketed a $2,700 donation to his gubernatorial campaign. McCoy says the money was earmarked for purchase of a software program useful to a statewide campaign. Billings told the newspaper the dispute was a misunderstanding and the payment was a donation to his podcast.

In addition, the Star reported Billings was convicted during 2010 in Johnson County District Court of a felony charge of theft involving more than $25,000. Eight counts of fraud were dismissed by the prosecutor, records showed.

Kansas secretary of state acts on legal opinion, drops GOP candidate for governor

KANSAS CITy —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 48-year-old Stephonne M. Jones, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 10pm. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 5200 block of Euclid Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri on a reported sound of shots. While enroute the call was updated to a shooting. First responders located Jones suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and unresponsive. EMS responded to the scene and pronounced her deceased, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.&nbsp;This incident is being investigated as a homicide and police have not identified a suspect.

Homicide: KCPD found 48-year-old woman dead outside home

JEFFERSON COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Sunday in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Hyundai Kona SUV driven by Shelby D. Copp, 33,&nbsp;Oskaloosa, was southbound on K-237 Highway at U.S. 24.

The driver failed to stop at the stop sign and struck a westbound 2008 Chevy Suburban driven by Douglas K.&nbsp;Gould, 68, Topeka, in the passenger side.&nbsp; The Suburban was pulling a boat trailer. The boat detached and continued westbound on U.S. 24 and struck the front of a 2008 Chevy Silverado driven by Deegan K.&nbsp;Fraizer, 16, Topeka.

Copp and a passenger in the Surburban identified as Connie J. Gould, 66, Topeka were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to Barnett Family Funeral Home.

EMS transported Douglas Gould and two passengers in the Hyundai identified as a 6-year-old girl and an 8-year-old girl to&nbsp;Stormont Vail Health in Topeka.&nbsp; Fraizer and a passenger in the pickup were not injured. The drivers and adult passengers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP. The KHP did not have information on whether the children were properly restrained.

2 Kan. women dead, 2 children injured in 3-vehicle crash

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two members of the 2nd&nbsp;American Militia were sentenced last week in federal court for their roles in a 2022 conspiracy to murder U.S. Border Patrol agents and, related to their shooting at FBI agents during the execution of a search warrant, of attempting to murder federal agents, according to the United State's Attorney.

Bryan C. Perry, 39, of Clarksville, Tenn., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to a total of 15 consecutive life terms in federal prison without parole for his convictions for one count of conspiracy to murder a federal officer and fourteen counts of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

The court also sentenced Perry to concurrent terms of imprisonment of 20 years for his convictions for seven counts of attempted murder of a federal officer, seven counts of assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, and one count of assault of a federal officer that inflicts bodily injury. Perry further received concurrent sentences of varying terms of imprisonment for his convictions for conspiracy to assault a federal officer, conspiracy to injure an officer, assault of a federal officer that involves physical contact, depredation of government property, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of body armor by a violent felon, and communicating a threat to injure. The court also sentenced Perry to five years of supervised release following his incarceration and a restitution amount of $3,717.98.

Jonathan S. O’Dell, 35, of Warsaw, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to a total of 165 years in federal prison without parole for one count each of conspiracy to murder a federal officer, conspiracy to assault a federal officer, conspiracy to injure an officer, assault of a federal officer that inflicts bodily injury, depredation of government property, possession of a firearm while subject to a court order of protection, communicating a threat to injure, making a false statement, escape from custody, two counts of assault of a federal officer involving physical contact, seven counts each of attempted murder of a federal officer and assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, and 14 counts of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The Court also sentenced O’Dell to five years of supervised release following his incarceration and a restitution amount of $19,234.63.

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