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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753277191460.jpeg" alt="Chiefs President Mark Donovan with St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale, Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy, and Mosaic CEO Mike Poore.JPG" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs President Mark Donovan with St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale, Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy, and Mosaic CEO Mike Poore.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE It's been here longer than they may have ever imagined, but the Kansas City Chiefs have again made St. Joseph the home of Chiefs Training Camp. Chiefs President Mark Donovan says 15 of the last 16 years training camp has taken over the Missouri Western State University campus, and it's been a great run of success "It doesn't happen without a lot of hard work and a lot of commitment from everyone involved so we truly appreciate that," Donovan tells reporters. "You know, championship seasons start in St. Joe, and it's been something that we've been able to take advantage of for quite a long time now." Fans poured onto campus as training camp kicked off yesterday for season ticket holders, with some lining up as early as 2 am Donovan says it's always special to come to St. Joseph for camp. "When you get in your car after a long meeting and you go down to Mcdonalds and you grab a coffee, the people working see your logo and they say thank you for being here," Donovan says. "I just want to say it the other way around, thank you guys for welcoming us and treating us the way that you do." Donovan reports many tickets for days of training camp are sold out, but to keep on eye on the Chiefs website the morning of camp for more to come available.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; KTM SX65 motocross bike driven by a 13-year-old Dearborn boy was southbound on SE 32nd Road north of Seymour SE,&nbsp; two and one half miles south of St. Joseph.A 2021 Toyota Rav4 driven by an 18-year-old St. Joseph man was eastbound on County Road Seymour. The Toyota made a left turn and began to slide on County Road SE 32nd Road.&nbsp; The motocross bike struck the front of the Toyota. After impact the motocross driver was ejected.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported the boy to Mosaic. He was later transported to Children's Mercy for treatment of serious injuries.

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

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

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

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

ANDREW COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chrysler 200 driven by a 73-year-old Savannah woman was southbound on Business 71 and slowed to make a left turn onto southbound Interstate 29. The driver failed to notice a northbound 2025 Ford Bronco driven by a 15-year-old Country Club girl.&nbsp; The Ford struck the side of the Chrysler. After impact the Chrysler traveled off the road and struck a guardrail. The Ford rolled onto its passenger side.Andrew County EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic Life Care. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman, teen hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753213356048.jpeg" alt="Gardner Minshew (17) hands the ball off to Brashard Smith (30) as Patrick Mahomes and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy watch on/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Gardner Minshew (17) hands the ball off to Brashard Smith (30) as Patrick Mahomes and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy watch on/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE With a sour taste in their mouth after losing the Super Bowl last year, the Kansas City Chiefs started their journey to get back today at Training Camp in St. Joseph. It's the 15th training camp at Missouri Western State University, and head coach Andy Reid's message to the team was to attack it with urgency. Patrick Mahomes says the way he interprets that message is just that everyone needs to keep getting better "I think that's something that people lose track of when you have success," Mahomes tells reporters following practice. "Obviously we didn't win that last game, but we had a lot of success last year, and I think sometimes people want to be stagnant and they want to go out there and do it over again, but you see with the rest of the AFC West, the rest of the AFC, and the rest of the NFL is everybody's getting better, so we have to get better, and so that's about keeping urgency in practice and competing." The Chiefs kicked off training camp with two big pieces of their young core locked up for the foreseeable future. Prior to camp, the Chiefs locked up a key piece to their offensive line in guard Trey Smith. For Smith, a former sixth round pick who fell in the draft due to medical issues, it was an emotional moment "I lost my mom when I was 15 and I made two promises to her, that I would get my degree and I would play in the NFL, I didn't promise her I would be the highest paid, but I made a promise," Smith tearfully says. "And my parents sacrificed so much for me to be here, so much, and to have that moment with them it's special bro, it's special, and it's something I won't take for granted man." Smith signed a four-year $94 million contract, making him the highest paid guard in the league.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753213389959.jpeg" alt="Trey Smith/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Trey Smith/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Less than one week later, the Chiefs extended the contract of defensive end George Karlaftis. Karlaftis says he's been very vocal about there being nowhere he would want to be other than Kansas City, and says the reason starts with the team "The team, Coach Reid, the guys on the team, the locker room, everything about this organization from the top down really, just amazing, no place I'd rather be really," Karlaftis says. "And then the city, you know my fiancée and I have grown to love this place, calling it home now, and yeah it's awesome." Karlaftis and the Chiefs agreed to a four-year contract extension that will keep the 24-year-old in Kansas City through 2030. The Chiefs practiced today for just over an hour. They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753213414093.jpeg" alt="George Karlaftis/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>George Karlaftis/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

Fillmore under a boil order

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

Outcry over the Trump administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files includes calls by leading Missouri Republicans for the president to order the release of as much documentation as possible to put the issue to rest.&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XsxYF3ZoTg" target="_blank">KMOV-TV</a>&nbsp;on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration should “release everything they can.”

“Whatever is not under court order and sealed,” he said. “And personally, I think they ought to go to court and ask the court to unseal everything possible. That’s the right course here. Let’s have transparency and get everything out in the public.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison said last week that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missourinet.com/2025/07/17/missouri-congressman-burlison-wants-trump-to-prioritize-release-of-epstein-files/" target="_blank">the American people</a>&nbsp;are “sick and tired of being lied to by their government or the government holding these secrets that they deserve to know the truth on.”

He noted that Trump promised a release of files pertaining to Epstein during his successful campaign last year. He told Missourinet he would support a special prosecutor or congressional investigation into the Epstein files.&nbsp;

In a statement&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/repmarkalford/p/DMIkIV8OBnY/" target="_blank">released on social media</a>, Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Alford called the ordeal an “unfortunate sideshow” that should not be allowed to “tarnish the legacy of the greatest president of my lifetime.”&nbsp;

He urged U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to release any files in the Department of Justice’s possession, “including the underlying evidence that led to the memo stating that a so-called ‘client list’ does not exist.”

Not everyone is so eager to push Trump to release more information about Epstein.&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt said in January that the DOJ should open up all its files,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/slavfreespirit/status/1884120767513928140?s=46" target="_blank">saying at the time</a>: “Hell yeah. Open it up. Release the Epstein files… Let’s get some answers.”

But in an interview with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHlnpxhYhjg" target="_blank">Politico last week</a>, Schmitt was more reserved when asked if the administration should release more information about Epstein.&nbsp;

“I don’t know what they have,” Schmitt said. “I don’t know what they don’t have. When you’re making a charging decision, obviously you’re basing it on the information that’s in front of you. It’s just hard for me to opine on it.”

Schmitt’s change of tone matches the president, who over the years has stoked conspiracies about Epstein and told Fox News during the 2024 campaign that he would declassify files related to the investigation.&nbsp;

Epstein was known for socializing with politicians and celebrities. That includes Trump, who was close to Epstein throughout the 1990s but reportedly had a falling out with him over a real estate deal in 2004.&nbsp;

“I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy,” Mr. Trump told&nbsp;<a href="https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/n_7912/" target="_blank">New York magazine in 2002</a>. “He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it — Jeffrey enjoys his social life.”

Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein case, and has said he had “no idea” that Epstein was abusing young women.&nbsp;

Epstein pleaded guilty to a felony prostitution charge in 2008 after federal prosecutors agreed not to charge him with sex trafficking of minors. He served 13 months in jail and was required to register as a sex offender.&nbsp;

In 2019, the Justice Department charged Epstein with sex trafficking minors, including sexually exploiting and abusing dozens of girls in New York and Florida between 2002 and 2005. He died by hanging himself in a Manhattan jail cell, an autopsy concluded.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Bondi told Fox News that Epstein’s client list was “sitting on my desk right now to review.” But months later, the Trump administration reversed course, releasing a memo that concluded there was “no incriminating client list” or evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent people.

The memo sparked a huge backlash among Trump’s MAGA base, who saw the move as a betrayal. It also inspired a bipartisan push to force the administration to act, most notably a non-binding resolution sponsored by Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democratic U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna of California.

In response to the criticism, Trump recently called for a federal court to unseal grand jury transcripts in Epstein’s sex trafficking case — far short of the demands from his MAGA supporters to release all investigative records.

On Friday, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch after the newspaper published a story&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=ASWzDAhmWNpauLVBd9cqZzVZH8OSP2e_gkkFN6GbH-GLscmtoKs3qYAVDtZqAXcjSRA%3D&amp;gaa_ts=687e74bc&amp;gaa_sig=5oItSWyA_RvrU5iNM4euQHgD27PjX8iAulaZWAguntWoPFWr4DcwkhOnwXWPVje2SdLhK-Hs6z2E3G91oG1TLQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">reporting on his alleged ties to Epstein</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Outcry over the Trump administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files includes calls by leading Missouri Republicans for the president to order the release of as much documentation as possible to put the issue to rest.&nbsp;U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XsxYF3ZoTg" target="_blank">KMOV-TV</a>&nbsp;on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration should “release everything they can.”“Whatever is not under court order and sealed,” he said. “And personally, I think they ought to go to court and ask the court to unseal everything possible. That’s the right course here. Let’s have transparency and get everything out in the public.”Republican U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison said last week that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missourinet.com/2025/07/17/missouri-congressman-burlison-wants-trump-to-prioritize-release-of-epstein-files/" target="_blank">the American people</a>&nbsp;are “sick and tired of being lied to by their government or the government holding these secrets that they deserve to know the truth on.”He noted that Trump promised a release of files pertaining to Epstein during his successful campaign last year. He told Missourinet he would support a special prosecutor or congressional investigation into the Epstein files.&nbsp;In a statement&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/repmarkalford/p/DMIkIV8OBnY/" target="_blank">released on social media</a>, Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Alford called the ordeal an “unfortunate sideshow” that should not be allowed to “tarnish the legacy of the greatest president of my lifetime.”&nbsp;He urged U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to release any files in the Department of Justice’s possession, “including the underlying evidence that led to the memo stating that a so-called ‘client list’ does not exist.”Not everyone is so eager to push Trump to release more information about Epstein.&nbsp;U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt said in January that the DOJ should open up all its files,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/slavfreespirit/status/1884120767513928140?s=46" target="_blank">saying at the time</a>: “Hell yeah. Open it up. Release the Epstein files… Let’s get some answers.”But in an interview with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHlnpxhYhjg" target="_blank">Politico last week</a>, Schmitt was more reserved when asked if the administration should release more information about Epstein.&nbsp;“I don’t know what they have,” Schmitt said. “I don’t know what they don’t have. When you’re making a charging decision, obviously you’re basing it on the information that’s in front of you. It’s just hard for me to opine on it.”Schmitt’s change of tone matches the president, who over the years has stoked conspiracies about Epstein and told Fox News during the 2024 campaign that he would declassify files related to the investigation.&nbsp;Epstein was known for socializing with politicians and celebrities. That includes Trump, who was close to Epstein throughout the 1990s but reportedly had a falling out with him over a real estate deal in 2004.&nbsp;“I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy,” Mr. Trump told&nbsp;<a href="https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/n_7912/" target="_blank">New York magazine in 2002</a>. “He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it — Jeffrey enjoys his social life.”Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein case, and has said he had “no idea” that Epstein was abusing young women.&nbsp;Epstein pleaded guilty to a felony prostitution charge in 2008 after federal prosecutors agreed not to charge him with sex trafficking of minors. He served 13 months in jail and was required to register as a sex offender.&nbsp;In 2019, the Justice Department charged Epstein with sex trafficking minors, including sexually exploiting and abusing dozens of girls in New York and Florida between 2002 and 2005. He died by hanging himself in a Manhattan jail cell, an autopsy concluded.&nbsp;Earlier this year, Bondi told Fox News that Epstein’s client list was “sitting on my desk right now to review.” But months later, the Trump administration reversed course, releasing a memo that concluded there was “no incriminating client list” or evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent people.The memo sparked a huge backlash among Trump’s MAGA base, who saw the move as a betrayal. It also inspired a bipartisan push to force the administration to act, most notably a non-binding resolution sponsored by Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democratic U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna of California.In response to the criticism, Trump recently called for a federal court to unseal grand jury transcripts in Epstein’s sex trafficking case — far short of the demands from his MAGA supporters to release all investigative records.On Friday, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch after the newspaper published a story&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=ASWzDAhmWNpauLVBd9cqZzVZH8OSP2e_gkkFN6GbH-GLscmtoKs3qYAVDtZqAXcjSRA%3D&amp;gaa_ts=687e74bc&amp;gaa_sig=5oItSWyA_RvrU5iNM4euQHgD27PjX8iAulaZWAguntWoPFWr4DcwkhOnwXWPVje2SdLhK-Hs6z2E3G91oG1TLQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">reporting on his alleged ties to Epstein</a>.

Missouri Republicans call for transparency into Jeffrey Epstein investigation

ATCHINSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations

Just after 4:30p.m. on Sunday an officer on patrol observed a 2009 Cadillac SUV driving the wrong way on a one way street in the 600 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The driver, later identified as 35-year-old Dawn Wolfley, was determined to be driving while suspended in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. She was taken to the Atchison County Jail and is being held on requested charges of driving while suspended, driving the wrong way on a one way street, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753111859525.png" alt="Wolfley photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Wolfley photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHINSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegationsJust after 4:30p.m. on Sunday an officer on patrol observed a 2009 Cadillac SUV driving the wrong way on a one way street in the 600 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The driver, later identified as 35-year-old Dawn Wolfley, was determined to be driving while suspended in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. She was taken to the Atchison County Jail and is being held on requested charges of driving while suspended, driving the wrong way on a one way street, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Police: Wrong-way driver caught transporting fentanyl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753132172394.jpeg" alt="The Asian Needle Ant. Courtesy USDA." />
 <figcaption>The Asian Needle Ant. Courtesy USDA.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Asian needle ant, an invasive, venomous species, is making its way toward Missouri.The University of Missouri Extension is urging residents to keep an eye out for the insect as it continues to spread throughout the Midwestern U.S. The population typically peaks during July and August.These ants prefer moist, shaded environments, including areas with leaf litter, dead logs, and firewood. Unlike many other ant species, Asian needle ants don’t create visible mounds or foraging trails, allowing them to often go unnoticed.Already detected in 18 states in the Northeast and South, the ant is now closing in on the Midwest.Their spread poses environmental risks. Entomologist Emily Althoff warns that the ants threaten native ant populations and can also be harmful to humans. Their sting delivers venom similar in effect to that of a bee or wasp.It’s also important to note that Asian needle ants typically don’t enter homes unless accidentally brought in, which would most likely happen via firewood.According to data from the USDA, the ant, which is natively from regions of China, Japan, and Korea, has been in the Southeastern U.S. since at least 1932.

Asian Needle Ants on the rise in NW Missouri

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753095953899.png" alt=" Flora Farms Stateline dispensary at the Arkansas border has 50 employees and 14 registers. (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Flora Farms Stateline dispensary at the Arkansas border has 50 employees and 14 registers. (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A back and forth in Missouri’s cannabis laws meant some marijuana workers didn’t go through the state highway patrol’s criminal screening for two years.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri cannabis regulators say they’re halfway through getting fingerprint background checks for about 16,000 marijuana workers and volunteers who didn’t get them between 2022 and 2024.Anyone who wants to work in the cannabis industry must get an “agent ID badge” through the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation, which is when the background check normally occurs.Since the division began doing the retroactive fingerprint checks in February, the number of agent IDs has declined by 2,400 — going from 21,132 in February to 18,737 in June, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/stats.php" target="_blank">division’s</a>&nbsp;data and reports webpage.&nbsp;Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said only 17 people have had their agent IDs revoked because the fingerprinting process showed a disqualifying felony offense on their criminal record, as of July 15.&nbsp;The vast majority, or 2,032 active agent IDs, have been “revoked due to non-submission of fingerprints,” Cox said. “Those who have been revoked for non-submission of fingerprints may reapply and should contact DCR directly for assistance with this request.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753095916615.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>When the state legalized medical marijuana in 2018, fingerprint background checks had been a requirement to apply for an agent ID card to work in the cannabis industry.&nbsp;That mandate lasted until December 2022, when the recreational marijuana constitutional amendment went into effect and only&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV++++2&amp;bid=51541&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">required</a>&nbsp;owners of cannabis companies to get fingerprinted. Other employees had to attest to not committing disqualifying offenses.In 2023, Missouri lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/11/missouri-legislators-vote-to-require-fingerprint-background-checks-for-cannabis-employees/">passed a bill</a>&nbsp;to once again require all employees, contractors, owners and volunteers to submit their fingerprints to the Missouri Highway Patrol for a criminal background check.However, it took until October 2024 for the FBI to approve the division’s statutory authority to review state and federal criminal background records,&nbsp; Cox said.Since February, the division has been sending emails to individuals with agent ID cards approved between December 8, 2022 and December 1, 2024.“Our request process is based on the date that the ID card was approved,” said Shayna Arndt, the division’s section director of patient and application services, during the July&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/OmpDGII9VkI?si=tnSYEyqm43t8BVWU" target="_blank">DCR Out Loud</a>&nbsp;podcast. “We have sent out a message to the impacted agents and designated contacts for all facilities for the summer.”&nbsp;The constitution states that people with a “disqualifying felony” can’t work in the industry, and that’s broadly defined as any violation of a state or federal law designated a felony under Missouri law.&nbsp;According to the division, a lot of their review is subjective.“What is written into law is then applied to each individual record, so it is a case-by-case analysis and can’t simply be determined by a checklist of potential offenses,” Cox told The Independent previously.In the constitution, there is an exception for marijuana offenses eligible for expungement, and a time limit for other offenses.An applicant can obtain an agent ID if they committed a non-violent offense more than five years ago and served no prison time. For other felonies, “more than five years have passed since the person was released from parole or probation, and he or she has not been convicted of any subsequent felony criminal offenses,” it states.Every state handles background checks differently because the federal government doesn’t regulate the marijuana industry in any way, as it’s federally illegal.Before the fingerprinting requirement went back into effect in December 2024, people could have their agent IDs approved and get to work within a 48-hour time period, said Christy Essex, who runs the largest Missouri-based cannabis staffing company, Se7en Staffing &amp; Employment Solutions.Now, it takes about 7-10 days. Essex believes that turnaround time could be faster if there were more state-approved facilities offered.Despite the longer wait time, Essex said, “it’s definitely for the greater good to keep employees safe, the facilities safe, and the industry safe.”

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

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

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

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

NODAWAY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge Magnum driven by a 45-year-old Kincaid, Kansas man was westbound on U.S. 136 one mile east of Maryville. The driver was attempting to turn south on Killdeer Road. The driver turned into the path of an eastbound 2006 Ford Explorer driven by a 56-year-old Maryville woman.&nbsp; The SUV struck the car.EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic of Maryville. The Kansas driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 hospitalized after SUV, car crash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753055985761.jpeg" alt="Andy Reid speaks to the media in front of Scanlon Hall at Missouri Western State University ahead of Chiefs Training Camp beginning on Tuesday/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Andy Reid speaks to the media in front of Scanlon Hall at Missouri Western State University ahead of Chiefs Training Camp beginning on Tuesday/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Chiefs have rolled into St. Joseph and are ready for Training Camp. Chiefs coaches and players reported to St. Joseph throughout the evening today some arriving early tomorrow morning ahead of the 15th Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western State University Chiefs Head coach Andy Reid is happy to be back in St. Joseph"Missouri Western State University man, we love this place, great place to have Training Camp and we appreciate all the people and the jobs that they do for us here, they roll out the red carpet and take care of us like no other," Reid tells reporters. "So we appreciate all of that and we look forward to getting this camp going."Reid says going into this camp, the mindset of the players and coaches doesn't change despite losing the Super Bowl last year"It stays tough, I mean it's never an easy camp, and it builds you a foundation you can bank on," Reid explains. "So it's important that the guys come in in the right frame of mind, they know that, and they pass the word down to the young guys that they better be ready to go, so that helps us in the long haul."The first practice of training camp is on Tuesday for season ticket holders beginning at 9:15. The first open to the general public will be on Wednesday. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

Maryville city
officials are accepting letters of interest from those wishing to fill the
remainder of a recently vacated seat on the Maryville City Council.

Recently,
councilmember, Tye Parsons, resigned, leaving an opening on the council. The
city, in a news release, stated any person interested in fulfilling the
remainder of the term should submit a Letter of Interest to the Mayor and
Members of the City Council with their background and why they are interested
in the position.

The term of Parsons’
position will expire in April of 2028, at which time an election will be held to
fill the position.

Letters can be
sent to City of Maryville, Attn.:&nbsp; Stacy
Wood, City Clerk, P.O. Box 438, Maryville, MO 64468. They can also be hand-delivered
to city hall or emailed to <a href="mailto:swood@maryvillemo.gov">swood@maryvillemo.gov</a>.

By MARYVILLE POST STAFFMaryville city
officials are accepting letters of interest from those wishing to fill the
remainder of a recently vacated seat on the Maryville City Council.Recently,
councilmember, Tye Parsons, resigned, leaving an opening on the council. The
city, in a news release, stated any person interested in fulfilling the
remainder of the term should submit a Letter of Interest to the Mayor and
Members of the City Council with their background and why they are interested
in the position.The term of Parsons’
position will expire in April of 2028, at which time an election will be held to
fill the position.Letters can be
sent to City of Maryville, Attn.:&nbsp; Stacy
Wood, City Clerk, P.O. Box 438, Maryville, MO 64468. They can also be hand-delivered
to city hall or emailed to <a href="mailto:swood@maryvillemo.gov">swood@maryvillemo.gov</a>.

Maryville accepting applications for vacated city council seat

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.

By MATT PIKE 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

Tye Parsons is leaving the Maryville City Council after more than six years.

He submitted a letter of resignation to Mayor Dannen Merrill Monday, citing more time for his family.

But, that doesn't mean that his seat will remain vacant until the next election. Previously, mid-term replacements have been handled similarly to a job application. According to City Manager Ryan Heiland, interested residents should be able to find applications on city social media soon.

Tye Parsons is leaving the Maryville City Council after more than six years.He submitted a letter of resignation to Mayor Dannen Merrill Monday, citing more time for his family.But, that doesn't mean that his seat will remain vacant until the next election. Previously, mid-term replacements have been handled similarly to a job application. According to City Manager Ryan Heiland, interested residents should be able to find applications on city social media soon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752695679893.jpeg" alt="Parsons. Photo courtesy of City of Maryville." />
 <figcaption>Parsons. Photo courtesy of City of Maryville.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Tye Parsons leaving Maryville City Council

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.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752667770141.jpeg" alt="Major Gen. Chales Hausman speaks with St. Joseph Mayor, John Josendale./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Major Gen. Chales Hausman speaks with St. Joseph Mayor, John Josendale./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri 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.”Even through
retirement.Hausman says the
Guard has a duty to make sure members get all the retirement benefits for which
they qualify.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752667834261.jpeg" alt="Major Gen. Charles Hausman speaks during the Vietnam War veterans ceremony in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Major Gen. Charles Hausman speaks during the Vietnam War veterans ceremony in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>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.<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0XJjOSMiSGnQWKTN8mCrUM?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

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

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with a business burglery.

On Monday, police were informed of a burglary at Progress Rail, an industrial plant located at 2604 Industrial Road in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

It has been determined the burglary occurred shortly after 3a.m. on Sunday. Miscellaneous items including headphones, food, a flashlight, and other items were taken. 

An investigation has led to the arrest of 36-year-old Keith D. Williams of Atchison, who was booked by officers on Tuesday afternoon on requested charges of burglary and theft. He was already in the custody of the county jail after police had arrested him on Monday on a Desota Kansas Municipal Court warrant. Officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Tuesday and recovered most of items taken.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752624279768.png" alt="Williams photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with a business burglery.On Monday, police were informed of a burglary at Progress Rail, an industrial plant located at 2604 Industrial Road in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.It has been determined the burglary occurred shortly after 3a.m. on Sunday. Miscellaneous items including headphones, food, a flashlight, and other items were taken. An investigation has led to the arrest of 36-year-old Keith D. Williams of Atchison, who was booked by officers on Tuesday afternoon on requested charges of burglary and theft. He was already in the custody of the county jail after police had arrested him on Monday on a Desota Kansas Municipal Court warrant. Officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Tuesday and recovered most of items taken.

Police catch Kansas business burglary suspect, locate items taken

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Local laws&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/07/bill-overturning-protections-for-section-8-renters-sent-to-missouri-governor/">prohibiting landlords from discriminating against tenants&nbsp;</a>who receive public assistance are unenforceable under&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB595&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;signed Monday by Gov. Mike Kehoe.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/23/bill-overturning-protections-for-section-8-renters-a-step-away-from-missouri-governors-desk/">legislation takes aim at ordinances</a>&nbsp;passed in several Missouri cities to protect tenants from discrimination based on the source of their income — especially tenants who use federal housing choice vouchers, known as Section 8 vouchers, to pay rent.

The bill was co-sponsored by state Reps. Chris Brown, a Republican from Kansas City, and Ben Keathley, a Republican from Chesterfield. In the Senate, it was carried by state Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance.&nbsp;

Kansas City passed a source of income discrimination ban&nbsp;<a href="https://nlihc.org/resource/kansas-city-passes-source-income-discrimination-ordinance#:~:text=Lawmakers%20in%20Kansas%20City%2C%20Missouri,8%20Housing%20Choice%20Voucher%20program." target="_blank">last year</a>, though it was in large part&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article300295239.html" target="_blank">paused by the courts</a>&nbsp;in February.

<a href="https://www.prrac.org/columbia-missouri-ordinance-amended-to-include-source-of-income-discrimination-language-march-2023/" target="_blank">Columbia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/city-laws/ordinances/ordinance.cfm?ord=69953" target="_blank">St. Louis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/city-passes-changes-to-fair-housing-code/article_781c0820-f0e4-11e9-bfbd-cb1232da5b2f.html" target="_blank">Webster Groves</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://ecode360.com/27565605" target="_blank">Clayton</a>&nbsp;have similar protections on the books. The laws make it illegal for landlords to discriminate based solely on the fact of renters’ lawful sources of income, including Section 8, veterans’ benefits and Social Security.

The legislation had the&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/-testimony/witnesses-hb595.pdf?c=34589" target="_blank">support</a>&nbsp;of landlords groups, apartment associations, the realtors’ association and the conservative think tank Show Me Institute. Proponents characterized localities’ source-of-income protections as an overreach into property owners’ rights.

Opponents said the bill infringed on local control and would hurt affordable housing availability, exacerbating homelessness. The city of Kansas City has been opposed along with the anti-poverty nonprofit Empower Missouri and an association of&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/testimony/30ac2530ca5d2f6efc3863113c35adae.pdf?c=53409" target="_blank">public housing</a>&nbsp;authorities in Missouri.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Local laws&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/07/bill-overturning-protections-for-section-8-renters-sent-to-missouri-governor/">prohibiting landlords from discriminating against tenants&nbsp;</a>who receive public assistance are unenforceable under&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB595&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;signed Monday by Gov. Mike Kehoe.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/23/bill-overturning-protections-for-section-8-renters-a-step-away-from-missouri-governors-desk/">legislation takes aim at ordinances</a>&nbsp;passed in several Missouri cities to protect tenants from discrimination based on the source of their income — especially tenants who use federal housing choice vouchers, known as Section 8 vouchers, to pay rent.The bill was co-sponsored by state Reps. Chris Brown, a Republican from Kansas City, and Ben Keathley, a Republican from Chesterfield. In the Senate, it was carried by state Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance.&nbsp;Kansas City passed a source of income discrimination ban&nbsp;<a href="https://nlihc.org/resource/kansas-city-passes-source-income-discrimination-ordinance#:~:text=Lawmakers%20in%20Kansas%20City%2C%20Missouri,8%20Housing%20Choice%20Voucher%20program." target="_blank">last year</a>, though it was in large part&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article300295239.html" target="_blank">paused by the courts</a>&nbsp;in February.<a href="https://www.prrac.org/columbia-missouri-ordinance-amended-to-include-source-of-income-discrimination-language-march-2023/" target="_blank">Columbia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/city-laws/ordinances/ordinance.cfm?ord=69953" target="_blank">St. Louis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/city-passes-changes-to-fair-housing-code/article_781c0820-f0e4-11e9-bfbd-cb1232da5b2f.html" target="_blank">Webster Groves</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://ecode360.com/27565605" target="_blank">Clayton</a>&nbsp;have similar protections on the books. The laws make it illegal for landlords to discriminate based solely on the fact of renters’ lawful sources of income, including Section 8, veterans’ benefits and Social Security.The legislation had the&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/-testimony/witnesses-hb595.pdf?c=34589" target="_blank">support</a>&nbsp;of landlords groups, apartment associations, the realtors’ association and the conservative think tank Show Me Institute. Proponents characterized localities’ source-of-income protections as an overreach into property owners’ rights.Opponents said the bill infringed on local control and would hurt affordable housing availability, exacerbating homelessness. The city of Kansas City has been opposed along with the anti-poverty nonprofit Empower Missouri and an association of&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/testimony/30ac2530ca5d2f6efc3863113c35adae.pdf?c=53409" target="_blank">public housing</a>&nbsp;authorities in Missouri.

Bill overturning protections for Section 8 renters signed by Missouri governor

DONIPHAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Monday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by Donnell D.&nbsp;Martin, 54, Manhattan, Kansas, was westbound on U.S. 36 one half mile east of Blackjack Road. The semi traveled off the roadway to the north, struck a culvert and fence and came to rest into a cornfield&nbsp;

Martin was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Chapel Oaks. The KHP did not have seat belt usage information.

DONIPHAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Monday in Doniphan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by Donnell D.&nbsp;Martin, 54, Manhattan, Kansas, was westbound on U.S. 36 one half mile east of Blackjack Road. The semi traveled off the roadway to the north, struck a culvert and fence and came to rest into a cornfield&nbsp;Martin was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Chapel Oaks. The KHP did not have seat belt usage information.

Kansas man dies after semi crash into a cornfield

12 students made up the first class of the Nurses of Scholar program, a program designed to help make going into nursing school more affordable.  

Students in the program will have their first and fourth years of nursing school at Missouri Western State University fully paid for by Mosaic Life Care, with the second and third years paid at 50%.  

Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says the costs of nursing school can get up there, so this program is a tremendous help for students 

"So, if you think about your books, and fees to have testing done, and fees to buy the scrubs, everything is going to be taken care of them for three full years so that's a huge financial relief for them," Kennedy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And it really gives them the opportunity where instead of worrying about taking out loans or how they're going to pay for it, now they can worry more about working on their academics, working for the hospital, developing the network, learning about the healthcare fields and industry." 

Eight of the students come from the area.  Students signed an agreement to work at Mosaic while going to school at Western, and for four years after graduating from the university. Students can also work during the summer if they wish

Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner says recruiting those local students is important, because when it comes to recruiting for rural healthcare, it's vital to keep those people here 

"Mosaic Life Care provides health care for over 18 counties in northwest Missouri, up into Iowa, Nebraska, and over into Kansas, and to have these local kids come back means they'll most likely settle and stay in these communities, live in the communities, and come here and work for us," Turner tells reporters.  "And it's going to only benefit all of us." 

One of those students that comes from the area developed a passion for nursing when she started as a lifeguard, Madison Kendall, who recently graduated from Savannah.  

Kendall says she applied for the program because once she's out of college, she'll be set for the future 

"It will put me in a job, and I will be financially stable enough to get set on my life and my journey further abroad," Kendall says.  "Buying a house, everything, I won't be in debt." 

And Kendall says it's also important to her that with this program she gets to stay in the area, close to her family and friends 

"I feel like being close to home is helpful for me and my mental health, but also I could potentially care for people that are close to me, or like my friends, so staying close to home and helping my community gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling," Kendall says. 

Some of the other area schools represented were Central, Lafayette, Bishop LeBlond, and Riverside.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752533632678.jpeg" alt="Savannah graduate Madison Kendall signs her agreement to be a part of the Nurses of Scholar program/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Savannah graduate Madison Kendall signs her agreement to be a part of the Nurses of Scholar program/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE 12 students made up the first class of the Nurses of Scholar program, a program designed to help make going into nursing school more affordable. Students in the program will have their first and fourth years of nursing school at Missouri Western State University fully paid for by Mosaic Life Care, with the second and third years paid at 50%. Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy says the costs of nursing school can get up there, so this program is a tremendous help for students "So, if you think about your books, and fees to have testing done, and fees to buy the scrubs, everything is going to be taken care of them for three full years so that's a huge financial relief for them," Kennedy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And it really gives them the opportunity where instead of worrying about taking out loans or how they're going to pay for it, now they can worry more about working on their academics, working for the hospital, developing the network, learning about the healthcare fields and industry." Eight of the students come from the area. Students signed an agreement to work at Mosaic while going to school at Western, and for four years after graduating from the university. Students can also work during the summer if they wish<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752533688028.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner says recruiting those local students is important, because when it comes to recruiting for rural healthcare, it's vital to keep those people here "Mosaic Life Care provides health care for over 18 counties in northwest Missouri, up into Iowa, Nebraska, and over into Kansas, and to have these local kids come back means they'll most likely settle and stay in these communities, live in the communities, and come here and work for us," Turner tells reporters. "And it's going to only benefit all of us." One of those students that comes from the area developed a passion for nursing when she started as a lifeguard, Madison Kendall, who recently graduated from Savannah. Kendall says she applied for the program because once she's out of college, she'll be set for the future "It will put me in a job, and I will be financially stable enough to get set on my life and my journey further abroad," Kendall says. "Buying a house, everything, I won't be in debt." And Kendall says it's also important to her that with this program she gets to stay in the area, close to her family and friends "I feel like being close to home is helpful for me and my mental health, but also I could potentially care for people that are close to me, or like my friends, so staying close to home and helping my community gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling," Kendall says. Some of the other area schools represented were Central, Lafayette, Bishop LeBlond, and Riverside.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752533724003.jpeg" alt="Dr. Davin Turner/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Davin Turner/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Mosaic and MWSU announce first Nurses of Scholar class

More than 100 area
Vietnam War veterans received a tangible “thank you” for their service Monday morning
during a special ceremony at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph.

The City of St.
Joseph, the AUSA Henry Leavenworth Chapter, and the St. Joseph Community
Alliance hosted a special pinning ceremony for Vietnam War veterans, giving them
a special pin and certificate for their service during a difficult time.

Missouri Adjutant
General, Charles Hausman, remembers that when his unit would return from
deployment, Vietnam War veterans – who didn’t receive a warm welcome home – always
participated in the welcome ceremonies.

“They were leading
the Freedom Riders. They were leading that welcome home. And it really, I
think, is because of the treatment they received when they came home, they
never wanted to see that again,” Hausman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post after the
ceremony. “And it was very, very impactful and certainly not lost on all the
soldiers coming back during my generation of who was out there leading that
effort.”

Hausman, a native
of St. Joseph, has served in three deployments:&nbsp;
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation
Inherent Resolve/Spartan Shield.

Hausman gave the
keynote address at the gathering. He and other speakers touched on the
inability of U.S. citizens to separate the unpopular war with the warrior often
drafted into service. Many Vietnam War veterans either returned unheralded or
as the object of protestors’ ire.

That makes their
participation in welcome home ceremonies now even more impressive, according to
Hausman.

“But to see that
generation take that experience and then turn it around and say, okay, never
again,” Hausman says. “It is truly welcomed. It is certainly appreciated by my
generation. And it’s a testament to that sense of never giving up and never abandoning
their duty and their commitment to their nation; very, very impressive.”

Around 115 Vietnam
War veterans from throughout the area registered. Some were unable to attend
Monday’s ceremony.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752521182035.jpeg" alt="Vietnam War veterans received pins and certificates to commemorate their service during a special ceremony at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Vietnam War veterans received pins and certificates to commemorate their service during a special ceremony at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMore than 100 area
Vietnam War veterans received a tangible “thank you” for their service Monday morning
during a special ceremony at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph.The City of St.
Joseph, the AUSA Henry Leavenworth Chapter, and the St. Joseph Community
Alliance hosted a special pinning ceremony for Vietnam War veterans, giving them
a special pin and certificate for their service during a difficult time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752521285018.jpeg" alt="Major Gen. Charles Hausman speaks during the ceremony./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Major Gen. Charles Hausman speaks during the ceremony./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Missouri Adjutant
General, Charles Hausman, remembers that when his unit would return from
deployment, Vietnam War veterans – who didn’t receive a warm welcome home – always
participated in the welcome ceremonies.“They were leading
the Freedom Riders. They were leading that welcome home. And it really, I
think, is because of the treatment they received when they came home, they
never wanted to see that again,” Hausman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post after the
ceremony. “And it was very, very impactful and certainly not lost on all the
soldiers coming back during my generation of who was out there leading that
effort.”Hausman, a native
of St. Joseph, has served in three deployments:&nbsp;
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation
Inherent Resolve/Spartan Shield.Hausman gave the
keynote address at the gathering. He and other speakers touched on the
inability of U.S. citizens to separate the unpopular war with the warrior often
drafted into service. Many Vietnam War veterans either returned unheralded or
as the object of protestors’ ire.That makes their
participation in welcome home ceremonies now even more impressive, according to
Hausman.“But to see that
generation take that experience and then turn it around and say, okay, never
again,” Hausman says. “It is truly welcomed. It is certainly appreciated by my
generation. And it’s a testament to that sense of never giving up and never abandoning
their duty and their commitment to their nation; very, very impressive.”Around 115 Vietnam
War veterans from throughout the area registered. Some were unable to attend
Monday’s ceremony.Special
recognition was given to Wilson Fletcher, the 1,000th veteran recognized in one
of the events coordinated with the Fort Leonard Wood Association of the United
States Army Chapter.The program in St.
Joseph grew from the United States of America Vietnam War
Commemoration program signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2012 to
create a 13-year period to honor the country’s military veterans of that era
and their families.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ